“Guimaras is more than its sweet mangoes, more than the beautiful views of white beaches to visit and do island hopping. Congratulations for the successful conduct of agri-tourism and bamboo summit,” said Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in her message during the “ONE Guimaras: Convergence for Sustainable Agri-Fishery and Eco-Tourism Development.”
Moreover, Duterte lauded the efforts of the province in promoting and enhancing the bamboo industry in Guimaras. The success of the said undertaking is achieved with the support and cooperation of the local farmers and bamboo traders to establish and further improve the bamboo value chain.
Duterte also said that Filipinos are like bamboos – strong and resilient. She further expressed confidence that despite the pandemic aftershocks, we will bounce back because the government is on the right track with all the initiatives being done to rebuild the nation.
The event gathered agri-tourism stakeholders, representatives from national government agencies, duly elected provincial, municipal and barangay officials of the Province last August 25, 2022 at the Provincial Capitol Gym in San Miguel, Jordan Guimaras.
PENR Officer Edgardo M. Rostata and Technical Services Division Chief Julieta M. Gabayeron represented the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the event. It was the support and initiatives introduced by PENRO Rostata in terms of information and education campaign which raised the level of awareness among Guimarasnons that have contributed to the strengthening of the bamboo industry of the province.
The bamboo industry have provided an alternative source of livelihood for the communities in Guimaras, alleviate poverty, generate employment and helped create ecotourism destinations while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The ONE Guimaras event was conducted to further build up opportunities for the Province of Guimaras and have enjoined the support of the national government.
Duterte thanked all the officials who worked hard to implement initiatives for the eco tourism. “I am optimistic about your success. Patuloy natin mahalin ang Pilipinas,” she said. (DENR 6)
