Students may soon find themselves sitting on school chairs made from engineered bamboo replacing the all-too familiar wood and plastic as school furniture.
Engineered bamboo, a competitive, cost-effective material, is being touted by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the next generation school tables and chairs called Silyang Pinoy. These will also be multi-functional that can easily be transformed into other furniture.
This is especially useful in a country where schools are usually converted into evacuation centers during disasters.
“The Silyang Pinoy is an important development in providing quality furniture in primary and secondary public schools in the country. Our country’s geographic location situates us in the pathway of destructive typhoons. This furniture technology will support our educational school system and at the same time, be a sturdier furniture for evacuees who seek shelter in schools during disasters,” said DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. Solidum.
Engineered bamboo is made by binding together fibers, particles, strips or slats of bamboo with the right adhesive. Used worldwide to make attractive panels, floors, furniture and handicrafts, it is often stronger and less prone to warping than equivalent solid woods.
DOST’s Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) aims to comply with the price set by the Department of Education (DepEd) to be able to compete with school furniture in the market.
Currently, DepEd spends at least P116,000 for a table-and-chair set for 45 students.
“The FPRDI has long realized the potential of bamboo and the need to mainstream its use to support the local industry,” said Romulo Aggangan, FPRDI director.
“One of the most economically-important non-timber forest products, bamboo has excellent properties that make it an ideal substitute to wood for furniture, handicrafts, construction material, and chemical products,” he pointed out.
“Supporting bamboo production not only provides economic opportunities for local bamboo farmers and e-bamboo producers,” Aggangan added. “It also helps address the country’s wood supply problems.”
Bamboo growers and users can look forward to better business. – Paul Icamina
