BASE, NVC Foundation open FDA-compliant bamboo food center

BASE Bahay Foundation Inc. (BASE), a global leader in bamboo construction, and the Negrense Volunteers for Change (NVC) recently inaugurated the NVC Food Processing Center in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. The 117-square-meter facility is the first FDA-compliant structure built using BASE’s Cement-Bamboo Frame Technology (CBFT).

RIBBON CUTTING (From left) NVC President Millie Kilayko, BOFA President Merco Obas, and BASE President and Hilti Foundation Asia Liaison Maricen Jalandoni at the NVC Food Processing Center. PHOTO FROM BASE

This milestone project highlights bamboo’s potential in industrial infrastructure, providing sustainable livelihoods and boosting local agriculture. The facility benefits 60 members of the Bukidnon Farmers Association (BOFA) and generates 10 to 20 jobs for women. Farmers are already seeing a 20 to 40 percent increase in monthly income, equivalent to an additional P1,000 to P3,000.

“This center shows how sustainable building and community development can go hand in hand,” said Maricen Jalandoni, BASE president. It produces dehydrated vegetable powders and ingredients for Mingo Meals to fight childhood malnutrition, while also promoting a circular economy by using crop waste for fertilizer and seed recovery.

“This project makes farming families self-sufficient,” said NVC President Millie Kilayko. Built through participatory planning, the center meets FDA standards while reflecting local needs.

CBFT, accredited by Aitech under the NHA, is already used in over 2,000 homes, providing resilience against disasters and reducing carbon emissions by 35,000 tons. The NVC center underscores bamboo’s role in building sustainable, community-focused infrastructure.

Visit www.base-builds.com to learn more.