October 2005

cont’d page 8 Where are are (Where is a collaborative The Task Force works Task The , NTFP-TF PECIALIST S The next step was chaotic but the merriest part but the merriest of chaotic was step The next training - hands-on dyeing! We were divided into groups groups into divided were We training - hands-on dyeing! extract going to were the colors to that we according the violet I chose and violet). black, brown red, (yellow, pound ginger. to that I didn’t want the reason for team - boiling in a cooking competition were we like It was we was - the difference and simmering our materials natural way natural EVELOPMENT D Philippine Non-Timber Forest Products – Task Force (NTFP–TF) Task Forest Products – Philippine Non-Timber weaving weaving NTERPRISE , E pandan (foreground). AMAYO sibukao C. T C. for red and violet and violet red for

OHN J sapang Y “Nasaan na kayo? Magsisimula na kami.” na kayo? “Nasaan Ruth, from a text 9:30am when I received B

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NTFP staff and partners busy in various dye NTFP Dyeing the Dyeing WAS

leaves for black. for leaves T She was referring to our scheduled training on natural dye application, conceived application, conceived training on natural dye our scheduled to start.) about to referring She was we’re you? on “katutubong kulay” during our discussions with partners in a research and experiences on natural dye preparation activities: weighing abaca, weighing yellow ginger (on scale) and I The presentation of the topics was not not was The presentation of the topics The participants of the training were partnersThe participants of the training of the were Also, I was immersed into this subject through Boni immersed through Also, I was this subject into network of NGOs and Peoples Organizations (POs) working with local communities on developing their NTFP-based livelihoods. network of NGOs and Peoples Organizations (POs) working with local communities on developing empowerment. development in the context of sustainable forest management and community on NTFP (NBTA) is a semi-annual newsletter of the is a Alone (NBTA) Not By Timber (imagine one dye source can produce two colors, two can produce source (imagine one dye orange, yellow seeds for that’s magic!), annatto and brown, for mahogany yellow, ginger for talisay hard like chewing theoretical and conceptual and conceptual theoretical chewing like hard a science lab like more It was frameworks. to chemicals figures, discussion presenting benign and be used (oops! It is chemically claimed). The the speaker environment-friendly, trees, from are sources natural dye different and seeds. The colors depend on extracted leaves sibukao the source: NTFP-TF coming from different parts different of the country. coming from NTFP-TF the discussions I came into late, Although I was processes. on the scouring and bleaching activities Sanchez of BIND, our partner in Negros, where I am where of BIND, our partnerSanchez in Negros, research I had done any asking me if assigned. He kept the by be adopted it could and how on natural dyes particularly in community in Negros, (indigenous colors). 2 Oct 2005

ANCESTRAL DOMAIN PLANS FOR LIVELIHOOD AND FOREST MANAGEMENT KaPLANO para sa Kabuhayan at Kagubatan

BY RENAND MARASIGAN, MANGYAN MISSION

N SEPTEMBER 14, 2005, a dialogue between Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Mangyan Alangan (SANAMA), the tribal organization of Alangan Mangyan and Kapyan Agpaysarigan Mangyan Tadyawan, Inc. (KAMTI), the tribal organization of OTadyawan Mangyan with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) was held in Calapan City. The activity was organized by the the seven Mangyan tribes in Oriental covered 208,000 which is almost half Mangyan Mission and Kapulungan Mindoro, Mangyan Tribal Churches of the total land area of the Province of Para sa Lupaing Ninuno (KPLN) in Association (MTCA) and Overseas Oriental Mindoro. This motivates the cooperation with Non-Timber Forest Missionary Fellowship (OMF). Mangyans to responsibly manage the Product-Exchange Program (NTFP-EP). natural resources within their ancestral This main objective of this activity The KAPLANO domains. was to present the ancestral domain The major part of the one-day activity management plan of the Mangyans was the discussion of the KAPLANO The DENR and NCIP policies which they called “Kaunlarang Angkop of Mangyan Alangan and Tadyawan. Fe Cortez discussed the policy Para sa Lupaing Ninuno” (KAPLANO), Presented were the history and guidelines of Ancestral Domain thus recognizing it as a strategy for objectives of KAPLANO, highlighted Management Plan (ADMP) which is the management and utilization of the formulation process of KAPLANO required after the tribe has received natural resources within their ancestral which started in 1998 after receiving the Certificate of Ancestral Domain domains. Furthermore, the Mangyans the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC). She commented expected that a Memorandum of Claims (CADCs) from DENR. that KAPLANO was properly done Agreement between the DENR, NCIP KAPLANO is a comprehensive and however it was not discussed with and SANAMA/KAMTI will be signed. long-range plan for ancestral domain DENR due to the passage of IPRA. The activity was attended by PENRO and the natural resources within. For Moreover, PENRO dela Cruz said Juan dela Cruz, Fe Cortez-CADC the Mangyans, their ancestral domain that KAPLANO contained varied DENR Officer, Pablo Santos-Forest is their life because it is the source of approaches to protect the natural Management Bureau, Joey Austria and their strength, livelihood and culture. resources but lacks clear plan on its Silvestre Soriano of DENR-Central The Mangyans recognize that their utilization. Comm. Lagtum Pasag Office, Commissioner Lagtum Pasag right over their ancestral domains explained the tasks and responsibilities –NCIP Commissioner, Karen Ignacio- entails responsibility. Development of NCIP towards the indigenous NCIP Provincial Officer, Romeo for the Mangyans should be rooted peoples. In line with the management Morente-CDO III/NCIP, Fr. Ewald to their culture and respects the of the ancestral domain, Comm. Pasag H. Dinter, SVD-Mangyan Mission sacredness of nature. The ancestral briefly explained the Ancestral Domain Director and representatives from domains claimed by the Mangyans Sustainable Development Protection Oct 2005 3

Plan (ADSDPP). He acknowledged land, but processed it and marketed for this license and it was not given the tedious process that the Mangyans the products. There was a high level of to them. Moreover, they expressed underwent in formulating KAPLANO. coordination between them and the their disappointments on the injustice Joey Austria stated that the basis in DENR because it was the Secretary that happened. Joey Austria asked a the formulation of ADSDPP is the of the Department who signed the formal complain from the legitimate ADMP and he wished that ADSDPP agreement. SANAMA leaders regarding this matter will not be an additional burden to the and promised that he will look into the Mangyans. He also mentioned the need Issues and problems raised possibility of suspending its operation. to strengthen the coordination between Mangyan Alangan leader from As a quick response, the SANAMA the DENR and NCIP towards the Kisluyan, Villa Cerveza Victoria, leaders present made and submitted harmonization of its policies regarding Oriental Mindoro, a part of the the letter asked by Mr. Austria hoping the management of for a positive result. natural resources within the ancestral domains of Results of the dialogue Mangyans through the The dialogue identified the formation of a Technical urgent need to organize Working Group (TWG) the Technical Working in the province. Group (TWG) compose by the DENR and NCIP in Sharing of the Province of Oriental experiences of Mindoro. The thorough Palawa’n and Ikalahan review of KAPLANO Tribes will be tackled in the first Another significant event meeting of TWG. This will that day was the sharing also include the discussion of two representatives of the agreement on the from NATRIPAL on management and utilization their experiences on the of natural resources within management and utilization of natural ancestral domain of Mangyan Alangan ancestral domain made by SANAMA resources in Palawan. Mr. Bungcas disclosed the application for rattan and KAMTI which were presented of Nagtagbo shared about their good cutting permit of Samahang Apo Diya sa during the dialogue. relationship with the PENRO and Kisluyan (SADAKI). This organization There is still a need for SANAMA CENRO. According to him, the was formed with the support from and KAMTI to improve the part of inventory of natural resources was not non-Mangyans who have personal KAPLANO related to the utilization a problem for them. The CENRO was interest to control the vines and rattan of natural resources. They also need to very supportive in their preparation in the said area. The representatives provide map that shows the land uses for the affirmation of their ancestral from SANAMA strongly expressed and the location of allowable natural domain management plan. DENR opposition against the application resources. They have to prepare these did not ask any amount from them of SADAKI. The application is in in time for the first meeting of TWG. when they asked for their participation central office of NCIP and was given The activity provided an opportunity in the resource inventory. This was a certification from Director Ulysses for the Mangyans and the tribes of different from the experience of Britto of NCIP that the area applied for Palawan, to share their own strategy on Mangyan Alangan about their problem is not a part of the Alangan ancestral the management of ancestral domain on inventory of natural resources, a domain. Because of this, SANAMA has and how the government supported requirement for the renewal of rattan filed a complaint against Dir. Britto their plans. cutting permit. A big amount was to the NCIP-Central Office through As a whole, this activity heightens the asked by the DENR but was not given Comm. Pasag. Joey Austria and Com consciousness of organizations present by SANAMA. This is the main reason Lagtum promised that they will hold (GOs, NGOs and POs) regarding the why DENR did not grant the renewal the approval of this application. interacting policies in the management of rattan cutting permit to SANAMA. On the other hand, Pablo Santos of natural resources. For the Mangyans, Pastor Delbert Rice of Kalahan said that a rattan cutting permit was they have realized that DENR has the Educational Foundation shared his already issued to SANAMA. There regulatory functions over the country’s experience in Nueva Viscaya. He was a great discussion regarding this natural resources. For the DENR claimed that the Ikalahan defended matter because the license mentioned and NCIP, they have to recognize their rights to their ancestral domain was given to another group supported KAPLANO as a congruent of ADSDPP against government officials and by non- Mangyan businessmen. A or ADMP. They need to respect the politicians. They are not marketing leader of SANAMA expressed that “prior rights” of the Mangyans over raw resources from their ancestral for a long time they were applying their ancestral domains. nbta 4 Oct 2005 Legal harvests as illegal BY BENEDICTO SANCHEZ, BIND

HEY CONSIDER LEGAL harvests as of non-timber forest products) was one of the main accused persons in illegal.” So emailed Ma Theresa The harvesters are Bagong Silang Mar- authority on the illegal logging hotspot TBrunia in frustration. She works celo Katilingban sang Sustenidong Man- in Negros Occidental. Her arraign- as forester for the Broad Initiatives for gunguma (BSMKSM), the first people’s ment, together with her husband, Negros Development (BIND). Brunia organization granted the Community- Nehemias was recently terminated bewailed the confiscation of legally- Based Forest Management Agreement after Justice Secretary Raúl Gonzalez harvested rattan poles. This happened in Region VI. dismissed the charges of illegal logging despite the by-the-book process of After over a year’s delay, BSMKSM against them and their eight co-ac- harvesting forest resources and without in the presence of DENR and BIND cused. under-the-table deals. began harvesting on September 20 The confiscation was her way of hit- After working so hard on survey and 21 and started processing the 87 ting back at BIND for supporting a case mapping, inventory, writing the poles harvested raw materials into against her. Gonzales’s dismissal of the finished products case for “insufficiency of evidence” are like baskets and suspect in itself since previous DOJ sec- trays which will retaries from Hernani Perez, Merceditas be exhibited at Gutierrez to Simeon Datumanong, and Gateway Cubao in Senior State Prosecutor Jocencito Zuño November and, in and two state prosecutors had reviewed partnership with the de la Cruz case since 2002 and all the TF-NTFP, for agreed that there was probable cause. possible export to The judicial process had started. Justice Europe next year. demands that the accused should have With funding their day in court. assistance from the De la Cruz’s official excuse for the Netherlands Com- rattan confiscation was that the process mittee for the In- didn’t pass through her office. Besides, ternational Union she denied that her office received the for the Conserva- necessary documents which DENR tion of Nature and Region VI sent her. Most likely the Swiss Inter- under instruction from the town hall, church Aid, BIND BSMKSM member and Bagong Silang Food Security and Barangay Captain Clemente Bacordo Checking rattan harvests (from left: BIND’s Theresa Brunia, DENR Forest Conserva- himself confiscated the rattan poles. A CBFMO’s Caroline Afable; BSMKSM members Jinalyn and Florinda Magno, HEKS Philippine Coordinator Barbara Salazar) tion programs are surprise move, since he attended the aimed to assist meeting discussing the harvest plan. environmental impact statement, and marginalized forest-dependent com- It wasn’t just Bacordo who flip- getting the necessary permits from Sec. munities shift from subsistence into a flopped, however. Reversing himself, Michael Defensor himself, the joint sustainable and environment-friendly Defensor stopped the rattan cutting efforts of BIND with the local PO and market-based economy. upon the request of de la Cruz to Sec. DENR, and the 303rd IB paid off. In real terms, this means assisting Defensor. OIC CENRO Joan Geranga- The PO harvested 87 rattan poles on them with value-adding livelihoods ya informed BIND Executive Director September 20-21, 2005. based, on among other things, non- Eva de la Merced to relay to BSMKSM In his Memorandum from the timber forest resources like pandan, to halt the harvests. Secretary signed on March 21, 2005, reeds and rattan as major alternatives Unless the DENR reverses itself and Defensor recognized the need to ensure to timber utilization. The aim is to asserts its mandate to manage the coun- the continuous supply of non-tim- strike a balance between the economic try’s patrimony and natural resources, ber forest products for various forest needs of tenured communities through the inescapable conclusion, the moral based communities and industries and sustainable resource utilization, and of the flip-flops would be to poach. authorized the “harvesting, gathering, forest conservation, especially of its No hassles, no big overhead costs. No disposition, utilization of non-timber dipterocarps. paperwork to tackle, and the paper not forest products (NTFP) by existing used for documentation might just as permittees (to) continue to be allowed Axe to grind well save the trees. under existing regulations.” (Clarifica- Salvador Benedicto Mayor Cynthia de True, illegal will be illegal. But not tion on the harvesting and utilization la Cruz ordered the confiscation. She legal as illegal. nbta Savoring the Taste(s) of Honey Oct 2005 5

BY ARLAN M. SANTOS, NTFP-TF

URING THE LAST honey-harvesting season in Palawan, it was very interesting to see the different honey varieties produced by the bee Dspecies of Apis dorsata, locally known as pukyutan. The honey sold to NATRIPAL (United Tribes of Palawan) by the communities has a wide range of colors, smells, and tastes. The honey colors vary contrastingly from golden light yellow to shades of dark brown. Its acquired sweet aroma and bouquet enhance honey’s distinctive taste - from lightly sweet, too sweet, bittersweet, flowery to subtly fruity. Honey’s unique characteristics are much influenced by the diversity of pollens and flowers in the forest that the bees had painstakingly collected. Below, the stimulating honey flavors and qualities harvested by the different communities: wwSagpangan, Aborlan - golden yellow - high traces of pollen - tastes distinctly sweet with flowery taste wwBarake, Aborlan - slightly dark golden yellow - distinct pollen - sweet bouquet smell - sweet flowery taste wwIrawan, Puerto Princesa - dark golden yellow - distinct pollen - sweet bouquet smell - lightly sweet wwAramaywan, Quezon - dark golden brown - sweet bouquet smell - distinct bitterness with subtle sweetness wwMunicipality of Narra - very dark brown to almost black - sweet, fruity taste with slight bitterness nbta

warmly accepted and I have gained another group of minority Mangyans. Bookkeeping for new friends. They actively participated They understood the training tackling in the discussion and although it basic bookkeeping, ledgers and communities was new knowledge for them, they financial statements, and I think that easily understood the concepts - how they can easily adopt these methods BY SHARON M. PADILLA, NTFP-TF to analyze transactions, how to enter in a short period of time. Again they in book accounts, in journal books, welcomed me into their community T WAS A GREAT opportunity ledgers and the simple ways of reading and I saw how they make the different when I entered the world of and making financial statements. They products that they market. I NTFP-TF’s partners, trying to found the training very useful and the Lastly, I went to Palawan last help communities gain a better positive and the feedback from them September 22-23 to visit Natripal and understanding of bookkeeping in was overwhelming. They bade farewell other communities. I was pleasantly relation to their own livelihood in a small program - Sinda, one of the surprised with the smooth sailing activities. weavers, presented a dance, some gave discussion because unlike the other When I learned that I was to give a a speech and they were very thankful communities where I needed to start training to different communities, it to NTFP for the new learning. It was from scratch, here they are quite posed a big challenge for me. It was a very emotional day for me as some knowledgeable in finance, have systems also a bit scary because field work is of them cried like we had known each in place, and books to support their something new to me, quite unlike my other for so long that it was hard to financial matters. What I did was to previous job which is mostly desk work. leave. But I know that there will be update and check if all the entries in But I was excited to do it because it is other times for me to go back and visit. the book were organized and properly my first time to board a plane, ride a I next went to Bait Mansalay, entered, and gave them some tips or ferry, and the ever-famous habal-habal Mindoro, last September 1-2, to guides with ledgers and bookkeeping. (motorcycle) . . . it’s like I also observed that doing a reality adventure most of them are show. professionals or have I first visited our partner some background in LASSIWAI in Lake Sebu finance. in Mindanao last July I do believe that it 27-28. It was my first time does not end there to interact with people in the training. We that I only knew from need to continuously books and magazines. follow-up and update I mistakenly thought them with new that it would be difficult methods. nbta for me to communicate with them but I was 6 Oct 2005

REFLECTION ON RITUAL The Dumalongdong of Datu Palasambag BY GENEVIEVE LABADAN, ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST, NTFP-TF

HE DUMALONGDONG in Kiudto, Mindanao Higaonon Cumadon for Higaonon wine or sinibog were placed Barangay Hagpa, Impasug-ong, the cultural conservation, peace and in plastic containers instead of the TBukidnon was convened on development. traditional ancient jars. The host of August 17-20, 2005 after months of the dumalongdong usually provides these preparation and planning. Higaonon Dumalongdong of Datu Palasambag clay jars. tribal leaders and families from Datu Palasambag did not say much different municipalities of Bukidnon, when he sat on the bangkaso to pass Reflections Agusan del Sur and Misamis Oriental on to the present tribal leaders the This is the first dumalongdong I have attended the big Higaonon gathering. traditional guidelines in directing attended in the eight years that I have Traditionally, a dumalongdong is tribal matters. According to Amay worked with the Higaonon of Impasug- convened to strengthen peace pacts and Mantangkilan, it must be because the ong. I was surprised and disappointed put an end to conflicts between tribal supreme datu is already very old and by how the LGU actively asserted groups. could not speak for how long. It was itself in facilitating the whole process said that the Kiudto dumalongdong was of the gathering. Although I was also Updating of Datus the fourth one and probably the last a bit thankful by this intervention The tribal leaders gave updates on held under the datuship of Palasambag. because it gave direction to the ongoing their present situations. Issues that Before the dumalongdong was discussions given the time constraints arose were self-governance, boundary, actually held, words about who the and helped in formulating visions tribal justice, dang-el, lidu, Higaonon next would be supreme datu was passed and concrete plans at the end of the education, logging and mining. around. However, no one was na-dang- convention. The whole process of Dumalongdong elan to become the next supreme datu The Higaonon were complaining was facilitated and given direction by of Upper Pulangi. Datu Palasambag’s to each other about the dilution of LGU-Impasug-ong through Hon. Paul three sons secured embellished red datuship because of dumagat who are Paraguya. After the updating, Paraguya turbans from the bangkaso and put mostly government officials anointed gave a synthesis based on the reports of it on their heads. The three sons and given the honor of a datu’s name. the tribal leaders. are - Datu Mansaguinod (anointed And yet they did not notice that in Datu by his father years ago but said front of them was a dumagat Councilor One Vision to have abolished his rights as datu of Impasugong who was given a After an exhausting discussion on when he joined the military), Datu datu’s honor through a pog-dang-el. the present conditions of Higaonon Mandedlayen (present ABC president The Higaonon are also complaining communities in different provinces, of Impasug-ong) and Jonie Nanulan about their rights to self-governance the tribal leaders agreed to organize (official representative of Agtulawon and tribal justice being challenged by themselves and call it Mindanaw ancestral domain). Prior to the the prevailing mainstream structure Higaonon Cumadon (MIHICU). They dumalongdong, there was this talk that of leadership and authority. And yet, also agreed to have the following as it would be Jonie Nanulan who will they did not complain when LGU- their common vision: be anointed as the next datu. But no Impasugong intervened into their 1) Sustain Higaonon culture and work one was specifically anointed by Datu dumalongdong from beginning to end. for lasting peace and development in Palasambag to be the next supreme If the Higaonon leaders were serious the areas of livelihood, governance and datu during the said dumalongdong. about these issues, they would have traditions; Tribal leaders especially the asserted themselves... but on a second 2) Unite and strengthen the traditional ones could be heard saying thought, maybe this is how weak, Higaonon of Mindanao (8 talugan, (or complaining?) that the Kiudto wavering and powerless they are. Or namely: Agusan, Gingoog, Balatukan, Dumalongdong was “hadi’g ka-iling gabi maybe, that was their way of telling the Kabulig, Cagayan de Oro, Pulangi, anay,”meaning, no longer the same just non-Higaonon to leave them alone but Tagoloan and Lanao); like the old times. Some participants insensitivity received their laments. As for Higaonon from Impasug-ong from Agusan refused to sign in the I doubted if the idea of the Tribal City municipality, there was a discussion registry for the reason that it is not in came collectively from the Higaonon of this vision to create the said their tradition to register and be given people of Impasug-ong or at least municipality into a Tribal City. This name tags during a Dumalongdong. from most of the tribal leaders of this is to make distinct Impasug-ong as a The bangkaso, said to be the symbol municipality. I doubted it even more if Higaonon-dominated municipality. of Higaonon life and structure, was a the Higaonon people understood the wooden piece in the center decorated rationale and purposes of Impasugong Kiudto Declaration with kamuyot, bolos, bronze bracelets, becoming a tribal city. The Higaonon came up with a woven banig, candles and betel nuts. Nothing new was written in the declaration that stated the unity It was deprived of the ancient clay Kiudto Declaration. Sustaining of eight Higaonon territories from jars symbolizing Higaonon treasures Higaonon Culture. Lasting Peace. different provincess through the that are usually arrayed around it. The Development. All these have been the Oct 2005 7 cry of the Higaonon since I first came the datu name even if they are not I highlighted their vision to attain to work for them. By this time, they Higaonon by blood and have not development. I emphasized the need should be assessing where they are and measured to what a true datu should to have sustainable livelihood that what they have become. Like, I first be. Years later, more and more local does not threaten the environment, came to know about peace instability officials I know were still accorded the encouraging them to pursue livelihoods in Sinakungan, Agusan del Sur way datu name. that develops NTFPs. The Higaonon back in 1994. Eleven years later, the In the area of development, they are audience brightened when I affirmed people from this place report that their gearing towards it albeit slowly. Many of their artistic abilities and unique situation is not any better. I know that their children and young people have IKSP that, if given the chance, has there had been interventions towards been attending school and becoming the capacity to make it in the world- forging peace in this area in the professional teachers, health workers, class market while sustaining and previous years. LGU-Impasugong and farm technicians and development not compromising their resource the Diocese of Malaybalay even went workers. And most of them are going base. This, I told them, plus the raw to Agusan del Sur and facilitated peace back to their communities – this is materials that are naturally abundant meetings as an attempt to put a stop not only observed in Mintapod but in their surroundings are the to Manpatilan and Lidanhug clan lidu also among the Agusanon. A good ingredients to a sustainable livelihood. that spelled deaths and destruction of number of NGOs nowadays are giving I encouraged them not to be anxious homes to many. out livelihood assistance and assisting about learning new skills and concepts Again, the issues related to communities within the framework of if only to better equip them and preservation of culture challenging sustainable development. enhance their innate abilities. I ended their identity as a people have been When asked to give a solidarity my brief speech by telling them that a problem for them ever since I got statement along with the NCIP they do not need to look for answers to know them professionally. They provincial officer, KIN top officers and somewhere else when the answers may complained that people are given Diocese of Malaybalay representative, be found from within them. nbta

NTFP-TF partners joined in “A experiences of Higaonon of Mintapod fellow presenters from Nepal and Future Beneath The Trees” and support groups. Hinabol was cited Bangladesh, got good questions in terms BY PERLA ESPIEL, ANTHROWATCH as the specific example of NTFP finished of addressing gender-related issues in product. Hinabol is a cloth made from our projects and risks involved when n August 24, 2005, I, along with abaca and is culturally significant to engaging with NTFPs as perceived by OMarvin Geolina, flew to Canada to Higaonon aside from its economic community and support groups. participate in the conference entitled “A contribution. For the remaining days, we listened to Future Beneath the Trees: International We highlighted three things in the presentations from Nepal, India and the Symposium on the Non-Timber Forest presentation: the processes involved First Nations of Canada. The conference Products, Community Economic before the community engages in the culminated with a synthesis on the Development and Forest Conservation” marketing of hinabol which stressed various presentations and learnings as of the Centre for the Non-Timber the participatory and community- shared by other participants. Resources of the Royal Roads University friendly tools we used in the field when On August 28, we participated in the in Victoria, BC, Canada. The event ran working with indigenous communities; trade show amidst minor difficulties like from August 25-27 with a fair trade show putting premium on culture and running out of tables and unavailability of “Shop the Wilds” held August 28 in the environmental protection in undertaking materials. Yet we resolved that by being open fields of the University. these processes and consequently, resourceful - using beddings as ground The conference presented the incorporating these values in the overall sheets and using available items we economic potential and contribution marketing strategy; and also lessons rummaged from our bags (hair bands, to forest protection of non-timber learned from this rich experience. rubber cord of my backpack, etc). In forest products. Employing a “North- After the presentation, we, along with the end, Custom Madeand MODI crafts learns-from-South-Approach,”there were run-away winners, and buyers were was recognition that NTFPs are more amazed at the very cheap prices for prominent in the tropics and sub- “finely handcrafted products”(a statement tropics than in the North. At least 275 from one of the buyers). Some of them participants attended, representing a even asked if the makers were paid well total of 21 countries including Nepal, given the prices we set for the products. Africa, Russia, United States, India, We saw this as an opening for potential Brazil, and Alaska, among others. markets abroad and true enough, some The Non-Timber Forest Product- participants showed interest in importing Exchange Program facilitated our crafts from the Philippines. Also, the story participation in the conference and trade behind each product is the selling point, show. The NTFP-EP has been closely along with the design and functional working with AnthroWatch, which I components. am part of, and Father Vincent Cullen Overall, our experiences in participating Tulugan Development and Learning in an international conference are Center (FVCTLDC) of which Marvin useful in the continuous assessment Geolina is affiliated with. For the past and reassessment of programs three years, the three organizations and strategies as we work towards have been providing assistance to the community development and forest Higaonon of Mintapod, Bukidnon towards conservation. The conference may attaining tenurial security, formulation of have been focused on the commercial the community development plans and viability of the various NTFPs yet, there implementation of livelihood programs. was a significant realization that there We culled this collaborative experience is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution to and presented a case study on NTFP reconciling community development with use and management highlighting the forest conservation. nbta 8 Oct 2005

were cooking abaca fibers and dye extract! After almost five hours of cooking, boiling, straining, filtering, soaking and washing, we finally had our results .... vibrant red-colored abaca, vibrant yellow, strong black, dazzling brown-colored abaca and...ahh... I don’t know if it’s violet or brown or maroon! And with this, we were teasing and joking on the results of the supposed violet- colored abaca, we just said to the other groups “Violet yan, color blind lang kayo,” to everybody’s laughter. Extracting natural dye from dye yielding plants is not as difficult as we imagine. Besides, it is an age-old practice of our ancestors long before synthetic dyes were introduced to our country. It was is still used nowadays in some part of the country. It doesn’t require comprehensive Weighing sibukao, technical knowledge in chemistry, but rather, a source of a knowing its basic concepts and having a heart natural red and for dyeing the natural way. Using natural dyes violet dyes. in our crafts not only giving value addition to its quality, but also brings us back to our cultural practices. We also eliminate the harmful effects of using synthetic dyes. After almost two months, I shared the process of natural dyeing with the farmers and staff of BIND here in Negros. Using different variety of dye yielding plants here in the region, the results are the same as those in the training held at the office. The only difference is I undertake the entire process, from bleaching to dyeing. Still, I cannot perfect the violet one ... The source of natural dye (here, sibukao bark) is boiled oh well, this will be another story. For (top right), then washed and now, I will practice some more. And rinsed (right) ... yielding brightly that’s the art of natural dyeing... nbta colored abaca strands (below).

EDITORIAL BOARD Arlan M. Santos Maria Cristina S. Guerrero Nola P. Andaya

CONTRIBUTORS John C. Tamayo, NTFP-TF Renand Marasigan, Mangyan Mission Benedicto Sanchez, BIND Sharon Padilla, NTFP-TF Genevieve Labadan, NTFP-TF Perla Espiel, AnthroWatch

CONTACT DETAILS Non-Timber Forest Products - Task Force 92-A Masikap Extension, Barangay Central Diliman, Quezon City 1100, Philippines TELEFAX : 02 - 426 2757 WEBSITE : http://www.ntfp.org

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