On September 18, 2025, Mahintana Foundation, Inc. participated in the Bamboo Industry Investment Forum and Expo 2025, held at the Grand Gazebo, The Farm at Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City, in observance of World Bamboo Day. The forum brought together government leaders, private sector representatives, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and bamboo stakeholders to promote bamboo as a sustainable economic driver and climate-resilient resource.
The event formally opened with welcome remarks from Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. followed by messages of support from Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr., and DTI Provincial Director Ferdinand C. Cabiles. The keynote address was delivered by Chief Gerardo Reynaldo of the Mindanao Development Authority, who emphasized the strategic importance of developing the bamboo sector to foster inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
Ms. Liza Duropan-Lopez, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc., presented a discussion on the Bamboo Value Chain. She underscored the need to strengthen linkages across the entire chain—from propagation and plantation development to processing, enterprise creation, and market access. Her presentation highlighted the critical role of organized community enterprises and social enterprises in ensuring both economic viability and ecological sustainability within the bamboo industry.
Engr. Freddie Armea, Training and Technical Support Engineer of Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., delivered a session on Bamboo Treatment for Housing Solutions. He introduced innovative bamboo treatment technologies that improve durability, making bamboo a viable material for low-cost, climate-resilient housing. His presentation showcased successful applications of treated bamboo in housing projects and emphasized its potential as a sustainable construction material.
Additional discussions focused on inclusive business models, corporate social responsibility, financing mechanisms, bamboo innovations, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) compliance requirements for bamboo transport. Open forums encouraged dialogue among participants, enabling them to explore investment opportunities, address logistical and market challenges, and strengthen research and development partnerships.
The activity concluded with a message from Hon. Sarse Atam, Jr., who reaffirmed the Provincial Government of South Cotabato’s commitment to prioritizing and supporting the growth of the bamboo industry. The event served as a strategic platform for knowledge exchange, partnership building, and policy advocacy—reinforcing collective efforts to position the bamboo industry as a key driver of sustainable development in South Cotabato.
