Iloilo Eyes Bamboo Boom: Sustainable Livelihood, Green Innovation On The Horizon

Iloilo Eyes Bamboo Boom: Sustainable Livelihood, Green Innovation On The Horizon

A bold and sustainable opportunity for inclusive growth may soon take root in the province as the Iloilo Local Economic Development (ILED) Foundation, in partnership with Rizome Bamboo, presented a transformative investment proposal to Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and key officials of the Iloilo Provincial Government.

At the center of the proposal is the creation of a bamboo-based green economy, anchored on Rizome Bamboo’s internationally proven model for producing engineered bamboo as an eco-friendly alternative to steel, concrete, and wood.

Rizome’s proposal outlines several strategic initiatives for Iloilo, including the monetization of Panay Island’s verified bamboo inventory through carbon credit generation. This approach aims to support global climate goals while providing a new revenue stream for local bamboo farmers and cooperatives.

A key feature of the plan is the establishment of a local engineered bamboo manufacturing plant.

The long-term vision is to position Iloilo as Southeast Asia’s bamboo powerhouse by 2030 to be a leader in green exports, community-based enterprise, and climate-smart innovation.

Rizome cited Maasin, already recognized as the bamboo capital of the Philippines, as a strategic advantage due to its natural assets and existing bamboo resources.

The project also aims to boost Iloilo’s position in international trade.

With the support of the Visayas International Container Terminal (VICT) in Iloilo, the province is set to become a hub for the export of engineered bamboo products, opening new markets for local producers and strengthening the region’s role in the global green economy.

Governor Defensor welcomed the proposal, describing it as a timely and relevant initiative that aligns with the province’s grassroots economic agenda.

He noted that the project complements his executive programs “Turista sa Barangay” and “Tanum Iloilo,” which aim to drive economic activity in rural areas while promoting reforestation and sustainable livelihoods.

Defensor is also considering areas under the Integrated Social Forestry Projects (ISFP), covering more than 9,000 hectares, as potential sites for bamboo plantations.

For farmers, communities, and micro-entrepreneurs across Iloilo, the proposed investment promises long-term livelihood, capacity-building, and new market opportunities.

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