On August 1, 2024, Mindanao State University at Naawan officially launched the GROW Talabaan Program Phase 2, a multi-year initiative dedicated to the sustainable conservation and integrated management of the Talabaan Watershed. Since its launch, the program has been actively engaging stakeholders, Indigenous communities, and local residents to promote environmental stewardship and build climate resilience in one of the region’s most critical ecological areas.

The Talabaan Watershed, home to diverse flora and fauna and a vital source of clean water for nearby communities, continues to face threats from unregulated timber cutting, conversion of forested areas into agricultural lands, and fragmented management practices. To address these challenges, the university, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Naawan and the MSUN Foundation for Science and Technology Development Inc., has implemented a comprehensive and collaborative management strategy under Phase 2.

A central feature of the initiative is the Naawan Talabaan Watershed Management Council, which brings together diverse stakeholders to ensure inclusive decision-making and coordinated action. The program also actively supports the Higaonon KATRIBU in developing their Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan, aligning traditional practices with modern conservation strategies. Meanwhile, sustainable livelihood programs, including agroforestry initiatives, are ongoing, providing the local community with alternative sources of income while fostering active participation in watershed protection.

MSUN faculty members serve as technical experts and resource persons, continuously guiding activities such as water quality monitoring, carbon stock assessments, and capacity-building workshops to strengthen environmental management and climate resilience. Funded by the Forest Foundation Philippines, with counterpart support from the local government, the program is set to continue until 2027, with ongoing planning workshops, stakeholder engagement, and awareness campaigns ensuring long-term impact.

By blending scientific research, community empowerment, and Indigenous knowledge, the GROW Talabaan Program Phase 2 exemplifies a model of collaborative environmental stewardship. Its ongoing activities reflect the university’s commitment to conserving biodiversity, addressing climate change, and creating sustainable opportunities for the communities that depend on the Talabaan Watershed.

For more information:

Quarter 1 Technical Report

MOA Signing with LGU Naawan and MSUN Foundation for Science and Technology Development Inc.