Mariano Marcos
State University

MMSU CAFSD Dean shares bamboo-based agroforestry innovations in Malaysia confab

By Jareason Fabre

Bamboo is gaining traction in the fight for climate-resilient agriculture as Dr. Charlie Batin shares Mariano Marcos State University’s bamboo-based agroforestry innovations at an international conference held September 8–10 in Melaka, Malaysia.

Speaking at the 10th International Agriculture Congress and 25th Asian Association of Agricultural Colleges and Universities Biennial Conference, the dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) presented the university's research on “Bamboo-Based Agroforestry Innovations for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Food Security.” The presentation centered on how bamboo can be integrated into agricultural systems to support climate resilience, food security, sustainable resource management, and livelihood opportunities for farming communities.

Dean Batin, a forester by training and MMSU’s Bamboo focal person, illustrated how strategic bamboo planting can help farmers withstand extreme weather while generating sustainable income.  He has led and supported various university initiatives on bamboo research, production, conservation, and technology development. MMSU identifies him as its Bamboo Program Leader and notes his work in extending bamboo technologies to communities and stakeholders.

Among MMSU’s major initiatives is the Bamboo Research and Development Station in Mabaleng, Batac, which serves as a site for research, training, and bamboo-based agroforestry. The station was revitalized to strengthen the university’s bamboo research and development program.
The university has also developed and promoted technologies such as the One-Node Cutting Technology for producing bamboo planting materials and the Poles per Year (PoPeYe) Technology for the rehabilitation, maintenance, rejuvenation, and sustainable harvesting of bamboo stands.

MMSU has likewise helped establish bambuseta in schools and communities, creating living collections that support conservation, education, propagation, and public awareness. One such initiative in Batac established twenty bamboo varieties while providing training on bamboo production and plantation establishment.

For Dr. Batin, however, bamboo advocacy ultimately comes down to the people who will carry the movement forward.

"I hope our forestry students and local communities continue to plant, grow, and care for more bamboo," he shared. "Every bamboo we plant is an investment in our environment, our livelihoods, and the generations that will come after us." He also credited MMSU President Virgilio Julius P. Manzano, Jr. for enabling bamboo initiatives.  

Ultimately, the conference allowed MMSU CAFSD to showcase its bamboo research and establish connections among Asian agriculture professionals.