Daily TribuneThe simultaneous planting was aimed at raising awareness about the bamboo’s potential to promote a circular economy, climate resilience and sustainability.
Some 300 volunteers from various national government agencies, local government units, state universities and colleges, private sectors and indigenous peoples groups planted bamboos in a field in Poblacion, Carmen, Cotabato.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DOST XII
Volunteers from the Department of Agriculture’s Regional Field Office 10 plant bamboos at the Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex in Dalwangan, Malaybalay, Bukidnon on 18 October 2024.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DA RFO X
Cagayan de Oro City — The Philippines has made it to the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the most number of people planting bamboo simultaneously in multiple locations.
GWR adjudicator Sonia Ushiriguchi confirmed the feat during the celebration of the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week 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 Region 10 office was aimed to raise awareness about the 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. It advocates for the reuse, repair and recycling of materials, minimizes waste, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps combat climate change.
DoST collaborated with Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba and 85 other local government units, non-government associations, private sector organizations and other members of Congress.
DoST Secretary Renato Solidum said the Kawayanihan Circular Economy Movement aligns with DoST’s framework on Science, Technology, and Innovation for Circular Economy program. 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 and production, and the integration of environmental, social and governance 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.
The DoST secretary underscored the importance of the framework during the DoST Circular Economy Initiative Towards Smart and Sustainable Communities activity.
He said the collaboration between DoST and its Kawayanihan partners has paved the way for solutions and opportunities in the green economy.
