CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO | 18 October 2024— Kilambay Plantation Corporation (KPC), an agricultural startup based in Mindanao, joined the historic KAWAYANIHAN: A Circular Economy Movement on 18 October 2024. KAWAYANIHAN is a large-scale, simultaneous tree planting activity led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XII in partnership with other stakeholders. It was held across 20 locations in Mindanao and aimed to set a Guinness World Record for ‘Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously Across Multiple Venues’.

In her message, KPC’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ms. Rochella “Ella” Taliño-Taray, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “This is more than setting a record, it is a unified statement of hope for future generations.” She also highlighted KPC’s giant bamboo project’s contribution to local livelihoods, sharing that as of date, KPC has employed over 400 indigenous staff and field workers in Carmen. Likewise, she mentioned that the Corporation targets to establish a bamboo processing plant in Carmen that will generate more local jobs in the next few years.

KPC, through the leadership of Ms. Taliño-Taray, was tapped by the DOST Region XII to be its top partner for the attempt in Carmen due to its capability to provide bamboo seedlings in bulk, owning up to it being the biggest bamboo plantation in the entire region. Meanwhile, other participating LGUs had their own partners and funding sources. KPC partnered with other institutions and gathered hundreds of planters in Poblacion, Carmen. In addition, the Provincial Government of Cotabato, through Serbisyong Totoo Program of incumbent Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza and the Municipal Government of Carmen also co-sponsored the event.

The event saw over 5,000 volunteers and participants planting and geotagging bamboo across 20 locations, including Carmen, Cotabato; Brgy. San Isidro, Talakag; Brgys. Alae, Dalirig, and Maluko in Manolo Fortrich; Brgy. Sta. Fe, Libona; Sta. Ines, Malitbog; Brgy. Puntian, Sumilao; Brgy. Kalusungay, Malaybalay City; Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Cagayan de Oro City; Brgy Mangandoa, Balingasag; Brgy. Awang, Opol; Brgy. Sta. Ana, Tagoloan; Brgy. Lanise, Claveria; Kapalong, Davao del Norte; Matanao, Davao del Sur; Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; and Leyte in Eastern Visayas.

KAWAYANIHAN is an initiative created to encourage more individuals to plant bamboo in support of the growing demand for bamboo raw materials and spread awareness on the potentials of bamboo to generate jobs and combat climate change. Similarly, it is a step towards fostering greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to bridge gaps in policy making concerning the bamboo industry.

The result of the Guinness World Record Attempt will be announced on 28 November 2024 at Limetkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, alongside the upcoming 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week.

Also present during the attempt in Carmen were DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns Teodoro Gatchalian, DOST Region XII Director Engr. Sammy Malawan, Representative Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos, Carmen Mayor Rogelio Taliño, KPC Partner and former Agriculture Secretary Luis Ramon P. Lorenzo, KPC Chief Executive Officer Jerry John Taray, and other public and private sector representatives. —