FILIPINO researchers are one step closer to understanding engineered bamboo. A research team at the Forest Products Research and Development Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DoST-FPRDI) recently found that a cross laminated board made from local bamboo species is a promising construction material.

Dr. Rico Cabangon, DoST-FPRDI deputy director and one of the researchers said, 'Engineered bamboo refers to various kinds of composite boards that come from processing raw bamboo. Several layers of bamboo strips or slats are glued together and pressed to form boards that can be used for specific purposes — furniture, decors, and house parts such as walls, doors, ceilings and floors. Engineered bamboo panels are often stronger and less prone to warping than equivalent solid wood.'