Philippine National Report on Bamboo

 note: copied from various bamboo researchers


I. INTRODUCTION

The Philippine archipelago, composed of 7,100 islands, is located between latitudes 5^oN and 21^oN and longitudes 116^oE and 127^oE. It is bordered by the Luzon strait to the north the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Celebes Sea to the south, the Sulu and South China Seas to the west (FAO, 1995 and World Resources Institute, 1994).

It has a total land area of 30 million ha, 53 percent (15.88 m. ha) of which is forest land (Philippine Forestry Statistics 1996). Land is classified as alienable and disposable, unclassified and forest lands. Forest lands are categorized into reservation, timberland, national parks, military and naval reservation, civil reservation and fishponds.

There are approximately 83 million Filipinos (Philippine Statistical Yearbook, 2005). Two thirds of the population lives in rural areas. The total labor force in 1993 was 26.8 million (13.0 million in urban areas, and 13.8 million in rural areas) with 10 percent unemployed (de Los Angeles and Ygrubay, 1992).

Almost all the lowland areas suitable for intensive cultivation are occupied (ADB, 1994). Landless people are forced to migrate to the steep uplands where they convert forests to farms through slash and burn cultivation and the most notable result is forest degradation. In 1994, it was estimated that deforestation occurs at a rate of 100,000 ha per year.

Because of the rather sad plight of the environmental and socio-economic conditions of the people within the forest lands, utilization of resources must be sustainably reached. Among the resources found within these forest lands are bamboo. Bamboo has proven to be vital resources in terms of its contribution to the national economy and ecological stability of the Philippines.

Bamboo stands out among woody plants because it possesses unique qualities and offers a wide array of uses. The bamboo culms has long been tapped as an inexpensive source of housing materials, furniture, handicraft, banana props, fish pens and other innumerable products. The young shoots of certain species are gathered for food. The rhizomes in its roots help prevent soil erosion and control floods. Through the years, the uses of bamboo have largely diversified and benefited many industries. Because of its large fibers, it is also a good material for pulp and paper. Its short rotation of about 4-6 years is a distinct advantage over fast growing tree species because of quick turn over in terms of investments.

In spite of its myriad of traditional uses, the main reasons for the classification of bamboo as a "minor forest product" or "secondary timber" have been enumerated by Bello and Espiloy in 1995. These include the following: 1.) abundance of wood from natural forests in the past particularly the lesser known or commercially less accepted species for the reproduction of reconstituted panel products; and 2.) constraints in cultivating bamboo which may be monocarpic, fire tender and easily bruised.

In the Philippines, bamboo has diverse, functional and traditional uses. It underlies so much of Philippine culture that it is part of many ceremonies, traditions and beliefs. Philippine culture is also replete with myths and tales about bamboo. For example, the first Filipino man ("lalaki") and woman (babae") came from a piece of bamboo according to a Visayan myth.

Various instruments be it wind, string or percussion are made out of bamboo while split and unsplit bamboo are used in Philippine folkdances. Examples of these are "tinikling", "singkil", and "subli".

Bamboo is also part of Philippine folk games. The "palo sebo," a greased bamboo pole with a small bag of prize money or toys tied at the end is a game always played during fiesta time. "Luksong kawayan" or high jump also uses bamboo poles or sticks as hurdles.

Bamboo has likewise taken a very important role as a traditional weapon during times of war. During the Spanish era, bamboo mats were rolled to appear like cannons and were mounted on carts. On Sept. 2, 1896, a Filipino band composed of bamboo musical instruments was used to fool their enemies by attacking the Spanish garrison.

In ancient times, furniture was usually made of bamboo. These include "papag" (bed), "bangko" (bench), and "aparador" (cabinet). On the other hand, basketry is probably the oldest bamboo handicraft in the Philippines. Bamboo baskets are produced for all sorts of uses.

Bamboo is also used in many ways for food and food preparation. Bamboo containers are used to steam rice, the staple food of the Filipinos. Bamboo shoots are either cooked as food or pickled and is considered as a delicacy in many places. However, this aspect of bamboo utilization has not yet been developed as an industry. Bamboo kitchen utensils are carved from bamboo while split bamboo is woven and laminated to make plates. In rural areas, "banggerahan or paminggalan" still serve as cupboards where dishes are dried and kept. Bamboo skewers are commonly used to roast pigs while thinner sticks are used for barbeques such as pork, chicken, innards, hotdogs, bananas and sweet potatoes.

In agriculture, bamboo is used as props for banana and vegetables, baskets for packaging fruits, fish and vegetables, agricultural implements and construction of animal drawn carts for transporting farm products. Bamboo is also used as dibble sticks in planting. In early agriculture, bamboo was used for fetching water from rivers, deep wells or surface wells.

Bamboo is also used extensively as an indigenous material for soil and water conservation technologies. Check dams use woven bamboo strips between the pegs while bush or stones are placed against the dam’s upper side. In protecting river/stream banks, bamboo can be planted to stabilize water while holding the soil in place and reducing water flow.

In the 1570s, when the Spaniards arrived in the country, the typical Filipino house or "bahay kubo" was built with a framework of bamboo poles and walls of split cane woven like a mat. 

I. BAMBOO RESOURCES

A. Bamboo Resources

In the past, bamboo production area would only refer to bamboos naturally growing in the forest and in "natural stands" in private lands. However, today, bamboo plantations have become dependable sources of raw materials for some segments of the bamboo industry.

The Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), through the UNDP-FAO Bamboo Research and Development Project established 57 ha of bamboo pilot plantations in six different sites of the country with 8 to 11 ha per site. Eight commercial species are being tried in the pilot plantations. These are the following: Bambusa blumeana (kauayan tinik); Bambusa vulgaris (kiling); Bambusa sp. (bayog); Bambusa sp. (laak); Dendrocalamus asper (giant bamboo); Gigantochloa levis (bolo); Gigantochloa atter (kayali); and Schizostachyum lumampao (buho). The plantations are located in Rosario, La Union (Region 1); Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC), Magalang, Pampanga (Region 3); Dumarao, Capiz (Region 6), Minglanilla, Cebu (Region 7), Malaybalay, Bukidnon (Region 10); and Bislig, Surigao del Sur (CARAGA).

In Davao Province in Mindanao, thousands of hectares of lands were planted to laak (Bambusa sp. 2). These were meant for the demand for banana props.

Jose Pastor of Isla Verde, Batangas established a 50-ha kauayan-tinik (Bambusa blumeana) plantation. The bamboos were being used by the family in producing furnitures.

In Pililla, Rizal, Domingo Alfonso has a 20-ha kauayan-tinik (Bambusa blumeana) plantation. The family is producing high-quality furniture which they supply to department stores, i.e. Rustans, and SM stores and also for export.

Based on the information from various sources the total available bamboo resources in terms of area covered and annual estimated available bamboo poles for harvesting and utilization were analyzed according to the nature of origin (Table 2).

The computation showed that there is at least a total of about 39,211 to 52,711 ha of production area for erect bamboos with an expected production of approximately 29 to 52 million harvestable poles per year. Of these volumes, about 65 to 68 percent will come from forestlands, 22 to 25 percent from natural stands, 5 to 5.5 percent from private plantations and 3 to 4 percent from government plantations. This data is rather high compared to the figures presented in Table 3 where only 626,889 pieces of bamboo were gathered from forestlands in 1996.Rojo in 1996 prepared a list of Philippine bamboos taxonomically recognized and/or published by various authors.

In that same year, Rojo reported that there are now 62 species of bamboos growing in the Philippines (Table 5). However, it seems that there are only 21 species of bamboos endemic to the Philippines. Six of these are also native to other countries. Of the endemics, those not found elsewhere but in the Philippines, seven belong to the genus Schizostachybum of which five are climbing and are erect. The rest belong to other genera, of which three are erect and five are climbing. Thus, most Philippines bamboos that are native to the country are mostly climbing (10 species) and only five species are erect ones. The predominance of climbing bamboos over the erect ones of both endemic and native species has an implication on the supply of culms available for commercial use. At present, the climbing bamboos although abundant in terms of the number of culms are used for kaing or basket making and native fences which are priced lower than the products manufactured from erect bamboos.

Of the native and erect bamboos, only four species are of economic and commercial importance (Rojo 1996). These species are: Dendrocalamus (Bambusa species) merrillianus, Shizostachyum lima, S. lumampao and (Bambusa spec. 2) philippinensis. Nevertheless, domestication of introduced bamboos has long been done and is used commercially. The commercially useful bamboos are shown in Table 6. It should be noted that of the twelve species listed only 2 or 3 are native and/or endemic species.

II. PRODUCTION AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A. Bamboo

1. Propagation techniques

Bamboos can be propagated either by sexual (reproductive) or asexual (vegetative) means. Sexual propagation is by means of seeds. However, this is not popular in the country due to the irregularity and rarity of flowering of common bamboo species. Nevertheless, some species like buho (Schizostachyum lumampao) flower gregariously. According to studies made on Kayauan tinik (Bambusa blumeana), even if seeds are available, these are mostly infertile and viability is low. Vegetative or asexual propagation makes use of different parts of bamboo plants as propagation material. There are various methods of vegetative propagation described by various authors, ERDB-DENR/FAO/UNDP (1994) and PCCARD (1991). These are as follows:

a. Clump division

The safest method is by clump division. This is normally used for bamboo species which are difficult to propagate. This method is also preferred when there is a need for rapid growth. However, this method is laborious and affects the productive capacity of the clump.

b. Basal Culm Division or Offset

This method makes use of the rhizomes and the portion of the culms. It is commonly used in the monopodial or non-clump forming bamboos. It can be applied to some sympodial bamboo species with loose clumps such as "Anos" (S. lima) and "Buho" (S. Lumampao) because these are difficult to propagate either by culm or branch cutting.

 

c. Culm Cutting

This uses segments of culm (cuttings) bearing buds or fascicles of branches. Cuttings are extensively used to propagate bamboo of the genera Bambusa, Dendrocalamus and Gigantochloa.

d. Branch Cutting

This method is an alternative method of propagating rhizomatous branch producing bamboos like "Bayog" (D.asper), "Kauayan tinik" ( B. blumeana), kauayan kiling, (B. vulgaris) and other similar varieties.

e. Branch Marcot Culm cutting

This method is similar to culm cutting method. However, it induces first the rooting of branches by marcotage, before the culm is cut into one-node pieces for planting.

f. Tissue culture

This involves the development of new plants from plant tissues in artificial media under aseptic conditions. Dr. Alfinetta Zamora of the Institute of Plant Breeding at UPLB has developed satisfactory protocols for machiku (D. latiflorus), calcutta bamboo (D. strictus) and "Buho" (S. lumampao).

g. Airponics

It is a method of accelerating the growth of plants in oxygen-rich environment without soil (Maravilla, 1996 ). The plant root zone is suspended in a growing chamber and intermittently pulse misted with a nutrient solution. Propagation of bamboo through this method is still very new. The facility of airponics plant propagation system (APPS) is located in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo, Central Philippines.

Given these various propagation methods, the most common method practiced in the country is culm cutting with some procedural variations found practical and effective by individual propagators. This is applied to the most common commercial species such as "Bayog", "Kauayan tinik"," kauayan kiling", "Bolo", “Laak", and "Kayali." For giant bamboo and "Bayog," branch cutting and branch marcotting have been employed, respectively ( Gigare et al. 1992 and Alfonso, D. 1990). Offset method is found to be effective in propagating buho where culm cutting is not so successful. Tissue culture derived plants of Dendrocalamus strictus and Schizostchyum lumampao have been produced and seedlings have been trial planted and are now vigorously growing in the field (Zamora and Gruezo, 1992). Maravilla (1996) reported that branch cutting of giant bamboo has been successfully propagated through APPS.

2. PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT

a. Site Requirements

The growth and development of bamboo depends on water, sunlight, nutrients and other growth requirements. However, these growth requirements vary from one species to another. Nevertheless, these important requirements as forwarded by some authors (PCARRD 1992, Malvas 1995, Hoang et al. 1992 and MPFD 1990) hold true for Philippine bamboo.

b. Site Preparation

The Bamboo Farming Manual published by the ERDB-DENR/UNDP/FAO (1994), PCARRD (1989), Pinol et al.(1991), Lapis et al. (1987), Hoang (1991), and Malab et al. (1996) describe the various steps in the preparation of planting site for bamboo:

i. Sketching or Mapping and Delineation of Area

It is important to sketch the main features of the planting site to assess the accessibility of the area to water sources and determine the location, size and form of the plantation

ii. Staking

Four corners of the plantation should be marked with long poles. If the plantation is too large, it should be divided into compartments measuring 100m x 100m.

iii. Field Layout

The recommended spacing for most commercial bamboo species and other large clump and culm bamboo is from 7m x 7m to 10m x 10m. For medium size clump bamboos like laak and boho the spacing is 4m x 5m. For riverbank and embankment stabilization planting quincunx system is suggested at a closer spacing of 5m x 5m.

iv. Clearing

Weeds and unwanted vegetation is removed from the area. Depending on vegetation site, complete clearing or strip clearing may be done. For riverbank or hillside planting, spot clearing is recommended for least soil disturbance.

v. Planting Hole Preparation

The planting hole which is prepared in advance should be wide enough to accommodate the propagules either rooted or directly planted. The suggested dimension of the planting hole is 50 cm (20 in.) wide and 40 cm (16 in.) deep.

c. Transporting/Hardening of Planting Stock

Hardening of the plants prior to transporting for outplanting which is about 4 to 6 months after potting is recommended. Loading and unloading of potted propagules is carefully done to avoid damage especially to the roots and new shoots.

d. Planting

Planting of bamboo in plantation can be done either by direct planting of cuttings or by outplanting the nursery-raised propagules.

e. Plantation maintenance and silvicultural treatments

i. Fertilization

Although bamboo can grow in harsh conditions, it is sometimes necessary to apply fertilizer to provide the plants the nutrients necessary for optimum growth, especially in very poor and marginal areas. Fertilizer application which is about 200 to 300 gm of complete fertilizer is done at planting time and every 3 to 4 months thereafter. Organic fertilizer such as cow dung and chicken manure is also recommended.

ii. Watering

When rainfall is irregular and plants show signs of wilting during the first few months after planting, watering is deemed essential.

iii. Mulching

To reduce moisture loss from the soil and from the plant, mulching is recommended. This entails covering the hills and the plant with grasses and other organic materials.

iv. Replacement of Mortality

Replacement of plants that have died should be done as soon as possible because the growth of the replanted plants may be suppressed by the older plants.

v. Weeding and Brushing

Regular weeding and brushing is done during the first two years of plantation establishment to eliminate competition for light, water and nutrients from other vegetation.

vi. Thinning

Thinning is done three years after planting to remove damaged, defective and dead culms. More space is provided for the growth of new shoots and for better facilitation of management activities.

vii. Pruning

Pruning of lower branches of the culms is recommended to provide access to the culms during fertilization and harvesting.

viii. Protection

Establishment of firebreaks along the boundaries and compartment of plantations especially during dry months is recommended to prevent fires. Planting of fast growing fire resistant species is also recommended.

Fencing the plantation perimeters should be done if grazing animals like cattle, goats, and carabao are prevalent in the area.

Rodents are common pests which damage shoots and young culms. Termites also destroy roots and lower portions of the culm. Other bamboo pests commonly observed are cottony cushion mealy bug, bamboo scale, locust, leaf roller, tussick, moth and aphids. Bamboo diseases include tar spot, leafspot, leaf rust, culm blight, and other physiological diseases. Commercial rodenticides, insecticide and fungicide can be applied to control these pests and diseases. However, none of these have been reported to be in widespread proportion to pose a serious problem.

f. Bamboo Harvesting Systems/Methods

Harvesting is of great importance because it is the culmination of all production activities and efforts.

There are two known methods or systems of harvesting as practiced in the country:

g. Selective cutting

This is the most common and traditional practice where only the selected culms or poles of some specific age are harvested.

ii. Clear cut or blanket method

All poles/culms regardless of age are cut leaving only the very young culms and shoots. However, this system is practiced in very limited areas and for specific purpose. This method is known to be applied in laak species (Bambusa sp. 2) which are used as banana props.

Factors to consider in harvesting bamboo

• Culm age

Generally, most of the commercial bamboo species are harvested between 3-5 years old.

• Cutting Time/Season

Dry season is the best time to harvest bamboo when the culms are lowest in terms of starch content level making it less susceptible to powder post beetle attack. No shoot emergence also occurs during this time, hence shoot damage is evaded.

• Cutting Height

Cutting of poles/culms should be done as close as possible to the ground preferably after the first node for maximum pole utilization and growing space management.

• Distribution

Culms to be harvested should be uniformly distributed within the clump periphery. This allows even spacing of the culms to be left and eventually of the new shoots that will emerge.

Harvesting Treatment for Old Unmanaged Bamboo Clumps

Due to inappropriate harvesting practices and absence of proper management, most of the existing bamboo stands have become dense and congested. However, these bamboo stands can be reinvigorated and improved by hilling-up of the soil occupied by the clumps and through fertilizer application. Thinning/cleaning can also improve productivity. There are two known methods of thinning old clumps - horse shoe and cross pattern methods.

IV. PROCESSING AND UTILIZATION

1. Major Products and Uses

Bamboo

Generally, bamboo products are classified as primary (poles, shoots and stumps), secondary or semi-processed (sawali, splits, sticks, boards) and finished products (handicraft, furniture and ready to cook/eat shoots). Primary and secondary products are inputs for various industries including housing, fishing, and agriculture and manufacturing while finished products are directly channeled to end-users in both domestic and export markets for direct consumption (OIDCI, 1997).

Primary Products

a. Poles - The most common shape of the full culm is usually tapered from the butt to the tip.

b. Shoots - This is the emerging portion of the rhizome that becomes the culm/pole, a number of bamboo shoots are edible.

c. Stump - This is the portion of the bamboo plant/clump left after harvesting.

Secondary Products

a. Sawali

Bamboo mats are made by plaiting splits. The matting is used for interior walls partitions, ceilings doors and windows and for exterior walls. Mats are produced in a variety of shapes and patterns.

b. Splits

The term split is used for any shape smaller than a quarter of the culm. Generally, splits are not used as building components but are woven into mats or made into lashing.

c. Boards

Bamboo boards are commonly used for flooring walls and even roofing. A board consists of culm that has been cut and unfolded until it is almost flat.

Finished Products

a. Furniture

Furniture made of bamboo include sala set, dining tables, corner and center tables, cabinets, beds, lounging chairs, sofa beds and rocking chairs.

b. Handicraft

These are non-traditional products made of indigenous raw materials like wood, rattan, bamboo, buri, abaca and handwomen, fibers. Products of the handicraft industry include trays, brooches, pen holders, wall decor, boxes, decorative baskets, vases, fans, and fancy items.

c. Processed foods

Bamboo shoots throughout Southeast Asia are eaten fresh, pickled or diced. Processed bamboo shoots from various producing countries are being exported to more than 20 countries including the Philippines.

2. The role of bamboo in the construction industry, fishing, agriculture and pulp/paper industry

Bamboo is a popular construction material for low cost houses among the Filipinos especially those living in the countryside. Its popularity is due to several reasons which include 1) abundance of material, 2) simple tools may be used in building a house, 3) existence of traditional skills and methods necessary for construction, and 4) the bamboo house which can easily be built is well ventilated, sturdy and earthquake resistant.

In spite of these reasons, there are difficulties faced by the users in processing and mechanically fabricating bamboos due to its physical characteristics. These are the variation in dimensions, crookedness of the culms, and non-uniformity of internodes and unevenness of taper.

Bamboo is developed into various product lines for the construction industry (OIDCI 1997) and this include packaged "Bahay kubo", sawali sheets, bamboo roof (shinges), bamboo spokes and bamboo splits. There are likewise new products such as panel boards, plyboo, sawali board, plyboard, and laminated board which are potential substitutes for plywood and lawanit.

Table below shows the uses, product lines, and survey areas according to various sources.

Table 1. Bamboo survey areas and construction use/product lines.

SURVEY AREA	PERCENT USAGE OF POPULATION	USE/PRODUCT LINE
Camarines Sur (Lopez, 1997)	95% of rural population	house posts, doors, stairs, bridges, windows, cooking area, sink, gates, fences, scaffolding animal pens, out houses, storage areas
Central Visayas (Alino, 1989)	48% of interviews	home dwellings
1997 OIDCI survey		packaged "bahay kubo" "sawali sheets ,bamboo roof (shingles), bamboo spokes ,bamboo splits panel boards, plyboo, sawali board, plyboard, laminated board

There are also novel products manufactured from bamboo which may have an important role in the construction industry in the very near future (OIDCI, 1997).
Table 2. New bamboo manufactured products.

PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION
Bamboo parquet block	composite material made of wood veneers and bamboo slots
Bamboo particle board	combination of ipil-ipil wood and bamboo particles glued, and pressed to form a board
Resin-bonded bamboo mat	urea formaldehyde is used to glue bamboo mats
Corrugated bamboo sheet (CBS) Bamboo plyboard	woven, glued and hot pressed bamboo slivers in the fabricated corrugated mold pre-painted panel board made basically out of waste plastics, rice hull ash and bamboo
Bicycle Chassis	Branches of  Bayog variety at about 1.25” diameter (Calfee Design, California)

In Northern Philippines, mussel cultivators and fishpen operators are two major bamboo users for this industry. One hundred thirty-five cultivators have an annual culm requirement of 13,500 bayog poles and 8 fishpen operators need 25,500 kawayan tinik (B. alumeana) culms per year. Bamboos used in the fishing industry are not treated with preservatives. Prolonged immersion in water has a preservative effect on the culms. The other uses of bamboo in the fishing industry include rafts, traps/coral, fishpen, boat outriggers, fish shelters, stakes and fishing rods.

Bamboo poles are used as props to support fruit-bearing bananas. The species used as props are: "kawayan tinik" (B. alumeana), "bolo" (G. levis), "Laak" (B.gp. 2), and "Kayali" (G. atter). Drying and preservation techniques applied on bamboo for construction are also done for bamboos used as banana props.

Bamboo is an important raw material for pulp and paper manufacture. Bamboo was used by the Bataan Pulp and Paper Mills Inc. (BPPMI) in the late 1960s for the production of quality printing and writing paper. However, after a number of years of operation the company shifted to logging residues from Mindanao. In 1993, a small paper factory in Calamba, Laguna utilized bamboo to produce pulp which was processed into incense paper for export to Taiwan.

3. State of bamboo handicrafts in the country

Majority of the country’s regions are engaged in bamboo handicraft production. Because bamboo is readily available, it is crafted into various household items/commercial articles for both local and foreign markets. Common items include trays, lampshades, fancy baskets, brooches, napkin rings, pen holder, jewelry boxes, flower vases.

In Northern Philippines, the basket making industry is distinctly separated from handicrafts because a lot of people are specializing in kaing (basket) making. Three towns in Pangasinan exclusively produce these two product lines. The annual bamboo requirement of the 611 basket makers is about 97,760 culms.

The total value of Philippine handicraft exports was held relatively stable from 1989 through 1992 (Table 12). The US was the primary recipient of these products accounting for nearly 50 percent of total exports in 1992.

Table 3. Philippine Handicraft Exports.

	EXPORTS (IN US $ THOUSANDS)
	1989	1990	1991	1992
Bags and Baskets (Mixed material)	63691	65133	n.a.	78058
Articles of Basketwork or wickerwork	57963	52612	n.a.	43021
TOTAL	121,654	117,745		121,079

Source: Philippine Trade Statistics as cited by OIDCI 1997.

4. Standard of Classification for Bamboo
In marketing bamboo raw materials, there seemed to be inadequate or lack of common classification standards (Rivera et.al. 1996). Bamboo was purchased based on length, diameter size, straightness of pole and age/maturity.

IV. MARKETS AND SOCIO-ECONOMICS

A. Bamboo

Bamboo export mainly consisted of basket/basketware (92.47%) and furniture (7.41%). For basket/basketware, 28.08 million pieces valued at US$39.93 million were exported to various countries with USA as the biggest buyer of volume valued at US$ 21.46 million. Other buyers include Japan, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Spain and others (1996 Philippine Forestry Statistics).

Bamboo was also reported by the 1996 Philippine Forestry Statistics to have been exported with a volume of 19,000 kg. valued at US$43,000 FOB compared to 1995 exports of 9,000 kg. valued at US$22,000 FOB.

On the other hand, there were reports that 293 seats of bamboo valued at US$12,188 FOB and US$13950 CIF were imported from Thailand and Vietnam in 1996 (1996 PFS). Likewise the same source reported that a total of 98,065 kg. of bamboo valued at US$57,575 FOB and US$57484 CIF were imported mostly from Indonesia, Hong Kong, Thailand and Vietnam.

 

Participants in the Bamboo Sector

The bamboo sector involves various participants ranging from licensees, gatherers, manufacturers, factory workers, traders and consumers. They are not mutually exclusive such that a market participant may be involved in various activities at varying extent.

Determination of the total number of market-participants may not be possible due to various reasons (OIDCI, 1997). First is the proliferation of small unregistered firms and informal market transactions. Another reason is that some firms also handle non-bamboo materials and products which may be listed under non-bamboo firms. Lastly, the dynamism of the market prompts participants to shift to other products and/or economic activities.

Pabuayon and Espanto in 1997 as cited by the 1997 OIDCI document report that there are more than 70,000 participants including licensees, processors, exporters, manufacturers and workers (Table 14). The same table shows that there are 171 participants including bamboo - based firms but excludes workers involved in gathering, manufacturing and trading.

Characteristics of Market Participants

Based on a survey of participants in the Cordilleras and Western Visayas, all of the respondents have gone to school with majority of the workers having attended the secondary and vocational levels. Workers include both males and females with most of them depending on bamboo activities as a primary source of income. However, annual income from bamboo except for traders and manufacturers is low for gatherers with an average of P5, 000.00. The same is experienced by raw material producers and furniture workers with an income of P5, 000.00 – 10,000.00 per year. Raw material traders and handicraft workers earned an average of P15, 000.00 per annum.

Product flow through various market levels

A survey done by Navera in 1996, shows that there are two sources of bamboo. These are from natural stands and plantations. The survey revealed that half of the 73 bamboo enterprises interviewed obtained their bamboo poles from natural stands while the rest obtained their poles from local traders. Sixty percent (60%) of the firms sell their finished products directly to households and the rest to exporters and other manufacturers.

On the other hand, Rivera et. al. 1996 described the various market channels involved for raw materials and selected finished products such as bamboo poles, mats, sala set, mirror frames etc. in Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Abra (Figures 1, 2, 3). The various services rendered at a given channel were also listed together with the value addition incurred at each respective channel.

Prices by Product Type and Quality

At a given market level, bamboo prices differ by species and quality, the latter differentiated by diameter size and length. In a study made by Maligalig and Saguin (1990), it was reported that in some cases, poles are traded assorted or unclassified while others simply classify bamboo poles as big or small.

In a 1996 survey by Rivera, et. al. It was revealed that higher grades commanded better prices and lower grades, lower prices. The prices in pesos (P) per pole at the producers and traders levels are shown in Table 5:

Table 5. Price of bamboo raw materials at the producers and traders level.

BAMBOO TYPE	PRODUCER (P)	TRADER (P)
Class A (10 - 15ft) Class B (6 - 9ft ) Class C (4 - 5 ft) Poser (1000抯) Split (6 ft, 50s) Split (8 ft, 50抯)	25.00 14.00 6.00 100.00 28.12 47.50	45.00 31.67 11.33 120.00 46.62 67.50

Table 6. Profit rates (before taxes) of Bamboo traders and manufacturers, Philippines.

OPERATOR	PROFIT (PESOS) a/	% OF TOTAL COST
.	Per truckload or container van c/
Quirino Pampanga Quezon Palawan Leyte Samar Agusan Davao	163,849 3,528 74,501 21,004 53,346 (2,604) 1,944 37,025	329 3 161 46 32 (2) 2 7
Manufacturers (1986-87)	Per month operation
Furniture d/ Handicraft e/	416,556 31,340		49 32

Value Addition

As the materials move along the market chain to a higher level, prices generally increase due to value addition associated with services performed and profit associated with services performed and profit or margins of market intermediaries.

In survey of Rivera et. al. (1996) the respective shares of the market participants both in cost and profit involved in the production and sale of some selected bamboo finished products are shown below. It can be observed that greater value occurs at the manufacturing stage due to inputs and profit margin.

Table 7. Cost and profit shares of market participants in the production and sale of selected bamboo finished products.

MARK PARTICIPANTS	SOFA			PALAY STORAGE			SINGLE BED
	P	%	P		%	P		%
Gatherer Producer Cost Producer Profit Manufacturer Cost Manufacturer Profit Product Value	20 48 30 105 47 250	8 19 12 42 19 100	- 25 100 270 5 400		- 6 25 68 1 100	- 10 20 30 90 150		- 7 13 20 60 100

POLICY AND LEGISLATION

Bamboos found in forest lands are considered and lumped with other non-wood (minor) forest products. Therefore, collection and harvesting is governed by DENR Policies and Regulations as specified for in the Revised Forestry Administrative Order No. 11 dated September 14, 1970 wherein cutting permits should be secured prior to collection and harvesting. The Annual Allowable Cut (AAC) of a permittee is guided by the following formula:

AAC = Ap x Ar x 4
Where:
Ap = area covered by permit (ha.)
Ar = number of clump per hectare
4 = number of culms harvested per chump
It is assumed that a clump could yield 4 culms per year.
Bamboos collected from forest lands are also subject to forest charges pursuant to DAO 40 dated November 8, 1994. The forest charges which are based on RA 7181, species and FOB market price of forest products are shown below:

Table 8. Bamboo Forest Charges.

COMMON NAME SPECIES	RATE (P/PIECE)
Kawayan kiling/tinik Bayog Boho/Bolo Other species of erect bamboo All climbing bamboo	6.00 3.00 2.00 1.50 .50

Bamboos harvested from Industrial Tree Plantations and private lands covered by titles are exempted from payment of forest charges.
Bamboo has also been included in the list of species recommended for the Forestation Program of the DENR. It has also been considered for DENR watershed rehabilitation and soil erosion control projects. It is also used by the DENR in the community based forest management program.

Policy controlling or regulating interval and/or external trade of bamboo

Aside from the cutting permit and forest charges to be paid for bamboo collected from public lands, DENR monitors movement and transport of bamboo by requiring a Certificate on Non-Timber Forest Product Origin (CNFPO). This is specified in DENR Administrative Order 59 dated September 30, 1993. Bamboo harvested from industrial tree plantations and private or titled lands are exempted provided they are certified by the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office. However, some irregularities may be experienced since even those coming from public lands may still be certified coming from private lands. This may be the reason why DENR Statistics on harvest and forest charges remain underestimated, thus losses in terms of government revenue and unsustainable harvesting practices.

As far as import/export regulations are concerned, bamboo poles are prohibited for exportation except for scientific or testing purposes and need export clearance from the government as provided for by the amended rules and regulations implementing Presidential Decree 930.

For exporters of manufactured bamboo products, general procedures required for exportation such as securing export clearance, standardization and inspection, payment of inspection fees, submission and registration of export declaration must be complied with. Importation of bamboo poles for commercial purposes is not allowed except for non-commercial purposes such as pearl farm fencing. Nevertheless, these policies should be reviewed to encourage bamboo plantation development and consequently, support the development of the bamboo based industries.

Shipping documents such as the Certificate of Minor Forest Products (CMFOs) are required from traders.

Kilmer 1994 reported that the cutters and traders have developed a system of reducing the local charges to an affordable level. While the DENR is reportedly trying to clean up the forest charge collection system, the effective collection of full forest charges would have the effect of increasing the market price of small diameter poles and further weakening the position of Filipino manufacturers in international markets.

The evasion of forest charges also has the effect of undermining the DENR抯 ability to control and even monitor the amount of cutting being done. The data on the volume of harvest is determined on the basis of the same documents which serve as the basis for the collection of forest charges thus; underestimation of cut is highly possible.

Policies on biological protection and genetic conservation

As far as biological protection and genetic conservation of bamboo and rattan are concerned various government policies and DENR administrative orders have been formulated and implemented (Lapis, 1998). These are as follows:

1.            RA 7586 (1992)

An act providing for the establishment and management of Natural Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

2. DAO 25 (1992)

The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) implementing rules and regulations focusing on the twin objectives of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

3. PD 1586 (1978)

Establishment of Environmental Impact Statement System

4. DAO 21 (1992)

Revision of rules and regulation on EIS System

5. DAO 96-37 (1996)

Revisions of DAO 21 (1992) to further strengthen the implementation of the Environmental Impact Statement System.

6. EO 247 (1995)

Prescribing guidelines and establishing a regulatory framework for the prospecting of biological and genetic resources, their by-products and derivations for scientific and commercial purposes.

7. DAO 96-20 (1996)

Implementing rules and regulations on the prospecting of biological and genetic resources.

Relevant Studies Under Consideration

The forest charges presently obtained from the permittees may not reflect the true value of the commodity produced, in this case, bamboo and rattan. These products come from forest or public lands and are charged according to diameter size, species and length. However, the other inputs to production have not been considered particularly the use of the land and the total economic value of the commodity.
A study is being prepared to review and assess the present forest charges pegged on bamboo with consideration of the various valuation methods to arrive at the true value of bamboo.


INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY

Various government and non-government agencies/entities, state colleges, universities, and international agencies have in one way or the other undertaken research and development activities to encourage and promote the bamboo and rattan sectors.

Academe

Research activities on bamboo and rattan are being undertaken by state colleges and universities in coordination with government and private sectors. These include the:

1.      University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB)

2.      Benguet State University (BSU)

3.      Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)

4.       Nueva Viscaya State Institute of Technology (NVSIT)

5.      Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA)

6.       Palawan National Agricultural College (PNAC)

7.       Panay State Polytechnic College (PSPC)

8.       Mindanao State University (MSU)

9.      Visayas State College of Agriculture (VISCA).

Government

AGENCY
College Industry and Technology Center (CITC)	Role in Bamboo mandated to encourage and promote the establishment of micro cottage, and small enterprises and improve product quality and productivity towards global competitiveness for generating employment and livelihood opportunities
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Ecosystems Research and Development Sector (ERDS)	Both under DENR and support the R & D activities of the forestry sector in the technical socio-economic and marketing aspects of raw materials
Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI)	Under Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and undertakes R & D relating to technical socio-economics and marketing aspects of forest products particularly on post-harvest and utilization.
Technology Application and Promotions Institute (TAPI)	Under DOST and is responsible for technology commercialization and promotion
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources and Development (PCARRD)	Under DOST and responsible for R & D evaluation monitoring providing financial, support and promoting linkages among R & D institutions and individuals
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)	A major agency which has a number of bureaus and attached agencies which directly affect the bamboo industry. It coordinates, promotes, and facilitates the country trade industry and investment activities.
National Statistical Coordinating Board (NSCB)	Recognize and strengthen Philippine Statistical System. Its objective is to achieve the development of an orderly statistical system capable of providing timely, accurate, sufficient and useful data to suit planning, programming and evaluation needs of all sectors of the Philippine economy

Non-Government Organization

NAME	ROLE
Philippine Bamboo Society Baguio Benguet Chapter	Supports the activities of the Philippine Bambusetum in Baguio. There are only 11 officers and members dominated by women with only one male member. Membership comes from government offices, NGOs, academe and private entities.
Iloilo Furniture Manufacturers Association (IFMA)	Non-stock, non-profit organization which focuses on Bamboo Development Project. It aims to complement existing wood furniture production optimize use of widely materials and skilled work force and penetrate new markets.
Iloilo Manufacturers Multipurpose Cooperative (IMMPC)	Cooperative organized by IFMA for undertaking profit making initiatives. It focuses on penetrating the export market through complementation and specialization among members
Aklan Furniture Makers Association
Bamboo Development Cooperative in Davao
Philippine Business for Social Progress	Responsible for implementing marketing programs that link livelihood activities for rural communities for equitable markets. One of the major components is the transfer of technologies including marketing and business technologies to the clients.
Center of International Trade Expositions and Mission, Inc. (CITEM)	Organizes trade fairs where Filipino exporters may participate. The center consists of product officers who assist foreign buyers in their inquiries and maintains a permanent exhibit of Philippines export products including bamboo based products.

Industry Associations

NAME OF AGENCY	FUNCTIONS/SERVICES PROVIDED
Chamber of Furniture Industries of the Philippines	Group of furniture exporters whose mission is to promote the continued growth of the Philippine furniture industry. It also provides direction to its development efforts. Serves as a forum for industry related issues
Philippine Chamber of Handicraft Industries	Non-stock, non-profit organization which aims to contribute to the growth of the Philippine handicraft industry by promoting handicrafts in both local and international markets
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries	An umbrella private sector representative organization with 139 sectoral trade associations which provides trade opportunities and buyer-seller matching services for its members and foreign buyers. It also mounts overseas missions and hosts incoming missions. Some bamboo and rattan manufacturer-exporters are members of the chamber
Confederation of Filipino Exporters Foundation	This is an industry association composed of private sector exporters. It is a non-stock, non-profit service foundation which seeks to facilitate exporters’ access to trade information and technical services towards expanding and diversifying markets. It also aims at organizing Philippine exporters into a persuasive collective advocate for policy and administrative reforms needed to transform the country into a progressive nation. It provides trade opportunities and buyers-sellers matching services and regular publications. It also has regional networks.
European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines	The only European bilateral chamber represented in the Philippine and represents the interest of all European countries as well as those Filipino members. ECCP provides a full range of services including personalized buyer-seller matching and circulation of trade opportunities through the regular publication
Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation
Chamber of Cottage Industries of the Philippines
Christmas Decor Producers and Exporters Association of the Philippines

Private Sector

NEPA-Q-MART Industries Bamboo Production Pilot Project headed by Atty. Nereo J. Paculdo	Gives out bamboo seedlings free of charge. However, on the 4th year five seedlings for every seedlings will be given back to NEPA-Q-MART to again be distributed to other participants
Kawayan Farm c/o Engr. D.J. Alfonso	Sells ready to plant bamboo propagules and offers a training package on bamboo propagation
Mr. M. Caasi of Davao	Provides technical assistance on bamboo growing. He is known as “Bamboo king" who started organizing farmers cooperative since 1989

Issues and Concerns, Recommended Solutions and R & D Strategies for the Bamboo Sectors

ISSUE/CONCERN	RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS	R & D STRATEGIES
BAMBOO Production Lack of concerted planned effort for bamboo plantation development premature harvesting as an offshoot of increased demand	delineation of areas for bamboo development formulation of guidelines in reforestation projects strengthened IEC campaign adequate technology transfer mechanisms, provision of support services (credit technical assistance markets) provision of incentives, physiological properties-end product matching	species-site matching maintenance of Bambuseta R & D on physiological aspects vis a vis market research
Marketing limited social acceptance of bamboo	increased IEC	researches on the perception, attitude and extension strategies and other IEC approaches
inadequate support services	establishment of strategically located buying stations accessible to all actors in the bamboo industry	market research with some linear programming applications
unorganized marketing system	organization of industry associations/societies market linkages/ networking through GO抯, NGO抯, private/industry sectors	comprehensive market research
unfavorable market developments e.g. decline in demand for banana propping materials	diversification of uses of bamboo species	market research species/product matching
no standards for grading and classification of raw materials	development of grading and classification standards for raw materials	R & D on grading and classification standards
Utilization products limited to traditional uses	commercialization of new bamboo products development of state-of-the-art technologies conduct of seminars, workshops, trainings sponsored by government and/or industry associations	R & D on product development designs
Policy annual allowable cut (AAC)	conduct of policy studies to determine the AAC based on species, growth, yield, clump development in relation to climatic and edaphic factors
Information Systems inadequate information system	establishment of a centralized repository of bamboo database on production, management, marketing, utilization	information systems analysis