CTU - Climate Change and Resiliency Center

29/04/2026

Success Story of the 1-Hectare Bamboo Plantation Project in Ubaub, Argao, Cebu

The Climate Change and Resiliency Center of CTU Argao continuously promotes environmental sustainability and climate resilience through innovative and community-driven initiatives. One of its significant environmental programs is the establishment of a 1-hectare bamboo plantation located in Ubaub, Argao, Cebu, implemented through a public-private partnership approach to help combat the growing effects of climate change.

After 1 year and 4 months of implementation, the bamboo plantation has become a remarkable example of successful environmental stewardship and collaboration. The area, which was once an open and underutilized space, has gradually developed into a thriving plantation with healthy and steadily growing bamboo stands. Through continuous monitoring, maintenance activities, and the active participation of stakeholders, the project has demonstrated positive environmental and social impacts within the community.

The success of the project was made possible through the collaborative efforts between the public sector, private partners, and local community members who shared a common vision of environmental protection and sustainability. This partnership strengthened the implementation of the project by providing support in terms of manpower, resources, technical guidance, and regular maintenance activities necessary for the healthy growth of the bamboo plantation.

Despite challenges brought by unpredictable weather conditions and environmental factors, the plantation continued to flourish because of the dedication and commitment of everyone involved. Regular clearing operations, monitoring of bamboo growth, and proper care of the plantation ensured a high survival rate of the bamboo seedlings. Over time, the plantation became not only a source of environmental restoration but also a living demonstration of the importance of collective action in addressing climate change.

The project also contributed significantly to raising environmental awareness among community members and stakeholders. Bamboo, known for its fast-growing characteristics and strong carbon absorption capacity, plays an important role in carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and biodiversity enhancement. As the plantation continues to mature, it is expected to provide long-term ecological benefits such as reducing soil erosion, improving soil quality, and helping restore the natural balance of the environment in the area.

Furthermore, the bamboo plantation project serves as a model initiative that highlights the effectiveness of the public-private partnership approach in implementing sustainable environmental programs. It reflects how cooperation, shared responsibility, and community engagement can lead to successful climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

Today, the 1-hectare bamboo plantation in Ubaub, Argao, Cebu stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and commitment to environmental conservation. The success achieved within 1 year and 4 months demonstrates the unwavering dedication of the Climate Change and Resiliency Center of CTU Argao and its partners in building a greener, more sustainable, and climate-resilient future for generations to come.

Narrative by:
Ms. Jessa E. Mago
Dr. Steve Michael T. Alcazar

27/03/2026

Planting Hope, Growing Resilience: Bamboo Planting Activity in Tabayag, Argao

On March 27, 2026, a meaningful step toward environmental sustainability took root in Barangay Tabayag, Argao, Cebu, as students, faculty, and partner organizations gathered for a Bamboo Planting and Growing Activity under the Bamboo Carbon Neutral Project of the Climate Change and Resiliency Center of Cebu Technological University (CTU) Argao Campus.

The initiative, anchored on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach, was conducted in partnership with the CVD Group of Companies led by its CEO, Dr. Odysseus C. Camarillo, aimed to promote sustainable practices while actively engaging participants in environmental conservation through hands-on experience. More than just a planting effort, the activity symbolized a shared commitment to combat climate change and foster ecological resilience within local communities.

The activity covered an area of one hectare (1 ha), where a total of 156 bamboo propagules were successfully planted using culm cuttings. This effort contributes significantly to the long-term goal of establishing a sustainable bamboo plantation that supports carbon sequestration and ecosystem rehabilitation.

Participants included officers of the ROTC Unit, graduating students from Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, and Bachelor of Science in Forestry, as well as Forestry faculty and staff, personnel from the Climate Change and Resiliency Center, officers of the Forestry Students’ Society, and graduating students’ advisers. The diverse group reflected strong collaboration across disciplines, united by a common purpose of environmental stewardship. The organizers also extend their sincere acknowledgment to Dr. Eingilbert C. Benolirao, Campus Director of CTU Argao, for his continued support in advancing sustainability initiatives within the institution.

The activity began with a brief orientation highlighting the importance of bamboo as a sustainable resource. Known for its rapid growth and high carbon sequestration capacity, bamboo plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gases while also helping prevent soil erosion and supporting biodiversity. Participants were then guided to designated planting areas, where they worked together to plant bamboo propagules derived from culm cuttings, ensuring proper techniques in establishing healthy and sustainable bamboo growth. Each propagule carefully placed into the soil represented a simple yet powerful act of hope for the environment.

Throughout the activity, a strong sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility was evident. Students and faculty alike participated enthusiastically, recognizing that their efforts contribute not only to the rehabilitation of the local ecosystem but also to a broader global movement for climate action. The hands-on nature of the activity allowed participants to connect theory with practice, reinforcing the importance of sustainability beyond the classroom.

The Bamboo Planting and Growing Activity in Barangay Tabayag stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, education, and community involvement. As each bamboo propagule begins its journey of growth, so too does the commitment of every participant to nurture and protect the environment. Through initiatives like this, the path toward a greener, more resilient future becomes clearer—one bamboo at a time.

Narrative by:
•Ms. Jessa E. Mago
•Dr. Steve Michael T. Alcazar

01/12/2025

The graduating students from the Bachelor of Science in Forestry, 4-A and 4-B, acted out as contractors and co-actors of Environmental Stewardship by tapping into sustainability as they conducted a year end bamboo planting activity at the spillway area demarcated as the territorial boundary between Barangay Catang and Barangay Usmad, Argao, Cebu on November 28, 2025. A total of 200 bamboo propagules were sucessfully established along the riverside areas of both Barangays that are situated within the scope of Argao River Watershed Reserve.

With this great deed, we bear with us a high expectancy that in little more than a year, these heroic giant grasses will fight the battle in our place in mitigating the dire effects of the overstaying issue which is climate change. The Cebu Technolgical University - Argao Campus Climate change Resiliency Center has its sight on utilizing bamboos as a prospect of profitability with its high market demand and a living statue of great ecological and cultural significance. So why bamboos? Bamboos, belonging to the family of grasses or Poaceae, typically grows the fastest out of any plant species in the planet which would imply that within a one to three year period, it can already reach maturity and acquire economic value earning it the nickname as the grass of hope.

But with the focus on restoration ecology in mind, our area of concern is more inclined to the natural traits of bamboos as a Non Timber forest product which like most plants, captures and stores carbon in their bodies in the process of making its own food. This acts as a vital life support system for all living organisms, including us humans, as the by product of the Photosynthesis process is oxygen, the very air we breathe.

In relation to the fast growing capacity of bamboos, it can be concluded that it is directly proportional to its own carbon sequestration rate, because with each increase in length and diameter of the plant per year, the amount of greenhouse gases that it can absorb from the atmosphere also increases which are contributory to climate change adaptation since the lesser the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere which traps heat energy from the sun, the lesser will our global temperature will be.

In addition, bamboos as monocots, posseses fibrous and extensive root system. It functions as our natural flood control aid, as it stores and holds the soil in which decreases the likelihood of surface water runoff and during an occurrence of a storm, it lessens the intensity of flash floods because of its vast root structures and it breaks the momentum of strong winds during typhoons due to its dense canopy and clumping stems.

It is important to note that bamboos are extremely significant to riparian zone rehabilitation and stability. These riparian zones are areas that lie in between the land and river, adjacent to both terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. The presence of bamboos in the area help clean and detoxifies the water with its root fibers that naturally filters waste materials that are flowing down the river and the main body segment of the plant can also trap dusts, trashes, & other waste materials. By choosing native bamboo species to be planted in such areas, it already fits into the standards of species site compatibility concept guaranteeing a high success rate of the project which is to be followed by the monitoring and evaluation phase.

Narrative by || John Viscent G. Cameros, BS Forestry 4A student

15/10/2025

Best of Luck, Future Foresters! ✨💚

To our dear Foresters Licensure Examination Takers,

As you take this important step on October 16–17, 2025, the Forestry Department would like to extend our heartfelt good luck and encouragement to all of you. This is the moment you have long prepared for — a culmination of your years of study, hard work, and dedication to the field of Forestry.

Always remember that success favors those who are prepared. Trust in your knowledge, skills, and experiences that brought you this far. You have been molded not only to pass the examination but to serve as responsible stewards of our forests and natural resources.

Stay calm, focused, and confident as you face the challenges ahead. Believe in yourselves as much as we, your mentors, believe in you. You are ready — and you are more than capable of achieving this milestone.

Whatever the outcome, know that we are already proud of how far you’ve come. Continue to carry the values of competence, integrity, and environmental stewardship wherever life takes you.

GOOD LUCK, FUTURE FORESTERS! ✨💚

19/08/2025

The Cebu Technological University–Argao Campus Climate Change and Resiliency Center successfully hosted the Student and Stakeholders’ Forum on Environmental Protection and Climate Action last August 15, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Kalampusan Gym. The event gathered students, faculty members, local stakeholders, and community leaders in a collective effort to strengthen awareness and action towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

The highlight of the forum was the presence of Commissioner Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr. of the Climate Change Commission, who delivered the keynote address. Commissioner Dela Cruz emphasized the urgent need for climate resiliency, underscoring how communities must adapt and innovate in the face of global warming and its adverse effects. He challenged both academic institutions and the youth sector to take a proactive role in shaping climate policies and sustainable practices.

Several key topics were comprehensively discussed throughout the forum:
• Climate Resiliency – Highlighting strategies for building communities that can withstand and recover from climate-related disasters.
• Food and Human Security – Emphasizing the link between sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and disaster preparedness.
• Carbon Footprint and Trading – Introducing mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the economic opportunities in carbon trading.
• Waste-to-Energy Technologies – Exploring innovative approaches to convert waste materials into renewable energy sources.
• Green Jobs – Discussing employment opportunities that contribute to preserving and restoring the environment.
• The Role of the Youth – Encouraging students to actively participate in ecological protection and to champion the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Interactive discussions allowed participants to voice their concerns and insights, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas between students, educators, and stakeholders. The forum successfully fostered a deeper understanding of the interconnections between environmental protection, climate action, and community development.

In his closing remarks, Commissioner Dela Cruz called on the participants to translate their knowledge into action, stressing that environmental responsibility should not end within the walls of the forum but must extend to everyday practices and long-term initiatives.

The Student and Stakeholders’ Forum on Environmental Protection and Climate Action concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to safeguard the ecology, promote sustainable solutions, and work collectively towards a climate-resilient and sustainable future.

📸 Photo Credits: Supreme Student Government (SSG), CTU Argao Campus

25/04/2025

CTU-Argao's Climate Change and Resiliency Center Joins DOST-7’s Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week 2025

The Department of Science and Technology Region 7 (DOST-7) proudly welcomed the Cebu Technological University - Argao Campus Climate Change and Resiliency Center (CCRC) as one of the featured exhibitors during the Central Visayas Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) 2025. The event, held from April 23 to 25, 2025, at Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu City, showcased innovative efforts in science and technology toward a stronger and more sustainable future.

With the theme "Siyensya, Teknolohiya at Inobasyon: Kabalikat sa Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na Kinabukasan" and the sub-theme "Science, Technology, and Innovation for a Smart and Sustainable Central Visayas Blue Economy," RSTW 2025 emphasized the region’s commitment to inclusive and climate-resilient development.

The CCRC of CTU-Argao made its mark through a dynamic exhibit that featured its bamboo propagation practices and diverse bamboo species propagated in the CTU-Argao Nursery. The display highlighted the center's advocacy in promoting bamboo as a sustainable resource for climate adaptation, ecological restoration, and economic resilience. Visitors had the chance to learn about the propagation process, species selection, and the ecological significance of bamboo in building climate-resilient communities.
As DOST-7 continues to champion science, technology, and innovation in the region, the participation of institutions like CTU-Argao reaffirms the critical role of education and research in driving solutions for climate resilience and economic sustainability.

15/04/2025

29/01/2025

A 1yr old bamboo plantation under the 𝗕𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗼 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 of CCRC 🎋

📍Location: Ubaub, Argao, Cebu

24/01/2025

Global climate change, along with it's wide array of devastating impacts, can be seen and felt across every regions of the world. From severe droughts, violent tropical storms and wind cyclones, flashflood and wildfires, melting of ice caps, capitalized by visible shift in migration patterns of both land and sea animals in search for places where food is available. The role which students get to play is very vital for this environmental issue to be addressed. Through active engagement and promoting the concept of environmental stewardship, these young minds can bring about a positive impact to the world. The images that follows supports the previous statement as First year to Fourth Year students from the Bachelor of Science in Forestry conducted a Tree Growing activity which not only includes digging pot holes followed by the planting of seedlings therein but also the integration of important concepts that are discussed during regular class sessions such as species site matching, proper methods for plantation establishment and development, and the simple act of tending to a juvenile tree.

Narrative by || John Viscent G. Cameros, 3rd year BS Forestry
Photo Credits || Bachelor of Science in Forestry Students