Balangay Limited

🌱 A Taste of Progress for Our Cacao Farmers in the Philippines🍫   At Balangay Limited, we are all about creating meaningful opportunities for our beneficiary farmers in ASEAN, and this week, we reached an exciting milestone! We had the privilege of working with renowned Perth chocolatier Yuki Nakamura, who taste-tested the very first batch of chocolate made from the cacao grown by our farmers in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines.   While the journey is just beginning, this first batch gave us valuable insights. The chocolates, while promising, presented certain flavours that signified there is still work to be done in post-harvest processing (particularly in fermentation and drying) and reviewing portions of cacao butter used. These factors significantly impact the final product’s taste, and we’re committed to refining them.   This experience gives us hope and direction. It shows that our farmers’ cacao is viable, and with the right adjustments, it has the potential to evolve into something extraordinary. We’ll be taking these lessons and using them to inform the next steps of our regenerative agriculture projects.   Thank you, Yuki Nakamura, for your expert guidance and support on this journey of transformation. We will continue to push forward, empowering our farmers to unlocking the full potential of their cacao and building a sustainable future. 🌍💚   #BalangayLimited #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #CacaoFarmers #Australia #Philippines #Empowerment #BalangayLimited #ChocolateInnovation Michael Gillis Stefano Juban Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Sze How Bong Dana Wallace-Campbell Bruce Pearse

An absolute delight to meet outstanding representatives like Amin Saskai MCIPS from the The World Bank and Rubina Shaheen from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday to learn about opportunities and trends in the sector. Our sincere thanks to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) for the invitation to the International Development Seminar. Special shoutout to Sheila Trance from the Manila office for assisting to bring this event to Perth for the first time. Michael Gillis Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Stefano Juban Sze How Bong Dana Wallace-Campbell #ngo #internationaldevelopment #partnerships #unsdg

🌱 New Project 🌱 We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest project in the Philippines, in collaboration with the Lapog ni Guia Farmers Association in Laoag. Our resident agronomist, Bruce Pearse , is introducing our cutting-edge soil health and plant nutrition technology to local rice and corn farmers as part of our Regenerative Agriculture Program. The timely arrival of the rains has been a blessing, and our bio-mineral treated seedlings are already showing advanced progress (early germination and strong root development) as observed by the farmers, ready for planting earlier than expected. The joy and encouragement on our farmers' faces inspire us to continue our mission of sustainable Regenerative Agriculture. Here's to a bountiful harvest and a brighter future for our farming community! 🌾 #SustainableAgriculture #RegenerativeFarming #Balangay #Australia #Philippines #Agronomy #CommunityImpact #NGO #UNSDG #giveback #philanthropy #CSR #ESG Michael Gillis Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Bruce Pearse Stefano Juban Toti Cortez Carlos Montano Sze How Bong Dana Wallace-Campbell

Balangay Attends Food Philippines IFEX 2024 We are thrilled to share our participation in IFEX 2024, the Philippines' premier global platform for promoting the export capabilities of SMEs offering quality Filipino and Asian food and ingredients. This trade show provided us with the perfect opportunity to engage with leading entrepreneurs and innovators, as well as connect with key stakeholders to explore collaborative avenues that will drive sustainable incomes for our farmers. Key Highlights One of the standout moments of our visit was the inaugural gathering of all vital actors in the Balangay value chain, who work together to form an integrated ecosystem for the benefit of our farmers: 🌱 The Balangay Board (Australia & Philippines): Committed to driving our mission forward with passion and expertise; 🌾 Bruce Pearse, Balangay's Resident Agronomist: Providing essential knowledge and support to enhance regenerative agricultural practices; 🌱 PhilSEED, our valued local NGO Partner in Zamboanga: Integral to executing our shared vision on the ground and ensuring sustainable development; and 🥗 Bruce Bergmans and Barry Doran from Fresh Express Produce Pty Ltd: Leading fruit and vegetable wholesalers in Western Australia, partnering with Balangay to offtake the produce of our farmers where possible. Our Unique Approach Balangay distinguishes itself from other NGOs by engaging in projects where we can directly connect farmers to buyers, ensuring optimal returns for our beneficiary farming communities. This model empowers farmers to achieve sustainable income streams and improve their quality of life. Special Acknowledgments Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Former Philippine Ambassador to Australia: Thank you for taking the time to welcome us and share your invaluable knowledge with our team. Josh Mahinay from PhilSEED: It was fantastic to finally meet in person and plan the next stages of our Guinoman Cacao Farmers Initiative, including additional crops to assist with income diversification for our farmers. We are excited about the future and the continued impact we will make together! Michael Gillis Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Bruce Pearse Stefano Juban Toti Cortez Carlos Montano Sze How Bong Dana Wallace-Campbell Anton Lim Josh Mahinay #Australia #Philippines #RegenerativeAgriculture #SustainableFarming #Empowerment #NGO #PartnershipsforImpact #Sustainability #Farmers #CommunityImpact #IFEX2024 #UNSDG #ESG

We are very encouraged by the progress made by our farmers in Barangay Guinoman. The remarkable transformation of barren cacao farms to healthy fruit bearing trees is a steadfast reflection of the benefits of our regenerative agriculture program. We look forward to the upcoming harvest and further engagements by our resident agronomist Bruce Pearse with the farmers on how to optimise their soil health through enhancing soil microbial diversity, remineralisation, and introduction of more organic carbon into the soil environment. We are excited about what lies ahead for the PhilSEED - Balangay Limited partnership! Michael Gillis Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Anton Lim Josh Mahinay

Balangay Limited is dedicated to empowering marginalised farming communities across ASEAN nations through our Regenerative Agriculture Program. Our foundation? An evidence-based approach in the regeneration of soil health. Prior to each engagement, a comprehensive soil test is conducted on each site. Data obtained is then utilised to design bespoke programs for each farmer that addresses the unique requirements of their land. 🌱 Today, we are thrilled to share an example of data output that informs each program that we deliver to help our farmers optimise productivity and yields. 🔍Backed by Evidence-Based Soil Testing🔍   By harnessing the power of comprehensive soil testing, we tailor our strategies to address:   1.     Remineralisation of soil and improved microbiology balance (fungi and bacteria) 2.     Specific drivers of pH and the effect on soil microbiology. 3.     Effects of aluminium 4.     Improving soil structure and root development 5.     Nutrient Use Efficiency and Water Use Efficiency 6.     Soil organic matter (including organic carbon) 7.     Soil Cation Exchange Capacity 8.     Nitrogen management to best suit soil microbiology and plant requirements   This targeted approach ensures sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both farmers and the environment.   🌱The Impact of Informed Recommendations🌱   1.     Reduced reliance on chemical and synthetic inputs. 2.     Improved pest and disease management using natural microbiology. 3.     A focus on building soil carbon which may provide farmers with alternative future income – carbon trading. 4.     Increased Crop Yields: By optimising soil nutrient levels, farmers experience improved plant growth and higher yields. 5.     Enhanced Soil Health: Efficient nutrient use, balanced pH levels and increased organic matter promote soil fertility and resilience. 6.     Improved Water Use Efficiency: Soil-available moisture is conserved for when it is needed most. 7.     Sustainable Farming Practices: Our evidence-based approach fosters long-term sustainability, preserving the land for future generations. 8.     Environmental stewardship: Ongoing Measuring, Managing and Monitoring enable farmers to work towards reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. 9.     Improved minerality of foods for future generations. 🌎 Join Us in Transforming Lives... One Community at a Time 🌎 Together, we can revolutionise farming practices and uplift rural communities. Let's continue to leverage data-driven insights to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable future for all. #NGO #ASEAN #Australia #UNSDG #RegenerativeAgriculture #SoilHealth #SustainableFarming #EmpoweringCommunities #EvidenceBasedPractices #datadriven

We are very pleased to share that Balangay Limited is now officially recognised as a Charity in Australia. A big thank you to our advisors who have supported us on this journey. We look forward to continuing our work to uplift communities living in poverty in the ASEAN region. If you or your organisation would like to partner with us to make an impact in the region, drop us a line here or via [email protected] #charity #australia #ASEAN #NGO #povertyalleviation #UNSDG #partnershipsforimpact #ESG Michael Gillis Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Bruce Pearse Stefano Juban Nina Hjortlund Sze How Bong Dana Wallace-Campbell

🌱 Exciting News from the Fields of Zamboanga, Philippines🌾 We are thrilled to share a glimpse into the transformative impact of our regenerative agriculture program in partnership with PhilSEED. Meet the incredible farmers who are at the heart of this initiative. Through sustainable practices and community-driven efforts, these farmers are not just cultivating crops; they are cultivating hope and resilience for their families and future generations. At Balangay Limited, we believe in the power of collaboration and sustainable solutions to drive positive change. Our partnership with PhilSEED in the Philippines is an example of what can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal. Join us in celebrating the dedication and hard work of these farmers, and let us continue to support initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and community empowerment. Together, we can create a brighter and more sustainable future for all. 🌍💚 #RegenerativeAgriculture #CommunityEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #PhilippinesFarming #Zamboanga #Australia #NGOImpact #PovertyAlleviation #unsdg #esg #partnershipsforchange

🌱🌿 Exciting Update from Zamboanga Sibugay - Our Regenerative Agriculture Program Bears Fruit! We are thrilled to share a glimpse of the incredible progress happening in Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, thanks to amazing efforts by our partner PhilSEED in co-implementing the Balangay Regenerative Agriculture Program. Here, we witness the transformation of once barren trees into thriving sources of nutrition and sustainability. Through the dedicated efforts of our teams and the support of local communities, formerly unproductive land is now yielding fruit. 🍃 Our agronomy program has empowered farmers with the knowledge and tools to implement regenerative practices, nurturing the land back to health and vitality. 🌿 From formely unproductive landscapes, we now see trees adorned with lush foliage and promising fruit. We are privilleged to witness the joy of farmers knowing that their efforts are not only providing for their families but also regenerating the environment for future generations. 🌱 The sight of multiple pods growing on trees treated by our program is a testament to the power of regenerative agriculture to restore ecosystems and livelihoods. The journey has only just began and is a reflection of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision for sustainability and resilience. We are immensely proud of the progress made so far and remain committed to furthering the cause of regenerative agriculture to alleviate poverty in Zamboanga and beyond. Join us in celebrating this milestone and let's continue to cultivate a future where people and the planet thrive together! 🌍💚 #RegenerativeAgriculture #Sustainability #CommunityDevelopment #Zamboanga #Philippines #Australia #NGO #Impact #PovertyAlleviation #PartnershipforImpact #ESG #HopeForFarmers #ASEAN Anton Lim Josh Mahinay Michael Gillis Pearl Chua-Kyselicova Bruce Pearse