Kay Gozon-Jimenez, owner of Antipolo's Carolina Bamboo Garden, calls for bamboo sustainability

Kay Gozon-Jimenez, the owner of Antipolo's Carolina Garden, has called for support for bamboo sustainability in the country.

During her speech at the bamboo exhibit "Bamboo Brilliance: Innovations and Inspirations in Sustainable Designs" at the House of Representatives on Monday, the bamboo enthusiast talked about the importance of the Philippines' vast resources that will help the growth of bamboo industry in the country.

"Global demand for engineered bamboo from the US, Europe, and other first-world markets is soaring. To meet this demand, we must reimagine our use of the Philippine vast resources," Jimenez said.

"We have millions of hectares of ideal lands, lands that could be harnessed to grow the right varieties of bamboo, such as the giant bamboo, buho, and kawayan tinik. This species holds the key of producing high-quality engineered bamboo, opening doors for international markets, creating jobs, and lifting entire communities out of poverty," she added.

She also challenged the lawmakers to enact policies supporting the Philippines' sustainable bamboo resources.

With the lawmakers support, Jimenez believes that the Philippines "can create a sustainable supply chain that not only meets global demand, but also uplifts our people and restores our environment."

"The private sector is ready to lead innovation and partnership. But to succeed, we need laws that ensure land access, sustained funding for research, support for farmers and industries," she said.

"You have the power to transform the vision into a national movement that the world is watching. The time to act is now. Let us grow bamboo for a brighter future together."

The bamboo exhibit that will run from December 9 to December 12 features products locally made by Filipino artisans and by the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute.

According to the 19th Congress's Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, the exhibit aims to accelerate the use of bamboo in the built environment.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News