Bamboo, rattan R&D agenda proposed

Recognized as important substitutes for wood, bamboo and rattan are excellent raw materials for furniture, handicrafts and novelty items.

With a sustainable resource base from organized and coordinated efforts of private entrepreneurs, the bamboo and rattan industries aim for a progressive, productive, dynamic and globally competitive environment. But this can only be realized if appropriate research and development (R & D) efforts are implemented.

A team from the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) came up with research agenda for the bamboo and rattan commodities.

Among the priorities considered by the team were on resource management, utilization, technology development, promotion, economics and marketing, and strengthening policy and institution.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has put in place facilities, programs and initiatives that will help entrepreneurs produce and promote bamboo and rattan products.

For its part, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been regulating and implementing policies on harvesting and cutting of bamboo and rattan.

With all these concerted efforts, the bamboo and rattan industries are expected to be progressive and globally competitive. – Leila C. America, S&T Media Services