Banawa

Banawa refers to a traditional Filipino bamboo raft. These rafts are typically constructed from dried bamboo poles lashed together. They were historically used for fishing, transportation, and as a means to cross rivers and shallow bodies of water in the Philippines. The design of a banawa is generally simple, prioritizing buoyancy and stability. They are often propelled by a single oar or by paddling. While modern transportation has largely replaced them for daily use, banawas can still be seen in some rural areas and are sometimes used for recreational purposes or as cultural displays. The term banawa can also sometimes be used colloquially to refer to any floating platform made of bamboo.