Global Project: ENCA Eco-Tourism and Organic Farm Philippines

[Sherry Manning]

Greeting's to all-

 

I have really enjoyed being apart of the LSF group and hearing about all of the wonderful work each of you are involved in around the world. I am happy to share with you all today about the organization I work with in the Philippines. 

 

After serving as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines from 2006-2008, where I worked with my indigenous host family the Cosalan’s, to establish their ancestral land and organic farm, ENCA Eco-Tourism and Organic Farm, as a leading eco-tourism destination, community environmental education space and organic farming training center. We recently founded a WA State non-profit, Friends of ENCA Farm, and a Philippine non-profit Benguet Tivangdal, to support the work and programs of ENCA Farm and serve as the canopy organization to help make similar projects a reality elsewhere throughout the Philippines. 

 

Please visit our website: www.encaorganicfarm.com

 

The Story of ENCA Eco-Tourism and Organic Farm:ENCA Farm has been in the Acop and Cosalan Family since the 1800’s. It is named after Enrique and Carmen Cosalan, the third generation to operate the farm after they inherited it from their parents. Enrique and Carmen spent most of their lives tilling their farm, growing fruits, vegetables and raising animals to feed and educate their 11 children about the importance of sustainable organic farming and the history of Ibaloi Culture.

Today the farm is experiencing rejuvenation after many years of environmental destruction due to the Santo Nino Mines and illegal logging practices throughout the region. In the 1970’s not only did the Santo Nino Mines open up-stream from the farm and contaminate its irrigation source, but also the Philippine Government tried to legally take away the Cosalan’s land. After 30 years of legal battles the Philippine Supreme Court restored the Cosalan’s ancestral land in 2001. This landmark case has set great precedent for indigenous peoples’ land rights throughout the Philippines.

 

Since 2006, the farm has been open to the public as an eco-tourism space, community environmental education venue and peaceful retreat for tourists and visitors from around the world. Over 2,000 people have visited and volunteered at ENCA Farm to learn about Ibaloi Culture and organic farming practices and have enjoyed the warm and open hearts of the Cosalan Family.

 

Friends of ENCA Farm: In 2010 Friends of ENCA Farm was incorporated as a Non-Profit Organization in Washington State. Friends of ENCA Farm serves as the primary educational, advocacy, and international fundraising organization to support the work of ENCA Eco-Tourism Organic Farm in the Philippines. Through grant writing, hosting fundraising events, and partnering with organizations in the Untied States and around the world Friends of ENCA Farm continues to share the story of ENCA and form an international network of organizations, individuals and farms working to enhance the global local food movement and promote environmental sustainability. This is crucially important in Benguet Province where the majority of the countries food source is produced. ENCA Farm works directly with farmers to teach, train and re-build the local organic food movement throughout the region.

 

We recently received official incorporated status in the Philippines for Benguet Tivangdal, and are in the process of seeking our Federal 501c3 status here in the US. I would love to hear any tips and suggestions you all might have about developing a active Board for non-profits and how to engage supporters in ways beyond making a financial donation. Currently we are a 100% volunteer organization but I would love to hear any ideas about how to fundraise enough to pay salaries. Especially, when a small amount of money here can go so far in making a difference in the Philippines. 

 

We are also brainstorming creating a network of Sister Farms throughout the world, modeled after the Sister City program we would help create a forum for farmers around the world to communicate, share ideas and technologies and develop a skilled farming labor exchange program. ENCA Farm currently host Would Wide Opportunities on Organic Farm Volunteers, which work on the farm for one-two weeks in turn for free food and lodging. While this is an excellent program and brings visitors to the farm each year from all corners of the world, creating a system and network of skilled labor exchanges would be a great benefit to the farm and farmers. 

 

Here is the link to our most recent e- newsletter: 

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs072/1104524377643/archive/1107632277660.html

 

Thanks for the opportunity to share about ENCA Farm and look forward to our dialogue over the next week.

 

All the best,

Sherry 

 

Sherry Manning

Co-Founder/Director of International Fundraising

Friends of ENCA Farm

ENCA Eco-Toursim Organic Farm

www.encaorganicfarm.com

she...@encaorganicfarm.com

425-698-5808

 

 

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead