The Alcantara Foundation, in collaboration with Sarangani Energy Corporation (SEC) and Siguil Hydro Power Corporation (SHPC), recently hosted a meaningful “Kapehan” session with Indigenous Peoples (IP) elders from the communities of Barangay Nomoh and Kablacan. This gathering brought together 32 participants, including 23 IP elders, leaders, the esteemed Maasim Chieftain and other Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives (IPMR), and representatives from the Foundation and power companies.
The Kapehan session, a casual gathering over coffee, was organized as part of the Watershed Enhancement Project (WEP) to foster open dialogue and collaboration between the IP communities and project stakeholders. By engaging with IP elders, the project aims to leverage their invaluable knowledge and practices to promote sustainable environmental practices and ensure the long-term health of the watershed.
During the session, IP elders shared their wisdom on traditional and customary agricultural practices that emphasize the importance of maintaining ecological balance, planting endemic species, and utilizing indigenous knowledge to promote sustainable land use. By basing these practices on traditional knowledge, the project aims to develop sustainable and resilient agricultural practices that meet the basic needs of families, including education, and benefit both the environment and the community.
This Kapehan session is a crucial step towards crafting a Watershed Protection Plan, a vital blueprint that will guide the stakeholders’ engagement with the community and strengthen the collaboration. This underscores the importance of honoring Indigenous wisdom and integrating it into modern conservation efforts. By working together with IP communities, the Alcantara Foundation and its partners aim to create a sustainable future for the region.
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