On the third day of the Lakbay-Aral, the CFI delegation visited the Mindoro Forest and Biodiversity Conservation Programme (MFBCP) Nursery in Pagturian, a community-managed nursery led by Indigenous Peoples with guidance from the Center for Conservation Innovations PH, Inc. Equipped with a garden area, potting house, and recovery chambers, the nursery reflects the communityโs growing leadership in environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management. The ongoing construction of a guest lobby also signaled the steady growth of this community-led initiative.
The delegation then visited the Iraya-Mangyan Village in Talipanan, Puerto Galera, which is a community supported by the Ayala Foundation. The visit offered a meaningful opportunity to better understand Iraya-Mangyan culture and traditions while also supporting local livelihoods by purchasing handwoven products made by local weavers.
The day concluded with a visit to the Rural Health Unit of Puerto Galera, where the delegation learned more about the challenges faced by local health workers in delivering essential services. Among the concerns raised were limited medical resources and medicine shortages, including those needed to support patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment.
Day 3 offered a deeper view of how community leadership, cultural preservation, and responsive healthcare remain closely intertwined in building healthier and more resilient communities.
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