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Like the ever-present coconut, sometimes called the Philippine “tree of life,” the bountiful bamboo is certainly a most common member of the country’s flora. Of the known 200 species and 23 genera, 30 species and six genera – both indigenous and introduced – are found in the Philippines. Undoubtedly the tallest giant of the grass family, it grows rapidly during the rainy season on a daily average of 30 to 40 centimeters.

The main function of the bamboo for Filipino is as a construction material. The posts, beams, and framework of many of our rural houses are made out of bamboo. Split bamboos can serve as roof tiles. When woven they can be made into sawali for sidings and partitions. Bamboo floors when waxed and polished have a beautiful finish. And bamboo slats can be used instead of iron bars for concrete construction.

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