FPRDI hosts bamboo forum for potential investors
August 1, 2013
In a bid to encourage more people to invest in bamboo-based enterprises, the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) held the “Bamboo Live!: A Forum on Bamboo Processing and Utilization Technologies” last 17 July 2013 in its Conference Hall. The forum was initiated by the Department of Science and Technology’s Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) and FPRDI as part of this year’s celebration of the National Science and Technology Week.
According to FPRDI Director Romulo T. Aggangan, “We focused on promoting bamboo because this sector is truly a sunshine industry.” In his opening remarks to guests from some of the region’s local government units, the business sector, non-government organizations and the media, he said, “Napakadami nating puwedeng pangarapin, puwedeng pag-usapan at puwedeng gawin sa industriyang ito. Kailangan lamang na magsama-sama, mag-usap usap at magtulungan tayo para lubos nating mapakinabangan ang lahat ng biyaya na dulot ng kawayan.” (There are so many things that we can dream about, talk about and do with regard to bamboo. All we need is to come together, talk and work as a team so that we can take full advantage of all the benefits bamboo can bring.)
Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, Chief of FPRDI’s Engineered Products and Development Section, talked about the Institute’s bamboo processing technologies such as bamboo veneer lathe, flattening machine, moisture meter, and furnace-type dryer. He also presented FPRDI’s Do-It-Yourself bamboo shelter and bamboo jointing system, and the Institute’s manufacturing standards for engineered or man-made bamboo products.
“A lot is in store for players in the bamboo industry especially since bamboo has a very promising application in the construction, furniture and handicraft, food and transportation industries. World trade for bamboo products amounted to US $12 billion in 2012 and is expected to increase by US $20 billion in 2015,” said Cabangon. He mentioned the rising demand for engineered products in making housing components, and the current trend on using bamboo as a raw material for computer and phone accessories.
Director Aggangan, meanwhile, cited the government’s support in promoting the bamboo industry. “Thru Executive Order 879, the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council was created to push for a robust and sustainable bamboo sector nationwide,” he said. EO 879 “directs the use of bamboo for at least 25% of the desk and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools and to prioritize the use of bamboo in furniture fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities.”
Answering the questions during the open forum were Dr. Carlos M. Garcia, Engr. Belen B. Bisana, Engr. Dante B. Pulmano, Engr. Victor G. Revilleza and Engr. Ruben A. Zamora of FPRDI; Director Susan R. Palo of the Department of Trade and Industry-Laguna, and Mr. Paulino A. Umali Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau.
In the afternoon, the participants visited the FPRDI-designed bamboo gazebo constructed at the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) grounds, also in Los Banos, Laguna.
Among the guests who attended the event were Los Baños Mayor Cesar Perez; Laguna 2nd District Board Member Neptali Bagnes; Tanay, Rizal Mayor Lito Tanjuatco; former Maragondon, Cavite Mayor Monte Andaman, and Rizal, Laguna Mayor Tony Aurelio. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin, 22 July 2013)
