Published December 13, 2024 by Campus Information Office
In continuation of the 3-day capacity building, the College of Agriculture at CSU-Gonzaga held a Training on Bamboo Propagation, Plantation Establishment, Protection, and Maintenance on December 11-12 at the MABRIC Conference Hall. event brought together participants from various sectors in Baggao, Cagayan, to learn and collaborate on sustainable bamboo cultivation and its benefits.
The training was attended by key representatives from Baggao’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), led by Mr. Pong Corpus; Barangay Councilors, headed by Mr. Jose Rhandy Palomares; members of the barangay police, led by Mr. Marlon Sibal; SK Chairperson Mr. Angelo Pillos along with SK Councilors; Mr. Armando Gamata, President of the PWD Association; as well as farmers and bamboo caretakers from Baggao.
Expert resource speakers included Ms. Mindy Odsey, Center Head of DENR-ERDB/ARDEC, and Ms. Fatima Tangan, a bamboo expert, both invited from La Trinidad, Benguet. Additionally, CSU’s own experts, Mr. Marvin Baloloy, Project-in-Charge of the Engineered Bamboo Project, and Ms. Sharina Fidel, Faculty of the College of Agriculture, shared their insights and expertise.
During the opening program, Mrs. Mary Mae Baclig emphasized the significance of the training in complementing Baggao’s existing One Million Tree Project. She praised the partnership between CSU-Gonzaga and the Local Government Unit of Baggao in environmental stewardship and highlighted CSU’s efforts in upgrading its services through the production of bamboo-based products via its engineered bamboo facilities.
Mr. Marvin Baloloy discussed the purpose of the activity, noting the establishment of the Bamboo Sanctuary in campus, which has been accredited by the Department of Tourism as a regional tourist destination. He explained that the sanctuary and the campus’ Mangrove and Bamboo Research and Innovation Center are parts of CSU’s niche program on agroforestry, which advocates for bamboo cultivation and commercialization.
The first day featured discussions on various bamboo species, their uses, and their social, economic, and environmental benefits, including market and financial aspects. Ms. Mindy Odsey provided a comprehensive lecture on bamboo clump rehabilitation, harvesting, and post-harvesting operations. Ms. Fatima Tangan also delivered a session on establishing bamboo farms and shared insights on production processes.
Participants also engaged in hands-on activities, including trekking through CSU’s bamboo sanctuary, exploring bamboo facilities and gene banks, and working in the bamboo nursery.
On the second day, participants developed action plans for bamboo propagation in Baggao. Group leaders presented their plans for expert feedback, and the session concluded with a renewed commitment to enhance bamboo cultivation in the municipality.
During the closing ceremonies, participants expressed their gratitude for the knowledge and skills gained during the training. They highlighted the advantages of bamboo in livelihood generation, mitigating global warming, preventing soil erosion, and controlling flash floods along riverbanks.
Mr. Pong Corpus of Baggao’s DRRMO extended his appreciation to CSU-Gonzaga and the speakers, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration. He expressed interest in enhancing their action plan and forming partnerships with CSU for future bamboo propagation initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Vincent Palor, Campus TVET Coordinator, inspired the participants to take action. He acknowledged the challenges in starting new initiatives and urged them to apply their newly acquired knowledge for the benefit of their communities. Dr. Palor also highlighted the campus’ TVET center, which offers training and assessment in Bamboo Production and other qualifications.
The training reaffirmed CSU-Gonzaga’s commitment in promoting sustainable practices and empowering communities through education and innovation.
Photos: Office of the MIS