Base Bahay, a non-profit organization initiated by the Hilti Foundation is constructing a new treatment facility for bamboo in Parang, Maguindanao.
Base Bahay provides alternative building technologies to enable a network of partners to build quality socialized homes and structures that are comfortable, affordable, disaster resilient, ecologically friendly, and with social impact.
Built in partnership with FLP Construction and Agricultural Development Corp, a real estate firm in Maguindanao, the new facility will supply the treated bamboo poles required to build the cement-bamboo frame houses for the affordable housing segment in the area.
“We would like to offer an alternative, more sustainable, and affordable housing solution to the market in Mindanao without compromising the strength, durability, and aesthetics of the houses,” said Jun Sarmiento, FLP chief operating officer.
BASE’s bamboo supply facilities are able to pre-fabricate bamboo panels, allowing the foundation to control the quality and build houses more efficiently. To date, Base has built over 1,500 CBF homes in the Philippines, with about 5,500 individuals sheltered in 15 communities.
“CBFT houses are tested against typhoons, earthquakes, fire, and insect infestations. The CBFT houses also provide good thermal comfort, which can help families save more on electricity and offset their expenses for other needs,” said Pablo Jorillo, Base general manager.
The bamboo treatment facility, which is the third in Mindanao and the sixth in the country, will also help develop the bamboo industry in the region. Mindanao is home to different bamboo species, including kawayang tinik, giant bamboo, and guadua or iron bamboo.
Aside from the treatment facility, BASE is set to build model houses in the area to showcase the unique vernacular designs that can be made using CBFT as well as its versatility and durability.
“We want to bring the price of home ownership down, especially for the socialized segment. We are exploring ways on how we can value the sweat equity or labor of homeowners, whether they use them to build their own or their neighbor’s homes or work for community-related activities and use these to help pay for their homes. Aside from this, we are also gearing up to bring in livelihood opportunities to further increase the purchasing power within the community. Included in our development plan are various communal areas to support a more productive and interactive environment. Currently, we are looking for more partners, who resonate with our vision of creating a more peaceful and equitable community, to help us create this space. Ultimately, we are hoping to create an alternative model community which we hope can be replicated in other areas of the Bangsamoro region,” Sarmiento said.
FLP also plans to initially build 300 to 500 cement-bamboo frame houses in Barangay Sarmiento (currently Barangay Landasan) at Parang, Maguindanao for informal settlers.
In the same area, they also plan to support the Philippine National Police’s peace-building efforts by allocating space for a reintegration program for Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrenderees. This community is envisioned to serve as a peace village model where everyone is given equitable access to learning and livelihood opportunities.
