SLSU-led HaBI Agta Project targets IP livelihood development program

The Agta Community in General Nakar, Quezon benefited in the Southern Luzon State University project, “HaBI Agta: HanapBuhay mula kay Inang kalikasan para sa mga Agta.”

Led by the head of the Tissue Culture Laboratory (TCL), aProf. Kathleen O. Pornobi, with project members, Assist. Prof. Jed Frank Marqueses and aProf. Winnie Camigla, the project aims to create a sustainable livelihood through the conservation of Buri for the Indigenous Peoples. Within two and a half years, the project also intends to determine the distribution and diversity status of buri in General Nakar.

During the first year of implementation, the team communicated with the weavers of Luisiana, Laguna, and Sampaloc, Quezon, and established linkages with the Tribal Center for Development (TCD) Foundation, Inc., led by Ms. Nemia F. Gareza, TCD Executive Director.

This year, from June 16 to 17, the team facilitated an event featuring lectures on the conservation of buri and the building and management of a nursery, presented by Mr. Benjamin Jose from the College of Arts and Sciences, and For. Eraldwin Dimailig from the College of Agriculture, respectively. It is followed by hands-on training in the proper cultivation of buri and the establishment of a nursery in Sentrong Paaralan ng mga Agta.

For the participants, the HaBI Agta impacts not only their livelihood but also their way of life.

“Ito pong pangyayaring ito ay isa sa pinakamalaking ambag sa aming paaralan kung saan ang mga produktong ito, pagdaan ng ilan pang panahon ay amin pong mapapakinabangan at magbibigay din po ito ng hanapbuhay sa mga tao… lalo na sa komunidad ng mga katutubo,” stated by one of the participants.

Meanwhile, for the second half of 2025, the HaBI Agta Project will conduct enhancement training on buri weaving and training on marketing strategies.