More than three thousand Higa-onon Indigenous peoples in the mountains of Rogongon Iligan City face challenges like exploitation, discrimination, deforestation, wildlife trading and selling of sacred lands. Major problems plague the survival of the local tribe known as the ”Higa-onon”- the long-time inhabitants or forest dwellers in the mountainous part of Iligan and Cagayan de oro City.

The project will benefit 2300 children, youth, women, men and Elders. Tribal farmer representatives will come from the 10 clans in the Barangay Rogongon region. Gender equality is being observed among women and men from the target beneficiaries. The gender distribution of the target beneficiaries coming from the 10 clans of the Higa-onon Indigenous People will be given attention to benefit the project outcomes.

In the process of decision-making among the men and women beneficiaries, the proponent organization and its implementing staff and other stakeholders in the communities will take into consideration the women’s decisions, issues and challenges.