Authors:Razal, R.A
Abstract:The study was undertaken to examine available official information on the production of rattan and bamboo in the Philippines and relate it to policy and regulations that pertain to exploitation and utilization of these resources. Data sets available from annual statistics published from 1997 to 2006 by the Forest Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on the production of bamboo poles and rattan, permits and contracts granted, and collection of forest charges were collated and analyzed. Bamboo production had its peak in 2000, but on average, the quantity produced in subsequent years declined, although a slight recovery was seen in more recent years. Forest was not the predominant land use in the provinces that produced large quantities of bamboo. Rattan poles were being sourced from the provinces that still have relatively large forest areas. Rattan production appears to go along side timber production as Region 13, the countryís major producer of logs, had also played a dominant role in supplying rattan poles. The forests of Region 13 might be undergoing severe strain, with only about 12.4 per cent of its forest being considered as closed forests, compared with the rest of the country which on average, consists of 35.7 per cent closed forests. Revision of policies pertinent to the monitoring, recording and reporting of information on rattan and bamboo, estimating allowable harvests, and the grant of incentives for rattan and bamboo plantation development are also proposed.
Keywords:bamboos; canes and rattans; forest policy; nature conservation; non-wood forest products; productio