Subic Bay Freeport – A bamboo nursery was launched, as well as the donation of 200 iron bamboo saplings, that aims to boost the iron bamboo production in the Freeport.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Zambales led the launching of the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery at the El Kabayo on 24 June, with the aim to create a market for iron bamboo here.

According to SBMA Ecology Center OIC Rossell L. Abuyo, the Bamboo Nursery is in partnership with DTI Zambales and other private stakeholders, providing an area were bamboo sapling can be cultivated and grown inside the Freeport.

She added that the opening of the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery is just the first step, and will be followed by a “Bambusetum” at the same area.

“A bambusetum is a specialized garden or collection dedicated to the cultivation and study of various bamboo species. It serves as a gene bank for bamboo conservation, allowing for the observation of different growth habits and characteristics of these plants, which are often more distinct than their floral characteristics,” she said.

She cited that bambusetums are valuable for scientific, educational, and aesthetic purposes.

DTI Director Tacbad said that aside from the environmental benefits of bamboo, these plants can also be a good source of livelihood for the community. He cited that various products can be made from bamboo, as well as bamboo propagules.

He added that in the foreseeable future, the area can become a place to process and manufacture bamboo fibers and other products that can be sold to the market.

“With regards to these anticipating needs there is a need for a sustainable supply of raw materials thus, a bambusetum or bambudal (in Spanish) can supply the said materials needed at anytime,” he said.

The bambusetum is a collection of living bamboos, which may consist of native or exotic, raised and cultivated for educational, research and development or aesthetic purposes or any combination thereof.

“Initially, for SBMA's bambusetum, we are readying for at least 15-20 species of bamboo,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Banco Kalikasan Environmental Movement, Inc. has donated 200 iron bamboo propagules to the El Kabayo Tree and Bamboo Nursery during the opening ceremony. Banco Kalikasan President Emar Alcantara, and Project Coordinator Mary Grace Alcantara were on hand to deliver the propagules to the Subic Bay Freeport.

Iron bamboo, scientifically known as Guadua angustifolia, is a type of bamboo known for its exceptional strength and is considered a premier material for construction and engineered bamboo production. It is native to South America and has been successfully introduced to the Philippines, where it is a priority species for propagation.