Photo by: DTI Zambales
STA. CRUZ, Zambales — Government agencies and representatives from the mining sector joined efforts to promote bamboo as a resource for environmental protection, livelihood and innovation during the World Bamboo Day celebration held Sept. 18 in Guinabon here.
The activity, organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales in partnership with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Zambales and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Masinloc, was held as part of the Bamboo Month Celebration 2026.
Photo by: DTI Zambales
It carried the theme “Kawayan sa Malikhaing Ekonomiya: Mula sa Tradisyon Tungo sa Inobasyon,” highlighting bamboo’s potential beyond its traditional uses.
The celebration opened with a bamboo planting activity participated in by government partners and Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Officers (MEPEOs) from mining companies in Zambales.
The activity underscored the participants’ shared commitment to environmental protection, ecological restoration and sustainable resource development.
A learning session titled “Bamboo Beyond Timber: Opportunities for Enterprise, Environment and Engineering” followed the planting activity.
Facilitated by Engr. Ronnie Ordovez, agriculture and biosystems engineer of the City Government of Olongapo, the session discussed bamboo’s potential as a renewable resource for enterprise development, environmental sustainability and innovative engineering applications.
Representatives from Zambales Diversified Metals Corp., Zambales Chromite Mining Co. Inc., LNL Archipelago Minerals Inc., Benguetcorp Resources Management Corp., Eramen Minerals Inc. and Shangfil Mining and Trading Corp. joined the activity.
The celebration highlighted the potential of bamboo to support ecological restoration, livelihood opportunities and sustainable enterprises.
The organizers said continued cooperation among government agencies and the private sector is important in promoting bamboo development and expanding its applications toward greener communities and more resilient local economies.