Bamboo shows potential as lumber alternative
OF SAN FERNANDO – Bamboo may soon be the next best alternative to lumber.
This as bamboo's many vital economic and ecologic uses may yet propel it as the country's next alternative material for lumber and as an effective greening agent to increase the country's forest cover.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu made this statement, as he promotes the use of bamboo species as an alternative to lumber. Cimatu is also keen on using different bamboo species for the government's greening programs.
According to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), bamboo is a popular non-timber forest product and a viable substitute for wood in furniture, wall and floor panels.
PCCAARRD said bamboo can be used in handicrafts and consumed as food.
Studies show it also prevents soil erosion and sequester carbon from the atmosphere. There are 62 species of bamboo thriving in the Philippines and 21 of which can only be found in the country.
Engineered bamboo and greening efforts
Since interest on the many uses of bamboo peaked in the past 10 years, many areas in the country have ventured into the possibility of using bamboo as an alternative to lumber. Bayambang town in Pangasinan hosts a factory for "engineered bamboo."
"Bamboo can be a potential alternative to lumber and this is what they are doing in Pangasinan in the Green Bamboo Factory," Cimatu sai d.
Cimatu said bamboo is easy to plant and grow, and has high survival, but many of our people have not understood the benefits and uses of this species.