THE “Creative Bamboo Hub for Innovation, Research, and Development” project was launched at the Monfort Bat Cave on April 19, 2024. The memorandum of agreement was signed on April 8, 2024, at the City Mayor’s Office by Mayor Al David T. Uy of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS), in partnership with the head of the Creative Bamboo Industry Project Management Committee, Philippine Bats for Peace Foundation, Inc. (PBPFI) Diana Remedios M. Mont, and executive vice president of Mapua Malayan Colleges of Mindanao Engr. Alejandro H. Ballado.
The project, with a net financial support of P1,805,000.00, is expected to enhance the bamboo industry on the island, boost the tourism industry, and contribute to the protection and conservation of the city’s wildlife natural habitat and resources.
Moreover, the Department of Trade and Industry launched this project in response to President Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr.’s call through the Lunsod Lunsad Program under the Malikhaing Pinoy Program.
Also present during the MOA signing were city investment and tourism officer Rosabel Jusguan, city legal officer Atty. Anna Liezl Ortillano, and Development Management Officer IV Lolita Marikit.
Bat ninangs Leticia S. Averion and Mariflor Suarez Jamora were present along with Englis of the Davao Fashion Design Council of Davao, MTE director Marian Mahinay Comilang, Atty. Zerline Balleque, Florencio Thaddeus Valera, Barangay Captain Johnel Montes, Dr. Gernelyn T. Logrosa, and Hon. Renz Allan S. Lacorte.
Diana Monfort Mont, president of the PBBPI, gave the welcome address, while Mai Ongkiko, project director, presented the project overview. The program culminated with the signing of pledges for support by the various supporters of the project.
