The Department of Science & Technology here in Negros Oriental granted P3 million to Kawayan Collective, a private bamboo processing facility located in Dauin, south of Dumaguete.
The grant of P3 million will be used to build an eco-dryer designed by the Forest Products Research & Development Institute of DOST. The project also covers the procurement of a blade sharpening machine, a drum sander, and a laminating hot press machine.
“The project aims to enable the efficient and sustainable local production of innovative engineered bamboo products primarily for the domestic market, while developing the capacity and skill-level of local suppliers–they would be able to process, treat and distribute beautiful, durable, Filipino bamboo as a sustainable construction material,” said Atty. Gilbert Arbon, provincial S&T director of DOST.
Through the project, the Kawayan Collective could increase its production of engineered bamboo panels and products from 132 panels to 300 panels monthly.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on Kawayan Collective’s production.
“DOST’s grant is making it possible for Kawayan Collective to kiln-dry our engineered bamboo for a mold-resistant finish, so useful in a humid country, and necessary for anyone trying to export product,” said Architect Ray Villanueva, manager and co-founder of Kawayan Collective.
“We will also be able to double the size of our existing panels, without adding more labor cost. We can pass those savings onto customers, making it easier for more to choose engineered bamboo finishes for their homes,” Architect Villanueva added.
A Bamboo Academy Learning Center forms part of the P3-million grant, with the aim of assisting transfer (through training) of appropriate bamboo technologies to the communities.
The Bamboo Academy will be a place to build on strong relationships with bamboo partners and suppliers, by providing more extensive training and hands-on practice for value-added products such as flattened bamboo, slats, dowels/pins, and small handicrafts.
“The funds will support our Bamboo Academy, or mobile training center, where we will host regular trainings on all aspects of our business — from propagation, to processing, to production of bamboo structures and furnitures,” said Architect Villanueva.
“As a front-runner in bamboo processing, a big part of our business model is open-access to increase uptake. We want suppliers who know how to maintain their clumps year-to-year and plant more. We want [to train] processors who understand treatment, and why it’s important. We need architects, engineers, and contractors who know how to design and build with structural bamboo. The Bamboo Academy is going to be busy!,” shared an excited Architect Villanueva.
To formalize the Grants-in-Aid Project, a memorandum of agreement was signed between Kawayan Collective, DOST Negros Oriental and DOST Region Office VII. Another MOA was signed between DOST-FPRDI and Kawayan Collective for the transfer of technology and construction of an eco-dryer. (Reinhold Jek Abing/DOST NegOr)
