General overview of bamboo in the Philippines

摘要

Bamboo is a multipurpose plant. It has productive, aesthetic and protective functions. Fully harnessing these functions, bamboo could provide livelihood options, beautify landscapes and protect the environment.rnIn the Philippines, the many beneficial attributes of bamboo have not been properly harnessed. Bamboo stands have been depleted due to overexploitation, forest destruction and changes in land use. Plantation development has been very slow to keep pace with the increasing demand for bamboo.rnThe bamboo industry is still an emerging one. To hasten its progress, there is a need to accelerate plantation development of premium bamboo species, both for the production of culms and edible shoots. A strategic plan to substantially substitute wood-based products with bamboo-based products should be pursued.rnThis paper presents the general status and potential of bamboo for optimal development and utilisation within the Philippines.