Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

NEGROS ORIENTAL: KM 21 National Road, Maayong Tubig, Dauin. Find us on Google Maps. You can contact us here and schedule an online or in person meeting at your convenience. 

TARLAC: 25 Romulo Hwy, Camiling, Tarlac. Find us on Google Maps. You can contact us here.

What are your hours?

We are currently operating 5 days a week, Monday-Friday. We are open to customers from 9AM TO 5PM. Please call or text if you plan on arriving during lunch hour (noon to 1PM).

What do you do?

Kawayan Collective is a supplier for construction grade treated bamboo, prefabricated panels, and bamboo construction materials in Negros, Philippines. Our objective is to elevate bamboo as a sustainable, durable, beautiful building material for all Filipinos. 

Are you a registered business?

Yes, Kawayan Collective Agriculture Cooperative is registered with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA #9520-100700033950) operating under a current Mayor’s Permit and Tax Clearance.  We are processing our PhilGEPS Premium Membership and Exporting Accreditation as well.

Can you deliver outside of Negros Oriental?

We can provide quotes by third-party shipping providers for delivery anywhere in the Philippines.  We have also passed PhytoCertification for exporting treated bamboo.

Yes, we’re actively sourcing bamboo from local suppliers.

Can I sell my bamboo to you?

Yes! If you have 100 or more poles that meet the following criteria, please get in touch with us at 0917 105 4404.

Species: Kawayan Tinik (Bambusa blumeana) or Botong (Dendrocalamus asper)

Age: 3 to 4 years old

Length: 8 to 12 meters, straight

Diameter: 12 cm at the base, tapering to 7 cm at the tip

What is your treatment process?

All of our products go through comprehensive chemical treatment for bamboo that takes up to 3 weeks.  Here's the outline of the process:

1. Grade: measure and cut poles into standard lengths

2. Wash: poles are soaked in circulating water for 3 days to remove the starch, which attracts powder beetle

3. Treat: immersion in chemical treatment to prevent termite infestation

4. Seasoning: 20 days in covered storage

Is your treatment guaranteed?

First Year Guarantee: Kawayan Collective will replace any treated bamboo that may be infested by powder post beetle (bok bok) or termites. 

There is no guarantee for product that is damaged due to water, sun, normal wear and tear.

What chemical do you use to treat bamboo?

We primarily use locally-sourced Borax-Boric Acid solution mixed with fresh water at 6 parts Borax to 3 parts Boric Acid at 9% solution. The strength of the solution is tested twice monthly and every time new solution is added to ensure consistency.

What is your chemical handling procedure?

Our treatment team is trained in the safe handling of Borax and Boric Acid, having thoroughly read and understood the corresponding Safety Data Sheets (SDS). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—including plastic long sleeves, gloves, and boots—is provided and consistently used during the loading and unloading of poles, as well as when preparing or adding new treatment solution. Respiratory protection is not required, as all tanks are located in a well-ventilated area. For added safety, an emergency shower and eyewash station are readily accessible in case of accidental skin or eye exposure.

What do you do with the waste from treatment?

No waste is generated from the diffusion/immersion treatment method. Bamboo poles, slats, and flattened bamboo are thoroughly pre-washed and dried before treatment, preventing the introduction of dirt, mold, or excess water into the tank—ensuring the solution remains clean and undiluted. After treatment, poles are unloaded onto racks to allow any excess solution to drip back into the tank. The treatment solution is simply topped up as needed and is never discarded or replaced.

Borax/Boric Acid: While the solution may lose potency after several months (though this has not yet occurred), any aging solution is gradually cycled out through our washing tubs, which are emptied every three days. The diluted solution (at a 1:100 water-to-compound ratio) is safely released into our on-site bamboo nursery, where the naturally occurring compounds serve as a beneficial fertilizer.

What’s the difference between your treatment and what I can buy in the store?

Our treatment process adheres to international standards for chemical concentration and application. Each bamboo product is washed, scrubbed, soaked, and internally punched to ensure deep penetration, providing long-lasting protection from the inside out. This thorough method eliminates concerns about pest infestation after installation.

In contrast, most store-bought, paint-on treatments offer only surface level protection and typically last just 3 to 6 months before reapplication is needed. These coatings do not reach the inner core of the bamboo, leaving it vulnerable to termites and other pests over time.

What is the maintenance needed on treated bamboo?

Treated bamboo is very low-maintenance as long as it is protected from direct exposure to sun or water, the poles will NOT need replacement or continued treatment.

Does treatment prevent mold on bamboo?

Unfortunately, no—treatment does not prevent mold growth. In humid climates like the Philippines, even treated bamboo can develop surface mold, particularly if stored in damp or poorly ventilated conditions. To minimize this, we strongly recommend storing bamboo off the ground, with proper airflow between pieces using spacers. Avoid sealing bamboo in air-tight or moist environments for extended periods.

Even with ideal storage, some mold may still form—especially along the edges of planks or panels. This is typically a surface-level issue and can be easily brushed off without leaving stains or affecting the integrity of the material. Often found alongside the mold is a small, white mold mite. These tiny insects feed on the mold itself and do not damage the bamboo or pose any harm to humans. However, periodic cleaning is recommended to prevent mold buildup—this not only maintains the appearance of the bamboo but also helps eliminate the mites naturally.

What type of bamboo do you use? Where is it harvested from? 

We primarily use Bambusa blumeana, locally known as kawayan tinik—one of 6 native Philippine bamboo species best suited for construction due to its strength and durability. All bamboo is harvested within a 20-kilometer radius of our facility, sourced from wild stocks on both public and private lands. We follow sustainable harvesting practices, allowing us to return to the same clumps year after year without degrading the resource.

Tinik bamboo poles selected for construction are between 3 to 5 years old—an ideal age for strong wall thickness, yet cut before the natural decay process begins (as bamboo typically dies around seven years on the clump). Our harvesting method ensures that at least 60% of each mother clump is left intact to support healthy regeneration.

In addition to kawayan tinik, we have limited access to Dendrocalamus asper (giant bamboo or botong) and Schizostachyum lima (bagacay). For other species, we’re happy to inquire with our local nursery upon request.

Why is it so expansive?

The primary cost in our process comes from the treatment—an essential step that transforms raw bamboo into a durable, long-lasting material. With proper design and maintenance, treated bamboo can last a lifetime, making it more cost-effective over time compared to steel, concrete hollow blocks, or even other treated woods.

Our engineered bamboo (e-bamboo) panels are also crafted largely by hand. While we operate with limited machinery, our products are assembled and finished by skilled local artisans. When you choose our e-bamboo, you're not just investing in a quality material—you’re supporting local livelihoods and sustainable craftsmanship.

Is bamboo part of the Philippine Building Code?

Section 209: Exemption. Public buildings and traditional indigenous family dwellings shall be exempt from payment of building permit fees. As used in this Code, the term “traditional indigenous family dwelling” means a dwelling intended for the use and occupancy by the family of the owner only and constructed of native materials such as bamboo, nipa, logs, or lumber, the total cost of which does not exceed fifteen thousand pesos.

What are the regulatory standards for using bamboo in construction? 

While many building codes globally have yet to fully accommodate alternative materials like bamboo, significant progress is being made in the Philippines to change that.

The Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. (BASE) is working closely with the Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ASEP) to formally integrate bamboo into the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP). This collaboration aims to enable broader, code-compliant use of bamboo in structural applications.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has adopted several key bamboo-related standards from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as Philippine National Standards (PNS):

ISO 19624: Guidelines for Grading Bamboo Defined by ISO 19624:2018, grading is the process of sorting bamboo based on specific criteria to ensure structural integrity and consistent performance. This international standard, adopted in the Philippines in 2020, provides a framework for developing grading procedures tailored to different bamboo species.

ISO 22157: Bamboo Structural Testing In 2020, Philippines adopted PNS ISO 22157:2020, titled "Bamboo Structures – Determination of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Bamboo Culms – Test Methods." This standard specifies test procedures for evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of round bamboo culms, including assessments of moisture content, density, and various strength properties such as compression, tension, and bending.

ISO 22156 Structural Use of Bamboo "Bamboo Structures — Bamboo Culms — Structural Design," is adopted as a Philippine National Standard (PNS). This standard specifies the design methodologies, applications, and durability of bamboo structures.

A technical working group—including members of the United Architects of the Philippines, ASEP, BASE, and other professional bodies—is actively developing national guidelines and advocating for the formal recognition of bamboo as a standardized material in construction.

These efforts are paving the way for bamboo to become a mainstream, code-compliant solution for sustainable building in the Philippines.

Why choose bamboo over wood, steel, or concrete block?
Bamboo offers a sustainable and high-performance alternative to conventional building materials. Unlike steel, it doesn’t rust. Unlike wood, it regenerates rapidly without the need for replanting. Compared to Concrete Hollow Blocks (CHB), bamboo is lighter, cooler, and safer—especially in seismic zones, where flexible structures are less prone to collapse (“halawaray” or sway-resistant). Properly treated and designed, bamboo structures can withstand both earthquakes and typhoons.

What are the environmental benefits of using bamboo as a construction material?
Bamboo is a powerful ally in climate resilience. As a fast-growing grass, it can reach full height within a year of harvest and continue regenerating for up to 100 years. Its deep root systems prevent erosion, improve soil health, and retain water—allowing it to thrive even on degraded land.

Bamboo also excels at carbon sequestration. One hectare (about 200 clumps) absorbs more than two tons of carbon annually. When harvested culms are treated and used in long-lasting structures, that carbon is locked away—contributing to lower atmospheric CO₂ levels. And when bamboo replaces emissions-heavy materials like aluminum, plastic, concrete, or steel, the environmental benefit is multiplied through avoided emissions (Project Drawdown, 2021).