Project FOREST storybooks was launched last June 11, 2024. They have published four books that kids and families can access online for free.
“Ang Mahiwagang Kabakawan ng Cabayugan” introduces young readers to Mira and Lola Marina, an adorable granddaughter and grandmother duo, as they explore the magical mangrove forest of Barangay Cabayugan in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Like many locals, they depend on the mangroves for ecotourism, food, coastal protection, and more. However, a climate crisis-driven super typhoon strikes and wipes out many of their mangroves.
“Si Peewee, ang Masayahing Pawikan” invites kids to explore the ridges and reefs, highlighting the strong connection between the lush forests and vibrant seas of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This remarkable area serves as a haven for sea turtles and various marine creatures, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological harmony. The story follows Peewee, an adventurous sea turtle, and his mother, Polly. Peewee’s adventures inadvertently lead him to a coastal community, where he meets Mira, a fisherfolk’s daughter.
In “Ang Tatay Kong Bantay Gubat,” young readers meet Eman, an energetic and enthusiastic Indigenous Tagbanua child who admires his father, Eke. Eke serves as a forest ranger, a true hero fighting against illegal logging in the park. Eman dreams of following in his father’s footsteps when he grows up. His mother leads ecotours in the park, contributing to forest conservation efforts. However, their lives take a dramatic turn when Eke’s team encounters armed timber poachers in the forest. Eke is injured and finds himself separated from his team, alone in the vast wilderness.
“Takbo! Takbo! Baboy Damo!” introduces the Palawan bearded pig, known as the forest’s master builder, which uses its snout to turn soil, allowing new trees and plants to grow. The story follows the wild boar mother-daughter duo, Berta and Bel, and highlights the impact of wildlife poaching and trading on their population. Through the perspective of Tagbanua child named Benny, readers are prompted to consider when hunting transitions from cultural tradition to profit-driven activity, which is prohibited by the Philippines’ environmental laws.
Project FOREST is a youth-led initiative that educates young people about protecting forests and conserving biodiversity at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park & World Heritage Site. The project is supported by Forest Foundation Philippines, managed by Ekomunikatib Multimedia, and co-implemented with the City Government of Puerto Princesa through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Management Office, Department of Education Puerto Princesa City Division, USAID Sustainable Interventions for Biodiversity, Oceans, and Landscapes Project, and Palawan State University College of Arts and Extension Service Office.
