In the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, rubber farmers are now reaping the fruits of the rubberwood initiative led by the Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), as the former gears up for the next big thing in the furniture industry.
With the introduction of science and technology, the members of the Tambanan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (TARBEMCO) started utilizing old and unproductive rubberwood trees to produce and sell furniture pieces of high quality. With clients coming initially from their province, the farmers have so far produced cabinets, chairs, tables and other home pieces.
“Zamboanga Sibugay locals are accustomed to using senile rubberwood trees for low-value products such as fuel wood, pallets and crates. Through the DOST-FPRDI project, they learned to make high-value products which could sell for a competitive price,” explained Engr. Victor G. Revilleza, Project Leader.
Because of the DOST-FPRDI intervention, the farmers were able to acquire added knowledge on useful application of rubberwood trees that can command higher prices in the market.
“Rubberwood has good qualities suitable for making furniture, packaging materials and other wooden products. It has white to pale cream color, which when dried becomes light brown. Its reasonably good strength properties make it a durable material for furniture,” he added.
In the last three years, DOST-FPRDI has conducted a series of trainings for TARBEMCO members to upgrade their skills. These include trainings on harvesting and sawmilling, rubberwood preservation and treatment, kiln drying, woodworking machine operation and maintenance, furniture making and basic finishing.
To fully support this growing industry, the Institute established a Rubberwood Processing Center in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay with a complete line of processing facilities and equipment from sawmilling to finishing.
Interested furniture buyers may contact Mr. Jonard Ansoc, TARBEMCO Manager, at 0965 0586690.
