The Climate Change Commission participated in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people planting bamboo simultaneously, held in Villaba, Leyte.

VILLABA, Leyte – The Climate Change Commission (CCC) underscored bamboo's crucial role as a carbon sink to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote livelihoods during the bamboo planting event titled “Kawayanihan: A Circular Economy Movement” held in Villaba, Leyte.

CCC Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje emphasized the need to enhance ecosystems to combat climate-induced disasters, pointing out that deforestation significantly exacerbates climate impacts.

Bamboo, in particular, absorbs and stores more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen than most terrestrial trees. Its deep-rooted structure strengthens riverbanks and stabilizes slopes, and prevents flooding and landslides which are crucial for enhancing climate resilience.

“The giant bamboo provides multiple benefits, making it essential to protect this species and promote its cultivation to maximize its positive impact on our ecosystems. This will enhance our biodiversity which will contribute to climate-resilient communities,“ Borje stated.

Leyte 3rd District Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon highlighted the pivotal role of bamboo, stating, "This green resource plays a vital role in both our ecosystem and livelihoods, promoting environmental sustainability while it creates livelihood opportunities for local communities."

Bukidnon 1st Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba, who led the simultaneous Bukidnon segment of the Kawayanihan, noted that the event presents a significant opportunity for sustainable development through bamboo cultivation. "By promoting bamboo growing, we support local farmers while also tackling reforestation efforts. Given its fast growth rate, bamboo is a valuable ally to combat climate change," he emphasized.

Alba also mentioned that this movement is a strong representation of collective action, which is essential in climate efforts to achieve a resilient community. "By uniting our efforts, we can empower individuals and communities to take meaningful steps toward sustainability and environmental stewardship."

Meanwhile, Shiela Lantaca, representative from the Department of Labor and Employment, also expressed her support for the initiative. "Our department fully supports this action as it creates potential livelihoods, particularly with the inclusion of green jobs," she stated.

Engr. Winston N. Solite, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Leyte, emphasized the significance of the initiative. "This tree planting helps reduce the impacts of global warming, as bamboo serves as an effective carbon sink,” he stated.

Approximately 4,500 planters across 19 locations in Mindanao and Leyte simultaneously planted 20,000 bamboo for the Guinness World Record attempt, which also symbolizes the strength of collective climate action at the grassroots level.

According to Romela Ratilla, DOST Regional X Director, the bamboos were geotagged to monitor their growth as they are potential sources of raw materials for various high-value products.

The CCC remains committed to working with stakeholders and development partners to pursue policies and programs that promote the bamboo industry and other sustainable climate strategies.

“Bamboo has long been part of our cultural heritage and rural livelihoods. Through initiatives like this, we preserve that rich heritage while harnessing its potential to build a greener economy,” Borje said.

“This initiative demonstrates the power of individuals taking immediate climate action. Let this moment remind us that addressing the climate crisis requires the participation of every citizen, community, and sector,” he added, urging the public to support bamboo and other sustainable solutions that help reduce carbon footprints.

Led by the Department of Science and Technology,  the Office of Representative Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon and the Office of Representative Jose Manuel Alba, the event was attended by local government officials and partners from various regions for a Guinness World Record attempt for the most people planting bamboo simultaneously.

For more information on the CCC’s climate mainstreaming activities, visit www.climate.gov.ph and www.facebook.com/CCCPhl.