MISAMIS ORIENTAL (PIA) – The Philippines set a Guinness World Record on October 18, 2024, for the most people planting bamboo. A total of 2,305 participants from 19 locations—18 in Mindanao and one in Leyte—joined this historic event.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Kawayanihan Movement, a coalition of 86 groups including farmer cooperatives, government agencies, LGUs, nonprofits, and private companies, made this record-breaking feat possible.
The initiative underscores a shared vision of fostering a greener, more resilient nation, integrating sustainable practices into the country’s development strategies.
Guinness World Records officially confirmed the achievement on November 28, 2024, during the National Science and Technology Week in Cagayan de Oro City. Adjudicator Sonia Ushiriguchi virtually verified the record, marking a proud milestone for the Philippines.
“This new Guinness World Record requires at least 400 participants who must follow all guidelines, including simultaneous planting and validation of each participant’s correct planting. Only those who can confirm their correct planting will be counted towards the final count,” Ushiriguchi explained.
The simultaneous bamboo planting was aimed at setting a Guinness World Record and supporting DOST’s circular economy initiative.
It aligns with the Philippine Bamboo Industry roadmap, which underscores bamboo’s versatility, from construction to manufacturing. Moreover, bamboo’s climate resilience makes it a key resource in the fight against climate change, supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
This recognition adds to the Philippines’ achievements in sustainability and environmental stewardship. The DOST and Kawayanihan Movement have become shining examples of how large-scale collaborative efforts can contribute to global climate action and demonstrate the power of collective impact.
Advocate highlights bamboo’s potential
Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba, a steadfast advocate of the Kawayanihan Movement, expressed his full support for the DOST’s initiatives. He emphasized how the program aligns with their district’s focus on sustainable development goals and climate change mitigation efforts, with bamboo as a central resource.
Alba shared that the House of Representatives, particularly the Committees on Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change, and MSME Development, are fully engaged and supportive of these initiatives.
“Our committee just finalized the Bamboo Sustainability Act because bamboo is the next big thing. Many people have a limited view of bamboo’s potential, seeing it mainly for furniture or basic construction. However, globally, bamboo’s possibilities are vast,” Alba said.
He also cited ongoing international research, such as Europe’s studies on bamboo composites for airplane airframes and China’s experiments with bamboo as a replacement for sewage pipes since bamboo fiber pipes have shown more resiliency than traditional GI or PVC pipes in earthquake-prone areas.
Alba encouraged the public to participate in bamboo planting efforts, emphasizing economic and environmental benefits. He noted that DOST’s innovations could significantly alleviate poverty in rural areas by utilizing bamboo as a sustainable livelihood resource.
“The bamboo planting activity symbolizes the collaboration between government, the private sector, and other entities to promote what Secretary Solidum is championing, a circular economy,” Alba concluded. (JAKA/PIA-10)
