Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. (BASE), a global leader in sustainable bamboo construction, recently inaugurated its newest bamboo treatment facility in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Located within the Sustainable Eco-tourism and Environment-based Innovations Demo (SEED) Farm, the facility is the result of a partnership with the Mahintana Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to fostering sustainable and resilient communities in South Cotabato.
This milestone marks the culmination of efforts initiated during the groundbreaking event in December 2023, where BASE and the Polomolok Local Government signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the construction of the facility and model houses.
A green initiative for housing
At the heart of the inauguration was the formal agreement to build 120 housing units in Polomolok, starting with 12 units or six duplexes, including two model homes. The new bamboo treatment facility—the fourth in Mindanao and the seventh in the Philippines—will play a crucial role in supplying treated bamboo poles for these homes.
As a hub for bamboo treatment, processing, and production, the facility will initially support the Polomolok Local Government Unit (LGU) Bamboo Village initiative. The facility will also serve as a learning center for those interested in the full bamboo value chain, contributing to the growth of the bamboo industry in the region.
In its first year of operation, the facility is projected to create sustainable livelihoods for at least 50 workers and local farmers, with future growth anticipated as the facility expands operations.
Empowering communities with sustainable solutions
“Our mission is to create happier communities, and partnering with BASE on this innovative treatment facility is a huge step forward,” shared Liza Hora, Executive Director of Mahintana Foundation. “This project will not only bring new homes and vital livelihoods to the people of Polomolok but also champion the use of bamboo in modern construction. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this green revolution..”
The Bamboo Village initiative will use BASE’s proprietary Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT), a method that is not only sustainable but also 15% more affordable than traditional materials. The two single-detached Cement Bamboo-Frame Model Houses to be built this year will showcase this pioneering technology.
Homes built using CBFT are designed to be resilient against natural calamities such as typhoons and earthquakes, while also providing thermal comfort, reducing electricity costs for families.
“Bamboo thrives in abundance across Mindanao, and we are ecstatic that right here in Polomolok we have created a value chain that will supply bamboo construction material to current and future builds,” said BASE General Manager, Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez. “This facility will not only provide the community with a livelihood but also foster worker skills through technical training. We are excited to begin our housing project with the Polomolok LGU that will utilize the facility’s first products.”
Transforming housing with bamboo innovation
Lopez also highlighted BASE’s commitment to advancing sustainable housing technologies through partnerships with local and international organizations. BASE’s Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT) has received accreditation from the National Housing Authority’s Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for Housing (AITECH), underscoring its potential as an eco-friendly building solution.
To date, BASE has built over 2,300 homes using its CBFT, providing shelter to more than 10,000 individuals across 19 communities in the Philippines, Nepal, India, and Mexico.
For more information on Base Bahay Foundation Inc. and its projects, visit www.base-builds.com](http://www.base-builds.com.
