Insider Spotlight
Working with the local government units of Danao City and Balamban, the foundation is providing farmers, fisherfolk, and community leaders with training, equipment, and technical support to help restore forest landscapes while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The big picture
More than 80 members from 14 people’s organizations in Danao City completed an agroforestry training program conducted with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office and the City Agriculture Office.
Experts from Cebu Technological University–Argao led sessions on native tree propagation, fruit tree production, and sustainable land-use planning, according to an Aboitiz Foundation statement.
The foundation also turned over nursery materials to the Danao City local government to help people's organizations establish community nurseries and support future tree-growing activities.
In neighboring Balamban, farmers and fisherfolk received nursery equipment to strengthen community-managed tree nursery operations that will produce seeds and seedlings for reforestation, watershed protection, and other conservation initiatives under CarbonPH.
Why it matters
The initiatives form part of Aboitiz Foundation’s long-term strategy of placing organized communities at the center of forest restoration and climate resilience efforts.
“Restoring our forests for the long term starts with strong communities. Through CarbonPH, we are investing in the capabilities of Cebuanos to lead conservation efforts that deliver lasting impact,” Aboitiz Foundation president Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar said.
CarbonPH is the foundation’s 40-year commitment to restore and protect 71,000 hectares of forest landscape across 10 local government units in Cebu.
The program, which begins with a 2,000-hectare pilot area in Balamban and Danao, aims to plant and nurture 10 million trees while strengthening long-term climate resilience.
Balamban Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug said the partnership supports the municipality’s environmental goals while expanding opportunities for local communities.
“This project is a result of the strong partnership between the Aboitiz Foundation and the LGU of Balamban. Together, we remain committed to strengthening environmental protection programs while creating meaningful opportunities for our farmers, fisherfolk, and the entire community to take an active role in preserving our natural resources,” Cabahug said. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
