Mae Belen L. Putian, Ph.D. University Extension Specialist II
The Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) conducted a livelihood seminar-workshop on Bamboo-Based Soap Making and By-products, and DIY Homecare Cleaning Products on 5 September 2025, at the Toyota Environment Education Theater (TEET) of the Makiling Botanic Gardens (MBG), College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR), UPLB.
The activity was organized under the project Scaling-up the Participatory-Based Natural Resources Management in Four Watersheds of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve and Mount Bulalo funded by the Philippine Geothermal Power Company (PGPC) Inc. It gathered 58 participants from six barangays: Bitin and Tranca in Bay, and Limao in Calauan, Laguna; as well as San Vicente, Sta. Elena, and San Miguel in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. Most of the attendees were barangay health workers, barangay officials, and women’s group members, many of whom also form part of the core groups established in each community.
The one-day seminar opened with a presentation on Bamboo Science, Technology, and Innovations (Bamboo ACTIVE PH, Bamboo LIQUOR PH, Bamboo LEAF PH) delivered by Dr. Jennifer P. Tamayo, Supervising Science Research Specialist of the Pulp and Paper Products Development Section (PPPDS), DOST-FPRDI. Dr. Tamayo’s team also led the demonstration on bamboo-based soap making.
This was followed by a session on DIY Homecare Cleaning Products presented by For. Angela A. Limpiada, University Extension Associate II, and hands-on demonstrations of making car wash, hand wash, dishwashing liquid, detergent liquid, and fabric conditioner, facilitated by For. Ruffa P. Guab, University Research Associate II, together with the MCME project staff.
At the end of the workshop, participants proudly brought home the bamboo soaps and cleaning products they had made, along with starter kits for their own households and community use. For many, the activity was more than just a skills training—it was an opportunity to explore sustainable livelihood options, strengthen camaraderie, and empower local women and community leaders to turn natural resources into meaningful, practical, and income-generating products.
Photos by: MFSityar, MMCaña, and ACMalayba
