Tiger Grass or locally called “Tambo” in Tagalog has a great economic potential because it is a main source of material in the soft broom-making industry. It is a viable source of livelihood for upland communities.
Tiger Grass is usually harvested in late January and February, if dried correctly, can be stored up to a year. The upper portion of the tiger grass flower, the large drooping panicle, is used for broom-making.
The government has been promoting the commercialization of tiger grass production to boost the broom industry. In line with this effort, tiger grass was identified as one of the strategic commodities in Region 1 where it is expected to significantly contribute to its economic development, such as in income and job generation, and the promotion of agri-based industries to reduce poverty. This project is implemented under the Community Livelihood Assistance Special Program (CLASP) in partnership with local government units (LGUs), and the people’s organization.
How to make Broom (Tiger Grass) or Walis Tambo
Materials:
- 105 panicles (maximum)
- Kawayan or wooden stick
- Tie wire
- Plastic string on split rattan
Procedure:
- Use bundle consisting of 105 panicles (number of panicles may vary depending on the desired thickness of the broom) to make one broom.
- Sort the panicles according to length.
- Shear some of its first spikelets (flowers) and ensure that an average remaining length is maintained.
- Tie these sheared spikelets to the main stem to all thickness to the broom.
- Maintain some of the stalks to serve as handle.
- Arrange the added spikelets (tightly bound with string) into five to six small bundles (1-1.5 cm diameter) and bind together to make one big bundle.
- Tightly bind together the stalks using tie wire to form the bundle.
- Use wood or bamboo stick as handle. Bind together with the panicles.
- Arrange the panicles into fan-like form with plastic string or split rattan.
- Decorate the handle or wrap with rolled plastic or split rattan to indicate the origin of the product.
Get list of suppliers of tiger grass and other requirements with the:
Bureau of Domestic Trade, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-BDT)
2/F 361 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (+632) 751-3223 / 751-3227
Email: [email protected]
Sources: dti.gov.ph, trc.gov.ph, ilarrdec.mmsu.edu.ph; Photos: davesgarden.com, annalyn.net