Davao del Sur State College (DSSC) welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 11 and the Programma Uitzending Managers (PUM) Netherlands  on March 15, 2023, for an onsite visit to DSSC Engineered Bamboo Processing Center located at DSSC Kapoc Extension and for a consultative meeting held at DSSC Board Room.

This was part of the DTI’s recent undertaking, the Bamboo Industry Cluster Enhancement (ICE) Program, in partnership with PUM Netherlands.

PUM Netherlands Senior Expert, Peter Van Dinter, Sector Coordinator for Construction Industry, joined this initiative as one of the activities in relation to the promotion of the development of the Bamboo Construction Industry Cluster in the region.

Meanwhile, Engr. James A. Vagilidad together with other project components demonstrated the procedures and functions of some bamboo equipment to be used in the operation.

In the afternoon, a consultation meeting was held at DSSC Board Room in which Dutch Expert Dinter gave insights on how PUM Netherlands, particularly building and construction sectors can offer services for this bamboo construction industry endevour.

DSSC Engineered Bamboo Processing Center was one of the components of the college's Upscaling Bamboo and Rural Enterprise and Development (BREAD) project funded by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office XI (DA-RFO XI).

Present in the activity were Hon. Vice-Mayor Irick A. Agbon, Municipal Vice-Mayor of Matanao; Mr. Romeo Castanaga, Provincial Director of DTI-Davao del Norte, represented by Engr. Jobert Saramillas; Mr. Christian A. Sanchez, DTI-Davao del Sur Bamboo Industry Cluster Focal Person; Mr Teodorico Dofiles, OSTACI CEO; Woodworks Proprietor Ricardo Talaboc; Engr. Jonas Placer, owner of Jampcrete Green Technology Resources and the Dean of College of Engineering and Technology, Cor Jesu College, Inc.; Dr. Siverlyn M. Camposano, Vice- President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Mark Jude F. Trondillo, Director for Research, Development, and Innovation; Dr. Graciela L. Caballero, Assistant Program Oversight Head; Prof. Mayalene M. Potente, DSSC Kapoc Extension Coordinator; Projects staff and some of the administrative personnel of the college. (Shawn Medina/DSSC PRIO with report from Engr. Fritz Alcoba/Project Component 1 staff)