1

Around 200 individuals from the local governmentunits, government-line agencies, academe,nongovernment organizations working within the Mt.Malindang area, communities within the researchsites, and Dutch partner institutions participated in

the BRP Closing Conference held on 19 April 2005 atRoyal Garden Hotel, Ozamiz City.

The Closing Conference served as the venue topresent the research results to the variousstakeholders of the Programme. “These researchprojects are considered the shining glory of the BRP”,said Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr., SEARCA Deputy Directorfor Administration, and Head of the BRP NationalSupport Secretariat, “because we attempted to applyand articulate the landscape approach, which as faras we know, has never been tried beforesuccessfully.”

The landscape approach is an in-depth look at theinteractions of the different ecosystems in Mt.Malindang and its environs – the upland, lowland,

aquatic, and coastal ecosystems, as well as thesocioeconomic-cultural aspects within the researcharea. The results of these research projects areintended to address the needs of the community,and to aid in formulating policy recommendationsfor biodiversity conservation and sustainabledevelopment.

One of the highlights of the conference was adialogue with the stakeholders to determine theimpact of the research results. The stakeholdersrecognized the importance of research, especially inawareness raising and knowledge generation usefulfor the conservation of the biodiversity in their area.They now recognize the endangered and threatenedspecies of flora and fauna in their area as well as thebioindicators of water quality. The local researchershave seen the importance of using organic fertilizer,introduced by the integrated pest management (IPM)project in increasing production and return ofinvestment. Others mentioned that the results of theriver study are useful for river management planning.The Heads of the participating universities have seenthe value of the Programme in building the capacityof their researchers. On the other hand, members ofthe local communities expressed their concern onlivelihood security. They hope that through theresearch results, the local government andnongovernment organizations could provide themwith alternative livelihood activities to decrease theirdependence on the biological resources in the Mt.Malindang area.

Furthermore, the participants suggested thedissemination of more information, education andcommunication (IEC) materials on biodiversityconservation, the conduct of some seminars andtraining on environment-friendly food productionstrategies such as organic farming, and other appliedR & D projects geared towards alternative livelihoodactivities.

The feedback and suggestions of the stakeholderswere discussed during the Joint ProgrammeCommittee (JPC) Business Meeting on 20-22 April2005. The JPC agreed to pursue the production and

BRP presents researchresults to stakeholders

The BRP is funded by the Netherlands Ministry for Development Cooperation (DGIS) through the Southeast Asian Regional Center forGraduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).

The quarterly newsletter of the Philippines-Netherlands Biodiversity Research Programme for Development in Mindanao

S A M U ’T— S A R IS A M U ’T— S A R IS A M U ’T— S A R IS A M U ’T— S A R IS A M U ’T— S A R I Vol. 4 No. 2 April - June 2005

SEARCA

Inside this issue:

BRP gets six monthsextension...2

Wildlings growth andsurvival unaffectedby various pottingmedia and hormonetreatments...3

Biodiversity andLivelihood:Confirming theLink...4

Biodiversity inMMRNP...8

Personal Account:5th WCH: Openingnew doors forresearch andcollaboration...11 continued on page 2

2

BRP gets 6 months extensionThe Biodiversity Research Programme (BRP) forDevelopment in Mindanao was granted a six-monthbudget-neutral extension by the NetherlandsMinistry for Development Cooperation (DGIS),which funds the Programme, for the period 1 July to30 December 2005 to complete, consolidate andcontextualize research results and other programactivities to achieve clear research-for-developmentoutputs of the BRP.

The BRP was originally designed as a 10-year North-South collaborative research for developmentprogramme on biodiversity and sustainabledevelopment for at least two phases. The guaranteedgrant period for Phase I covered 1 July 2000-30 June2005. However, the current policy of the Netherlandsgovernment no longer includes the Philippines in

the list of Priority Countries for DevelopmentAssistance.

Given the extension, the BRP has lined up a numberof activities including the integration andconsolidation of research results, the conduct of aregional conference-workshop to draw lessons fromthe BRP experiences for developing similarconservation and development projects in thePhilippines and in the Southeast Asian region, thecompletion of process documentation research, theinstitutionalization of a database/informationmanagement system, and the production anddissemination of information, education andcommunication (IEC) materials for enhancingawareness on biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity and Livelihood...from page 7

7. Improve infrastructure and access to socialservices. This entails building more farm-to-market roads to improve access to social servicesin the upland and interior lowland communities.Government plans for public works and socialwelfare should include population managementand/or future settlement expansion.

8. Adopt strategies for enforcement of policies.To counter perceptions of weak policyenforcement, a combination of “soft” and “hard”approaches in policy enforcement should beadopted. “Soft” approaches include IECactivities, monitoring and evaluation, and socialmobilization. “Hard” approaches includeapprehension and prosecution of violators andimposition of appropriate sanctions. Thegovernment and nongovernment organizationsmust work together to provide qualifiedpersonnel and logistic support, which areessential in the successful enforcement ofpolicies.

It is clear that livelihood, biodiversity and culturaldiversity are entwined: the sustainability of onecannot be considered without the others. Policymakers and other stakeholders can use the results ofthe SEC Studies Master Project and consider itsrecommendations in strategic planning forenvironmental and developmental concerns.

dissemination of IEC materials to enhance awarenesson biodiversity conservation and management in theremaining life of the programme.

BRP presents...from page 1

May 22 is International Day for Biological Diversity. This year’s theme is “Biodiversity:Life Insurance for Our Changing World”.

The Convention of Biological Diversity is dedicatedto promoting sustainable development. TheConvention recognizes that biological diversity isabout more than plants, animals and microorganisms and their ecosystems – it is about peopleand our need for food security, medicines, fresh airand water, shelter, and a clean and healthyenvironment in which to live. The Conventionestablihes three main goals: the conservation ofbiological diversity, the sustainable use of itscomponents, and the fair and equitable sharing ofthe benefits from the use of genetic resources.

http://www.biodiv.org/convention/default.shtml

“Next to the economy and social conditions,biodiversity is the third pillar in sustainable

development.”- Dr. Theresa Mundita S. Lim

Director, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB)

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Wildlings when planted in differentpotting media and subjected to varioushormone treatments, show no significantdifference as to percentage survival andgrowth – one of the BRP research projectsreported.

The research titled “Conservation andUtilization of Endemic, Rare andEconomically Important Plants in ThreeBarangays of Don Victoriano, MisamisOccidental” aimed to select, identify,evaluate and mass propagate the endemic,rare and economically important plants byestablishing a nursery, greenhouse, and

community garden involving the local community. Itis an offshoot of the first generation research thatidentified the endemic, rare, and economicallyimportant plants found in Mt. Malindang.

Prior to the conduct of the research, the study team,headed by Dr. Cecilia B. Amoroso, consulted the localcommunity as to the priority plants, from thoseidentified by the first generation research, to bepropagated in the nursery and greenhouse. After aseries of validation, only six tree species wererecommended. With the assistance andrecommendation of the local researchers, more thansix species of economically important wildlings werecollected from the forests of Palo 6, formerly underBarangay Mansawan but now a part of BarangayNew Liburon; Sitio Pongol of Barangay Gandawan,and Linaw of Barangay Lake Duminagat to bepropagated in the nursery.

The wildlings collected were grown in variouspotting media such as, a) Mansawan soil; b) forestsoil from Palo 6; c) mixture of forest soil and horsemanure; and d) mixture of forest soil and moss.The wildlings were also subjected to naphthaleneacetic acid, a hormone that significantly increasesthe number, length, and dry weight of root hairs,small roots and large roots; benzyladenine, a plant

growth regulator which promotes shootdevelopment; and Hormex, a vitamin hormoneconcentrate that stimulates root growth.

Findings reveal that there was no significantdifference as to percentage survival and growth ofthe wildlings grown in various potting media. Thisindicates that the wildlings could grow well even inMansawan garden soil regardless of the soil’s loworganic matter content and low phosphorus, as longas it has high exchangeable potassium. Moreimportantly, this also means that there is no need toadd fertilizer for the plants to grow.

Furthermore, the cuttings of Agathis philippinensisand Cinnamomum mercadoi subjected to hormonetreatments showed that their percentage survival wasnot significantly different to that of the control. Thisimplies that the species could be propagated easilyby immersing only in water (5-7 minutes) prior topropagation.

Moreover, the roots of the wildlings of A.philippinensis and Podocarpus rumphii showednodule formation in the roots, an indication ofmycorrhizal association, which could be the reasonwhy these two plants have high percentage survival.

These results were further substantiated when thehardened wildings were outplanted along the roadsand trails of Barangay Mansawan. Most of themsurvived, which is an indication that they could beeasily propagated as rainforestation species. As such,the local government in Barangay Mansawan, wherethe nursery is established, has drafted a barangayresolution whereby an area in the barangay (i.e., SitioKalilangan, located in the denuded mountain ofMansawan) is allocated as a site for rainforestation.The nursery will be the source of wildlings that willbe used as planting materials in the segregated area;the ensuing tree planting activities will beparticipated in by the local community.

Another barangay resolution has been draftedprohibiting the pasturing or grazing of animalsalong the roads and trails where the wildlings havebeen outplanted. There is also a plan by the BarangayCouncil to make the nursery into an income-generating project for the community by requiringvisitors or tourists to buy the wildlings from thenursery and plant them along the trails leading tothe forest. The researchers recommended thecreation of a management team composed of fourlocal researchers and other members of thecommunity who have been closely involved in theproject to handle and supervise the nursery and itsoperation.

Wildlingsgrowth andsurvivalunaffected byvarious pottingmedia andhormonetreatments

Agathis philippinensisand Cinnamomummercadoi planted invarious potting media.

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Biodiversity and Livelihood:Confirming the Link

The link between biodiversity, cultural diversity andlivelihood is confirmed in the findings of theresearches under the Socioeconomic and Cultural(SEC) Studies Master Project.

The SEC Studies Master Project is the “humancomponent” among the Master Projects of theBiodiversity Research Programme. It is composedof three individual researches that generally aim: (1)to examine the major patterns of resource use overtime in the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in Mt.Malindang and its environs, viewed in terms oflivelihood security and environmental sustainability;(2) to describe the potential of indigenous knowledgesystems for synergy with modern technology-basedapproaches to biodiversity resource management andconservation in Mt. Malindang and its environs; and(3) to evaluate policies, laws, and ordinances thatare relevant to biodiversity management andconservation, with particular reference to livelihoodsecurity and environmental sustainability and theirimplications to gender, ethnicity, and culture.

The research sites of the studies included 12barangays in five municipalities and one city of theprovince of Misamis Occidental representing theupland, lowland, and coastal communities of Mt.Malindang. A number of activities were conductedprior to the implementation of the researches. Entryprotocols, which included courtesy calls to barangayofficials, were done in order to secure prior informedconsent of the communities to be studied.Consultative community assemblies were organizedwherein the BRP principles, vision and mission, andthe objectives of the SEC studies were presented tothe communities. In these assemblies, communitymembers were encouraged to ask questions or givesuggestions on how to further enrich the researchmethodologies in the context of their specificconditions. The assemblies often served also as thevenue for seeking out and identifying local researchpartners, more commonly known as the localresearchers. The local researchers were then trainedin field methodologies in socioeconomic and culturalresearch.

A triangulation of quantitative and qualitativeresearch methods were used in gathering data. Dataon resource utilization and environmental policyassessment were specifically derived from acombination of simple random and area sampling

survey techniques, key informant interviews, andfocus group discussions. Data for indigenousknowledge were drawn mainly from key informantinterviews and focus group discussions. Participantand non-participant observation techiniques werealso employed.

Resource Utilization Patterns AcrossTerrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystemsof Mt. Malindang and its Environs

Land and water resources are what the people utilizeto generate their means of survival. Socioeconomicpressures, such as the rate of population growth,migration from rural to other rural areas or urban torural and vice versa, economic trends, relative prices,among others, greatly influence the utilization ofthese resources, particularly those relating tolivelihood. Engaging in livelihood activities, however,does not only require the consideration of thesenatural resources but the combination of otherequally important assets, such as the physical capital(e.g., buildings, irrigation canals, roads, etc.), thefinancial capital (i.e., stocks of money thathouseholds can accessed which refer mainly tosavings and access to credit or income fromalternative livelihood), and the social capital (i.e.,social claims that an individual or households canharness due to personal and family networks, andparticipation and membership in political, social, andreligious organizations). All these need to be takeninto consideration in order to strike a balance betweenlivelihood and environmental sustainability.

As such, this study intended to compare theprevalent land and water resource use patterns ofcommunities along Layawan and Langaran Rivers,and describe the major natural resource use patternsat the selected terrestrial sites, including ethnic, classand gender differentiation in the use, access, and/orcontrol over such assets in pursuit of livelihood andother major activities. It also aimed to identify andrecommend sustainable livelihood opportunities forthe communities.

Results show that in the upland communities,people are heavily dependent on available landand forest resources for livelihood. Farming is theprimary source of income of the majority, however,income from this activity is low, which promptsthe majority to also engage in off-farm and/or non-farm livelihood activities. Extraction of resources

5

continually occurs either for own consumption orsale; these resources include trees and non-timberproducts such as honey, almaciga resin, and plantsfor handicrafts, and wildlife, especially wild pigs andbirds. The presence of other assets such as thephysical, social, financial, and human capital areconsidered minimal.

Like in the upland communities, people in the lowlandbarangays are also heavily dependent on naturalresources, with farming as the main source of income.The majority cultivates crops like coconut, rice,rootcrops, and fruit trees. They use spring and riverwaters to irrigate rice paddies. Timber, medicinalplants, and wildlife are still gathered from forests inthe surrounding area either for own consumption orsale. The use of coconut lumber for constructionand coconut husks and fronds for fuelwood augmentthe need for timber. Sand and gravel for domesticconstruction, and fish for home consumption areextracted from the river. For lowland barangays nearcities or towns, there are still a significant number ofresidents who are dependent on land and riverresources for livelihood. With the reduction of farmlotsizes because of land conversion from agricultural toresidential usage, people try to engage in non-farmand off-farm livelihood activities, such as public andprivate employment, quarrying, and business.

Fishing is the main source of income in coastalcommunities. This activity has contributed to thedestruction of coral reefs due to the use of modernand sometimes illegal fishing methods in massivelyextracting fishes from the ocean. Another threat tothe coastal ecosystem is the increasing populationin the coastal areas, which has caused conversionof land use from mangrove or swamp forests toagricultural or residential purposes. On the otherhand, the location has given the coastal people anadvantage in terms of enhancing human capitalthrough greater exposure to trainings, seminars, andinformation media, providing more opportunity toengage in alternative livelihood activities such asweaving, vending, and other employment.

Gender differentiation in the three ecosystems isindicated by the dominance of men in farming,fishing, and quarrying activities while womendominate in crop or fish catch marketing, micro-business, gleaning, and food preparation. Classdifferences are shown by land size owned orcultivated, type of houses occupied, and variousvaluables possessed, and in particular to the coastalcommunities, by the type of fishing vessels and gearused.

Indigenous Knowledge Systemsand Modern Technology-based Approaches:Opportunities for Biodiversity Managementand Conservation in Mt. Malindangand Its Immediate Environs

Indigenous knowledge is the systematic body ofknowledge acquired by local people through theaccumulation of experiences, informal experimentsand intimate understanding of the environment ina given culture. Modern technology-basedapproaches include, among others, introducedtechnologies whose knowledge, processes, skills,and practices require the use of power-drivenmachines, or are the products of knowledge,processes, skills, and practices in the use of such.

The study aimed to provide basis forformulating appropriate strategies in designingprograms for biodiversity resource managementand conservation grounded on the synergism ofindigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and moderntechnology.

The study shows that the indigenous knowledgesystem of the Subanun, the indigenous people andfirst occupants of the Zamboanga Peninsula,consists of an extensive and detailed knowledge

Men dominate in fishing whilewomen engage in the marketing ofproduce.

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The Subanun performrituals to invoke the spiritsfor various purposes: inseeking cure for illness andrestoration of one’s healthor protection against harmbrought by evil spirits, inappealing for a successfulmarriage, in supplicationfor achieving the goals ofcertain important eventsthat necessitate theblessing of the spirits,and in thanksgiving forbountiful harvest or forgood fortune.

of the natural environment, customs governingresource use related to the beliefs in spirits, theimpermanence of the world, and the guardianshipover the natural resources by the supernatural.There are several Subanun IKS elements that are

conservationist in character. Some of these areobserved in farming, hunting, and fishing practices,and even in rituals.

Interviews, focus group discussions, andobservations reveal that Subanun farmers and theirfamilies are generally deprived socio-economically.The income derived from vegetable gardens and othercash crops, like coconut, is not enough to providefor their basic needs. As such, most are compelled toseek alternative sources of income from neighboringcommunities through contract labor, among others.Basic services in the Subanun communities, such asfarm-to-market roads, water system, electricity, andhealth services need to be adequately developed toimprove the quality of life of the people. Furtheraggravating this socioeconomic deprivation are theenvironmental problems of forest denudation andpoor soil conditions. The government has alsoimposed sanctions against expansion of land usedin farming to prevent forest clearings.

In order for the Subanun communities to act as asocial fence against undue intrusion into the Mt.Malindang National Park, their capacity to meet theincreasing demand for survival must be strengthened.One approach toward this goal is to utilize a two-edged strategy of improving the quality of life of theSubanun together with environmental protection andconservation. The traditional survival strategies ofthe Subanun farmers must be enhanced by carefully

integrating them with modern technology-basedapproaches that have been proven to be effective insimulating better-situated environments.

All is not lost for the ecosystems of Mt. Malindangwhere the Subanun communities are situated. Somecommunity-based and functional organizations in theresearch sites have expressed a deep sense ofenvironmental concern, as well as the desire forenvironmental rehabilitation, restoration of culturaldynamism, and identification of elements of Subanunindigenous knowledge systems that are vital incommunity development interventions. Furthermore,relevant community-based organizations havedeclared their intention to use BRP studies in thecrafting of proposals for development interventions,including programs for biodiversity conservation.

Policy Analysis for Biodiversity Management and Conservation in Mt. Malindang and its Environs

The formulation of environment-related policies isintended for the proper management andconservation of natural resources, withoutjeopardizing the livelihood of those who aredependent on those resources. However, due to somebasic flaws in policy orientation and implementation,these policies fail to maintain the balance betweennatural resources conservation and sustainablelivelihood for the people. This study aimed todetermine the impact of the National IntegratedProtected Areas System (NIPAS) Act, the IndigenousPeople’s Rights Act (IPRA), and the PhilippineFisheries Code of 1998 on biodiversity managementand conservation in Mt. Malindang and its environs.

As stipulated, the NIPAS Act establishes the differentmanagement zones of a protected area and specifiesthe activities that are prohibited within. The IPRAembodies the government’s formal recognition of therights of the country’s various indigenous peoplesand indigenous cultural communities. The FisheriesCode aims to develop, manage, and conserve thecountry’s fishery and aquatic resources, while alsoproviding food security for the population.

Results of the study indicate that there is a generallylow level of awareness of the NIPAS Act in theterrestrial and riverine communities. Those who areaware of the Act perceived it only as the law thatprohibits the cutting of trees.

In the terrestrial and riverine areas where the Subanunconstitute a large proportion of the total population,the rights and responsibilities of the indigenous

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continued on page 2

peoples as stipulated in the IPRA were almostunknown.

The extremely low level of awareness of policies inthe terrestrial and riverine areas can be attributed tothe minimal and ineffective information disseminationcampaign of the NIPAS Act, or, in the case of IPRA,the lack of it.

In coastal communities, people have claimedawareness of some illegal fishing activities and gearsthat are prohibited by the Fisheries Code such asdynamite fishing, commercial vessels’ encroachmentinto municipal waters, and use of fine mesh nets.However, awareness of the law has not stopped thepeople from engaging in these illegal activities.

Moreover, results indicate that the awareness of thepositive impact of policies on the environment doesnot necessarily translate into acceptance andcompliance of those policies, especially if complianceis perceived to have a negative impact on livelihood.

In terms of equity (i.e., natural resources conservationvis-à-vis livelihood), results indicate that currentimplementation of the policies does not intentionallyprejudice the welfare of certain stakeholders. Forpolicies to be implemented effectively, thecommunity’s acceptance of the policy, together withinstitutional support in terms of logistics, funding,and manpower must be present.

From the results of the three studies under theSocioeconomic and Cultural Studies Master Project,the following are recommended:

1. Provide measures to improve human capital.This involves capacity building activities, suchas trainings on the proper application of fertilizersand pesticides in the upland and interior riverinecommunities, appropriate fishing techniques incoastal communities, and special skills foralternative livelihood activities across thelandscape. Furthermore, training of local officialsat the barangay level on local environmentalgovernance may strengthen institutionalcapabilities. The provision of scholarships forhigher education to deserving youths from theuplands and Subanun groups is alsorecommended.

2. Provide measures to build social capital.This involves strengthening of existing people’sorganization in the communities by directing theirenergies to certain concerns that affect their dailylife, such as learning skills to negotiate betterterms in trading their produce or catch, and in

procuring inputs to farm and fishing operations.For the Subanun, setting up of an indigenousknowledge center or “school of living traditions”which will facilitate the revival and strengtheningof Subanun culture and practices, particularlythose identified as conservationist has beenproposed.

3. Provide measures to enhance the naturalassets. The establishment of co-managementschemes in the differentiated management zonesof the Mt. Malindang Natural Park and in itsimmediate environs will mobilize communitymembers and other stakeholders toward attainingthe goals of biodiversity conservation,reinvigoration of cultural diversity and livelihoodsecurity. Activities under this scheme includethe enhancement of farming techniques, whichcomprise a vital step toward soil conservationand improvement on livelihood. The structurefor co-management of fishery and aquaticresources in coastal communities is already inplace through the Barangay Fisheries andAquatic Resources Management Councils(BFARMCs); there is a need, however to assessits mechanics and direction.

4. Develop alternative or supplementallivelihood. For conservation strategies tosucceed, alternative or supplemental livelihoodactivities that fit the conditions in the communitymust be developed. Examples of these arelivestock raising, cut flower production, andproduction of spices. These can also includenon-farm activities and services such as tailoring,carpentry, masonry, and the like.

5. Provide measures to enhance access tofinancial capital. This refers to providing creditat low interest rates to the community.

6. Conduct information, education, andcommunication (IEC) to enhanceenvironmental awareness. Due to the limitedawareness of the people on the long-termsignificance of protecting and conserving theenvironment, sustained IEC activities on theconservation status of Mt. Malindang and onpolicies regarding resource utilization andprohibitions in the protected area must beimplemented. Policy awareness campaigns thatshow the interconnection between the protectionand conservation of the environment andlivelihood security must also be conducted toincrease the acceptability of existingenvironmental policies.

UPCOMINGACTIVITIES

September 2005Exit Seminars in MindanaoUniversities22 - Central Mindanao

University (CMU),Musuan, Bukidnon

23 - Mindanao StateUniversity - IliganInstitute of Technology(MSU-IIT), Iligan City

October 2005Exit Seminar at SouthernPhilippines Agribusiness,Marine and Aquatic Schoolof Technology (SPAMAST),Digos, Davao del Sur

23-24 November 2005BRP Regional Conference-WorkshopManila, Philippines

4-8 December 200510th Joint ProgrammeCommittee (JPC) Meetingand Closing ConferenceThe Netherlands

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Agroecosystem

Lowland DipterocarpForest

Lowland MixedDipterocarp ForestBrgy. MialenBrgy. ToliyokBrgy. BungaBrgy. Mamalad

Brgy. PenielBrgy. Bunga

Agro-ecosystem

SubmontaneDipterocarpForest

Almaciga Forest

Montane Forest

Mossy Forest

2475 masl

MOSSY

1700 maslMONTANE

1400 masl

SUBMONTANE

900 masl

COLLINE

400 masl

Agroecosystem

-------------------

-------------------------------------------

Mixed DipterocarpForest

Brgy. LakeDuminagat

Brgy. LakeDuminagatBrgy. GandawanBrgy. Mansawan

Biodiversityin MMRNP

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park(MMRNP), the only representativenatural forest of the ZamboangaBiogeographic Zone boasts of richbiodiversity. Results of the TerrestrialEcosystem Master Project (TEMP) attestto this.

Four studies under TEMP were conducted in thenorthern landscape of Mt. Malindang to assess thesoil, plant and animal resources in Mt. Malindang.Fieldwork was conducted in the mossy forest,montane forest, almaciga forest, submontanedipterocarp forest, lowland dipterocarp forest, mixeddipterocarp forest, mixed lowland dipterocarp forest,plantation forest, and agroecosystem at elevationsof 120 to over 1700 meters above sea level (masl).The researchers probed into the dynamics andinterrelationships of the critical resources, anddocumented the Subanun’s indigenous knowledgeand practices on resource utilization. The goal is todevelop a monitoring and conservation instrument,to be used as a tool in formulating policyrecommendations and strategies for the protectionand conservation of Mt. Malindang.

Soil and soil biotic communities play an importantrole in the ecosystem. The soil provides a range ofhabitats for a multitude of flora and fauna. However,disturbance of the ecosystem due to logging andconversion of land for agriculture pose a major threatto the quality and biodiversity of the soil.Investigating the quality and biodiversity of the soil

is necessary for the development of sustainable landuse, which ultimately leads to the protection of thenatural ecosystems. The study focused on certainkey groups of organisms and some soil properties,whose conditions, presence or absence, indicate thehealth of the soil and its environment.

The soil properties are at their best levels inecosystems where there is almost no occurrence ofhuman activities. There is high organic matter andgood amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus in theforest ecosystem, unlike in the grasslands andagroecosystems, where soil properties are close tocritical values. Earthworms, which are considered asecosystem engineers have the ability to change thephysical and chemical conditions of the environmentaffecting other biota and their interactions.Earthworm population is diverse in the forestecosystem, in contrast with the grasslands andagroecosystems where only one earthworm species,Pontoscolex corethrurus, exotic as it is from Brazil,thrive. Meanwhile, nematodes, which are either plantfeeders, hyphal feeders, bacterial feeders, or algalfeeders contribute directly to the mineralisation ofnutrients for plant growth. The plant-feeding trophicgroup is the most abundant in all ecosystems, whereinthe moss and root-hair feeding nematodes dominatethe forest ecosystems while the semi-endoparasiticones dominate the agro and grassland ecosystems.Analyses of the chemical and physical properties ofthe soil help in understanding crop growth,composition of specific soil biota communities andoccurrence of species.

continued on page 9

Plantation

Brgy. Sebucal

Transect diagram showing the different forest ecosystems inMt. Malindang Range Natural Park, Misamis Occidental.

Brgy. Sebucal

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BRP researches bested other 13 research projectsduring the Central Mindanao University (CMU) In-House Review and Evaluation of On-Going andCompleted Researches held on 30 June–1 July 2005.

1st place - Diversity and Assessment of Plantsin the Northern Landscape of MalindangRange, Misamis Occidental (Dr. Victor B.Amoroso)

2nd place - Conservation and Utilization ofEndemic, Rare and EconomicallyImportant Plants in Three Barangays ofDon Victoriano, Misamis Occidental (Dr.Cecilia B. Amoroso)

3rd place - Arthropod Faunal Diversity andRelevant Interrelationships of Critical

BRPresearcherswin bestresearchpaperawards

Resources on Mt. Malindang (Dr. Myrna G.Ballentes)- Conserving the Diversity of SelectedArthropods in Cabbage-Growing Areas inMt. Malindang, Misamis Occidentalthrough Participatory Integrated PestManagement (Prof. Lucy B. Ledres)

The board of evaluators included Dr. Feliberto A.Pollisco, Jr. of PCARRD, Dr. Luz I. Guzman of theDepartment of Agriculture (DA), Ms. Myrna S.Decipulo of the Department of Environment andNatural Resources (DENR), and Mr. Ramir M. Balquinof the National Economic and Development Authority(NEDA).

A total of 1,286 plant species wererecorded in the forest ecosystem,with 289 species of economicimportance. Protection of theseplants is greatly needed since 56 ofthese economic plants arethreatened. Thirty-five species arenationally threatened and 18 arelocally threatened due tooverutilization and land conversion.Endemicity recorded 138 endemicspecies with percent endemicsm

ranging from 24-41% for gymnosperms andangiosperms (trees). One species can be found onlyin Mt. Malindang: Medinilla malindangensis.

Vertebrate fauna is also diverse on Mt. Malindang.Two hundred fifty-seven species were recorded (26species of amphibians, 33 species of reptiles, 162species of birds, and 36 species of mammals). Of these,114 species (44%) are endemic to the Philippinesincluding 25 species that are endemic to Mindanao.Twenty-five species were threatened due to localresource utilization practices and destruction ordisturbance of their habitat. These threatened speciescomprise nine amphibians, nine birds, three volantand four non-volant mammals. Results of thevertebrate fauna study revealed that the 257 speciesrecorded on Mt. Malindang represents 48% of the536 species occurring in the island of Mindanao, and23% of the 1114 species recorded in the Philippines.

Seven hundred forty-one species of invertebratesbelonging to five classes were recorded. The majoritywas found in the mixed dipterocarp forest. Fromthese 741 species, 17 species are endemic to the

Philippines and 67 species are endemic to Mt.Malindang. At least 21 endemic arthropod specieswere associated with 18 endemic plants as hostplants. This finding suggests that urgent actionsmust be taken for the protection and conservation ofthe endemic host plants so as to protect andconserve the existence of these endemic fauna.

The researchers also documented several indigenousknowledge systems (IKS) on resource utilization andregulation, tillage practices and communitymechanisms. Most farmers still perform rituals to themountain spirits before their farming activities.Subanuns also believe that opening of the flower ofthe orchid “ting-ulan” indicates coming of the rain,the flowering of “gulayan” (Lithocarpus sp.) signalshunting time for wild pigs, and the call of “pisupit”(plaintive cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus or brushcuckoo, C. variolosus or oriental cuckoo, Cuculus

Biodiversity in MMRNP...from page 8

continued on page 10

Medinilla malindangensis,found only in Mt.Malindang.

Parantica dannati malindangensis Treadaway, abutterfly subspecies found only in Mt. Malindang.

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Ms. Aurelia Luzviminda V. Gomez, studyleader of the Policy Study presented apaper on “Government Policy and LocalParticipation: Managing the Mt.Malindang Natural Park, Philippines” atthe 11th International Symposium onSociety and Resource Management(ISSRM) on 16-19 June 2005 at the MidSweden University. The theme of thesymposium was “From knowledge tomanagement: balancing resourceextraction, protection and experiences”.It was organized by the European TourismResearch Institute (ETOUR), MidSweden University, and Fjäll Mistra (TheSwedish Mountain Mistra Programme).

Ms. Gomez participated in the panel session titled“Local participation as magic or mistake”, whichfocused on local participation in nature conservationand management.

Dr. Olga M. Nuñeza, study leader of the VertebrateFauna Study, meanwhile, presented a poster on“Participatory Assessment of Amphibian Fauna inMalindang Range, Philippines” at the 5th WorldCongress of Herpetology on 19-24 June 2005 inStallenbosch, South Africa. The Congress isdesigned to bring together herpetologists from allover the world to discuss and present recentdevelopments in herpetology.

BRPresearcherspresentresearchfindings ininternationalconferences

micropterus) signals the start of farming. The closeinteraction with and dependence of communities onthe environment has allowed them to developfunctional relationships with the local resources. IKScan be the first stepping-stone in enhancing

Biodiversity in MMRNP...from page 9

ABSTRACT

Government Policy and Local Participation:Managing the Mt. Malindang Natural Park,PhilippinesMs. Aurelia Luzviminda V. Gomez

This paper presents the results of a policy-orientedresearch conducted in Mt. Malindang Natural Park(MMNP) in the southern Philippine island ofMindanao. MMNP is one of the priority protectedareas under the National Integrated Protected AreaSystem (NIPAS), which was set up by legislation in1992. Research results indicate that while localparticipation in management of the protected areais one of the main objectives of the NIPAS Act, themajor indigenous populace presently inhabiting thesurroundings of the park generally lacks awarenessof its status as a protected area. Furthermore, whilethe community generally acknowledges the valueof not cutting trees for environmental protectionagainst soil erosion, landslides and flooding, timberpoaching continues due to lack of alternativelivelihood. Based on the results of this study, anumber of recommendations are presented. First isa review of the existing policy with regards to theroles of various stakeholders of the park: the multi-sectoral protected area management board as apolicy making body, the local community as a majorpartner in park protection, and the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources as thegovernment agency mainly responsible for themanagement of the protected area. Second, thereshould be effective information, education, andcommunication regarding the protected area and theimportance of local participation in its management.Finally, it is strongly recommended that alternativelivelihood opportunities for the communitiesdependent on the park be considered in theimplementation of policies aimed at conservingbiodiversity.

awareness and interest towards the conservation ofbiological resources as these are founded on theirbelief system and traditions, resulting from their longinteractions with nature.

Mt. Malindang has been endowed with rich biologicalresources. The findings of the research studiesindicate the high number of endemic and threatenedspecies, suggesting that Mt. Malindang is a priorityconservation site.

11

Since the inception of the BRP, we believed that thevertebrate faunal diversity research is a veryimportant project that will arouse interest fromconservation biologists all over the world. We are

very happy that at the close of theproject, the highlights of the researchresults on the amphibian fauna on Mt.Malindang found its way into the 5th

World Congress of Herpetology(WCH) held in Stellenbosch, SouthAfrica on 19-24 June 2005. Thisinternational forum is held every fouryears. It was last held in Sri Lankain 2001.

The 5th World Congress broughttogether 300 or more herpetologists

from all over the world. It was indeed an excellentopportunity to present the BRP research results andestablish linkages with herpetologists from all overthe world. I was the only participant from thePhilippines and I found myself among the “Who’s-Who-in-Herpetology”.

There were three poster sessions, one held daily forthree days. BRP’s poster was titled “ParticipatoryAssessment of Amphibian Fauna on Mt. Malindang,Philippines” and was presented in the first sessionon the second day of the Congress. I realized thatthe poster session is a very good venue fordiscussions and forging of collaborations. Manywere interested in the poster and in the researchresults. Among them was Dr. Richard Wassersug ofthe University of Dalhousie, a former student of Dr.Robert Inger. Dr. Inger is the author of the book weuse as reference for the identification of amphibians.Dr. Wassersug was interested to collaborate with us

particularly on the study of Megophrys, a non-endemic frog abundant in Mt. Malindang. Anotherwas Dr. Sumida Masayuki from Hiroshima University,who signified that their group is interested tocollaborate with us on the study of frogs of FamilyRhacophoridae found also on Mt. Malindang.Another delegate from India volunteered to sharehis expertise by teaching for a week on molecularbiology in Mindanao State University-IliganInstitute of Technology (MSU-IIT), just so he cancollaborate with us on the study of caecilians, foundin Mialen, Toliyok, and Bunga in Mt. Malindang.A participant from France was also happy that theproject was funded by the Netherlands Ministry forDevelopment Cooperation (DGIS), since he used towork with Naturalis. A herpetologist from Taiwanindicated his desire to make us his research partnersin the Philippines.

After attending the Congress, we are confronted withthe questions: What can BRP and Mindanao benefitfrom a BRP researcher’s attendance to a worldcongress? Is the investment worth it? How can ourparticipation help future research endeavors inMindanao? I think the first positive thing thatattendance to the World Herp Congress hasaccomplished was putting the Philippines in the worldmap; and not only the Philippines but also Mindanao.For a long time, Mindanao was known as the place ofconflict. But with BRP results presented in a worldcongress, people become aware that biodiversityresearch is alive in this part of the country, that peoplefrom Mindanao are concerned on biodiversityconservation. On the part of the BRP researchers is asense of pride that we are able to contribute scientificdata to the international body of knowledge especiallysince global amphibian assessment started only in2004. With our presentation, people becomeinterested in the Philippines, and on biodiversityresearch in the Philippines, which could help futureresearch endeavors in Mindanao. But how? Pointsof collaboration can enhance future researches inMindanao. After the BRP Closing Conference, wethought that it would be the end of biodiversityresearch on Mt. Malindang but attendance to thisworld congress opened wide horizons on research.Listening to the presentations of other researchersin the Congress was definitely of great value for outfrom the papers presented we can formulate newresearch questions; we can think of what to do nextfor Malindang; what to do in Mindanao. In short,we get new ideas as to what to do next afterinventory and assessment. If before, we know onlyinventory and assessment, now we know what elseneed to be done, how we could improve, and howwe could possibly do it. This Congress has directly

Dr. Olga M. Nuñeza (first row, seated, third from left) with the other participants of theCongress.

5th WCH:Opening newdoors forresearch andcollaboration

PersonalAccount

continued on page 12

by Olga M. Nuñeza

12

Bryophyte Flora of Mt. Malindang, MisamisOccidental, Philippines

Andrea G.. AzueloPhD in BiologyCentral Mindanao University

An inventory of the bryophyte flora in three selectedsites of Mt. Malindang Range, Misamis Occidentalwas conducted and studied. Field collections weremade through alpha taxonomy method. Thebryophytes were classified and described accordingto its diagnostic morphological characters.Taxonomic key has been prepared to identify thespecies, genera and families of bryophytes. Resultsof the study revealed 132 species in three study sitesviz., Mt. Capole (dipterocarp forest), Ulohan saDapitan (montane forest) and North Peak (mossyforest). Of these, 114 species, 64 genera and 23 familieswere mosses, and 18 species, 13 genera and 11 familieswere liverworts. Taxonomic characters of each speciessuch as habit, leaf arrangement and orientation, stemstructure, rhizoids and sporophyte were used toidentify into families, genera and species. Themontane forest was found to show high speciesrichness than the two vegetation types. The species

similarity indices were found comparatively higher inthe montane and mossy forest than betweendipterocarp and mossy and between dipterocarp andmontane forest. Further results showed that the mossyforest obtained the highest bryophyte cover amongthe three study sites.

Statistical analysis showed that the distribution ofbryophytes was found highly significant betweenstudy sites. Assessment of bryophytes revealed nonew Philippine records. However, all the species ofbryophytes were found new with respect to localityexcept for the two species that were earlier reported.Two of the species studied were found endemic tothe Philippines viz., Symphysodontella subulata andEctropothecium ferrugineum. Both species have beenidentified as biological indicator of cleanenvironment. The existence of some species underrestricted microhabitats such as those of the mossesthat dominate as epiphytic on tree trunks and theliverworts in decaying logs indicate high in terms ofspecies richness. Furthermore, results showed thatthe variability in structures between taxa and theniche preference of the bryophytes has providedtaxonomic, economic and ecological importance.

benefited the participant in terms of capabilitybuilding, but other BRP researchers, students, andinstitutions are benefited as well through potentialcollaborations, new contacts established, additionalliterature, new ideas and insights shared. Benefitsto the researchers would redound to the benefit ofMindanao.

Personally, I have learned a lot from the paperpresentations especially on new techniques onherpetological studies and the herpetologicaldiversity in other places of the world. I have gainedenormous insights on recent trends on herpetologicalresearch, even on different styles on delivery andPowerPoint presentations. From what I saw andread and discussed with other participants duringthe congress, I have gained insights on what postersand other IEC materials and publications to producefrom the Mt. Malindang data that would be veryuseful and appreciated by both the laymen and thescientific community, as well as numerouspossibilities regarding biodiversity research. Butthese things I have not kept to myself, I have startedtransferring the information and knowledge to otherMindanaoans. Perhaps, I’m just fortunate that Ihave wider access to dissemination of informationthrough the Biodiversity Research and Training

Center for Mindanao (BRTCM) where we have ourAwareness Raising, Networking, Education,Support Mobilization, and Training (ANEST)project supported by HARIBON through the RoyalDutch Embassy.

Summing it up, attending the 5th World Congress ofHerpetology opened new doors for further researchin Mt. Malindang and in Mindanao, newcollaborations as well as opportunities for Mindanaoresearchers and thesis students to link withlaboratories abroad. With these, many would becomeinterested to do research on biodiversity. Above all,it has tremendously increased my capacity as aresearcher. I have attended numerous conferencesin my professional life but nothing can compare tothe insights I have gained, ideas I have gathered,and collaborations I had forged in this internationalforum.

In addition, the fact that the Congress was held inSouth Africa made the travel and presentation moremeaningful, for South Africa is such a diversecountry. The trip broadened my horizons, gave memany learnings and realizations. The socioculturalexperience was very enriching.

ThesisAbstract

5th WCH...from page 11

SAMU’T-SARI is the officialpublication of the BRP. Itsname was derived from thePilipino term for biodiversitywhich is “samu’t-saring uring buhay.” Samu’t-sarimeans variety.

Editor:Dr. Mariliza V. TicsayAssistant Editor:Ms. Carina S. FuleContributor:Ms. Gerlie D. RiveraLayout:Ms. Carina S. FuleAdviser:Dr. Gil C. Saguiguit, Jr.

BRP National SupportSecretariatSEARCA, College, Laguna4031 Philippines

www.searca.orgwww.brp.ph