Nonprofit Forest Foundation Philippines features locally made products from its grantees in Bukidnon, Palawan, and Samar. The organization provides grants to groups and individuals that empower people to protect and conserve our forests.
Bukidon’s coffee – Kape Hu Mapayag Coffee is made of beans harvested from Mt Kitanglad. Together with Philippine Coffee Alliance, it is produced by Kitanglad Guard Volunteers, an association of volunteers from 28 villages on the foot of Mt. Kitanglad who are leading the protection of the mountain range. It’s available on Coffee -kape hu Mapayag Facebook page.
Palawan’s virgin coconut oil – Social enterprise Brooke’s Point Coco Products Producers Cooperative, in partnership with Bayan Academy, offers FDA-approved premium virgin coconut oil made through cold-press method to retain enzymes such as lauric acid and other immune-building nutrients. In addition to VCO, the cooperative, which provides livelihood to the farmers of the indigenous Pala’wan tribe, produces and manufactures other coconut-derived products that promote health. The VCO is available at Wild Bounty’s online shop.
Palawan’s honey – Nagkakaisang Tribu ng Palawan’s (NATRIPAL) honey is hand-harvested from trees in the forests of Palawan island. Together with Bayan Academy, NATRIPAL, an indigenous peoples organization federated by 63 local associations, works with indigenous communities towards the recognition of their rights, natural resource management, and establishment of sustainable livelihood enterprises by collecting wild Apis dorsata honey and producing high-quality crafts made of rattan and other forest materials. The honey is available at Wild Bounty.
Samar’s woven mats – The 34 weavers that comprise the Old San Agustin Tikog Workers Association in Basey seek to empower women through their livelihood, which aside from generating income, helps in preserving the traditional way of weaving native products.
Life Stories cards by forest advocates – Where To Next? launches the second deck of Life Stories in collaboration with Forest Foundation. It contains 63 questions that aim to reveal more about a person and their surroundings. A portion of the proceeds from the deck will fund the livelihood projects of Aeta communities in Yangil and Botolan in Zambales, and will be used to support reforestation and education efforts in the areas.
Journal by forest advocates – Forest Reflections by Cynthia Bauzon Arre, in partnership with Forest Foundation, is a planner and workbook that promotes mindfulness through nature immersion, art therapy, and writing.