The Department of Science and Technology hosted the Bamboo Technology and Innovation Summit 2026 on March 4 to 5, 2026 in Cebu City. The summit gathered key stakeholders to strengthen bamboo as a strategic resource for sustainable development and green industrial growth in the Philippines.
DOST SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Director Engr. Sammy P. Malawan and Provincial Director Dr. Michael T. Mayo attended the summit and joined discussions on advancing bamboo technologies, sustainable plantation development, and value chain expansion.
From Carmen, North Cotabato, Mr. Jerry John Taray, Chief Executive Officer of Kilambay Plantation Corporation, served as a guest plenary speaker. He presented the topic “Growing the Future: Sustainable Plantation Models for a Resilient Bamboo Industry.”
During his presentation, Mr. Taray highlighted the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent or FPIC model adopted by Kilambay Plantation Corporation. This model ensures Indigenous Peoples and local communities hold the right to provide consent before projects utilize land and natural resources within their ancestral domains. The approach strengthens community participation, protects indigenous rights, and promotes responsible plantation development.
Mr. Taray also shared the milestone achieved by Kilambay Plantation Corporation in partnership with DOST. The collaboration significantly contributed to a Guinness World Record recognition through a large-scale bamboo initiative, which demonstrated the country’s strong potential to develop bamboo as a major driver for sustainable industry and climate responsive development.
Through science-based innovations, technology transfer, and partnerships with communities, industry, and local governments, DOST promotes bamboo as a key resource in the circular economy. These efforts support sustainable production, efficient resource use, green livelihood opportunities, and climate responsive development for communities.