Feasibility Studies

Bamboo or kawayan is a woody perennial belonging to the family family of grasses, Gramineae (Poaceae), with unique unique qualities qualities and

versatile uses. uses. The The bamboo bamboo culm culm or pole is ideal as an

inexpensive source of material for housing and construction, scaffolding, furniture, handicraft, banana props, fishpens, agricultural implements implements and carts, carts, musical instruments, boat outrigger, outrigger, pulp and paper manufacture, toys, industrial products such as bamboo tiles and plywood, and many more. It is commonly planted along river banks and Bamboo Production and Propagation Methods waterways to hold the soil in place and to check soil erosion. The young shoots (dabong or tambo) of certa in species are ideal for food either fresh or canned. canned.

Harvesting of culms can be started in 3-5 years. This is is a

clear advantage even over fast growing trees because of quick return of investments. There are more than 1,000 species of bamboo worldwide. In 1996, it was documented that there were 62 native and introduced species of bamboo bamboo in the Philippines with various growth growth habits including including clump- and nonclump-forming, erect and climbing climbing types. Twenty one (21) of these are endemic endemic or native to the country. Thirteen (13) are climbers and 8 are erect. For farm establishment, agroforestry or engineered bamboo, bamboo, the following species are highly recommended: 1. Giant bamboo or apos (Dendrocalamus asper); 2. Botong, bolo, patong or buljuiawa (Gigantochloa levis (Blanco) Merr.); 3.Thorny bamboo, spiny bamboo, kawayan tinik, kawayan totoo or tamlang (Bambusa blumeana Schultes). 4. Bayog (Bambusa sp. but formerly named Dendrocalamus Dendrocalamus merrillianus) Other important species which are grown in in private plantations are laak (Sphaerobambos (Sphaerobambos philippinensis), philippinensis), kawayankiling or lunas (Bambusa vulgaris) and buho or bagakay (Schizostachyum lumampao). Machiku (Dendrocalamus latiflorus), which is an introduced species, is internationally known for vegetable (shoot) production.Bamboo Production and Propagation Methods Two o ther introduced species, a mottled bamboo and the buddha’s belly (Bambusa ventricosa) which has short, swollen internode, are gaining popularity for the bahay kubo and furniture-making industry. industry.

Bamboo is the fastest growing canopy for the regreening of  degraded lands, and its stands release 35% more oxygen than equivalent stands of trees. Some bamboo even sequester up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide from the air per hectare. Bamboo can also lower light intensity and protects against ultraviolet rays. Traditional belief holds that being in a bamboo grove restores calmness to emotions and stimulates creativity.

The study showed that bamboo trees can absorb 33% more carbon dioxide and can emit up to 35% more oxygen as compared to other trees, making it the best solution for carbon sequestration. In accordance to the Executive Order No. 879, an order creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council to help strengthen the bamboo industry in the country issued on May 25, 2010, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado thru the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) pushes and encourages Bulakenyos to plant bamboo grass because of its various economic uses. The bamboo species in the Philippines can address and provide for our basic needs such as food through its bamboo shoots, clothing through its fiber and shelter through its body, and many more, the BENRO studies cited. Another characteristic of the bamboo acco rding to the research, is that it’s the most sustainable tree because in a span of three years, it can be harvested unlike others that will take 10 years before it can be

Alvarado also added that after Bulacan's team of expert on environment who conducted study tour in China with regards to the importance of bamboo, it was found out that it can also be developed as a big industry in the Philippines and as such is the handicraft and furniture making and can also be used in many purposes and could generate jobs to the locale folks. The abundance of Bamboo grass in Bulacan is assured since it is very prolific and can grow anywhere. Moreover, planting of bamboo grass could prevent soil erosion because of its ability to hold six cubic meters of soil and has 25% of expanding, growing roots. Prior to this, a Bamboo grass planting were done along the riverbanks in Bustos recently in cooperation with the Couples for Christ, Parole and Probation Board, Sagip Sierra Madre Movement and the municipality of Bustos wherein more than 1,000 bamboos were planted. (Freddie C. Velez)

Bamboo grass may hold key to fighting global warming May 5, 2011, 10:49pm Copyright 2011. Manila Bulletin | All Rights Reserved

After reaching maturity, bamboo can be selectively harvested annually with about 1520% of the total stock removed without clear-cutting, soil erosion, ecosystem disruption, replanting, or reducing the carbon sequestration rate of the plantation. The selective harvesting will actually increase the biomass yield by 20 times versus bamboo left in the wild (Widenoja 2007).