Bamboo research in the Philippines - Cristina A.

Roxas
Senior Science Research Specialist, Forest Ecosystem Research Division, Ecosystems
Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
College, Laguna, The Philippines.

Introduction

The Philippines has a total land area of 300 000 km 2. It is composed of more than 7000
islands clustered into three major groups namely: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The country has a tropical climate, temperature of 21-34°C and annual rainfall of 120-270
m3. It is rich in natural resources but some of it is endangered due to illegal logging, mining
and other land utilization as well as over exploitation problems. The natural vegetation is
highly diverse with some 8500 species of flowering plants and 2000 species of ferns. It has
15.88 million ha or 53% of the total land area declared as forest lands. The remaining
forests comprise 5686 million ha or 18.9% of the total land area of the country. Out of the
total forests, only about 0.805 million ha or 14% remain dipterocarp old growth or virgin
forests. These areas have been placed under the National Integrated Protected Areas
System (NIPAS) for conservation and protection since 1 Jan 1992, hence, no logging is
allowed in these areas. The remaining residual forests, on the other hand, comprise only of
2963 million ha or 52% of the total forest area. Pine forests cover 0.232 million ha or 4% of
the area (The Philippine Forestry Statistics 1995).

Bamboo resources and species

There has not been any reliable inventory of available erect bamboos nationwide except
that of an FRI-RP-German Project conducted in 1988. Result of the said inventory
estimated the bamboo resources at about 10 730 million linear metres, most of which are
represented by climbing bamboos totalling 8318 linear metres. In the said inventory, only
five species were covered. Of the five species covered, Schizostachyum
lima and Schizostachyum lumampao which are naturally growing in the forests were the
most plentiful, the former with 27.2 million culms and the latter, with 172.0 million culms
available. The Master Plan (1997) for the development of bamboo as a renewable and
sustainable resource reported that there were 39 000 to 52 000 ha of bamboo stand
distributed as follows: 20 500-34 000 ha in the forest lands; 2236 ha in government
plantation; 3037 ha of privately-owned plantations; and 13 455 ha of “natural stands”.

At present, there are 62 species of bamboos recorded in the country. Previous records
(1991) showed only 47 bamboo species. The increase in the number of species was due to
the introduction of some bamboos as a result of the efforts of the Ecosystems Research
and Development Bureau (ERDB) to establish bambuseta in a number of places in the
country, ie. Baguio City; Los Baños, Laguna; Nabunturan, Davao del Norte; Malaybalay and
Bukidnon. There may have been other new introductions of bamboos in the country, but
these have not been reported, seen or identified. Most likely, these are bamboos introduced
and planted by garden enthusiasts and are kept as private collections.
Of the 62 bamboo species which are shown in Table 1, 21 are endemic or native Philippine
bamboos. Thirteen are climbers and eight are erect. The rest are introduced and a few of
them, introduced in prehistoric times. The commercially important bamboos which are
usually used in construction, furniture, basketry and decorative articles are shown in Table
2. The current commercial bamboos can be increased to 15 species, especially those with
thick culm walls and big-diameter culms which include Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss, B.
oldhamii Munro, B. utilis Lin, Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro D., giganteus Munro,
and Guadua angustifoliaKunth (Rojo 1998; Dransfield and Widjaja 1995; Gonzales and
Umali 1995; INBAR 1997; Pancho and Obien 1988).

Table 1. Bamboo species growing in the Philippines

Genus Species Remarks Origin

Arundinaria A. amabilis NI Chile
Bambusa B. atra OI New Guinea
B. bambos OI India
B. blumeana OI Java & Malaya
B. cornuta OI
B. dolichomerithalla OI Taiwan
Bambusa sp. 1 N
B. multiplex OI Southern China
B. multiplex f. variegata NI Japan
B. multiplex f. elegans NI Japan
B. multiplex cv. fernleaf NI
B. multiplex cv. golden goddess NI Chile
B. multiplex cv. A. Karr NI Chile
B. oldhamii OI China
B. tuldoides OI Southern China
B. utilis OI Southern China
B. vulgaris OI China
B. vulgaris var. maculata OI
B. vulgaris var. striata OI
B. vulgaris cv. wamin OI China
Chimonobambusa C. falcata NI
(Syn. Sinarundinaria falcata)

Dendrocalamus D. asper OI
D. brandisii NI
D. giganteus NI
D. latiflorus OI
D. membranaceus NI
D. strictus NI
Dinochloa Dinochloa sp. N
Dinochloa sp. N
D. diffusa N
 Dinochloa sp. N
D. luconiae N
D. pubiramaea N
Gigantochloa G. atroviolacea NI
G. atter OI
G. levis OI Java and Sumatra
Guadua G. angustifolia NI Columbia
G. angustifolia var. bicolor NI Columbia

Melocanna M. baccifera NI Bangladesh

Pleioblastus P. argenteastriatus NI Japan
P. chino f. elegantissimus NI Japan
P. chino f. pumilus NI Chile
P. chino f. pygmaeus NI Chile
P. distichus NI Japan
P. fortunei cv. fortunei NI Japan
Phyllostachys P. aurea OI China
P. bambusoides NI Australia
P. nigra NI China
P. pubescens NI Japan
Sasa S. kurilensis NI Chile
S. nipponica NI Japan
S. palmata NI Chile
Sasaella S. ramosa NI Chile
Schizostachyum S. brachycladum yellow OI Asia
S. brachycladum green OI Phil.
S. lima N Phil.
S. lumampao N Phil.
Schizostachyum sp. N Phil.
Schizostachyum sp. N Phil.
Shibataea S. kumasasa NI Japan
Thyrsostachys T. siamensis OI Thailand
Yushania Y. niitakayamensis OI
N - Native Species, NI - New Introductions, OI - Old Introductions
(PCARRD 1991; Reyes 1992; RP-German project 1988; Sinohin 1990)
Table 2. Economically important bamboos (FAO/ERDB/DENR 1991)
1. Bambusa blumeana - J. A. & J. H. Schultes
2. B. vulgaris Schrader ex Wendland
3. Bambusa sp. 1
4. Bambusa sp. 2
5. Dendrocalamus asper (Shultes f.) Backer ex Heyne
6. Gigantochloa atter (Hassk) Kurz.
7. G. levis (Blanco) Merr.
8. Schizostachyum lumampao (Blanco) Merr.
There are also other bamboo species which need to be conserved. These species are
considered rare and endangered like Bambusa atra, Bambusa cornuta, Schizostachyum
luzonicum, S. textorium, Cephalostachyum mindorensis and Yushania niitakayamensis.

Culture and heritage

Bamboo is integral in the lives of the Filipinos and its endless uses affect them from birth
through their life. Rural midwives use the razor-sharp bamboo knife (Schizostachyum
lima) to cut off the newly born baby's umbilical cord. Houses are built with bamboo splits or
woven bamboo mats called “pawali”. Bamboo is nourishing food when cooked with coconut
milk, fish or with “salujot” (jute, local green vegetable). Culms are carved to make cooking
utensils or containers for rice.

It also forms a part of the country's history and cultural heritage. The famous bamboo organ
in Lao Piras Church in Paranague, Rigal was built in 1818 by Father Diego Cerra, a priest-
musician, visited by many tourists even at present.

The national dancers use bamboo as part of the dance as in the famous “tinikling” and the
elegant “singkil” where dancers weave in and out of bamboo poles pounded together
rhythmically. Thin-walled bamboos like the ratine butio (Schizostachyum lumampao) are
used.

In “tuba” (coconut wine) gathering system, bamboo poles are arranged for gatherers to
move freely from one tree to another in their “avenue in the sky”). Balo (Kligantochloa
buis) is the species usually used for this purpose.

Bamboo research and development

Aside from initiating the establishment of pilot bamboo plantations and bambuseta in
different parts of the country, ERDB, through the UNDP-FAO Bamboo Research and
Development Project, conducted research on various aspects of bamboos. Different
programmes were conducted to raise the awareness of the people on the importance of
bamboos. Farmer Training on Bamboo Propagation was conducted in different parts of the
country. Out of the results of research and technologies developed, different publications
resulted and they were distributed to various sectors. Since then, people have become
aware of the potentials of bamboo and both the public and private individuals/organizations
embarked on the massive propagation and planting of bamboos.

Bamboo taxonomy

Logically, it is important that all bamboo species must be properly identified. Bamboos are
found everywhere and research on various aspects of bamboo involve many problems in
the country. The information accumulated from such research should also be transferable.
However, if the bamboo species are not correctly identified and if voucher specimens are
not kept or cited, the result has little value. Likewise, identification of bamboos with common
or local names, is absolutely discouraged because a bamboo species has many local
names not only in the place where it grows, but also in the town or provinces, where it is
found growing or marketed. In the case of the Philippine bamboos, there are a number of
taxonomic problems. Verification based on the previously collected and identified voucher
specimens became impossible because these collections were burned during the war. New
collections were only made in the late 1980s, when the Philippine Plant Inventory Project
was implemented, with Dr Benjamin Stone as the consultant. Other taxonomists like Dr
Elizabeth A. Widjaja of Herbarium Bogoriense, Bogor, Indonesia and Dr Soejatmi Dransfield
of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, UK have helped in the identification of some of the
important bamboos in the country.

In 1989, Dr Widjaja visited the Philippines and conducted a training course on Bamboo
Taxonomy. She visited different parts of the country to identify various bamboos.

In 1993, Dr S. Dransfield also visited different parts of country, specifically the Luzon area.
She collected specimens of Schizostachyum and Dinochloa, which needed further
verification. Since then, she studied, revised and published articles on the said bamboo
species. In 1994, Rojo et al. conducted a 3-year project on bamboos “Field guide for the
identification of erect bamboos grown in the Philippines,” collected botanical materials from
the field for taxonomic study, provided updated nomenclature of the species and produced
a guide book for their identification. In this project, 42 erect bamboo species were identified
and described, a key for the identification was constructed.

Bamboo conservation

Due to the diminishing wood supply, bamboos are now in high demand as raw material
sources for furniture, handicraft and many products. Because of this, bamboos are over cut
by improper harvesting methods, causing serious genetic erosion due to unabated
pressure. Hence, there is an urgent need for in situ and ex situ conservation, especially for
those considered rare and endangered. In 1987, ERDB, through the UNDP-FAO Bamboo
Research and Development Project, initiated the establishment of pilot bamboo plantations
and bambuseta in different parts of the country. Details about these plantations and
bambuseta are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

Table 3. Bamboo species planted in pilot plantations, their hectarage and location

Location Species planted Area/s planted

Bambusa blumeana 2 ha
Bambusa vulgaris 2 ha
Rosario, La Union
Bambusa sp. 1 (bayog) 2 ha
Dendrocalamus asper 2 ha
Bambusa blumeana 2 ha
Bambusa vulgaris 2 ha
Magalang, Pampanga
Bambusa sp. 1 (bayog) 2 ha
Gigantochloa levis 2 ha
Bambusa blumeana 2 ha
Bambusa vulgaris 2 ha
Dunarao, Capiz
Bambusa sp. 1 (bayog) 2 ha
Gigantochloa levis 2 ha
Minglanilla, Cebu Bambusa blumeana 2 ha
 Bambusa vulgaris 2 ha
Bambusa sp. 1 (bayog) 2 ha
Dendrocalamus asper 2 ha
Gigantochloa levis 2 ha
Schizostachyum lumampao 2 ha
Bambusa blumeana 2 ha
Bambusa vulgaris 2 ha
Bambusa sp. 1 (bayog) 2 ha
Malaybalay, Bukidnon
Dendrocalamus asper 2 ha
Gigantochloa levis 2 ha
Schizostachyum lumampao 2 ha
Bambusa blumeana 1 ha
Bambusa sp. 2 (laak) 2 ha
Bambusa vulgaris 2 ha
Bislig, Surigao del Sur
Gigantochloa atter 2 ha
Gigantochloa levis 2 ha
Schizostachyum lumampao 2 ha

Table 4. Location area covered and number of species planted in different bambuseta

Location Area covered (ha) Number of species planted

Philippine Bambusetum Loakan, Baguio City 4.4 62
Los Baños Bambusetum Los Baños, Laguna 2.2 34
Davao Bambusetum Nabunturan, Davao del Norte 2 33
Bukidnon Bambusetum Malaybalay, Bukidnon 10 31
ERDB Bambusetum Los Baños, Laguna 20

Bamboo propagation

Knowledge on different methods of propagation is vital to determine the appropriate method

for each particular species and their growth condition. Bamboos can be propagated either
by seeds, culm cuttings, branch cuttings or marcotting, offset or rhizome cutting and tissue
culture.

Propagation by seed

This method is seldom used because of the rare and irregular flowering of most bamboo
species. Besides, most bamboos produce infertile seeds or they seldom develop seeds.
Moreover, most bamboos generally die soon after flowering (Table 5). In 1990, Sinohin
conducted a study on the “Phenology of some bamboos in the Philippines” and recorded
phenological details of flowering and fruiting of 7 bamboo species namely: Bambusa
blumeana, Bambusa sp., Schizostachyum lumampao, Dendrocalamus latiflora,
Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa levis and Gigantochloa atter, growing in different parts
of the country (Table 6). Results showed that in all species, formation of flower buds started
from October to November and then the flowers bloomed continuously throughout the year.
Preliminary surveys and observations also showed that among the flowering bamboo
species, only Gigantochloa levis and Schizostachyum lumampao produced viable seeds.
Approximately 5 g of seeds of G. levis were collected and germinated, 50% germination
was obtained after 3 days. Several germinants were also observed on the spike. Wildlings
were also observed. Likewise, about 10 g seeds of S. lumampao were collected in
Naguilian Road in Tuba, Benguet. Eighty percent germination was obtained in 2-8 days.
Several germinants were also observed on the spike and on the ground.

Table 5. Flowering bamboo species

Scientific Name Place collected Date Collected

Gigantochloa levis Laguna; Batangas; Quezon; Iloilo; Davao 1989; 1990
Dendrocalamus asper Samar; Leyte; Bukidnon 1990; 1994
Dendrocalamus latiflorus Baguio; Davao 1990
Schizostachyum lumampao La Union; Laguna; Abra; Ilocos Norte 1988; 1989;
1990
Schizostachyum lima Laguna 1993
Schizostachyum brachycladum Laguna; Batangas 1990
Schizostachyum (green Nueva Viscaya, Davao 1990
variety)
Bambusa blumeana Laguna; Batangas; Bulacan 1990
Bambusa sp. (bayog) Nueva Viscaya; Baguio 1990
Bambusa atra Davao 1983
Bambusa vulgaris Legaspi (Albay); Samar 1991; 1994
Gigantochloa atter Leyte 1990
Schizostachyum luzonicum Zambales 1995
Schizostachyum fenixii Abra 1995
Pseudostachyum Nueva Viscaya 1989
polymorphum
Dinochloa species (4) Mt. Sto. Tomas; Benguet; Batangas; Pampanga; 1994
Rizal
Bambusa vulgaris var. striata Quezon City 1995
Thyrsostachys siamensis Baguio City 1995

Table 6. Bamboo species that produced seeds

Scientific Name Place collected Date collected

1. Schizostachyum lumampao La Union; Benguet April 1989
2. Schizostachyum brachycladum Laguna; Batangas May 1990
3. Gigantochloa levis Laguna March 1990
4. Dendrocalamus asper Samar May 1994
5. Dendrocalamus latiflorus Baguio March 1990
6. Dinochloa species Rizal; Benguet; Pampanga Feb. 1989
7. Pseudostachyum polymorphum Nueva Viscaya Feb. 1989
Propagation by tissue culture

In 1986, the Institute of Plant Breeding obtained a grant from the International Development
Research Centre (IDRC) to work on bamboo tissue culture. In 1988, Zamora et al. reported
the results of their study (Zamora et al. 1992). Results showed that the media composition,
sterilization, and contamination were the main problems encountered. The decontamination
procedure for shoots of Dendrocalamus latiflorus was unsuitable for Bambusa
blumeana and other species. Callus establishment from ground corms of Bambusa vulgaris,
Bambusa sp., Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa levis and Shizostachyum
lumampao was observed. Browning was prominent in these species and D. latiflorus. In
1992, Zamora et al. published results of their study entitled “Plant selection, potting mixes
and field planting of tissue culture derived plants of Schizostachyum
lumampao and Dendrocalamus strictus”. Results showed that higher percentages of
survival were obtained with acclimatized plantlets at 2 to 3 leaf stage, timing of potting
during warmer months; use of sand; coir dust and soil; sand and coir dust, compost and
soil; soil from creekside and sand. Growth of plantlets was favored in rich mixtures
containing compost. Rhizomes developed within 3 months in nursery. Potting mixtures were
recommended for one - step and two - step potting protocols. Tissue culture derived plants
of Dendrocalamus strictus planted in the field after 4, 6 and 8 months of nursery care
showed that all plants survived. Planting at the onset of the rainy season was beneficial and
growth was fastest in older plants. Tissue culture derived plants of Schizostachyum
lumampao likewise survived and grew well.

Vegetative propagation

Over the years many new vegetative propagation techniques have been developed, tested
and perfected. The vegetative parts used for propagation were: rhizome or offset, culm, and
branch cuttings. The rhizome or offset method of propagating bamboo is applicable to
species with loose clumps and they are difficult to raise by culm cuttings such as anos
(Schizostachyum lima) and buho (Schizostachyum lumampao). The offset can be collected
during the rainy season and if the planting site is near the source, the offset can be planted
immediately in the field. However, it is better to raise them first in plastic bags in the nursery
before transplanting to ensure better growth and survival in the field (Malab et al. 1995).

Among the vegetative parts, the one node culm cutting method is at present the most widely
used because it is the most economical and easiest to handle. This method is
recommended for raising planting stocks of the genera Bambusa,
Dendrocalamus and Gigantochloa. The cutting should come from healthy one to two-year-
old culms. Very young culms rot easily, whereas, older ones withstand transference.

Manipula et al. (1990) conducted a study on the survival and growth of culm cuttings and
whole culms of kayali (Gigantochloa atter) in relation to age and culm portion. The results
showed that 6-month-old culm had the highest percent bud node sprouts survival at middle
portion (43.33%) but not significantly different from the basal portion of the culm; the
average number and height of shoots at the basal portion were significantly higher than at
the top portion but not very different from the middle portion. The average number of leaves
at the basal portion (10.10) was different from the middle and top portion; many differences
were observed on the average number of roots and length at 3 portions of the culm used.
The average height of shoots of 6-month-old culm was more (6.89 cm) than 1-year-old culm
(1.58 cm).

Propagation through branch cuttings is one of the most practical methods and easy to
handle. Thick walled species with stout branches like those
of Bambusa andDendrocalamus species grew much better. Generally the basal and middle
portion of the bamboo pole are good sources of branch cuttings (Malab et al. 1995).

A modified method is branch-marcot cutting. Although this method is similar to culm cutting,
rooting is induced first, the branch is cut into one-node pieces after the roots become
apparent. The growth of the marcot plants can be enhanced by raising the plants in plastic
bags using the same technique as in culm cutting (Malab et al. 1995).

In 1989, Alfonso developed a new and practical method of propagating Bambusa

blumeana by branch marcottage. He did this by attaching transparent plastic bags filled with
wet sphagnum moss at the basal portion of branches attached to culms during the monsoon
months. After two weeks, roots were visible through the plastic film. They could be
separated and planted.

Cariño (1990) marcotted Bambusa vulgaris using compost, garden soil, manalo roots
combined with polyacrylamide. Data on number of days for root emergence, length of roots,
their color were observed and recorded. Results showed that compost + P 4 helped earliest
root emergence and longest root length, while manalo roots + P4 produced most number of
roots. Using branch cutting was advantageous because branches were plentiful.

Decipulo (1997, personal communication) used branch cuttings in the propagation

of Dendrocalamus asper in Malaybalay, Bukidnon. The cuttings were planted directly in the
plastic bag, and cut branches from the 2-4 year old culms of D. asper survived well.

Ramoran et al. (1993) studied the rapid production of planting stocks from newly
established bamboo plantation of commercially important species viz giant bamboo
(Dendrocalamus asper), bayog (Bambusa sp. 1) and kawayan tinik (Bambusa
blumeana). The planting stocks were tested in nursery plots. Survival and height of sprouts
were analyzed and recorded for each species. Results showed that all treatments were
favourable promoting survival and height of sprouts of D. asper. The vegetative parts
particularly the level of rhizome offset, gave highest percentage of survival with a mean
value of 46.66. The response of interaction between the 3 to 4-year-old clump and rhizome
offsets, gave the highest mean survival value of 56.67 percent. No significant variation was
found among the treatments used on the survival of Bambusa sp. 1.

Plantation management and harvesting technique

Large-scale plantations should be planned, taking into consideration the prevalent climatic
conditions and making sure that water source is easily accessible for irrigation purposes.
For areas with a marked dry season, the selection of drought-tolerant bamboos
like Bambusa sp. 1, Gigantochloa levis or Bambusa blumeana would be acceptable. For
areas with high and regular rainfall or a very short dry season, Schizostachyum lumampao,
Dendrocalamus asper, Gigantochloa atter andBambusa sp. 2 are more suitable.

Pastor (1992) reported that a nursery is vital for establishing a bamboo plantation. In 1986,
he directly planted cutting's of Bambusa blumeana and out of the 4000 cuttings planted,
only 1000 survived and the experiment was repeated in 1987. A nursery was established in
1988 and survival rate of plants was 60%. Besides improved survival rate, they were able to
reduce input cost.

The pilot plantation in Magalang, Pampanga, was established in 1989 using nursery-raised
cuttings. Grasses obtained from strip brushing were used to maintain moisture in the
bamboo clump. Three hundred gm of complete fertilizer was applied annually for three
consecutive years, after planting. Gonzales and Umali (1995) reported that direct planting of
bamboo in a large-scale plantation was not feasible and practical. Bamboo planting stocks
should be potted in the nursery for about six to eight months before outplanting.

The main objective of managing bamboo plantations was to maximize yield through
sustained clump productivity (Virtucio 1996). This was attainable through the application of
appropriate silvicultural and harvesting techniques for specific bamboo species. Several
factors must be considered to attain such objectives and these include: nature of bamboo
stands; site conditions related to the species; specific end use or utilization properties; and
regenerative capacity of the given species.

Harvesting is one of the most important activities in a bamboo plantation not only because it
leads to the production of culms than be used or sold but also, it can improve production
both quantity and quality. A preliminary study conducted on B. blumeana indicated that
removal of spines and cutting of culms (close to the ground) increased shoot production,
reduced shoot mortality and farming of deformed culms. Virtucio and Tomboc (1990)
studied the effect of 3 levels of thinning, 3 cutting age groups and 2 felling cycles on culm
yield over a period of 10 years in natural stands of Schizostachyum lumampao, details were
as follows: thinning (heavy, moderate and light), cutting age (3 years and above, 4 years
and above and 5 years and above); and felling cycle (every year or every 2 years). The
results indicated that moderate thinning, cutting once in 3 years and above and felling cycle
of 2 years was suitable for managing Schizostachyum lumampao natural stands and to
obtain optimum yield.

Virtucio et al. (1992) studied the effect of 3 levels of thinning, 3 cutting age groups and 2
felling cycles on the culm yield of the natural stands of Bambusa blumeanaSchultz. The
levels of the 3 factors studied were: thinning (heavy, moderate and light); culm cutting age
(3 years old and above, 4 years old and above and, 5 years old and above); felling cycle
(every year and every 2 years). The results showed that the application of light thinning;
cutting of culms 4 years old and above; and a felling cycle of 2 years were the optimum
conditions for managing Bambusa blumeana natural stands.

Utilization

Bamboo is one of the natural resources of the tropics, and because of its wide distribution,
availability, rapid growth, easy handling and desirable properties, it has been well used in
the daily life of the local community for a wide range of purposes. With the alarming
shrinkage of tropical forests and the application of restrictions on timber harvesting in
consideration of environmental concerns, research on the substitution of timber with
bamboo in some areas of utilization was intensified. In recent years, bamboos have been
used in the highly competitive world market in the form of pulp for paper, parquet, plywood
and furniture industries.

Bamboo has some disadvantages like susceptibility to insect and fungal attack, small
diameter, thin-walled and hollow condition. Improvement can be made by further
understanding of the structure, physical, mechanical, chemical, and technological properties
of bamboo. Due to many advancements a number of new bamboo-based products with
special properties were developed replacing timber as the raw material. Most of the new
products from thin-walled bamboos are in the form of composites and reconstituted panel
products. These products include woven bamboo mat board, corrugated board, bamboo
slivers, laminated board, bamboo strips, plyboard, bamboo-based fiberboards, bamboo-
based cement-bonded particleboard, and resin-bonded, bamboo-based particleboard (Bello
and Espiloy 1995).

Research in progress

Much progress has been made in bamboo research, through the DENR-UNDP-FAO
Bamboo R & D Project, which initiated research and establishment of pilot plantations and
bambuseta. Much more needs to be done. Different propagation methods are being
improved, including the use of branch cuttings for propagation of some bamboo species.
Different management and harvesting techniques are being conducted within the
plantations established through the UNDP-FAO Bamboo R & D Project. The properties of
different bamboo species are being studied in search of other lesser-known species which
can be used in addition to the presently used commercial species. Likewise, this is being
done to increase resources to develop new products.

Initially, it is important to conduct a nationwide survey to determine the existing bamboo

resources in the country. Through this survey, the actual number of bamboo species and
their quantity can be determined. Likewise, lesser known species with greater potential
could be found. The identity of each bamboo species should be determined and bamboo
species on which the local people depend should be prioritized. The rare and endangered
bamboo species should be identified, conserved, protected from over-exploitation. More
plantations should be established in different parts of the country. Proper management of
sustainable resources in natural stands and plantations should be developed. Properties of
different bamboo species should be studied to develop new products.

References

Bamboo Master Plan 1997. Executive Summary. Master Plan for the development of
bamboo as a renewable resource. OIDC (Orient Integrated Development Consultants, Inc.)
and cottage industry technology center, DTI, Marikina City, Metro Manila.
Bello, E.D. and Z.B. Espiloy. 1995. New products and applications of bamboo. Paper
presented during the national symposium on the sustainability of the bamboo industry held
at the ERDB Auditorium, College, Laguna, 20-21 Dec 1995.

Cariño, F.C. 1990. Marcotting of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad, Using polyacrylamide. Paper
presented at the Second National Bamboo R & D Symposium held at the ERDB Auditorium,
College, Laguna on Dec 14 1990.

Dransfield, S. and E.A. Widjaja (eds.). 1995. Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 7.
Bamboos. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden.

Gonzales, L.L. and P.A. Umali, 1995. The art and technique of establishing bamboo
plantation in cogonal and stony areas. The Magalang Experience. Canopy International.
Vol. 21. Nos. 1 & 2. pp. 9-11.

INBAR Country Report: Philippine 1997, ERDB, Los Banos.

Malab, S.C., S. Ma. Pablico and L.G. Battad. 1995. Bamboo planting material production
and nursery management. Paper presented during the National-Bamboo Symposium on
Dec. 19-21, 1995 held at the ERDB, Auditorium, College, Laguna.

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