Kapwa Upliftment Foundation, Incorporated

Telephone and Fax: (++63-89) 296-0106

Vision Statement

Kapwa is a social development organization committed to the creation of a just and humane society living in harmony with its environment.

• where every person meets human needs and is able to actualize potentials;
• where human rights, freedom and gender equality are respected;
• where access and benefits from the use of national wealth and natural resources are equitably distributed;
• where economic growth is balanced with concern for enabling future generations to meet their need as well; and
• where people are empowered to meaningfully participate in deciding about programs and services affecting them.

Mission Statement

We believe that as an organization working to improve the quality of life of marginalized communities our most valuable services are in:

1. the building of self-reliant peoples' organization;
2. the provision of education and technical assistance in conservation, rehabilitation and wise utilization of natural resources;
3. promotion of partnerships between government, peoples organizations and non-government organizations;
4. advocating policy change for people centered participatory development;
5. improving access to basic social service; and
6. facilitating the research and exchange of information resources and experiences among development workers.

History

Kapwa Upliftment Foundation Inc. was founded in 1979 by Fr. Emeterio J. Barcelon, S. J. as an entity to nurture service to others based on the teachings of the late Fr. Pedro Aruppe, S. J. then Jesuit Father General.

From 1979 to 1985 it implemented social service programs that assisted students, out-of-school youth, and the urban poor. In 1986 it started its first comprehensive upland development program in Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City.

From 1985 to 1993, Kapwa expanded projects to include Saloy, Calinan district Davao City, Sinuda, Tawas and Lorega of Kitaotao District, Bukidnon, Calamocan, Cabinuangan, New Bataan and Malalag, Davao del Sur.

Since 1994, Kapwa has implemented environmental advocacy projects working with local governments, church groups, students and local communities.

Its projects assist local communities and multistakeholder groups to access tenure and technology to address the twin problems of poverty and environmental degradation.

In 1994, it also started to consolidate its more than a decade of development work and established the Agroforestry Resource Center. The center is a training and agroforestry farm resource center showcasing sustainable livelihood strategies that enhance biodiversity conservation and promote sustainable agriculture.

Programs

1. Community Organizing and Institution Building

Kapwa assists communities to become involved with local and national plans and programs to be able to meaningfully participate in their own development.

2. Agroforesty and Sustainable Agriculture

Kapwa advocates agricultural systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, socially just and equitable, culturally sensitive, based on wholistic science and founded in the use of appropriate technologies.

3. Forest Tenure and Policy Dialogue

Kapwa assists upland communities to access longterm use rights through active dialogue with local governments and national agencies. Kapwa also participates in the design, implementation and critique of various upland programs in order to harmonize protection and production functions of forests.

4. Forest Conservation and Restoration

Kapwa pioneers restoration designs of degraded forestlands through comprehensive site planning with multistakeholders.

5. Marketing and Post-harvesting Assistance

Kapwa assists local communities to access assistance for the establishment of marketing operations, post-harvest facilities water systems and basic services.

6. Integration of Gender in Resource Management

Kapwa promotes the integration of gender concerns in all its programs. It ensures women's participation by addressing constraints.

7. NGO-PO Upland Exchange

Kapwa encourages other NGOs and POs to adopt agroforestry technologies by providing opportunities to visit other farmers who have successfully implemented these.

8. Networking

Kapwa is affiliated with multi-sectoral bodies that share a concern for ensuring that our present lifestyles do not compromise the ability of future generation to have a humane existence.

Affiliations

Kapwa is a member of several NGO networks:

• Philippine Watershed Management Coalition
• Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas
• Upland NGO Assistance Committee
• The Philippine Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
• Mindanao Coalition of Development NGOs
• Mindanao Environment Forum

In addition Kapwa is accredited with several local governments and has been a member of the Regional Development Council XI since 1992.