THE MARAGONDON BAMBOOS

THE BAMBOOS OF MARAGONDON 

(ANG KAWAYAN NG MARAGONDON)

Note: Currently Updating

By: Dindo Mojica, C.E., M.Eng

The town of Maragondon is known as the bamboo capital of Cavite (through OTOP or One Town, One Product during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) where bamboo products are produced and distributed in various places in the country.

Bamboo is one of the most popular raw materials for furniture and decorations.

Bambusa blumeana, also known as the Spiny Bamboo or Thorny Bamboo, is a species of bamboo occurring abundantly in the town of Maragondon. 

 Bambusa blumeana, also known as the Spiny Bamboo or Thorny Bamboo

(Kawayang Tinik)

It is known locally in the Philippines as Kawayang Tinik. It thrives from hills, mountains, upland barangays and near the streams and rivers.

The Bamboos from Maragondon are used mostly for bamboo poles for the construction of Tahong and Talaba farms and being distributed at the coastal towns of Cavite Province such as Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta and Cavite City. It is also transported from other towns of Cavite Province when the portable “Bahay Kubo” or Nipa Hut was introduced.

Bamboo poles in Tahong Farms (Photo from Internet)

 Nipa Hut (Bahay Kubo)

The bamboos are carried manually or through the use of a Water Buffalo (Carabao)and are also transported through a Trailer and an Owner-Type Jeep with Dual Manual Transmission.

The locals also sell their bamboo products by making Sticks to be used for Pinoy Street Food products such as Fishball, Kikiam, Bananacue, Camotecue, and Barbeques such as Isaw, Helmet, etc. where most of them earn for a living

Bamboo sticks are dried up to be used as barbeque sticks, and other Pinoy Street foods

Banana Cue and Camote Cue (Photo from Internet)

Fishballs, Kikiam, etc. (Photo from Internet)

Isaw, etc. (Photo from Internet)

“Kawayang Maragondon” is actually a program launched by the municipal government to strengthen their major product. This also contributes to the tourism of Maragondon as it draws people to the town to buy bamboo products they need for their house or for business.

 Bamboo Canister/Pen Holder

Bamboo Cellphone Holder

VIDEO:

Video by Ms. Harlene Delgado

Presently, the local government of Maragondon is striving hard to be recognized as a bamboo manufacturer with products that are of high quality which can compete in the local and world market.

Please see - Bagong Maragondon Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=193139151039545&id=100010303831186

From just being an ordinary stick and ipit sa damit traded in Divisoria, it also previously exhibited in SM Megamall, SM Dasmarinas, Walk-In-Trade (Bacoor), Corregidor Inn and in WOW Philippines clamshell in Intramuros (during PGMA’s term) showcasing products that ranges from cellphone holders, trays, picture frames, pencil holders, lampshades and other novelty items to a complete sofa set.

These products became favourite corporate giveaways during Christmas season and other special occasions. Balikbayans and foreign visitors find these good pasalubong items for their friends and families abroad.

 Bamboo: 

BAMBOO CRAFTS/HUTS: