Mahintana Foundation, Inc., recently conducted the Seminar on “Understanding Vulnerability through Hazard Maps” held on January 29, 2017 at Durian Garden, Polomolok, S.C., with participants from Barangays Aflek and Malugong, T’boli, South Cotabato. At the same time, challenges and concerns on the implementation of the FPE-funded Scale-up Reduced Pollution through Vegetation and Rehabilitation of Silway River Phase 2 project were presented and discussed.
At least 38 participants gained knowledge and understood their geographical setting through the presentation of hazard and landslide maps provided by the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) of T’boli. They were enthused to rehabilitate riverbanks in their areas by planting bamboos, forest and fruit trees for in so doing will help promote arable land area and stabilize the soil to protect them from hazardous effects of flooding and soil erosion.
Brgy. Malugong’s Indigenous People Mandated Representative, Mr. EMilio Comang and Brgy. Aflek Councilor Jimmy Kayawan sharing their experiences with the project.
Selected participants also shared their experiences during the duration of the project implementation. Brgy. Aflek Councilor, Hon. Jimmy Kayawan, and Brgy. Malugong’s Indigenous People Mandated Representative (IPMR), Mr. Emilio Comang, expressed how the project has helped beneficiaries in their respective barangays. Most of them understood that a well-protected and stable riverbank helps protect their land and crops from damage during flood and they also learned and appreciated alternative livelihood opportunities they have gained by earning extra income through planting and having continuous and sufficient supply of fresh vegetables. Furthermore, most of the beneficiaries supported and benefited from the project’s Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) activities by promoting awareness on proper waste disposal and sanitation through the construction of comfort rooms and distribution of toilet bowls.
To augment their training on Basic Life Support, the Barangay Council representatives and beneficiaries also received two first aid kits and supplies which will be endorsed at Barangay Health Centers of Brgys. Aflek and Malugong.
Overall, the project has surpassed its targets and Mahintana Foundation continues to undertake Environmental protection activities.
Beneficiaries from Brgy. Aflek and Malugong receiving two first aid kits and supplies