News from Negros

The period between January and June is the driest in Southern Negros and means that we can make good progress on our work to help the village of Naubo change from slash and burn (or 'kaigan' as it known locally) to other forms of agriculture. The good news is that the rainforestation programme has begun, with training in the growing and marketing of abaca or 'Manila hemp'. Abaca can be grown as an under-storey plant, so the trees do not have to be cut. Indeed, forest trees are planted amongst the abaca plantations so that the forest regenerates over time. A true 'win-win'.