Committed to environmental protection and realizing the economic potential of bamboo, employees of Marcventures Mining and Development Corporation (MMDC), the subsidiary of publicly-listed, Marcventures Holdings Inc., celebrated World Bamboo Day by planting acclimatized bamboo seedlings high up the mountains surrounding the Wawa Dam in Rodriguez, Rizal. The environmental initiative is in partnership with Mga Anak ni Inang Daigdig (MAID), a foundation engaged in community-based enterprise development, headed by Fr. Benigno Beltran.
MAID aims to establish bamboo-based industries which include a bamboo-shoot processing facility, the production of activated charcoal, animal feed, beauty products, barbecue sticks, and chopsticks.
“The company is very keen on supporting initiatives like this because it is aligned with our environmental advocacy, and also promotes a sense of volunteerism which we always try to incorporate in our organizational culture,” said Jose Dagala Jr., MMDC’s AVP for Social Commitments.
Marcventures donated 3,750 bamboo seedlings to support the project. Notably, MMDC has its own Bamboo Plantation Development Program in Surigao del Sur which seeks to develop an income-generating bamboo business for the company’s host communities as part of its mine rehabilitation plan.
This year’s Manila FAME featured “Bamboo Extreme 2.0” a unique showcase featuring bamboo-made furniture, home decor, fashion accessories, and even vehicles like the padyak and the bicycle.
Manila FAME aspires to promote the Philippines as a reliable sourcing destination for high-quality home, fashion, holiday, and architectural and interior pieces.
Marcventures Holdings Inc. President and Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) Chairman Mr.Isidro C. Alcantara Jr. joined the key executives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in welcoming the guests during the country’s premiere lifestyle and design event.
PNIA and the whole nickel industry supports bamboo reforestation as a key effort to responsible and sustainable mining. The giant woody grass has a huge potential in providing livelihood opportunities and in boosting economic development in local communities.