NBSC AND CCCR-CANADA EXPLORE BAMBOO DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP IN COURTESY VISIT TO CONGRESSMAN ALBA
Representatives from Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC) and the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at the University of Toronto, Canada, paid a courtesy visit to Congressman Jose Manuel “Joeman” F. Alba, Representative of the 1st Legislative District of Bukidnon, on September 28, 2025. This built on their earlier community engagement activities under Project Kabilin+ and sought to explore potential partnerships in bamboo research and product development.
The courtesy visit focused on exploring the vast potential of bamboo as a sustainable resource for community-based livelihood and environmental conservation. The discussion highlighted bamboo’s multifaceted role – not only as an eco-friendly material but also as a promising driver for local economic growth and circular development.
During the dialogue, Congressman Alba expressed strong support for NBSC’s efforts to integrate research, innovation, and community participation in advancing sustainable livelihood programs. He emphasized the importance of leveraging the region’s abundant natural resources, such as bamboo, in developing green industries that align with national and local sustainability goals.
Dr. Mary Koren Witting-Acuesa, Director of NBSC’s Research, Development, and Innovation Division (RDID), led the delegation, along with the NBSC Project Kabilin+ team and Dr. Azizur Rahman, President and Chief Executive Officer of CCCR-Canada. The group shared their vision of transforming indigenous and traditional knowledge into actionable research outputs that will empower communities, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to achieving long-term sustainability.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to explore further collaborative opportunities, including research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and pilot livelihood projects centered on bamboo-based enterprises. This discussion marks the beginning of a promising partnership that will not only strengthen the local bamboo industry but also advance inclusive and sustainable development in the region.
