An entire nation comes together to plant hope, sustainability, and a greener future—one bamboo shoot at a time.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The Philippines has etched its name in history as an official Guinness World Record holder for the Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously in Multiple Venues, thanks to the resounding success of the nationwide Kawayanihan Movement led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with over 80 partners across Mindanao.
The groundbreaking event was held on October 18, 2024, and involved tens of thousands of volunteers in multiple sites nationwide, planting bamboo seedlings in a unified call for environmental sustainability, climate action, and community empowerment.
The official awarding ceremony took place during the Kawayanihan Partners Awarding Ceremony and Engineered Bamboo Furniture Exposition on August 4–6, 2025, at Centrio Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. There, the Guinness World Record certificate was formally presented to various implementing and partner organizations—including DOST Regional Offices, military units, local governments, private sector stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and civil society organizations.
“This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Kawayanihan is more than a record—it is a movement rooted in science, community, and environmental stewardship,” said Engr. Sammy P. Malawan, Regional Director of DOST-XII.
🌱 Planting Seeds of Unity and Sustainability
One of the most active contributors was DOST Region XII, in partnership with the Province of North Cotabato, which mobilized hundreds of participants in Carmen, Cotabato. Local officials including Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza, Vice Governor Ella Taliño Taray, and Carmen Mayor Roger Taliño took part in the activity, alongside Representatives Samantha Santos, Raymond Mendoza, and Rudy Caoagdan, with support from NGOs like TreeLife, Kilambay Plantation Corp., and the Kituved Ancestral Domain Management Office.
In Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, over 4,500 participants across 19 locations in Northern Mindanao planted more than 20,000 bamboo shoots, with Congressman Bambi Emano leading the efforts in Tagoloan. His team planted 598 bamboo shoots at the New Sanitary Landfill, joined by Mayor Nadya Emano Elipe.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Sumilao, Bukidnon gathered 2,305 participants, led by Mayor Venice Marie P. Villo and MENRO Chief Ann Marie Lato, with outstanding volunteer support from Pilar High School, Barangay Puntian Council, SK leaders, FCI volunteers, and others. The district’s representative, Cong. Jose Manuel “Joeman” Alba, was recognized for his unwavering support to environmental conservation.
💚 Military and Civilian Partnerships
The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army was also recognized as an official partner. Colonel Rey Pasco, representing Major General Michele Anayron Jr., accepted the Guinness certificate for the division’s contribution to the record-setting activity.
“Being part of the Kawayanihan initiative is our way of contributing to a greener future. Bamboo symbolizes resilience, and through this effort, we help plant the seeds of sustainability and peace,” said Col. Pasco.
Also instrumental were military units such as the 602nd Infantry Liberator Brigade, which collaborated with local governments and organizations in Kidapawan.
🪑 Engineering Innovation with Bamboo
To further highlight bamboo’s potential, the “From Forest to Future: Engineering & Innovative Applications of Bamboo” expo was launched during the awarding ceremony. The event showcased locally crafted engineered bamboo products that demonstrated the material’s viability in furniture, construction, and sustainable livelihood initiatives.
Key speakers included DOST Undersecretary Sancho A. Mabborang, DOST-X Regional Director Romela Ratilla, and Dr. Francis N. Baleta, who emphasized circular economy practices. DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., through a keynote delivered by USec. Mabborang, hailed the initiative as “a model of science-based environmental action.”
Among the special moments was the ceremonial turnover of project funds to the Natural Green Association of Northern Bukidnon State College, reinforcing DOST’s support for community-driven green innovation.
🏆 A Nation Recognized
From the mountains of Bukidnon to the coastal plains of Cotabato and the bustling city of Cagayan de Oro, Filipinos from all walks of life joined forces in a resounding display of unity and purpose. The Guinness World Record is not just an accolade—it is a testament to the power of bayanihan and the shared Filipino commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
Mabuhay ang Kawayanihan Movement! Mabuhay ang Kalikupan!