On October 21, 2012, a Community Orientation on the EGIP-funded project entitled ”Forest Protection cum Livelihood Project” was held at the project site in Purok 1, Macatabo Village in Carmen, Baguio District, Davao City. About 150 IPs from the project area were invited to attend the orientation so that most IPs in the area would know what the Second Phase of the Project would entail. Project partners who participated in the activity were the following:
- Indigenous Cultural Community of the Obu-Manubo Ancestral Domain led by Datu Luis Lambac and Datu Paulino Landim
- National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) led by Mr. Cristito Ingay
- Barangay LGU led by the Barangay Captain Alfredo Austral and kagawad. Virginia Crisologo
- City Agriculturist Office from the District Office in Malagos Mr. Dodong Sanoria
- Project implementers from the Philippine Eagle Foundation- Hadassah Carig (outgoing Proj Coordinator and Giovani Tampos (EGIP project Coordinator) and PCEEM Davao Foundation with Miriam Colon (Exec. Director) and Ian Caballes (Community Institutional Development Officer)
- and of course from the funder, EGIP Foundation, led by Alec van Dierendonck
The Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) presented an overview of their project component, the Forest Protection and PCEEM Davao presented the component on Sustainable Agriculture for the livelihood aspect. The attendees were allowed to raise questions afterward. Questions raised were focused on the implementation of the second phase of the project i.e., starting date, who the 55 beneficiary families are, actual project area, equipment to be used, etc. Most of those who stood up shared their views said they hope the project will start soon and development will be felt in the area. Furthermore they have shown their strong conviction as stewards of the forest and of the watershed. They assured to protect it from destruction and abuse. It is indeed lifting to see
that the general position of the Indigenous people in the project area are very eager to work hand in hand with the foundation. It seems that the virgin forests of Carmen are looking into a brighter forthcoming.
