Founded in 2024 by the Agta Peoples of Palanan, this organisation was created to give voice and power to Indigenous communities in shaping their own future.
With strong support from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the University of Zurich (UZH), we’re working together to build a more inclusive and sustainable tomorrow .Our goal is to empower the Agta community to lead and manage projects that protect their land, culture, and rights—ensuring that development truly benefits the people it impacts most.Want to see what we’re doing? Click the link below or scan the QR code to discover our latest projects and how you can be part of the journey!
The HEE Carbon Free project is a bold step toward environmental responsibility. Its goal: to neutralize the carbon emissions generated by expeditions conducted by members of the HEE group.To make this happen, the Agta Organisation is leading the way by coordinating the planting of 2,500 trees every year.
They’ve identified planting sites and determined the number of seedlings required—playing a central role in both planning and implementation.Seedling production has already begun at a dedicated nursery on the ISU Palanan Campus, with an impressive annual capacity of 20,000 seedlings.In recognition of their vital work, Agta members receive financial support for every seedling they produce and plant—turning environmental action into real community benefits.🌿 Want to learn more?Scan the QR code or click the link below to explore how this project is making a difference!
From February to April 2025, we held a series of fun and engaging events to introduce Cacao technology to the Agta community. Around 150 Agta joined in, making it a fantastic
pportunity to learn, share, and connect. We’re so excited about the journey ahead!As part of the events, we had meaningful discussions about land demarcation and how planting cacao using proper agronomic practices can help protect Agta ancestral lands. The Agta community visited the tree nursery and enthusiastically helped plant 300 cacao seedlings. They also played a key role in identifying the best spots on our 3D map to begin planting an additional 2,000 seedlings. It was an inspiring step toward sustainable land stewardship and collaboration.
On April 2025, the HEE Group and the Agta Palanan Organization proudly completed the construction of a new Tree Nursery on the ISU Palanan Campus.This vibrant new space will serve as the heart 0f our Agroforest Reforestation Prigramme
with the goal of producing 18,000 cacao seedlings.These seedlings will be carefully planted to form a strategic “green belt” around farming areas that continue to encroach upon the native forests of the Sierra Madre. By establishing cacao as a sustainable source of income, we’re not only helping protect Agta lands but also reinforcing a powerful message: under Philippine law, any tree that provides livelihood for its owner cannot be legally cut down. It is also planned to use 20% of that area to make silviculture experiments with other tree species by the ISU students. This is a hopeful step toward conservation, livelihood, and community empowerment—rooted in the land and growing toward a better future.
Twenty percent of the Tree Nursery built in Palanan Campus will be used to conduce different scientific research. The students of that Campus, under the supervision of their teacher will be
