ITTO--ASEAN Rattan Project ITTO PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I] Demonstration and Application of Production and Utilization Technologies for Rattan Sustainable Development in the ASEAN Member Countries

The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) is the principal research unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which is responsible for generating and assembling research results, scientific information and technologies on the management of various ecosystems and natural resources in the Philippines.

The ERDB is the implementing agency of the project entitled “Demonstrations and Application of Production and Utilization Technologies for Rattan Sustainable Development in the ASEAN Member Countries” [PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I)]. Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) of Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLBCFNR) are the collaborating agencies. This is a four-year project approved and financed by International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), Japan during the Thirty- Ninth Session of the International Tropical Timber Council (ITTC) last November 7-12, 2005 at Yokohama, Japan.

With the project’s five components (pilot demonstration, research, training, database and networking), it aims to strengthen ASEAN collaboration to reduce poverty at the community level through a network that supports and prioritizes the urgent needs/concerns for the development of the rattan sector. This project includes demonstration and application of production and utilization technologies, capacity building, research and information dissemination.

For further information, write or contact:

ITTO Rattan Project Management Office ERDB Building, UPLB Forestry Campus, College 4031 Philippines

Phone: (6349) 536-2229, 536-2269 Local 209 Telefax: (6349) 536-4051 Fax: (6349) 536-2850 E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] Website: www.aseanrattan.org

Cover Photo : Picture of the participants taken during the Launching of Rattan Planting in and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the on September 6, 2007 at Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, .

Disclaimer : This document was prepared with the financial assistance of the ITTO. The views expressed herein are those of the Consultant and Project Staff and do not represent any official view of the ITTO.

______1 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION 3

II. OBJECTIVES 3

III. EXPECTED OUTPUTS 3

IV LAUNCHING OF RATTAN PLANTING IN BICOL NATURAL PARK, BAHI, 4 LUPI, CAMARINES SUR A. Invocation and National Anthem 4 B. Welcome Remarks 4 C. Acknowledgement of Participants 4 D. Inspirational Messages 5 E. Signing of MOU between the Mayor of Lupi, Camarines Sur and Project 6 Director of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project F. Ceremonial Rattan Planting 6

V. FORUM ON RATTAN: PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE 6 BICOL REGION A. Invocation and National Anthem 6 B. Welcome Remarks 6 C. Overview of the Project 6 D. Presentation of the National Rattan Situationer 6 E. Open Forum 6 F. Updates of Rattan Pilot Demonstration at Brgy. San Jose, Lupi, 8 Camarines Sur G. Solicitation/Signing of Stakeholder’s Pledges of Support 8 I. Closing Remarks 12

List of Annexes:

Annex A: Directory of Participants Annex B: Memorandum of Understanding Annex C: Overview of the Project Annex D: The Philippine Rattan Situationer Annex E: Draft Bill on Rattan Annex F: Community-based rattan plantation establishment: The Bicol Natural Park experience Annex G: Photo documentation

______2 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region September 6, 2007 ● Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur

I. INTRODUCTION

The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) is implementing a four-year International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO)-funded project entitled, “Application and Demonstration of Production and Utilization Technologies for Rattan Sustainable Development” in collaboration with the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (FPRDI-DOST) and the College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Baños (CFNR-UPLB). The project aims to sustainably manage rattan resources through the demonstration and application of rattan production and utilization technologies for rural communities within ASEAN to uplift their socio-economic status and strengthen ASEAN collaboration.

The project is now on its second year. One of the activities is the identification of a pilot demonstration site for rattan plantation establishment among the participating ASEAN countries, based on a set of criteria. For the Philippines, the Multiple Use Zone of the Bicol Natural Park (BNP) was selected with the community of Alanao, Lupi, Camarines Sur as partner. On 6 September 2007, the Project Management Team launched the rattan planting and conducted a “Rattan Forum” at the BNP in Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur. During this affair, the rattan project was presented to the stakeholders in the Bicol Region to boost their appreciation/interest in rattan as a commodity. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding between the LGU concerned and project implementers was formalized and signed.

II. OBJECTIVES

1. To introduce the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan project to stakeholders in the Bicol Region;

2. To create awareness and appreciation/interest of the communities in rattan commodity; and

3. To formalize the Memorandum of Understanding between the LGU and project implementers.

III. EXPECTED OUTPUTS

1. Rattan planting launched and rattan forum conducted

2. Pledges of support solicited from respective stakeholders

3. MOA or MOU with LGU (Brgy. San Jose, Lupi, Cam. Sur) formalized and signed by the Mayor of Lupi and the Project Director to be witnessed by the Honorable Cong. Dato M. Arroyo and OIC-RED Reynulfo A. Juan

______3 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur IV. LAUNCHING OF RATTAN PLANTING IN BICOL NATURAL PARK, BAHI, LUPI, CAMARINES SUR

A. Invocation and National Anthem

The program started with a prayer led by Dr. Armando M. Palijon, Pilot Demonstration Component Leader, and the National Anthem was sung led by Mrs. Letecia N. Larroga, San Jose Rattan Pilot Project Organization (SANJORAPPO) member.

B. Welcome Remarks

Hon. Raul M. Matamorosa, Municipal Mayor of Lupi, Camarines Sur, mentioned that today is a very significant occasion and they consider this to be a historic event in their municipality as far as rattan project is concerned. In behalf of the Local Government Unit and the Municipality of Lupi, he expressed a very warm welcome to the Guests of Honor, Hon. Dato Arroyo (Congressman, 1 st District), For. Reynulfo A. Juan (OIC-RED), Dr. Aida B. Lapis (Deputy Project Director, ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project), Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro (Project Consultant), Dr. Armando M. Palijon (Pilot Demo Component Leader) and Dr. Magdalena Y. Giron (Training Component Leader). He also welcomed his fellow Mayors namely, Hon. Ma. Teresa de la Peña (Mayor, ), Hon. Norberto U. Genova (Mayor, ) and Hon. Silverio Quiñones (Mayor, ). He also expressed sincerest gratitude to all who worked hard for the smooth implementation of this project namely the officials of ERDB-DENR, ITTO, FPRDI and UPLBCFNR. He also thanked the Battalion Commander of the 31 st and 22 nd IB, Col. Ramon Baldemor.

He expressed that he is very honored that the Municipality of Lupi especially Alanao was chosen to be the project site for the pilot demonstration component. The Municipality of Lupi and a portion of the Municipality of Basud, , the two municipalities where the project site are located are within the Bicol Natural Park. The project entitled “Demonstration and Application of Production and Utilization Technologies for Rattan Sustainable Development in the ASEAN Member Countries” is being implemented by the ERDB with funding support from the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and in collaboration with the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) and the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLBCFNR).

He mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be formalized between the LGU of Lupi and the Project Director of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project and concurrent Director of ERDB. In that aspect, the LGU recognizes the need for outmost dedication and support and collaboration among the stakeholders for the success and beneficial result of the establishment of the rattan plantation. He emphasized that he hopes this project will ultimately help improve the economy and livelihood of the people in Lupi and in the surrounding communities.

C. Acknowledgement of Participants

Dir. Felix C. Mendoza, Regional Technical Director, Parks and Wildlife and Coastal Zones Management Sector (PAWCZMS) acknowledged the presence of the ______4 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur guests of honor, the beneficiaries of the project in the BNP and other stakeholders, who will help this office in taking care of the wildlife in the park which is one of the important places in the Bicol region. He acknowledged the presence of the San Jose Rattan Pilot Project Organization, representatives of the different institutions like the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, PENRO Camarines Sue and Camarines Norte, CENRO , ABS- CBN-Region 5, members of and Philippine National Police, and Presidential Security Group. In behalf of the organizers of this activity, he recognized the participants especially Cong. Dato M. Arroyo and hoped to have a successful launching of the rattan planting. The list of participants is shown in Annex A.

D. Inspirational Messages

For. Reynulfo A. Juan, OIC-Regional Executive Director, DENR – Region 5 acknowledged the presence of all the participants headed by Cong. Dato M. Arroyo, mayors of the municipalities present, colleagues from the DENR particularly the Project Management Team (PMT), PAMB, Philippine Army and the people of Alanao. He informed everyone that he is honored to represent the DENR Secretary, Hon. Lito Atienza, as he was in Australia attending an international forum together with the Honorable President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He commended the PMT for sponsoring the rattan forum. He stated that there is stiff global competition in the economic sector especially the raw materials and products derived from rattan. He stressed that the implementation of this project in the Bicol Region is very timely and the effort of the PMT is highly appreciated. There is also a need for these technologies generated by the project to be implemented in order for the rattan in the region to be competitive in the global market. Accordingly, rattan resources are found in the area and additional knowledge on propagation as well as its marketing must be enhanced to be able to achieve a sustainable rattan industry. At this point in time, this project will be sustainable with the help of the beneficiaries and rest assured that DENR will support the implementation of the project together with the local executives and the Office of the Honorable Congressman.

Honorable Cong. Dato M. Arroyo cheerfully acknowledged the presence of all the participants to the launching of the rattan planting and the conduct of the rattan forum. He thanked the DENR for the opportunity given to his constituents for the introduction of rattan production and utilization technologies. He hopes that these would contribute to the productivity of the area and provide livelihood to the community. He looks forward for the achievement of sustainable development through the program particularly on the conservation and protection of rattan so that there will still be left for the supplies for the use of future generations. The Office of the Congressman together with the officials from the DENR are doing their best to gain access to the best technologies available. The Philippines, like Indonesia and Malaysia are big producers of rattan in the Southeast Asia. Our country can be much better than these big producers of rattan if the community will cooperate. He encouraged the community to make the country the biggest producer of rattan. According to him, the opportunities are here and let us take advantage of this opportunity to help uplift our socio-economic condition. He hopes and prays that projects such as this one being brought in the area may provide livelihood opportunities to change the lives of the people in the Bicol Region.

______5 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur E. Signing of MOU between the Mayor of Lupi, Camarines Sur and Project Director of the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project

The Memorandum of Understanding between the LGU of Lupi, Camarines Sur represented by the Municipal Mayor, Hon. Raul M. Matamorosa and the Deputy Project Director, Dr. Aida B. Lapis, was signed during the activity. This signing was witnessed by Cong. Dato M. Arroyo and OIC-RED Reynulfo A. Juan. (Annex B)

F. Ceremonial Rattan Planting

The ceremonial rattan planting headed by Cong. Dato M. Arroyo, municipal mayors of Basud, Camarines Norte and Sipocot and Cabusao, Camarines Sur and the ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project consultant, Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, launched the rattan planting in the BNP. This activity signaled the start of rattan field planting for the 30 ha pilot plantation.

V. FORUM ON RATTAN: PROSPECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE BICOL REGION

A. Invocation and National Anthem

The program started with a prayer led by For. Gregorio E. Santos, Jr., Site Coordinator Pilot Demo – Philippines. The National Anthem was sung headed by Mr. Arnel Budoy, the President of SANJORAPPO.

B. Welcome Remarks

Hon. Angeles A. Montanez, Jr., Vice-Mayor of Lupi, Camarines Sur welcomed the participants of the rattan forum. He thanked the officials of the DENR particularly the members of the Project Management Team for bringing the ITTO-Philippines- ASEAN Rattan Project to their municipality. He hopes that through this project, an increase in the awareness of the community on the importance of rattan will be achieved. He also assured the community and the members of the PO that the municipality of Lupi will support them in the implementation of this project.

C. Overview of the Project

The overview of the project was presented and elaborated on by Dr. Aida B. Lapis, Deputy Project Director, ITTO-Philippines- ASEAN Rattan Project (Annex C)

D. Presentation of the National Rattan Situationer

Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, Former Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary and Consultant, ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project, shared with the participants to the Forum information on the National rattan situation (Annex D).

E. Open Forum

Question: (For. Teody Licarte, A community-based project implemented PGENRO, Cam. Norte) by the provincial government consisting of 60 ha rattan plantation plus a pre-existing ______6 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur plantation initiated by the POs are now ready to be harvested. Aside from the CBFM agreements, what other requirements are needed to be able to harvest these rattan resources for use of the community?

Answer: (Dr. Florentino O. Is there any development plan prepared by Tesoro, ITTO Rattan the PO and is harvesting included in the Project Consultant) plan? If not, there is a need to modify the development plan and include the portion on harvesting and submit to CENRO who has jurisdiction over the area so that the processing of permits necessary to harvest may be facilitated. In terms of sharing of benefits, those who incurred costs in project implementation are entitled to have a share in the revenues derived from the plantation. In this case, since the LGUs and POs are the ones who provided the funds then the DENR will have no share from the project.

Q: (Mr. Tony Hernandez, The rattan project being implemented in Consultant and Bamboo the BNP is very important since it can Producer Pili, Camarines Sur) provide livelihood in the community. I have seen rattan products made in the Philippines in many international and local trade fairs and they are so creative and can be competitive in the global market. At present, the LGU of Pili, Camarines Sur is conducting a river bank rehabilitation project in the different barangays. If we are going to plant rattan, would there be sufficient supply of seedlings from the community and how much would it be sold?

A: (Mr. Arnel Bodoy, President, Seedlings are now available at the SANJORAPPO) backyard nurseries of PO members in Alanao. Mr. Hernandez can contact the PO officials regarding the purchase of seedlings. The price of seedlings has not yet been determined at the moment.

Q: (Mr. Ernesto Pardo, Provincial To be able to have value-added rattan Director. DTI, Camarines products, there is a need to discover Norte) technologies to improve production and additional training skills for the c ommunity. Also, is there a possibility that the government like Offices of the Congressman, and concerned municipalities to provide funds to DENR in ______7 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur order to conduct inventory of the rattan in the Bicol Region to include age, species and where these are planted/located? This information is necessary especially when there are orders from buyers.

A: (Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro, ITTO Government agencies must work hand in Rattan Project Consultant) hand and specific roles must be identified in order to achieve the ultimate goals for the rattan industry.

A: (Dr. Merlyn Carmelita N. We would like to inform everyone that a Rivera, Project Leader, month ago, coordination meetings with Production and Leader, Cong. Dato Arroyo and his staff were Networking Component) conducted in order to determine what possible/specific roles his office can contribute to the project. As a response to this, his office has drafted a bill to prescribe as a priority program, the scientific propagation, culture and development of rattan. Furthermore, the bill has specified the allocation of funds for this and for other rattan-related purposes. So at this point, there are already actions being done to address these issues (Annex E).

Comment: (Ms. Emma A. Basco, Let us not forget the role of local NGOs Director for Extensions and POs. These organizations can also be Services, Mabini tapped and be partners in this project Colleges) especially when these organizations are further linked to bigger organizations. There is a need for them to be more knowledgeable with the various strategies in the production and marketing of rattan for the sustainability of the industry.

F. Updates of Rattan Pilot Demonstration at Brgy. San Jose, Lupi, Camarines Sur

Updates of the rattan pilot demonstration project at Brgy. San Jose, Lupi, Camarines Sur was presented by For. Gregorio E. Santos, Jr., Site Coordinator, Pilot Demo - Philippines, ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project (Annex F).

G. Solicitation/Signing of Stakeholder’s Pledges of Support

Dr. Merlyn Carmelita N. Rivera, Project Leader, Production Aspect and Networking Component Leader facilitated the solicitation of stakeholder’s pledges of support. Heads and representatives of agencies who participated expressed their willingness to support the project by giving their commitments/ pledges of support to the project.

______8 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur Agency/Representative Commitment/Pledge of Support 1. Mabini Colleges Ms. Basco commits to focus more on advocacy to Ms. Emma A. Basco build awareness on the importance of rattan and to Director for Extensions support and promote other pro-environment livelihood Services projects of DENR. As a former Community Organizer, she’s willing to share her experiences and know-how on networking and group organizing (like federating different stakeholders to form one large group) to be able to negotiate with the buyers on a position of strength. 2. Camarines Norte State College Being the Planning Director of her institution, Ms. Ms. Myla G. Magana Magana will lobby for possible projects in the BNP as Planning Director part of their school’s activities. Rattan will also be included in the programs of the POs in Labo (Labo Bantay-Sagip Kalikasan and Labo Movement) which they organized. Research projects will also be conceptualized for implementation in the BNP. The college will also extend full support in terms of providing technical assistance since their school has technically capable staff. 3. Kolping Society of the Ms. Maño will discuss with the President of the Philippines organization what had transpired during the forum. Ms. Cristina O. Maño Nevertheless, knowing that the project has the same objectives as their organization’s which is the upliftment of the socio-economic condition of the communities their support to the project is assured. 4. Tony Hernandez Mr. Hernandez stressed that the program component Independent bamboo must have strategies to have specific goals for the producer LGU to cooperate in the project implementation . and consultant, LGU Pili, Being the consultant of the LGU Pili he admits to Camarines Sur being knowledgeable on the technical aspects thus capable to contribute on this aspect. Being a bamboo producer himself, he will help in the marketing aspects as he has contacts with all local buyers in Pili especially those who use rattan as their raw materials. 5. Landbank Sipocot Landbank will release funds if needed by the Mr. Bonifacio B. Navarez, Jr. stakeholders since their mandate is to give financial Manager assistance/support to LGU, POs, Cooperatives and farmers provided that they are credit conscious and know their responsibility and that pertinent documents together with guarantors are all in order. 6. DTI Camarines Norte The rattan industry in the province must be Mr. Ernesto R. Pardo sustainable since the maturity period of rattan (7 to 15 Provincial Director years) is too long. The community must have other sources of income while waiting for the rattan to be harvested. As far as DTI is concerned, the community must be provided with training on rattan weaving for the product to be more competitive in the market. Dir. Pardo commits to conduct series of trainings on rattan weaving for products be of export quality. Also, with the assistance of the LGU, DTI will push for the development of the rattan industry in Camarines Norte ______9 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur and will facilitate/provide technical expertise on the new technologies developed in terms of weaving and marketing. They cannot provide financial assistance since they are not a financial institution. However, they link the community with groups providing financial support. 7. DTI Camarines Sur Ms. Mora being the representative of the Provincial Ms. Junelita C. Mora Director of DTI, Camarines Sur committed to support the project in the same way the mayor of Lupi has given. In terms of production, they will re-link the project to the three (3) DTI assisted manufacturers who utilize rattan as raw materials. Trainings will also be provided on skills development, managerial and entrepreneurial capacity buildings. For the finish products to become competitive to the international market, they will assist in product development and include developed items in the international shows co- organized by DTI. In terms of marketing, finish products will be included in trade fair/shows conducted. They will also assist/help in promoting rattan products in the region. In terms of financial support, they are willing to provide referrals to financial institutions. 8. TESDA Camarines Sur Since she is only a representative she will report to Ms. Rose S. Pobar her Director matters discussed during the forum. Nevertheless, she gave some assistance she may provide to the project. They will focus on training courses particularly on community organizing and skills development. They will coordinate with DTI, DOST and LGU to push through with this. Also, she will explore the possibility of providing technical and financial support through the inclusion of rattan on the production courses under PGMA’s scholarship grants program. TESDA will collaborate with the DENR with regards to this program. DENR is acknowledged to be one of the government agencies that they have not worked with. They promised to support whatever projects are pursued by the DENR. 9. DAR Camarines Sur Aside from distributing lands under the DAR Ms. Raquel P. Claveria Administrative Order 6657, they will support the project in terms of market assistance, product promotions during trade fairs both local and national, assistance during trainings and production to processing rattan raw materials in partnership with Landbank. 10. DA Camarines Sur DA will assist in product development and will Mr. Rodel P. Turnilla continue to do research activities on rattan. Research Division Mr. Turnilla will discuss with the higher authorities especially with the staff of the marketing division with regards to possible markets for the rattan seedlings that are for sale in Brgy. Alanao in Lupi and other future products that will be offered by the project. 11. PGENRO Camarines Norte Since they have already started rattan plantation ______10 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur For. Teody Licarte establishment in Camarines Norte they will push for the development of the rattan industry particularly establishments of plantations in their province in coordination with the PENRO and CENRO. They will likewise communicate with SANJORAPPO since they are planning to organize the same PO in Camarines Norte. 12. PPDO Camarines Sur The PPDO will support rattan development in the Ms. Merly Jean A. Plaza province and as an initial step they will include rattan in their provincial development plan. They will look at the possibility of establishing a nursery strategically located near the municipality of Lupi where seedlings are already available. The project can also use the livelihood training center in the province for their training purposes. 13. LGU Lupi, Camarines Sur The people of Alanao have seen the project team’s Mayor Raul M. Matamorosa efforts in giving them importance and attention by means of putting u p of the pilot demo site in the area. On the part of the LGU, the combined expertise on bamboo and rattan will be improved. Cooperation and coordination with different offices and departments in terms of training and marketing of rattan will be explored. Whatever problems to be encountered by the PMT in the area, they will help and assist especially for project expansion in the Bicol Region. The LGU will extend utmost support to the project especially in monitoring and maintaining the plantation to be established by the community to ensure sustainability of the rattan project. 14. PENRO Camarines Norte PENRO Orata informed the participants that they For. Elpidio Z. Orata have been supporting the rattan project from the start of its implementation and they are still willing to support the project especially on the harvesting aspect. Also, they will convince the community on the use/benefits of the rattan project. 15. PENRO Camarines Sur The PENRO will conduct inventory of rattan plantation For. Rodolfo M. Matusalem in the province especially those established within BNP (Camarines Sur portion) even if there is no budget for the purpose. They will include the activity in other projects being implemented by PENRO particularly in the Basin project. The PENRO will encourage 18 POs in Camarines Sur to plant rattan and will require them to establish at least 1 hectare per quarter which can accumulate to about 72 has up to 18,000 ha/year. Seedlings for the purpose will be sourced from the nurseries in Alanao under the ITTO Rattan Project or any other source from the region. 16. SANJORAPPO Since they are the direct beneficiaries of the project, Mr. Arnel Bodoy full support from them is ensured. They hope that all President the stakeholders present during the forum will put into actions all their pledges of support/commitment to the project. On their part, they will do their best to follow ______11 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur and accomplish all the activities included in their action plan through the assistance of the project and will maintain and monitor the seedlings they have planted in the area. Regular monitoring will also be conducted and updates will be provided to the PMT.

I. Closing Remarks

Mr. Ernesto R. Pardo, Provincial Director, Department of Trade and Industry, Camarines Norte, for his closing remarks, informed everyone how honored he was to be part of the activity and commended the efforts done by the Project Management Team for introducing the project to the Bicol Region and for the active participation of the respective representatives from the different organizations during the forum. As parting words, he promised that on the part of DTI they will do the best they can to develop the rattan industry in the Bicol Region. This would be possible with the help of the ERDB, considering that they can formulate studies with foreign funding and the assistance of the LGUs particularly the support from the Mayor of Lupi, Hon. Raul M. Matamorosa. With these, he closed the program.

______12 Launching of Rattan Planting in Bicol Natural Park and Forum on Rattan: Prospects and Opportunities in the Bicol Region ITTO-Philippines-ASEAN Rattan Project / PD 334/05 Rev. 2 (I) September 6, 2007 Bicol Natural Park, Bahi, Lupi, Camarines Sur