The workshop was conducted as part of WWF-Philippines Forests for Water program which strives for the conservation of Ipo Watershed in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines. As the main source of water for 98% of Metro Manila, the conservation of Ipo Watershed is of top environmental priority. The Forests for Water program seeks to protect the rainforests of the area, promoting sustainable practices that cause little harm to the local environment.

“We want to help those who live in the forest to allocate their resources wisely. Instead of cutting down trees for food, or buying food outside, they can now produce their own crops. That way, we can better focus on taking care of the watershed,” explains WWF-Philippines Forester Jans Reyes. Food security was always a significant problem for the communities living in Ipo Watershed, explains Reyes. There had always been plans for the people of Sapang Munti to expand their capacity to grow their own food, and the recent workshop has taught them how to make their farming practices more sustainable.

“When you capacitate people, you capacitate the forest. You’re enabling people to help the forest and to help themselves,” continues Reyes.

By helping the indigenous peoples of Ipo Watershed to address their basic needs, WWF-Philippines is better equipping them to take care of their surrounding forests. “We’re excited for this new farm. The crops that we grow will one day bear fruit. Having our own household gardens will be a big help to all our families,” expresses Sofia Rafa, a housewife and a member of the Sapang Munti community. Herself an active member of her community, she is confident that her neighbors will put up their own household gardens over the coming months.