Marketing and IEC of engineered-bamboo products

On bamboo production, it was found out that generally, bamboo growers propagate bamboo by culm cuttings, branch cutting and marcotting. Propagation by rhizome is seldom practiced due to lack of technical know-how and expertise. Two types of planting materials were being used by bamboo growers to establish bamboo plantations such as those raised in the nursery or bought from the nearest nursery where direct planting of culm cuttings is done. Harvesting is one of the most important activities in the management of bamboo clumps. Two known harvesting methods or systems are being practiced in the country, these are selective cutting and clear-cut or blanket method. The project presented the different factors considered by the bamboo growers in harvesting bamboo. The marketing practices and strategies for E [engineered] bamboo products were discussed in the project using the 4Ps of marketing such as product, price, promotion and place. The product in the 4Ps of marketing is the E-bamboo products which can be used as an ideal substitute to the premium wood for furniture making and house construction. The price of the E-bamboo products were studied and assessed from the processors interviewed. It was found out that the price of E-bamboo products is higher than the processed wood products. Based on the results of the interview with the E-bamboo processors, they indicated that the price vary according to the cost of the raw materials, labor, equipment/machineries used, overhead/management cost, the value added/processing operation that the E-bamboo product had undergone and the percent mark-up set by the processors which ranges from 30-40%. As a new product and with no established market, E-bamboo products have not been promoted extensively and are not yet popular or commonly known. Based on interviews, with the E-bamboo processors, the following were used to promote the E-bamboo products, such as; joining trade fairs/exhibits are the local, national and international levels, personal selling to possible clients/customers, referrals, brochures and advertisement thru the website. Majority of the clients of E-bamboo products are resort owners, furniture makers, house contractors for flooring and walling and household or local residents and foreign markets. The study was able to assess the different policies and regulations governing bamboo production, utilization, transporting and marketing. It was found out that currently, there is no specific policy governing bamboo poles and bamboo products. Forestry Administrative Order No. 11 (Revised Forestry License Regulations) is still being used by DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines] as basis for its action pertinent to bamboo production, harvesting, transporting and marketing. The most recent policy related to bamboo is Executive Order No. 879 issued on May 14, 2010 entitled 'Creating the Bamboo Industry Development Project and Directing the Use of Bamboo in Furniture, Fixtures and other Construction Requirements of Government Facilities and Allocating Funds Thereof and Other Purposes'. A Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed composed of representatives of some national government agencies and leagues of municipalities to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of EO 879. Based on the result of interviews with the members of the TWG, still the IRR is not yet approved and signed by the governing bodies. Four information manuals and a bamboo book were published to promote the use of E-bamboo products. These publications were also meant to increase appreciation for the uses of engineered-bamboo and heighten consumer awareness on the advantages of bamboo as a material.