Rattan, a climbing species of the Family Palmae is one of the most economically important non-timber species found in Philippine forests. It provides a natural and versatile raw material for the manufacture of strong and sturdy furniture, handicrafts and novelty items. During the last two decades, rattan products have gained popularity and wide acceptance both locally and abroad. It has developed and made significant contributions in generating foreign exchange and accelerating rural development. 

In the Bicol Region alone, the increasing interest and demand for the product brought the rapid depletion of the species. It is in this concept the office in its bid to replenish the dwindling rattan supply started to establish a rattan demonstration plantation to showcase research and development technology that would backstop rattan plantation development.

The project started in 1986 thru the initiative of the late Forester Pepito R. Garcia who later became the Regional Technical Director for Ecosystems Research and Development Service for Region V, Legazpi City. It was his idea to develop a part of the eleven (11) hectares of land leased by the then Bicol Forest Research Center, into a rattan demonstration plantation. A year earlier, different tree species such as makaasim, narra, agoho, and some species of dipterocarps, were first introduced in the area to develop a cogonal area into a productive one. Palasan (Calamus merrillii) is one species of rattan that were planted in between tree species at a distance of 2x2 meters. A total of 540 rattan seedlings were outplanted, established and continuously maintained without funding support from the regular project allocation. 

Through the years, the rattan plantation in Legazpi City were protected and maintained. To date, an individual assessment of rattan stand showed that an average of 5.97 canes per clump were recorded for every outplanted rattan seedlings with average length of approximately 29.75 meters. As a clumping species, suckers were produced at an average of 8.33 per clump 17 years after outplanting. 

One significant result of the project is the conversion of the site into seed production area for rattan. The rattan palms have been flowering for the past several years. Seeds can be collected to serve as planting stocks for plantation development/establishment in the future. Wildlings were also observed around the clumps. This will somehow ensure the availability of rattan stands for continuous production of raw materials for the cottage industry in the region. 

This year, some 50,000 seeds were collected from the rattan stand. The seeds can support around 100 hectares plantation area in terms of seedlings requirements.

Anahaw (Levistona rotundifolia), our national leaf reflects the indigenous Filipino culture. It promises to unravel potentials once tapped and given sustained care and maintenance. Products derived include braided fans from raffias, mature leaves for thatching materials and young plants for decorative purposes. Returns from anahaw radiate from economic values to aesthetic importance and most of all to ecological restoration. Earnings can be sustained for at least half a century. The growing cottage industry on anahaw Japanese/braided fans and thatching materials had given way to new products such as Christmas lanterns and various decorative items. Processors are highly dependent  on suppliers having natural stands in their backyards. 

Supportive of the governments keen concern to uplift the industry and to preserve the species as well, the DENR in its techno transfer program, included growing anahaw in plantation scale. The Department through its Research Services provided technology adoptors the planting materials (seedlings), the technologies (through training courses and publications), and the necessary technical assistance in establishing plantations in various provinces of the region. Thus, the regreening program when taken in a large scale, certainly plays a significant contribution to national development.

Below, are recommended technologies for anahaw:

Nursery Phase: Use fresh depulped seeds and a scalpel to remove the cover of the seed’s hilum. Sow on sand or paper media. This technology enhanced germination in 2-3 days having average germination capacity of 95%. Without seed treatment, germination 1 month from sowing. Pot 1:1:1 top soil, sawdust and sand soil mixture on 4" x 6" polyethylene bags. Use germinants with 1 cm shoot and root. Maintain potted seedlings under shade. Apply enough water, organic fertilizer, and remove weeds to boost seedling growth. Harden after 4 months from transplanting.

Plantation Phase: Clear the site and stake the holes at 2m x 2m distance. Plant hardened seedlings at the onset of the rainy season. Apply mulch around the seedlings. Conduct regular weeding and brushing. Replant dead plants and treat the seedlings using organic fertilizer.

Harvesting Phase: Young shoots or raffias are harvested after 2-3 years from planting. A maximum of two raffias can be harvested per palm. Two leaves are replenished per palm per month. Mature leaves for roofing are harvested at the age of 3 to 50 years. AT least 8 to 11 leaves are left per palm per harvest.

Successful Anahaw Adoptors’ Profile

Now, the DENR Research Service has 15 adoptors of anahaw plantation technology. Featured herein are some successful adoptors who ventured into anahaw business who are now profiting from the plantations.