Kilambay Plantation Corporation Joins Historic Bamboo Planting Guinness World Record Attempt

CARMEN, NORTH COTABATO | 18 October 2024— Kilambay Plantation Corporation (KPC), an agricultural startup based in Mindanao, joined the historic KAWAYANIHAN: A Circular Economy Movement on 18 October 2024. KAWAYANIHAN is a large-scale, simultaneous tree planting activity led by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region XII in partnership with other stakeholders. It was held across 20 locations in Mindanao and aimed to set a Guinness World Record for 'Most People Planting Bamboo Simultaneously Across Multiple Venues'.

In her message, KPC's Chief Operating Officer (COO), Ms. Rochella "Ella" Taliño-Taray, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating, "This is more than setting a record, it is a unified statement of hope for future generations." She also highlighted KPC's giant bamboo project's contribution to local livelihoods, sharing that as of date, KPC has employed over 400 indigenous staff and field workers in Carmen. Likewise, she mentioned that the Corporation targets to establish a bamboo processing plant in Carmen that will generate more local jobs in the next few years.

KPC, through the leadership of Ms. Taliño-Taray, was tapped by the DOST Region XII to be its top partner for the attempt in Carmen due to its capability to provide bamboo seedlings in bulk, owning up to it being the biggest bamboo plantation in the entire region. Meanwhile, other participating LGUs had their own partners and funding sources. KPC partnered with other institutions and gathered hundreds of planters in Poblacion, Carmen. In addition, the Provincial Government of Cotabato, through Serbisyong Totoo Program of incumbent Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza and the Municipal Government of Carmen also co-sponsored the event.

The event saw over 5,000 volunteers and participants planting and geotagging bamboo across 20 locations, including Carmen, Cotabato; Brgy. San Isidro, Talakag; Brgys. Alae, Dalirig, and Maluko in Manolo Fortrich; Brgy. Sta. Fe, Libona; Sta. Ines, Malitbog; Brgy. Puntian, Sumilao; Brgy. Kalusungay, Malaybalay City; Northern Mindanao Agricultural Crops and Livestock Research Complex, Cagayan de Oro City; Brgy Mangandoa, Balingasag; Brgy. Awang, Opol; Brgy. Sta. Ana, Tagoloan; Brgy. Lanise, Claveria; Kapalong, Davao del Norte; Matanao, Davao del Sur; Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; and Leyte in Eastern Visayas.

KAWAYANIHAN is an initiative created to encourage more individuals to plant bamboo in support of the growing demand for bamboo raw materials and spread awareness on the potentials of bamboo to generate jobs and combat climate change. Similarly, it is a step towards fostering greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to bridge gaps in policy making concerning the bamboo industry.

The result of the Guinness World Record Attempt will be announced on 28 November 2024 at Limetkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City, alongside the upcoming 2024 National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week.

Also present during the attempt in Carmen were DOST Undersecretary for Special Concerns Teodoro Gatchalian, DOST Region XII Director Engr. Sammy Malawan, Representative Ma. Alana Samantha T. Santos, Carmen Mayor Rogelio Taliño, KPC Partner and former Agriculture Secretary Luis Ramon P. Lorenzo, KPC Chief Executive Officer Jerry John Taray, and other public and private sector representatives. ---

About Kilambay Plantation Corporation

Kilambay Plantation Corporation (KPC) is an agricultural service company provider, providing sustainable and innovative solutions for plantation development, plant supplies and equipment, organic farming, industry development and land preparation. Founded in 2011 by Jerry and Jocelyn Taray, the company has since grown into an agricultural company known for its commitment to environmental responsibility and quality products.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Launch event: Behavioural Insights Project Expands Regional Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

  

Phase II of the "Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN" project was successfully launched on 18 October 2024 at the ERIA office in Jakarta.

Phase II of the "Breaking the Plastic Habit in ASEAN" project was successfully launched on 18 October 2024 at the ERIA office in Jakarta. The event was attended by more than 100 participants, both in person and online. This phase brings together an expanded network of partner organizations, countries, and project initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable plastic consumption across the region. A two-day capacity-building workshop was held on 16-17 October 2024, alongside the launch event, to partner organizations for project implementation from January to August 2025.

At the event, Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, emphasized, "The case studies will equip provide policymakers, businesses, and civil society with practical skills for behavior-focused projects. Combining Behavioural Insights with strong policies and cross-sector partnerships will drive the changes needed to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability in ASEAN."

Building on the achievements of the previous project, Phase II extends the project to six Southeast Asian countries, broadening the scope and diversity of initiatives. These new projects will be implemented by a wide range of organizations, originating from academic, governmental, business, and civil society background. The initiative also introduces a new measurement framework designed to evaluate the impact of 'nudge' interventions, providing practical tool for policymakers and stakeholders.

Representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia stated “Civil society movements promoting initiatives such as behavioural insights can support government efforts to manage waste sustainably. I hope the success of this project can be scaled up and implemented in other regions of Indonesia.” The expanded Phase II projects will use Behavioural Insights to complement existing policies, such as bans and taxes

As ASEAN grapples with the global challenge of plastic pollution, Phase II of the project reaffirms the collective commitment to fostering sustainable, long-term change. Through increased collaboration across sectors and regions, the project is set to contribute significantly to the shared vision of a cleaner and more sustainable ASEAN.

The project will be carried out by ERIA and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).

About RKCMPD

The Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris was established under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia in 2019. The Centre’s mission is to provide information and support to ASEAN+3 Member States, thereby helping them to improve the circularity of plastic and prevent leakage into marine environments.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Ross Flores Del Rosario selected as one of the on-site participants for the AASSA-NAST PHL International Symposium on Digital Transformation in Healthcare

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

"Good day! 

We wish to inform you that you have been selected as one of the on-site participants for the AASSA-NAST PHL International Symposium on Digital Transformation in Healthcare on 29-30 October 2024 at the Acacia Hotel, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. 

The international symposium aims to (1) provide an opportunity to introduce the digital health service ecosystem; (2) present the trends, experiences, and successful initiatives among developed and developing economies; (3) review the impact of digital transformation on quality and cost-effective patient management and care, medical education, and health workforce development; (4) identify common issues and concerns in Asia; and (5) provide recommendations on the shift towards the digital transformation of healthcare.

Attached herewith is the provisional program of activities for your reference. 

Thank you and see you there!"



Ross Flores Del Rosario, the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, has been selected as one of the on-site participants for the prestigious AASSA-NAST PHL International Symposium on Digital Transformation in Healthcare, scheduled for October 29-30, 2024. This event will take place at the Acacia Hotel in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, and serves as a vital platform for exploring cutting-edge digital health service ecosystems and advancements in healthcare transformation.

The symposium is organized by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) in collaboration with the National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL). It will focus on a range of critical topics including governance in digital health, healthcare financing, and strategic partnerships between public and private sectors. Attendees from across the globe will share insights on trends, experiences, and successful initiatives in digital health, especially from developed and developing economies.

This event represents a unique opportunity for Del Rosario, who has been recognized for his extensive influence in digital media through Wazzup Pilipinas. His participation underscores his dedication to staying at the forefront of digital transformation, not only in media but also in the healthcare sector, where emerging technologies are revolutionizing patient care, medical education, and health workforce development.

The symposium will open on October 29 with welcome remarks from Academician Jaime Montoya, President of NAST PHL, followed by a keynote address from Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. of the Department of Science and Technology. Del Rosario will have the chance to engage in sessions addressing health data governance, digital public infrastructure, and AI-driven healthcare solutions. Among the notable speakers are Dr. Kidong Park from the World Health Organization, and experts from the Asian Development Bank and Mayo Clinic, all discussing transformative digital health initiatives.

As the founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, Del Rosario’s participation is a testament to his ongoing commitment to explore and promote innovations that can influence various sectors, including healthcare. This opportunity aligns with his broader mission to elevate the Philippines as a hub for both technological advancements and credible information dissemination. The outcomes of this symposium, such as identifying digital transformation strategies for the healthcare sector, could have lasting impacts on improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency in the country.

As Ross Del Rosario continues to expand his horizons, this symposium marks another significant milestone in his career, enabling him to not only learn from global health leaders but also contribute to discussions on how digital transformation can create more inclusive and effective healthcare systems.