Bamboo strength varies by location – UPLB study

February 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The strength and structure of three commercially important bamboo species in the Philippines vary greatly by location, a study conducted by a team from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) showed.

The study noted that as bamboo planting expands nationwide to support livelihoods and address climate change, it is concerning that there is no scientifically validated guidance on which species to prioritize, especially given the country’s diverse climates.

“This study is a first step toward developing a guide to help Philippine bamboo farmers choose suitable species and predict their performance in different locations. The findings of this research are significant because they can inform farmers and policymakers on which bamboo species to plant for optimal growth performance and quality. This supports the country’s goal to expand the use of bamboo for construction, furniture, and industries dependent on renewable materials,” the report said.

Timber shortages in the country have increased demand for alternative materials such as bamboo, which is used as a substitute for wood in construction, furniture, farm and household tools, handicraft and other products.

While bamboo is known to grow in many locations, factors such as soil, elevation and temperature can affect how well different species grow.

“This study explored how the strength and structure of three commercially important bamboo species in the Philippines, specifically kawayan tinik (Bambusa spinosa), giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and bolo (Gigantochloa levis), are influenced by where they are grown. Bamboo samples were collected from various parts of the country, each under a different climate, and the bamboo properties, such as culm wall thickness, strength and culm density, were tested,” the study said.

It said some areas produced thicker and stronger bamboo, which is better suited for construction and industrial use.

One of the species, Kawayan tinik, showed consistent quality across all sites, making it a reliable choice for large-scale planting.

On the other hand, giant bamboo grown in Bukidnon showed the best mechanical qualities, likely due to the province’s elevation and climate.