Planting seeds of change, a forest regeneration workshop with Malaybalay City local government staff

From 3 to 5 April 2024, 12 staff from the Malaybalay City local government, mostly from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and four members from tree-growing activity partners from the National Service Training Program Office of Bukidnon State University joined a forest regeneration workshop in Bendum.

Facilitated by Pedro Walpole SJ, APC Executive Director, and Jason Menaling, APC Forest and Culture Coordinator of the Forest, Farms, and Leadership in the Margins unit, participants were introduced to the critical role of pioneer species in the Philippines as a crucial step in initiating forest regeneration. Discussions highlighted the importance of pillar and filler species in maintaining ecological balance, drawing attention to the often-overlooked complexities of these ecosystems.

The crucial role of Indigenous leadership in forest management and disaster response was acknowledged and the need for budget allocations to support community-led forest management and tree-planting initiatives. Community-led disaster mapping was also highlighted as a vital tool for the city’s resilience.

A significant concern raised was the disconnect between urban decision-makers and rural farmers and the need to understand subsistence and commercial farming practices. The participants learned about the unique features of the Pangamu catchment area in the ancestral domain of the Pulangiyēn and the broader impacts of Philippine climate patterns from the Pacific, noting how environmental changes like reduced infiltration have heightened flood risks.

The discussion extended to disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and the importance of addressing social vulnerability in DRRM planning along with the need for safe housing, comprehensive relocation strategies, and robust infrastructure, particularly drainage systems.

The workshop concluded with a call for integrated efforts from city government offices and local education institutions and a more environmentally responsible mindset among city dwellers. Promoting collaboration and greater awareness of communities in urban and rural areas contributes to more resilient and sustainable communities in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

The participants enjoyed their forest walk to the mini hydro and Pangamu, and their hands-on experience of planting saplings of various pillar tree species. They expressed a desire to return to Bendum, hopeful for the future of the seedlings planted and the lessons learned.