The House of Representatives approved on second reading a measure that seeks to mainstream the use of bamboo in construction, positioning the indigenous material as a sustainable, climate-resilient alternative that can generate rural livelihoods, strengthen local industries, and help mitigate climate change.
House Bill No. 10312, or the proposed “Bamboo for a Sustainable and Climate-resilient Built Environment Act,” establishes a national framework for the use of bamboo in the country’s built environment by developing uniform standards for its design, engineering, certification, and application in both public and private construction projects.
“The bill recognizes bamboo not only as a cultural symbol but as a practical solution to the country’s environmental and economic challenges.”
Sponsoring the measure, Antipolo City Representative Philip Conrad Acop said the bill recognizes bamboo not only as a cultural symbol but as a practical solution to the country’s environmental and economic challenges.
“Mr. Speaker, Your Honors, I have the honor to sponsor Committee Report 523 on House Bill 10312, entitled ‘An Act Mainstreaming The Use Of Bamboo As A Sustainable And Climate-Resilient Material For The Built Environment’. The bill seeks to promote the widespread use of bamboo as a sustainable, climate-resilient, and locally-sourced construction material. It mandates the establishment of national standards for bamboo in construction, encourages its use in government and private construction projects, and creates livelihood opportunities in the countryside while contributing to climate change mitigation,” said Acop, Chair of the House Committee on Sustainable Development Goals.
The legislator highlighted bamboo’s environmental benefits, noting its exceptional ability to absorb carbon dioxide while regenerating naturally after harvest.
“Unlike trees which die when harvested for wood/lumber, bamboo is sustainable because when harvested, it regrows from its own root system.”
“We now know that bamboo is more than just the swaying branches ever present in the rural areas. Bamboo actually plays a big part in climate change mitigation. It absorbs twice as much carbon dioxide as trees, with research showing it can absorb as much as 12 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. Compared to an equivalent tree mass, bamboo produces 35% more oxygen. Unlike trees which die when harvested for wood/lumber, bamboo is sustainable because when harvested, it regrows from its own root system,” the lawmaker explained.
He also emphasized the measure’s potential to create new economic opportunities, particularly for farming communities.
“The bill could be a game changer in the construction industry or the built environment. With the growing popularity of engineered bamboo among professional practitioners, among these architects, structural engineers, interior and landscape designers, environmental planners, we can expect greater demand for bamboo-based materials, which could translate to economic livelihood among farmers in the countryside, and spur economic growth,” Acop stressed.
Under the measure, the government will develop a Bamboo Architectural Code and a Bamboo Structural Code, which will be integrated into the country’s architectural and structural codes to ensure the safe and standardized use of bamboo in construction. The Department of Public Works and Highways will also establish certification systems for bamboo products and streamline the permitting process for bamboo-based projects.
The bill likewise requires construction projects using bamboo as a primary load-bearing material to comply with national standards and quality certification requirements. It sets comprehensive standards for engineered bamboo products covering manufacturing, treatment, environmental safeguards, traceability, and certification before they can be sold or used in government projects.
To promote wider adoption, the measure directs government agencies to support bamboo cultivation through research and development, public awareness campaigns, skills training for farmers and microenterprises, and the integration of bamboo utilization into architecture and engineering curricula, continuing professional development programs, and professional licensure examinations.
The bill also requires government agencies to progressively increase the use of bamboo in public infrastructure projects, with at least 30% of wood-based requirements sourced from bamboo within three years and 50 percent within five years, subject to supply availability. It further provides fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including tax and duty exemptions, financing support, insurance coverage, and regulatory incentives for bamboo farmers, cooperatives, processors, and investors.
Appealing for the chamber’s support, Acop said bamboo represents hope for a more sustainable future.
“If the coconut is the tree of life, we bamboo advocates say bamboo is the green, green grass of hope. I ask Your Honors’ support for the approval of the bill. Thank you,” he concluded.
