A Culture-Based Social Enterprise That Enhances Soil and Agro-Biodiversity in Guesang, Bangaan, Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines
摘要
This study presents the collective work of the Guesang Farmers’ Organization, Incorporated (GFOI) of the Pidlisan Tribe of Sagada, Mountain Province, Philippines, to advance a social enterprise and their right to self-determination. While economic profit remains a central driver for businesses, GFOI stands out by focusing on promoting social values and improving the agricultural lands through increasing biodiversity in the soil. The discussion draws upon data and information derived through focus group discussions, interviews with key informants, actual observations by the authors spanning from 2014 to the present, and the review of GFOI reports. The key findings of the study are (1) the setting up of the social enterprise was motivated by GFOI’s desire to restore the fertility of the soil by restoring soil biodiversity; (2) restoring soil fertility increased farm yields of farms and encouraged farmers to increase the biodiversity in their agricultural lands; (3) restoring soil biodiversity resulted in the production of a surplus which could be processed and marketed; (4) work arrangements made it possible for workers to still manage their homes and tend their farms; and (5) the enterprise has become a venue for exchange of information, knowledge, and skills, and provides moral support to those in need. Presently, the social enterprise faces the challenges of meeting a rising demand that exceeds their capacity to supply and the rising cost of fuel and cooking oil, which are not locally available.