Creative Innovation from Tree Roots
Traditionally, materials used include premium hardwoods such as narra, tindalo, akle and ipil.
These species used to abound in the Philippine forest. Because suitable wood materials are scarce, there has been a shift to the use of minor forest products for furniture manufacture. These minor forest products include rattan, bamboo and buri. Surprisingly, furniture made from these materials were accepted easily both in the local and foreign markets. However, due to overexploitation, these forest resources are likewise depleting. thus, exploration for other prospective raw materials continues.
Several wood species are being used in the manufacture of these novelty products. Dau, balete, kakawate and tan-ag are preferred for sala sets. Balete, acacia, pili and antipolo are used in the manufacture of bar sets.