The Varrons Foundation

VFI

The VARRONS FOUNDATION, INC. (VFI) is a development-oriented non-governmental organization whose purpose is to improve the well-being of the rural poor. Most of VFI’s projects are done in cooperation with national research and development institutions, farming communities, and other organizations that share VFI’s goals.

VFI was established on March 2, 1990.

PHILOSOPHY

VFI’s philosophy is to improve the living conditions and standards of the rural poor within the framework of environmental conservation and regeneration by harnessing science-based technologies in agriculture and forestry.

HISTORY AND TRUSTS

VFI started with 15 members. Today, VFI has more than 100 members most of whom have acquired technical expertise and professional recognition in agriculture, forestry and related fields through appropriate academic and on-the-job training at the collegiate and post-graduate levels in noted local and foreign universities, business, government and international organizations.

The combined experience and expertise of members in various fields of endeavor, both in the Philippines and abroad, can be harnessed toward the broad goal of creating an integrated and sustainable development for agriculture and forestry sectors.

Intimate knowledge by the members of national problems in food sufficiency, low productivity and inefficiencies in agricultural production, inadequate management of natural resources, degradation of the environment and unresponsive policies and programs make the group a potent contributor to the proper analysis, formulation, and implementation of strategies toward a comprehensive national development.

Its close association and commitment to the ideals of scholarly pursuits, youth education and development of practical skills make VFI strongly dedicated to providing scholarships, research, publication, and manpower training opportunities.

OBJECTIVES

The VFI is committed to pursue the following objectives:

• Initiate, conduct, and manage livelihood projects;
• Undertake agricultural and forestry development projects singly or in cooperation with other lawful entities;
• Conduct research, training and extension activities in community-based natural resource management;
• Manage congresses, conventions, study tours, workshops and seminars related to agricultural and forestry development; and
• Provide scholarship grants to deserving university students.

ACTIVITIES

With members holding MS and Ph.D. degrees in agriculture and forestry, VFI provides professional, administrative and technical services in:

• Agriculture and Forestry Education, Research, and Training
• Community Organizing
• Impact Assessment
• Management Information System
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• Project Design, Appraisal, and Management of Natural Resource-Based Projects
• Project Feasibility Study Preparation
• Surveying and Mapping

MANAGEMENT

A Board of Directors sets VFI policy. It is composed of 15 members, who are experts in their respective disciplines. The Board meets once a month to review VFI projects and set the foundation’s directions, policies, and strategies.

FUNDING

The VFI receives contributions from members and grants from other nongovernmental organizations.

ONGOING & COMPLETED PROJECTS

• Providing undergraduate thesis support to deserving UPLB students (ongoing)
• Feasibility study on agroforestry development and watershed management In Clark and Sublc Naval Base areas and their extensions under the Philippine Legislative’s Executive Council (June 1990)
• Training in Integrated Protected Area Systems (IPAS) for DENR personnel, IFC, UPLBCF (December 1991)
• Development of Papua New Guinea rice program (October 1991)
• Periodic forestry inventory of MI. Makiling, College, Laguna using various mapping techniques (1991)
• Design of Cambodia Rice Research Development Institute (February 1992)
• Surveying, mapping, and planning (SMP) of Cagayan and Quirino provinces as component of national forestation program (NFP) of DENR (October 1991 – June 1992)
• Impact assessment of Cambodia rice program (May 1993)
• Marketing and investment studies of selected commodities, Region 2, ENR-SECAL Regional resource management programs, OIDCI-DENR (June 1993)
• Appraisal of Mekong Delta, Vietnam rice training, and extension program (June 1993)
• Project review of Lao PDR rice project (October 1995)
• Management Information System (MIS) design for top management of a research institute (March 1995)
• Myanmar Community-based Natural Resource Management Project Design (March 1995)
• Design of Lao PDR rice extension project (May 1995)
• Feasibility study of contract hatching egg production in Region 2, Philippines (September 1996)
• Feasibility study of contract broiler production in Region 2, Philippines (September 1996)
• In-country training on community-based Natural Resource Management (February 1997)