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WP ABCD Lead Ongoing Community Development Efforts in Palawan

Palawan, Philippines

Overlooking the sea from a scenic hillside, a property in Salvacion, Roxas, Palawan is slowly taking shape as a center for learning and community growth. The site is home to the developing WP ABCD Training Center known as Camp Tikvah Palawan, which will support the initiative focused on empowering Indigenous communities through sustainable development.

The WP ABCD (Asset-Based Community Development) Pilot Project focuses on partnering with tribal communities to identify and strengthen the assets they already possess. Rather than relying on external assistance alone, the initiative encourages communities to build on their natural resources, local skills, and existing institutions as the foundation for long-term development.

A Pilot Project Among the Tagbanua

The first community participating in the pilot initiative is the Tagbanua tribe in Aborlan, Palawan. The program aims to address challenges faced by the community while strengthening their unity and capacity for development.

Some of the concerns identified include illegal activities such as cutting down trees for charcoal production and hunting endangered species, which contribute to environmental harm and reflect the economic pressures faced by many families.

To better understand the situation and respond appropriately, the WP ABCD team has been immersing themselves in the community. These visits allow the team to conduct assessments and gain a deeper understanding of the community’s socio-economic situation, culture and way of life. They also help build relationships with community leaders, and guide the design programs that respond to real needs and opportunities.

One emerging livelihood project is the production of Honey Citron Ginger Tea, envisioned as a social enterprise that could generate income for families while making use of locally available resources like kalamansi (a citrus fruit widely used in the Philippines) , ginger and honey.

Through these efforts, the project hopes to alleviate poverty, improve the way of life of families, and create opportunities for community members to gain higher levels of knowledge and skills. At present, the product is still in the early stages of development as the community continues to explore ways to bring this vision into reality and WP ABCD looks for partners to join and support the effort.

Camp Tikvah Palawan

Supporting this pilot project is the development of Camp Tikvah Palawan, WP ABCD Training Center. The facility is envisioned as a hub for training, workshops, and development programs that will serve tribal communities not only in Palawan but potentially across the Philippines.

A distinctive feature of the center is a cluster of Geodesic Domes(G-Domes)built along the hillside. Currently, two large domes that can accommodate eight to 10 people and six additional livable domes for two people each have been constructed. Each dome is equipped with solar-powered blowers and lighting, providing comfortable spaces for participants during training activities.

The training center will host programs related to:

  • Poverty alleviation

  • Community transformation

  • Education, literacy, and life skills development

  • Relief and disaster response training

In the future, the facility is also envisioned to become a self-sustaining conference venue and campsite that can be used by the community, local government, and other organizations. Income generated from these activities will help sustain the training center and support ongoing community programs.

Turning this vision into reality will require proper planning, strong partnerships, and steadfast perseverance, advancing one community at a time. Know how you can help strengthen and support self-sustaining communities. You can connect with us and learn more by sending an email to ceo@wpabcd.org.

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