LUCENA CITY, Quezon -- The provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and SM City launched a Kalakal-Quezon featuring ‘Bamboo Industriyang Kawayan para sa Paglago ng Ekonomiya at Kalikasan,’ on Tuesday, Sept. 20, here.

DTI-Quezon provincial director Julliet Tadiosa and SM asst. mall manager Russel Alegre led the launching which was also graced by Pagbilao mayor Angelica Portes, Lucena City tourism officer Erween Flores, Provincial agriculturist Clarissa Mariano, other government and partner agencies.

Exhibitors showcasing bamboo products from Maragondon, Cavite; Bay, Laguna; Cardona, Rizal; and Quezon attended the launching.

Laguimanok Kawayan Cooperative of Padre Burgos received financial assistance as it was affected by the pandemic.

According to Tadiosa, September of every year will be celebrated as ‘Philippine Bamboo Month’ based on Proclamation No. 1401 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

The proclamation recognized the ‘need to instill in the national consciousness of the Filipino people the importance of the bamboo plant and its products.’ The proclamation directs the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) to lead and promote the observance of Philippine Bamboo Month and identify the programs, projects, and activities for its yearly celebration, she said.

She stressed that the DTI provincial office is assisting local bamboo producers through the share facility of the agency to promote it and at the same time urge the consumers to patronize the local bamboo products.

“Gusto ng DTI na ipakilala at ipalaganap ang mga produktong yari sa kawayan, at para makalikha ng hanapbuhay," said Tadiosa.

Bamboo has been identified by the DTI as one of the right priority industry clusters.