LU Dads Promote New Bamboo Technology
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC-SP | Photo by: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC-SP | Date: April 27, 2018
Jose Z. Osias (right) , co- founder of BAMBUsaPINAS (BsaP) demonstrates to the SP Board headed by Vice Governor Aureo Augusto Q. Nisce the process and benefits of charcoal making using bamboo as the primary raw material. Pugo Mayor Priscilla M. Martin also joined the activity on April 23, 2018 at BAMBUsaPINAS (BsaP) Farm, Ambalite, Pugo, La Union.
In support to the Agri-Tourism Development Strategy of the province, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice-Governor Aureo Augusto Q. Nisce conducted its 95th Regular Session on April 23, 2018 at BAMBUsaPINAS (BsaP) Farm, Ambalite, Pugo, La Union. Hosting the said session is “The Most Outstanding Entrepinoy 2018” awardee, spouses Mr. Dale Ramos and Ms. Betty Balloguing- Ramos, owner/proprietor of Gwenysa Bamboo Enterprise and perfected the breakthrough technology of Activated Bamboo Charcoal (ABC).
Activated Bamboo Charcoal has been identified by BsaP, as an iconic product to show that substantial and sustainable market exists for finished bamboo products. BsaP is a corporation set up in 2010 by Rene E. Cristobal, Jose Z. Osias, and Romualdo L. Sta. Ana which seeks to replicate in the Philippines the China “bamboo miracle” of which Sta. Ana was part as a Trustee of the International Network of Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) as a trustee. It also aims to position bamboo as a budding agro-industry to effect inclusive economic growth. For this goal, BsaP established the Pugo Bamboo Center (PBC) in the province as a demonstration farm, primary processing center and hands-on training facility for bamboo cultivation and processing in Northern Luzon. Among their products and services are giant bamboo seedlings production, making bamboo charcoals and activation of bamboo charcoal, finished products from Activated Bamboo Charcoal like ABC powder and deodorizer/dehumidifier, sticks and pole for decoration, bamboo vinegar used as fertilizer, natural soap and cosmetics which detoxify and eliminate toxic substances.
The use of activated bamboo charcoal as a major component of their products will encourage landowners and entrepreneurs in the province to plant bamboo and supply raw materials for numerous bamboo-based manufacturers and entrepreneurs, bringing more profitable and reliable livelihood to the people which will realize the province’s goal of improving the quality of life of its people.
“To see is to believe” is the dictum of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan when they witnessed the bamboo charcoal and vinegar processing. Mr. Dale Ramos showed and explained the process of producing bamboo charcoals. He said that bamboo charcoal is better than wood charcoal because it is good for the environment and has high mineral contents such as potassium, calcium, iron and sodium. He further explained that for bamboo charcoal to be activated, it must be cooked under more than 1500°C in a separate oven for two hours.
Mr. Jose Z. Osias, one of the founders of the BsaP, emphasized that the most significant achievement of the bamboo charcoal is that there is a market for any bamboo that is being produced and with the breakthrough technology of activated bamboo charcoal, they are confident that there is market for bamboo which the people could take advantage by propagating bamboo in the province.
To impart their knowledge and skills, BsaP conducts hands-on training on bamboo rehabilitation, propagation and charcoal making to all interested individuals, entrepreneurs and associations which was strongly supported by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through Resolution No. 023-2018 earnestly requesting all the municipal/city/provincial agriculturists of the province to attend the said training. Soon they will venture on engineered bamboo products.
Like any other budding tourism destination, the BAMBUsaPINAS Farm is a promising Agri-Tourism site for local and international tourists.
