Sometimes, life pulls us away from what we love most, only to lead us right back to it. This reflects the story of RJ Novem Macuray, whose path forward led her home, to the same purpose she once thought she had left behind, now embraced anew through her work with Project Caraga as our Data Science Monitoring and Validation Associate.
In Caraga, a new generation is answering the call to protect the forest.
Led by COO Bonnie Sanchez, together with representatives from the GID and Forestry teams, the Project Caraga Deforestation Response Protocol officially rolled out in nine out of 10 partner Indigenous communities in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Surigao del Norte.
Deep within the ancestral forests of CADT 239 in Bislig, Surigao del Sur, the Project Caraga team, led by Biodiversity Zonal Officer Jim Clay Bagano and Biodiversity Enforcement Officer Datu Danao, set out to uncover the hidden wonders of biodiversity. With camera traps and community partners, they began a journey of discovery: to capture the unseen pulse of life in the wild.
In the heart of Brgy. Rajah Cabungsuan, Lingig, Surigao del Sur, children walk long, rugged paths to school — some barefoot, all determined.
Last October 16, 2025, Project Caraga led by the management team warmly welcomed the DENR officials, headed by Forest Management Bureau (FMB) Director Atty. Ray Thomas F. Kabigting and DENR Regional Executive Director Maritess Ocampo to the project.
Hope can begin with a simple conversation. One that envisions a future where no child is left behind, no one endures health suffering, and everyone thrives at the same pace.
On September 24, 2025, Project Caraga, led by CMO Rowil Aguillon, met with the Philippine Fiber Development Authority (PhilFIDA) Region XIII, represented by OIC-Regional Director Samuel M. Nancino, Jr., to explore partnership opportunities that could propel the abaca fiber industry within the 10 Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) areas handled by the Project in Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. The dialogue marked an important step toward aligning efforts to strengthen sustainable livelihood programs for Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs).
Project Caraga marked a milestone last September 16, 2025, with the launch of its first ecoTalks, a forum series designed to amplify diverse voices, share scientific insights, and build partnerships for climate action. The inaugural event gathered government agencies, private sector representatives, civil society groups, environmental advocates, Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from 10 CADT communities, and agroforestry students from Caraga State University— underscoring the collective role of every sector in protecting forests, biodiversity, and communities.
Butuan City, Philippines — The and Caraga Carbon Development Inc. (CCDI) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Region have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the region’s forests and biodiversity through a high-level coordination meeting held on September 2, 2025, at the DENR ORED Conference Room in Butuan City.