From Conversations to Connection: Our Field Visit to the Philippines
- estherpeev
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
In April 2025, I had the opportunity to travel to the Philippines for the first time, to visit the region where our project WePhili, launched by Greenseed in July 2024, is being implemented. This trip was far more than a monitoring visit — it was a pivotal moment to connect in person with our local partners, listen to the beneficiaries, and better understand the local context that shapes the work we do from afar.
I came into this visit with clear expectations, but being on the ground gave me a more personal and meaningful perspective on the project and the people involved.
Day One: Meeting Haribon Foundation – An Inspiring Local Partner
The journey started in Manila, where I finally met our local partner, the Haribon Foundation, in person. After months of online meetings, it was genuinely nice to connect face-to-face, visit their offices on the university campus in Quezon City, and get a feel for their team and working environment.
From the beginning, their professionalism was clear, but what came through just as strongly was their dedication to their work. With over 50 years of experience in environmental conservation and community engagement, Haribon brings a lot of depth and perspective. They shared some of their ongoing and past projects, and what stood out to me was how they work closely with communities — in ways that feel respectful, practical, and long-term.
Meeting in person helped confirm that we not only share similar goals but also a common approach and set of values — a great base for building a lasting partnership.
On the Road to Real: Stepping into the Daily Life of the Project
After our meeting in Manila, we drove about 4 to 5 hours to reach the municipality of Real, a coastal town surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. This is where we started our on-the-ground immersion, meeting the people and visiting the places directly impacted by WePhili.
One of our first visits was with the local authorities, who welcomed us with genuine warmth, enthusiasm and amazing mangoes. Their support for the project was clear, and they repeatedly expressed how aligned they felt with the project’s mission.
They emphasized the importance of women’s inclusion in conservation efforts, not just as a matter of equity, but as a key strategy for sustainable community development. It was encouraging to see that WePhili is not just accepted locally — it’s embraced.
Meeting the Women: Stories of Resilience, Solidarity, and Determination
Perhaps the most powerful moment of the trip was meeting a group of women beneficiaries participating in a training session on gender, environment, and gender-based violence.
The training provided a safe space for dialogue and reflection. The women shared their experiences and perspectives on their relationship with nature, their roles as women in the community, and the challenges they face in their households.
A number of the stories shared during the training stood out to me. Many of the women spoke about the daily responsibilities they manage — caring for their children, supporting their education, and running their households, often with limited support. Some also mentioned challenges within their relationships, including moments of tension or lack of emotional support from their partners.
But just as present were the positive dynamics within the group:
Their humor: Despite the seriousness of the discussions, there was laughter, jokes, and a light-heartedness that reflected an incredible inner strength.
Their solidarity: One woman, who was facing difficulties in her marriage, was consistently supported by the rest of the group throughout the session.
Their motivation: They weren’t there just to learn — they were there to build something for themselves, out of love for nature and out of hope for a more empowered future.
For many of them, participating in this training wasn’t just a side activity — it was a meaningful step toward reclaiming their voice and envisioning a different path forward.
Looking Ahead: Exploring Sustainable Economic Opportunities
In the days that followed, we visited several potential sites for future eco-tourism and permaculture initiatives — from mangrove eco-parks to agricultural land suited for permaculture farming.
These visits allowed us to start imagining what long-term income-generating opportunities might look like for the women in the project. The goal is not only to strengthen their connection to the environment, but also to support their economic independence, enabling them to earn a stable income while remaining rooted in their communities.
The potential is there. And so is the will — from the women, from our partners, and from the local authorities. It gave us hope that WePhili could become more than just a short-term program: it could evolve into a platform for sustainable, locally-driven change.
Final Reflections: Stories that Stay with Us
This trip made WePhili real — not just a project plan or a report, but a network of voices, faces, and relationships. I came back with a deep sense of gratitude and renewed purpose.
I saw the strength and complexity of the women we work with. I saw the passion of our partners. I saw the possibilities for a sustainable future.
We still have much to do. But we also have the right people around the table and a shared belief that change starts with listening, and with long-term commitment.
At Greenseed, we are more convinced than ever that meaningful, lasting impact is built from the ground up — one encounter, one story, one step at a time.
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