Bambusetum for the Next Millenium
Bamboo has been used both for economic and environmental protective functions. It has been used to construct dwellings and furniture which command high price both in the local and the international markets.
A very productive plant, it grows faster and matures earlier than timber trees. It also has strength properties comparable to our commonly used wood species.
In Region XI, aside from the traditional uses, bamboo poles have been greatly used as props in banana plantations. All erect bamboos have been tried for this purpose such that supply of some species which only grow naturally are rapidly depleting. A bambusetum therefore has been established to genetically conserve all existing bamboo species available not only in the region but the country as a whole. It also serves as a show window where bamboo can be tapped for environmental protection and commercial purposes.
