Residents of Barangay Bagong Silang in Piñan town are embracing Filipino creativity and innovation through a recent skills training on bamboo handicraft making, an initiative that seeks to unlock fresh livelihood opportunities for the community.
The training, spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in partnership with Likha Kawayan, also marked the kickoff of the Philippine Bamboo Month celebration with the theme: “Kawayan: Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran sa Kinabukasan Para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Building Skills and Livelihood from Bamboo
The program focused on teaching locals how to create a variety of products using bamboo, a resource that is both abundant and sustainable in the province. The training emphasized not only the versatility of bamboo but also its potential to be transformed into marketable crafts that can generate income for families.
For Joy Tatad, a participant and member of the indigenous community, the event offered hope for additional financial support:
“Activities like this offer opportunities, especially for us women, to bring in extra income for our families,” she shared.
DTI’s Commitment to Empowering Communities
According to Raymunda Biolango, Division Chief for Business Development of DTI-Zamboanga del Norte, the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to empowering communities by promoting the use of indigenous resources like bamboo.
“This training shows how we can maximize local resources while opening doors for micro and small enterprises to flourish,” Biolango said.
Sustaining Local Industries
The activity forms part of DTI’s broader efforts to develop grassroots industries and help residents turn traditional skills into sustainable sources of livelihood. With the right training, bamboo handicrafts can reach larger markets, giving communities a chance to benefit economically while also preserving local culture and promoting eco-friendly practices.