Maragusan Mandaya and Mansaka for Forest Conservation - 3MFC

21/03/2026

21/03/2026

Protecting the Heart of the Ancestral Domain 🌿

From March 17–20, 2026, the Philippine Association for Intercultural Development, Inc. team, in collaboration with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Provincial Office, successfully facilitated the formal formulation of the Community Conservation Plan (CCP) of the LABATA community.

This milestone was guided by the wisdom, customary governance, and collective leadership of the LABATA community elders and leaders, ensuring that the process remained community-driven and culturally grounded.

The CCP formulation process began with a comprehensive review and validation of the community’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives. This was followed by the clarification of ICCs/IPs roles and responsibilities in environmental protection and conservation, rooted in their Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP).

The community also identified and analyzed both internal and external threats affecting their ancestral domain, strengthening their capacity for informed decision-making and adaptive management. A presentation of the PEF Biodiversity and Carbon Stock Assessment Report provided a scientific basis that complemented traditional knowledge, reinforcing evidence-based conservation planning.

The process further included participatory strategic zonation and management planning, wherein the community delineated and agreed upon designated zones within their ancestral domain—such as strict protection zones (no-touch areas) and sustainable use or production zones for regulated farming and resource utilization.

This milestone reflects the community’s strong commitment to protecting and sustainably managing their ancestral domain for future generations. 🌱

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27/02/2026

Plant a tree today, protect water for tomorrow.” 💧🌱

Today, the community of Purok Santol, Barangay Talian, Maragusan, Davao de Oro united for a meaningful tree-planting activity anchored on caring for nature and safeguarding our water sources. Because when trees grow, springs flow — protecting forests means protecting life.
Pine trees, malabago, and bamboo were planted to prevent soil erosion, and secure clean water for future generations.

The activity was made possible through the strong collaboration of community leaders, including IPMR Socrates Calitas, IPS Danilo Calitas, Purok Chairman Jinky Vicentino, BTC Editha Colares, barangay officials, and Hon. Rey Mantog of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, who expressed full support for the initiative.

The community also learned about ICCA and KBA through an orientation by Admo Barot, emphasizing the vital role of local stewardship in conserving biodiversity and water resources.

Together, we plant not just trees — we plant hope, resilience, and life. 🌿💧

27/01/2026

🌱Strengthening Protection and Sustaining Life for Communities 🌱

On January 24, 2026, the PAFID team successfully conducted two meaningful turnover ceremonies that mark important milestones in supporting the Mansaka Ancestral Domain in Maragusan.

The first activity was the Turnover of the Monitoring Outpost in Barangay Tandik, a vital facility established to strengthen community-based monitoring and help prevent illegal activities within the ancestral domain. This outpost will serve as a strategic post for forest guards to safeguard their forests, waters, and sacred places.

On the same day, the team also formally conducted the Turnover of the Cambagang Potable Water System, providing reliable access to clean and safe drinking water for community members. This system responds to the long-standing need for a sustainable water source that supports health, sanitation, and daily household activities.

These two initiatives are aligned with PAFID’s continuing project on strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ governance, conservation of ancestral domains, and improving basic services in Indigenous communities. By linking environmental protection with human well-being, PAFID reinforces the belief that protecting nature also means protecting lives and culture.

Together, we move forward—protecting the land, sustaining life, and honoring the enduring relationship between culture and nature, for today and for generations to come. 💚💧🌿

25/01/2026

🌱Empowering Forest Guards for Sustainable Forest Management🌱

On January 20–23, 2026, the PAFID team, together with the Forest Guards of Sumpaw Nang Mangkatikadung Sang Maragusan and LABATA, conducted a Forest Resource Assessment and Biomass Monitoring Training.

On Day 1, forest guards were trained on how to use GPS, which they applied during the actual resource inventory.

On day 3, PAFID staff were divided into two groups to mentor LABATA and Sumpaw forest guards in the conduct of a 100-meter transect line and 25x25 sample plot for LABATA, and a 75-meter transect line and 25x25 sample plot for Sumpaw. The conduct of a transect line with 10x10, 3x3, and 1x1 meters at the entry point, midpoint, and endpoint is to measure the richness, evenness, and diversity of the forest. The conduct of a 25x25 sample plot is to measure the carbon biomass.

After the actual resource inventory, the group conducted data analysis of biomass and tree inventory.

This activity strengthened the capacity of community forest guards in monitoring and protecting their forest resources, and PAFID continues to support community-led forest conservation and sustainable resource management. 🌱

19/01/2026

💧 Ongoing Construction of Potable Water System in Barangay Cambagang

The PAFID technical team is currently constructing a Potable Water System in Barangay Cambagang, an initiative aimed at improving access to safe and reliable water within the community.

This ongoing project will benefit Purok Santol, Purok Durian, and Sitio Baraisan, supporting community health, sanitation, and daily household needs.

This marks an important step toward easing daily burdens, protecting public health, and ensuring that clean water reaches areas where it is most needed.
PAFID remains committed to strengthening community resilience by supporting essential services that promote health and well-being.🌿