As part of the project “Processing and Utilization of Senile and Unproductive Rubberwood (Hevea braziliensis) Trees for the Production of High Value Furniture, Mouldings and Joineries”, the DOST- FPRDI recently published training manuals on rubberwood sawmilling, protection and preservation, lumber drying, and furniture making.
According to Project Leader Engr. Victor G. Revilleza, “These publications are expected to aid those interested in producing wooden crafts and furniture from the rubberwood tree. Harvested rubberwood logs are commonly used for low-value products such as pallets, fruit crates and fuel wood because of limited knowledge in their processing.
With 210 hectares of old rubberwood trees, the plantations of the Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative (TARBEMCO) in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay are expected to yield 31,500 cubic meters of good lumber for use in high-value applications. Through training and establishment of a rubberwood processing facility, we hope to help farmers maximize the untapped potential of rubberwood in the province”. ### (Juliemar V. Purificacion, 04 September 2019)
