Across Oceans, United by Nature: Tabi Po Foundation and Aluyan Farmers Bring New Life to North Negros Natural Park

At Tabi Po Foundation, we believe that true impact knows no borders. Though we operate remotely from the U.S., our hearts—and our mission—are firmly rooted in the Philippines. Today, we are beyond thrilled to share the success of our latest collaboration with the incredible Aluyan Farmers’ Association. Together, we’ve launched a nursery for indigenous hardwood and fruit trees that will play a vital role in restoring the North Negros Natural Park and surrounding buffer area, while also providing sustainable livelihoods for the local community. 🌳✨

Collaboration Beyond Borders

The journey began with a shared vision and a simple yet powerful agreement between Tabi Po Foundation and the Aluyan Farmers. Though separated by distance, our partnership quickly grew strong through a series of meetings, discussions, and collaboration, united by a commitment to restore the land and empower the people of North Negros.

Key to this project was our very own environmental expert, Mr. Davoy Castor, whose deep knowledge and passion for conservation helped lay the groundwork. Davoy led an engaging and inspiring lecture with the Aluyan farmers, sharing vital insights on sustainable forest management, the importance of indigenous tree species, and the potential of community-driven restoration efforts. His guidance provided the foundation for what is becoming a flourishing project on the ground. 🌱

While much of our work was coordinated remotely, it’s been the hands, dedication, and hearts of the Aluyan Farmers’ Association that have truly brought this project to life. Their local expertise and commitment are the driving force behind the nursery’s development. They’ve been working tirelessly to cultivate native hardwoods like Dangula, Udling, Mondalawnon, Tuulay along with a variety of fruit trees such as Marang, Rambutan and Coffee —species that will not only rejuvenate the forest but also support their livelihoods for years to come.

A Nursery of Hope: Growing Trees, Growing Futures

This nursery is more than just a place where trees grow—it’s a symbol of hope and resilience. The indigenous hardwood and fruit trees grown here will serve two crucial purposes. First, they will restore the degraded forest lands of North Negros Natural Park, bringing back vital biodiversity and improving the health of the ecosystem. Second, they provide a long-term sustainable source of income for the Aluyan farmers, as the fruit trees will eventually bear crops that can be sold or consumed by the community.

By focusing on indigenous species, we are helping to restore not just the landscape, but also the cultural heritage tied to these trees. Many of these species have been integral to the lives of local communities for generations, and by planting them again, we are reconnecting the land with its natural and cultural roots.

A Foundation for the Future

Though Tabi Po Foundation operates from afar, we are deeply committed to the long-term success of this project and our partnership with the Aluyan Farmers. This nursery is just the beginning. Together, we are planning a series of multi-year reforestation efforts aimed at restoring large swathes of forest within the North Negros Natural Park.

What excites us most is the community-led nature of this work. By empowering the Aluyan farmers with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need, we are supporting a model of sustainable forest management that can grow and thrive for generations to come. Our role as facilitators has shown us the true power of local leadership and collaborative action. 🌍🤝

United for a Greener Future

At Tabi Po Foundation, we often say that great things happen when people come together for a shared cause. This project is proof of that. Despite the geographical distance, our partnership with the Aluyan Farmers’ Association is growing stronger by the day, united by a love for the land and a commitment to a greener, healthier planet.

We are proud of the progress made so far, but this is just the beginning of a much larger journey. Over the coming years, we will continue to support and collaborate with the Aluyan community to restore forests, regenerate ecosystems, and create sustainable livelihoods. Together, we are building a future where nature and people thrive side by side.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this project, and a special thank you to the Aluyan Farmers’ Association for their hard work, dedication, and incredible leadership on the ground. We look forward to sharing more updates as the trees grow, the forests heal, and the communities flourish.

From the U.S. to the Philippines, we are proving that distance is no obstacle when it comes to creating positive change. Let’s continue planting hope—one tree at a time. 🌿🌟