DENR: Book would make upland tillers entrepreneurs

MANILA, Philippines—Upland farmers need not just be good planters. They could be good entrepreneurs and forest protectors, too.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has launched a guidebook that seeks to assist upland farmers in setting up, managing and sustaining small enterprises that are dependent on forest resources.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the Guidebook on Environment and Natural Resources Enterprises Development and Management was meant to show “there is a link between economic activity and environmental protection.”

Paje said the DENR wants to highlight the mutual dependence between economically viable forest communities and the viability of the forests.

“Providing our upland farmer-leaders the opportunity to develop their capabilities to start up, manage and sustain enterprise activities, I believe that our people’s organizations can become effective managers of our forest resources as well,” he said in a statement.

The book lists ways to improve a farmer’s knowledge and skills in conducting a market survey, product development, and establishing networks with government agencies, financial institutions and local government units.

It also teaches them ways to ensure a steady supply of raw materials for whatever enterprises they decide to pursue.

The book is the product of a three-year project where pilot enterprise activities were undertaken in selected communities, according to Forest Management Bureau Director Neria Andin.

The project was conducted by the bureau with support from the New Zealand Air Program and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.

The pilot enterprise activities consisted of duhat fruit wine making in Bugallong, Pangasinan; coconut midrib handicrafts in Limay, Bataan; a small-scale wood industry in Baggao, Cagayan; Roxas, Palawan; and Catarman, Camiguin; abaca and bamboo processing and marketing in Maasin, Iloilo; rattan furniture making in Capoocan, Leyte, and handicraft making in San Isidro, Davao Oriental.

Andin said livelihood activities were tested for being realistic and doable.

The guidebook was launched during the recent Community-Based Forest Management Practitioners Congress in Pampanga. Aside from Paje, also present at the launch were New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore, Food and Agriculture Organization-Asia Pacific Region senior forestry officer Patrick Durst and FAO resident representative Kazuyuki Tsurumi.