Cagayan de Oro City — The Philippines has set a Guinness World Record for the most number of people simultaneously planting bamboo across multiple locations.

Guinness World Records adjudicator Ms. Sonia Ushiriguchi confirmed the achievement during the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week celebration organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in this city.

A total of 2,305 planters participated in the record-setting event, which was conducted by DOST and its Kawayanihan Circular Economy Movement partners on 18 October 2024, at 19 different locations across Mindanao and Leyte.

The record-setting initiative, spearheaded by DOST-X, aimed to raise awareness about bamboo's potential to promote a circular economy, climate resilience, and sustainability.

A circular economy is essential for conserving finite resources, reducing environmental impacts, and fostering economic resilience by advocating for the reuse, repair, and recycling. It helps minimize waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and helps combat climate change.

DOST collaborated with Bukidnon 1st District Representative Hon. Jose Manuel F. Alba and 85 other LGUs, NGAs, private sector organizations, and members of Congress to achieve this milestone.

DOST secretary Renato Solidum stated that the Kawayanihan Circular Economy Movement aligns with DOST's framework on Science, Technology, and Innovation for Circular Economy (STI4CE). As the lead agency providing innovative S&T solutions and opening opportunities, the framework guides DOST agencies to collaborate in promoting a circular economy, sustainable consumption, production, and the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects.

"We must love our environment as much as we love our children — ensuring they are healthy and live in a peaceful, stable place," Solidum said during the DOST Circular Economy Initiative Towards Smart and Sustainable Communities event.

He emphasized that the collaboration between DOST and its Kawayanihan partners has paved the way for solutions and opportunities in the green economy.