Sibol: Growing Strong with Every Meal

In Tagalog, sibol means “to sprout” or “to grow” - a word that evokes the quiet but determined emergence of life. Like bamboo, which begins as a tender shoot and grows into a tall, resilient plant, children too need nourishment, care, and guidance to reach their full potential. This idea of growth lies at the heart of our work with the students of Sibol School.

Sibol School is part of the Gawad Kalinga community, a movement dedicated to ending poverty through holistic, values-based programs. Gawad Kalinga, meaning “to give care” - was formally founded in 2003, though its roots stretch back to 1994. Today, it serves communities across the country through initiatives in housing, health, livelihood, and education. The Sibol program focuses on preschool-aged children, providing them with a safe place to learn, play, and dream.

Bambike has worked alongside Gawad Kalinga from the very beginning, sharing the vision of building stronger, more sustainable communities. Over the years, this partnership has allowed us to go beyond our work in bamboo bicycles and tourism, reaching into programs that directly impact children’s lives. One of the ways we do this is through our feeding program at Sibol School.

Since we began working with the Victoria Tarlac GK community in 2010, Bambike has been committed to supporting the children of Sibol School—not only by sponsoring its feeding program, but also by helping provide allowances for the dedicated teachers who guide and inspire them. For our founder, Bryan Benitez McClelland, championing children’s education has always been a top priority, rooted in the belief that every child deserves both the nourishment and the learning opportunities to grow into their fullest potential. This long-standing commitment reflects Bambike’s vision of sustainability as something that begins with people—especially the young minds who will one day shape the future.

The feeding program is simple in purpose but powerful in impact. A well-fed child is more attentive in class, more energetic in play, and better able to absorb the lessons that will shape their future. By providing nutritious meals, we help ensure that learning is not hindered by hunger and that every child is given the chance to grow healthy and strong. In communities where resources can be scarce, a shared meal is more than just food—it is a message of care, dignity, and hope.

These moments—watching children enjoy their meals, hearing their laughter fill the room—remind us why we do what we do. We believe that building a sustainable future means not only protecting the environment but also investing in the people who will inherit it. Healthy, educated, and empowered children are the truest markers of a community that is thriving.

None of this would be possible without our customers. Every Bambike purchased and every Bambike Ecotour taken fuels these outreach programs. To each of you who has supported us, we offer our deepest thanks. Your choice to ride with Bambike is also a choice to nourish young lives, help communities grow, and plant seeds of change—one child, one meal, and one pedal at a time.

Teacher Josephine Yusi with students of Sibol School