NBSC, CCCR-CANADA CONDUCT HERITAGE AND LIVELIHOOD COMMUNITY VISITS IN MANOLO FORTICH
As part of the week-long collaboration for Project Kabilin+: Kaabin sa Kinadaan, Kabuhat sa Kabilin (Project Heritage+: Partnerships in Tradition, Transforming Inheritance), Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC), in partnership with the Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at the University of Toronto, Canada through Dr. Azizur Rahman, conducted community visits in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon on September 26 and 27, 2025.
The field visits were held in Barangays Santiago and Kalugmanan and served as part of the project’s environmental scanning to identify potential areas for research and development, particularly in strengthening community-based livelihood programs. The initiative aims to blend indigenous knowledge and traditional practices with modern research to foster sustainable and inclusive local economic growth.
Project Leader Mr. Melven I. Valmoria led the activity, together with the NBSC project team and in close coordination with the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) headed by Ms. Gemma G. Cania. Her team provided valuable on-site support and local insights that will guide the identification of livelihood opportunities aligned with community strengths and environmental sustainability.
The visits provided an opportunity for the team to interact with residents, local farmers, and community leaders to gain a deeper understanding of their cultural heritage, resource practices, and current livelihood challenges. These engagements will serve as vital inputs for the project’s succeeding phases, which include participatory planning and the formulation of context-based research interventions.
To ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the activity, security personnel were invited to assist and accompany the team throughout the field visits.
This initiative marks an important step toward NBSC’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through collaborative research and local engagement. By working hand in hand with international partners, local government offices, and grassroots communities, NBSC continues to pave the way for innovative approaches that honor cultural heritage while promoting environmental stewardship and livelihood resilience.
