In early 2023, as we began our work in the Philippines, we visited the village of Bacusanon at the foot of Mt. Kalatungan. There, we met Datu Herminio "Minio" Guinto, chief of the Manobo tribe.
Welcoming us into his home, Datu Guinto shared the deep connection his community has with their land.
“Nature is our true wealth,” he said. “The forests, rivers, and mountains sustain us. They’ve been cared for by our ancestors for generations, and it is our duty to protect them.”
He spoke of the challenges they face—deforestation threatening not only their environment but their traditions and way of life. Yet, there was hope in his words as he described the community’s efforts to restore balance, from planting trees to sustainable farming practices.
This profound connection to nature was humbling. It reminded us why SD Projects existed: to work with communities like Datu Guinto’s, not as saviors but as partners, learning and building together.
When we left Bacusanon a few days later, we carried more than memories. Datu Guinto’s words became a cornerstone of our mission at Nayon. His belief in the interconnectedness of all things inspired us to reframe our work—not just as a project to provide solutions but as a commitment to honor and preserve the wealth of nature for future generations.
From that point on, “Nature is our wealth” became more than a saying; it was a guiding principle. It shaped how we approached sustainability, ensuring our solutions were respected and integrated with local practices. It reminded us to think beyond metrics and profits, to measure success by the harmony we could help create between people and the environment. It is a reminder that true wealth is found not in what we take from the earth but in what we protect and share together.
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