Negros Oriental marked World Bamboo Day 2026 with a series of activities highlighting bamboo's potential for environmental protection, livelihood development, and local enterprise. On September 18, 2026, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Negros Oriental, in partnership with the Negros Oriental Bamboo Industry Development Council (NOR-BIDC), held learning exchanges, site visits, community activities, and bamboo planting initiatives across Dauin and Tanjay City. The celebration carried the theme “Kawayan para sa Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, at Kinabukasan,” placing emphasis on bamboo's role in creating opportunities while supporting environmental sustainability.
Bamboo Planting for Environmental Sustainability
Environmental conservation was another major part of the celebration.
Simultaneous bamboo planting activities were conducted in Dauin and Tanjay through the collective efforts of DTI Negros Oriental, Buglas Bamboo Farm, Kawayan Collective, CENRO, and DENR. Bamboo planting connects the province's industry-development efforts with environmental stewardship. National bamboo initiatives have likewise highlighted bamboo's potential as a renewable resource that can support both ecological and economic goals. The planting activities also gave World Bamboo Day a practical component, turning the celebration into an opportunity for direct community participation.
Visiting Kawayan Collective in Dauin
Another highlight was a facility visit to Kawayan Collective Dauin, a bamboo enterprise that has become part of Negros Oriental's growing bamboo industry. The cooperative was recently named an ASEAN Inclusive Business Awardee 2026, placing a local bamboo enterprise from Dauin in the spotlight of a wider regional initiative. Kawayan Collective has also been involved in treated bamboo and bamboo-based products, while previous industry activities have highlighted its role in bamboo construction and community enterprise development. The visit gave participants an opportunity to see how bamboo can move beyond traditional uses and become part of a developing local value chain.
Exploring Bamboo Structures in Baslay
The learning tour also included a visit to the Estudio Damgo Bamboo Structure in Baslay.
The structure provided another example of how bamboo can be incorporated into architecture and community spaces. The activity also included fellowship over lunch at Bashaco Café, with support from the LGU of Dauin. Together, the site visits connected classroom-style learning with actual examples of bamboo production, design, construction, and enterprise.
