Bamboost® app workshops empower bamboo farmers and MSMEs in Leyte
By Farah Sevilla, Communication Specialist and Ma. Nona Michelle T. Deladam, Project Technical Assistant IV, USTP CDO
Share:
In bringing innovation across communities, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) leads a major step towards modernizing Leyte’s bamboo sector with the successful Bamboost® App User Experience Workshops held on September 24-25, 2025 at Visayas State University (VSU) Baybay, and VSU Villaba.
The initiative is designed to integrate digital marketing and expand the reach of local bamboo products, gathering a total of 65 enthusiastic participants, including bamboo farmers, craft makers, MSMEs, researchers, and government representatives.
The workshops, hosted by Visayas State University (VSU) Villaba on September 24 and VSU Baybay City on September 25, were held as part of the implementation of the “Empowering S&T-Based Bamboo Enterprises Through Bamboost® Ecosystem” (Bamboost Phase 2) project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology. The events were essential in mainstreaming the marketing app and effectively introducing the Bamboost® platform to stakeholders across Region VIII.
Dr. Junar A. Landicho, Bamboost project leader and Dean of the College of Computer Science of the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, highlighted the app’s immediate and free accessibility for sellers. He emphasized that the platform is a vital tool for achieving a broader market reach that extends significantly beyond local tourism.
“The app is already available for use–you can already post and sell your products,” Dr. Landicho noted, encouraging enterprises to seize the opportunity. “We will facilitate the marketing online for you.” Bamboost® aims to contribute to solving persistent market challenges for Region VIII enterprises, fostering immediate enthusiasm for online selling.
Local leaders echoed the potential of the new digital tool. Chancellor Reynaldo Mollejon of VSU Villaba stressed, “With the help of the Bamboost® app, bamboo artisans and sellers can connect to customers not just in Villaba but nationwide.”
Further highlighting the app’s economic benefit, Dr. Jannet Bencure, Dean of the College of Engineering at VSU Baybay City Leyte, stated that the “Bamboost® app helps the bamboo community do away with middlemen.”
The workshops also affirmed the strong collaborative efforts with VSU Villaba, VSU Baybay, local government units, and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), that are set to continue to further boost Leyte’s bamboo industry.
The Bamboost® app is currently accessible to bamboo product sellers for free under its freemium service while it is in its post-development stage. The app is available on Google Play and online.
Bamboost Phase 2 project aims to empower bamboo communities across the Philippines by enhancing their digital marketing capabilities through the Bamboost® app furthering the commitment of USTP in bridging communities through science, innovation and technology.
For more information, kindly visit the Bamboost website at https://bamboost.ph/ or email us at [email protected].
Follow us:
Contact us:
+63(88)857-1738 local 1118
[email protected]
