Cordillera Green Network

[Activity Report]
Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds: A Project to Promote Sustainable Coffee in Two Southeast Asian Countries by Environmental Assessment Methods Using Birds as Indicators

Organized by: Japan Bird Research Association
in cooperation with Cordillera Green Network
Granted by Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
Staff in Charge : Mhyra P. Seset

Preliminary Visit to Klask Beans in West Java, Indonesia Project Title: Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by …

From May 15-21, 2024, Mhyra Seset of the Cordillera Green Network (CGN), Lily Jamias of Kapi Tako Social Enterprise, and Gladys Maximo of SDS Multimedia visited the Klasik Beans Cooperative in Bandung and Garut Districts of West Java, Indonesia. This visitation was a pre-visit and preparation for the educational knowledge exchange between the coffee growers of Tadian, Philippines, and members of the Klasik Beans Cooperative from West Java, Indonesia. This activity is part of the project "Sustainable Coffee in Connection with Migratory Birds," a collaborative project between the Japan Bird Research Association, CGN, and the Klasik Beans Cooperative.
Klasik Beans Cooperative, a beacon of success in West Java, Indonesia, is renowned for its high–quality coffee, both locally and internationally. An enlightening eco-tour showcased their sustainable coffee production, from farm to cup. The activities, from harvesting, fermenting, drying, sorting, and curing, were presented with a focus on ecological efficiency and high quality. The tour culminated in a delightful overnight camping and birdwatching experience in the pristine wilderness of Mt. Malabar.
Klasik Beans' primary goal is ecological sustainability, a strategy that boosts coffee production and serves as a co-activity with Tana Air Semesta. This foundation educates children, youth, and women on environmental conservation, fostering an environmental awareness movement that encourages sustainable agriculture over urbanization. The cooperative's blend of indigenous and technological environmental knowledge, along with responsible agriculture techniques, is shared with the community, envisioning a well-environmentally empowered young generation.
During the five-day tour, the CGN & SDS Multimedia expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Klasik Beans Cooperative and Tanah Air Semesta Foundation for sharing invaluable knowledge. The journey was filled with educational and fun moments, creating an immersive experience that left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Photos by Gladys Maximo
Reported by Mhyra Seset
*
Project Title:
Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds: A Project to Promote Sustainable Coffee in Two Southeast Asian Countries by Environmental Assessment Methods Using Birds as Indicators
https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/psearch/JoseiDetail?name=D23-N-0040
Organized by:
バードリサーチ Japan Bird Research Association
https://www.bird-research.jp/
in cooperation with
Cordillera Green Network (CGN)
https://cordigreen-english.jimdofree.com/
・
Granted by Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
https://www.toyotafound.or.jp

Bird Research, a Japanese non-profit organization, is implementing the "Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds" (Toyota Foundation International Grant) with the Cordillera Green Network. Bird research was conducted in Tadian, Mountain Province. The report (in Japanese) was posted on the Bird Research Blog News.

Cordillera Green Network (CGN) is implementing the Environmental Education Project based on the Cordillera Folktakes starting in 2022. In this project, CGN has been recording storytelling in several communities in the Cordillera region and conducting art workshops for children based on these stories.
Audio of the original storytelling of the collected folktales is available to anyone to listen to at our Audio Radio Channel on Spotify podcasts.
https://open.spotify.com/show/788z3R2QTye5b8IyPV5ylc?si=71ccd2afd1d34356

CGN has also uploaded an original video of folktale storytelling in Tadian, Mountain Province, to our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqy5uXH2ObviS-6fZqPrd1zkSOUYFCSWh

---
Project Title: Environmental Education Project based on the Cordillera Folktakes
Granted by: Resona Foundation for Asia and Oceania
公益財団法人りそなアジア・オセアニア財団

Project Report of "Reviving the Batangan and lakon of Tadian Phase-2" -Tree Planting & Monitoring
-
Duration of the Project: April 2023 – March 2024
Project Site: Sunnyside Area,Tadian, Mountain Province, Philippines
Partner Agencies: Municipality of Tadian Environment and Natural Resources Office(MENRO), St. Michael and All Angels Church (SMAA), Tadian Municipal Police Station, Barangays in Tadian
Grant: AEON Environment Foundation, Japan
Forester in Charge: Mhyra P. Seset

[2nd Half Project Report] Reviving the Batangan and lakon of Tadian Phase-2 (April 2024)-Tree Planting & Monitoring Duration of the Project: April 2023 – March 2024 Projec…

Cordillera Green Network’s (CGN) completion of its 3-year project on Environmental Education Based on Cordillera Folktales through a grant by the Resona Asia Oceania Foundation took place in Lubuagan, Kalinga from May 4 to 6, 2024 through an enriching contemporary dance workshop.

The workshop was facilitated by the Japan-based contemporary dancer, Chiyo Ogino and was supported by a dynamic team that included artist, Meeko Koike, and Sound Director, Shingo Yamasaki, all hailing from Japan. Philippine-based videographer Rainel Lee Aquino, and Japanese Anthropology student Hiroki Adachi, who currently resides in the Philippines, also contributed their perspectives and skills to the video production. Additionally, the workshop benefited greatly from the presence of Kika Sorimachi, who facilitated the communication by serving as a language interpreter. The workshop output will be a video recording to preserve the essence of this endeavor.

A total of 20 students and a faculty member engaged in the workshop activities. Adding vitality to the dance workshop was the participation of a multi-talented artist and weaver Irene Bawer-Bimuyag. The workshop was divided into segments, with the first two days taking place at Saint Teresita’s School [Mabilong], while the culmination was carried out at Glass Room Kalinga [Lilayan].

The project, guided by Mr. Cirilo “Sapi” Bawer, a revered culture-bearer of Kalinga, was a platform for the collection of folktales that were sourced from the participating students, who are the recipients of storytelling imparted by their elders. Mr. Sapi said that the project is great because it has revived among its children the movement of communicating with the world, and how much can be gained in such a short period. This interaction with groups is like a child getting integrated into a community. The crisscrossing of minds and exchanges of energies, he said, is how we come out of ourselves.

As the project draws to a close, Mr. Sapi hopes that St. Teresita’s School remains committed to advancing collaboration to cultivate the transformative impact of cultural diversity among its learners.

---
Facilitator:Chiyo Ogino( Chy Ogn )
Videographers:
Meeko Koike
Rainel Lee
Hiroki Adachi
Sound Director: Shingo Yamasaki
Photographer:
Gladys Maximo, SDS Multimedia
Interpreter:Kika Sorimachi
Project Coordinators:
Ruel Bimuyag
Irene Bawer-Bimuyag
Yurie Nhel
Driver: Ben Balong-angey
Project Director: Mariko Sorimachi, Green Network
Granted by:
公益財団法人りそなアジア・オセアニア財団
Resona Asia Oceania

Mr. Koyama of the Japan Bird Research Association did the poster presentationat an environmental festival in Akishima City, Tokyo, on our birding activities in Tadian, Mountain Province, this month.
---
Project Title:
Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds
- A Project to Promote Sustainable Coffee in Two Southeast Asian Countries by Environmental Assessment Methods Using Birds as Indicators
https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/.../JoseiDeta...
・
Organized by:
バードリサーチ Japan Bird Research Association
https://www.bird-research.jp/
with:
Cordiller Green Network Inc.
https://cordigreen-english.jimdofree.com

Granted by Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
https://www.toyotafound.or.jp

4月上旬にフィリピンの森林農法のコーヒー農園で野鳥調査をしてきました。調査結果は近いうちにバードリサーチニュースでご報告しますが、東京の昭島市であった環境緑花フェスティバルの「とらんじしょん昭島」のブースで、ポスター報告させてもらいました。手に持っているカップは、私が調査したルソン島とは違いますが、ミンダナオ島のコーヒーです。フィリピンは日本の夏鳥の越冬地になっていて、今回の調査では７種類の夏鳥（旅鳥も含めて）が見つかりました。

CGN has a new Japanese intern. She will post her experiences here in Baguio on the CGN Intern blog (in Japanese, English and sometimes Tagalog). Please check it.

🌟自己紹介🌟 初めまして！ 2024年4月～12月（終了時期未定(^^;）、CGNでインターンをさせていただく、Haruna と申します。よろしくお願いします😊 まずは自分のことについて書きたいと思います(*^^*) 大学 大阪大学外国語学部外国語学科フ....

Cordillera Green Network (CGN) is implementing the project “Cordillera Folktales: Environmental Education Project Based on Cordillera Folktales” with an environmental grant from the Resona Asia Oceania Foundation 公益財団法人りそなアジア・オセアニア財団 starting in 2022.

The target areas are Tadian in Mountain Province, Hungduan in Ifugao Province, and Lubuagan in Kalinga Province. In each municipality, storytellers share folktales that are unique to their place, passed down to them by their grandparents/parents. Workshops are then conducted in participating schools. In Tadian, there are eight participating schools for arts workshops, while two elementary schools in Hungduan participated in an arts workshop and a theater workshop. Finally, a performing arts workshop will be held in Lubuagan in May.

All the folktales of the Cordillera region were orally passed down. There are as many versions as there are storytellers. We believe that this is what makes oral folktales so interesting. The narratives collected in this project are told in the language of each indigenous group, and in doing so, we hope to contribute to the preservation of languages that are being lost in the midst of globalization. We are also disseminating the original audio and video of the storytelling through podcasts and YouTube so that any indigenous people of the Cordillera can access the folktales collected in this project.

Here is the Spotify link for the published podcasts of folktales narrated in Tadian, Mountain Province.

Cordillera Folktales [Vol.1 Tadian- Kankanaey] Listen to Cordillera Folktales [Vol.1 Tadian- Kankanaey] on Spotify. The Cordillera Folktales is a project by the Cordillera Green Network (CGN), an environmental NGO in the Philippines, to preserve the oral traditions of indigenous people for future generations. Grant: Resona Asia Oceania Foundatio...

The Cordillera Green Network Inc. has been conducting Research and Video Shooting in the different barangays of Tadian and nearby municipalities to produce a Video Documentary on Environmental Management by the Indigenous Peoples with the support of the Tadian Local Government Unit through the Office of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources since September 2023. This project is part of the research being simultaneously conducted in the same municipality by the Japan Bird Research Association. (See, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=cordilleragreennetwork&set=a.824156979738514)

In various ways, indigenous traditions are based on sustainable consumption – taking no more from the land than what is needed for sustenance, and respecting other life forms that inhabit the same environment. By shifting our focus on the Indigenous Peoples’ sustainable living, we can gain greater insights that can lead to a stronger human-environment interdependence and thereby a strengthened practice that will help promote environmental conservation, ownership, utilization, and conflict resolution.

Apart from the interviews, the team was able to document indigenous practices like the Legleg (a ritual for water abundancy), Galatis (community labor without monetary payment, usually environment-related), and Begnas (a barangay-wide ritual conducted before the rice planting and harvest seasons for a bountiful harvest, good yields of poultry, and well-being of the locals, among others).

The Video Shooting Team is expected to complete the video documentary by November of this year.

---
Video Documentary Team:
Mariko Sorimachi – Cordillera Green Network
Lily Dangla Jamias – Cordillera Green Network
Florenda Pedro (Dumay Solinggay)
Mhyra Seset – Cordillera Green Network
Gladys Maximo – SDS Multimedia
Rainel Lee Aquino – SDS Multimedia
---
Project Title:
Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds: A Project to Promote Sustainable Coffee in Two Southeast Asian Countries by Environmental Assessment Methods Using Birds as Indicators
https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/.../JoseiDeta...
・
Fund Grant by Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
https://www.toyotafound.or.jp
----
Photos by Gladys Maximo (SDS Multimedia)

The Japan Bird Research Association, in collaboration with Cordillera Green Network Inc. and support of LGU-Tadian through the MENRO, conducted the inaugural bird survey during the dry season from April 1 to 11, 2024, in Tadian, Mt. Province.

The said activity is one of the major activities of the project, which objectively assesses Coffee-based agroforestry farms in terms of their value to wildlife conservation and the health and economic benefits to coffee producers and consumers, using birds as an indicator. This will contribute to promoting sustainable coffee in Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.

Due to rapid changes in the forest ecosystem structure caused by destructive human intervention and natural disturbances, it is necessary to conduct an Environmental Assessment using scientific methods such as avifaunal assessment. Birds, serving as indicators, can precisely analyze the current situation of the forest ecosystem and its component diversity. This underscores the need for concrete conservation plans and efforts involving community participation to achieve sustainable results.

"With the three skilled and enthusiastic bird research specialists from Japan and the Philippines, they were able to meticulously identify and record 111 species of endemic and migratory birds. This comprehensive survey was conducted across 12 coffee farms, two natural forests, and the surrounding rice field area. From dusk till dawn, amidst the towering trees, the team immersed themselves in the world of birds, their songs giving them the energy to remain committed throughout the eight days of the survey."

The Tadian Bird Survey will continue until the first quarter of 2025 to completely document the endemic and migratory birds present during the two birding seasons in Tadian, Philippines.
(Mhayra Seset)
---
Bird Research Team:
Kazuo Koyama - Japan Bird Research Association
大西 としかず Toshikazu Onishi - Japan Bird Specialist
Dariel Naguit - Philippines Bird Expert
Mhayra Seset - Cordillera Green Network
---
Project Title:
Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds
- A Project to Promote Sustainable Coffee in Two Southeast Asian Countries by Environmental Assessment Methods Using Birds as Indicators
https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/psearch/JoseiDetail?name=D23-N-0040
・
Organized by:
バードリサーチ Japan Bird Research Association
https://www.bird-research.jp/
・
Granted by Toyota Foundation International Grant Program
https://www.toyotafound.or.jp
----
Photo by
Mhayra Seset
Gladys Maximo , Multimedia

On April 6, 2024, the Japan Bird Research Association, in cooperation with Cordillera Green Network, held a workshop called "Introduction of Community Bird Surveying as a Tool for Ecosystem Assessment and Its Contribution to Socio-Economic Development" at Mountain Province State Polytechnic College(MPSPC) Tadian Campus as part of the "Sustainable Coffee in Asia Connected by Migratory Birds" project.

The lecturers were Mr. Kazuo Koyama of the Japan Bird Research Association, Mr. Toshikazu Onishi, a birding consultant from Japan, and Jocelyn Alberto Floresca, an expert on birds in the Cordillera region from the Philippines.

About 30 participants, mostly Forestry and Agroforestry students interested in birding at MPSPC, and MENRO, Tourism office staff, attended the event. Since wild birds are active from about 30 minutes before sunrise to 4 hours after sunrise, the workshop started with actual bird watching using binoculars at a coffee agroforestry model farm.

This was the first time the MPSPC students and faculty had experienced a birding workshop. They showed a high level of interest in using binoculars to search for the presence of wild birds that they miss daily.

During the seminar, Dr. Jocelyn Alberto Floresca introduced the bird species of the Cordillera region with beautiful photos she had taken. She emphasized that many of them are endemic and precious species that need to be protected with the help of the community.

Mr. Koyama showed the routes of birds migrating between Japan and other Asian countries, including the Philippines, and their declining numbers in figures. He also explained that rice grown in rice paddies with wild birds is branded and popular in Japan and there is also added value regarding coffee grown in agroforestry coffee farms in Tadian.

Mr. Onishi gave examples of eco-tours that incorporate bird watching in the world and their economic and environmental benefits.

This seminar-workshop was an introduction to the concept of this project, and the MPSPC students and faculty listened attentively to the lecture.

Mr. Koyama, Mr. Onishi, and Philippine birding expert Dariel Naguit observed 65 bird species during a first four-day survey in an agroforestry farm, a watershed of communal forest in Tadian.

Mr. Hideo Tone from the Toyota Foundation attended the seminar to observe the project as well.

Grant：Toyota Foundation－International Grant Program
https://toyotafound.my.salesforce-sites.com/psearch/JoseiDetail?name=D23-N-0040

An environmental education project based on Cordillera folktales, granted by the Resona Asia Oceania Foundation, held an art workshop in March 2024 at Lubo-ong Elementary School Extension in Mt. Polis, Hungduan, Ifugao Province.

The facilitator, Baguio-based artist Rochelle Bakisan, chose the folktale "Gangar" from the folktales collected by the Cordillera Green Network (CGN) last year during a visit to Lubo-ong. With the support of CGN volunteer Hector Kawig, she guided upper-grade students in creating art to put on a puppet show of this folktale.

"Gangar" is the story of a landslide caused by deceitful people and includes a legend about the origin of the name of the place of Hungduan. During the workshop, the facilitators conducted activities to identify the characters in the story, the houses and livestock that existed in the community in the old days, and asked the students to imagine the scenery of the places where the story takes place. They then visualized these images using a variety of discarded paper and other materials.

George Rosales, a painter who lives in La Trinidad, facilitated an art workshop for lower grades students of Lubo-ong Elementary School Extension. The folktale chosen was "Pahok," —a story about a hunter. CGN volunteer Vivian Posayen supported the workshop. The little pupils were excited to participate in the activity as the two young facilitators from faraway towns allowed them to freely draw and create the story using colorful paper, pastels, and charcoal.

Darwin Tiyab, the young storyteller of these folktales from Lubo-ong, visited the elementary school, told the children the stories, and observed the art activities throughout the day.

The three facilitators,George, Rochelle, and Vivian, arrived at Mt. Polis, early and painted the walls of the elementary school building with wonderful mountain scenery.

---
Facilitators:
Rochelle Bakisan
George Rosales
Vivian Balong-angey Posayen
Hector Kawig

Storyteller:
Darwin Tiyab

Project Coordinators :
Yurie Nhel Balong-angey
Jerica Gaddan Nadiahan
Vivian Balong-angey Posayen

Documentation:
Gladys Maximo

Granted by:
公益財団法人りそなアジア・オセアニア財団
Resona Asia Oceania

Cooperation :
Asahiko Yara

Nestled among the mountains of Ifugao, lies Lubo-ong - a barangay brimming with rich culture and timeless stories. This year, we had the privilege to revisit Lubo-ong Elementary School for the second year of our "Environmental Education Project Based on the Cordillera Folktales." Accessible only by foot, this picturesque community holds rich cultural treasures, including age-old folk stories passed down through generations.

From the stories gathered in August of 2023, CGN went back last March 19 to conduct a theater workshop, which was participated by 26 learners from Grade 5, Grade 6, and five learners from Lubo-ong Elementary School-Extension.

From storytelling to character portrayal, our participants embraced every aspect of theater, infusing their creativity and passion into every scene. With the support of our dedicated faculty, staff, and facilitator, they honed their skills and prepared for a special community presentation on the evening of March 23. Parents, barangay officials, and school faculty filled the venue with pride and applause as our learners showcased their hard work and dedication. Following the performance, everyone joined in a joyous community dance, celebrating the spirit of collaboration and cultural heritage.

We are proud of the learners of Lubo-ong Elementary School for their enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to preserving their cultural heritage through the arts.

The workshop was made possible by the following key persons:

Facilitator:
Leemar Damuasen

Faculty of Lubo-ong Elementary School-Main:
Agustin Adawe
Benilyn Bu-ucan

Storyteller:
Darwin Tiyab

CGN Staff:
Setsu Hanasaki
Kika Sorimachi
Yurie Nhel Balong-angey
Rainel Aquino

Granted by:
公益財団法人りそなアジア・オセアニア財団
Resona Asia Oceania Foundation

[Activity Report]

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO) calls for action to work together to mitigate and adapt to climate change's effects on agriculture and natural resources in the Cordillera Region.
In this context, UN-FAO partners with the Center for Conservation Innovations (CCI) to implement projects in Tublay, Benguet Province. Being participatory in its approach to project implementation, it partners with the Tublay Municipal Environment Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and the private sector, such as the Cordillera Green Network (CGN) and the Farm to Cup group.
Agroforestry is one strategy for mitigating the effects of climate change. The CGN's role is to support the community in establishing an indigenous species and coffee seedling nursery and raise the community's understanding of the importance of forests.
In this light, CGN held a seminar-workshop on the propagation of coffee and indigenous trees and the significance of forests on March 23, 2024, in Ambongdulan Barangay Hall, Tublay Benguet. Ms. Margie Esteban from the College of Forestry of the Tarlac Agriculture University and Dr. Conrado C. Baoidang, from the College of Forestry at Benguet State University (BSU), and Lily Jamias of CGNI shared their knowledge on these topics.
---
Project Title: Enhancing Community Resilience to Climate Change in Mountain Watersheds
Project by: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Forestry

The Cordillera Green Network（CGN） is working with SDS Multimedia to produce a documentary video on environmental conservation utilizing traditional practices in Tadian, Mountain Province.
Grant from: 公益財団法人トヨタ財団　The Toyota Foundation

In February 2024, Mr. Yasuhiro Takemoto, Executive Director of Cordillera Green Network (CGN) Japan, visited Tadian, Mountain Province, to inspect a project implemented with a grant from the AEON Environmental Foundation.

The project is implementing the following four programs.
1. Tree planting with arabica coffee as the main cash crop through agroforestry for "Lakon" holders, a traditional land management system of the Kankanaey tribe
2. Tree planting of indigenous species on common lands for water source recharge
3. Environmental education in public elementary schools
4. Construction of nurseries and cultivation of seedlings in cooperation with the Tadian Local Government Unit.

　For the environmental education program, CGN held a workshop for teachers last December. The teachers who participated in that workshop were tasked with designing an original environmental education curriculum and facilitating classes at their respective elementary schools. In conjunction with Mr. Takemoto's visit, environmental education classes were held at two elementary schools, Cagubatan and Pandayan, and Mr. Takemoto observed these classes.

　Mr. Takemoto was amazed by the energetic teachers and enthusiastic students. The students and teachers gave Mr. Takemoto a very warm welcome.

　The CGN staff who accompanied Mr. Takemoto also contributed to deepening the content of environmental education through nature games and other activities.

　Because the tree-planting sites were spread out over a wide area, the monitoring required a long drive and steep climb up steep slopes. Mr. Takemoto observed mixed growth conditions at different planting sites.

Some seedlings are dry due to the current season in Tadian. Tadian is also experiencing frequent wildfires, and Mr. Takemoto was able to visit the site of one that was finally put out the day before.

　Mr. Takemoto saw with his own eyes the harsh natural conditions facing the mountainous region and the environmental problems faced by its residents, such as water shortages, forest fires, landslides, and land subsidence. At the same time, he experienced the sincere enthusiasm of the local people for environmental conservation and restoration.

Grant: AEON Envirionment Foundation

March 6-8, 2024 - CGN hosted a study tour for students from Nayoro City University in Hokaido, Japan. Ten students pursuing studies in Childhood Care and Education, Nutritional Science, and Social Welfare along with their Canadian professor, who has lived in Japan for 35 years, participated the tour for cultural exchange and learning.

On the 6th, they received an orientation on CGN's advocacies and past environment education projects from its founder, Mariko Sorimachi, before visiting Mirador Hill to observe nature and create art inspired by their observations.

On the 7th from Baguio, they journeyed to Ampongot Barrio School in Sagubo, Kapangan. The experience of toploading and traveling through a newly opened road was unforgettable! Despite the rough travel, the smiles of parents, teachers, and pupils made it worthwhile. Ampongot Barrio School, with only three teachers, caters to 30 students from Kinder to Grade 6. The participants introduced Japanese versions of children's games, which the pupils of Ampongot greatly enjoyed. They also taught origami, and in return, learned the Bendian dance, gracefully performed by the children as male parents took turns playing gongs and solibao.

In Avong Nen Suvani , they experienced a quiet and peaceful night and later learned the processes of making rice wine and kinuday. They also visited a lemon farm, picking lemons for homemade lemonade during lunch.

The participants were grateful for the hospitality shown by everyone they encountered in Sagubo, Kapangan. It was an enriching experience blending education, culture, and community!

Art Workshop Facilitators:
George Rosales
Rochelle Bakisan

Staff:
Yurie Nhel Cadangen
Arashi Sorimachi
Kika Sorimachi

Coordinators:
Mhyra Seset
Mariko Sorimachi

🌱 Empowering Farmers Through Composting: A Successful Demo-Seminar by Cordillera Green Network! 🌿

On February 24, 2024, the Cabayo Coffee Farmer's Organization witnessed a demonstration on composting, courtesy of Cordillera Green Network. Led by esteemed resource speakers, Ms. Aida Pagtan and Mr. Renato Dingwas, the event was a learning experience that is beneficial for the 20 participants in attendance who requested for the topic to improve their agricultural practices and produce better crops.

Ms. Aida Pagtan, an Information Officer at DA-CAR, brought her wealth of expertise to the seminar and shared different effective composting practices, its benefits, processes and materials needed for composting. Mr. Renato Dingwas, who was formerly a conventional farmer, shared his practical wisdom gleaned from 35 years of farming experience. Together, their collaboration with Cordillera Green Network has proven instrumental in equipping local farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to enhance soil fertility and promote responsible environmental management.

Organizer: Manalabo, Japan
Grant: Green Fund by The National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization

Cordillera Green Network, Inc. (CGN) brought environmental education to Nueva Vizcaya, bringing joy to the students and teachers of Cabayo Integrated School in February 2024. Environmental education uses an innovative approach to learning through fun and joyful activities such as nature games. Through sensory exploration, students embarked on an adventure to discover the wonders of nature, using their senses to connect with the environment in a meaningful way. As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental preservation and youth empowerment, this experience aimed to instill a deeper appreciation for the natural world while fostering a sense of responsibility toward its protection.
Cabayo Integrated School in Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya, sits amidst verdant mountains and pristine forests, offering a serene backdrop for learning and exploration. Surrounded by nature, learners at Cabayo Integrated School (CIS) have the opportunity to develop a profound connection with their environment, making it an ideal location for initiatives like the one undertaken by CGN. Through hands-on activities and engagement with the natural world, learners not only enhance their understanding of environmental issues but also cultivate a sense of responsibility for the planet.
Parents who witnessed the activity were grateful for the unique experience that their children had and appreciated the outdoor learning, which they do not usually do.
The faculty also expressed their gratitude that CIS was chosen for Environmental Education, where their learners were able to mingle confidently with their schoolmates as they were not used to it.

Environment Educators:
George Rosales
Hector Kawig
Vivian Posayen
Yurie Nhel Cadangen
Mhyra Seset

Organizer: Manalabo, Japan
Grant: Green Fund by The National Land Afforestation Promotion Organization