The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is optimistic on the wider adoption of classroom chairs made from engineered bamboo, which were initially distributed for testing in select public schools.
Created by the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) under the DOST, the "Silyang Pinoy" is a multi-functional piece of furniture combining a chair and table that was crafted from engineered bamboo.
“The Silyang Pinoy is an important innovation and is in line with DOST’s commitment to develop and support technologies in disaster preparedness, rehabilitation and recovery. Not only does it showcase modern and aesthetic design; it also highlights the versatility and potential of sustainable forest products such as bamboo,” said Science Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
Prototypes of the furniture underwent strength and durability testing at the FPRDI’s furniture testing center, adhering to the PNS ISO 7173:2006 standard. A production batch was distributed and tested for acceptance in schools located in disaster-prone areas, including the Mandaragat Elementary and Secondary Schools in Puerto Princesa, Palawan; Sto. Ñino Integrated School in Catarman, Camiguin; and Consuelo Elementary and Secondary Schools in Sta. Marcela, Apayao.
“This is an important milestone in the Institute’s effort to showcase and strengthen the promotion of Silyang Pinoy among schools in the country,” said FPRDI Officer-in-Charge Director Rico J. Cabangon.
“We hope that by showing the versatility of bamboo as a raw material for school furniture, we can help the local bamboo industry by enhancing the demand for bamboo poles,” he added.
The Silyang Pinoy project was funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), one of the sectoral councils under the DOST, and aims to enhance bamboo utilization as mandated by Executive Order (EO) 879, series of 2010.
EO 879 stipulates that at least 25 percent of school furniture in public elementary and secondary schools in the country will be made from bamboo.
The DOST is among the government agencies promoting the wider growing and utilization of bamboo, which is faster to grow compared to trees and is a renewable raw material source for various building materials.
