MINDANAO proudly inaugurated its first sustainably-constructed school today at Landan Elementary School in Polomolok, South Cotabato. This pioneering project, in partnership with Dole Philippines, AY Foundation, Mahintana Foundation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the local government of Polomolok, marks a significant stride in building resilient and environmentally conscious education infrastructure.
The 175-sqm, two-classroom school building was constructed using BASE’s proprietary Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT) combined with a bamboo truss system. This innovative design offers safer, more sustainable, and disaster-resilient learning spaces. Designed to meet the Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) standards, each classroom also doubles as an evacuation center during typhoons, reflecting a proactive approach to community safety.
The initiative is a core component of the Adopt-A-School Program (AASP), a classroom development program funded by Dole Philippines and A.Y. Foundation, Inc. The AASP aims to uplift grassroots tri-people communities in the upland areas of Sarangani and South Cotabato Province by improving academic performance through enhanced access to quality education.
“This project demonstrates what can happen when we combine innovation, partnership, and a shared sense of purpose,” said Dole Philippines Senior EVP and FPG President, Masazumi Nishikage.
Added April Evangelista of RCBC, representing A.Y. Foundation, added: “This classroom is more than a structure. It is a symbol of hope, sustainability, and shared commitment to education. Built with care and purpose, this represents a future where learning spaces are strong, inclusive, and rooted in community collaboration.”
The school building was built by the 549th Engineer “Kapayapaan” Battalion, 6th Infantry Division, showcasing a powerful multi-sectoral collaboration in fostering climate-smart schools that empower communities. The partnership was formalized with a Memorandum of Agreement signed on October 1, 2025, during the groundbreaking ceremony.
“The inauguration of Mindanao’s first CBFT school is a testament to what we can achieve when innovation meets dedication to community and environment,” said Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez, BASE general manager. “We are not just building classrooms; we are building a more sustainable future. This technology offers a scalable solution to the nation’s classroom backlog, providing resilient, eco-friendly structures that also boost the local economy. We invite more government agencies and organizations to join us in making this vision a global reality.”
CBFT structures undergo rigorous testing against typhoons, earthquakes, fire, and insect infestations, ensuring exceptional durability. Beyond resilience, CBFT school buildings demonstrate that sustainability and robust construction can coexist. Lifecycle assessments show that bamboo-integrated construction can reduce embodied CO2 emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional concrete systems, significantly contributing to climate action.
“Improving access to quality education for our upland IP communities is central to the Adopt-A-School Project,” stated Liza Duropan-Lopez, executive director of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. “This CBFT school provides a safe learning environment and serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for our tri-people communities, reflecting our commitment to inclusive development.”
The Philippines faces a staggering nationwide classroom backlog of approximately 165,000 classrooms, a challenge that could take decades to address at current construction rates. Experts suggest building at least 7,000 classrooms annually for the next 15 years to substantially bridge this gap. CBFT offers a viable, innovative solution to this urgent need.
Michael Poblador, DepEd education program supervisor, expressed gratitude, stating, “We are incredibly grateful for the collaborative spirit that brought this pioneering Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology school to fruition in Mindanao. This initiative directly addresses our urgent need for more classrooms while providing safe, sustainable, and climate-resilient learning spaces for our students. We commend BASE Bahay Foundation and its partners for showcasing an innovative solution that holds immense potential for scaling across the Philippines, helping us build a more robust and future-proof education infrastructure.”
The versatility of CBFT extends beyond school buildings. This technology, accredited by the Accreditation of Innovative Technologies for Housing (AITECH) by the National Housing Authority, is also suitable for non-residential structures like community centers, offices, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings. This demonstrates bamboo’s significant potential as a flexible and sustainable construction material for diverse infrastructure needs.
BASE, through its implementing partners, has already completed four school buildings with two more under construction, and another 2 upcoming projects across the Philippines, reinforcing its leadership in bamboo construction.
Globally, BASE has built over 2,300 CBFT structures, sheltering more than 10,500 individuals and achieving over 40,000 tCO2 savings. Furthermore, CBFT supports local farmers by establishing a value chain, creating livelihood opportunities, and upskilling workers through technical training, fostering a more sustainable future for all.
