Indigenous Forester Uses Social Media to Amplify Forest Knowledge

 

QUEZON, Bukidnon — Robert Mansaloon Cahapon, known online as Takurug Ki (meaning “let’s climb”), is blending tradition with technology to keep indigenous forest wisdom alive. 

At 31, the Manobo‑Kulamanen forester is also a certified permaculturist, environmental science graduate, and co‑founder of the Salumayag Youth Collective for Forests, an organization led by indigenous youth and women that promotes restoration, organic farming, and agroforestry.

Cahapon said his content highlights both indigenous knowledge and the realities of modern indigenous youth. 

“Knowledge is not taught in classrooms—it is guided by elders and learned through daily life,” he explained. 

Forest walks, farming, and interaction with the land teach young people to identify edible plants, medicinal trees, and farming cycles.

He warns that when forest knowledge fades, cultural identity fades with it. Social media, he believes, can bridge the gap as more youth move away from farming.

His advocacy also challenges misconceptions, stressing that indigenous communities are often blamed for deforestation despite logging operations being the main cause.

For Cahapon, indigenous forestry is rooted in diversity, stewardship, and belief systems that safeguard nature. 

“Being indigenous or growing up poor does not mean we have no value,” he said. 

“Restoring forests is also restoring dignity.”

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Read the full story here: 

Rooted in the forest: A Manobo forester’s mission to restore land and identity