A new bamboo industry initiative aims to transform Iloilo into the bamboo powerhouse of Southeast Asia by 2030, bringing with it thousands of jobs, stronger rural incomes, and sustainable growth.
Led by the Iloilo Economic Development Foundation (ILEDF), the program focuses on developing engineered bamboo as a major product for both local use and global export.
“This initiative can support at least 5,000 farmers while giving Iloilo an edge in the export market,” said Velma Jane Lao, head of the Iloilo City Local Economic Investment Promotion Office. “Bamboo offers land productivity, value addition, and long-term competitiveness.”
The project is expected to unlock opportunities for communities across the province, particularly in areas under the Integrated Social Forestry Projects, which cover about 9,000 hectares of land. These will be tapped for plantations to ensure a steady supply of bamboo.
Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. backed the initiative, calling it “timely and relevant” for his grassroots economic agenda. He said it would provide both livelihood and resilience for farming families.
A planned manufacturing hub for engineered bamboo will allow Iloilo to process raw bamboo into world-class products, ready for local construction and international buyers.
The nearby Visayas International Container Terminal gives the industry direct access to shipping routes, strengthening its export potential.
Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas also pledged support in marketing, promotion, and research and development to help bamboo products gain wider recognition.
Beyond jobs and trade, the bamboo industry is seen as a climate-friendly alternative that can contribute to environmental sustainability.
ILEDF officials are set to benchmark with Rizome Philippines in Cagayan de Oro, a pioneer in bamboo building products, to fast-track Iloilo’s plantation and manufacturing plans.
With public-private partnerships in place, local leaders believe bamboo can power Iloilo’s economy while making it a global model for green growth.IMT
