DENR Forest Management Bureau Partners with Bayan Family of Foundations to Empower Forest Communities

Posted on
July 8, 2025
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DENR Forest Management Bureau Partners with Bayan Family of Foundations to Empower Forest Communities

From June 24 to 27, 2025, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Forest Management Bureau (FMB), in collaboration with the Bayan Family of Foundations (BFF), held a transformative Learning Event on Enterprise Development. This initiative brought together key actors in Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) and the sustainable development of Philippine forestlands and resources. 

The three-day program convened FMB officials, DENR regional representatives, CBFM coordinators, staff and technical personnel, all of whom play a crucial role in delivering end-to-end support to forest-dependent communities and all stakeholders in the ecosystem. With BFF, they explored how social entrepreneurship can be used as an approach to both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

From Subsistence to Sustainable Livelihoods

Central to this initiative was the critical question: How can the DENR-FMB empower forest communities to transition from subsistence to sustainable livelihoods?

Led by Prof. Carlo Sagun, President and CEO of BFF, the Bayan team guided participants through the key concepts of social entrepreneurship and how a social enterprise (SE) framework can be used to shift forest communities from subsistence-based livelihood activities to more sustainable, market-oriented enterprises. Prof. Carlo was joined by Leigh De Guzman, Director of the Bayan Knowledge Institute, and David Pagulayan, Executive Director of Bayan SEARCH

Over the course of the program, the group took a deep dive into using a systems thinking approach in:

  • Applying social entrepreneurship as a strategy to community development and environmental management
  • Opportunity-seeking, screening, and seizing: developing practical skills to identity, screen, and capitalize on SE opportunities for forest communities 
  • Leveraging the Philippine Social Enterprise Development Roadmap to enhance support for social enterprises in CBFM areas

Prof. Carlo Sagun, BFF President and CEO, stresses the importance of systems thinking in strategy development. 

Participants engaged in mapping exercises and collaborative planning sessions designed to integrate social enterprise frameworks into existing forest management strategies. The result? Actionable roadmaps for sustainable forest ecosystem health and services while improving livelihoods for communities reliant on forest resources.

At the learning event, participants actively engaged in workshops, analyzed case studies, and collaborated on team activities, translating theoretical concepts into practical application within real-world scenarios.

On the last day of the program, the learning teams presented their Envisioned CBFM Outcomes and Delivery Systems. They also shared their insights, exchanged best practices, and mapped out the work to be done - not just for their own units, but as a collective.

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Development

The learning event highlighted the multi-sector approach essential for sustainable development. The DENR-FMB, with its mandate to safeguard the nation’s forest ecosystems, finds common ground with the Bayan Family of Foundations, as it empowers communities through social enterprise development and ecosystem-building.

By merging technical expertise with mission-driven entrepreneurship, the collaboration aims to:

  • Increase economic opportunities for forest communities
  • Protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable forest use
  • Promote inclusive growth and resilience in rural areas

This initiative reflects the growing momentum in the Philippines to address environmental challenges through social innovation and enterprise development—a vision that aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Looking Ahead: Building Sustainable Forest Communities

The partnership between DENR-FMB and BFF is a significant step towards more inclusive and sustainable forest management. As plans move forward, the two organizations remain committed to co-creating solutions that protect both the environment and the communities that call it home.

“Social enterprises can be powerful tools for forest communities to break out of subsistence cycles and build sustainable futures,” shares Prof. Carlo Sagun. “This collaboration unlocks that potential through knowledge, innovation, and shared purpose.”
Prof. Carlo Sagun with the officials and representatives from the FMB and DENR Regional Offices

The Bayan Family of Foundations extends its heartfelt gratitude to the DENR and its Forest Management Bureau for the trust and shared commitment to preserving the country’s natural resources while uplifting the lives of those who depend on it.

We look forward to continuing this partnership towards greener forests, thriving communities, and an inclusive Philippines where no one is left behind.