Shop local, women-led, and forest-safe

Shop local, women-led, and forest-safe

November 21, 2022

Purchased kamias prunes and catmon sinigang powder from Emma Ayapana who manages KUMARE, an organization that was founded in the 90’s after a typhoon hit their homes in Real, Quezon. It stands for Kilos Unlad ng Mamamayan ng Real – “Action to develop citizens of Real.” Kumare is also a term for fellow woman.

Eco bags, tablea or raw cacao tablets, and catmon sinigang mixes are just some of the ingredients and gifts made by the women leaders in the Southern Sierra Madre.
Eco bags, tablea or raw cacao tablets, and catmon sinigang mixes are just some of the ingredients and gifts made by the women leaders in the Southern Sierra Madre.

Cristy Luna, made the above eco-bag with the help of her family, featuring a rafflesia flower. She’s the president of KALIPI Infanta federation, which stands for Kalipunan ng Liping PIlipina – “Association of united Filipino women.” Kalipi is also a term for fellow group or ancestors.

Together they work with the Women Go project of the Haribon Foundtion to insure that forest management in their protected area involves women leadership. Biodiversity-friendly enterprises are just part of the work, as they are working with local government to include women. Worldwide, 85% of government agencies and ministries in charge of natural resources and the environment are still led by men (IUCN 2020).

Some of the women of KUMARE and KALIPI
From left to right: Emma Ayapana, Manager of KUMARE, Amelita Talotalo of the Haribon Foundation, Zenaida Nolledo of KALIPI, and Cristy Luna, president of KALIPA Infanta federation. Photo by Kathleen Zambas.

For more information about these products and how to get them, contact Ms. Amelita D. Talotalo at inday.talotalo@haribon.org.ph. For info about Women Go, contact Ms. Arlie Jo B. Endonila at arlie.endonila@haribon.org.ph.

Learn more about Haribon’s Women Go project here.

Filed Under: Art, Environment