INTRODUCTION

In the Philippines, where the climate is tropical there are variety of trees and plants.

Addedly, in a biodiversity rich country like ours, one of the common species of this is the

banana plant. The banana plant is the largest herbaceous flowering plant. The banana

pseudo stem grows 6 to 7.6 meters (20 to 24.98ft) tall, in 5 to 8 months depending on the

plantation, growing from a corm. Banana leaves are larhe, flexible and waterproof. They

are often used as ecologically friendly disposable found containers or as "plates" in South

Asia and several Southeast Asian countries (Mada, 2015). Banana stems and leaves have

high fiber content (stem > 58% DM, leaf >72% DM), nitrogen free extract content (750%

DM), and water soluble carbohydrate content (wsc > 5% DM), with certain nutritive value.

Tannins of banana stem and leaf where 0.11% DM and 0.24%DM. There were lactic acid

bacteria (> 105 cfu/g FM) in the banana stems and leaves. They might be well preserved

with some treatments (Cai, 2018).

Nowadays, some of the paper is made up of trees so in connection with this, the

researchers will produce a handmade paper which is environmental friendly and affordable.

The researchers will also compare the produce that is made up of banana leaves with the

commercialized paper. This study will help to decrease the deforestation in our country.
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Objectives of the Study

The main objectives of this study is to provide an eco-friendly handmade paper using

banana leaves (Musa sp. L.) fiber.

Specifically, this study aims to:

1. Determine the mean scores of experimental and control group in terms of

durability and water resistance

2. Compare the qualities of banana paper and commercial ones in terms of

durability and water resistance

3. Determine the relationship between the amount of banana leaves fiber and quality of

paper produce.

Significance of the Study

The researchers will conduct a study to produce a handmade paper using banana

leaves, specifically, Saba (Musa sp. L.). This study is focused on utilizing the banana

leaves as an alternative source of paper. Moreover, this study suggests the use of banana

leaves rather than cutting trees as source of paper. This will prove that banana leaves can

be used in production of paper. In addition, it can also maintain the cleanliness of the

environment by collecting banana leaves. This handmade banana paper is also budget-

friendly which will be beneficial for students.

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Time and Place of the Study

This study will be conducted at Jacobo Z. Gonzales Memorial National High

School located at Romana Subdivision Barangay. San Antonio Biñan City, Laguna Region

IV-A CALABARZON during the period of June 2018 to March 2019- 2020.

Scope and Limitation

This study will be conducted to use the leaves of banana in producing a good

quality. The researchers will conduct an experiment regarding the quality of banana leaves

paper in terms of tear strength, texture, thickness and water resistance as a handmade paper.

This study also contains all the procedures as how banana leaves fiber can make a good

quality paper. However, the researchers can only produce limited copies of paper, because

this study does not involve any machineries that are needed in producing a good quality

paper in a short period of time.