The Department of Environment and Natural Resources As in plantation wood, the most visible enabling organization is the DENR since both rattan and bamboo are classified as non-timber forest products. The land where the POs plant their rattans had been handed over to them by the Government through the DENR. The latter is also involved in the grant of permits, inspection and checking of rattan poles that are in the process of shipment to their respective destinations. Bamboo does not attract as much attention as rattan in terms of regulatory control by the DENR. PNOC They support POs that are within areas under their jurisdiction by providing them rattan seedlings and through the extension of assistance in getting rattan cutting permits from the DENR. DTI has no long-term program for rattan and bamboo although some rattan and bamboobased products of BAHANDI members are among those that are promoted in trade fairs and exhibits. Nationally, research organizations such as ERDB, FPRDI, PCARRD and the academe have done a number of research projects on bamboo and rattan but no direct engagement nor assistance have so far been provided to bamboo and rattan growers, processors, and traders in Leyte. Trade organizations such as CFIF and PCHI could also potentially support the rattan and bamboo sub-sectors in Leyte, but so far, these organizations’ activities and programs have not reached the Island.  
FUNCTIONS IN THE RATTAN AND BAMBOO VALUE CHAINS
Functions in the Rattan and Bamboo Value Chains Rattan The functions in the rattan value chain, as shown in Figure 7, include the provision of specific inputs, production and harvesting, primary processing, pole trade, furniture making and trade, and consumption. Farmers and POs generally undertake all of the first three functions. Traders buy the rattan poles and sell them to furniture makers within and outside Leyte, Furniture makers process rattan. Their workshops also serve as their display areas. Homeowners and commercial establishments buy rattan-made products. Not all POs in Leyte plant rattan. There are some who do have members who were engaged in rattan pole collection in the past as a source of livelihood income. Collection has not been limited to planted rattan poles, since it would require several days for them to return
Plantation Wood, Rattan and Bamboo in Leyte Island | Value Chains to benefit income generation of forest farmers
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