The Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FPRDI) has inked a technology licensing agreement (TLA) for the Institute’s Bamboo Flattening Machine with a Laguna-based company engaged in a retail business of biomass equipment integrated with agricultural processing machines.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the agreement was signed between the DOST-FPRDI and the LAMBS Agri-Mechanicals, formerly known as Agrotech Engineering, aimed at strengthening the country’s local engineered bamboo industry.

Established in July 2004, LAMBS retails flatbed dryers, threshers, corn shellers, transplanters and water drilling rigs.

De la Peña recalled that "LAMBS first partnered with the agency’s FPRDI in November 2014 when it became the exclusive manufacturer of the Institute’s charcoal briquettor, charcoal grinder/crusher and charcoal binding mixer."

In October 2020, it was also named the sole accredited fabricator of the DOST-FPRDI finishing spray booth, he said.

"Compared to the very tedious traditional method using an adze or bolo, the DOST-FPRDI Bamboo Flattening Machine is an efficient and profitable way of producing flattened bamboo. The resulting material can be converted into engineered bamboo components for high-value furniture, handicrafts and building materials,” the DOST chief said in a report.

"With an output of 200 square meters of flattened bamboo a day and a fabrication cost of P1.2 million, the machine is expected to boost the growth of the local engineered bamboo industry,” he cited.

De la Peña said the flattened bamboo may also be used in the manufacture of non-woven bamboo textiles, face masks and filter, and school chairs and desks.

"The government requires the use of bamboo for at least 25 percent of desks and other furniture requirements of public elementary and secondary schools, and prioritizes its use in furniture, fixtures and other construction requirements of public facilities,“ he noted.