The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is setting an ambitious goal to produce five million pairs of bamboo chopsticks in collaboration with the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU). This initiative aims to bolster local enterprise and add value to the region's bamboo resources.
Project Details
Emil Paolo Galang, Acting Division Chief of DTI Pampanga, announced that the project will be executed under the DTI Shared Service Facility (SSF) Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) for Inclusive Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development. The facility is equipped with 38 machines, 19 of which are specifically dedicated to bamboo processing. An approved budget of P18 million has been allocated for the project.
Local Sourcing and Marketing
The bamboo chopsticks will be marketed locally, with raw materials sourced from bamboo growers in Magalang, Pampanga. The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office will provide support to ensure a steady supply of raw materials.
Economic Impact
The project is designed to create livelihood and enterprise opportunities for local communities while adding value to the province's bamboo resources. PSAU has been actively involved in bamboo research, propagation, and processing initiatives across Central Luzon, making them a key partner in this endeavor.
Galang emphasized that this initiative aligns with DTI's broader goals of promoting inclusive innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in rural areas. The project is expected to generate employment and boost the local economy through sustainable bamboo production.
