https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6 CHALLENGE MAPPING: The scope and effects of the problem, its causes, and how this big problem has changed over time. SOLUTIONS MAPPING: A map of current solution efforts, their different models, and future opportunities and threats. IMPACT GAPS: Gaps in the landscape of the current solutions, and opportunities for increased positive impact. en-us 2021-11-06 02:36:49 UTC 2023-03-08 23:00:54 UTC hello@padlet.com dlsu_soe_mzer https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871107512 2021-11-06 02:36:49 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871107512 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871252915 As mentioned before, local market demand for the bamboo market may be limited by three factors:

1. Little mainstream information on the quality and benefits of bamboo products
2. Expensiveness of bamboo furniture relative to other materials.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/291148446
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ramon-Razal-2/publication/304928902_Rattan_and_bamboo_production_trends_in_the_Philippines_and_implications_to_policy_and_forest_conservation/links/5af053e8a6fdcc8508b980a9/Rattan-and-bamboo-production-trends-in-the-Philippines-and-implications-to-policy-and-forest-conservation.pdf



]]> 2021-11-06 06:56:58 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871252915 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253192 Manufacturers and retailers of traditional furniture--particularly plastic and hardwood furniture--stand to benefit. This is because bamboo furniture, when it is mainstreamed, may disrupt the furniture market.]]> 2021-11-06 06:57:33 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253192 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253625 Experts predict that bamboo will become a mainstay in the market. As society continue to advocate for sustainability, firms are modifying their production processes to accommodate the environment. Firms are looking into alternatives for their future line of products, and bamboo is at the center of limelight. According to researchers, the Philippines is eyeing to become a major player in the bamboo trade. ]]> 2021-11-06 06:58:33 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253625 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253780 In recent years, people are more accepting towards the application of bamboo. Initially, people were reluctant to adopt it because of its reputation as a cheap traditional material. Consumers - specifically those in the West - think of bamboo as a rural product. The Philippine government is currently trying to think of initiatives to promote it. ]]> 2021-11-06 06:58:51 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253780 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253844 Bamboo products are currently sold on eCommerce platforms such as Lazada and Shopee by bamboo start-ups in the Philippines. However, these platforms do not provide specialized services for bamboo products and their industry to thrive in the market. They do not try to reach out to provincial artisans in the Philippines. These artisans are not capable of enrolling themselves in eCommerce platforms due to a lack of gadgets and unstable connections. Most of these artisans are from far-flung areas that do not have the allocated budget to expand their engineered bamboo products.



]]> 2021-11-06 06:58:59 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871253844 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871255023 Increasing Bamboo Supply

The local supply of bamboo is not enough to meet the demand. In 2020, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided 125 Shared Service Facilities (SSF) to MSMEs involved in the bamboo agri-business and manufacturers. This aimed to increase the bamboo plantation. 

Along with the DENR and DTI, the Philippine Bamboo Foundation continuously conducted market research, economic trends, and investment opportunities for bamboo MSMEs. 

Increasing Bamboo Demand

To increase demand for bamboo furniture, President Arroyo signed EO 879, which mandated that 20% of furniture in public elementary and secondary schools must be locally produced bamboo furniture.

]]> 2021-11-06 07:01:17 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871255023 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871255343 The different business models involved in addressing this challenge are companies that follow corporate social responsibilities (CSR) and government institutions. 

An example is Bambuhay with its cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology. The department assisted the company on the technical side of producing bamboo products such as tumblers and straws.

The government helps the bamboo industry in terms of raising awareness and endorsing the benefits of bamboo products. However, these efforts do not connect MSMEs, especially provincial artisans to the market. 

]]> 2021-11-06 07:01:53 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871255343 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871256288 Based on our research, the following programs have been implemented by foreign countries to foster their bamboo industry. 

1. The Bamboo Mission (http://indianforester.in/index.php/indianforester/article/viewFile/714/639)
- community and private sector participation in bamboo development 
- support to activities focused on conservation of bamboo resources
- Plant propagation 
- Enhancement of the production base Management Information System, inventory, and database development
- Promotion of handicrafts
- Industrial utilization and entrepreneurship development
- Bamboo utilization in building material and low cost housing
- Development of marketing and trading plan and systems 

2. Sichuan Sustainable Bamboo Enterprise Programme (https://www.inbar.int/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1513820853.pdf)
- Bamboo Processing Centre: provides capacity building and training facilities for beneficiaries on preservation, processing, and finishing techniques. 
- demonstration and training through households and cooperatives. 
- coordinated effort to provide technical assistance and business development services 
- upscaling successful models and experiences
- (see paper for the achievements)

]]> 2021-11-06 07:03:39 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871256288 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871256702 There are many learnings that can be derived from the solutions mentioned above. These are: 

1. there is an opportunity for upskilling farmers in terms of  processing, finances, and business development 
2. close working relationship with private and public sector is crucial for creating a sustainable solution
3. demonstrations must be held to show transparency in employment opportunities 
4. a robust database must be created to measure the performance of the industry 
5. stronger extension efforts are required (finance, loans, etc.)]]> 2021-11-06 07:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871256702 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871258792 We observe that much of the policies on bamboo are focused on artificially boosting demand. One instance is when President Arroyo, through EO 879, mandated that 25% of all furnitures in public primary and secondary schools should be made from bamboo. 

There is little focus on organically boosting demand, in such a way that consumers feel that they desire bamboo products because of their inherent advantages.

Additionally, there is little focus on linking provincial artisan manufacturers of engineered bamboo products with urban consumers. ]]> 2021-11-06 07:08:22 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871258792 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871259543 There is an increasing drive for sustainable consumption owing to increasing awareness for engineered bamboo products. Additionally, the Philippines has--over the past decade--been one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Assuming these trends continue, we project that demand for engineered bamboo products is bound to increase as people may believe bamboo to be a sustainable material, and have more income to spend on bamboo.]]> 2021-11-06 07:09:45 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871259543 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871260454 Provincial artisans in the bamboo industry need something that:

1.) Promotes the presence of provincial artisans and the quality of their works; and
2.) Increases demand for engineered bamboo products

Creating an online platform that showcases the quality of provincial artisanal engineered bamboo products, and one where consumers may buy products from the same platform may simultaneously meet these goals. This is because an easily accessible platform increases awareness and bridges the information gap between producers and consumers. ]]> 2021-11-06 07:11:21 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871260454 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871261392 We believe that we are missing a specialized online commerce platform geared towards provincially-sourced artisanal  engineered bamboo products. Technology and the ways businesses work continue to advance, and there is a need to support provincial artisans who cannot keep up with the technological advancement. ]]> 2021-11-06 07:12:51 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871261392 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871261945 The long-term value of bamboo and its properties are often overlooked.

As we can see, bamboo is a sustainable material because it is organic, grows fast relative to most hardwood species, is endemic and plentiful in the Philippines, and is highly durable. 

However, its steep price tag, coupled with a dearth of mainstream and easily accessible information, is a turn-off for many consumers. Because of this, the market relies on non-sustainable materials - such as hardwood and plastic. 

Though with the consumers' growing appetite for sustainability, there are growth and livelihood opportunities waiting to be exploited by provincial artisans in the bamboo industry.]]> 2021-11-06 07:13:34 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871261945 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871263268 Technological advancement is an emerging factor to approach climate action. 

Ensure long-term continuity of the advocacy by partnering up with organizations and corporations that contribute mostly to protecting the environment. 

Collaborate and innovate alongside organizations and businesses with similar advocacies to attain more efficient production through external economies of scale.

Begin striving towards fulfilling short-term, small-scale, more achievable goals that are in line with the overall vision of climate action.

]]> 2021-11-06 07:15:44 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871263268 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871263497 The biggest opportunities for impact lie on two fronts.

1. Environment - The quick maturity of bamboo allows for quicker carbon sequestration relative to other plant materials utilized for production. Mainstreaming bamboo as an engineered bamboo product will contribute towards the growth of a bamboo-intensive industry towards the goal of net-zero emissions.

2. Livelihood - Mainstreaming bamboo as a material is bound to generate new jobs and increase the incomes of provincial artisans due to the potential value which bamboo could unlock due to its durability and sustainability. 

3. Consumers - The virtual platform not only expands the market opportunities of the bamboo market. It also bridges the information gap between producers and consumers. In summary, an online virtual platform that showcases the quality of artisanal engineered bamboo products increases consumer confidence in these products.]]> 2021-11-06 07:16:11 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871263497 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871264085 We incorporated the vision of The Bamboo Company (TBC) to have an eco-friendly lifestyle around the Philippines where marine and forest life can thrive peacefully and live unharmed by plastic products. The brand philosophy of the TBC aims to reduce plastic pollution and rural poverty through the sustainable utilization and promotion of bamboo.

The Bamboo Company (TBC) is a social enterprise that aims to solve plastic pollution and rural poverty through the use of bamboo. Their bamboo products are sold through online marketplaces wherein they also invite organizations, with similar advocacies, for collaborations. ]]> 2021-11-06 07:17:16 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871264085 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871264837 To improve our impact gap and proposal, our group consulted with the CEO of BAMBUHAY, which is a social enterprise that aims to solve poverty, plastic pollution, and deforestation through bamboos.

Our group also talked with a project coordinator from the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainability Development, INC. (PCEPSDI) that provided us with insights related to bamboo logistics and its furniture industry. ]]> 2021-11-06 07:18:42 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871264837 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871266935 Our group will have to research more about the market linkage platform. This includes the technicality of how can we generate revenue from advertisements and partial commission from our artisans. We will have to look more into building our branding to entice potential bamboo customers to check our partner artisans. 

]]> 2021-11-06 07:22:14 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1871266935 dlsu_soe_mzer https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1903119704 2021-11-20 01:17:53 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1903119704 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972323321 Internationally, bamboo is receiving great attention. Due to a paradigm shift that emphasizes on sustainability, consumers are now demanding for products made from materials that are less strenuous on the environment. People are looking at bamboo as the next big thing as it has great mechanical, environmental, and socioeconomic benefits. However, in the Philippines, local demand remains stagnant and local bamboo artisans are struggling to connect with their market. ]]> 2022-01-03 15:04:13 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972323321 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972324800 According to this study, there is little demand for bamboo products because people are unaware of its qualities and benefits. 

In addition, small bamboo artisans cannot connect with their market due to their limited capabilities in areas such as digital literacy, e-commerce, and digital marketing. Most especially, they do not have the capital for the digitisation of their business. Given the immobility of consumers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the artisans' inability to digitize will eventually cost them business. 

Lastly, there is a negative perception of bamboo. It is known as the "symbol of poverty". 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/David-Midmore/publication/274384440_Silvicultural_management_of_bamboo_in_the_Philippines_and_Australia_for_shoots_and_timber/links/58fba413a6fdccde9894d820/Silvicultural-management-of-bamboo-in-the-Philippines-and-Australia-for-shoots-and-timber.pdf#page=95]]> 2022-01-03 15:04:54 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972324800 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972405317 Poverty Trap

Some of the top performing bamboo provinces in Philippines also happen to be rife with poverty. The poverty rate of Iloilo - where Maasin, the bamboo capital of the Philippines, is located - is estimated to be 12 percent. The poverty rates for Bukidnon and Davao are 43.3 percent and 48 percent, respectively.

If this problem continues to persist, poverty will continue to plague the farmers and artisans in this area.

Information Gap

There is a popular notion that bamboo is a "poor man's material" owing to its use in many rural communities. Additionally, bamboo is relatively more expensive relative to other furniture products, particularly those made from plastic. As such, bamboo faces a serious problem: it is an expensive material, but it is also seen as a material for poor people. 

Additionally, there is little information on bamboo manufacturers, especially on provincial artisans. Considering most bamboo manufacturers make bamboo furniture on a per order basis, a lack of information on where people can source bamboo furniture is bad for the sector.

These misconceptions need to be resolved so that provincial bamboo artisans are able to find a market for their products.]]> 2022-01-03 15:41:34 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972405317 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972425583 1. These solutions were implemented before the pandemic. This means there was no provision for the digitization of the artisans' businesses. 
2. Most solutions are focused on the supply aspect of the bamboo trade. More efforts should be made to mainstream bamboo products in the domestic market. Also, there is still a persisting disconnect between the producers and buyers.
3. Market linkages initiatives from the government is limited to Govt Office - bamboo artisan transactions.


]]> 2022-01-03 15:50:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972425583 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972438357 As of 12/18/2021]]> 2022-01-03 15:56:21 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972438357 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972438874 As of 12/18/2021]]> 2022-01-03 15:56:36 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1972438874 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1973797954 Founder of Bambuhay

Mr. Gervasa warned the group on the lack of support from the government and the significance of technology when he built Bambuhay. 

As of 12/03/2021]]> 2022-01-04 09:05:19 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1973797954 sariagabriellao https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1973799206 Climate Reality Leader and Sustainability Science & Strategy Advocate

During our consultation, Mr. Dumdum advised the group to be aware of the environmental laws and other legal processes related to the bamboo industry. Moreover, he also mentioned to initially focus on the premium market since most consumers cannot afford bamboo furniture. 

As of 12/03/2021]]> 2022-01-04 09:06:23 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/1973799206 beadacanay15 https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/2024754911 2022-02-02 06:01:37 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/2024754911 dlsu_soe_mzer https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/2036982323 2022-02-09 03:13:59 UTC https://padlet.com/dlsu_soe_mzer/jjlfeh4iwybas1h6/wish/2036982323