ORIS Project

(0399912) Establishing Baseline Data for the

Conservation of the Critically Endangered

Isabela Oriole, Philippines

Joni T. Acay and Nikki Dyanne C. Realubit In cooperation with:

Page | 0

ORIS Project

CLP PROJECT ID (0399912) Establishing Baseline Data for the Conservation of the Critically Endangered Isabela Oriole, Philippines

PROJECT LOCATION AND DURATION: Luzon Island, Philippines Provinces of Bataan, Quirino, Isabela and Cagayan August 2012-July 2014

PROJECT PARTNERS: ∗ Mabuwaya Foundation Inc., Cabagan, Isabela ∗ Department of Natural Sciences (DNS) and Department of Development Communication and Languages (DDCL), College of Development Communication and Arts & Sciences, ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY-Cabagan, ∗ Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), Manila ∗ Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Aparri, CENRO Alcala, Provincial Enviroment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cagayan ∗ Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, CENRO Naguilian, PENRO Isabela ∗ PASu Quirino Protected Landscape, PENRO Quirino ∗ PASu Mariveles Watershed Forest Reserve, PENRO Bataan ∗ Municipalities of Baggao, Gonzaga, San Mariano, Diffun, Limay and Mariveles

PROJECT AIM: Generate baseline information for the conservation of the Critically Endangered Isabela Oriole.

PROJECT TEAM: Joni Acay, Nikki Dyanne Realubit, Jerwin Baquiran, Machael Acob Volunteers: Vanessa Balacanao, Othniel Cammagay, Reymond Guttierez

PROJECT ADDRESS: Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc. Office, CCVPED Building, ISU-Cabagan Campus, Garita Heights, Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines, 3328

EMAIL: [email protected] [email protected]

DATE OF REPORT SUBMISSION: 30 August, 2014

Page | 1

ORIS Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1 5 Summary 5 Introduction 6 Project team members and volunteers 8 Section 2 Aim and objectives 12 Methodology 12 Outputs and results 15 Achievements and impacts 19 Section 3 Conclusions 22 Problems encountered and potential solutions 23 In the future 24 Section 4 Appendix A: Oriole survey form 26 Appendix B: Habitat analysis form 27 Appendix C: Income and expenditure 28 Appendix D: Encounter data for Oriolus isabellae 29 Appendix E. Habitat data for the transects 30 Appendix F. Species survey photos 32 Appendix G. Threats facing the species 33 Appendix H. IEC campaign photos 35 Appendix I. IEC campaign - Pre-campaign assessment data 36 Appendix J: IEC Campaign - Post-campaign assessment data 42 Appendix K: Proceedings to seminar-workshop 48 Appendix L: Article at Animal Scene 69 Appendix M: Acay et al., (in prep.) abstract 70 Bibliography 71 Address list and web links 72 Distribution list of proceedings for seminar-workshop 73

Page | 2

ORIS Project

Acknowledgements

The success of the ORIS Project would have not been made possible without the support and participation of our project advisers, partners, colleagues, families, volunteers and the members of the team. The Project team owes its thanks to the funding support of the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP), the Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc. (MFI) for being our mentor since the beginning of the project conceptualization, lending their technical assistance and providing office space for the team, to Mr. Merlijn van Weerd and Dr. Carmela Española for being our advisers providing basic and crucial information in the project management and implementation, the participation of the faculties and students of the Department of Development Communication and Languages (DDCL) in our campaign activities most especially to Dr. Myrna Cureg and Prof. Antonia Bagunu. We would also like to acknowledge the constant support from our partners in the government organizations for endorsing and assisting in our field surveys, campaign activities and workshops: (arranged by location from north to south) to all the municipal and barangay (brgy) local government units of Brgys. Ipil and Tapel, Gonzaga, Brgy. Sta, Margarita, Baggao, Brgys. Dibuluan and San Jose, San Mariano, Brgy. Baguio Village, Diffun, Brgys. Lamao and Duale, Limay and Brgys. Alas-asin and Malaya, Mariveles and to all the regional, provincial and field offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (Cagayan Valley Regional Office, provincial offices in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino and Bataan, field offices of Aparri, Alcala and Naguilian) and the Protected Area Superintendent Officers and Staff of Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, Quirino Protected Landscape, and Mariveles Watershed Forest Reserve.

Page | 3

ORIS Project

Special thanks also to all our local guides in all sites and the following volunteers in the field: to Vanessa Balacanao, Othniel Cammagay, Jerwin Baquiran and Reymond Guttierez for dedicating their time and effort in helping implement all project activities, to Mark Jason Villa for assisting in our reconnaissance fieldwork and to Sylvia and Tonji Ramos for assisting in the culminating seminar-workshop and site-visit, for writing an article about the project, and the last three people for allowing us to use their pictures in our education campaign.

And finally, but in no way the least, the constant support from the families of the team members who gave us words of encouragement, professional advice and moral support.

The project would not have been a success without them. Thank you.

Page | 4

ORIS Project

Section 1:

Summary

Out of nine historical sites in four provinces of Luzon, populations of the Isabela Oriole were confirmed in only two provinces (Cagayan and Isabela). Sites of presence include Ipil (Gonzaga, Cagayan), Mansarong (Baggao, Cagayan), Ambabok, Dunoy Lake and Diwagden Creek (San Mariano, Isabela). They were observed in edge habitats of small patches of degraded secondary growth forest beside vast agricultural areas. Habitat destruction, in the form of lowland forests conversion to agricultural areas, is believed to be the main threat to the species.

To assess the initial awareness and attitude of local communities to Isabela Oriole conservation, a pre-campaign survey was performed. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign was then formally launched by conducting programs in schools in the three muncipalities where the species is present. Posters, flyers and leaflets were distributed to different stakeholders in all sites. The post- campaign assessment show that the awareness of local communities for the species is greater than before the campaign started.

A one-day multi-stakeholder seminar-workshop was held to disseminate results of the project. Government laws regarding environment protection was also discussed. These provided basis for the participants to draft guidelines for a conservation action plan for the Isabela Oriole.

Page | 5

ORIS Project

Introduction

The Philippines is a global conservation priority due to its high endemic species diversity and levels of threat (Myers et al , 2000). Once covered in large tracts of intact tropical forests, the island of Luzon has <25% of its original forests left. The Isabela Oriole, Oriolus isabellae , is found only on this island and is one of these least known bird species (BirdLife International, 2011).

The Isabela Oriole is listed as a Critically Endangered species (IUCN, 2011) based on the precautionary estimate of its population size. Specifically, it has been historically recorded in six municipalities in four provinces of Luzon(Figure 1): Mariveles and Limay (Bataan), Gonzaga and Baggao (Cagayan), San Mariano (Isabela), and Diffun (Quirino). Within these municipalities are 7 sites that are Important Bird Areas (BirdLife International, 2011) and characterized by having lowland secondary forests and remnants of primary forests.

Though believed to be common in the past, the present low number of encounters of this species suggests that it is now rare with a patchy distribution (Collar, 1998; BirdLife International, 2001). The recent sightings of Isabela Oriole in Quirino and Cagayan in the 1990’s have not been verified since it was reported. The last records in Bataan and Gonzaga date back to 1947 and 1960, respectively. But a pair was positively identified in San Mariano, Isabela last 2003 and 2004 (Van Weerd and Hutchinson, 2004). There is only a handful of information about the Isabela Oriole. Hence, baseline and current information on the species is urgently needed as basis for conservation measures.

This project conducted bird surveys, habitat analysis, and key- informant interviews to verify the presence in its historical sites and generate information on its current distribution, population size,

Page | 6

ORIS Project

habitat characteristics and threats. Then an IEC campaign was launched through a school program consisting of lectures, puppet shows and games conducted on three sites where the Isabela Oriole was verified.

Throughout the project, linkages and partnerships were formed between the CLP team and stakeholders. Primarily, Mabuwaya Foundation was instrumental in helping with the logistics and execution of project activities. The Department of Development Communication and Languages (DDCL) was the team’s main partner in the IEC activities. Linkages between the municipalities where the species was present were also forged. Also, the local offices of Department of Environmental and Natural Resources were unequivocal about their support for the project. Wild Bird Club of the Philippines members donated binoculars for the local stakeholders.

Nearing the end of the project, a seminar-workshop was organized to disseminate our findings to highlight Isabela Oriole conservation. Representatives of different stakeholders (local government units, non-government organizations, and local residents) attended the meeting and were able to produce a set of guidelines for conservation of the Isabela Oriole. This included identifying pre- emptive measures and strategies that if followed can produce a comprehensive species conservation action plan. This will hopefully lead to better protection of forests and biodiversity, with Isabela Oriole as the flagship species, not only for Isabela province but for the Cagayan valley region.

Page | 7

ORIS Project

Figure 1. Map of Luzon, Philippines showing 7 points of historical distributionof O. isabellae (1)Ipil (2) Tapel (3) Mansarong (4) Molino farm (5)Diffun (6) Lamao River (7)Mariveles (taken from BirdLife International, 2001).

Project team members and volunteers

Joni T. Acay, Team leader, 26 y.o., MS Environmental Science student

Joni is now currently employed by Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc. as a Biodiversity Specialist. Her responsibilities include conducting biodiversity surveys in Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and designing print materials for their Communication, Education and Public Awareness campaign. As project team leader, she managed over-all project operations by handling all logistics preparation and Page | 8

ORIS Project

stakeholder coordination. She led the Oriole surveys, recorded new information on species behavior and distribution and trained volunteers in species and habitat survey methodology. She was also primarily responsible for taking Isabela Oriole pictures, calls and videos. She was also instrumental in the streamlined design of all IEC campaign materials and provided technical support for the interviews. She also trained volunteers and younger team members in giving formal presentations (i.e. thesis defense, seminar-workshop presentations).

Nikki Dyanne C. Realubit, Coleader, 27 y.o., MS Wildlife Studies candidate

Dyanne is currently a Research Assistant at University of the Philippines-Los Baños for the project “Gut contents analysis of small non-volant mammals in Mt. Banahaw”. Her responsibilities include performing trapping surveys, data analysis and report submission to National Research Council of the Philippines. As project co-leader, she mainly handled the financial end of logistics and field operations in Bataan. Aside from performing the requisite bird and habitat surveys, she also gave in depth instruction to the two BS Biology volunteers for their Isabela Oriole related thesis. She was head facilitator for the seminar-workshop for coming up with guidelines for the Isabela Oriole conservation action plan.

Jerwin R. Baquiran, 22 y.o., BS Development Communication graduate

Jerwin recently graduated with a BS Development Communication degree. Together with Reymond, he performed community interviews and designed print materials for the IEC campaign. He also performed and presented in the launching of IEC campaign in schools. He also gave presentations on conservation during local

Page | 9

ORIS Project

government units (LGU) consultations. He also photo-documented project activities in the IEC campaign. Their BS Development Communication undergraduate thesis entitled “Awareness and Attitude towards Isabela Oriole (Oriolus isabellae) and its conservation by the local people in selected communities in Cagayan and Isabela” won over-all for the Best Thesis award in Isabela State University for Academic Year 2013-2014.

Machael B. Acob, 22 y.o., BS Development Communication graduate

Machael was part of the original team that was created for the project. He helped with the initial work for designing the poster and the pre-campaign assessment survey material. Shortly after, due to personal and financial constraints, he was unable to participate in the project activities. His project responsibilities were transferred to another student volunteer - Reymond Guttierrez.

Reymond P. Guttierez, 22 y.o., BS Development Communication graduate

Reymond also recently graduated with a BS Development Communication degree. Together with Jerwin, he performed community interviews and designed print materials for the IEC campaign. He also performed and presented in the launching of IEC campaign in schools. He also gave presentations on conservation during local government units (LGU) consultations. He also photo- documented project activities in the IEC campaign. Their BS Development Communication undergraduate thesis entitled “Awareness and Attitude towards Isabela Oriole (Oriolus isabellae) and its conservation by the local people in selected communities in Cagayan and Isabela” won over-all for the Best Thesis award in Isabela State University for Academic Year 2013-2014.

Page | 10

ORIS Project

Vanessa L. Balacanao, 23 y.o., BS Biology graduate

Vanessa graduated with a BS Biology degree from Isabela State University last 2013. Together with Othniel, she performed Isabela Oriole and other bird species surveys for the sites in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. She also was involved in the habitat analysis surveys and threat to the species observations. For her BS degree, she was able to submit the thesis manuscript entitled “Comparison of rarity of Isabela Oriole ( Oriolus isabellae ) in three sites of Cagayan Valley”.

Othniel G. Cammagay, 23 y.o., BS Biology graduate

Othniel graduated with a BS Biology degree in 2013 and is now taking Education units at Isabela State University. Together with Vanessa, he performed Isabela Oriole and other bird species surveys for the sites in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. He also was involved in the habitat analysis surveys and threat to the species observations. For his BS degree, he was able to submit the thesis manuscript entitled “Habitat associations of Isabela Oriole ( Oriolus isabellae ) in three sites of Cagayan Valley”.

Page | 11

ORIS Project

Section 2:

Aim and Objectives

The general aim of the project was to generate baseline information as a basis for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole with the goal of promoting it as a flagship species for the conservation of biodiversity in Isabela Province. Specifically, the project objectives were to:

1. Estimate the population size of Isabela Oriole in all sites with historical records of the species and characterize its habitat and map its distributional range;

2. Identify the status and threats to the species and its habitat;

3. Develop an awareness and education program for the local and regional communities, targeting those living near the species’ habitat;

4. Organize a culminating workshop with local stakeholders to communicate results of the project and discuss follow-up activities as to the protection of the species and its habitat.

Methodology

Objective 1: Estimate population size of Isabela Oriole in all sites with historical records of the species and characterize its habitat and map its distributional range

Preliminary information on presence of Isabela Oriole was gathered by interviewing key informants including local residents, hunters, farmers and government officials. Aside from the seven historical sites stated in Birdlife International (2001), we included the Ambabok site from Van Weerd and Hutchinson (2004) and Dunoy Lake near Ambabok as reported by British student Anthony Lowney who

Page | 12

ORIS Project

studied the Isabela Oriole early 2012 as part of his MS degree. The list of sites is outlined in Table 1.

Table 1. Historical and locality sites of the Isabela Oriole Locality Site Year* Sitio Barangay Municipality Province Source (1) Ipil 1960 Ipil Gonzaga Cagayan Collar et al ., 1999 (2) Tapel 1960 Tapel Gonzaga Cagayan Collar et al ., 1999 (3) Mansarong 1994 Mansarong Sta. Baggao Cagayan Van der Linde, Margarita 1995 (4) Molino Farm 1894 Unknown San Mariano Isabela Whitehead, 1899 (5) Diffun 1993 Baguio Diffun Quirino Gamauf and Village Tebbich, 1995 (6) Lamao River 1947 Ariada/ Duale/ Limay Bataan Gilliard, 1950 Arsenal Lamao (7) Mariveles 1902 Tarak/ Alas-asin/ Mariveles Bataan McGregor, 1903 Baclain Malaya (8) Ambabok 2012 Ambabok Dibuluan San Mariano Isabela Van Weerd and Hutchinson, 2004; A. Lowney pers.com, 2012 (9) Dunoy Lake 2012 Dunoy Dibuluan San Mariano Isabela A. Lowney pers.com, 2012 (10) Diwagden new Diwagden San Jose San Mariano Isabela Undocumented, Creek Mario Sotto, Jr (local guide) pers. com., 2013 *Last documented

For the species survey, variable line distance transect sampling was performed. Playback of Isabela Oriole calls was performed to increase the probability of locating the species. Every encounter of the three Oriole species - Isabela Oriole (Oriolus isabellae ), White- lored Oriole ( Oriolus albiloris ) and Black-naped Oriole ( Oriolus chinensis ) was noted down together with the number of individuals, the perpendicular distance to the transect, height of perch branch and activity and movement if applicable. Habitat characterization and environmental data was gathered at every 400m mark.

Parameters for habitat were collected to determine the floral aspect, forest age and structure, topography and the presence of

Page | 13

ORIS Project

anthropogenic disturbance. These include identifying the most dominant trees, measuring ground, understorey and canopy cover, estimating distances to water bodies, forest edge and nearest community, and noting the presence of key species such as pioneer plants, rattan, crops or lianas.

Objective 2: Identify the status and threats to the species and its habitat

Any observable threats to the species and its habitat were noted and documented with pictures, videos or interview statements.

Objective 3: Develop an awareness and education program for the local and regional communities, targeting those living near the species’ habitat

A needs assessment survey was first conducted in local communities to identify their initial knowledge and attitude on issues concerning the conservation of the Isabela Oriole. The results of which have been incorporated into the design of campaign materials (posters, flyers, leaflets, t-shirts, and radio plugs). The pre-campaign awareness and attitude of local communities was then assessed through interviews. The campaign was officially launched by a program of lectures, puppet shows and games conducted in selected schools near the sites where the Isabela Oriole was sighted. A post- campaign assessment was then conducted five months from campaign launching.

Objective 4: Organize a culminating workshop with stakeholders to communicate results of the project and discuss follow-up activities as to the protection of the Isabela Oriole and its habitat

A seminar-workshop was held to disseminate the project results to various stakeholders. A resource person from the DENR provided

Page | 14

ORIS Project

information on environmental laws and policies. During the workshop, this information was integrated with the baseline data on the Isabela Oriole to form a set of guidelines as basis for the species conservation action plan of the different sites.

Output and Results

Output and Results 1

A total of 20 encounters (Table 2) of the Isabela Oriole were recorded in Ipil, Mansarong, Ambabok and Dunoy Lake (Figure 2). A new site for the species was discovered, that is, Diwagden Creek, in San Mariano, Isabela.

Table 2. Oriole species encounters per site Locality Site, Municipality Total Total number of encounters transect (total number of individuals) length O. O. O. (km) isabellae albiloris chinensis (1) Ipil, Gonzaga 6.4 1 (2) 0 6 (8) (2) Tapel, Gonzaga 1.2 0 0 1 (1) (3) Mansarong , Baggao 12.4 13 (27) 0 3 (4) (4) Molino Farm, San Mariano 0 0 0 0 (5) Diffun 14.4 0 0 0 (6) Lamao River , Limay 15.6 0 7 (8) 5 (9) (7) Mariveles 8.8 0 0 4(5) (8) Ambabok, San Mariano 8.0 1 (2) 13 (16) 0 (9) Dunoy Lake, San Mariano 7.6 2 (3) 1 (1) 2 (4) (10) Diwagden Creek, San Mariano 5.6 3(4) 0 4 (6) Total 80.0 20 (38) 21 (25) 25 (37)

Page | 15

ORIS Project

Figure 2. Locality sites with Isabela Oriole encounters are shown in yellow dots and unverified sites in red dots. Numbers correspond to site names in Table 2.

The Isabela Oriole appears to prefer edge habitats along second growth or regenerating forests (Figure 3). Analysis shows that their habitats are characterized by natural and anthropogenic disturbance, crops, tree stump and dead standing trees. Trees are below 10m high with fruiting trees and Ficus . On the other hand, the White-lored Oriole prefers old growth forest with high canopy cover and large trees while the Black-naped Oriole in habitats away from forest edges and associated with villages.

Page | 16

ORIS Project

Figure 3. Canonical Correspondence Analysis biplot of 3 Oriole species and 35 habitat variables using Paleontological Statistics Software (PAST)

Output and Results 2

Habitat destruction was observed to be biggest threat to the Isabela Oriole. Illegal logging and collection of forest products are still rampant in sites in Isabela, despite them being found within a protected area. Additionally, the sites in Baggao and Gonzaga are found on public lands where remaining lowland forests are extensively converted to agricultural lands. Hunting was practiced in all sites but not of the target species. Resource competition between the Isabela and White-lored Oriole was not directly observed but can only be inferred. Data show that where both species occur, there are fewer Isabela Oriole observations and no records in one site where White-lored Oriole is apparently common (Table 2).

Page | 17

ORIS Project

Output and Results 3

The IEC campaign was launched in three schools in Ipil, Mansarong and San Mariano. At least 1 consultation meeting was held in all sites with the local government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local residents. Various forms of campaign materials were produced and distributed to target audience at key sites: 150 flyers and 1500 posters both in three languages, 2 one- minute radio plugs in two languages broadcasted through 2 local radio stations, 100 t-shirts and 2000 leaflets in two languages.

Output and Results 4

A total of 32 participants attended the culminating seminar- workshop on September 11, 2013, with representatives from local communities, government units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources offices from Cagayan and Isabela sites, ISUC, Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc. and Wild Bird Club of the Philippines. A set of guidelines for producing a draft of a conservation action plan was developed. A site-visit to Mansarong was organized the next day. Copies of the proceedings were distributed to all offices.

Page | 18

ORIS Project

Achievements and Impacts

Survey of the species

The encounter data from the field survey, including photographic and audio recordings of the Isabela Oriole, verify the presence of the species in now just a few sites in Luzon. The range of the species has severely contracted. This makes it more important to focus on the identified sites to gather more conservation-relevant information (daily behavior and movement patterns, breeding and reproductive cycle) for the species and use this information to develop the appropriate conservation measure for each site. In particular, the local government of Baggao and the DENR field office have asked for a technical assistance from the team to help their plans to declare a critical habitat in the municipality to provide legal protection to core habitat areas of the Isabela Oriole. This is timely in that the Mansarong site seems to have the largest and most stable population based on the number and regular frequency of individuals encountered there. Also, there was a juvenile bird seen in this site in June 2013 that indicates a successful breeding pair. On the other hand, the provincial mayor of San Mariano has expressed their plans of including the Isabela Oriole as an attraction for their ecotourism plans. The team was also asked for information regarding this matter.

Another notable observation of the Isabela Oriole is its partly frugivorous diet, in addition to feeding on insects that was first documented in 2004 by van Weerd and Hutchinson and observed also during the field survey. Six individuals were seen feeding on Macaranga and Ficus.

Results of our survey also support the known elevational distribution of the Isabela Oriole. We have observed the species from181m to

Page | 19

ORIS Project

404masl only. This information will help further strengthen the efforts to conserve lowland forests which are usually the first areas being degraded.

Based on our findings, we recommend that aside from the current criteria Critically Endangered C2a(i,ii) for IUCN RedList ver 3.1, the following criteria be added: A1a (An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population size reduction of ≥ 90% over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following: (a) direct observation .

We were also able to obtain good photographs of the three Oriole species, good quality videos and new recordings of the calls, which will be useful for identification for future studies. All these is stored in a database that is currently being managed by the team leader and co-leader in partner with a local non-government organization, the Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc.

IEC campaign and culminating seminar-workshop

The budding awareness of local communities about the Isabela Oriole shows the potential of our campaign in disseminating information on the conservation of the species. There are more reports from local residents of San Mariano of potential new locality sites for the Isabela Oriole; two were verified in the field survey in 2013 and early 2014. The active participation of the community, local government units and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials in the field survey and campaign activities indicates a wide support for the project. This also helps in the sustainability of the project. In recent consultation meetings, the local

Page | 20

ORIS Project

government of Baggao and the DENR field office actively wants to protect the habitat of the Isabela Oriole in their municipality. Preparations are underway and resources are being secured.

The team has presented the results and activities of the project in two national conservation symposia to communicate with conservationists, scientists and other environmental organizations working in the country and promote a wider reach of the project. Also, we were invited to participate in an annual bird festival to promote interest from bird watchers to visit our sites. There have been a few of them that have gone to some of our sites, more consistently to Mansarong in Baggao. This could have contributed to the more pro-active support of its local government to the conservation of the species. The local government of San Mariano also invited the team to give a lecture to high school students in the municipality about our conservation efforts as part of their annual celebration of the Save Sierra Madre Day. We hope to have sparked their interest and encouraged them to contribute to these conservation efforts on the ground.

CLP team capacity building

Furthermore, the project has become a venue to train undergraduate students of Isabela State University as future conservationists, both in the field of conservation biology and education and outreach campaign. Two of our volunteers were awarded the best undergraduate thesis not only among contenders from their campus but also university-wide, for the academic year 2013-2014.

Section 3:

Page | 21

ORIS Project

Conclusions

We have verified that there are extant populations or subpopulations of Isabela Oriole in Ipil (Gonzaga, Cagayan), Mansarong (Baggao, Cagayan), Ambabok and Dunoy Lake (San Mariano, Isabela). We were also able to add a new locality site to the list, that is Diwagden Creek (San Mariano, Isabela). A total of 20 encounters of the Isabela Oriole have been recorded. We also observed that the species is partly frugivorous in diet and at there is at least one breeding pair in Mansarong. Our habitat analysis indicate that they are associated to regenerating or early second growth lowland forests. And the biggest threat we’ve observed is the vulnerability of its habitat to degradation or destruction.

These baseline information were properly documented in different sites through the bird survey data and notes, photographs, videos, audio recordings and interview notes. The information gathered has been communicated to the different local stakeholders of the project, most especially to the local government units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources offices and the local residents. This was achieved through an intensive IEC campaign also involving the stakeholders as partners in disseminating the information. Furthermore, guidelines were formulated during the multi-stakeholder culminating workshop and the urgency to protect the habitat of the Isabela Oriole was identified.

Problems encountered and potential solutions

Page | 22

ORIS Project

Proposed method testing and calibrating

The field methodology in the original proposal had to be redesigned, after testing it in the field. Instead of using playback at designated point count stations, it was more efficient to do playbacks along the transect to increase the probability of locating the species.

Security in the field

All necessary permits should be acquired to safeguard the team on the field. However, unforeseen events may occur, causing field work to be postponed or in one case, the team had to retreat, especially around the time of the national election.

Schedule of activities

Activities like the species survey in two sites and local consultation with LGUs and other stakeholders have not followed the proposed schedule. This is due to the period of the national elections which was not included when the proposal was made. The time frame around such events is unpredictable. Project design should consider available time of volunteers and such events including festivities and holidays of different stakeholders.

Language barrier

Although local residents understand the national language, it is more efficient to converse with them using their native or local dialect. Hence it was important to have at least one volunteer in the team that could do so.

Volunteer capacity and availability

Page | 23

ORIS Project

Considerable amount of effort and time was put into training the undergraduate team members and student volunteers for the project. Project timeline should consider difference in skills for implementation of the activities. Also, if necessary, training/courses in scientific basic skills (i.e. writing and data analysis) should be undertaken. Also, since all members of the team are unpaid volunteers, students and with part-time jobs at that, it was difficult to sustain their dedication to implement the activities timely. Members of the team should also consider and be guided to look for funds that can contribute to a minimal amount of honorarium. Furthermore, the project was formed under no established management system and the team members have limited experience on that. Hence, it helped that the project had partners that supported and gave critical advice for the success of the project. However, it could have helped more if the project was under an established organization to maintain the proper reporting and communication system.

In the future

Declaration of critical habitat in Mansarong

The Muncipality of Baggao has requested the assistance in declaring the Isabela Oriole site a Critical Habitat. The first meeting to start the process was on July 8, 2014. They have already identified a potential site and mapped the area. Additional funds to start the new project is now being secured.

Ecotourism in San Mariano

The Municipality of San Mariano has proposed a collaboration to develop an ecotourism package for seeing the Isabela Oriole and another Critically Endangered species, the Philippine Crocodile.

Future ecological studies

Page | 24

ORIS Project

Quarterly monitoring surveys of the Isabela Oriole will be conducted by Joni Acay as the team leader under the Mabuwaya Foundation. Also, said surveys will determine if the populations in three adjacent sites in San Mariano, Isabela (Ambabok, Dunoy Lake and Diwagden Creek) interact and belong to a single population. Based on the results of this study, new sites will be surveyed. Further studies looking at the effect of resource competition between 2 forest-dwelling oriole species will also be conducted. Presentation of the results in international conferences, pending acceptance, will be done in the coming year. Results of the study will be transferred to BirdLife International and IUCN Bird Specialist Group through a scientific publication.

Page | 25

ORIS Project

Section 4:

Appendices

Appendix A: Oriole survey form

Page | 26

ORIS Project

Appendix B: Habitat analysis form

Page | 27

ORIS Project

Appendix C. Income and expenditure

Total CLP Total CLP Itemized expenses requested used (USD) (USD) PHASE I PROJECT PREPARATION Administration Communications (telephone/internet/postage) 300.00 358.09 Field guide books, maps, journal articles and other printed 225.00 609.60 materials Insurance and medical supplies 165.00 149.83 Visas and permits (Permit application is required when 17.00 1.93 conducting research within natural parks.) Team training (Transportation, food and supplies for the CLP 88.00 87.55 workshop for the team) Reconnaissance Reconnaissance (Includes transportation, daily allowance, 1,312.00 689.33 guide and porterage fees, and budget for village consultations) PHASE II IMPLEMENTATION EXPENSES Equipment Scientific/field equipment and supplies (Please detail: Includes Binoculars, Global Positioning System device, Spotting scope, 2,600.00 3,772.13 Sound recorder, Speaker,Cameras, Laptop) Photographic equipment (Please detail: Includes equipment 150.00 136.15 accessories, rain covers for all) Camping equipment (Please detail main items: Includes Tents, 668.00 573.80 tarps, sleeping bags, cooking set, headlamps) Project implementation Food for team members and local guides 2,590.00 2,070.35 Travel and local transportation (7 sites at average of 12 trips 1,030.00 1,159.71 each, each trip at an average cost of 12USD) Outreach/education activities and materials (Please detail: Includes printing of posters, flyers, leaflets, t-shirts, fans, 4,167.00 4,031.12 production of radio plug, IEC campaign launching program, pre and post campaign assessment interviews) Other (Guide/porterage fee for 110-person-days ) 700.00 630.90 Workshop Workshop (Please detail: Includes Food, transportation, rent for 675.00 504.66 facilities and equipment, workshop materials) PHASE III POSTPROJECT EXPENSES Administration Administration 50.00 7.23 Report production and results dissemination 250.00 284.03 Total 14,987.00 15,066.40 Scan of the receipts: https://www.dropbox.com/s/rdh5ue3u21mdb77/0399912_Receipts.docx

Page | 28

ORIS Project

Appendix D: Encounter data for Oriolus isabellae

Encounter Code Province Town Sitio, Barangay Date N E Alt Time PD # Ht Pos Cont Act 1 SMDA_1E Isabela San Mariano Ambabok, Dibuluan 6-Sep-12 17.01065 122.16851 245 14:30 15 2 15 UMC-C HS A 2 BSMM_1B Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 28-Sep-12 17.95014 121.99169 235 16:40 10 2 8 LMC-C HS P 3 BSMM_2A Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 29-Sep-12 17.94925 121.98527 241 7:50 15 2 10 LMC-C HS P 4 BSMM_2A Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 29-Sep-12 17.94925 121.98527 241 8:20 70 2 10 LMC-C HS A 5 BSMM_1B Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 29-Sep-12 17.95014 121.99169 235 15:40 10 2 18 UMC-C HS A 6 GOIP_1N Cagayan Gonzaga Ipil 21-Nov-12 18.25931 122.09836 304 10:50 30 2 15 LMC-C HS P 7 BSMM_1A Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 8-Feb-13 17.95152 121.98819 181 7:45 50 1 15 C H P 8 BSMM_1G Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 8-Feb-13 17.94457 122.00887 404 10:00 12 2 12 LMC HS P 9 BSMM_1G Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 8-Feb-13 17.94457 122.00887 404 11:22 7 3 8 LMC-C HS P 10 BSMM_2A Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 9-Feb-13 17.94925 121.98527 241 7:55 3 2 13 C HS P 11 BSMM_3G Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 9-Feb-13 17.93926 121.98632 255 13:29 20 2 17 MC HS P 12 BSMM_3I Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 9-Feb-13 17.94518 121.98732 283 14:40 4 3 6 LMC HS P 13 BSMM_3I Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 9-Feb-13 17.94518 121.98732 283 15:15 5 3 12 MC HS A 14 BSMM_4A Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 10-Feb-13 17.95515 121.99126 248 9:33 3 2 12 MC HS P 15 BSMM_4B Cagayan Baggao Mansarong, Sta. Margarita 10-Feb-13 17.95528 121.99015 234 10:45 20 1 4 LMC HS P 16 SMSD_1A Isabela San Mariano Diwagden, San Jose 14-Mar-13 16.95146 122.16808 238 17:03 10 1 4 LMC HS P 17 SMSD_3C Isabela San Mariano Diwagden, San Jose 15-Mar-13 16.94069 122.16574 241 16:00 80 2 10 LMC HS P 18 SMSD_4A Isabela San Mariano Diwagden, San Jose 16-Mar-13 16.94877 122.16704 207 8:50 80 1 8 LMC HS P 19 SMDD_1A Isabela San Mariano Dunoy, Dibuluan 17-Mar-13 16.99696 122.15997 180 15:30 30 1 12 LMC H P 20 SMDD_1A Isabela San Mariano Dunoy, Dibuluan 17-Mar-13 16.99696 122.15997 180 15:35 18 2 18 C HS P Code – Transect segment at which Oriolus isabellae was encountered; N and E – WGS84 datum North and East Coordinates at end of transect segment; Alt – Altitude (masl); Time – Time of encounter (24hr-format); PD – Perpendicular Distance (meters) of encounter from transect line; # - Number of individuals per encounter; Ht – Height of encounter from ground (meters); Pos – Position of encounter on perch tree (C – canopy, MC – Mid canopy, LMC – Lower MC, UMC – Upper MC); Cont – Contact (H – Heard, S – Seen); Act – Activity of encounter upon first contact (P – Perched, A – Aerial, DF – Disturbed Flee)

Page | 29

ORIS Project

Appendix E. Habitat data for the transects

e 32 64 Elev Elev Dipt Dipt ORIS ORIS Ht<6 Ht<6 Ficus Ficus Code Code ORAL ORAL Crops Crops ORCH ORCH Ht>10 Ht>10 GrCov GrCov Lianas Lianas Layers Layers DistVil DistVil Stump Stump Rattan Rattan dTrees Ht6-10 Ht6-10 Arch_C Arch_C FlTrees FlTrees Arch_B Arch_B AvgPW AvgPW Arch_A Arch_A Arch_D Arch_D FrTrees FrTrees Palmae Palmae CanCov CanCov DistEdg DistEdg NatDea DBH32- DBH16- AnthDe Pioneer Pioneer UndCov UndCov adTrees DBH>64 DBH>64 DBH<16 DBH<16 AvgSlop DistWat DistWat GrMoist GrMoist Bamboo Bamboo

10 25 30 8. 30 BSMM_1A 181 0 2 1 1 0 4 0 9 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 25 10 3 10 0 0 33 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 43 10 .3 50 8. 60 BSMM_1B 235 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 11 2 7 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 80 3 3 10 0 0 33 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 21 .6 20 BSMM_1G 404 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 20 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 50 50 30 3 10 0 0 7 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 5 0 0 66 11 10 .6 10 25 50 .6 10 BSMM_2A 241 1 4 0 0 1 4 0 5 9 0 0 3 3 0 0 50 10 0 7 2 0 0 0 7 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 2 88 56 .3 10 10 .6 15 BSMM_3A 330 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 6 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 20 25 3 3 0 0 00 7 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 63 .3 50 BSMM_3G 255 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 5 1 2 0 2 7 1 1 50 20 80 3 3 2 0 0 5 40 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 46 10 .6 10 55 BSMM_3I 283 0 3 0 0 0 2 1 3 2 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 20 0 7 3 00 0 0 15 80 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 28 50 .3 BSMM_4A 248 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 30 35 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 10 40 10 BSMM_4B 234 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 20 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 40 25 20 GOIP_1B 92 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 00 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 20 50 20 GOIP_1E 106 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 00 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 26 10 .6 15 20 GOIP_1F 124 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 50 00 50 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 10 15 10 20 GOIP_1J 205 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 00 00 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 15 45 20 GOIP_1K 237 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 00 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 91 16 .3 .6 GOIP_1N 304 1 2 2 0 0 4 1 10 8 0 0 2 1 0 0 50 50 90 3 3 10 0 50 25 7 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 50 10 10 10 GOIP_2B 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 70 80 2 0 0 00 5 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 10 35 GOTA_1A 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 00 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 10 10 30 GOTA_1C 22 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 10 34 10 8. 10 50 .3 LDAR_1B 382 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 25 67 1 00 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 93 10 15 40 .6 LDAR_1C 378 0 3 0 2 0 3 2 10 3 1 1 3 0 0 0 50 10 50 96 3 0 0 0 20 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2

Page | 30

ORIS Project

rp 32 64 Elev Ht<6 ORIS Ficus Code Trees ORAL Crops ORCH Ht>10 GrCov Lianas Layers DistVil Stump Rattan dTrees Ht6-10 Arch_C Arch_B FlTrees Arch_A AvgPW Arch_D FrTrees Palmae CanCov DistEdg DBH16- DBH32- Pioneer UndCov DBH<16 DBH>64 GrMoist DistWat Bamboo NatDead AnthDea AvgSlope Dipteroca 83 50 .6 10 40 10 .6 LDAR_1F 389 0 3 2 0 0 1 4 30 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 90 7 4 00 0 00 15 7 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 94 24 53 10 .6 10 .3 .6 LDAR_1G 385 1 0 1 1 0 0 3 12 0 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 10 0 7 3 50 10 00 3 7 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 62 10 .6 10 50 10 19 LDAR_2B 295 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 10 7 1 00 0 00 26 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 10 10 50 10 9. 14 LDAR_2C 282 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 50 55 1 00 0 00 33 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 89 13 12 .3 10 50 .3 3. LDAR_2D 257 3 2 0 0 0 2 3 6 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 75 25 3 3 50 0 0 3 33 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 50 40 .3 10 10 9. .3 LDAR_3A 181 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 1 0 0 2 0 0 50 50 10 3 2 50 0 0 33 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 10 LLAR_2C 74 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 50 1. 10 LLAR_2E 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 70 2 50 0 0 67 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 81 19 .3 50 10 3. MAAT_1E 376 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 9 1 0 3 2 0 2 0 10 10 3 2 0 0 00 14 33 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 44 MMBA_1 50 50 50 .3 A 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 0 70 1 0 0 0 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 54 .3 20 10 2. MMBA_1C 332 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 50 10 3 2 0 0 50 33 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 15 10 10 .6 SMDA_1E 245 1 1 1 2 0 3 2 15 6 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 80 9 0 2 0 00 00 7 50 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 91 .3 10 40 60 10 SMDD_1A 180 1 2 1 1 0 2 3 13 7 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 10 25 3 2 00 0 0 20 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 3 1 2 16 13 .6 15 10 20 .3 10 SMDD_1D 343 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 50 90 10 7 1 00 0 00 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 28 10 .3 20 50 20 2. SMDD_1E 351 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 50 0 10 3 1 00 0 00 67 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 33 18 16 .3 10 20 10 .3 .6 SMSD_1A 238 1 3 0 1 1 2 2 7 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 90 50 3 2 00 00 00 3 7 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 14 86 15 .3 .6 SMSD_2B 171 0 3 1 1 0 3 2 5 8 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 50 25 8 5 2 60 0 00 3 7 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 48 10 50 50 8. .3 SMSD_3A 178 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 33 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 75 12 .6 20 15 .6 SMSD_3C 241 3 0 2 0 0 2 3 13 5 1 0 2 1 1 4 0 80 50 7 3 0 0 00 7 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 2 0 0 60 50 13 SMSD_4A 207 1 0 0 4 0 1 4 8 5 1 0 1 0 1 2 0 50 75 9 3 2 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 3 Code – Transect segment; Arch A,B, C, D - count of trees with architecture type; Ht<6cm,6-10cm, >10 cm -count of trees with said height, DBH<16, DBH16-32, DBH32-64,DBH>64inches -count of trees with said diameter at breast height , count of FlTrees-flowering trees, FrTrees-fruiting trees , NatDeadTrees -dead trees due to natural disturbances, AnthDeadTrees -dead trees due to anthropogenic disturbance; percent GrMoist -ground mositure, GrCov -ground vegetation cover, UndCov -understorey vegetation cover, CanCov -canopy vegetation cover; Layers – number of forest structural layers; distance in meters to DistWat -water, DistEdg -edge of forest, DistVil -human habitation; AvgSlope-average slope in degrees, AvgPW ,average path width in cm; presence (1) or absence (0) of Crops – crops, Lianas – woody vines, Pioneer – pioneer trees, Stump – standing tree stumps, Bamboo – bamboo stands, Palmae - palms, Ficus - fig trees , Rattan – rattan , Dipterocarp – dipterocarp trees ; count of species individuals ORIS-Oriolus isabellae , ORAL - Oriolus isabellae , ORCH – Oriolus chinensis Page | 31

ORIS Project

Appendix F. Species survey photos

First row-Oriolus isabellae , second row left-Oriolus albiloris, second row right-Oriolus chinensis; Photos by Joni T. Acay

Page | 32

ORIS Project

Appendix G. Threats facing species habitat

Illegal logging, construction of residence, and conversion of lowland forest to agricultural land in one of the project sites. Forest fragment shown in second row was verified to be habitat of a pair of Isabela Orioles.

Page | 33

ORIS Project

First row left-evidence of rattan palm gathering, first row right- recently cleared forest for agricultural land where a pair of Isabela Orioles were seen at the forest edge; second row – general view of San Mariano mountains extensively converted for agriculture

Page | 34

ORIS Project

Appendix H. IEC campaign photos

First row left to right- barangay community meeting, team member, Jerwin, explaining the poster to local residents, volunteer, Reymond, conducting interviews; second row-IEC campaign launching with development communication student volunteers from I SU and faculty in charge performing the puppet show

Page | 35

ORIS Project

Appendix I. IEC campaign Precampaign assessment data

Table 1. Distribution of respondents based on place of residence, gender and age group. Gender Age Group Total Address Male Female 12-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 71- 79 Respondents Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Baggao 5 9.3 7 13.0 3 5.6 6 11.1 1 1.9 1 1.9 1 1.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 12 22.2 Gonzaga 6 11.1 14 25.9 6 11.1 2 3.7 2 3.7 7 13.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 1 1.9 20 37.0 San 14 25.9 8 14.8 12 22.2 3 5.6 4 7.4 1 1.9 2 3.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 22 40.7 Mariano Total 25 46.3 29 53.7 21 38.9 11 20.4 7 13.0 9 16.7 4 7.4 1 1.9 1 1.9 54 100.0

Table 2. Respondents’ highest educational attainment. Educational Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Attainment Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Elementary 2 3.7 4 7.4 2 1.9 8 14.8 High School 1 1.9 10 18.5 13 24.1 24 44.4 College 9 16.7 5 9.3 5 9.3 19 35.2 Graduate studies 0 0.0 1 1.9 2 3.7 3 5.6 Total 12 22.2 20 37.0 22 40.7 54 100.0

Page | 36

ORIS Project

Table 3. Respondents’ occupation.

Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Occupation* Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Farmer/Farming 5 9.3 5 9.3 13 24.1 23 42.6 Elected Official 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 2 7.4 Teacher/Teaching 4 7.4 4 7.4 0 0.0 8 14.8 Businessman/ Business 1 1.9 2 1.9 3 5.6 6 11.1 Office Employee 2 3.7 0 0 1 1.9 3 5.64 OFW 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 Carpenter 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 Maid 0 0.0 1 1.9 0 0.0 1 0.0 Driver 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 Store helper 1 1.9 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 Unemployed 0 0.0 2 3.7 1 1.9 3 1.9 Student 0 0.0 8 14.8 10 18.5 18 33.3 *Multiple response: n=54

Table 4. Dialect spoken by respondents Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Dialect* Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Ybanag 0 0.0 2 3.7 9 16.7 11 20.4 Ilocano 12 22.2 19 35.2 12 22.2 43 79.6 Tagalog/Filipino 1 1.9 4 7.4 7 13.0 12 22.2 Kalinga 1 1.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 *Multiple response: n=54

Page | 37

ORIS Project

Table 5. Radio stations exposed to, frequency of exposure, and radio time slot listened to by respondents from different sites Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total

Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % DZNC 7 13.3 3 5.6 10 18.5 20 37.0 DZRH 4 7.4 1 1.9 3 5.6 7 13.0 Radio Stations DWTG 0 0.0 2 3.7 1 1.9 3 5.6 Exposed to* DZMM 0 0.0 1 1.9 0 0.0 1 1.9 Galant FM 0 0.0 0 0.0 5 9.3 5 9.3 Everyday 0 0.0 2 3.7 6 11.1 8 14.8 Frequency of Exposure At least once a week 5 9.3 4 7.4 7 13.0 16 29.6 to Radio Not more than 3x a month 3 5.6 2 3.7 2 3.7 7 13.0 Morning 5 9.3 4 7.4 9 16.7 18 33.3 Radio Time Slot* Afternoon 1 1.9 4 7.4 8 14.8 13 24.1 Night time 1 1.9 2 3.7 3 5.6 6 11.1 N/A Not Listening to Radio 4 7.4 10 18.5 7 13 21 38.9 Total 12 22.2 18 33.3 22 40.7 44 81.5 *Multiple response: n=54

Table 6 Respondents’ exposure to and frequency of exposure to publications Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Book 1 1.9 2 3.7 1 1.9 4 7.4 Exposure to Comics 0 0.0 2 3.7 9 16.7 11 20.4 Publications* Magazines 5 9.3 0 0.0 1 1.9 6 11.1 Newspaper 6 11.1 3 5.6 3 5.6 12 22.2 Frequency of Exposure Everyday 2 3.7 0 0.0 2 3.7 4 11.1 to Publications At least once a week 5 9.3 7 13.0 8 14.8 20 37.0

Page | 38

ORIS Project

Not more than 3x a month 1 1.9 3 5.6 3 5.6 6 11.1 N/A Not reading publications 4 20.4 10 7.4 9 16.7 24 44.4 Total 12 22.2 20. 37.0 22.0 40.7 54.0 100.0 *Multiple response: n=54

Table 7. Frequency of respondents who have heard or know of the Isabela Oriole Heard or know of the Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Isabela Oriole Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Yes 2 3.7 9 16.7 6 11.1 17 31.5 No 10 18.5 11 20.4 16 29.6 37 68.5 Total 12 22.2 20 37.0 21 38.9 54 100

Table 8. Respondents’ sources of information about the Isabela Oriole Source of Information Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total about the Oriole Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % DENR 1 1.9 0 0.0 1 0.0 2 3.7 Internet 1 1.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 Bird Specialist 0 0.0 1 1.9 0 0.0 1 1.9 Neighbors/Friends 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 Teacher/co-worker 1 1.9 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 1.9 Parents/children 0 0.0 1 1.9 0 0.0 1 1.9 Television 0 0.0 1 1.9 1 1.9 2 3.7 Radio 0 0.0 3 5.6 1 1.9 4 7.4 Print materials 0.0 0.0 1 1.9 0.0 0.0 1 1.9 No Answer/Not Applicable 10 18.5 14 25.9 19 35.2 33 61.1 *Multiple response: n=54

Page | 39

ORIS Project

Table 9. Frequency of respondents who have actually seen the Isabela Oriole Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Seen the Isabela Oriole Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Yes 4 7.4 13 24.1 11 20.4 28 51.9 No 8 14.8 7 13.0 5 9.3 20 37.0 No Answer 0 0.0 0 0.0 6 11.1 6 11.1 Total 12 22.2 20 37.0 22 40.7 54 100.0

Table 10. Species of oriole which respondents have actually seen Species of Oriole seen Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Isabela Oriole 0 0.0 2 3.7 0 0.0 2 3.7 Black-naped Oriole 1 1.9 12 3.7 10 18.5 23 42.6 White-lored Oriole 2 3.7 1 1.9 1 1.9 4 7.4 No Answer/Not 9 16.7 7 13.0 11 20.4 27 50.0 Applicable *Multiple response: n=54

Page | 40

ORIS Project

Table 11 . Respondents’ awareness and attitude towards issues regarding the conservation of the Isabela Oriole Topic Average Ratings* Overall Statements Average Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Rating* The Isabela Oriole, just like other endangered wildlife, need 1.1 1.6 1.6 1.5 Attitude towards to be protected. + protecting the Isabela There is no need to pay attention to wildlife, including the Oriole Isabela oriole, because these animals are free to roam in the 3.6 3.8 3.1 3.5 forests and fields anyway. - Willingness to I can help/contribute a lot in protecting and conserving the 1.8 1.7 1.5 1.6 help/contribute to the Isabela Oriole.+ protection the Isabela I do not care about conserving the Isabela Oriole - 4.1 3.8 3.4 3.7 Oriole I agree that when forests are destroyed, it is not only the Awareness and birds and other animals which will be affected but also the attitude towards 1.2 1.5 2.0 1.6 lives and property of people in case there will be floods and recognizing the role of landslides. + forests conservation to Protecting the Isabela Oriole has nothing to do with our human well-being 3.8 3.6 3.1 3.4 livelihood. - The forests which serve as home/habitat for animals and Concern and plants are now slowly being degraded so I will help in 1.3 1.5 1.6 1.5 willingness to help conserving it. + conserve forests There are still plenty of trees in the mountains so there is no 4.1 3.7 3.3 3.6 need to be alarmed. - Stand on respecting I respect the law which protects wildlife which are about to 1.2 1.5 1.5 3.7 laws on wildlife get extinct. + protection and It is the right of people to hunt wildlife in the forest as a 4.3 3.4 3.7 1.4 people’s right source means of livelihood and for subsistence. - We should not keep birds and other animals as pet especially 1.6 1.7 2.2 1.9 Stand on keeping birds if these animals are already endangered + as pets I want to have birds like the Isabela oriole as pet so I will buy 3.9 3.1 2.7 3.2 or accept it if someone will sell or give it to me.- *Values range from 1 – strongly agree to 5 – strongly disagree with the statements.

Page | 41

ORIS Project

Appendix J: IEC Campaign Postcampaign assessment data

Table 1. Distribution of respondents based on place of residence, gender and age group. Total Gender Age Group Respondents Address Male Female 11-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 >60 Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Freq. % Baggao 36 20.1 41 22.9 31 17.3 12 6.7 18 10.1 6 3.4 8 4.5 2 1.1 77 43.0 Gonzaga 18 10.1 27 15.1 11 6.1 7 3.9 5 2.8 13 7.3 6 3.4 3 1.7 45 25.1 San 29 16.2 28 15.6 15 8.4 14 7.8 7 3.9 6 3.4 10 5.6 5 2.8 57 31.8 Mariano Total 83 46.4 96 53.6 57 31.8 33 18.4 30 16.7 25 14.0 24 13.4 10 5.6 179 100

Table 2. Respondents’ highest educational attainment. Educational Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Attainment Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Elementary 13 7.3 3 1.7 18 10.0 34 19.0 High School 44 24.6 16 8.9 26 14.5 86 48.0 College 12 6.7 22 12.3 12 6.7 46 25.7 Graduate studies 8 4.5 4 2.2 0 0 12 6.7 No Schooling 0 0 0 0 1 0.6 1 0.6 Total 77 43.1 45 25.1 57 31.8 179 100

Table 3. Respondents’ occupation.

Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Occupation* Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Farmer/Farming 31 17.3 16 8.9 28 15.6 75 41.9

Page | 42

ORIS Project

Elected Official 0 0 4 2.2 4 2.2 8 4.5 Teacher/Teaching 0 0 9 5.0 1 0.6 10 5.6 Businessman/ Business 4 2.2 5 2.8 2 1.1 11 6.1 Office Employee 1 0.6 7 3.9 4 2.2 12 6.7 Logger 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Hunter 1 0.6 0 0 0 0 1 0.6 Trader 19 10.6 0 0 0 0 19 10.6 Fisherman 0 0 1 0.6 0 0 1 0.6 Student 30 16.8 2 1.1 0 0 32 17.9 Others 4 2.2 8 4.5 1 0.6 13 7.3 No Answer 0 0 3 1.7 12 6.7 15 8.4 *Multiple response: n=179

Table 4. Dialect spoken by respondents Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Dialect* Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Ybanag 0 0 0 0 16 8.9 16 8.9 Ilocano 72 40.2 43 24.4 43 24.0 158 88.3 Kalinga 0 0 0 0 1 0.6 1 0.6 Ifugao 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Agta 1 0.6 0 0 0 0 1 0.6 Itawis 2 1.1 2 1.1 1 0.6 5 2.8 Others (Tagalog, Ibaloy, English) 15 8.4 19 10.6 11 6.1 45 25.1 No Answer 0 0 1 0.6 0 0 1 0.6 *Multiple response: n=179

Page | 43

ORIS Project

Table 5. Frequency of respondents who have heard or know of the Isabela Oriole Heard or know of the Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total Isabela Oriole Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % Yes 67 37.4 30 16.8 36 20.1 133 74.3 No 10 5.6 15 8.4 21 11.7 46 25.7 Total 77 43 45 25.2 57 31.8 179 100

Table 6. Respondents’ sources of information about the Isabela Oriole Source of Information about Baggao Gonzaga San Mariano Total the Oriole Freq % Freq % Freq. % Freq. % DENR 8 4.5 1 0.6 4 2.2 13 7.3 LGU/Barangay Officials 2 1.1 0 0 2 1.1 4 2.2 Flyers 9 5.0 9 5.0 2 1.1 15 8.4 Posters 3 1.7 3 1.7 6 3.4 33 18.4 Internet 6 3.4 3 1.7 3 1.7 12 6.7 Friends 5 2.8 7 3.9 2 1.1 14 7.8 Teacher 6 3.4 6 3.4 2 1.1 14 7.8 Co-worker 4 2.2 1 0.6 2 1.1 15 8.4 Parents 5 2.8 7 3.9 2 1.1 14 7.8 Television 4 2.2 1 0.6 0 0 5 2.8 Radio 0 0 1 0.6 0 0 1 0.6 Other 23 12.8 9 5.0 17 9.5 49 27.4 No Answer/Not Applicable 12 6.7 0 0 23 12.8 35 19.6 *Multiple response: n=179

Page | 44

ORIS Project

Table 7. Respondents’ perception on statements about the Isabela Oriole Perception* Statements Sites Total SA A D/U D SD Baggao 35 31 11 0 0 77 Gonzaga 19 13 13 0 0 45 Isabela Oriole is our Golden Treasure San Marino 27 10 17 3 0 57 Frequency 81 54 41 3 0 179 % 45.2 30.2 22.9 1.7 9 100 Baggao 41 23 9 1 3 77 The Isabela Oriole is one of the critically Gonzaga 26 12 5 2 0 45 endangered species like the Philippine San Marino 37 7 12 3 4 57 eagle Frequency 104 42 26 3 4 179 % 58.1 23.5 14.5 1.7 2.2 100 Baggao 55 14 7 1 0 77 Gonzaga 25 9 8 3 0 45 I am proud that the Isabela Oriole is found San Marino 45 4 5 1 2 57 in our Province Frequency 125 27 20 5 2 179 % 69.8 15.1 11.2 2.8 1.1 100 Baggao 53 21 2 0 1 77 Gonzaga 29 11 5 0 0 45 We should allow the Isabela Oriole to San Marino 44 7 5 1 0 57 multiply so that its population will increase Frequency 126 39 12 1 1 179 % 70.4 21.8 6.7 0.6 0.6 100 *Perception categories: SA – Strongly Agree; A – Agree; D/U – Don’t Know/Undecided; D – Disagree; SD – Strongly Disagree

Table 8 . Respondents’ attitude towards protecting the Isabela Oriole Attitude* Statements Sites Total A D D/U Baggao 9 42 26 77 There is nothing I can do to protect and conserve the Gonzaga 8 27 10 45 Isabela Oriole San Mariano 3 38 16 57 Frequency 20 107 52 179 Page | 45

ORIS Project

% 11.2 59.8 29.0 100 Baggao 69 8 0 77 Gonzaga 42 2 1 45 There is a need to protect the Isabela Oriole San Mariano 50 6 1 57 Frequency 161 16 2 179 % 90.0 8.9 1.1 100 Baggao 69 7 1 77 Gonzaga 39 3 3 45 There are many ways that I can do to protect the San Mariano 42 7 8 57 Isabela Oriole Frequency 150 17 12 179 % 83.8 9.5 6.7 100 Baggao 69 5 3 77 Gonzaga 39 2 4 45 We have the responsibility to maintain a healthy San Mariano 48 4 5 57 ecosystem for our future generations Frequency 156 11 12 179 % 87.2 6.1 6.7 100 Baggao 6 57 14 77 There’s no need to pay attention to wildlife including Gonzaga 4 30 11 45 the Isabela Oriole because these animals are free to San Mariano 13 10 34 57 roam in the forest and fields anyway Frequency 23 97 59 179 % 12.8 54.2 33.0 100 Baggao 60 13 4 77 Gonzaga 40 1 4 45 We need to protect the Isabela Oriole because it has San Mariano 47 7 3 57 is something to do with our livelihood Frequency 147 21 11 179 % 82.1 11.7 6.1 100 Baggao 2 47 28 77 Gonzaga 8 19 18 45 There is nothing that I can do to protect the Isabela San Mariano 6 38 13 57 Oriole Frequency 16 104 59 179 % 8.9 58.1 33.0 100 Baggao 68 7 2 77 If I see an Isabela Oriole in the wild or in the forest, I Gonzaga 39 0 6 45 will let it be free San Mariano 49 3 5 57

Page | 46

ORIS Project

Frequency 156 10 13 179 % 87.2 5.6 7.2 100 *Attitude categories: A – Agree; D – Disagree ; D/U – Don’t Know/Undecided

Table 9 . Respondents’ willingnes toparticipate in the conservation of the Isabela Oriole Sites Attitude* Total Statements A D D/U Baggao 64 3 10 77 Gonzaga 32 5 8 45 I have the responsibility to protect the habitat of the San Mariano 47 5 5 57 Isabela Oriole Frequency 143 13 23 179 % 79.9 7.3 12.8 100 Baggao 70 4 3 77 I can help to conserve the forest that are now slowly Gonzaga 35 4 6 45 being degraded which serve as home/ habitat of the San Mariano 49 3 5 57 Isabela Oriole Frequency 154 11 14 179 % 86.1 6.1 7.8 100 Baggao 67 6 4 77 Gonzaga 37 2 6 45 I am willing to help in ensuring the survival of the San Mariano 48 4 5 57 Isabela Oriole Frequency 152 12 15 179 % 84.9 6.7 8.4 100 *Attitude categories: A – Agree; D – Disagree ; D/U – Don’t Know/Undecided

Table 10 . Respondents’ willingness to participate in the conservation of the Isabela Oriole Attitude* Statement Sites Total A D D/U Baggao 72 4 1 77 I agree that when forests are destroyed, it is only the Gonzaga 37 4 4 45 birds and other animals which will be affected but also San Mariano 52 4 1 57 the lives and property of people in case there will be Frequency 161 12 6 179 floods and landslides % 89.9 6.7 3.4 100 *Attitude categories: A – Agree; D – Disagree ; D/U – Don’t Know/Undecided Page | 47

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Appendix K: Proceedings to seminarworkshop

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEMINAR-WORKSHOP ON THE CONSERVATION OF THE ISABELA ORIOLE, Oriolus isabellae WITH REMARKS ON THE SITE VISIT TO MANSARONG (Baggao, Cagayan)

CCVPED Bldg, ISU – Cabagan Campus, Isabela 11 September 2013 Executive Summary

This report presents the highlights of the Seminar-Workshop on the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole held on the 11 th day of September 2013 at the Bulwagan ng Hilagang Sierra Madre Conference Room, Center for Cagayan Valley Program of Environment and Development (CCVPED) Bldg., Isabela State University - Campus, Cabagan, Isabela, and a short remark on the exciting visit to Baggao, Cagayan on the 12 th day of September 2013 to see the Isabela Oriole in its natural habitat.

This seminar-workshop allowed the collaboration for the input of knowledge from local residents and government officials, conservation experts and management practitioners to jumpstart the development of a conservation action plan for the Isabela Oriole. Information on the population size, current distribution, habitat preferences and ecology of the Isabela Oriole is still insufficient, but urgently needed as basis for its conservation. The diversity of participants coming from different organizations paved the way for a variety of perspectives and to consequently achieve a comprehensive discussion.

I. Objectives of the Seminar-Workshop

The one-day seminar-workshop aids to provide a venue to inform stakeholders of the ORIS Project about the results of the scientific survey of the Isabela Oriole in different sites and the impact of the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign activities conducted in different sites. These information are then incorporated to the understandings Page | 48

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

of the government laws and policies regarding the protection of the Isabela Oriole and other wildlife, which will be a basis for the drafting of a conservation action plan (CAP). This will eventually provide guidelines for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole.

At the end of the seminar-workshop, the participants have achieved the following:

1. Gained knowledge on the population, distribution, habitat and ecology of the Isabela Oriole, 2. Understood the issues and challenges to the conservation of the Isabela Oriole, 3. Formulate guidelines necessary to be included in a draft of the conservation action plan for the Isabela Oriole, and 4. Identified the next steps to be undertaken for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole.

II. Participants

A total of 32 participants representing 6 stakeholder groups attended the Seminar- Workshop (see Annex 1). Among the participants, 22 (69%) were males and 10 (31%) were females.

The academic sector was represented by participants from the College of Development Communication, Arts & Sciences (CDCAS) and the College of Forestry and Environmental Management (CFEM) of Isabela State University – Cabagan (ISUC), the non-government organization was represented by the Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc., while the government sector was represented by the staff of local government units (LGUs) of three Barangays (Ipil, Tapel, Dibuluan) and two municipalities (Baggao and San Mariano) and staff from the office of Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park- Protected Area Superintendent (NSMNP- PASu) and two field offices (Aparri and Alcala, Cagayan) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Aside from the representatives of the government sector of the LGUs, one local resident from Dunoy (Isabela) also attended the event. The tourism sector was represented by members of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP).

Figure 1. Participants to the Seminar-Workshop

Page | 49

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

III. Highlights

A. Preliminaries

The Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole was held on the 11 th day of September 2013 at the CCVPED Bldg. within the ISUC Campus in Cabagan, Isabela.

The event was moderated by Prof. Antonia M. Bagunu, a faculty of Department of Development Communication and Languages (DDCL) of CDCAS-ISU. The seminar- workshop formally began with a prayer led by Mr. Jerwin R. Baquiran, a member of the ORIS Project Team and an undergraduate student of DDCL.

Dr. Mercedes D. Masipiqueña, Director of CCVPED and CFEM-ISU, welcomed the group with a short message, where she emphasized the importance of the conservation of biodiversity, especially of endemic species found in Northern Sierra Madre such as the Isabela Oriole ( Oriolus isabellae ), the Bitatawa ( Varanus bitatawa), a frugivorous monitor lizard, and the Philippine Eagle ( Pithecophaga jefferyi ), the national bird of the Philippines. She also pointed out that it was a pleasure to hold the seminar-workshop in the Bulwagan ng Hilagang Sierra Madre Conference Room of CCVPED, as this room was meant to show the beauty of and hence, promote the protection of the vast biodiversity found in the Northern Sierra Madre mountain range.

Next, Forester Marites G. Balbas, the Deputy Director of Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc., gave the keynote address. She started by recalling her memories of the first workshop they organized in 2001 for the conservation of the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis ), the most critically endangered species of crocodile in the world. More than a decade later, she shares how important it is in conservation to inform the local communities about the importance of protecting our species and how we all should feel proud of our endemic species. This, she says, should be carried out through Communication, Education and Public Awareness campaigns at different levels of the society. She also pointed out the crucial matter of involving the communities and government agencies in all aspects of the activities, as they are very important partners in conservation. As she acknowledged the presence of different stakeholders in the room, she then invites all to participate and share vital information and experiences on the best steps to take for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole.

Expectations setting

Prof. Bagunu then carried on discussing the schedule of activities for the seminar- workshop. The one-day meeting was divided into two components, the Seminar in the morning and the Workshop in the afternoon. In the former, we hope to achieve the first and second objectives stated in section II of this document, while the latter, the third and fourth.

Page | 50

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

On the second day, the participants were invited to a field visit to Sitio Mansarong in Baggao, Cagayan, to observe the Isabela Oriole in its natural habitat.

The need for active participation of every attendee was further emphasized by Prof. Bagunu. However, so as to keep the flow of information intact, the audience was asked to reserve their questions, comments and suggestions at the end of the presentations.

B. Seminar Overview

The Seminar was designed to inform the participants of the results of the scientific survey of the Isabela Oriole, the activities conducted in the IEC campaign, and the existing laws and policies regarding the protection of the Isabela Oriole.

The presenters were given 15 minutes each to talk and the discussion was arranged at the end of all presentations.

1) Rediscovering Our Golden Treasure

The ORIS Project leader, Ms. Joni T. Acay, gave brief background information on how the project for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole was developed. She recounts the rediscovery of the Isabela Oriole in Sitio Ambabok in Brgy. Dibuluan (San Mariano, Isabela) last 2003 by Van Weerd and Hutchinson. This rediscovery is after over 40 years of not being encountered despite a number of expeditions by scientists and birdwatchers looking for it. This recent record and the study by Anthony Lowney (late 2011 and early 2012) in San Mariano sparked the interest of the team members to learn more about this critically endangered bird. The findings from this recent observation prompted the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to elevate the conservation status of the Isabela Oriole from Endangered to Critically Endangered in 2004. With such a high risk of extinction, the conservation of the Isabela Oriole is urgently needed. Thus, as suggested and assisted by Van Weerd, Ms. Acay submitted a proposal to the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP) for the 2012 Future Conservationist Award. Fortunately, the ORIS Project was granted the financial support to fund a year-long project (Aug 2012 – July 2013) that is formally entitled “Establishing Baseline Data for the Conservation of the Critically Endangered Isabela Oriole, Luzon, Philippines (CLP ID#0399912)”.

As stated in the title, the purpose of the project is to generate baseline information about the Isabela Oriole that will be used as basis for its conservation. The objectives of the project were grouped into two parts. First, the baseline data was gathered through a scientific survey of all recorded sites of distribution of the Isabela Oriole. Information on its population size, distribution, habitat preferences and ecology and threats to its conservation was taken note of. Secondly, an information, education and communication (IEC) campaign was launched to promote awareness and conservation of the Isabela Oriole among different stakeholders. Materials such as posters, flyers, and radio plugs were produced and distributed/broadcasted to disseminate

Page | 51

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

information. Also, programs consisting of lectures, games and puppet shows were conducted in communities where the Isabela Oriole was found.

Ms. Acay then mentioned the probable causes for the decline in the population of the Isabela Oriole. Firstly, like any species dependent on its habitat, the loss of the habitat of the Isabela Oriole is believed to be the main threat. Lowland forest destruction not only reduces the suitable habitat for the bird but also that the resulting forest fragmentation prevents connectivity within and among populations of the Isabela Oriole. It was also speculated that competition with closely-related species further threatens the population of the Isabela Oriole. The more common White-lored Oriole (Oriolus albiloris ) is also a forest-dependent species that may have competed with the Isabela Oriole for similar resources. This may have been exacerbated by the reduced available resources due to forest destruction.

Using the gathered information on the Isabela Oriole and through the involvement of the stakeholders in different sites, the ORIS Project aims to eventually develop a Conservation Action Plan for the Isabela Oriole.

2) Population, Distribution, Habitat and Threats to the Isabela Oriole

The ORIS Project Co-Leader, Ms. Nikki Dyanne C. Realubit, discussed the results of the scientific survey of the Isabela Oriole in all its historical and recent recorded sites of distribution. The playback method was employed during the survey along transect lines. The survey was conducted during the wet and dry seasons, from August – November 2012 and February – May 2013, respectively. The sites are: Brgys. Ipil and Tapel (Gonzaga, Cagayan), Sitio Mansarong in Brgy. Sta. Margarita (Baggao, Cagayan), Sitio Ambabok in Brgy. Dibuluan (San Mariano, Isabela), Brgy. Baguio Village (Diffun, Quirino), Brgy. Limay (Lamao, Bataan) and Mariveles, Bataan. The following table then summarizes the years the Isabela Oriole was last seen in those sites and the verification done during the survey of the ORIS Project:

Table 1. Verification of sites of distribution of the Isabela Oriole

Sites Year Last Seen Confirmed Presence?

Mariveles (Bataan) 1902 NO

Lamao River (Bataan) 1947 NO

Baguio Village (Quirino) 1993 NO

Page | 52

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Tapel (Gonzaga) 1960 NO

Ipil (Gonzaga) 1960 YES

Mansarong (Baggao) 1994 YES

Ambabok (San Mariano) 2004 YES

Dunoy (San Mariano) 2012* YES

Diwagden (San Mariano) N/A (unrecorded) YES

The Isabela Orioles were observed mostly on the edge of degraded lowland forests adjacent to vast agricultural areas with open canopy.

The main threat to the Isabela Oriole observed in almost all the sites is the loss of its habitat. Habitat loss is mainly caused by conversion of forest land into agricultural areas and resource extraction of timber and other forest products like rattan.

Hunting of the Isabela Oriole was not recorded nor confirmed during the course of our survey.

3) IEC Campaign for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole

The ORIS Project team members and BS Development Communication students of the Department of Development Communication and Languages of ISU - Cabagan, Jerwin Baquiran and Reymond Gutierrez, presented the results of the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole. Specifically, the objective of the IEC is to promote awareness for the local people targeting those that live near the species habitat. One of the first activities for the IEC campaign was (August 8-9, 2012) conducting interviews to determine the appropriate form of communication to promote awareness of the Isabela Oriole and the role of the people for its conservation. After this pre-assesment, it was recommended that a combination of interpersonal and mass mediated forms of communication would be effective. Thus, flyers and posters were produced; there was also the campaign launching with activities like puppet show, quiz and interviews. IEC campaign launching was performed in the three sites (Baggao, Gonzaga, and San Mariano) where the Isabela Oriole is found. After the said activities, post-assessment was performed for three sites to determine the effect of the IEC campaign.

Page | 53

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Pre-assessment and post-assessment studies tackled the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, as well as the awareness and attitude of the respondents for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole. The team members then presented the data gathered regarding said issues. It is unclear if there is statistically difference between the pre-assessment and the post-assessment studies since the number of respondents is incomparable, that is, a total of 54 and 149 respondents, respectively. However, apparently there are more respondents who have heard about the Isabela Oriole after the IEC campaign. Also, more respondents are said to be open to conserving and protecting the Isabela Oriole and its habitat.

4) Philippine Laws and Policies for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole, the RA 9147

Forester Baltazar S. Ranin, focal person to the Northern Sierra Madre National Park Protected Area Supervisor Office, gave an overview of the Philippine laws and policies that are useful for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole. He started with the state policy declared in Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines that reads, “ The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. ” He reiterates the terms balanced and healthful , pertaining to the supposed condition of our environment that the people should be able to enjoy. Also, the use in the Constitution of the words rhythm and harmony , he said indicates some degree of romantic imagery to the relationship of humans with nature. He then listed other environmental laws. These are:

• PD 705 RFC (1975) (Revised Forestry Code) • RA 7586 IPAS ACT (1992) (National Integrated Protected Area System) • RA 9125 NSMNP ACT (2001) (Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park) • RA 9175 CHAINSAW ACT (2002) • RA 9003 ESWM (2000) (Ecological Solid Waste Management) • RA 7942 (1995) (Mining Act) • RA 9147 WILDLIFE ACT (2001) (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act)

Among the Acts he mentioned, For. Ranin discussed in detail the RA 9147. His presentation fully covered the Act, but for the purpose of the seminar-workshop, the following notes from his presentation will focus on the crucial points involving the conservation of the Isabela Oriole, as a critically endangered species. The Act defines the term “critically endangered” as “a species or subspecies facing extremely high risk of extinction in the wild in the immediate future.”

As stated in Section 4 of the Act, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has jurisdiction on, but not limited to, issues regarding the Isabela Oriole and its habitat. In summary:

Page | 54

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Collection of threatened species such as the Isabela Oriole, its by-products or derivatives, may be allowed only for scientific or breeding or propagation purposes conducted only by accredited persons or institutions.

Possession is not allowed unless the person or institution can prove financial and technical capacity and have the facility to do so.

Illegal acts that are covered under this Act include:

a) killing and destroying wildlife species, except in the following instances: (i) when it is done as part of the religious rituals of established tribal groups or indigenous cultural communities; (ii) when the wildlife is afflicted with an incurable communicable disease; (iii) when it is deemed necessary to put an end to the misery suffered by the wildlife; (iv) when it is done to prevent an imminent danger to the life or limb of the human being; and (v) when the wildlife is killed or destroyed after it has been used in authorized research or experiments. b) inflicting injury which cripples and/or impairs the reproductive system of wildlife species; c) effecting any of the following acts in critical habitat(s): (i) dumping of waste products detrimental to wildlife; RA 9003 (ii) squatting or otherwise occupying any portion of the critical habitat; PD 705 RFC (iii) mineral exploration and/or extraction; Mining Act RA 7942 (iv) burning; PD 705 RFC (v) logging; and PD 705 RFC (vi) quarrying – RA 9125 NSMNP Act d) introduction, reintroduction or restocking of wildlife resources; e) trading of wildlife f) collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products and derivatives; g) gathering or destroying of active nests, nest trees, host plants and the like; h) maltreating and/or inflicting other injuries not covered by the preceding paragraph; and (i) transporting of wildlife.

These said illegal acts have their corresponding fines and penalties ranging from one month in prison and/or PhP 1,000 fine to twelve years in prison and/or PhP 1,000,000 fine. In fact, For. Ranin shared that there are currently three cases pending in his department for destruction of critical habitat (category C).

Page | 55

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

5) Synthesis of Seminar Topics

This portion of the event was facilitated by Prof. Bagunu. She summarized the presentations then asked the participants to freely express their queries, comments and suggestions.

Most of the questions were clarifications on the results of the assessment of the IEC campaign conducted. Hence, it was decided that the team members shall re-analyze the data that was presented.

A comment from Mr. Juan Evangelista (CENRO Aparri) notified that the slogan for the project, “Our Golden Treasure”, can be misconstrued by others, such that, people might want to catch the Isabela Oriole instead because it is described to be as valuable as gold. This was countered by a comment from Dr. Myrna Cureg (DDCL) stating that it is important to show in the IEC campaign materials that the Isabela Oriole is wanted “Alive, Wild and Free”, as indicated in the flyer produced in the project. Also, Mr. Tonji Ramos (WBCP) said that the slogan should be made to be understood by the people, such that the Isabela Oriole will be a natural treasure only if the bird is in its natural habitat, in the wild and free. With this note, Mr Evangelista’s suggestion of creating a socials bureau to properly communicate with the local community through the local government should be looked into.

Another main issue pointed out was how to properly implement the laws and policies regarding the protection of the forest and wildlife, that despite the large number of laws, the implementation is still lacking. This was further discussed during the workshop.

6) Developing an IEC campaign material

After the Seminar topics were discussed, a working design of a leaflet to be produced as another IEC campaign material was shown to the participants. Incorporating what they have learned from the morning session, an evaluation form was distributed to each of the participants and the leaflet was pre-tested for its content and design. Also, answers to the question, “Things you can do to help save the Isabela Oriole” were gathered. These will be included in one of the leaflet panels.

The comments and suggestions were examined during a focused group discussion of the ORIS Project team members and DDCL faculty. The resulting material will be distributed to the different stakeholders.

Page | 56

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Figure 2. Leaflet material pre-tested during the seminar-workshop.

C. Workshop Proper

The workshop was facilitated by Ms. Realubit and designed to produce a conceptual framework that will be the basis for the drafting of the Isabela Oriole conservation action plan.

Metacards and markers were distributed to each of the participants. While Ms. Realubit asked a particular question regarding the Isabela Oriole and its conservation, the participants were asked to write down as many answers as they can possibly think of on the cards. A total of five questions were given to the participants. The answered cards were then collected by Mr. Baquiran and Mr. Guttierez and assembled on a vertical board in front of the room. The information on the cards were read out aloud and discussed one at a time. The cards were then grouped according to similar thought.

After one question has been thoroughly discussed, Ms. Realubit moved on to the next, and so on.

1) Describe the Isabela Oriole.

This question was designed to assess the level of understanding of the participants about the Isabela Oriole. The main answers can be grouped according to the following:

a) Icon: Isabela Oriole is a golden treasure. b) Distribution: It is endemic to Luzon. It can be found only in Gonzaga, Baggao and San Mariano, at the Northern Sierra Madre. It was first discovered in Isabela in 1800s. It is found on forest edges. c) Status: It is one of the least known birds of the Philippines. It is one of the rarest birds in the world. It is critically endangered, with less than 250 individuals in the wild and its population is decreasing. Once it is gone, it will be forever gone; hence, there is a need to conserve it. d) Ecology: It is a specialist, dependent on the lowland forest. e) Morphology: It has gray beak and yellow body.

Page | 57

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

2) What are the threats to the Isabela Oriole?

Though one answered that all illegal acts laid in RA 9147 threatens the Isabela Oriole, the other answers from the participants detailed these illegal acts and other threats:

a) Habitat destruction: Habitat loss due to the conversion of their natural habitat, clearing of foothills for agricultural expansion by way of kaingin or slash-and-burn, this also causing forest destruction. Disturbance in their habitat is also caused by illegal logging or timber poaching and mining. b) Hunting: Indiscriminate and unlawful hunting of wildlife and its illegal trade also threaten the Isabela Oriole. c) Competition: The survival of the Isabela Oriole also depends on its competition with closely-related species. d) People: Ignorance of the people on the importance of birds and wildlife to the environment does not do any good for the Isabela Oriole. But the root of the problem is that there is a bigger population of humans, and part of this increasing population is migrating to the uplands, where conflict between wildlife and human communities can be witnessed.

3) What measures should be taken to protect the Isabela Oriole?

The answers given to this question by the participants varied from addressing the main threats to the species itself, up to involving different stakeholders into the act of conserving the species.

a) Laws and policies: There should be strict implementation and enforcement of the Wildlife Act (RA 9147) by the DENR. Illegal logging and hunting should be stopped. A barangay resolution should be established that specifically deals with the protection of the Isabela Oriole. Furthermore, an ordinance should be declared to designate a certain area in each of the three municipalities as critical habitats of the Isabela Oriole. b) In-situ conservation: Habitat of the Isabela Oriole should be restored by combining rainforestation and agroforestry efforts. c) Ex-situ conservation: A captive-breeding facility should be established to increase the population of the Isabela Oriole. d) IEC: There should be intensive conduct of IEC in the communities aiming towards understanding, and not just merely limited to increasing awareness of local communities. Method should include more of interpersonal communication through face-to-face communication. A socials bureau should also be organized. e) Alternative livelihood: Livelihood assistance should be provided for local communities to meet their basic needs. Alternative livelihood projects should be environmentally-friendly, but further research should be established to identify practical and reasonable projects to increase likelihood of its adoption by the communities. Ecotourism in the sites may be boosted by promoting birdwatching to tourists with the Isabela Oriole as the “star” bird. Page | 58

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

f) Longevity of the project: Fund sourcing should be considered.

4) Who should be involved in the conservation of the Isabela Oriole?

The participants listed the following as supposed stakeholders to the conservation of the Isabela Oriole:

a) Government agencies, mainly the provincial and field offices of the DENR at the different sites, the local government units especially the MENRO b) Non-government organizations such as the Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc. c) Academic institutions should be tapped not only to develop the IEC campaign, but also to provide assistance in further studies and even to develop their own projects in conservation of the Isabela Oriole. On the other hand, students can also be trained to carry out crucial activities of the project. d) Local residents will be the main stakeholders, their participation will be the most sought to ensure the success of the conservation initiative. e) When ecotourism in the sites will flourish, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the tourists will also have a role in the conservation of the Isabela Oriole. The project can also coordinate with the WBCP to promote the sites for birdwatching.

5) To support the Isabela Oriole conservation, what livelihood assistance projects are appropriate for your community?

Throughout the discussion, the participants have reinforced the idea that the conservation of the Isabela Oriole would be very dependent on the local community in the sites. Basic needs of the community should first be addressed to make their minds open to the idea of actively participating in the conservation of the Isabela Oriole. Hence, the participants listed livelihood assistance options that the community would benefit from and inspire them to promote conservation of the species and habitat:

a) Assistance in terms of farming inputs (seedlings and fertilizers), implements, farm to market road, and new farming technology training. b) Small subsidiary for forest wardens (e.g. Bantay Ibon ) who will head Isabela Oriole conservation and forest protection by monitoring the sites and reporting illegal activities on a regular basis. c) Train locals to be able to lead and present in the information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for Isabela Oriole conservation. Locals can be birdwatching guides and forest protection advocates. d) Establish small plant nursery for replanting with emphasis on different fruit bearing trees. Tie-in with the local DENR for the National Greening Program. e) Training for cottage industry among housewives and out-of-school youth in the form of a product tie-in with the Isabela Oriole.

Page | 59

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

After the workshop, the ideas on the metacards were encoded and organized by the ORIS Project Team into a framework using the Project Tree Analysis. The output is presented in the Annex of this document.

D. Site Visit

A visit to Sitio Mansarong in Brgy Sta. Margarita (Baggao) was made on 12 September 2013 by some of the participants of the seminar-workshop. The objective of the site visit was to observe the Isabela Oriole in its natural habitat. Despite its rarity, the chance of seeing it in the wild is highest in Mansarong, thus this site was chosen for the activity. Furthermore, Mansarong demonstrates a landscape that is apparently a suitable habitat for the Isabela Oriole, as well as of a thriving agricultural area. This coexistence presents a win-win situation for the community and the Isabela Oriole.

A total of 19 participants were able to attend the trip. It took about 4.5hrs to get to the site. Guided by a local resident, we walked up a hill towards a forest fragment where we almost regularly see or hear the Isabela Oriole during field surveys. Despite the intermittent rain showers, we were treated to wonderful views of two individuals of Isabela Oriole.

Figure 3. Participants of the site visit enthusiastically raised their hands when asked, “Who has seen the Isabela Oriole?”

Acknowledgments

This event would have not been made possible without the active participation and profound thoughts, ideas and knowledge generously shared by all the participants of the seminar-workshop. The different perspectives during the discussions have revealed interesting and useful points. These contributions will be used wisely in the advancement of activities for the conservation of the Isabela Oriole and its habitat. Thank you to all.

Page | 60

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

The ORIS Project team owes its thanks to the funding support of the Conservation Leadership Programme (CLP), the assistance of the faculty and students of the Department of Development Communication and Languages (DDCL) and the staff of Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc. (MFI) for organizing the seminar-workshop and the site visit, the regional, provincial and field offices of DENR and the local and barangay government officials in the sites for obliging to our invitations to the event, to the representatives of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP) for attending, documenting and publishing a write-up of the event, to the efficient staff of the Center for Cagayan Valley Program of Environment and Development (CCVPED) for attending to the accommodation of participants and preparations of the event venue, and to the speakers who inspired and set the tone for a productive discussion.

Special thanks to Baggao MENRO Johnny Columna for endorsing our letter for Mayor Pattung (Baggao) to grant our request to visit Mansarong, to the local residents of Mansarong for welcoming the participants into the area, to Victor Esmero who guided the participants to the site and to Ruben Ganase and company for providing a transport for getting into and out of Mansarong.

IV. Annexes ANNEX 1: List of Participants (Seminar-Workshop)

NAME POSITION ORGANIZATION/AFFILIATION

1 Juan Evangelista Ecosystems Management Specialist CENRO Aparri 2 Nelson Antonio Information Officer CENRO Alcala 3 Carlito Sabiniano Data Encoder CENRO Alcala 4 Baltazar Ranin Focal Person NSMNP PASu Office 5 Edgar Rasos Brgy Captain Barangay Ipil, Gonzaga 6 Edwin Ilumin Brgy Kagawad Barangay Ipil, Gonzaga 7 Eddie Licupa Brgy Kagawad Barangay Ipil, Gonzaga 8 Johnny Sosa Brgy Kagawad Barangay Tapel, Gonzaga 9 Alexis Bautista Administration Assistant MENRO Baggao 10 Ginalyn Tagapan CPA - I MENRO San Mariano 11 Randy Bulan Brgy Captain Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 12 Onofre Daniel Brgy Kagawad Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 13 Marcelino Aguinaldo Brgy Kagawad Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 14 Victorino Montanes Local Resident Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 15 Sylvia Ramos Member WBCP 16 Tonji Ramos Member WBCP 17 Mercedes Masipiqueña Director ISUC - CCVPED/CFEM 18 Jowel Taggueg Faculty ISUC - CFEM

Page | 61

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

19 Oscar Cardenas Faculty ISUC - CFEM 20 Myrna Cureg Faculty ISUC - DDCL 21 Antonia Bagunu Faculty ISUC - DDCL 22 Joni Acay Leader ORIS Project 23 Nikki Dyanne Realubit Co-Leader ORIS Project 24 Jerwin Baquiran Research Assistant/Student ORIS Project/ISUC - DDCL 25 Reymond Guttierez Research Assistant/Student ORIS Project/ISUC - DDCL 26 Marites Balbas Deputy Director Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 27 Dominic Rodriguez Conservation Manager Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 28 Ronald Addatu Project Coordinator Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 29 Edmund Jose Research Assistant Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 30 Arnold Macadangdang Research Assistant Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 31 Dorina Soler CEPA/Administration Assistant Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 32 Lilibeth Baldesancho Finance Manager Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc

ANNEX 2: List of Participants (Site Visit)

NAME POSITION ORGANIZATION/AFFILIATION

1 Joni Acay Leader ORIS Project 2 Nikki Dyanne Realubit Co-leader ORIS Project 3 Alexis Bautista Administration Assistant MENRO Baggao 4 Victor Esmero Brgy Tanod Barangay Sta. Margarita, Baggao 5 Edgar Rasos Brgy Captain Barangay Ipil, Gonzaga 6 Edwin Ilumin Brgy Kagawad Barangay Ipil, Gonzaga 7 Eddie Licupa Brgy Kagawad Barangay Ipil, Gonzaga 8 Johnny Sosa Brgy Kagawad Barangay Tapel, Gonzaga 9 Ginalyn Tagapan CPA - I MENRO San Mariano 10 Randy Bulan Brgy Captain Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 11 Onofre Daniel Brgy Kagawad Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 12 Marcelino Aguinaldo Brgy Kagawad Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 13 Victorino Montanes Local Resident Barangay Dibuluan, San Mariano 14 Sylvia Ramos Member WBCP 15 Tonji Ramos Member WBCP 16 Jowel Taggueg Faculty ISUC - CFEM 17 Dominic Rodriguez Conservation Manager Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 18 Ronald Addatu Project Coordinator Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 19 Edmund Jose Research Assistant Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 20 Arnold Macadangdang Research Assistant Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc

Page | 62

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

ANNEX 3: Program of Activities

PROGRAMME

Opening ceremonies

8:00am Invocation, National Anthem 8:15am Welcome remarks by Dr. Mercedes Masipiqueña, CCVPED/CFEM 8:30am Keynote Address by Marites Balbas, Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc 8:45am Seminar-workshop guidelines and expectations by Prof. Antonia M. Bagunu, DDCL Seminar Presentations

9:00am Rediscovering our Golden Treasure by Joni Acay, ORIS Project Team

9:15am Fieldwork Year 1: Results (Population, Distribution, Habitat and Threats)

by Nikki Dyanne Realubit, ORIS Project Team 9:40am Audio Visual Presentation 9:45am Information Education and Communication Campaign Year 1 by Jerwin Baquiran and Reymond Guttierez , ORIS Project Team/DDCL

10:15am Associated Environmental Laws and Policies for the Isabela Oriole conservation

by For. Baltazar S. Ranin, NSMNP Western Side Open Forum

10:30am Existing environmental advocacies in different study sites Moderated by Marites Balbas Workshop proper

11:00am Construction of conceptual framework for Isabela Oriole conservation

Open Forum Moderated by Nikki Dyanne Realubit, ORIS Project Team Elaboration of conceptual framework, setting down of measures to protect the 1:00pm Isabela Oriole, developing a conservation action plan

Page | 63

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

ANNEX 4: Workshop Output (Problem Tree Analysis)

The results of the brainstorming during the workshop were collated and arranged by the ORIS Project Team into a Problem Tree. This analysis will show in a hierarchy the relationship of causes or underlying problems to the main problem, that is, “The Isabela Oriole is under high risk of extinction.” The underlying problems appear in the lower level of the tree, while the basic and main problems appear much higher.

Based on the workshop outputs, we have identified the basic problems:

1. The Isabela Oriole population is very low because it is threatened by habitat loss, hunting and competition with the White-lored Oriole. 2. The Isabela Oriole has fragmented population because their remaining habitat is fragmented. 3. There are currently no specific initiatives dealing with the conservation of the Isabela Oriole because there are few studies on the bird and there is currently no link among various stakeholders targeting the conservation of the Isabela Oriole.

On the other hand, the underlying problems are:

1. Few studies about the Isabela Oriole 2. Poor management of agricultural lands 3. Institutional limitations in implementing laws and regulations in forest management and the wildlife act 4. Alternative livelihood are lacking, not implemented or not adopted by the community 5. Limited awareness and understanding of local community about the Isabela Oriole and existing laws and policies

Having identified these, the Isabela Oriole Conservation Action Plan should be able to address these problems and their underlying causes. This should be developed specific to each site and with participation from all the stakeholders.

Page | 64

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Problem Tree Analysis

The analysis below show the upper four levels of the Problem Tree, with the main problem on top (The Isabela Oriole is under high risk of extinction) and the underlying problems below.

The Isabela Oriole is under very high risk of extinction.

There are currently no The Isabela Oriole The population of specific initiatives has fragmented the Isabela Oriole is dealing with the population. very low. conservation of the Isabela Oriole.

There is currently The Isabela Oriole no existing link The remaining is further Isabela Oriole is among GO's, NGO's The Isabela Oriole The Isabela Oriole habitat of the threatened by one of the least and local residents is threatened by may be threatened Isabela Oriole is competition for studied birds in the specifically habitat loss. by hunting. fragmented. resources with Philippines. targeting the White-lored Oriole. conservation of the Isabela Oriole.

Very little original lowland forest cover is left (habitat destruction).

Page | 65

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

The analysis below shows the underlying problems to Habitat Destruction. Very little original lowland forest cover is left (habitat destruction)

Lowland forests are converted to agricultural Lowland forests lands are illegally logged. (agricultural expansion).

Human Commercialization encroachment of timber products into forest lands

Lowland forests High demand are easily for fertile lands accessible

Laws on Alternative More farmers Old agricultural protection of livelihood is compete for lands become lowland forests lacking, not agricultural less productive are not implemented or lands over time effectively not adopted by implemented community

Lowland forests Local communities have Institutional Poor management of are categorized limited understanding limitation in lands, i.e. use of kaingin as 'public about the laws and forest system and other un- domain' and not policies regarding management sustainable practice privatized protection of forest lands Page | 66

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

The analysis below shows the other underlying problems to a very low population of the Isabela Oriole, which are hunting and resource- competition with similar species.

The population of the Isabela Oriole is very low.

The Isabela Oriole is further threatened by The Isabela Oriole competition for may be threatened resources with White- by hunting. lored Oriole.

Hunting is a source Laws against hunting Closely-related There are more of livelihood and and illegal pet trade species compete for White-lored Orioles sustenance for the are not effectively similar resources. than Isabela Orioles. communities. implemented.

Local communities Alternative livelihood have limited is lacking, not Institutional understanding about implemented or not limitation in the laws and policies adopted by implementation. regarding hunting of community wildlife.

Page | 67

ORIS Project

Photo Documentation*

Photo by Sylvia T. Ramos, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines

*

Page | 68

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Appendix L: Article at Animal Scene (2013)

Page | 69

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Appendix M: Acay et al., (in prep.) abstract for submission to Forktail or Journal to Threatened Taxa

Revisiting sites of distribution of the Isabela Oriole ( Oriolus isabellae ) in Luzon, Philippines

The Isabela Oriole, Oriolus isabellae , is one of the rarest birds of the world and one of the least known Philippine bird species. Endemic to Luzon, it is critically endangered and probably survives in the last remaining lowland forests of this island. Historical and recent information show that it has been seen to occur in four provinces, namely Isabela, Cagayan, Quirino and Bataan. Each of the sites was revisited from September 2012 to March 2013 and playback method was used in the survey to verify the occurrence of the species. The status of the species and the present condition of its habitat was also assessed. We have confirmed, with very few encounters, the presence of the Isabela Oriole in two provinces only, namely Isabela and Cagayan. The sites are found particularly at the edge of the Northern Sierra Madre Mountain range. Despite the degradation of the forest and large-scale conversion of their lowland forest habitat to mainly agricultural lands, the remaining forest fragments serve as an important habitat for the Isabela Oriole. The verification of the occurrence of the Isabela Oriole in more sites over the past year will open opportunities for further research on the bird. Furthermore, efforts to conserve this endemic bird may further promote the protection of remaining lowland forests in the sites. Through collaborations with an academic institution, a local NGO, a birdwatching group, the municipal and barangay local government units, and residents in the communities, the ORIS Project was able to jumpstart the efforts for conservation of one of the rarest birds of the world, the Isabela Oriole.

Page | 70

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Bibliography

Arendt, W.J., Gibbons, D.W., Gray, G.A.L., 1999. Status of the volcanically threatened Montserrat Oriole Icterus oberi and other forest birds in Montserrat, West Indies. Bird Conservation International 9, 351–372.

Bibby, C., Jones, M., Marsden, S. 2000. Expedition field techniques: Bird Surveys. BirdLife International, Cambridge, UK.

BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red data Book. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International.

BirdLife International. 2011. Species factsheet: Oriolus isabellae. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 20/10/2011.

Buckland, S.T. 2006. Point transect survey for songbirds: robust methodologies. The Auk 123: 345-357.

Collar, N.J. 1998. Bill morphology in the identification of Isabela Orioles Oriolus isabellae . Forktail 14(1998).

Lee, D.C. and Marsden, S.J. 2008. Adjusting count period strategies to improve the accuracy of forest bird abundance estimates from point transect distance sampling surveys. Ibis 150: 315-325

Mallari, N.A.D., Collar, N.J., Lee, D.C., McGowan, P.J.K., Wilkinson, R.K., Marsden, S.J. 2011. Oryx 25(2): 234-242

Myers, N. Mittermeier, R.A., Mittermeier, C.G., da Fonseca, G.A.B., Kent, J. Biodiversity hotspots for conservation priorities. Nature 403: 853-858

IUCN. 2001. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Version 3.1. IUCN Species Survival Commission. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK.

Page | 71

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Van Weerd, M and Hutchinson, R. 2004. Observations of Isabela Oriole Oriolus isabellae in the Sierra Madre, Luzon, Philippines, with descriptions of the call. Forktail (20): 133-136.

Address list and web links

Myrna C. Cureg, Professor College of Development Communication and Arts and Sciences (CDCAS), Isabela State University (ISU),: Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines; Email Address: [email protected]

Antonia M. Bagunu, Professor College of Development Communication and Arts and Sciences (CDCAS), Isabela State University (ISU), Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines; Email Address: [email protected]

Merlijn van Weerd, Exceutive Director Mabuwaya Foundation, Inc., Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines Email Address; [email protected]

Ilarde Viernes, OICCENRO Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Alcala, Cagayan, Philippines Email Address: [email protected]

Johnny Columna, Officer in chargeMENRO Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines; Email Address: [email protected]

Alex Barayuga, Protected area superintendent Quirino Protected Landscape, Quirino, Philippines; Email Address: [email protected]

Sylvia Ramos, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines Member

Page | 72

Seminar-Workshop for the Conservation of the Isabela Oriole| ORIS Project

Online article: http://ebonph.wordpress.com/2013/12/01/championing-the-isabela- oriole/

Irene Dy, Wild Bird Club of the Philippines Member Online article: http://throughabirderseyes.blogspot.com/2014/05/sweet-isabela- isabela-oriole.html

Distribution list of proceedings for seminarworkshop

Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Aparri

Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Alcala

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Cagayan

Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) office Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP), PENRO Isabela

Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Naguilian

Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) office Quirino Protected Landscape, PENRO Quirino

Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) office Mariveles Watershed Forest Reserve, PENRO Bataan

Municipalities of Baggao, Gonzaga, San Mariano, Diffun, Limay and Mariveles

Barangays Ipil, Tapel, Sta. Margarita, Dibuluan, and San Jose

Page | 73