Representatives from Cardona Multipurpose Cooperative expressed interest to adopt the bamboo musical instruments (BMI) technology developed by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI).
DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the cooperative members were inclined to adopt the BMI technology after visiting the FPRDI’s BMI Innovation Center in Los Baños, Laguna to test the bamboo marimba prototype
"The Cardona Multipurpose Cooperative is producing engineered bamboo products and would like to add the BMI in their product lines and make the town of Cardona known for bamboo musical instruments. Two of their instrumentalists tried the marimba and enjoyed playing some melodies,” he said in a taped report.
Established in September 1986, Cardona Multipurpose Cooperative is a medium-sized cooperative that is engaged in lending, rice trading, water system, and bamboo processing. It is based on Patunhay, Cardona, Rizal.
De la Peña said the BMI Innovation Research and Development (R&D) Program aims to apply science in developing and improving BMIs.
“It seeks to improve the processing and hasten the production of these instruments by using locally developed technologies,” he said.
“The program also endeavors to awaken the public’s appreciation for BMIs and how these are closely interwoven with the lives of indigenous groups,” he added.
The BMI program is jointly implemented by the DOST-FPRDI, University of the Philippines (UP) Center for Ethnomusicology, UP Electronics and Electrical Engineering Institute and Philippine Normal University with funding support from the DOST Grants-in-Aid (GIA) program.