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Manila Bulletin devider Property and Living devider From bamboo to breakthroughs: Kawayan Collective earns 'Newsmaker of the Year' recognition

From bamboo to breakthroughs: Kawayan Collective earns 'Newsmaker of the Year' recognition

Manila Bulletin celebrates Kawayan Collective as it paves the way for resilient Filipino homes

Published Feb 17, 2025 03:51 am

The Manila Bulletin Newsmakers of the Year Awards 2025 continued its tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations that have significantly impacted Filipino society through world-class innovation, talent, expertise, and social responsibility. Now in its second edition, the event honored game-changers who inspire and empower communities.

One of this year’s distinguished honorees was Kawayan Collective Agricultural Cooperative, a social enterprise in Dauin, Negros Oriental, dedicated to promoting bamboo as a sustainable building material for Filipino homes. Their mission reflects a deep commitment to improving housing solutions while championing environmental sustainability.

During the awards night, Kawayan Collective Co-Chairperson Kate J. Tubog accepted the recognition and delivered a heartfelt speech:

“Tonight, we’ve come together to celebrate those who turn vision into action. When individuals unite with a shared purpose, small steps grow into movements, shaping communities and building a better future.”

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Kawayan Collective Co-Chairperson Kate J. Tubog delivers her speech at the 2025 Newsmakers
of the Year Awards Night.

Pioneering sustainable bamboo housing
Kawayan Collective Agricultural Cooperative consists of local farmers and artisans in Negros Oriental who have pioneered the use of treated bamboo to create a wide range of durable and sustainable products. Their expertise spans from engineered bamboo panels and prefabrication models to starter house kits, leveraging traditional craftsmanship to build resilient homes.

The organization’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In 2024, they earned national recognition as one of the top micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the Presidential Awards for Outstanding Small Enterprises.

Tubog further emphasized their mission, saying: “From the hands of farmers harvesting bamboo to the skilled carpenters shaping it into strong, sustainable materials, every step is a testament to the power of community. Bamboo becomes more than just a home—it provides shelter through typhoons and earthquakes, supports families, strengthens local economies, and encourages people to choose sustainability. It’s a cycle of positive impact where nature provides, people create, and communities thrive together. Mabuhay at maraming salamat, Manila Bulletin!”

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Manila Bulletin Executive Editor Ed Bartilad, Kawayan Collective Co-Chairperson Kate J. Tubog, Kawayan Collective Tarlac Operations Manager Diana Prado, and Kawayan Collective Tarlac Marketing & Finance Manager Carmela Prado

The prestigious awards ceremony was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

This year’s honorees represented a diverse array of industries, from business and sustainability to sports and entertainment. Among those recognized alongside Kawayan Collective were Carlos Yulo, two-time gold medalist and world-class gymnast, ACEN, a trailblazer in renewable energy, SM Foundation, for its contributions to community development, and Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo, reigning box office king and queen.

As the Newsmakers of the Year Awards continues to spotlight those making a lasting difference, Kawayan Collective stands as a shining example of how sustainable innovation and community-driven efforts can shape a better future.

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