SEEKING potential partnerships on their bamboo program, a delegation from Laguna University (LU) visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on Feb. 13, 2024.
Established in 2006, LU is a public university committed to providing access to education to the youth of Laguna province.
The delegation was led by LU Officer-In-Charge President Colegio Gascon. He was joined by Vice President for Planning and Finance Monette Bato; Research and Development Center director Marie Joy Elomina; and Helen Grace Centeno, focal person for bamboo exploration initiatives.
"We've decided to explore the bamboo industry, specifically the textile industry in Laguna, and it would be an honor if we can partner with SEARCA in this endeavor," Gascon said during their visit and shared LU's commitment to unique research projects.
He also shared LU's contribution to the Laguna Bamboo Council as part of its technical working group saying that "the university is working on free certificate programs on bamboo technology."
Also highlighting the potential of their bamboo program, Centeno explained that all bamboo species in Laguna are already utilized in the textile industry.
While Centeno explained the importance of ensuring enough bamboo inputs for manufacturing, Gascon also shared LU's coordination efforts with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on potential areas where they can plant more bamboo trees.
Emphasizing scholarship and research initiatives, SEARCA director Glenn Gregorio provided the LU delegation with an overview of the center's mandate and core programs.
Gregorio also expressed interest in the LU bamboo program, encouraging the university delegation to not limit their scope in Laguna and to find other suitable areas to plant bamboo.
"Besides establishing a bamboo plantation, it is also significant to establish a bamboo germplasm collection and conservation facility to maintain the existing bamboo species and develop new ones if needed," he said.
SEARCA deputy director for programs Nur Azura Adam emphasized the importance of building strong expertise and foundation before seeking partnerships, which Gregorio affirmed.
Agreeing with Adam, Gregorio suggested strategies for LU's program to be visible and relevant, including tapping an ambassador, establishing a bamboo park, organizing bamboo-focused contests, publishing coffee table books showcasing bamboo species, and developing unique bamboo products not limited to textiles.
He also suggested potential partners with whom they could collaborate and asked the LU delegation to prepare a proposal to understand how SEARCA can support its program.
Joining Gregorio and Adam in welcoming the Laguna University visitors were Beatrisa Martinez, Office of the Director executive coordinator, and key staff from the Office of the Deputy Director for Programs and Partnerships Unit.