a raw material for “10,000 products with documented uses” even as bamboo grows ubiquitously throughout Philippines.
Senator Cynthia A.Villar who graced the book’s launch said the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal recognized bamboo’s contribution to economic growth. “Bamboo regrows from its own root system. It doesn’t need to be planted again. It plays a leading role as carbon sink. It can absorb 12 metric tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year and releases 30% more oxygen than other plants.”
To prop this development, he insists bamboo bills filed in Congress—mainly Senate Bill 605 and House Bill 7941—should be immediately ratified. The proposed law provides incentives for private sector to invest in the industry. For one, government land may be used by private owners for free lease for five years. Other incentives are easy permitting or permit-free cutting and transportation of bamboo for as long as holders are duly government-registered.
PBIDC Executive Director Rene Madarang said that as government has not allocated any budget for PBIDC, it is good that the private sector has funded projects of PBIDC and Kilusang 5K. The 5K stands for Kawayan: Kalikasan, Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran, Kinabukasan) Foundation Inc. which Savellano himself founded when he was yet with the private sector.
The book with its complete title “Amazing Bamboo: Rediscovering its Wonders and Potentials” teaches one how to grow bamboo in the farm.