DOST-FPRDI CONSULTS WITH CENTRAL MINDANAO E-BAMBOO PLAYERS Philippine | 08/02/2023

The DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) team recently attended the Bamboo Processing Industry Consultation Meeting in Naawan, Misamis Oriental and Iligan City.

DOST-FPRDI Deputy Director Dr. Rico J. Cabangon and former DOST Undersecretary for Regional Operations Dr. Florentino O. Tesoro provided technical suggestions on how to improve local engineered bamboo (e-bamboo)processing to be able to compete with imported counterparts.

Also discussed during the meeting were the results of the developed drying schedule for bamboo slats; and the physical and natural durability, and mechanical properties of local e-bamboo compared with imported e-bamboo. The team also visited some manufacturers of e-bamboo in Naawan, Misamis Oriental, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro City,and made a courtesy call to DOST Lanao del Norte.

E-bamboo is produced by binding together fibers, particles, strips or slats of bamboo with the right adhesive. Used worldwide to make attractive panels, floors, furniture and handicrafts, it is often stronger and less prone to warping than equivalent solid woods.

The consultation meeting was held on November 29-30, 2022 under the “S&T Intervention on Quality Standard and Drying Protocols for Locally Manufactured Engineered Bamboo" project, which is in collaboration with the Central Mindanao University (CMU) and is funded by DOST-PCAARRD.

Other members of the DOST-FPRDI team include Engr. Elvina O. Bondad, Engr. Ceasar Cuaresma and For. Oliver S. Marasigan, while the CMU team is composed of Dr. Lowell C. Aribal, For. Jason A. Parlucha and Engr. Hazel L. Eyana. ### (Apple Jean C. Martin- de Leon)