Grameen Rice-Finance
(2002) by SEKAP, Inc.

Reforestation
(1998-2002) by FCI

Sustainable Agriculture
(1998-2002) by SWCF

Rice Farmers Cooperative / Carabao Dispersal
(1998-2002) by SJP

Credit Cooperative
(2000-2002) by DLRLCDFI

Women's Handicrafts (2002) / Rice Cooperative
(1996-2001) by PBSP

Vegetable Farmers Cooperatives
(1998-2002) by AKAP

Women's Wastepickers Enterprise (2001) by JVOFI

Entrepreneurs Cooperative
(1998-2002) by MRMF-TRESP

Rice Farmers Association
(2001) by FAPBAPI

Credit Cooperative
(2002) by PMPCI

Description of the FCI project:

Paraclete Integrated Forest Development Project (PIFDP) 
To form a sustainable self-reliant people's organization, capable of developing, protecting, conserving and managing the forest and its resources towards an integrated and enduring development. To answer the need to uplift the poor socio-economic condition of the upland farmers of the area, bring back the ecological stability of the forest resources making it more productive and provide a better habitat for the diverse species of flora and fauna in the area of approximately 820 hectares of timberland.

The project activities are community organizing; technical & capacity building trainings and Information & Education Campaign; linkages and collaboration with government agencies (DENR, DTI, DA...) and Universities; reforestation and development of 420 hectares of "Production Forest" in the timberland, 196 hectares of "Protection Forest" in the watershed areas, 200 hectares of "Agro-Forest" in the agro-forestry zone.

Testimony of Artemio Maraya 

Mr. Artemio Maraya of Kinautdan, Santa Fe, Leyte is a typical upland farmer and fire wood gatherer beneficiary of the project PIFDP since 1998. He is 42 years old, didn't finish grade school, is married to Victoria Rendeza who is a plain housewife. They have 5 children. Here is what he shared about the impact of the project in his life: 

"We were very poor before the project started, earning a meager income of around 400- PHP per month from some proceeds from the farm vegetables. We could hardly send our children to school! Our house was dilapidated. I was very shy, lacking in self-confidence, insights and good foresight. I was only working for myself and my direct family. I used to cut trees illegally and indiscriminately for sale or for fire wood.

After 3 years in the project, things have changed for the better. Our income has increased to an average of 1,500- PHP per month. One of our children is already working and the rest  are now in school. Our house has been reconstructed, with the roof - composed of galvanized iron sheets - nearly complete. My outlook in life has greatly improved. I am now able to express myself in front of a group without fear or trembling, I learned to managed people with more understanding and compassion. In our organization, I now guide and facilitate in solving problems. I have acquired skills in forestry management, nursery operation, planning, monitoring and evaluation. I am very grateful to everyone who has made this project possible!"

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