The Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI)’s study on “Glue-bond performance of Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.) Backer using cold setting and thermosetting adhesives” emerged as the best paper during the 12th World Bamboo Congress in Taiwan, besting out over 120 entries from around the globe.
Authored by Dr. Juanito P. Jimenez, Jr. and For. James Edelbert C. Ramos, the study determined the bonding performance of laminated giant bamboo (D. asper) glued with cold setting and thermosetting adhesives at different surface pairings and glue spread rates. It provided insights on producing the desirable glue bonding parameters for engineered-laminated bamboo production and industrialization of timber bamboo.
With the theme “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation and Design,” the 12th WBC presentations were grouped into three themes: (1) sustainable developments and green economy; (2) innovations in technology and manufacturing; and (3) contemporary design and applications. DOST-FPRDI’s study won under the second theme.
“Presenting a paper abroad for the first time and receiving an award—it is an incredible feeling! This is completely unexpected,” said Jimenez.
Ramos, meanwhile, expressed appreciation to DOST-FPRDI and all his co-workers in the research. “It was a resounding sense of fulfillment for me since the efforts that we put through to write the paper were acknowledged internationally,” he said.
Appreciation for climbing bamboo at the World Bamboo Congress
Still under the second theme of the 12th WBC, For. Oliver S. Marasigan of DOST-FPRDI represented his research team and presented the study “Potential utilization of climbing bamboo species in the Philippines”. The study determined the physical and mechanical properties of 12 species of climbing bamboo collected from Luzon. It also presented recommendations on the usage of bamboo species (i.e., construction, high-grade furniture, flooring, paneling, bodies of musical instruments, pulp and paper, and low-grade furniture).
Marasigan emphasized the need to study climbing bamboos because of their economic relevance in the Philippine rural communities where they abound. According to him, studying climbing bamboo’s potential uses can also open prospective livelihood opportunities.
“Actually, interested silang lahat sa climbing bamboo kasi first time nila narinig na pwede pala gamitin. Kasi parang ang mundo sa ngayon, naka-focus sa erect bamboos,” said For. Oliver S. Marasigan.
(WBC participants were interested in climbing bamboo research as it was their first time hearing it has a lot of uses. Currently, worldwide research seems to be more focused on erect bamboo species.)
The DOST takes pride in the remarkable research outputs like the two studies presented by Dr. Jimenez and For. Marasigan and encourages more research efforts geared at providing solutions and opening opportunities for the benefit of the Filipinos.
Aside from Marasigan and Jimenez, Dr. Jennifer P. Tamayo of DOST-FPRDI’s Technology Innovation Division attended the event, which was held last April 18-22, 2024.
