Background of the Organization

The humble beginnings of Mahintana Foundation, Inc. trace back 32 years ago when a group of executives from Dole Philippines, Inc. and professionals from South Cotabato organized Mahintana on 12 August 1977.  In honor of the indigenous communities inhabiting the area, the term “mahintana” is coined from the Bla-an terms “mahin” (sea) and “tana” (land).  The Bla-an is an indigenous tribe regarded as one of the earliest settlers in Southern Mindanao.

Mahintana Foundation, Inc. was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a private, non-stock, non-profit social development foundation, with Dr. Jorge F. Calderon, Sr. as its Founding Chairperson. The foundation was then under the direct supervision of the Community Relations Department of Dole Philippines, Inc. with its initial programs on health (immunization), water system establishment and reforestation of gullies and riverbanks within the areas of Mt. Matutum

To give more elbow room to the foundation in developing and implementing its programs and projects, the foundation spun-off from the company’s direct supervision in 1993, though it still continually extends its assistance in the implementation of various Community Development projects of Dole Philippines, Inc.  Over the years, Mahintana has expanded its programs and operations in close partnership with various development players in the community.  It has established strong networks and linkages with various local and foreign resource organizations, which was instrumental in building effective partnerships with the Local Government Units, NGOs, private sector, academe and other development players in the area.  Among our initial donor organizations supporting our conservation activities along the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) and the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS) is the Australian Agency for International Development – Philippine Australian Community Assistance Program (AusAID-PACAP) who had been supporting our programs since 1994 up to the present.

Currently, Mahintana is governed by the Board of Trustees coming from the corporate, business and social development institutions, and is supported by professional staff with backgrounds in various disciplines.

Mahintana envisions achieving “an improved quality of life of people in a sustainable environment.” To do this, Mahintana shall “improve the quality of life of assisted communities by actively implementing sustainable socio-economic and environmental programs through teamwork, dynamic leadership and excellence with utmost integrity and commitment”.

Mahintana fulfils its mission and reaches out to its target beneficiary sectors by extending assistance through its various programs. Its current Programs of Assistance includes Environmental Conservation and Regeneration, Livelihood Enhancement and Enterprise Development, Cooperative Development and Institution Building and Basic Social Services.

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