BAMBOO features prominently in traditional Filipino culture. Through the centuries, Filipinos have found many uses for the tall tree-like grass — from homes and furniture to edible shoots called labong and even the famed Bamboo Organ in Las Piñas and the poles used in the tinikling folk dance.
It has, however, been relatively overlooked in the modern landscape, a situation that Carolina "Kay" Gozon Jimenez wants to change via a passion project that seeks to return bamboo to the forefront, not only through the revival of traditional uses but also by introducing new uses.
Roots to shoots
She channeled a happy childhood memory into the Carolina Bamboo Garden (CBG) in Sitio Tanza II, Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City. Her vivid recollection is that of soaring green bamboo stalks bending with the breeze, squeaking as they bumped into each other while their leaves swished. Sunshine breaking through the cluster, meanwhile, cast slits of light on plants and latticed shadow patterns on the ground.
Now a tourist destination and also a research site, it is a humble homage to the beautiful and versatile tropical treasure. The eco-sanctuary is a resource for seedlings and recently became a learning center for the cultivation of bamboo.
"What I like to do is something others do not normally do, like when I started my collection and wanted others to benefit from research and development of bamboo ... bamboo was not a 'star' project before [but] I did not care. I continued my journey because I [have] liked it since childhood," she said.
With more awareness about sustainability and climate change, what was once seen as the "poor man's timber" is now considered a "savior" since it is renewable and sustainable. "[I]t can save lives by... solving soil erosion, preventing floods, purifying the air pollution, and [answering] the great need for shelter and clothing," Jimenez said.
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