No road is too difficult when communities are at the heart of the mission. Aboitiz Foundation and its partners navigate challenging terrain to reach people’s organizations in Cebu, bringing CarbonPH’s forest restoration program, training, and resources directly to the communities leading long-term environmental stewardship.
Aboitiz Foundation is expanding its partnerships with people’s organizations across Cebu to strengthen community-led forest restoration under CarbonPH, its flagship nature-based climate solutions initiative.
Working alongside local government units in Danao City and Balamban, the Foundation is equipping farmers, fisherfolk, and community leaders with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to restore forest landscapes while supporting sustainable livelihoods.
In Danao City, more than 80 members from 14 people’s organizations participated in an agroforestry training program conducted in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the City Agriculture Office. Experts from Cebu Technological University–Argao led classroom discussions and hands-on demonstrations on native tree propagation, fruit tree production, and sustainable land-use planning, helping participants strengthen practical skills in environmental restoration and climate-resilient agriculture.
Aboitiz Foundation also turned over nursery materials to the Danao City local government for use by people’s organizations in establishing community nurseries and supporting upcoming tree-growing activities.
In neighboring Balamban, the Foundation turned over nursery equipment to farmers and fisherfolk to bolster community-managed tree nursery operations. The equipment will support the production of seeds and seedlings for reforestation, watershed protection, and other environmental conservation initiatives under CarbonPH.
These initiatives reflect Aboitiz Foundation’s long-term approach to forest restoration—one that recognizes organized communities as the driving force behind lasting environmental stewardship and climate resilience.
“Restoring our forests for the long term starts with strong communities. Through CarbonPH, we are investing in the capabilities of Cebuanos to lead conservation efforts that deliver lasting impact,” said Aboitiz Foundation President Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar.
CarbonPH is Aboitiz Foundation’s flagship forest restoration and nature-based climate solutions initiative. It is a 40-year commitment to restore and protect 71,000 hectares of forest landscape across 10 local government units in Cebu, with an initial 2,000-hectare pilot area in Balamban and Danao. The program aims to plant and nurture 10 million trees while strengthening climate resilience through long-term stewardship.
Balamban Mayor Amos Edwin Cabahug said the partnership reinforces the municipality’s commitment to protecting its natural resources while creating opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, and local communities to take an active role in conservation.
“This project is a result of the strong partnership between the Aboitiz Foundation and the LGU of Balamban. Together, we remain committed to strengthening environmental protection programs while creating meaningful opportunities for our farmers, fisherfolk, and the entire community to take an active role in preserving our natural resources,” he said.
