LBF-Sicao Project Team

09/03/2026

Lifebank Foundation Inc., NCIP XI, and Bagobo-Klata ICC Forge Partnership for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Livelihoods

Davao City, Philippines – March 9, 2026 — A significant milestone in advancing community-based environmental conservation and indigenous development was marked with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Lifebank Foundation Inc., the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI (NCIP XI), and the Bagobo-Klata Indigenous Cultural Community. The ceremonial signing took place at the NCIP XI Regional Office Conference Room in Bago Oshiro, Davao City, bringing together representatives from the partner institutions and leaders of the indigenous community.

The agreement formalizes a collaborative partnership for the implementation of the project entitled “Environmental Protection and Management cm Sustainable Livelihood.” The initiative will be carried out within the ancestral domain of the Bagobo-Klata community in Barangay Tamayong, Davao City, particularly benefiting the Indigenous Community of Sitio Sicao and the wider Bagobo-Klata Indigenous Cultural Community.

The project seeks to promote environmental protection, sustainable natural resource management, and community-based livelihood development among indigenous peoples residing within the forested landscapes of Barangay Tamayong. Through this partnership, stakeholders aim to conserve biodiversity, protect critical ecosystems, and promote sustainable practices that harmonize environmental conservation with inclusive community development.

A key component of the initiative includes the protection and conservation of the Talomo–Lipadas Watersheds, a vital ecological system that supplies water and sustains biodiversity in the region. The project will also contribute to safeguarding approximately 1,800 hectares of pristine forest surrounding Mount Talomo, an ecologically significant area that forms part of Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP)—the largest protected area in the Philippines and home to numerous endemic species of flora and fauna.

Under the agreement, the program will support several strategic interventions, including:
•Community-based environmental protection and biodiversity conservation initiatives
•Sustainable livelihood programs for indigenous households
•Capacity-building and environmental education for community members and the Bagobo-Klata ICC
•Strengthening indigenous stewardship and governance of ancestral lands and natural resources

These initiatives aim to empower indigenous communities as primary stewards of their ancestral domain, ensuring that development initiatives respect indigenous knowledge systems and cultural traditions while promoting long-term ecological sustainability.

The MOA signing also highlights the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in addressing environmental challenges while improving the welfare of indigenous communities. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Region XI reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of indigenous peoples and supporting initiatives that strengthen environmental protection within ancestral domains, particularly through the promotion of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Wealth Management.

According to Atty. Geroncio R. Aguio, CESO III, Regional Director of NCIP Region XI, Indigenous Peoples Wealth Management represents a strategic approach to managing ancestral domains that is deeply rooted in indigenous values of stewardship, sharing, and intergenerational responsibility. He emphasized that the wealth of indigenous peoples is not measured solely in economic terms, but also in the rich natural resources, cultural heritage, traditional knowledge systems, and ancestral lands that have been carefully protected and nurtured by indigenous communities for generations.

Director Aguio further noted that initiatives supporting environmental protection, sustainable livelihoods, and responsible ancestral domain management—such as the “Environmental Protection and Management cm Sustainable Livelihood” project—are aligned with this vision. Such partnerships strengthen the capacity of indigenous communities to safeguard their ancestral lands while promoting community resilience and sustainable development.

Meanwhile, Lifebank Foundation Inc. expressed its continued commitment to supporting community-driven development initiatives that integrate environmental conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and indigenous cultural preservation.

During the event, Mr. Joshua Donato, Project Coordinator of the Lifebank Foundation–Sicao Project, presented the priority activities for the project’s initial year of implementation. These include the protection of ancestral forests and watersheds through the Bantay Gubat (Forest Guards) Program, the establishment of community–corporate partnerships for reforestation and land restoration initiatives, and the strengthening and capacity-building of the Bagobo-Klata Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO).

The project will also support the enhancement of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP) and promote community-based managed tourism initiatives and other income-generating projects within the impact communities.
Leaders and representatives of the Bagobo-Klata Indigenous Cultural Community emphasized that the project reflects their longstanding cultural values of protecting nature and sustaining their ancestral lands for future generations. For the Bagobo-Klata people, stewardship of the land is deeply embedded in their cultural identity and customary governance systems.
Pongu-o Castillo Mantawel, Head of the Bagobo-Klata Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) of Davao City, expressed his enthusiasm and strong support for the initiative.

“Nalipay ko kauban ang tibuok IPS sa Bagobo Klata nga masugdan na ang maong proyekto ug mahatagan na ug saktong tabang ang among tribu sa pagprotekta sa kinaiyahan,” he said, expressing optimism that the project will provide meaningful support to the tribe in safeguarding their environment.

The Indigenous Community of Sitio Sicao, located within Barangay Tamayong, along with the entire Bagobo-Klata IPS and ADMO, are expected to be among the primary beneficiaries of the initiative. The project will strengthen community participation in environmental protection while generating livelihood opportunities that support sustainable development within the ancestral domain.
Through this partnership, stakeholders envision the initiative as a model for community-based environmental protection and indigenous-led conservation efforts in Mindanao, demonstrating how collaborative governance, cultural integrity, and ecological stewardship can work together to protect critical landscapes and empower indigenous communities.

The MOA signing signifies a shared commitment among partners to promote environmental sustainability, cultural integrity, and inclusive development within the ancestral lands of the Bagobo-Klata people.

06/03/2026

HAPPY NATIONAL WOMEN'S MONTH 💗💗
This Women’s Month, we celebrate the strength, courage, and leadership of women all over the world. From Indigenous communities to cities and villages, women continue to shape families, communities, and the future through their dedication and resilience.

We honor not only the visible achievements of women but also the countless unseen efforts they give every day. Their voices, leadership, and sacrifices continue to inspire change and build stronger communities for generations to come.

03/03/2026

🌿 LBF–Sicao Project Marks World Wildlife Day 2026 with Renewed Commitment to Forests, Watersheds, and Indigenous Stewardship

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — March 3, 2026 — In observance of World Wildlife Day 2026, the LBF–Sicao Project Team joined environmental advocates, partner agencies, and leaders of the Bagobo-Klata and other upland Indigenous Cultural Communities in a unified call to strengthen the protection of remaining forests and watersheds while revitalizing indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained these landscapes for generations.
This year’s global theme, “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods,” resonates deeply within the upland communities of Sicao, where forests are regarded not simply as ecological resources but as living sources of medicine, clean water, food security, and cultural identity. For the Bagobo-Klata, biodiversity conservation is inseparable from ancestral stewardship.

Guided by this vision, the LBF–Sicao Project is implementing an integrated forest and watershed management strategy that places community leadership at its core. The initiative strengthens community-led forest protection patrols to safeguard critical habitats and biodiversity, while advancing sustainable reforestation efforts that prioritize native and medicinal plant species. Degraded slopes and fragile watershed areas are being restored to enhance ecological stability, prevent erosion, and secure water sources for downstream communities.

A central pillar of the program is the operationalization of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), reinforcing the rights of Indigenous Peoples (IP) over their ancestral lands. Capacity-building efforts are underway to strengthen Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) and Ancestral Domain Management Offices (ADMO), ensuring that local governance systems are equipped to lead conservation and development initiatives effectively and sustainably.

“Wildlife and native forests are not distant concepts to us — they are the sources of our medicine, water, and stories,” said Pongu-o Castillo Mantawel, IPS Head of the Bagobo-Klata. His statement underscores the enduring connection between biodiversity protection and cultural continuity.

Beyond tree planting, the project supports trained community monitors, strengthens environmental governance mechanisms, and establishes local seedling nurseries that cultivate native forest and medicinal species. School-based outreach programs and youth engagement activities further integrate conservation with health education and cultural revitalization, ensuring that traditional ecological knowledge is passed on to the next generation.

As the international community commemorates World Wildlife Day 2026, the LBF–Sicao Project stands as a local example of how forest protection, cultural preservation, and sustainable development can advance together. In Sicao, protecting wildlife and restoring forests is more than an environmental commitment — it is a pledge to safeguard heritage, secure livelihoods, and build resilient communities rooted in indigenous leadership and stewardship.

26/02/2026

Meet the LBF-Sicao Project Team..

23/02/2026

LBF–SICAO Team Project Coordinator Participates in UM 2nd SDG Conference and National Research Conference 2026

Lifebank Foundation Inc. (LBF)–SICAO Project Team Project Coordinator Mr. Joshua Donato represented the organization in two major academic and sustainability platforms held on February 19–20, 2026, reinforcing LBF’s strong commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.

On February 19, 2026, Mr. Donato served as a Resource Speaker at the 2nd UM Interbranch SDG Student Conference organized by the University of Mindanao Council of College Student Government at the University of Mindanao DPT Auditorium. Carrying the theme “Leadership in Motion: UM Students at the Forefront of Sustainable Change,” the event gathered more than 150 student leaders from UM Main, Bansalan, Digos, Panabo, Peñaplata, and Tagum campuses to engage in meaningful dialogue on the SDGs.

Invited to speak on PLANET, one of the five core pillars of the SDGs, Donato emphasized the integration of environmental protection with sustainable livelihood systems and highlighted the vital role of youth in safeguarding the environment.

“Protecting our planet is not separate from empowering our people,” Donato stated. “Forest protection, climate action, and sustainable livelihoods must go hand in hand. When communities are equipped with the right knowledge and opportunities, conservation becomes a shared responsibility.”

He underscored LBF’s initiatives in forest protection and rehabilitation, financial inclusion, and community-based livelihood programs that support Indigenous Peoples and rural communities.

“Sustainable development begins at the grassroots,” he added. “Youth leadership, informed action, and strong partnerships between academia, civil society, and local communities are key to transforming sustainability commitments into measurable impact.”

Following the SDG Conference, Donato also participated in the 2nd National Interdisciplinary Research Conference organized by Visionary Research Association Inc. on February 19–20, 2026. The conference convened researchers and development practitioners from diverse disciplines to present evidence-based solutions to pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges.

During the conference, Donato presented a collaborative research study with Davao Medical School Foundation Inc. and EGIP Foundation Inc. entitled “Forest Protection and Rehabilitation cm Sustainable Livelihood Project in the Obu-Manuvu Ancestral Domain in Barangay Carmen, Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines: A Ten-Year Experience.” The study highlighted a decade of integrated forest governance and community-based sustainable development initiatives.

Reflecting on both engagements, Donato stressed the importance of linking field practice with academic research:

“Research strengthens practice, and practice enriches research. By connecting community realities with academic innovation, we ensure that sustainability efforts remain inclusive, evidence-based, and responsive to local needs.”

Through these back-to-back engagements, LBF–SICAO reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaborative networks, promoting youth engagement, and advancing inclusive and sustainable development across the Philippines.

18/02/2026

Our Project Coordinator will present the role of Lifebank Foundation Inc.(LBF) in adavancing the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The presentation will highlight the organization's contribution to environmental conservation, sustainable livelihood development, financial inclusion, and community empowerment at the University od Mindanao (UM) SDG Students' Conference tomorrow, February 19,2026.

We are honored to welcome our distinguished speakers who will be leading sessions on the 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀: 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲, 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘁, 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 & 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Joining us are 𝗥𝗵𝗲𝗮 𝗡. 𝗝𝘂𝘆𝗼, 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗮𝘁 𝗔𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆; 𝗝𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗣. 𝗔𝗰𝗶𝗱𝗼, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗢𝗛𝗦𝗚𝟱𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗖𝗜 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼, 𝗜𝗻𝗰.; 𝗝𝗼𝘀𝗵𝘂𝗮 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼, 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿, 𝗡𝗚𝗢 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲, 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿; and 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗘. 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀, 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁. Their expertise and insights will inspire meaningful discussions and actionable ideas for a sustainable and inclusive future.

Join us in advocating for change and shaping a better tomorrow.






Edited by Maria Diosalita Candelario

12/02/2026

LBF Advances “Environmental Protection and Management cm Sustainable Livelihood Project” in the Bagobo-Klata Ancestral Domain, Barangay Tamayong, Davao City

Davao City, Philippines – February 12, 2026 — Following the formal waiver of the previous implementing agency, Lifebank Foundation, Inc. (LBF) stepped forward to directly implement the “Environmental Protection and Management cm Sustainable Livelihood Project” within the Ancestral Domain of the Bagobo-Klata Indigenous People (IP) in Barangay Tamayong, Davao City, through the LBF-SICAO Project Team.

This transition ensures continuity of critical conservation and community development efforts and reinforces LBF’s commitment to upholding national environmental laws, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and sustainable development principles.

The initiative is anchored on key Philippine legal frameworks, including the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371), which guarantees Indigenous Peoples’ rights to ancestral domains and mandates the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) process; the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992, as expanded by the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018, governing protected area management; and the Local Government Code of 1991, which promotes participatory and decentralized development. The project also aligns with national biodiversity conservation policies and community-based forest management strategies.

In February 2026, the LBF-SICAO Project marked two major milestones: securing FPIC from the Bagobo-Klata community and advancing regulatory processes within Mount Apo Natural Park (MANP).

Securing Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC)- February 6, 2026

In compliance with the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act and its FPIC Guidelines, a project validation and review of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) were conducted in close coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples XI (NCIP XI), alongside the Bagobo-Klata Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) and the Ancestral Domain Management Office (ADMO).

The consultation was attended by IPS and ADMO members headed by IPS Head Pagdatua Castillo Mantawel and ADMO Chairman Pongu-o Warlito Ayon. The activity was facilitated by NCIP representatives, including Davao City Provincial Officer Mrs. Djoanna Demonteverde, Legal Officer Atty. Mary Caroline Castro, Engineer II Engr. Ricky Padrique, and CDO III Mrs. Judy-Arlene Soriano.

During the dialogue, the LBF-SICAO Project Team presented the project’s environmental protection strategies, sustainable livelihood components, governance strengthening measures, and safeguards to ensure that activities remain consistent with the Bagobo-Klata Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP).

After comprehensive discussions and clarification of implementation arrangements, the Bagobo-Klata IPS and ADMO formally issued a Resolution of Consent, signifying their collective approval for the project’s implementation within their ancestral domain in Barangay Tamayong.

As of this writing, the MOA and Certificate of Precondition (CP) are being processed pursuant to IPRA and NCIP requirements.
This milestone affirms respect for Indigenous self-determination, customary governance systems, and culturally appropriate development pathways.

Advancing Regulatory Compliance within Mount Apo Natural Park- February 12, 2026

Given that the project site is situated within Mount Apo Natural Park, which is declared a protected area under the NIPAS and E-NIPAS Acts, the LBF-SICAO Project Team presented the initiative before the Technical Working Committee on Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring and Community Management of the Sub-Regional Protected Area Management Board (Sub-PAMB) of Davao City.

The session was attended by Sub-PAMB committee members and facilitated by Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Clint Michael Cleofe.

The presentation emphasized the project’s consistency with:
•The Protected Area Management Plan of Mount Apo Natural Park
•Biodiversity conservation and habitat protection priorities
•Reforestation in suitable areas and planting of native trees
•Community-based forest protection and monitoring systems
•Sustainable livelihood and eco-cultural tourism principles

The engagement represents a crucial regulatory step toward securing PAMB clearance, ensuring that all activities comply with protected area governance mechanisms and environmental safeguards.

Moving Forward: Integrating Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Livelihood

With FPIC secured and regulatory processes advancing, the LBF-SICAO Project will proceed with integrated conservation and livelihood interventions, including:

•Establishment of monthly monitoring and foot patrolling by community Forest Guards
•Reforestation and land restoration through community-corporate partnerships
•Strengthening of Indigenous governance systems and institutional capacities
•Enhancement of the Bagobo-Klata ADSDPP
•Reorganization and operationalization of the IPS and ADMO
•Community Resource Management and Development Planning (CRMDP) and policy formulation
•Feasibility study for the proposed Eco-Cultural Tourism Project in Barangay Tamayong
•Biodiversity baseline survey and boundary marking
•Land-use reclassification consistent with environmental and ancestral domain policies
•Drafting of a Tourism Development and Management Plan
•Operationalization of Community-Based Tourism initiatives

Through these strategies, Lifebank Foundation advances a model of development that harmonizes environmental protection, climate resilience, cultural preservation, and sustainable economic opportunities—fully aligned with Philippine environmental laws and Indigenous Peoples’ rights frameworks.

LBF remains steadfast in its mission to promote inclusive, legally compliant, and community-led development within the Bagobo-Klata Ancestral Domain and Mount Apo Natural Park.

03/02/2026

Happy Birthday, Julgine Ampoy! 🎉🌱

Warmest birthday greetings to our dedicated Local Reforestation Officer. Your unwavering commitment to forest protection, reforestation, and environmental stewardship continues to inspire your communities and strengthen our shared responsibility to care for nature. May this special day bring you good health, renewed energy, and continued success in all your endeavors.

Thank you for your service and leadership. Wishing you many more years of meaningful work and blessings ahead. Happy Birthday Yud! 🎂🌿

02/02/2026

🌏💧 World Wetlands Day 💧🌏

Today, we honor the vital role of wetlands and watersheds in sustaining life—providing clean water, food security, climate resilience, and cultural identity.

We extend our deepest recognition to the Bagobo Klata Tribe and the Sitio Sicao Indigenous Cultural Community of Barangay Tamayong, who continue to protect and steward the Talomo-Lipadas Watershed—a lifeline that is environmentally, economically, and culturally significant to Davao City.

We also acknowledge the Obu-Manuvu of Barangay Carmen for their unwavering guardianship of the Panigan-Tamugan Watersheds, safeguarding forests, wetlands, and water sources that sustain communities downstream.

These Indigenous communities exemplify how ancestral knowledge, culture, and environmental stewardship work hand in hand to protect our shared future. On this World Wetlands Day, let us celebrate and support Indigenous-led conservation—because protecting wetlands means protecting life. 🌿💙

📸 ctto

29/01/2026

FEATURE STORY

Bayanihan Lives On: How Sitio Sicao Builds an Eco-Cultural Dream Together

In Filipino culture, Bayanihan is more than a word—it is a way of life. Rooted in the shared concept of bayan (community), Bayanihan speaks of collective action, mutual help, and solidarity. It is often symbolized by neighbors lifting and carrying a house together, but its deeper meaning lies in people coming together, without expectation of reward, to uplift one another for the common good. Across generations, Bayanihan has sustained communities in times of hardship, celebration, and transformation.

In Sitio Sicao, this age-old Filipino value continues to thrive—quietly, steadily, and purposefully—taking on new meaning as the community works together to protect their forest, strengthen their culture, and pursue a shared dream of eco-cultural tourism as a sustainable livelihood.

Nestled within forested landscapes and ancestral lands, Sitio Sicao is a place where nature and culture are inseparable. For the community, the forest is not merely scenery; it is life, memory, and responsibility. When the idea of reforestation and eco-cultural tourism began to take shape, it was Bayanihan that turned vision into action. Planning meetings were not exclusive gatherings but open conversations where elders, women, youth, and leaders shared ideas, concerns, and hopes. Decisions were made collectively, guided by respect for both the land and each other.
During tree planting days, Bayanihan was visible in its purest form. Families walked together to planting sites, carrying seedlings, tools, and food to share. Elders offered guidance, youth provided energy, and children learned by watching and doing. No one asked who was paid and who was not—everyone knew they were planting not just trees, but a future for Sitio Sicao.

Maintenance work that followed—clearing weeds, replacing dead seedlings, and guarding the forest—was sustained by the same spirit. When one household could not attend, others stepped in. When tools were lacking, they were shared. Bayanihan transformed routine labor into collective stewardship, strengthening trust and social bonds within the community.

Today, Bayanihan continues to shape Sitio Sicao’s growing aspiration for eco-cultural tourism. The community envisions visitors walking forest trails guided by local stewards, learning about native trees, traditional knowledge, and the stories of the land. They imagine cultural performances, shared meals, and storytelling sessions where visitors experience not just nature, but the living culture of the community. This dream is not owned by a single individual—it belongs to everyone.

Preparation for this aspiration is also done through Bayanihan. Trail clearing, simple facilities, training, and planning are shared responsibilities. Women contribute through food preparation, handicrafts, and cultural knowledge. Youth serve as guides, forest monitors, and storytellers of the future. Elders safeguard rituals, customs, and the values that define Sitio Sicao’s identity. Each role, no matter how small, is essential.

For Sitio Sicao, eco-cultural tourism is not just an economic goal; it is a way to protect what matters most. By working together, the community ensures that livelihood opportunities do not come at the cost of the forest or culture, but instead strengthen both. Bayanihan allows development to move at a pace guided by care, respect, and collective wisdom.

In a time when many communities face fragmentation and uncertainty, Sitio Sicao offers a quiet but powerful reminder: Bayanihan is alive. It lives in shared labor, shared dreams, and shared responsibility. It lives in forests restored by many hands and in aspirations carried together.

As Sitio Sicao continues its journey toward eco-cultural tourism, Bayanihan remains its strongest foundation—lifting not houses this time, but hopes, heritage, and a sustainable future for generations to come.

24/01/2026

San Miguel Brewery–Davao Donates Narra Seedlings and Soil Enhancers to Support Reforestation in Sitio Sicao

Davao City — Demonstrating its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and community partnership, San Miguel Brewery–Davao (SMB-Davao) has donated 330 narra seedlings and dewatered sludge for soil enhancement to the LBF–Sicao Project Team, in support of a sustainable reforestation and land restoration initiative in Sitio Sicao, Barangay Tamayong, Davao City.

The ceremonial turnover was attended by key officials from SMB-Davao, including Engineering Manager Engr. Kenn Evangelio, Plant Manager Mr. Wigbert Blardony, and Business and Communications Manager Mrs. Meggy-Macion Santos. Representing the LBF–Sicao Project Team were Mr. Michael Martin, Forest Protection and Sustainable Reforestation Officer, and Mr. Wowie Ernie Sicao, Local Community Organizer.

The narra seedlings, a premium native tree species recognized for its ecological importance and long-term economic value, will be utilized for scheduled tree planting activities next month as part of ongoing efforts to rehabilitate degraded and vulnerable landscapes in Sitio Sicao. Complementing this, the dewatered sludge—a treated and repurposed by-product of SMB-Davao’s operations—will be used as a soil amendment to enhance nutrient availability and improve the growth performance of bagged seedlings in the Sitio Sicao community nursery.

Following the turnover, both the seedlings and soil enhancers were transported directly to Sitio Sicao to allow sufficient time for recovery, acclimatization, and nursery preparation ahead of the planting schedule.

The LBF–Sicao Project Team noted that the donation will significantly strengthen community-based reforestation efforts by improving seedling survival rates and promoting sustainable land management practices. The initiative likewise supports broader objectives on forest protection, watershed rehabilitation, and climate resilience, particularly in the upland communities of Davao City.

For SMB-Davao, the initiative forms part of its environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility programs, underscoring the company’s commitment to responsible resource management and meaningful engagement with local communities and environmental partners.

Both parties expressed optimism that the collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term partnership, highlighting how public–private cooperation can play a vital role in advancing sustainable reforestation and ecological restoration efforts at the grassroots level.