FPRDI Conducts E-Bamboo Production Training for LGU-Llanera, Nueva Ecija
April 28, 2016
The Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) conducted a three-day training on engineered bamboo (e-bamboo) production last 22-24 February 2016 at the Llanera Manpower Training Center (LMTC), Brgy. Mabini, Llanera, Nueva Ecija.
Organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional and provincial offices and the local government unit (LGU) of Llanera, Nueva Ecija and assisted by the Pamayanang Nagkakaisa Producers Cooperative (PAMANA), the training taught 21 LGU members and 2 PAMANA cooperative members the proper way of processing bamboo slats into engineered bamboo.
FPRDI's Engineered Products and Development Section’s Dr. Rico J. Cabangon, lectured on engineered bamboo production and utilization. Together with Mr. Nathaniel A. Ramos, he demonstrated the step-by-step process of bamboo slats preparation to gluing them into bamboo planks.
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| Dr. Cabangon (center, top image) and Mr. Ramos (center, bottom image) demonstrates to the participants the proper way of processing bamboo slats into engineered bamboo. |
According to For. Zenaida R. Reyes of FPRDI’s Training and Manpower Development Services Section, “The three-day training taught the participants how to maximize the use of the LGU’s newly-established bamboo shared service facility (SSF). The knowledge and skills they have learned will help provide livelihood opportunities for the Llanera community.”
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Explains Dr. Cabangon, “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. There is also the rising demand for engineered products in making housing components, and the current trend of using bamboo as a raw material for computer and phone accessories.”
Engineered bamboo includes a wide range of products made by binding together bamboo veneers, strands, fibers, strips or slats, woven mats or flattened bamboo with a suitable glue to form a composite material designed to meet specific needs. It is often stronger and less prone to warping than equivalent solid woods. (Maybell Mariella A. Amador, 19 April 2016)
