The Philippines is setting its sights on a new sustainable industry: engineered bamboo. The Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates this industry could generate a staggering P400 billion ($8 billion) annually through import substitution, with a potential application in biofuel production, reported Manila Times.
Deogracias Victor Savellano, Undersecretary of the DA, emphasizes engineered bamboo’s role in replacing imported construction materials. This shift could not only boost the economy but also create a more eco-friendly building sector. Bamboo’s versatility extends beyond construction, with potential applications in biomass and, crucially, ethanol production.
However, unlocking bamboo’s full potential requires government support. The DA highlights the need for revised building codes, such as the National Building Code or National Structural Code, to incorporate bamboo as a viable construction material. This change would pave the way for widespread adoption and the economic benefits that come with it.
House Bill 9144, which aims to integrate bamboo as a sustainable building material, is seen as a critical step. “An Act Integrating Bamboo as a Sustainable Material for the Built Environment” could expedite the Philippines’ entry into the global engineered bamboo market, according to DA Undersecretary Savellano, who also serves as the vice chairman of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC).
PBIDC Executive Director Rene Madarang emphasizes the need to catch up. While Asia’s total bamboo export trade reached $2.969 billion in 2020, the Philippines’ contribution was a mere $473,852. Challenges like low product quality, high production costs, and limited financing hinder the industry’s growth.
The potential benefits extend beyond the economy. Bamboo’s ability to create jobs and alleviate poverty, particularly in Mindanao’s rural communities, is a significant advantage. Successful examples in North Cotabato and Bukidnon demonstrate the positive social impact this industry can bring.
