Published June 23, 2026 by Campus Information Office
The Campus Research, Development, and Extension (RDE) Office of Cagayan State University–Gonzaga (CSU-Gonzaga) hosted a benchmarking activity on March 21 for representatives from Bella Aurora Bamboo Innovations (BABI), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Sanchez Mira, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The activity forms part of the implementation of the project, BAMBOOST! Empowering Communities through Bamboo Cultivation for a Sustainable Future, which aims to promote sustainable bamboo development and strengthen collaboration among institutions engaged in environmental conservation, research, and community development.
Participating in the benchmarking activity were Mr. Romeo Puyat of DOST, Ms. Aida Adap of CENRO Sanchez Mira-DENR, and Ms. Jamielyn Dela Cruz, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bella Aurora Bamboo Innovations. The delegation was welcomed by Ms. Mary Mae Baclig, Campus Administrative Staff, who represented CSU-Gonzaga Chief Executive Officer Dr. Froilan A. Pacris, Jr.
As the host institution, CSU-Gonzaga highlighted its accomplishments and innovations in bamboo research and development through an informative campus tour. Led by the RDE Office through Ms. Myraly Marcos and Ms. Mylene Ermitanio, together with Dr. Jayrome Butay, Mr. Marvin Baloloy, Ms. Sharina Fidel, and Ms. Yen Gabriel of the College of Agriculture, the visitors were guided through the university’s Bamboo Genebank, Bamboo Nursery, MABRIC Laboratories, and Engineered Bamboo Facilities.
During the closing program, the participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn from CSU-Gonzaga’s best practices and shared their commitment to further strengthening partnerships in bamboo development and environmental sustainability.
Mr. Romeo Puyat acknowledged CSU-Gonzaga as a long-standing partner that has significantly contributed to research, extension, and production initiatives in bamboo and agroforestry, emphasizing the university’s continuous pursuit of innovation.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jamielyn Dela Cruz shared that BABI selected CSU-Gonzaga as its benchmarking destination because of the university’s established reputation and recognized innovations in bamboo research and technology. She expressed optimism that the visit would provide valuable insights and opportunities for knowledge exchange.
For her part, Ms. Aida Adap reaffirmed DENR’s commitment to supporting both public and private institutions. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among bamboo advocates and stakeholders in promoting environmental sustainability and creating a better future for generations to come.
The benchmarking activity further strengthened CSU-Gonzaga’s role as a leading institution in bamboo research, innovation, and sustainable development, fostering partnerships that contribute to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
Photos: Ms. Jean S. Torres, RDE Records Officer