The Divine Word’s bamboo mission

MANILA, Philippines — Apart from furthering the priestly vocation, the Divine Word Missionary has been zealously advocating its ‘bamboo mission,’ an ambitious initiative to plant a million bamboos in the Philippines by 2030.

“We envision planting a million bamboos in our beloved country by 2030, not only to combat climate change and prevent erosion and flooding but also to create thousands of jobs through bamboo processing,” said Father Benigno Beltran, SVD, an environmental advocate.

Last year, he along with a group of seminarians and other volunteers, started to plant bamboo trees at the Divine Word Prayer Sanctuary in Tanay, Rizal.

Fr. Beltran said individuals, families and NGOs from various walks of life are encouraged to sponsor at least one or more bamboo seedlings to be planted in various locations in the country.

People who sponsor the planting of Philippine giant bamboo seedlings at the Divine Word Prayer Sanctuary in Tanay for their loved ones are requested to place their names on the bamboo tree, the Radio Veritas reported.

“We are creating public awareness among people, their relatives, and friends regarding the one million bamboo tree planting project. We have more than a thousand bamboo seedlings ready for planting, also in other areas,” Fr. Beltran said.

For every purchase or donation of bamboo seedlings, people’s names will be forever etched in the legacy of sustainable growth as they nurture the environment and empower the future.

Their contribution will not only promote eco-friendly practices but also support seminarians at Divine Word Mission Seminary and provide assistance to children at the Sandiwaan Center for Learning in Smokey Fountain. It is planting for the future and giving hope, said Fr. Beltran.

Considering the high costs of construction materials, bamboo is the best alternative construction material that is not just sturdy but can also provide employment to thousands of communities where the trees can be planted and maintained.

“Bamboo can indeed contribute significantly to addressing several global challenges, such as land degradation, reforestation, carbon sequestration and poverty alleviation. Its numerous benefits make it a valuable component in tackling these issues,” he added.

Father Beltran’s efforts to promote environmental concerns are based on Pope Francis’ major encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si (Praise Be) or “On the Care of Our Common Home” (2015).

For years, he has started several other environmental programs in collaboration with other people, institutions and organizations in the Philippines.

The push for bamboo in construction is gaining ground.