Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | February 17, 2026-The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, reinforced its commitment to sustainable livelihood and environmental stewardship as it conducted a monitoring visit and technical demonstration on proper rubber tapping techniques in Sitio Lamlaban, Barangay Sinolon, Tboli.
The 78.8-hectare agroforestry was established in 2010, through a partnership between the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the Development Bank of the Philippines.
The plantation covers portions of Barangay Sinolon in Tboli and Barangays Malaya and San Vicente in Banga.
There are 36,271 budded rubber trees planted in the area alongside high-value agro-forest crops such as coffee, cacao, durian, pomelo, rambutan, mangosteen, molave, mahogany, and bamboo. Over the years, the project evolved into a productive community-based enterprise that contributes to household income and local environmental protection.
At present, rubber trees can produce latex, providing an additional and steady source of income for several families in the area.
The fruit-bearing trees serve as a source of food and supplemental earnings, while mahogany and bamboo provide materials for house construction and other community needs.
Cornelio O. Pluma Jr. and Antony C. Frugalidad of OPENRO FID regularly conduct field monitoring in coordination with community partners.
“These periodic visits aim to assess project performance but also to respond directly to the technical needs of farmers on site,” Pluma said.
Frugalidad, meanwhile, said the monitoring visit also served as a hands-on training session on proper rubber tapping techniques to ensure higher quality latex yield and to prevent long-term damage to the trees.
“Improper tapping can reduce productivity and shorten the lifespan of rubber trees. By providing technical guidance, the province ensures that beneficiaries sustain production while protecting their long-term investment,” Frugalidad shared.
According to agricultural and forestry studies, rubber production, when integrated into agroforestry systems, can significantly enhance rural income diversification while improving soil stability and reducing erosion.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has long promoted agroforestry as a strategy that balances economic productivity with forest protection, particularly in upland communities where livelihood and conservation must go hand in hand.
The initiative aligns with the flagship governance agenda of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr., which prioritizes inclusive growth, environmental protection, and expanded livelihood opportunities for communities in far-flung areas.
For the communities of Sinolon (Tboli), Malaya, and San Vicente (Banga), the agroforestry project represents more than tree planting.
It stands as a long-term investment in sustainable income, food security, and responsible land management, which directly improves the quality of life of residents.
Through sustained technical support and strategic partnerships, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato remains committed to building resilient communities where environmental protection and economic development work together.
By strengthening agroforestry enterprises, the Provincial Government continues to demonstrate that environmental programs can deliver tangible economic benefits to local families.
The Forest and Inland Water Management Division of OPENRO spearheaded the activity to ensure that beneficiaries of the province’s Agroforestry Project continue to maximize the economic potential of their rubber plantation while maintaining responsible resource management practices.
