Ryan W. v. d. Beld

Consultant for the Hon. Governor / Vice Governor

Tel. Nos; +63(0)35-225-0497 / 422-3793

E-mail: Foreign_negor@yahoo.com

Re: Bamboo project Philippines, Province of Negros Oriental

Sirs,

A project layout is properly described on the website: BAMBOO SOLUTIONS for the World and relevant websites (see references below) which do emphasize the great potential of Bamboo, especially in Asia. We fully agree with the statements made and add our conformity to the text as noted.

However, in our humble opinion, there are more workable application for Bamboo. Also the noted planting area’s are rather small, designed for local use of end product. In our case, we have the great advantage of bigger commercial scale production. Also the possibilities for 2^nd crop, mainly vegetables, are more as noted, considering the local possibilities and required vegetables and fruits.

The Province of Negros Oriental – Philippines, by way of its Governor and Vice Governor do recognize the huge potentials for our province and are very keen to start co-operation with foreign entities for implementation of bigger projects, basically aimed at export of end-product, then in co-operation with knowledgeable specialists in this field. Basic income for a good number of our province people by way of steady employment, long term job opportunities are essential to the people. After much forestry has been cut during former administration (before 1986) the present National and Local Government is very keen to re-plant the area’s, keeping environment in place, avoid corrosions, and any and all matters with regards to long term development of a huge area within our province.

Geological and security: The Province of Negros Oriental Is known to be the least affected area within the Philippine group of islands with respect to insurgency, moreover, the least affected area of natural disasters like typhoons, earthquakes and the like. Its location avoids possibilities for occurrence of major flooding as well.

Present situation: The Provincial Government has allocated an initial area of 2.000 ha. for use of this project, which can be increased up to (around) 30.000 ha. such to make sure that consistency in production of culms on long term project bases. Besides the main project area we still have the opportunity to involve local farmers and/or farmers-cooperation’s having the area assigned, we presently construct roads in the area. All main roads will be fully cemented, partly already done, further work ongoing on daily bases. As the area is mountainous and elevated (up to about 800 meters) all basic access roads are ready now, with direct, fully cemented roads up to the Port Area (International) of Cebu Port- Philippines. Bulldozers are working the mountain area each and every day.

We have diverted the water stream from the mountain tops, now having very clean and real sufficient water supply at the designated area. Also sufficient water supply for larger area to be irrigated. Investigation shows that quality of water is of quality of good drinking water.

The present. Most common varieties of Bamboo, widely available for seedlings / planting materials are known as BAMBUSA BLUMEANA and Dendrocalam Bambusa Blumeana Gigantochloa Levis. Both varieties are presently used for Bamboo house construction, Handicrafts and the like. In co-operation with specialists we are willing to look at additional varieties, even import necessary planting materials which are suitable for buyers use.

We are looking at possibilities, preferably in co-operation with foreign buyers / investors, to use culms for fibers, then producing high quality “chipped bamboo plates” (can be called Chip Boards), similar to the know wood-chip plates, presently used worldwide for construction, furniture’s and the like. Nevertheless, we are open for other suggestion. or other use, in cooperation with buyers/investors. Another good application might be production of (KD) Euro pallets. As there is, at the moment, no manufacturing of such “boards” within the Philippines, we expect a local demand besides the huge export opportunities.

Above will show that we are serious in our affords, properly backed by any and all our Governmental institutions which can be of help or assistance.

At this stage, we are looking for “join-venture” partners, for additional knowledge, and possibilities for financial support. From our end, we can guarantee our outmost efforts to make this project successful. Undersigned is assigned to streamline co-operation between buyers/ investors/ join-ventures and the Local and National Government agencies. Such to make sure of solid contracts, making sure that each amount available (from whatever source) will be solely used for the project as noted, to make sure of full back-up for any (foreign) investor, which could include certain tax benefits, initiation of “free trade zone”, provisions for “horse shoe” imports/exports Besides the noted Governor and Vice Governor, we have full commitment and co-operation from (at least 3) Senators. If only, our suggested usage of culms will be workable then we suggest a manufacturing plant to be established, by interested parties, near the culms production area, then having full logistical advantages, thereby avoiding export difficulties of culms, such as sanitation and/or Phyto sanitary treatments.

The Province of Negros Oriental has a huge idle workforce, ranging from Engineers to farm-workers, all at very reasonable cost. Of course, providing income for our local people is a big part of this project, then making use of (where possible) local labor and knowledge, in long term join-venture with foreign entities. Taking into account the present exchange rates, present cost of labor and management, provided that local varieties can be used, we estimate production cost of culms (about 10 meters length) to be BELOW Euro 2,=/piece.

We would appreciate getting into contact with interested parties and knowledgeable institutions who are willing, able and capable to join us in our effort. Again, we like to make reference to noted website “Bamboo Solutions” which explains the huge opportunity on hand.

We gladly answer remaining questions; moreover, look at suggestions from any interested party. The very fact that we have sufficient area for planting. Have such opened by roads, have provided sufficient water supply, any and all financed by the Provincial Government, will give a clear indication of our sincerity in the matter.

If so required or applicable, correspondence can be done in Dutch language. Undersigned is a Dutch National with 14 years experience working in The Philippines, now retired, but with a great “drive” to assist any and all parties for sake of people, environment, and exploring possibilities. As background, I have about 25 years experience in International trade, product sourcing and Int’l banking matters.

Yours Truly,

(Ryan) M. W. v. d. Beld

Consultant for Governor / Vice Governor of Negros Oriental – Philipies.

Reference to websites:

http://bambooteam.com/bambustique

http://bamboo-sd.be

http://www2.bioversityinternational.org/publications/Web_version/572/ch30.htm

Last site gives overview of Bamboo and its (mainly local) applications, its rather outdated but contains valuable details which are, in a part, still applicable. Search carried out by 4 universities in The Philippines.