Bamboo is abounding in the countryside. It is easy to propagate and can be grown in small clumps on fallowed farmlands. It is also friendlier to the environment compared to other high value agricultural crops. Hailed as the next timber, it is viewed as a good substitute for wood-based products. Developing our local bamboo industry is therefore imperative at this time of a looming shortage of woods. Not to mention the opportunities it would bring by generating employment in the community but also improving income to our bamboo farmers. Moreover, it helps improve the income of Bamboo farmers, generate jobs, and boosts the export industry which contribute to the national economy.

With the success of the first run of the "Bamboo Production Workshop: Growing and Processing Bamboo" held last July 6-7, 2023 in Casa Nenecitas, Alae, Bukidnon,the ECCP Northern Mindanao is spearheading the 2nd leg of the training called the "Skills Training on Engineered Bamboo Production" on May 7-9, 2024 to be held at HomeBiz Crafts Bamboo Hub, Iligan City. The training will be facilitated by Mr. Robert Palomares, an expert in engineered bamboo and the proprietor of Homebiz Crafts Bamboo Hub. Additionally, he serves as the Managing Director of HOMEBiz BambooTech Development Center.

OBJECTIVES

• Get acquainted with bamboo species suitable for engineered bamboo production;
• Learn best practices in the preparation of bamboo poles prior to processing;
• Appreciate the critical role of bamboo treatment and proper drying in the production of engineered bamboo;
• Familiarize operation of tools, equipment and machines at the Bamboo Node and Hub Centers;
• Learn the basics in producing quality bamboo slats;
• Importance of quality binding and gluing;
• Make quality bamboo planks; and
• Learn basic techniques on Polishing and Finishing.