THE Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in Negros Oriental granted P3 million to Kawayan Collective, a bamboo processing facility in Dauin, Negros Oriental. The funds would be used to build an eco-dryer, designed by the DoST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute. The project also covered the procurement of a blade sharpening machine, drum sander and laminating hot press machine.

"The project aimed 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 that would be able to process, treat and distribute beautiful, durable Filipino bamboo as a sustainable construction material," said Atty. Gilbert Arbon, Provincial Science and Technology Center-Negros Oriental director.

To formalize the GIA Project, a memorandum of agreement was signed between Kawayan Collective, DoST Negros Oriental and DoST Regional Office 7 on June 29, 2021. Arbon and architect Ray Villanueva, manager and co-founder of the Kawayan Collective Bamboo treatment facility, led the ribbon cutting of the Bamboo Learning Center.

Through the project, the Kawayan Collective could increase its production of engineered bamboo panels and products from 132 panels to 300 panels monthly.

"DoST is making it possible for Kawayan Collective to kiln-dry our engineered bamboo for a mold-resistant finish [that is] useful in a humid country and necessary for anyone trying to export products. We will also be able to double the size of our existing panels without adding more labor costs," Villanueva said.

The center would 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.