Our approach

We’re a social project developer driven by shared value and the Filipino philosophy of Kapwa

The Philippines is home to our team, our families, and our fondest memories. We work where the stakes are highest alongside communities most vulnerable to climate change and environmental pressure. Our projects are research-backed and community-led, because lasting change only takes root when it's built from within.

FOR PEOPLE AND PLANET

Change does not happen in isolation—it thrives with connection

Change is hard, but by working together with like-minded individuals, we’re able to do something greater than what we could have achieved alone. We set our sights high, but we believe that even making a difference for a single person is a meaningful and worthwhile achievement.

Our DNA

Kapwa, a deeply rooted Filipino philosophy and the DNA of Nayon, embodies togetherness, shared identity, and interconnectedness. In the Philippines, where community is central to daily life, Kapwa is essential in addressing challenges and achieving collective goals.

nature is our wealth
After a ritual involving chanting and a chicken...

...we asked a Manobo

Datu

chief

what he would like us to share with others. His response translated to, "nature is our wealth," revealing the connection between people, traditions, and the environment. This wisdom has become a cornerstone of our identity, guiding our commitment to honor and preserve the natural wealth of the communities we serve.

Our Values

Filipino values woven into our approach

These values belong to every Filipino. Generation after generation, they're what held us together and moved us forward. We didn't choose them. We inherited them.

WITH HEART

Makapuso

We lead with empathy, putting people and community at the center of every decision.
WITH integrity

Matapat

Our word to a community is a commitment. We follow through.
WITH creativity
& Resourcefulness

Madiskarte

Constraints are invitations. We find paths where others see walls.
WITH each other

Maka-kapwa

We are only as strong as the relationships we build and the people we stand beside.
OUR APPROACH

Dual mandate

Communities and the environment are inextricably linked. To support one, we must consider and benefit the other to create sustainable, long-term solutions. Our community-centric approach acknowledges this balance by developing environmental projects that create shared benefits for the communities that support them.

Dual natured

Our environmental projects are designed with a dual purpose: to restore and protect the natural world and improve the lives of those most vulnerable to climate change with co-benefits and shared value.

Together we thrive

Through programs addressing critical needs such as education, livelihood and wellness, we empower individuals to lead self-sustaining cycles of opportunity.

permenance not presence

Every project is designed to create capability and knowledge with the communities we serve because lasting change comes from within.

SHARED VALUE

A system of shared value

Our ability to scale and amplify the impact of our projects is made possible with carbon finance. Our access to carbon markets provide us with the resources, expertise, and networks to develop social projects in areas that otherwise would not be possible. The shared value created unlocks opportunities to develop solutions to social problems that reinforce the impact and success of our environmental projects.

how we funded project buhay

Our model for change

We've proven that it can work in the Philippines. Here's how it works with Project Buhay:

1
Households receive stoves free

No cost to the family to ensure maximum reach into the most vulnerable communities

2
Cooking with efficient stoves begins

Woodfuel use decreases, resulting in less C02 entering the atmosphere

3
Annual verification process

Each year we go through a rigorous independent review

Annual monitoring — field data on stove usage, fuel savings and household activity collected across all project areas
Independent audit — a third-party auditor visits project areas and reviews all monitoring data against the methodology
Verra VCS review — the verified standard conducts a final review
4
Carbon credits issued

Verified emission reductions are converted into carbon credits and brought to market

5
Credits marketed  to raise funds

Any funds received are divided between repaying equipment costs, community programs, and everything else to keep the project and our organization operational.

How funds are allocated
Stove equipment costs
Ongoing operations funding
Community impact programs
Audit, registry and issuance fees
Community programs funded
Climate Leadership Program

Educating youth advocates for climate action in their local communities

Fueling the Future

Nutrition education for families, including gardening and composting

Artisan Program

Working with local craftspeople to create sustainable sources of livelihood

Typhoon Relief

Emergency support for communities hit by typhoons and flooding

We continuously look for opportunities to develop meaningful projects.
STORIES OF IMPACT

Meet our co-founder, Renz

From a rural childhood spent cooking with firewood to co-founding a social enterprise focused on climate and community, Renz’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. Learn more about how she turned challenges into an opportunity for change.

Meet the team

Leading change at home

Each person brings deep field knowledge and lived connection to the communities we serve.

Renz Ladroma

Head of Community
Manila

R. Josh Eddie, CFA

Head Advocate
Tagbilaran

Abigail Salen

Visual Content Manager
Manila

Jesureth Boboyo

Project Originator
Lipa

Florence Pasal

Programs Director
Cagayan de Oro

Razel Fajardo-Manayon, RSW

Project Director
Bacolod

Nicole Tolentin, RSW

Community Engagement Manager
Bacolod

James Manayon

Project Manager
Bacolod

Jan Tarosa, RSW

Community Advisor
Bacolod

Mara Perez, RSW

Community Advisor
Bacolod

Sammy

Animal AdvoCAT
Tagbilaran
Community leaders

Marialine T.

Victorias

Remia M

Talisay

Shella C.

San Carlos

Joseph T.

San Carlos

Dodie P.

Calatrava

Mercidita C.

Calatrava

Irine S.

Talakag

Bryan N.

Pangantucan

Allan B.

Pangantucan

Edito T.

Pangantucan

Francisco D.

Don Salvador Benedicto

Paz B.

Himamaylan

Tricia Marie M.

Silay

Josephine A.

Don Salvador Benedicto
our visual Identity

Banig: our cultural heritage

During the day, it’s a mat where we sit and gather; during the nighttime, it’s a place to sleep and dream. The geometric patterns that vary across the country, banigs and their designs have been handed down through generations of Filipinos.

These patterns that you see across our brand identity are inspired by the banig designs, which represent a common thread amongst all Filipinos.