Since the middle of 2017 to 2018, DISOP Philippines embarked on a small grants funding that focused on tree plantation using indigenous trees species for purposes of preserving the mother trees and improving the biodiversity in the area. Along with this, we also promote agro-ecological activities integrating it into the farming systems of the members of the associations. DISOP Philippines implemented the project in partnership with BOSIS Family Rural Farm School in Barangay San Isidro, Paranas, Samar. BOSIS stands for Basaranan nga Organisasyon han San Isidro, a people’s organization and bearer of a CBFMA (Community-Based Forest Management Agreement), a tenurial instrument awarded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the organization which provides tenurial security and incentives to develop, utilize and manage specific portions of the forest. The project helped BOSIS establish a 12-hectare Patsaragon (Syzygium crassibracteatum) tree plantation in the CBFM area.
Aside from the tree planting, the project conducted training activities both for technical skills enhancement and organizational management. BOSIS Family Rural Farm School (BFRFS) was accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute and registered by TESDA to teach certificate courses for Organic Agriculture Production NC-II. In 2018, BOSIS FRFS was able to attract 181 student-enrollees which is more than what they expected for the year. One hundred seventy-nine students had passed and obtained a TESDA National Certificate-II on Organic Agriculture Production. Until now the school is still operating and expanded their reach to teach the course.
The project also granted the development of a potable water system that benefited the school and nearby families. Besides, another component that was most appreciated by the beneficiaries was the distribution of fatteners to the qualified members of the organization. Later on, some of the recipient of swine opted to raise it into a sow which they still continue to raise until now.
