Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza is calling for more research on other possible uses of bamboo to help expand market potential of this plant which he calls "the miracle grass."

"Let's really study bamboo -- it's among the strongest and most resilient plants on earth," he said Wednesday during the opening of the three-day National Bamboo Development Forum which Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) and its partners are holding at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) in Pasay City.

LLDA aims to generate from the forum updated data on worldwide bamboo resources, industries and markets as well as inputs for a national development program for this grass.

Atienza noted bamboo's characteristics make it an ideal material for construction and watershed rehabilitation including addressing soil erosion.

Bamboo is also eaten as food, made into furniture and handicraft while its extract might be used to cure cough, he continued.

"In China, I even saw clothes made from bamboo," he recalled.

Atienza also believes the country must hike research on bamboo as this grass thrives nationwide.

"The Philippines is among the few countries where bamboo is adapted to," he noted. - PNA

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