In the quiet mountains of Real, Quezon, where the Kalaw (Rufous Hornbill) once filled the air with its afternoon calls, a slow but devastating change is unfolding. Illegal logging and environmental degradation have stripped the land of its natural abundance, threatening both biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. Amid these challenges, two women—Beth and Grace—stand as voices of resilience, determined to protect their forests and uplift their people.
Beth: Fighting Deforestation and Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods
For Beth, president of KALIPI (Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina) Real Federation, a local women’s group, the loss of trees is not just an environmental issue—it is a sign of a deeper crisis.
"Dati, tuwing alas-tres ng hapon, maririnig namin ang awit ng Kalaw. Ngayon, bihira na namin silang marinig, at kung maririnig man namin, parang napakalayo na nila," she shares.
The once-thriving bird population has dwindled alongside the forests, as illegal logging continues unchecked. Trees are felled primarily for charcoal-making and construction materials, leaving behind barren lands that struggle to sustain life.
The root of the problem, Beth explains, lies in the economic struggles of the community.
"Dati, tuwing alas-tres ng hapon, maririnig namin ang awit ng Kalaw. Ngayon, bihira na namin silang marinig, at kung maririnig man namin, parang napakalayo na nila," she shares.
The once-thriving bird population has dwindled alongside the forests, as illegal logging continues unchecked. Trees are felled primarily for charcoal-making and construction materials, leaving behind barren lands that struggle to sustain life.
The root of the problem, Beth explains, lies in the economic struggles of the community.
"Kapag may bagyo, hindi makapangisda ang mga tao. Dahil walang ipon, napipilitan silang mag-uling para lang may makain," she says.
Fishing is the main livelihood in Real, but when storms come—now more frequent and intense due to climate change—fishermen turn to the forests for survival. Without financial stability, they have little choice but to cut down trees, contributing to further deforestation.
Beth hopes for sustainable livelihood programs that will allow families to earn without harming their environment.
"Sana may ibang paraan para kumita ang mga tao, para hindi na kailangang magputol ng kahoy," she says. She has started by encouraging her neighbors to plant at least two trees per household, hoping to restore what has been lost.
Grace: Addressing Water Shortages and Women’s Empowerment
For Grace, a PWD sector representative in a local women’s council, the effects of deforestation are felt most acutely through water scarcity.
"Tuwing tag-init, nauubos ang tubig. Minsan, nag-aaway pa ang mga pamilya dahil wala na silang mapagkunan," she shares.
The destruction of forests has dried up natural water sources, making clean water a precious resource. Illegal logging prevents the land from retaining water, leading to shortages that affect the entire community.
She also points to another environmental threat: kaingin, or slash-and-burn farming. Uncontrolled kaingin has led to wildfires that destroy what little forest remains. But the greatest fear that lingers in her community is another landslide.
"Tuwing tag-init, nauubos ang tubig. Minsan, nag-aaway pa ang mga pamilya dahil wala na silang mapagkunan," she shares.
The destruction of forests has dried up natural water sources, making clean water a precious resource. Illegal logging prevents the land from retaining water, leading to shortages that affect the entire community.
She also points to another environmental threat: kaingin, or slash-and-burn farming. Uncontrolled kaingin has led to wildfires that destroy what little forest remains. But the greatest fear that lingers in her community is another landslide.
She recalls the 2004 Real, Quezon landslide, a disaster that buried homes and claimed over 100 lives after heavy rains triggered massive mudslides.
"Natatakot kami na maulit ‘yun. Kapag patuloy ang pagputol ng puno, mas madali nang gumuho ang lupa," she says.
Beyond environmental concerns, Grace also advocates for better support systems for PWDs, particularly women.
"Kailangan ng mga babaeng PWD ng trabaho, pero kailangan din nila ng therapy. Marami sa kanila ang walang kumpiyansa sa sarili," she says. While there are livelihood programs like basket weaving, she believes that psychological support and empowerment training are just as important.
She also hopes for more local job opportunities for men, as many husbands leave for Metro Manila to work.
"Mahirap ang buhay kapag wala ang asawa mo. Hindi buo ang pamilya," she shares. She dreams of a time when families can stay together while earning a decent living.
A Call to Action
Beth and Grace’s stories reflect the urgent need to balance environmental conservation with community well-being. Without sustainable solutions, deforestation will continue, leading to more natural disasters, worsening poverty, and increasing water crises.
The Haribon Foundation stands with local leaders like Beth and Grace in promoting:
- Sustainable Livelihoods – Creating alternative income sources that do not rely on deforestation.
- Environmental Education – Raising awareness about conservation and responsible resource use.
- Reforestation Efforts – Restoring forests to prevent landslides and secure clean water sources.
