NEW CORELLA, Davao del Norte (September 21) – In celebration of World Bamboo Day and Philippine Bamboo Month, the Department of Agriculture in Davao Region (DA-11), through its High-Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP), partnered with the Local Government Unit of New Corella to lead a bamboo planting activity on September 18, 2025, in Barangay New Cortez, Davao del Norte.
A total of 500 giant bamboo seedlings were turned over to and planted by members of the New Cortez Farmers Irrigators Association (NCFIA). The initiative carried the theme “Kawayan, Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran sa Kinabukasan Para sa Bagong Pilipinas,” underscoring bamboo’s role in environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and sustainable livelihood.
Representing DA-11 Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga, HVCDP Focal Person Engr. Rubylyn Gomez said the project symbolizes resilience and sustainability. “We encourage our farmers and communities to support the bamboo industry, as it can serve as a source of livelihood while protecting our natural resources,” she noted.
NCFIA President Emmy Cabel pledged their commitment to care for the seedlings, saying, “When you visit us five years from now, we hope to have a thriving bamboo resource ready for processing and livelihood development.”
The event also featured discussions on bamboo’s economic and environmental value led by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials.
Stakeholders from CENRO-New Corella, the Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, 60IB Battalion, Barangay New Cortez, and the Municipal Agriculture Office also joined the activity.
