With its rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, the Philippines faces unique environmental challenges from coastal areas to urban centers.

At the Rotary Club of Fort Bonifacio Global City, we understand that protecting our planet is critical to sustaining life for future generations.

How We Make Help Happen: Our Impact on Environmental Sustainability 

RCFBGC’s environmental initiatives have led to significant improvements in local ecosystems, with communities gaining greater awareness of sustainable practices and contributing to a healthier planet.

RCFBGC makes amazing things happen, like:

• A Timeline of RCFBGC’s Bamboo Planting Initiatives Across the Philippines
  • Early Beginnings
    
    

The “Bamboo for Environment and Livelihood” project, a visionary initiative by DDC Land Inc. under the leadership of CEO/PDG Edna Sutter, marked the beginning of a significant environmental effort. This project involved the donation of thousands of Giant Bamboo Propagules on April 8, 2022, to various districts and environmental offices. RCFBGC became a key supporting partner, helping to lay the groundwork for a green movement that would gradually spread across the Philippines.

• • Roots of Community: Expansion to Bataan
    

As summer’s warmth embraced the land, the project’s roots spread to Bataan in July 2022. The picturesque town of Bagac witnessed the first major planting event, where the Parang Upland Farmer Group Inc. (PUFGI) joined hands with RCFBGC members and DDC Land representatives. This collaboration showcased the project’s potential to unite communities in the pursuit of environmental stewardship.

• • Branching Out: Partnerships for Sustainability

The initiative’s reach expanded rapidly, and by July 29, 2022, it had formed new alliances to further its mission. In a gesture of cross-sector cooperation, 700 giant bamboo propagules were provided to PDG Dwight Ramos of District 3780 for his companies. This partnership highlighted the project’s growing influence and its ability to attract support from diverse sectors.

• • Weaving Traditions: Indigenous Community Engagement
    
    

August 25, 2022, marked a pivotal moment with the launch of “Sulong Katutubo, Para sa Kabuhayan, Kaunlaran at Kinabukasan.” This project saw the initiative embrace social equity alongside environmental concerns. The donation of 15,000 bamboo propagules to seven Dumagat Tribes in Antipolo, Rizal, wove together the threads of ecological conservation and indigenous empowerment.

• • Strengthening Bonds: Formalizing Partnerships
    
    

Further partnerships were formalized on October 23, 2022, at RBO Farm in Palayan City. The signing of an agreement brought new allies into the fold, including RC Jaen, RC Cabanatuan North, Wheeltek Motor Sales Corp., and Divine Mercy Foundation. The planting of 500 bamboo propagules on a hectare of land symbolized the growing strength of these alliances.

• • New Horizons: BIG PH National Launch & Indigenous Lands Initiative
    
    

On February 18, 2023, the Impact Philanthropists Manila fundraising event marked a pivotal moment for the BIG PH (Bamboo Initiative Grants for the Philippines) project. This event brought together Rotarian philanthropists, corporations, NGOs, and youth partners to raise over one million pesos in cash and pledges, which will be directed to the Rotary Foundation to support future environmental initiatives. The event also celebrated the national launch of BIG PH, a visionary project aiming to expand bamboo planting and sustainable development. Its scope now includes a proposed Rotary Global Grant for the Dumagat/Remontado tribes in Rizal Province, covering 1,000 hectares of ancestral domain, highlighting the project’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

• • Milestone Celebration: Large-Scale Planting & Project Achievement
    
    

Summer’s return in 2023 was marked by a monumental planting event on July 2 at RBO Farms, Palayan City. This gathering of multiple Rotary Clubs celebrated a significant milestone – the donation of over 200,000 bamboo propagules across various regions.

• • Nueva Ecija Expansion: Cultivating Community in Carranglan
    
    

August 18, 2023, marked the project’s expansion to Brgy. Capintalan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija. This collaborative effort involved RC Talavera, the WADAKA Indigenous Peoples group, and ASKI Foundation Inc. The event saw the planting of over 2,000 giant bamboo seedlings along the Carranglan river bank. Local government officials, private sector representatives, and indigenous leaders participated, highlighting the project’s ability to unite diverse stakeholders. The distribution of seedlings to WADAKA members ensured ongoing community involvement, blending environmental conservation with potential economic development.

• • Expanding Horizons: Regional Growth in Bicol
    
    

The third quarter of 2023 saw the project’s tendrils reach the Bicol Region. On September 29 of that year, BIG PH launched in Camarines Sur with an unprecedented donation of 32,000 giant bamboo propagules. This expansion brought new partners into the fold, including local organizations and Ateneo De Naga. The integration with local bamboo craft industries added an economic dimension to the project’s environmental and social impacts.

• • Sultan Kudarat Initiatives: BIG PH Kickoff & Arbor Day
    
    

June 2024 saw two significant events in Sultan Kudarat Province. On June 18, BIG PH officially launched with a ceremonial planting, bringing together stakeholders to initiate large-scale bamboo cultivation. Following this, on June 24, the province celebrated Arbor Day, led by the Sultan Kudarat Bamboo Industry Development Council. These events showcased the region’s commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement in bamboo cultivation.