Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 1401)
Proclamation No. 1401 declares the month of September of every year as Philippine Bamboo Month.
It is based on Section 12, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution which mandates the State to promote the preferential use of Filipino labor, domestic materials, and locally produced goods.
The purpose is to instill in the national consciousness the importance of the bamboo plant and its products, sustain and strengthen the bamboo industry, and promote the development and market access to bamboo products.
Executive Order No. 879 (s. 2010) created the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC).
The PBIDC is tasked to lead and promote the observance of the Philippine Bamboo Month, and to identify the programs, projects, and activities for the yearly celebration thereof.
All national government agencies, government-owned or controlled corporations, state universities and colleges are directed to support the PBIDC in the celebration. Local government units, NGOs, civil society groups, and the private sector are encouraged to support the celebration and implementation.
Many farmers and fisherfolk have long depended on bamboo for livelihood as the young shoots serve as food and mature bamboo is a common construction material in rural areas.
The Department of Trade and Industry has identified bamboo as one of the eight priority industry clusters.
Bamboo is used for nourishment (young shoots), simple infrastructure construction, and producing world-class Filipino furniture and handicrafts.
The proclamation was signed by Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, and Salvador C. Medialdea, the Executive Secretary.