New Seedlings, New Beginnings: HOPE’s First Coconut Relief Drive

Typhoon Odette swept through the nation in mid-December of 2021, devastating communities in Visayas and Mindanao, who were left without basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter.

Unbeknownst to many is the fact that agricultural lands were also wiped out by the storm. Such was the case for smallholder farmers in the province of Surigao del Norte, who rely on coconut trees as one of their main sources of income. According to the Philippine Coconut Authority, 70% of coconut trees were destroyed during the typhoon. It would take 3-5 years for the decimated trees to be restored.

A cluster of destroyed coconut trees. The coastal areas of Surigao were especially affected by the typhoon.

To aid in their process of rebuilding, HOPE reached out to local government units in Surigao to organize a relief drive that will distribute coconut seedlings to farmers who were severely affected by the disaster. By working closely with the Philippine Coconut Authority, HOPE was able to identify smallholder farmers across the communities of Surigao City, Placer, and San Francisco.

“The Surigao operation was a new experience for the agriculture team,” says Bruce Arinzol, Farmer Engagement Officer. “We’re used to distributing coconuts to partner farmers who want a stable source of income. However, with this operation, the need was different and overwhelming. That’s why we wanted to extend help.”

The relief drive happened last February 17, 2022, in all three areas simultaneously, made possible by HOPE’s on-the-ground agriculture team. Each farmer got to take home an average of 50 seedlings that will help them recover the trees they had lost.

All hands on deck!

At the end of the day, 27,977 seedlings were distributed to 446 recipients. “As witnesses of the Surigaonons’ resilience and hard work, we are convinced they will be able to get back on their feet again,” continues Arinzol.

“We are very grateful to have helped the coconut farmers of Surigao recover,” says Impact Director, Ilusion Farias.

HOPE has been supporting farmers since 2014 with the goal of increasing income opportunities to promote sustainable livelihood. These farmers are located in Mindanao, mainly in the provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani. HOPE commits to staying cognizant of these farmers’ needs.

Back

Similar Stories

CNN PH: HOPE launches awards to honor unsung Filipino Heroes

View details

Business Mirror: Recognizing top ‘Real Leaders’ of 2023

View details

Inquirer: CEMEX Philippines and Friends of Hope ink agreement for sustainable waste management

View details

TatlerAsia: HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po Receives the Coveted Asia Game Changer Award

View details

HerAgenda: A Peek Inside Her Agenda: Nanette Medved-Po

View details

CNNPH: Nanette Medved-Po receives Asia Society Game Changer Award

View details

CNBC: ‘Surprisingly easy’ to get companies to commit to reducing plastic waste

View details

PhilStar: The passionate Nanette Medved-Po

View details

Inquirer: Nanette Medved-Po named one of 2022’s game changers

View details

When in Manila: HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po Receives Prestigious Asia Society Game Changer Award

View details

Palmolive Seeds HOPE

View details

GMA News: 1M coconut trees to be planted in Mindanao via Century Pacific, GCash, HOPE

View details

1 Million Coconut Trees To Be Planted in Mindanao

View details

Business World: Century Pacific to plant a million coconut trees in South Cotabato, Sarangani

View details

HOPE recognized as a “Best For The World™” B Corp for performance excellence beyond just profit

View details

Hope in the time of the pandemic: HOPE supports vaccination…

View details

ANC’s Insight with April Lee Tan: Generation Hope Chairperson & Founder Nanette Medved-Po

View details

CNN’s New Day: Spreading HOPE through Education and Environment Protection

View details

MSN Entertainment: Hope in a Box, Philippines’ First Carton-Packed Water by Tetra Pak Bags ‘Best CSR

View details

Inquirer: Nanette Medved-Po’s waste-to-cash business model shows way to better normal

View details

Inquirer: Nanette Medved-Po on what she learned from showbiz: ‘Don’t waste your platform’

View details

Hope in 100 classrooms and counting: Social Enterprise hits 100th classroom milestone amid pandemic

View details

CNN: Anong hope mo? Join HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po in spreading hope and raising awareness

View details

Philippine Tatler: Nanette Medved-Po Shares HOPE’s Progress and Impact to Education and Beyond

View details

CNBC International: Entrepreneurs need creative solutions to sustainability challenge

View details

Philippine Star: The Philippines’ first-ever carton-packaged water inspires ‘Hope in a Box’

View details

CNN: “The Source speaks to Nanette Medved-Po”

View details