Industry Profile
Bamboo is now recognized
as the material of the millenium. There are many varieties of
bamboo but the most abundant here in Iloilo is the Kawayan Tinik
(Bambusa blumeneana). These are found in the whole province of
Iloilo.
Based on monitoring,
the total area planted with bamboo (both natural stands and
plantation) is estimated to be 8,095 hectares. Considering
Iloilo's upland and forest areas, the potential area is estimated to
be 58,200 hectares.
The competitive
advantage of the sector includes the abundance of bamboo. The
Iloilo Agriculture Office records the production volume to be
approximately 2,426,487 poles per year. There are currently nine
(9) firms that are exporting bamboo-based products. These
companies apply appropriate raw material treatment and processing
technology to produce high-end quality products.
At present, there are
forty (40) manufacturers in the City and province of Iloilo.
Their products range from chairs, beds, gazebo, plant holders, trays,
candle holders, torches, picture frames, utility racks, among
others. The designs vary according to the target market.
The performance of the
sector for 1999 and 2000 is given in the following table:
| |
1999 |
2000 |
| incremental employment |
389 |
363 |
| Domestic sales, in
Philippine pesos |
18.02M |
20.99M |
| Export Sales, in US$ |
615,000 |
608,000 |
