Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Merlyn N. Rivera
College, Laguna,
Philippines
I. INTRODUCTION
The Philippine archipelago, composed of 7,100 islands, is located between latitudes 5oN and 21oN and longitudes 116oE and 127oE. 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 69 million Filipinos (Philippine Statistical Yearbook, 1997). Two thirds of the population live 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 area 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 and rattan. Bamboo and rattan have
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 culm has long
been tapped as an inexpensive source of housing materials, furniture, handicraft, banana props, fishpens 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 were
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.
Rattan on the other hand, is one of the country’s most important resources that have been constantly depleted. The continuing loan of the
industry in the 70s, 80s, and 90s have resulted in heavy extraction of the resource.
It is considered of economic importance to the Philippines because of the revenues generated through forest charges which in 1996 amounted
to P13.94M (PFS, 1996). Furthermore, the rattan industry contributes significantly to the economy in generating foreign exchange, income
and employment of dependent groups. In 1996, the export of non-timber manufactured articles, including rattan articles amounted to US$40
million (Lapis, 1998).
Rattan is used as a raw material in the manufacture of furniture, baskets, and other handicraft items.
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 (Table 1).
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);
andSchizostachyum 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 volume, 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 toxonomically recognized and/or published by various authors (Table 4).
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 have long been done and are 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.
B. Rattan resources
Rattan is a climbing palm with numerous thorns or spines, hairs, and bristles scattered all over the plant. Some rattans have leaves with
extended whip-like structure, the cirrus, which is an extension of the midrib. Others have the flagellum, which is also whip-like, that arises
from the axil of the leaf sheath. The cirri and flagella enable the palm to climb adjacent trees for support (PCARRD, 1985).
Rattans are observed to be growing throughout the country from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi islands (Table 7). They are found from near sea level
and medium elevations in the old and second growth forest but never in the open fields (Pongkaluang, 1987 as cited by Rimando, 1996).
Generally, most rattan species have a wide altitudinal range although there are some species, which tend to have specific ranges (Lapis 1995).
The most widely distributed of the Philippine rattan species is ditaan (Daemonorops mollis). This is followed by Tandulang parang (Calamus
usitatis) which is found in Batan Island, Babuyan Island, Zambales, Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon.
Palasan (C. merrillii) ranks third in distribution and is generally found in the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre, Cordillera, Kitanglad, Isarog,
Halcon and Caraballo. Limuran (C. ornatus var. philippinensis) is well distributed in Luzon, particularly in the mountains of Laguna, Bicol,
Quezon, Rizal, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon.
The distribution of rattan in four provinces was studied by Tandug (1984). The study areas included Palawan, Laguna, Agusan del Sur and
Davao del Norte. There were 27 species found, six of these are of commercial value. The harvestable cane of the mature plants is about 4 to
16 percent per hectare. The remaining rattan stands comprise mostly of wildlings. Limuran was dominant in the survey areas with about 1689
lineal meters per hectare.
Species of the genus Korthalsia are found in Quezon, Leyte, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur. The Plectocomias are found in Palawan,
Bukidnon and Leyte.
The inventory on timber and NTFP (which included bamboo and rattan) was done by the Philippine-German Forest Resources Inventory
Project and was completed in 1988 (Tables 7 & 8). The same inventory indicated the rattan species which include 69 known rattan species.
These are distributed according to genera as follows: 48 for Calamus, 14 for Daemonorops, 5 forKorthalsia and 2 for Plectocomia. Of these
69 species, 12 are commercially significant. But according to Lapis (1995) there are 91 rattan species found in the Philippines - distributed
asCalamus, 70; Daemonorops, 14; Korthalsia, 5; and Plectocomia, 2. Among the 45 species of Calamus, 32 are endemic. In the
genus Daemonorops, 12 of the 14 species are endemic. InKorthalsia, two of the five species are endemic and in Plectocomia, one of the two
species is endemic. Among these one genera, Calamus is the largest and most widely distributed throughout the country.
However, with the increasing demand for rattan poles, the above mentioned inventory cannot guarantee the annual sustainability level of
rattan.
According to the DENR Master Plan for Forestry Development (1990), the demand for small and large diameter sized rattan poles by year
2000 may reach 437.2 million (Table 9). It is assumed that there is a decrease of 5 percent in the annual growth of exports (1996 - 2000) due
to competition with Indonesia. However, an increase in growth rate was projected at 8 percent per annum for the years 2010 to 2015. The
increase was due to the expected new markets which might have been found and developed.
With regards to rattan production areas 90 percent of the raw materials comes from the wild. These natural stands now face rapid depletion
because of rampant timber harvesting, conversion of forest areas into other land uses and the unregulated cutting of rattan which reduces
regeneration. Alarmed by the dwindling supply of raw materials, the rattan cottage and furniture manufacturers alerted the government of an
imminent collapse of the industry. As an immediate response, development of plantations was initiated to possibly rescue the industry from
decline.
In 1977, the then Forest Research Institute now ERDB, established the initial trial planting of commercial species of rattan in Pagbilao,
Quezon. At present, about 200 ha are planted with palasan (Calamus merrillii) and limuran (Calamus ornatus var. Philippinensis).
Having shown the feasibility of growing rattan artificially, the National Development Corporation through the Rattan Development
Company, ventured into the first commercial and industrial rattan plantation in Mindanao. The plantation is located within the concessions of
Paper Industries Corporation (PICOP) and the Bislig Bay Lumber Company in Surigao del Sur. The total plantation established in a period of
eight years (1984-1992) was 5,185 ha. Another private company, the Swedish Match Hillshog Philippines, Inc., in cooperation with the
Provident Tree Farms, Inc., established a 50-ha plantation in Mindoro Island and 150-ha plantation in Talacogon, Agusan province. In both
companies, the species planted were only palasan and limuran.
In 1983, the Iloilo National College of Agriculture established a 3-ha rattan plantation. Solitary type rattan species found in the vicinity were
used as planting materials (Lapis, 1996). In the same report of Lapis, a 4-ha farm planted during the pre-war times was mentioned to still be
the source of rattan poles for domestic use with Taguiti (Calamus vidalianus) being cultivated.
Furthermore, under DENR 抯 reforestation program which started in 1989, various rattan plantation development projects were contracted
throughout the various regions.
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.
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 andGigantochloa.
d. Branch cutting
This method ia 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.
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", 搇 aak", 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 establishment
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:
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.
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 bohothe spacing is 4m x 5m. For riverbank and enbankment 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.
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 wide and 40 cm deep.
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.
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.
Replacement of plants that have died should be done as soon as possible because the growth of the replanted plants may be suppresed by the
older plants.
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 clums 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, 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.
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:
i. 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.
• 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.
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.
B. Rattan
Rattan planting stocks can be propagated either from seeds or vegetatively (FORI, 1986). If seeds are used, the following activities are
pursued:
Only ripe rattan fruits are collected and the best season to collect is from October to November.
Seeds may be extracted from the fruit either by crushing with the hands or by soaking in water.
Removal of the hilar cover is done to reduce the germination time from 365 days to 2 days. The breakthrough was done by the then Forest
Research Institute (FORI) now ERDB which successfully germinated palasan seeds in two days only with 96.5% germination. It rattan
wildlings are collected, these should be not more than 30 cm. tall. Collection must be done during the rainy season. Fertilizer application at a
rate of 5-7 grams complete fertilizer per seedling is recommended. Gradual exposure to sunlight for at least three months before outplanting
in the field is necessary.
Production of rattan planting stock by vegetative means is possible. However, these methods are not as popular as the use of seeds. Cuttings,
suckers/aerial roots and tissue culture are presently used in some research studies.
3. Plantation establishment
Rattan requires the presence of vegetation as shade when young and support as its matures.
• brushlands or tracts of forestlands generally covered with trees which are not scheduled for reforestation within the next 10 years.
• recently logged over-areas (with residuals
• second growth forests not scheduled for re-logging within the next 10 years
• areas accessible for easier management and supervision
b. Site preparation
Soil analysis is done to know the soil condition of the site and determine the kind and dosage of fertilizer necessary for rattan growth.
Underbrushing, staking and preparation of holes are also done.
c. Outplanting
Transporting the seedlings/planting materials to the planting site should be done with utmost care and least disturbance. Distance of planting
should be 5m x 5m. Furthermore, rattans should be planted .5m to 1m away from the trunk of the existing tree/brush.
d. Maintenance
Ring weeding of a radius of 50 cm around the plant for a period of 2 years is recommended. On the other hand fertilizer application is done
one month after planting then once a year for three years at a rate of 10 gm. per plant.
4. Harvesting
Kilmer (1994) reported that there has been little if any change in the technologies used for collecting rattan poles. Harvesting is usually done
by a team of two harvesters. One climbs the trees to loosen the "grip" of long canes while the other stays on the ground to pull and cut using a
bolo the cane into poles.
Virtucio et.al. 1988 reported that in the harvesting and trimming process, as much as 32 percent of the merchantable length might have been
wasted. Wastage occurs when long canes cannot be pulled down from the forest canopy in one piece. These are cut so that only the accessible
parts can be harvested.
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, agriculture and manufacturing while finished products are directly channelled 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 usuallly 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.
Inspite 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, non-uniformity of internodes and uneveness 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 10 shows the uses, product lines, and survey areas according to various sources.
Table 10. Bamboo survey areas and construction use/product lines.
Camarines Sur 95% of rural population house posts, doors, stairs, bridges,
windows, cooking area, sink, gates, fences,
(Lopez, 1997) scaffolding animal pens, out houses, storage
areas
(Alino, 1989)
bamboo spokes
bamboo splits
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) as shown in Table 11.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Bamboo parquet block composite material made of wood vencers and bamboo slots
Bamboo particle board combination of ipil-ipil wood and bamboo particles glued, and
pressed to form a board
Corrigated bamboo sheet woven, glued and hot pressed bamboo slivers in the fabricated
(CBS) corrugated mold
Bamboo plyboard pre-painted panel board made basically out of waste plastics,
rice hull ash and bamboo
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.
Rattan
There are two major product types in the rattan marketing system: - 1) raw materials which include poles and splits which have undergone
first stage processing like scraping drying and splitting and the wicker and core which have gone through second stage processing and 2)
finished products which include furniture and handicrafts in varying designs, market outlets and uses (Pabuayon, et. al. 1996).
The Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRRDI) has developed a method of reducing fungal staining of the poles
consequently increasing pole quality/value (Kilmer, 1994). This treatment which involves dipping freshly cut poles in a solution of water and
fungicide (sodium pentachloraphenate) can be applied in the forest and is most effective when done immediately after harvesting.
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.
Rattan handicrafts are much less dependent than furniture on having large quantities of high quality, large diameter rattan poles available.
Filipino designers and manufacturers have gained a well justified reputation for innovation in the use of alternative materials and the
production of higher value handicraft products.
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.
(Mixed material)
Articles of Basketwork or 57963 52612 n.a. 43021
wickerwork
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.
Manufacturing firms of high end products usually have standards which they keep when purchasing rattan raw materials to ensure high
quality manufactured products. These standards are shown in Table 13. However, the other buyers do not observe these criteria.
Size (diameter)
Grade/Class 1 1/16"
shrinkage (maximum
of 1 foot)
foot or maximum of
20 per pole
D Class
shrinkage (maximum
of 2 feet)
shrinkage
Broken
Brittle
Twisted
especially if
concentrated on
nodes
Palasan (C. merrillii) All sizes full dry, single scape flat
(maximum of 1 feet)
shrinkage (maximum
of 6 inches)
about 20 pinholes/pole
shrinkage
Broken
Brittle
Twisted
Full of pinholes
especially if
concentrated on nodes
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, Hongkong, Thailand and Vietnam.
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 exludes workers involved in gathering, manufacturing and trading.
Based on a survey of participants in the Cordilleras and Western Visayas as presented in Table 15, 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 P5000. The same is experienced by raw material producers and furniture workers with an income of
P5000 - 10000 per year. Raw material traders and handicraft workers earned an average of P15000 per annum.
An 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.
B. Rattan
In general, the rattan industry contributes significantly to the economy in generating foreign exchange, income and employment of dependent
groups. In 1996, the export of non-timber manufactured articles, including rattan articles, amounted close to US$40M. This amount however,
is smaller compared to 1993 figures where exports reached US$73M (Lapis, 1998).
Determination of the exact number of people involved in the rattan production, marketing, manufacturing and exporting is rather difficult
because of the existence of unregistered and small firms. Nevertheless, various reports provide an indication of the number of people
employed by the industry.
Table 16 shows the estimated number of firms and workers in the gathering, trading, manufacturing and exporting activities in the rattan
industry while Table 17 presents the respective wages received by the workers.
Because of the difficulty of coming up with the total number of participants in the rattan sector only site specific socio-economic information
have been generated. Aquino (1993) provided the characteristics of the disadvantaged groups in the bamboo and rattan sectors (Table 18).
Furthermore, Table 19 presents the characteristics of rattan manufacturers firm size, in Luzon and Cebu while Table 20 shows the general
characteristics of rattan based handicraft sellers and buyers in Quezon and Metro Manila. On the other hand, the distribution and
characteristics of rattan traders by type of product is shown in Table 21. Lastly, Tables 22 and 23 show the general characteristics of bamboo
and rattan based furniture and handicraft manufacturer-exporters.
Market Channels
The marketing system of rattan raw materials in terms of five channels was summarized by Kilmer in 1994 (Figure 4). The first channel
shows the flow of products from the gatherers to the small scale manufacturers who produce for their local markets. These manufacturers
purchase from cutting group leaders or from gatherers. Drying and scraping is done by them and simple products are manufactured for direct
sale to the public. The major part of local manufacture is based on orders placed by consumers before production begins.
Channels 2 to 5 are oriented toward the export market although a small portion is channelled to local consumers.
Rivera in 1988 described the marketing system of rattan raw materials which followed a general trend (Figure 5). A permittee hires an
authorized representative or contractor who in turn hires natives or local folks to do the actual harvesting. The poles are then transported to
the permittees’ stockyard and finally to the middlemen who supply the furniture/handicraft manufacturers.
Pabuayon et. al. (1988) described the marketing channels of rattan furniture and handicraft products from raw form into finished form. Raw
materials are obtained from concessionnaires or traders (Figure 6). These are then sold to furniture handicraft manufacturers or contractors.
Finished products are distributed through several channels before reaching the final end-user.
Bamboo
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 24:
Table 24. Price of bamboo raw materials at the producers and traders level.
Rattan
Rivera 1988 and Pabuayon et.al. 1988 computed for the profit rates (before taxes) of rattan traders and manufacturers (Table 25). Profits for
traders ranged from -2 to 329 percent of the total cost per truckload or container van while manufacturers of furniture obtained 49 percent of
the total cost compared to the 32 percent obtained by handicraft manufacturers. On the other hand, traders of rattan furniture obtained a higher
profit margin than traders of handicraft.
Table 25. Profit rates (before taxes) of rattan traders and manufacturers, Philippines.
Pampanga 3,528 3
Palawan 21,004 46
Leyte 53,346 32
Agusan 1,944 2
Davao 37,025 7
Furniture d/ 416,556 49
Handicraft e/ 31,340 32
Furniture f/ 40,389 73
Handicraft g/ 69,601 52
a/ Exchange rates: US$1.00 - P20.34 for 1986-87 and US$1.00 - P21.20 for 1989.
b/ Averages for different species (palasan, kalapi, tumalim, and limuran) and from different destinations with the
Philippines
c/ 12,500 poles per truckload and 9,000 poles per container van
In a study by UNAC, PBSP in 1993 (Table 26), the price, cost and income structure of rattan cutting contractors in Amas, Palawan was
obtained. However, the annual net income could not be estimated because the study reported net profit data on a per pole basis for only one
particular shipment.
Kilmer (1994) reported that a ¾ inch x 10 feet rattan pole is priced from P3.50/piece to P7.25 per piece (Table 27).
Table 27. Price structure of a 3/4 x 10 ft rattan pole from a Palawan forest to a Manila Manufacturer.
Gatherer
9.25
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 28. Cost and profit shares of market participants in the production and sale of selected bamboo
finished products.
PARTICIPANTS
P % P % P %
Gatherer 20 8 - - - -
Producer Cost 48 19 25 6 10 7
Manufacturer Profit 47 19 5 1 90 60
AAC = Ap x Ar x 4
where:
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:
Bayog 3.00
Boho/Bolo 2.00
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.
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.
Rattan gathering is controlled by the DENR since the government has jurisdiction over forest resources where rattan thrives. Before one can
have access to these rattan resources a rattan cutting concession, an annual cutting concession and an annual cutting license should first be
obtained. The concession agreement specifies certain geographic boundaries where rattan may be collected. Concessions are generally
granted to individuals, private companies or indigenous cultural communities (ICCs). The government have also started granting ancestral
domain claims to ICCs which gives them the right to sustainably use the resources including rattan found within their claims.
As of 1996 (PFS, 1996), the government has issued a total of 355 rattan cutting contracts covering 3.2M ha to individuals, corporations and
ICCs for the purpose of managing rattan resources.
All concessionaires are required to file harvesting plans with the local/regional DENR offices to limit their harvesting to a calculated annual
allowable cut specified in the concession agreement. They are also required to pay a Rattan Special Deposit Fund for reforestation which will
be used to carry out the reforestation activities within the concessions. It is currently set at P0.50 per linear meter for poles over 2 cm. in
diameter and P0.20 per linear meter for smaller poles.
Forest charges are also paid by the concessionnaires to DENR. Forest charges are set at rate equal to 10 percent of the market price of the
product in Manila. However, Kilmer in 1994 observed that effective rates for the largest poles are somewhat lower than the 10 percent target.
For more common small poles, effective rates can reach as high as 26 percent or 100 percent of the price received by the gatherer.
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.
1. RA 7586 (1992)
An act providing for the establishment and management of Natural Integrated Protected Areas System.
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)
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.
Implementing rules and regulations on the prospecting of biological and genetic resources.
A study is being prepared to review and assess the present forest charges pegged on bamboo and rattan with consideration of the various
valuation methods to arrive at the true value of bamboo and rattan.
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 University of the Philippines at Los Ba 駉 s (UPLB), Benguet State University (BSU), Mariano Marcos State
University (MMSU), Nueva Viscaya State Institute of Technology (NVSIT), Tarlac College of Agriculture (TCA), Palawan National
Agricultural College (PNAC), Panay State Polytechnic College (PSPC), Mindanao State University (MSU) and Visayas State College of
Agriculture (VISCA).
Government
AGENCY
College Industry and Technology Center Role in Bamboo and Rattan mandated to
(CITC) 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 Both under DENR and support the R & D
Bureau (ERDB) activities of the forestry sector in the technical
socio-economic and marketing aspects of raw
Ecosystems Research and Development materials
Sector (ERDS)
Technology Application and Promotions Under DOST and is responsible for technology
Institute (TAPI) commercialization and promotion
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Under DOST and responsible for R & D
Forestry and Natural Resources and evaluation monitoring providing financial,
Development (PCARRD) 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 and rattan industry. It coordinates,
promotes, facilitates the country 抯 trade
industry and investment activities.
Non-Government Organization
NAME ROLE
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 Organizes trade fairs where Filipino exporters may
Expositions and Mission, Inc. participate. The center consist of product officers
(CITEM) who assist foreign buyers in their inquiries and
maintains a permanent exhibit of Philippines export
products including bamboo and rattan based
products
Industry Associations
European Chamber of Commerce of the The only European bilateral chamber represented
Philippines 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
Private Sector
Kawayan Farm c/o Engr. D.J. Alfonso Sells ready to plant bamboo propagules and offers
a training package on bamboo propagation
Issues and Concerns, Recommended Solutions and R & D Strategies for the Bamboo and Rattan Sectors
BAMBOO
Production
Lack of concerted planned
effort for bamboo plantation
development
formulation of guidelines in
reforestation projects
physiological properties-end
product matching
R & D on physiological
aspects vis a vis market
research
Marketing
limited social acceptance of increased IEC researches on the perception,
bamboo attitude and extension
strategies and other IEC
approaches
no standards for grading and development of grading and R & D on grading and
classification of raw classification standards for classification standards
materials raw materials
Utilization
products limited to commercialization of new
traditional uses bamboo products
R & D on product
development of state-of-the- development designs
art technologies
conduct of seminars,
workshops, trainings
sponsored by government
and/or industry associations
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
information systems analysis
establishment of a centralized
repository of bamboo database
on production, management,
marketing, utilization
RATTAN
Production
lack of concerted effort on
rattan plantation
delineation of rattan seed plantation establishment of
development
production areas indigenous commercial
species of phenotypically
poor replanting programs if superior strains
development of support
any, by gatherers
facilities for producers of raw
materials
CBFM approach
Marketing
value addition community enterprise Impact studies on:
development
gender
organization of cooperatives/
associations socio-economic parameters
environmental parameters
Protection
poaching and illegal CBFM approach R & D efforts on efficient and
harvesting effective preservation
technology development technologies
limited/inadequate
preservation techniques
Administrative
ineffective government assessment of existing policies policy studies
policies on the cutting, on
transporting and monitoring
of rattan and rattan activities - length of poles
marketed
- allowable cut
assessment of administrative
feasibility of policies
Luzon
Isla Verde, Batangas City Jose Ma. Pastor Kauayan Tinik 50
Pililia, Rizal Alfonso Domingo Kauayan Tinik 20
Agno, Pangasinan Doctor's Farm Kauayan Tinik 5
Pangasinan NEPA Q-Mart Bayog and Botong 50
Coron, Palawan Francisco Fernada Kauayan Tinik 5
Del Monte, Bulacan Sighn Bambusetum Kauayan Tinik 20
Bula, Camarines Sur Mike Laya Kauayan Tinik and
Kauayan Buddha 4
Laguna Various Private Groups K. Tinik, Giant bamboo 890a/
and 80% Laak
Sub-total 1043
Visayas
Murcia, Negros Occ. R. Jalandoni Kauayan Tinik 160
Murcia, Negros Occ. T. Trebol Kauayan Tinik 20
Murcia, Negros Occ. N. L. Agustin Farms Kauayan Tinik 30
Isabela, Negros Occ. R. Suatenco Kauayan Tinik 5
La Castellana, Negros Occ. Ferria Farms Kauayan Tinik 14
Manapla, Negros Occ. Lamata Farms Kauayan Tinik 14
Cadiz, Negros Occ. Mirasol Kauayan Tinik 10
Victoria, Negros Occ. Maravilla Farms Kauayan Tinik 10
Moises Padilla Negros Occ. Feria Farms Kauayan Tinik 7
Valladolid, Negros Occ. Mayor Presbitero Kauayan Tinik 2
Dingle, Iloilo Hermontt Enterprise Kauayan Tinik 8
Duenas, Iloilo Paterno Larida Kauayan Tinik 10
Anilao, Iloilo Maravila Enterprise Giant Bamboo 10
Guimaras SMILE Giant Bamboo 12
Sub-total 312
Mindanao
Panabo, Davao N. TADECO Spiny, Laak, Lunas 140
Davao del Norte Nest Farm Spiny, Laak, Lunas 161
Panabo, Davao N. DAPECOL Spiny, Laak, Lunas 303
Davao del Norte WADECOR Spiny, Laak, Lunas 80
Davao del Norte F. S. Dizon & Sons Inc. Spiny, Laak 110
Davao del Norte AMS-FC Davao del Norte Spiny, Laak 100
Davao del Norte SFC, Davao del Norte Laak 5
Davao CFI, Agusan del Norte Laak 12
Davao del Norte Davao Fruits Corp. Laak 434
Davao del Norte Twin River Plantation Inc. Laak 132
Pandadan, Tagum D. N. Caasi Farm Laak 5
San Isidro, Nabunturean D. N. Caasi Farm Kayali 10
Piang Village, T'boli S. Cot. P. R. Virrey Laak 2
Mati, Davao Oriental Rabat Tini, botong 5
Compostela, Montevista D. N. CBMC Laak 186
Sub-total 1,685
Grand Total 3,040
Sources: Virtucio and Rivera (1995), Pastor (1995), Alfonso (1995), Caasi (1994), Uriarte and Marquez, C. (1995),
Basada et al
1997, and Binoya 1997 consultant 1997
a/ Based on the 255,000 seedlings planted as of February 1997 through Kawayan: Yaman Laguna Project by
private
individuals and organizations at survival rate of 70% and 200 planst/ha
bookUa.xls sheet 2
Table 2. Estimated total aggregate area planted to erect bamboos and pole/culm
production
in the Philippines from various sources a/
Estimated Total Estimated Total Estimated Total
Source/Origin Aggregate Area Number of Clumps Culm Productivity
Planted (Has) (in million) per year (in million)
Has % of Clumps % of Culms % of
Total
Total Total
b/ Existing bamboo stands found growing sporadically or in patches in the backyards and/or along riverbanks
in either public or private land not covered by forest and established plantations.
priceUc.xls sheet 2
Table 3. Extent, distribution and production of bamboo from forest lands, 1996,
Philippines.
Region Bamboo produced (pc)
CAR 29,474
Abra 14,369
Benguet 942
Ifugao 33
Kalinga-Apayao 14,130
I 82,370
Ilocos Norte 42,400
Ilocos Sur 39,970
III 1,500
Zambales 1,500
IV-A 950
Quezon 950
V 58,913
Albay 3
Camarines Sur 58,910
XI 453,682
Davao del Norte 377,343
Davao del Sur 14,206
Davao Oriental 49,050
Saranggani Province 8,653
South Cotabato 4,430
TOTAL 626,889
Source: 1996 Philippine Forestry Statistics
bam/Ua.xls sheet 1
Authors/Number of Species
Genera Gamble Merrill Santos Pancho and PCARRD Sc
(1916) (1923) (1986) Obien (1988) (1991) Tan
Arundinaria 1 1 - 3 3
Bambusa 5 5 + 1 var. 7 + 1 var. 6 +1 var. 14 + 2 vars.
Cephalustachyum 1 1 1 - 1
Chimonobambusa - - - - -
Dendrocalamus 2 1 3 3 4
Dinochloa 4 + 1 var. 4 3 - 4
Gigantochloa 1 1 1 - 2
Guadua - 1 - - - 1
Phyllostachys - - - 3 3
Pleioblastus - - - - -
Pseudosasa - - - - -
Pseudostachyum - - 1 - -
Racemobambos - - - - -
Sasa - - - - -
Sasaella - - - - -
Schizostachyum 10 10 8 1 11
Shibataea - - - - -
Sphaerobambos - - - - 1
Thyrsostachys - - - 1 1
Yushania - - 1 - 1
TOTAL 19 25 25 26 18 47
5. Bambusa atra Undley Loleba Erect Basketry, handicraft New Guniea, Molucc
Southern Mindanao
6- B. bambos (L.) Voss Syn. B. arundinacea India Bamboo Erect Multipurpose: edible shoots, India to Southern Chi
(Retzius) Wilid. household uses, basic construction China
material
B. spinosa Roxb.
7. B blumeana J. A. & J. H. Schultes Syn. B. Kauayan tinik Erect Multipurpose: edible shoots, Native to Sumatra, Ja
spinosa Roxb. sensu MeiTill basketry, constructuon material, Sunda Islands. Proba
household uses, pulp and paper Philippines in the pre
B pungens Blanco Bambus arundo Blanco
8. B. comuta Munro Syn. B. horsfieldii Munro Lopa Erect Household use Native of Java and th
Vizcaya and Benguet
9. B. dolichoclada Hayata Chinese bamboo Erect Construction purposes, agricultural Endemic to China, Ta
tools, windbreaks
10. B.dolichomerithalla Hayata Taiwan bamboo Erect Ornamental; in Taiwan as blow pipes Endemic to Taiwan
11. B. floribunda Nakai 12. B. merrilli Memll bamboo Erect Erect Ornamental Household use Probably native to Ja
Gamble Philippines; rare.
13. B. multiplex (Lour.) Kauayan-tsina Erect Excellent hedges and as ornamental It probably origi
China
Raeuschel ex. J. A. & J. H. Schultes Syn. el nana Roxb.
B.alaucescens (Wilid.) Sieb. Ex Munro
(There exist three groups of this species namely: green culm Taiwan useful Windbreaks, for farm implements, building and
group, yellow culm group and Buddha's belly group called bamboo supporting poles, edible shoots.
wamin in Burma). Erect Originated in the
tropical Asia. Th
Kauayan-kiling The most used of all bamboos, rather rarely used as bamboo in the tr
19.Cephalustachvum mindorense Gamble construction material because it is susceptible to powder
post beetle attack.
20. Chimonobambusa falcata Mak.
Probably SE Asi
Can probably used for making kaing
Mindoro bikal or
bakto
Erect
Building material for houses: edible shoots
Erect
22. D. aiganteus Wallich ex Munro Giant bamboo Erect Construction material, edible Southern Burma and Western Thailand
shoots, thich culm wall good for
production of bamboo boards,
etc. as well as for ornamental
puroposes.
23. D. latifloms Munro No precise origin. Distributed from Burma, Southern Chin
Most important for its young
(This species was introduced in the 1970's. Machiku Erect shoot which is considered
Gamble's D. latiflorus was reduced by Merrill delicious, also household use and
to G. levis) construction purposes.
24. D. memllianus (Elmer) Elmer. (In the
sense of Dransfield and Widjaja thus species
is reduced to D. asper). Syn. D. parviflorus
Hack.
Solid bamboo
26. Dinochloa dielseana Pilger Widespread and native in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Burm
Climbing
Palawan bukaui
Climbing Native, also Bormeo
Palawan bikal
Climbing
Ornamental garden plant, also hedges, walking Probably originated from temperate and subtem
37. P. humilis Muroi sticks, umbrella handles, novelties and Japan
41. P.chino Makino forma eleaantissimus forma Ornamental, also musical instruments and Introduced probably from China.
pumilus forma pyamaeus handicrafts, walking sticks and pipe stems.
--- Erect
42. P. distichus Muroi & Okamura Edible shoots.
Black bamboo Erect Warm temperate part of China
43. P_ fortunei auct. cv. fortunei Ornamental
Japan
Ornamental
Edible bamboo Erect Japan
Ornamental
Akebono-nesasa Erect Japan
Ornamental
Kamoro-sasa Erect Japan
Ornamental
Gori-dake Japan
Ke-oroshimasasa
Ornamental
Oroshima-chiku Erect Japan
Chigo-zasa Erect
44. Pseudosasa amabilis auct. Cha'D- Erect Ornamental Japan
konchuck
45. Pseudostachvum polymorphum Munro Erect Ornamental Japan
Bayto
46. Racemobambos hirsuta Hoittum
47. Sasa kurilensis (Rupr.) Mak. Et Shibata Climbing General purpose Palawan and Malaysia
---
48. S. nipponica Mak.
Uzuma-zasa
54. S. fenixii Gamble
Erect Ornamental, split culms for roofing, South-East Asia, Thailand, Penin
55. S^ lima (Blanco) Merr. Syn. sl zollinaeri Merr. S. handicrafts, props, etc. Java, Celebes, Moluccas.
hallieri Gamble B. lima Blanco
Bohong
dilau
56. S^ lumampao (Blanco) Merr. Syn. S^ hirtiflorumHack.
S^ mucronatum Hack.
Maybe put to use as bikal Endemic to the Philippines
Anos
For sawali-making, basketry, fences, flutes, Endemic to the Philippines, occa
handicraft and many other uses.
Erect
Luzon bikal
Kalbam\ng
59. S. toppinaii Gamble Topping bikal Climbing May be put to use as bikal Endemic to the Philippines
Thailand bamboo
Utod
Erect
2. B. Vulgaris Kauayan-kiling
4.Dendrocalamus asper
Giant bamboo
5. D. Latiflorus
Machiku (called Botong in Davao)
6. Gigantochloa levis
Bolo, botong
7. Schizostachyum lumampao
Moroku-Chiku
Table 9
PROJECTED DEMAND FOR RATTAN POLES BASED ON PROJECTED
VALUE EXPORTS, 1990-2015 a/
Value of Exports (US$'000,000) 163.6 180.0 198.0 215.7 239.5 263.5 336.3 b/ 429.2
Rattan poles (million lm) 212.7 234.0 257.4 283.0 311.4 342.6 437.2 558.0
Large Diameter Rattan (40% of
requirement) 85.1 93.6 103.0 113.2 124.6 137.0 174.9 223.2
Small Diameter Rattan (60% of
requirement) 127.6 140.4 154.4 169.8 186.8 205.6 262.3 334.8
priceUc.xls sheet3
Table 15. Socio-economic characteristics of bamboo participants, lloilo. Negros Occidental and Abra. 1995
Education: 7 42
Elementar
y 5 57
Secondary
to College
4 43
Annual
4 71
income
from
bamboo 10 29
(P):
P5.000 4
and below
P5.001 to
20,000
Other
sources of
income
Farming
Non-
Farming
Gatherers 9 50
Education: 9 50
Elementar
y 15 83
Secondary 3 183
to
Vocational
12 67
Household
6 33
size: 1-6
8 73
7-9
3 27
Member involved in bamboo activity:
1-4
None
Trader 7 26
Education: Elementary 20 74
Secondary to College 18 67
7-12 7 63
1. 7 8 42
None 7 37
PIO.OOI-30,000
P30,000-50,000
Manufacturers Annual income from
bamboo:
25
PI0,000 and below
4 19
PIO.OOI-20,000
3 56
Greater than P20.000
9
Labor Force 35
Sex: Male 15 65
Female
28 19
Education:
Elementar 8 81
y
35 81
Secondary
to
8 19
Vocational
21 51
Primary
source of
income: 20 49
Bamboo
activities
Farming
and others
Annual
income
from
bamboo:
PI 5,000
and below
Greater
than PI
5,000
Table 17. Wages received byworkers in rattan gathering, trading, manufacturing and
exporting, Philippines.
a/ Kilmer, G. D. (1994) - Based on an estimated total earning of $3.3 million/year or $220/worker and work of
average of 4 days/month (55 days/year) (Exchange rate used in the study: P25/US$1.00) b/ Average legislated minimum wage for 1993 c/ Based on total earnings of $60M
for a total of 100,000 workers, with working days of 150/year
d/ Based on daily average receipts of weavers of round, oval and pyramid shaped baskets in Tayabas, Quezon. e/ Based on a daily earnings of P650.000 for 2169
workers.
Table 18
RATTAN BAMBOO
Number 15,000 undetermined rural villages
29 6
Average age
Household size 5 temporary/semi-permanent
Housing farming
temporary/semi-permanent
Major occupation farming alienable & disposable, titled
Land ownership
Farm area Farm no legal claims: forest areas 2.33 ha (palins)
output 2.17 ha (uplands)
home use and sale
Cash income/year home use
Prop. of income
from B & R B & R P33.522
activities P20.642
14%
Rice yield 16%
cutting, lopping, culm, topping,
Fertilizer use cutting, hauling, primary hauling
processing
2.35 tons
none to minimal
1.7 tons
none to minimal
Table 20
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RATTAN BASED HANDICRAFT SELLERS AND
BUYERS, TAYABAS, QUEZON, AND METRO MANILA, 1987
CHARACTERISTICS NO. OF MARKET PARTICIPANTS
SELLER BUYER ALL
Number reporting 20 25
Average age (years) 42 42
Year established
1970-75 5 - 5
1976-80 3 5
1981-85 7 10
1986-87 5 - 5
Type of ownership
Single proprietor 19 20
Partnership - -
Corporation 1 5
Type of business
management
Owner 19 5 24
Hired 1 - 1
Educational attainment
Elementary a/ 2 2
High school b/ 6 6
College 2 2
College graduate 9 5 14
Post-graduate c/ 1 1
characUc.xls sheet 1
Table 21
DISTRIBUTION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RATTAN TRADERS
BY TYPE OF PRODUCT HANDLED, LUZON, 1987
Type of respondent
Wholesaler-retailer 2 3 5
Retailer 15 28 43
Exporter 1 6 7
Type of ownership
Single Proprietorship 18 32 50
Corporation - 5 5
Membership in association
a,c/
CFIP 1 - 1
PCCI - 3 3
Others 2 2 4
None 15 32 47
None 2 9 11
a/ Number reporting
Table 22
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF B/R-BASED FURNITURE
MANUFACTURER-EXPORTERS, PHILIPPINES
CHARACTERISTICS NUMBER PERCENT (%)
REPORTING
Business status
Corporation 12 92
Partnership 1 8
Total 13 100
Year established
Before 1970 1 8
1970-1975 1 8
1976-1980 2 15
1981-1985 5 38
1986-1991 4 31
Total 13 100
Capital Equity (n=13)
(million pesos) 12.78
Number of employees (ave) 342
Permanent staff 89
Contractual staff 253
No imported materials 5 38
With imported materials 8 62
Export Development Project, DTI (1994) Furniture Industry Sector Profile charac.Uc.xls s3
Table 23
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF B/R-BASED HANDICRAFT
MANUFACTURER-EXPORTERS, PHILIPPINES
CHARACTERISTIC NUMBER REPORTING
Business status
Corporation 2
Partnership 2
Total 4
Year established
1973 2
1983-1984 2
Total 4
Capital Equity (n=4)
(million pesos) 3.3
No imported materials 4
charac.Uc.xls sheet 4
Table 26
Price, Cost and Income Structure of Amas, Palawan, Philippines, September 1993
Item 1 1/8 - 1 1/4" 3/4 - 1" 5/8" 1/2"
Cost Percent Cost Percent Cost Percent Cost Percent
Per pole
Buying price a/ 5.00 52.30 3.50 43.97 1.50 25.60 1.00 18.83
Total Expenses o/ 9.56 100.00 7.96 100.00 5.86 100.00 4.31 100.00
Income (loss)/ROI 2.44 25.52 (1.46) (18.34) (2.86) (48.81) (2.31) (53.60)
a/ In Philippine pesos per pole; based on a shipment of 6,000 limuran poles (12 ft) to Manila.
b/ From harvest area to association's warehouse, P600 for jeepney rental of 1,000 pole capacity and P0.50 per pole
d/ Classifying and cutting of poles into appropriate sizes, 50 poles in each bundle.
e/ "Grease money" of P500.00 paid to the CENRO Inspector who determines the species, diameter and volume in lineal meters
f/ P1,500 paid to the CENRO for processing the necessary documents for the transport of rattan.
g/ P4,000 for the total volume of 6,000 poles assessed at 8,000 lineal meters, i. e, P0.50 per pole.
i/ "Grease money" of P1,500 divided as follows: P500 for DENR, P500 for the Philippine Ports Authority and P500 for
j/ Total of P714.
Note: Amas is a rattan gatherers association awarded a rattan cutting contract by the government.
priceUc.xls sheet 1