01
Forests That Feed & Shelter
Rebuilding native forests and agroforestry systems that nourish wildlife, stabilize soil, and provide food security for local families.
PF Etcuban Foundation
Rooted in Nature. Growing for Generations.
Restoring Leyte's forests, coasts, and communities through science, stewardship, and long-term local partnership.
Privately funded by AltaWorking in Leyte, PhilippinesIn partnership with EVSU
Our Story
Growing change from the roots up.
PF Etcuban Foundation is a purpose-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring forests, protecting oceans, and building sustainable futures. From reforestation and climate action to education and agriculture, we grow change from the roots up.
Founded in honor of Pepito and Feleciana Etcuban, our mission is to protect the land, seas, and communities of the Philippines, so that the natural commons we inherited can be passed on, renewed, to the next generation.
Why Leyte. Why Now.
A province that lost everything is rebuilding better.
Typhoon Yolanda devastated Leyte in 2013, destroying forests, farmland, and coastal ecosystems that communities depended on. Over a decade later, much of that damage remains unhealed. The PF Etcuban Foundation was born from the conviction that recovery is not enough—Leyte deserves restoration that is deeper, more durable, and led by the people who live here.
This is not a project that parachutes in. Our founder's family roots in Villaba go back generations. Our team lives in Leyte. Our partners are local universities, farmers, and fishers. We are building something meant to last because we are building it at home.
Our Focus
We are healing land, sea, and community in Leyte.
Four interconnected programs working together to restore ecosystems and empower people.
02
Farms That Fight Climate Change
Championing regenerative agriculture that sequesters carbon, restores soil health, and gives farmers a sustainable livelihood.
03
Oceans We Hold in Common
Protecting reefs, mangroves, and fisheries as the shared commons of coastal communities, today and for generations to come.
04
Igniting Tomorrow's Earth Keepers
Environmental education and youth programs that grow the stewards, scientists, and leaders the planet needs.
Impact
Our Progress So Far
500+
Trees Planted
3
Coastal Sites Under Restoration
12
Local Partners Engaged
2022
Year Work Began
The Leyte Arboretum
Where our first dreams grow.
A living classroom. A peaceful sanctuary.
Nestled in the hills of Tagbubunga, Villaba, the Leyte Arboretum is our flagship project: a protected space where native trees, research, and community come together. It is both a refuge for biodiversity and a gathering place for learning, reflection, and wonder.