Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Philippine President issues EO 879

Bamboo is growing popularity for construction because of its structural strength, flexibility and sustainability as a building material. Unlike hardwoods that can not be easily replenished, it takes bamboos 2-5 years, depending on the variety, to harvest; and no need to replant. 


With the world's increasing sensitivity to the environment, caused by the Tsunami in Japan and Global Warming fears, the world is espousing Green Architecture. Consequently, they are introducing eco-friendly materials such as bamboo.



In the Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo created the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC)by issuing Executive Order No. 879 on May 14, 2010. It created the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council and directed the use of bamboo for at least 25 percent of the desk and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools. It also directed the prioritization in the use of bamboo in furniture, fixtures and other construction requirements of government facilities. 


One who engages in growing bamboo should be familiar the growth stages of the plant. Moreover, the Order gave strong and logical reasons that “the Philippines has committed to reforest at least 500,000 hectares with bamboo as part of the 1 million hectares of designated areas as its contribution to the ASEAN commitment of 20 million hectares of new Forest by 2020 as part of its initiatives to improve the environment”.

This pronouncement indicates that growing bamboo is an international initiative designed to mitigate adverse climatic changes and for ecological enhancement. The statistics also indicate the feasibility of establishing plant nurseries. The Bamboo indeed is here to stay.

1 comment:

  1. Correction Mr.Archian it was then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who signed the E.O 879 creating the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) NOT PRESIDENT AQUINO. As you have written it was signed on May 14, 2010... Pres. Aquino is not yet the President at that time. Do your homework first.

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