On September 2025, members of the project “Participatory Approach in Assessing and Promoting Women-led Permaculture among Selected Permaculture Sites in the Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR) Sectors in the Philippines” visited Atbang Farm–Food Forest in Calape, Bohol, for a scoping activity and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing.
The project, under the leadership of Associate Professor Finaflor Taylan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies (FMDS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) seeks to promote women-led permaculture initiatives by documenting strategies, assessing impacts, and showcasing community-based practices that advance sustainable agriculture and livelihoods.
The objectives of the visit were to familiarize with the site, conduct a drone mapping of the farm, and formalize the partnership with Atbang Farm through the MOA. This collaboration strengthens efforts to highlight women-led initiatives in sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
Atbang Farm–Food Forest is a permaculture farm based in Calape, Bohol. The farm cultivates various crops, with a strong focus on cacao, and takes pride in processing its own locally made chocolates.
The scoping visit and MOA signing reaffirm the commitment of both the project team and Atbang Farm–Food Forest to advancing inclusive, women-led, and community-based permaculture practices, positioning the site as a model for learning and promotion of regenerative agriculture in the region.
This project aims to contribute to the fulfillment of:
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Change
- SDG 17: Partnerships
Written by Tiffany Leanne Catbagan • Edited by Larry N. Cruz
#UPOpenUniversity
