Bamboo is a common plant found in all parts of the country. In order to promote its uses, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Laguna, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB), conducted a training on Bamboo Propagation and its benefits for the members of the Sipag at Sigasig Farmer’s Association last July 6, 2023, at Brgy. San Mateo, San Pablo, Laguna.
Mr. Angelito B. Exconde, the resource speaker, works as a Board Director at the ERDB Multi-purpose Cooperative and a Supervisor at the Los Baños Experiment Station (LBES) of ERDB. He has various work experiences in the National Greening Program of DENR and is a Master of Science in Forestry specializing in economics, agroforestry, and social forestry.
Mr. Exconde discussed the predominant challenges faced by the bamboo industry in the Philippines. One challenge he discussed was the need for more bamboo planting materials and that one-node and branch cuttings are the current methods widely used in the country.
“The one-node cutting is expensive because the whole is cut to obtain one-node propagules and the number of propagules that can be obtained from a pole is rather limited,” Mr. Exconde stated. He added that tissue culture is the most efficient method, but our country is still in its pilot testing stage.
As a guide for the bamboo farmers on bamboo’s proper growth and development stages, Mr. Exconde then showed a list of indicators to know if the bamboo is growing healthy and the step-by-step process of the one-node cutting method and traditional tools used in bamboo propagation such as chainsaw, handsaw, scythe, and pruning shear.
Mr. Exconde remarked, “May mga bagay tayong hindi pinapansin sa paligid na hindi natin alam ay napakarami palang kagamitan sa ating buhay.” He encouraged all participants to explore the different programs DOST offers to help them improve their respective farming business and lives. DOST-Laguna staff then gave the speaker a certificate of appreciation.#
