In the Philippines we will begin work on our cacao production project on the island of Mindanao. This project will create jobs for multiple indigenous people in that region, enabling them to earn a living and provide for their families. Our hope is that this project will help to bring economic security to the people of Mindanao, which will lead to good nutrition and health as well as educational opportunities for the local children.
Mining, deforestation, illegal logging, and slash-and-burn farming has caused the indigenous population in all parts of the Philippines to steadily decrease to the point where they number in the thousands today. The Philippines affords them no protection. In addition, the Aeta have become extremely nomadic due to social and economic strain on their culture and way of life that had previously remained unchanged for thousands of years.
BEF will provide a permanent source of income for each family in the tribe, providing nutrition, education and access to medical benefits which they are currently not receiving
Philippines can be a potential producer of cocoa. The climatic conditions and soil characteristics are conducive to growing cocoa. There is presently an increasing interest from local farmers because local and international demand for cocoa products is way beyond the production capacity of the country and world prices have been constantly favorable.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
