Earth Protect Blog

Bulacan, Philippines — The Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) emphasized yesterday the value of bamboo in Philippine culture as well as its ability to fight the adverse effects of global warming, earning the support of the Capitol leadership.

Recent studies show that since bamboo, known as “poor man’s timber,” has a cooling effect to its surroundings, massive planting of it may serve as a “thermostat” of the environment.

The study showed that bamboo trees can absorb 33% more carbon dioxide and can emit up to 35% more oxygen as compared to other trees, making it the best solution for carbon sequestration.

In accordance to the Executive Order No. 879, an order creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council to help strengthen the bamboo industry in the country issued on May 25, 2010, Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado thru the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) pushes and encourages Bulakenyos to plant bamboo grass because of its various economic uses.

The bamboo species in the Philippines can address and provide for our basic needs such as food through its bamboo shoots, clothing through its fiber and shelter through its body, and many more, the BENRO studies cited.

Another characteristic of the bamboo according to the research, is that it’s the most sustainable tree because in a span of three years, it can be harvested unlike others that will take 10 years before it can be

Alvarado also added that after Bulacan's team of expert on environment who conducted study tour in China with regards to the importance of bamboo, it was found out that it can also be developed as a big industry in the Philippines and as such is the handicraft and furniture making and can also be used in many purposes and could generate jobs to the locale folks.

The abundance of Bamboo grass in Bulacan is assured since it is very prolific and can grow anywhere.

Moreover, planting of bamboo grass could prevent soil erosion because of its ability to hold six cubic meters of soil and has 25% of expanding, growing roots.

Prior to this, a Bamboo grass planting were done along the riverbanks in Bustos recently in cooperation with the Couples for Christ, Parole and Probation Board, Sagip Sierra Madre Movement and the municipality of Bustos wherein more than 1,000 bamboos were planted. (Freddie C. Velez)