Base Bahay Foundation, Inc. (BASE), a global leader in bamboo construction, and the local government of Quezon, Isabela, recently inaugurated the first government-owned bamboo treatment facility in the country.
This facility, located in Quezon, Isabela, represents a major step forward as the second such facility in Luzon and the eighth nationwide, highlighting the growing national interest in bamboo as a primary building material for socialized housing.
This landmark partnership, includes not only the treatment facility but also a model house and a prefabrication warehouse, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable development and community empowerment.
The facility will serve as a vital hub for bamboo treatment, processing, and production, catering to Region 2 and beyond. It will create sustainable livelihood for local farmers, with significant annual growth expected as it fuels the region’s bamboo industry. This initiative directly supports local farmers by establishing a robust value chain, and fostering worker skills through technical training.
Construction is underway on the single-story duplex model unit initiated by BASE. This housing unit will be the first installation of the facility’s treated bamboo poles, utilizing BASE’s innovative Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBTF).
CBTF offers not only affordability (at least 20 percent less expensive than conventional materials) but also exceptional resilience. Rigorously tested, CBFT homes can withstand Category 5 typhoons (up to 250 kmph), resist earthquakes of magnitude 8.4 and have a fire rating of up to 120 minutes as required by the National Building Code of the Philippines (NSCP).
Furthermore, the technology provides excellent thermal comfort, leading to savings on electricity, freeing up household budgets for other essentials.
A nearby duplex model house will showcase the practicality and durability of CBFT, while a prefabrication warehouse will expand the facility’s product offerings beyond treated bamboo poles, further strengthening its contribution to the local economy. The rapid construction time of CBFT homes (six weeks from panel installation to house completion) adds another layer of efficiency to this innovative approach.
“This facility represents a paradigm shift in sustainable construction,” said Engr. Luis Felipe Lopez, BASE General Manager. “We’re not just building with bamboo; we’re building a better future. Here in Quezon, we’re creating a value chain that empowers communities, provides skills development, and delivers high-quality, sustainable building materials. We’re thrilled to partner with the Quezon LGU on a housing project that will showcase the potential of this facility.”
BASE continuously collaborates with local and international institutions to optimize the use of bamboo in a built environment.
“Through strategic partnerships, BASE is at the forefront of transforming the construction industry. Our CBFT technology, accredited by the National Housing Authority’s AITECH program, underscores our commitment to eco-friendly solutions,” he said.
BASE has built 2,500 CBFT homes, sheltering over 10,000 individuals across the Philippines, Nepal, India, and Nicaragua, resulting in over 40,000 tCO2 savings. Beyond housing, CBFT’s versatility extends to non-residential structures like community centers, offices, and schools, demonstrating the vast potential of bamboo in modern construction.