Seventy-five (75) fisherfolk in Brgy. Lumaniag, Municipality of Lian will gain both income opportunities and strengthened community resilience through a three-year partnership between the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and Evasion Tropicale, Inc. (ETI).
RAFI, through its tree-growing program One to Tree (RAFI OTT), has led reforestation and environmental conservation efforts in Cebu, Davao, and Batangas, achieving an 80% average tree-growing success rate while supporting biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and compliance with government environmental standards. ETI, a premier travel agency in the Philippines, complements this work through its sustainable tourism initiatives, including carbon reduction, waste management, community support, and bamboo planting.
Through this partnership, both organizations bring together expertise, resources, and shared advocacy to expand the impact of mangrove rehabilitation. The collaboration strengthens biodiversity, supports coastal protection, and empowers local communities, demonstrating a shared commitment to climate action and inclusive development.
“RAFI, as an Architect of Change, connects stakeholders, like-minded organizations, and communities to create meaningful impact. We recognize that each partner brings valuable resources, and we are grateful to ETI for joining us in this shared mission. This partnership enables us to link environmental protection with tangible community benefits. By investing in these communities, we are also investing in the livelihoods and long-term sustainability of 75 fisherfolk families in Lian,” said Miraflor Enecio, Executive Director, South Portfolio of RAFI.
The initiative focuses on linking mangrove rehabilitation with direct community benefits. Partner fisherfolk in Batangas from the Lian Fisherfolk Association and the Samahan ng Mandaragat sa Sulok Fisherfolks Association will undergo training in nursery establishment, seedling production, site preparation, plantation design, and maintenance. These efforts will strengthen their capacity to manage coastal resources and sustain conservation work overtime.
The project also creates immediate income opportunities. Participants will gain financial benefits through additional incentives tied to their active involvement in seedling production, site preparation, planting, maintenance, and monitoring activities. In total, 2,000 mangrove seedlings will be planted and nurtured to rehabilitate an existing mangrove area, improving coastal protection and supporting marine biodiversity. With Brgy. Lumaniag having an established Marine Protected Area, the additional seedlings will further help protect and preserve this vital ecosystem.
“We are happy to be working with RAFI One to Tree on this project. As a company focused on sustainable tourism, we want to showcase the Philippines while giving back to communities. We are committed to ensuring that the environment is protected, and we are proud to be part of this initiative as partners for impact,” said Kevin Labbẻ, shareholder of ETI, during the ceremonial signing.
By combining technical expertise, funding, and community participation, RAFI and ETI are ensuring that environmental protection efforts result in measurable gains for local fisherfolk.
As the partnership moves forward, it highlights a simple but powerful truth: when organizations work together with communities, environmental protection can create real opportunities, strengthen livelihoods, and build a more resilient future for all.
You can also make a difference! Join RAFI One to Tree as a partner for impact. Together, we can grow mangroves, protect coastlines, empower fisherfolk families, and shape a more sustainable future for generations to come.
