(Cebu Daily News First Posted 07:18:00 01/19/2011)
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) turned over some P146,000 worth of machinery and tools to Buglas Bamboo Institute (BBI) in barangay Maayong-tubig, Dauin town, Negros Oriental yesterday.
DTI Provincial Director Javier Fortunato said DTI provided the machinery which included a rip saw, drill press, side press, electric sander and some power tools.
As part of the DTI’s Bamboo Development Program, BBI also received skills trainings on safety in the workplace, basic woodworking and carpentry, and jig making last November and December, Fortunato said.
One of the components of the program is to supply the Department of Education with bamboo desks, chairs and teachers tables. The P146,000 grant will boost the capability of Buglas Bamboo to supply schools in Negros Oriental using engineered bamboo.
DTI’s current focus in the bamboo industry is on “engineered bamboo” or the process of forming parts of the tall grass into ornaments, containers or house fixtures for local and international market.
Negros Oriental has a bigger bamboo production that can be found in the municipalities of Dauin, Valencia, Siaton and Ayungon.
The Buglas Bamboo Institute has been catering to the national and international markets for their unique designs in furniture, bamboo floor tiles and other crafts.
After the turnover, a memorandum of agreement was signed by DTI Regional Director Asteria Caberte, Dr. Emigdio Omictin representing the DepEd Dumaguete City Schools Division Office and BBI director Frans Koerkamp.
source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/community/view/20110119-315297/DTI-turns-over-equipment-to-Buglas-Bamboo-Institute