THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture has given the Mariano Marcos State University  P1.2 million for its bamboo research development project.

The project seeks to strengthen the bamboo production system in Ilocos Norte this year.

“This initiative aims to enhance the supply of quality raw materials for processing through the rehabilitation of existing bamboo stands and development of new plantations in the province,” the university said.

“The project also aims to enhance the competencies of bamboo farmers. In this line, MMSU facilities will also be improved for trainings on bamboo planting material production and processing,” it said.

“Moreover, the project team members will also assess the quality, desirability, and feasibility of produced bamboo products,” it added.

Dr. Charlie Batin, project leader, said the project will apply the MMSU’s generated bamboo technologies: One Node Technology, Poles per Year Technology, and E-bamboo machineries.

“One Node Technology uses single node of bamboo in the production of planting materials, while PoPeYe is a rehabilitation technology for unmanaged bamboo stands to produce good quality poles,” Batin noted.

He explained that E-bamboo machineries are used to produce engineered bamboo. The MMSU already has its Five-in-one Kawayan Tile Machine and kiln dryer, as well as splitting, slicing and veneering machines and a double disk sander.

“Other equipment that will be purchased are bamboo pole maker, laser engraver, laser printer and chainsaw,” Batin said.

The project will be carried out in collaboration with the city government of Batac and local government units of Paoay, Currimao, and Badoc; the Department of Trade and Industry; Philippine Tourism Authority, Robinsons Mall, Department of Education, and Association of Resort Owners in Ilocos Norte; and Wilcon Depot Laoag.

“These agencies will help establish and promote the market of E-kawayan products and processing machines in the province,” Batin said.