The Higaonon tribe in Barangay Santiago, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, has built a thriving bamboo-farming enterprise that now generates ₱26,000 in weekly income under the Kabamboohayan project of Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.
The project name combines the words bamboo and kabuhayan (livelihood), reflecting the project’s advocacy of generating sustainable income through bamboo-based enterprises for the local indigenous community.
Prior to its inception three years ago, members of the tribes relied on seasonal farming or irregular transport work. Now, they have an alternative that offers steady income, formal skills training, and a growing market for bamboo raw materials and products.
Through partnerships with TESDA–Manolo Fortich and the Public Employment Service Office, the Kabamboohayan project trained participants to become certified bamboo nursery operators. Now part of the Santiago Diversified Farmers Association (SANDIVFA), they produce around 3,000 bamboo slats weekly for an offtaker in Cagayan de Oro City.
“Sa una, nagkalisod gyud mi sa panginabuhi. Ang kita sa mais igo ra sa adlaw-adlaw. Karon, tungod sa among kooperatiba, naa mi klarong halin matag semana (Before, we really struggled. The income from corn farming was barely enough for our daily needs. Now, through the cooperative, we have steady earnings every week),” said Noemie Buclasan, a mother of three.
For Raymond Carlos, a father who works as a driver, the most significant gain is his upskilling and education. “Ang NC II nga nakuha nako gikan sa training usa ka dakong tabang. Kung mahunong man ang bamboo, naa koy kasaligan nga abilidad (The National Certificate II I got from the training is a big help. Even if bamboo production pauses, I now have a skill I can depend on),” he said.
Beyond providing livelihoods, the project also promotes environmental stewardship by supporting sustainable land use in indigenous communities, aligning with the Watershed Management Plan of Manolo Fortich.
Noreen Vicencio, first vice president and general manager for Hydro Operations at Aboitiz Renewables, shared that the goal is to build real, long-term value in communities.
“In Barangay Santiago, we saw the potential of both the land and the people. With proper training, local leadership, and strong partnerships, we’ve helped turn a rehabilitation site into a working bamboo enterprise that supports both livelihoods and the environment. This is how we move from clean energy to inclusive impact,” she said.
Barangay Santiago sits within the watershed of the Tanaon, Amusig, and Guihean rivers, upstream of the Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydro facilities operated by Hedcor, the run-of-river hydropower arm of Aboitiz Renewables.
