ISU pushes for bamboo-textile promotion

A STATE university based in Isabela province presented its proposed initiatives to the Regional Development Council in the Cagayan Valley region to boost the bamboo and textile industries, and improve water management and security.

Isabela State University (ISU) President Ricmar Aquino, during his presentation on behalf of the Regional Research and Development, and Innovation Committee, mentioned two university projects that needed support: the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center; and the establishment of a National Water Resources Center (NWRC).

The proposed initiatives on textile production will encourage all provincial, city and municipal governments to plant «kawayang tinik» bamboo in barangay (villages). They will also ask the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to use the same bamboo species as planting material for the National Greening Program.

ISU President Ricmar Aquino presents to the Regional Development Council. PHOTO FROM ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

More widespread use of the kawayang tinik bamboo will also be promoted to state universities and colleges for their tree-planting activities, and the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Center in their establishment of bamboo textile fiber production centers.

Aquino also lobbied for the ISU's goal to form the NWRC, emphasizing the university's research, programs and projects that address issues of water resources management, water scarcity, equitable access to water resources, climate change and environmental pollution.

He also mentioned the university's lead in Smart Water Infrastructure and Management, and the creation of a regional network of local universities to upscale the conduct of research and development on integrated water resources management and water security.

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