The Philippines has achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new Guinness World Record for the largest number of people planting bamboo simultaneously. On October 18, 2024, a total of 2,305 participants across 19 different locations in mainland Mindanao and Leyte province came together to plant bamboo, an event that was officially recognized by Guinness World Records adjudicator Sonia Ushiriguchi during the National Science and Technology Week in Cagayan de Oro City.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), aimed to underscore the importance of bamboo in fostering a circular economy, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. was actively involved, planting bamboo in Cagayan de Oro City and urging lawmakers to develop policies that support a circular economy, with bamboo serving as a prime example. Solidum emphasized the need to nurture the environment for future generations, stating, “We must love our environment as much as we love our children, ensuring they live in a healthy, peaceful, and stable place.”
Bukidnon 1st District Representative Jose Manuel Alba, who chairs the House Committee on Sustainability Goals and Climate Change, highlighted the significance of tracking the growth of the bamboo planted during the event. He stressed the role of bamboo propagation in mitigating climate change, reinforcing the event’s focus on sustainability.
This record-breaking event not only showcased bamboo’s potential as a vital ecological and economic resource but also solidified the Philippines’ dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.