Bamboo, once known as the poor man’s lumber, is considered today by many enthusiasts as the “green gold.” It serves as material for construction, handicraft and furniture-making, fish pen, and other agricultural and industrial uses. Bamboo yards can be found in the provinces as market outlet. Bamboo poles can also be bought from plantation sites.

Bamboos can be used to rehabilitate large tracts of denuded land. Its wide range of adaptability to adverse soil and climatic conditions make it an ideal crop reforesting barren and grassland areas in the country. A fast-growing plant with a massive root system, bamboo is effective in controlling soil erosion and stabilizing riverbanks.

For site preparation for bamboo propagation, prepare the planting hole in advance. Each hole should be wide and deep enough to accommodate the potted propagules. The bigger the planting hole, the better for the growth of the propagules.

This August 12-16, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is hosting the 1st ASEAN Bamboo Congress in Iloilo City. This international forum aims to give researchers, academe, policy-makers, and private and public individuals to exchange information and updates on bamboo and sustainable environment strategies within the ASEAN region.