Livelihood

Indeed, the concept of ‘charity’ has, in the 21st century global village, become obsolete. It warms our hearts to see that the farmers’ associations organized earlier to help in the protection and preservation of watersheds have now become community stalwarts involved not only in environmental concerns but also in sustaining the barangay economy.

To further advance the creation of wealth and sustainable growth, EDC cultivates entrepreneurial energies through the propagation of community organizations, various environment-friendly livelihood development programs, skills training, leadership culture and individual enhancement seminars.

Partnerships for Livelihood Projects:

• The Tongonan Farmers’ Association (TOFA) emerged out of the social forestry project. It has been regarded as the model rural organization shortly after its founding in 1991. The association owns exclusively all harvests from the plantation of rattan, abaca, banana, black pepper and recently from the produce of aquaculture within the association’s farm land. Under TOFA are several projects including the TOFA Women’s League (TWL) and the TOFA Youth Organization (TYO).
• The Manobos of Mt. Apo are partners in the Cutflower Production and the Agco Mahomanoy Resort in Kidapawan, North Cotabato. The Resort, build in cooperation with the city government of Kidapawan and World bank earned P 832,988 in its first year of operation.