Bamboo sanctuary eyed

The Baguio City Council passed on first reading a proposed city ordinance seeking to establish a bamboo sanctuary and explore the possibility of public-private partnership (PPP) for its sustainable management.

Ordinance No. 63-2016, authored by Councilor Elaine Sembrano, seeks to reforest pieces of land identified as vacant forest areas under the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of 2016.

“The areas will be reforested or planted with various kinds of bamboo species as its main vegetation along with other greenery. The ratio shall be at least 50 percent bamboo, 40 percent Baguio pine and 10 percent, other tree species,” the proposed ordinance states.

The proposed ordinance tasks the City Environment Parks and Management Office (CEPMO), as lead implementing agency, to draft a Bamboo Sanctuary Development Plan. CEPMO may coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera office for technical assistance.

The development plan is expected to outline plans for the establishment and maintenance of the bamboo plantation as well as provide guidelines for the harvest and utilization of bamboo products for livelihood.

No structures will be constructed within the sanctuary except for watch towers for forest guards, water impounding facilities, and trails or foot paths.