CATARMAN, Northern Samar — A Bamboo Museum will be constructed at University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) here.

UEP President Cherry Ibanez Ultra told The Manila Times that this is the first museum in the country dedicated to bamboos.

Ultra said the museum is the university's commitment to the promotion of bamboo products and protection of the environment.

"The Bamboo Museum is a unique and innovative way to promote environmental awareness in the academic community and showcases the versatility of bamboo," Ultra said.

"This initiative aligns with the growing global movement toward green universities, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices and resource utilization."

She said the museum itself is constructed from bamboo and will serve as a testament to the material's strength, beauty and sustainability.

"It promises to be an educational and engaging space for students, faculty and the wider community," she said.

The project is expected to foster collaboration among local artisans and communities involved in bamboo cultivation and craftsmanship, Ultra said.

It will also contribute to economic development of the province and the region.

"University of Eastern Philippines is setting an example for other institutions to follow in their pursuit of environmentally conscious development," Ultra added.

Ultra also said that the UEP is also sustaining a massive mangrove plantation along the shoreline of the school's main campus as part of their environmental protection program.

She cited the late representative Emil Lao Ong, who encouraged her to plant more mangroves and trees within their campus to help mitigate the effects of global warming.

UEP is the oldest university in the Visayas.