The center will promote the production and use of bamboo, and also become the next tourism destination owned by the provincial government, Lacson said.

An annual budget of P90 million will be allocated by the provincial government for the development of the area, Lacson said.

Benitez said he will file a bill to convert the area into an eco-tourism park and help source funds to assist the provincial government in the building of roads leading to the area.

Lacson said the center will showcase structures that utilize bamboos.

It will have its own multi-purpose hall, observatory tower, livelihood center, bamboo treatment facility, materials recovery facility and the wildlife research center, he said.

“This center will play a critical role in building a more sustainable future as we seek to respond to the need of a more systematic, scientific and evidence based approach to effectively attain genuine environmental stewardship,” Lacson said.

“The center aims to create and strengthen environmentally proactive programs to promote sustainable development, community empowerment, forest protection, and increase ecological awareness.
It also aims to strengthen the concept of social entrepreneurship through eco-tourism development as means of providing livelihood sources for partner communities,” he said.

Also present at the activity were Provincial Environment Management Officer Julie Ann Bedrio, Provincial Engineer Ernie Mapa, Provincial Planning and Development Office OIC Anna Marie Lucasan, and Special Project Team Head Dr. Edmund Chris Acosido

A bamboo tree planting activity followed the groundbreaking ceremony.*