Philippine Forest Vines for Handicrafts and other Forest-based Industries
Forest vines are one of the least studied non-timber forest products in the country. However, forest vines are important source of raw materials for handicraft industry. According to the study Philippines is globally known for its handicrafts and the industry is the country’s top 11th contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for the production and marketing of baskets, bags, decorative and other novelty items.
On the other hand, there are no comprehensive data or research studies conducted on the volume, production, physical and technological properties as well as on the development of utilization technologies on forest vines in the country. The production of forest vines in the country is still in the process of research and development to find a solution on germination and propagation techniques. Environmental agency here in the Philippines are aiding the problem.
FPRDI’s program in Philippines Forest Vines for Handicraft and Furniture Industry aims to provide information and develop processing technologies for the sustainable production and utilization of forest vines for handicrafts and furniture industry in the country. Its intentions are to determine the volume of available forest vines and their rate of natural regeneration; determine the natural durability, anatomical, physical and mechanical, chemical properties of forest vines; develop germination or propagation technologies and establish plantations of forest vines; develop and/or improve processing technologies on preservation, seasoning (drying), finishing and improvement of products made from forest vines and assess the market for forest vines.
