The people are the actual managers of the natural resources, therefore, their involvement and cooperation are fundamental to the ecological balance. This is the principle behind BREATHE.
Since 1996, the BREATHE Project has focused on environmentally critical watersheds in the province, namely the Loboc and Abatan watersheds, which are the second and third largest, respectively. It aims to empower communities so they may manage their own natural resources and to improve their livelihood.
Since it deals with different stakeholders in various stages of development, the program considers six different strategies, which include community-organizing, integrated resource management, enterprise development, education and training, participatory research, networking, and advocacy.
The program has extended technical support and material assistance to six people’s organizations in as many barangays (villages) in five municipalities. The projects have ranged from livelihood and agroforestry through access to credit lines, reforestation, to water and sanitation. As of March 27, 2001, the number of beneficiaries was more than 300 families.