Volume 27 No. 2 March - April 2001 ISSN-0115-0960 c a n o p y I N T E R N A T I O N A L

All articles are incumbent to the current period.

Published by the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources

What’s inside . . . Editorial

Geographical Rethinking our values occurrence and distribution of Along environmental pagsahingin and its conservation floral associates 2 ccording to environmentalist Tom Bender, “ values are really a complex Seedlings/Planting and compact repository of survival wisdom — an expression of those A feelings, attitudes, actions, and relationships that we have found to be materials: A most essential to our well-being.” Values influence behavior. They determine nationwide supply one’s priorities and ultimately, one’s survival. Over time, values change as and demand situations change. scenario 3 The path to environmental conservation is littered with cast-off values. To mention a few: materialism, planned obsolescence, and a desire for large families. Participation of PAMB in protected Materialism presumes that man’s fundamental needs are material. With it, area management 4 individual identity becomes equated with the accumulation of material possessions. The drive to accumulate wealth originated in the belief that man is separate from nature and its master. This attitude has led to the abuse of The mangroves of natural systems and resources. It has blinded economic planners to the need to Bohol: An acknowledge Planet Earth’s carrying capacity. ecological If we see ourselves as an integral part of the natural world, then we will alert destination 5 ourselves with the environmental ethic that preserves the biological and agronomic underpinnings.

Solid wastes: Their In the face of a wide reassessment of values, the pursuit of materialism has potential hazard begun to recede. One alternative to materialism is the so-called voluntary simplicity. Lester Brown, one of the world’s most influential thinkers, put it to inland waters 6 simply: “To practice voluntary simplicity is to acquire goods only to satisfy basic needs and to seek a high satisfaction in personal development, in human Mobilizing the relationships, and in intellectual and spiritual growth.“ youths along Followers of voluntary simplicity, that is, those who content themselves with no enviromental more than they need are growing in numbers around the globe especially in concerns 9 industrialized countries. They deliberately give up the frantic pursuit of material goods in favor of a simpler lifestyle. They are engaged in recycling, home gardening, biking to work, and in the resistance against lavish or wasteful Earthwatch 12 spending and planned obsolescence.

page 11 Off the Press March 2004 ) Geographical occurrence and distribution of pagsahingin and its floral associates

Concepcion M. Palaypayon and Felix F. Ordinario

agsahingin (Canarium asperum reportedly common in primary Benth.) is one of the few resin- and secondary forests on very Pproducing tree species of the different, dry to wet, sometimes family Burseraceae. This indigenous marshy soils, at times in more tree species is noted for its resin, known open forests, or savannahs. in trade as “Manila elemi”, which is Seeber et al. (1979), on the indispensable for its various industrial other hand, reported that the uses. However, its present occurrence species could be found in lower and distribution is obscure. There is a hill dipterocarp forest, especially need to update information regarding in drier sites and among yakal- the specific location of stands of the apitong association. species, and find out the species Pagsahingin chiefly flowers and behavior in its natural habitat as fruits from March to October. influenced by climatic types. Knowledge on the bioecological factors relative to Objectives the suitable growth and development of The study aimed to determine pagsahingin should be made available (1) the geographical occurrence to sustain the various stands throughout and distribution of pagsahingin; the country, most likely in the low and and (2) the specific plants (flora) medium elevations of primary and that associate with pagsahingin. secondary forests. Methods Characteristics and ecology Information about the According to Seeber et al. (1979), occurrence and distribution of Pagsahingin (Canarium asperum) generally occurs on lower hill diptercarp forests, especially on drier areas and mostly on yakal- pagsahingin is a tall tree with a compact, pagsahingin were obtained apitong association. spherical, dark-green crown, a through written inquiries to cylindrical bole attaining a diameter of regional offices of the one meter or more and pronounced Department of Environment and Natural Results buttresses that form a wide angle with Resources. Provinces were then Results are presented in Table 1 which the trunk. selected representing four climatic types shows the occurrence and distribution of of country. pagsahingin trees in the provinces Pagsahingin is widely distributed in the (classified according to types of climate), Philippines but nowhere abundant Establishment of sample plots their measurements, and their plant (Leenhouts, 1959). Aragones (1995) A particular area in a low, or medium associates. added that other than information on its elevation of either a primary or a distribution, quantitative data on the secondary forest belonging to a certain Based on the inventories conducted, present exploitable volume of climatic type was selected and surveyed pagsahingin was observed generally pagsahingin are not available. Since of pagsahingin. This walk-through occurring on lower hill dipterocarp much of the primary forests in the activity determined the exact location of forests, especially on drier sites and country have been heavily logged, and the trees. Once a pagsahingin tree was mostly on yakal-apitong association most of the second-growth forests have located, its base was considered a (Seeber et al., 1979). This was obtained been converted into human settlements, center of a circular plot. The standard in Palawan where most of the it is assumed that earlier records of its size of a plot was 1,000 sq m, or 0.1 ha, pagsahingin trees were associated with distribution and other qualitative with a radius of 18 m. apitong (Dipterocarpus grandiflorus), a information about pagsahingin are by noted dipterocarp species. now obsolete. Identification of special associates

All vegetative species like trees, shrubs, As to the number of pagsahingin trees Most Canarium species occur in primary including herbs found in the plot, were observed in each province, Palawan had forests at low and medium altitudes identified and recorded. Fauna that had the highest (201). Zambales ranked (Leehouts, 1959). Pili (C. ovatum), for been observed were identified and second (95), followed by Leyte (41), instance, is never found occurring recorded regardless of the plot. The Negros Oriental (21), Quezon (18), beyond 500-m altitude, while whole forest, anyway, was considered a Sorsogon (17), Camarines Sur (13), and pagsahingin occurs mainly at the given plot. Agusan del Sur (9). Zamboanga del Sur elevation, more rarely found at altitudes had the least (4). above 1,000 m. Pagsahingin is

) page 10 2 CANOPY International March - April 2001 A survey report—

Seedlings/planting materials: corresponding species being used by the government and the private sectors A nationwide supply involved in different planting activities. Information on the regional seed supply and demand scenario was based on seed production areas per species, area in hectares, and estimated Aida B. Lapis, Jesus DL. Posadas, and Norma R. Pablo seed yield/count.

Integration and analysis of gathered data resulted in a national demand and supply of seeds/planting stocks. Results also eforestation in the Philippines is seed orchards (Sos), and provenance indicated possible sources of seedlings/ traditionally practiced to provide trials to produce superior quality planting planting materials that can be supplied to R immediate soil cover, to stop materials. another region. further degradation of the country’s remaining forests and the consequences Objectives Results of deforestation. While the government This study was conducted from January Based on the data gathered, the has embarked on vigorous reforestation to March 2003 with the following seedlings/planting materials demand work for the last five decades, there are objectives: indicated the different species used in still large tracts of degraded areas to be the regions by the government and the reforested yet. The availability of ❑ To establish baseline data on private sectors. More than 69 million seedlings and other planting materials is seedlings/planting materials different seedlings/planting materials vital for a progressive tree planting requirement and estimate the (forest trees, fruit trees, mangrove activity. The unavailability of good capacity of existing seed production species, rattan species, anahaw) are planting stocks that would ensure future areas per region; and required by the government and the wood production is a concern besetting private sectors for their various activities/ tree farmers in the country. ❑ To present a supply and demand program. scenario of seedlings/planting The planting targets and nursery materials per region. Generally, species commonly used by capacity of the government and the the government and the private sectors private sectors involved in reforestation Methodology are Swietenia macrophylla, Gmelina and industrial tree farming determine the The data gathering was coordinated with arborea, Pterocarpus indicus, Acacia seed demand. Bulk of seeds being used the DENR regional offices through the mangium, A. auriculiformis, Eucalyptus still come from the wilds; and the SPA regional coordinators and regional species, Casuarina esquisetifolia, Pinus phenotypic characteristics of the trees ecosystems research and development kesiya, Vitex parviflora, Intsia bijuga, (either from the wilds or established division regarding the seedlings/planting Paraserianthes falcataria, and plantation stands) are not considered. materials requirement per species. As Dipterocarp species. Mangrove species Seed supply remains a big problem in an instrument in data gathering, a matrix are in demand for coastal area the planting program of the Department was prepared and sent through fax to rehabilitation. of Environment and Natural Resources the DENR regional offices. The matrix (DENR) and other entities when large elicited information about seedling On the supply of seeds/seedlings per quantities of genetically-improved seeds/ demand such as the number of species, the sources are the existing seedlings of forest species are required. seedlings required per year and the seed production areas or seed sources Earlier, Lapis et al. (2000) identified in each expounded on the need for region. As mentioned superior quality planting by Lapis et al. (2000), materials for the country’s seeds coming from the regreening efforts. SPAs ensure the initial availability of quality In order to address this seeds for planting concern, the Ecosystems stock production and Research and assure seed supply Development Bureau from selected (ERDB), the Forest phenotypically Management Bureau superior stands. (FMB), and the DENR regional offices have jointly Computed seed continued the production on different establishment/ species was based on maintenance and seed yield per year protection of seed estimated by the production areas (SPAs), A nursery of yemane in Cagayan de Oro City in Region X. Establishment of seed production areas, page 10 seed orchards, and provenance trials ensures better production of superior quality planting materials. ) March - April 2001 Participation of PAMB in protected area management communities or to the local conditions. Under ecosystems management, their role Lope A. Calanog and Alicia G. Calderon in the identification of management zones and of the allowable economic activities in these zones was quite moderate, yet ince the enactment of the National “Locals” are barangay officials, relatively significant. With regard to Integrated Protected Area indigenous groups, and nongovernment monitoring and evaluation of these SSystems (NIPAS) Act in 1992, organizations. “Outsiders” are those from economic activities, and in the several protected area management the DENR, provincial local government rehabilitation of degraded areas, boards (PAMBs) were established in the units (LGUs), and other concerned participation was minimal because the Philippines. So far, no assessment has stakeholders. Field observations were park authorities normally carry out these been documented to show whether done in relevant field offices of the tasks. PAMB has been effective in discharging Department of Environment and Natural its duties and responsibilities. That is, Resources (DENR) where secondary PA protection and law enforcement whether its creation contributed to the data and information were solicited. On PA protection and law enforcement, effective management of protected Additional data were also generated their participation was also minimal. They areas (PAs) in the country. Some say through personal interviews with the hardly participated in the setting up of that PAMB has been effective, others LGUs. qualification standard for the selection and claim otherwise. There is a need to actual hiring of park rangers and other law evaluate the performance of PAMB in Profile of PAMB members enforcement volunteers. However, they the overall context of PA management. Most of the PAMB members interviewed claimed being consulted in the were male (87%), relatively young identification of locations for guard posts This assessment focused on the (average of 50 years old), married (96%), and guardhouses and in assigning the participation of PAMB members in the moderately educated (about 60% were park rangers. In the filing of charges implementation of activities under seven professionals) and Roman Catholic against violators in the park, PAMB major PA management strategies, (90%). Almost 50% of them were participation was negligible, as this is the namely: (1) ecosystems management, connected with the LGU, while the rest duty of DENR officials and park (2) PA protection and law enforcement, were representatives of nongovernment authorities. (3) tourism and visitors management, (4) organizations (NGOs) (16%), other community relations and information government agencies (12%), peoples Ecotourism and visitors campaign, (5) financial sustainability, organizations (9%) and the indigenous management (6) institutional development, and (7) peoples (3%). On ecotourism and visitors management, research and monitoring. the PAMB members were quite satisfied Participation in ecosystems that they were consulted in the Data were gathered using a combination management identification of appropriate tourism zones of survey and nonsurvey techniques. Local PAMB members’ participation in and in the formulation of guidelines for Randomly selected for interview were 78 PA management was generally ecotourism and visitors management. PAMB members from seven PAs in the collaborative and minimal. They were They did not participate in the actual country. PAMB members are consulted only on matters that were writing of guidebook and other categorized “locals” and “outsiders”. deemed sensitive, particularly to local publications like flyers and brochures. This was the task of the park authorities. The PAMB members also reported that they had no role in the selection of the actual site of visitors center.

Community relations and information campaign With regard to the strengthening of relationships with local communities, local PAMB members played a critical role. They were actively involved in the (1) formulation of information, education and communication (IEC) strategies and programs; (2) conduct of information campaigns; (3) identification and screening of recipients, including the implementation of livelihood projects; and (4) conflict resolution among community members and other From left, ERDB researchers (Forester Alicia Calderon and Forester Greg Reyes) conducted an ocular visit in one of the project sites, the Saint Paul Subterranean River Natural Park, Palawan. The natural park superintendent accompanied them in an exposure trip during one of the PAMB meetings. ) page 8 4 CANOPY International March - April 2001 The mangroves of Bohol: ohol has 19,456 ha of mangrove in the early 1960s. However, An ecological destination Bmangrove areas was significantly reduced in the 1970s and 1980s, mainly due to fishpond conversion, both legal Calixto E. Yao and illegal. Initial destruction of the mangrove was even subsidized in 1960 by the government through loans from international banks (Primavera, 1994). It Natural stand. In spite of the fishpond took some time for the whole of boom in the early 1970s, hundreds of Southeast Asia, including the mangroves in Bohol were saved through Philippines, to realize the value of the community’s pronounced awareness mangroves. Considering the ecological on the importance of mangroves not only importance of mangroves, the for timber production but for fishery as government was prompted to protect the well. remaining mangroves and to rehabilitate denuded areas. Fortunately, many local Rich biodiversity. Aside from the government organizations (NGOs) several rare species in Cogtong Bay, responded to the call of conserving what Bohol has other rare species such as little remains of the mangrove, and bakauan hybrid, suspected to be the allotted budget for the purpose. To Rhizophora lamarkii, the sterile hybrid of ensure higher survival rate of mangrove bakauan-bato and bakauan-lalaki. This species, cross-visits (e.g., “lakbay-aral”) species thrives in Pangangan Causeway, have been done in search for success Calape and in Handumon, Handayan stories on mangrove rehabilitation that Island, Getafe. Another rare mangrove can be emulated/replicated in other species in Central Visayas is the pedada areas. (Sonneratia casiolaris), found along the banks of Inabanga River, Inabanga. Still One leading “lakbay-aral” destination is another species, langarai, grows in the mangroves of Bohol, which is well- Manga, Tagbilaran City and Hunan, known for its community-based Buenavista. Some of the rare mangrove “Takla”, or snapping shrimp (Alpheus spp), is a popular rehabilitation project in Banacon. Bohol associates like the Philippine ebony (also delicacy that comes from mangrove; it is sold in Calape also prides the dense, biodiversity-rich, called batulinao or century tree) public market. and intact mangrove areas; empowered (Diospyrus ferrea) and malarayap-dagat communities who protect and conserve (Atalantea maritima) are also found in mangrove areas under the community- Pangangan, Calape. based forest management (CBFM); and Cross-visit sites sustainable types of livelihood such as Mangrove plantation. Bohol has a long Bohol has been a well-known tourism mudcrab culture, seaweed farming, tree history of mangrove plantation that dates destination for its unique Chocolate Hills, enterprise, and mangrovetum. back to the late 1950s. The biggest a kind of beauty that is appreciated from plantation established through a distance. Up close, talahib and cogon Strong political support to mangrove community-based effort reaches 200 ha. grasses puncture the smooth mound. conservation and good governance of The province has the highest survival With the advent of ecotourism and mangrove-related projects have been rate of mangroves under the contract lakbay-aral among local executives, also quite evident in the province. reforestation project of the DENR. It has peoples organizations and also a total plantation of 1,405 ha, the nongovernment organizations, together The mangrove areas biggest plantation in the region, under with the fast seacraft services and the Bohol has the biggest mangrove area in the contract reforestation in 1990-1993 improved road network, the number of the Central Visayas, comprising 69% funded by Asian Development Bank. visitors has significantly increased. To (29,692 ha) of the total mangrove area Some plantations under the Integrated encourage visitors to stay longer in in this region. Mangrove areas are of Social Forestry (ISF) have been already Bohol, the province has initiated the three major land uses: for natural stand harvested. Aside from the DENR, other development of other points of interest (without Fishpond Lease Agreement, or agencies/projects involved in mangrove that would cater to diverse sectors. FLA), fishponds (with FLA), and rehabilitation include the Central Visayas These points of interest include whale plantation. Large mangrove areas are Regional Project (CVRP), 1956-1992. watching in Pamilacan Island, Baclayon; located in the municipalities of Talibon, This was a World Bank-assisted project river cruise along Loboc River in Loboc; Getafe, P. Garcia, Ubay, Candijay, that initiated the first big effort in tarsier tour; and the mangrove tour, Calape, Mabini, Loon, Anda, and Loay mangrove rehabilitation with 900 ha all emphasizing the community-based (much of these areas have been over the region. Some of the successful mangrove management, ecotourism, and converted into fishponds). plantations are now a major source of livelihood. propagules.

) page 11 March - April 2001 CANOPY International 5 Solid wastes: Their potential he Philippines is endowed with about 1.3 million hectares of hazard to inland waters Tfreshwater—a very vital resource for survival. Yet, this very same resource is gradually being choked and in varying Nelia C. Quiñones degrees of eutrophication or decay due to solid and liquid wastes pollution. This paper aims to present the potential effect of solid waste management, or dumps utilized by large cities, provinces, Generation of wastes common waste management, on the and municipalities were strategically In a study conducted by the National quality of water. located adjacent to river systems, Solid Waste Management Commission abandoned fishponds, nonproductive (NSWMC) under the Office of the Inland waters: Some issues and agricultural fields, mountain ravines, and President and the DENR, dumps in problems coastal zones. Some were located inside selected regions in the country were Inland waters of the Philippines include national parks, or forest reserves. visited. These included dumps in San wetlands (27%), rivers (24%), fishponds Fernando City and Dagupan City (Region (18%), inland lakes (16%), and dams The infamous dump in Los Baños, I); Payatas, Quezon City and San Mateo, and reservoirs (15%). Of the 420 river Laguna, is located within the Makiling Rizal in the National Capital Region; systems, 40 are considered biologically Forest Reserve. It is atop a huge and Carmona/Silang in Cavite as well as dead; about 100 are in different stages deep mountain ridge, fenced and Calamba, San Pedro, Los Baños and of eutrophication; the rest are pristine guarded by a dump foreman. Only a few Bay in Laguna (Region IV); Naga City and are being utilized for domestic waste pickers are allowed to skim (Region V); Cebu (Region VII); Iloilo energy, and recreation purposes (Asian through the increasing garbage (Region VI); and Cagayan de Oro Wetland Bureau, 1990). generated by some 350,000 residents. (Region X). Results revealed that the The dump is noticeable from a distance total active dumps in the country were Laguna de Bay, the biggest inland lake because of its perennial smoke, 786. Of these, 721 were open dumps in the country with an area of 90,000 ha, emanating from the spontaneous burning and 65 were considered controlled is considered a hypereutrophic lake. It of methane gas. The smoke occludes the dumps. Controlled dumps are those serves as garbage sink of 23 towns in view of the majestic landscape of Mt. areas where solid wastes are lodged with the provinces of Cavite, Batangas, Makiling Forest Reserve. minimum topsoil or aggregates as cover. Quezon, Rizal, and Laguna. The lake Also reported were seven newly has already lost its optimum fishery Open dumps that are located atop deep operating dumps: one each in Surigao potential as breeding ground of 10 major ravines, like those found in the towns of del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Laguna; species of freshwater fish (Mercene, Calamba and Bay and in Calamba City in and four in Cavite. 1983). Laguna, are sorted out first by scavengers, then the wastes are shoved Solid waste generation rate (SWGR) of Results of 1997-1998 nationwide survey down the ravine using a heavy the Philippines is at par with most of the Environment Management Bureau equipment or a bulldozer. The wastes developing countries. However, solid (EMB) on solid waste disposal sites are either burned, or allowed to decay, or wastes management system in the showed that most of the huge open flushed down the river. country remains crude, whereas waste management in the rest of the world has improved through regular collection of household/institutional garbage; setting of monthly garbage fees; and systematic collection, haulage/disposal, and efficient tucking away of wastes.

Recycling facilities According to the NSWMC, recently, materials recovery facilities in the country reach 292; whereas composting facilities total 141. This indicates that the recycling industry is booming and capturing most of the prime recyclables in the waste stream. A recycling firm, for instance, reported an annual income of P1.2 billion.

The “smoky mountain” of Los Baños — an open dump located inside the Makiling Forest Reserve in Laguna. Leachate, or “garbage juice”, coming from the wastes can contaminate underground water, or nearby streams and page 7 rivers, including the Laguna Lake. ) 6 CANOPY International March - April 2001 Open dumping: Its impact on inland Development Authority issued several People who used to fish in San Mateo waters notices of violations concerning the River claim that the river has been Open dumping is a prevalent practice in operation of open dumps in Calamba and grossly polluted. Research findings developing countries. This could be a San Pedro. Such notice served as a pointed a decline in the number of reflection of the lack of land-use zoning warning to the local chief executives and aquatic species; increase in heavy metal in most municipalities and barangays. their private contractors that the content (lead, cadmium, chromium, Household wastes are usually thrown in operation to dump, sort, and burn copper, mercury, cobalt, nickel, zinc); backyard compost pits. As local municipal wastes in the ravines of the decrease in dissolved oxygen; increase population balloons, the size of Calamba river was creating havoc not in water acidity; suspended solids; total residential lot per family also shrinks. only to the immediate environs of the dissolved solids; coliform level; and This makes the rural compost pit river but also to the water of the lake. turbidity. outdated. The most plausible replacements of the compost pits are How, then, should sanitary landfill be The leachate finds its way into the ditches, rivers, mountainsides, and properly created? A landfill creates a dry aquatic and soil environments. It is agricultural fields. tomb to prevent infiltration of water into absorbed by decomposers and other the refuse materials. The base, sides, microfauna. The increased level of heavy In July 2000, the world was stunned by and top are covered with inert materials, metals is absorbed by aquatic news that about 200 residents of oftentimes made of clay or special macrophytes, fish, and shellfish. Through Payatas in Quezon City, Metro Manila plastics, to prevent the infiltration of bioaccumulation, leachate could were buried alive under tons and tons of leachate into the underground and eventually affect human health. High municipal and urban wastes. The surface waters. incidence of heavey metals and scenario was phenomenal—people Escherichia coli in waters could create living adjacent the huge dump became In 1998, the DENR has prescribed landfill toxic conditions for fish and shellfish. past of the garbage landscape. What site identification and screening criteria. became visible was a sea of garbage Through DENR Administrative Order No. With the effects of leachate on water, about 6.1 m high. 98-50, certain criteria to narrow down the potential receptors or pathways for selection of landfill sites in the country leachate should be identified—to avoid Nobody expected that the mountain of were spelled out. Among these, two are further contamination or the spread of garbage could collapse when it related to protecting “sensitive diseases. Among these are animal absorbed so much moisture after 10 groundwater resources” and “perennial vectors, airborne dusts and aerosols, days of continuous monsoon rains. surface waters”. Another pertains to leachate-impacted surface waters, and Nobody thought to beef up contingency areas prone to floods, including leachate-impacted groundwaters. measures to abate disaster. With a swamplands, low-lying coastal areas, Leachate-impacted surface water and memorandum of agreement in place and airports. groundwater carry much of the today by concerned agencies, suspended solids, heavy metals, and structures, and facilities that would A major problem besetting the Philippine other toxic/hazardous wastes. address the percolation of water in the inland waters today is the infiltration of Payatas dump would be installed. leachate, or “garbage juice”, brought Recommendations about by open and controlled dumping. In the US, drying machines were The Ecological Solid Waste Leachate emanates from bacterial developed that would convert municipal Management Act of 2000 (R.A. 9003) decomposition of garbage, eventually wastes into immediate composts. In the calls for an effective management of contaminating bodies of water used for Philippines, portable grinders or solar solid wastes through segregation at fishing, swimming, navigation, drinking, dryers were also developed to treat source, recycling, reuse, and agriculture, industry, and other domestic household wastes. Earthworms, composting. It prescribes controlled needs (Holger, 1999). enzymes, or a combination of hardware dumping as disposal scheme for solid can also be used to reduce wastes. wastes, adopting the standards set by One classic example is the San Mateo law such as drainage controls, regular “landfill”, which is part of the Marikina Regardless of technology, increasing inert covers, fences, and litter control watershed. Started in 1995, the landfill amount of garbage can still heap provisions; maintained access to roads; can only accommodate 6,000 t of wastes everyday. A person can generate about controlled waste picking and trading, to from Metro Manila. The San Mateo 7,000 kg of wastes until the age of 65 mention some. landfill, however, is not a sanitary landfill. years. The basic problem should, Rather, it is a huge controlled dump therefore, be addressed: REDUCE Eventually, with the proliferation of open wherein most of the wastes of the day wastes. and controlled dumps no other option is are dumped and covered with soil. No left but to adopt sanitary landfill as a leachate, or landfill mixes with rainwater Holistic solutions that would at least scheme to manage wastes. and percolates down the groundwater, or reduce the wastes being generated Unfortunately, the landfills in San Mateo, is carried through the river systems include the following: integration of the Rizal and Carmona, Cavite were shut towards Laguna de Bay, Wawa Dam, or management of infant diapers and other down due to their pollutive effect or San Mateo River. cellulosic by-products; use of riparian systems draining into Laguna de biodegradable packaging materials for Bay. In fact, in 1998, the Laguna Lake personal and professional use;

) page 11 March - April 2001 CANOPY International 7 PAMB… from page 4 PAMB matters. Greater participation There is a need for a stronger could be sought, especially in participation of local government considering the following factors: units, and probably of other local stakeholders of the park. They had little social organizations, in promoting participation in coordinating with the ● Relatively younger members of the preservation and protection of media people, which was designated to the community participate more PAs. the park authorities. actively. They should be encouraged to become PAMB ❑ The most pressing problem in the Financial sustainability members. While men management of protected areas On activities related to the financial participated in PAMB meetings, that confronts PAMB is insufficient sustainability of PA, the participation of women should also be urged to budget. This can be solved partly local PAMB members was not that participate so that both gender by the enactment by the Congress substantial. They participated, however, could be equally represented. of a bill that will formally establish a in the discussion of issues related to the protected area under the NIPAS formulation of and investment on ● PAMB members with higher Act such that a separate budget income-generating projects; level of formal education are would be allocated for its establishment of the integrated more participative. Better management. Protected Area Fund (IPAF); and in “educated” members of the setting of fees and other charges. community should be ❑ Regular trainings on capability However, in soliciting donations and in encouraged to join PAMB. building should be conducted to implementing of other fund-raising strengthen the management skills campaigns, their participation was ● Greater participation could be of the local PAMB members. negligible. expected if PAMB members are earning substantially. Monetary ❑ PAMB meetings are sometimes Institutional development incentives could come in as a poorly moderated. NonPAMB The PAMB members were relatively motivating factor. members could interject during the happy with regard to their participation in meeting. While this may be the establishment of the PA institution. ● Only few local officials healthful in providing a more They said they are involved in (1) (especially those residing in far- democratic atmosphere within the identifying location of the park flung areas) could attend PAMB PAMB, such opportunity is headquarters and related infrastructure; meetings. To encourage better sometimes abused by some groups (2) formulating park policies; (3) attendance, meeting should be with vested interest. A “public hour” coordinating with other offices and held more “locally.” This could may be allotted during PAMB organizations/institutions; (4) creating be done in such a way that meetings to hear concerns of the management committees; (5) linkaging venues of the meetings would public in relation with PA and other cooperative endeavors; (6) be rotational, making them more management. conducting capability building and accessible to local communities institutional strengthening programs; and and local PAMB members. Concluding note (7) equipping the park office with the The active participation of all the PAMB necessary facilities. ● DENR officials and some local members, particularly the local executives who are “outside members, is critical in the management Research and monitoring PAMB members” normally of protected areas. These stakeholders Finally, in research and monitoring — dominate in PAMB meetings. By are the most likely and directly to be like setting of research priority thrusts; holding the meetings in the local affected should a PA be degraded. assisting in biodiversity monitoring and dialect and giving PAMB They know the local situation and evaluation; and implementing tourism members sensitive condition. They know the local people, impact assessments and carrying assignments, participation in PA their ways and culture, their capacity studies — PAMB members activities of local PAMB idiosyncrasies, their needs and wants. served as consultants because of the members could be enhanced. It is a pity if these important holders of highly technical nature of the activities knowledge are not “heard” in PAMB involved therein. Major actors were the ❑ The local PAMB members do not meetings. It would be worse if they do park authorities in cooperation with seem to be fully aware of their not become active “doers” in the overall nongovernment organizations (NGOs), specific roles and responsibilities, context of PA management. research institutions, and the academe. more so about the concept of protected area management. They Some implications and need more trainings. recommendations ❑ While participation of PAMB ❑ The DENR staff assigned in the PAs are not enough. Greater participation members was generally The authors are Supervising Science collaborative and moderate, of the LGU and other stakeholders Research Specialist and Science members were hardly involved in must be sought so that the carrying out of PA management responsibilities are shared. Research Specialist II of the Upland activities. Their participation was Farms Ecosystem Research Division, limited to the discussions about ERDB.

8 CANOPY International March - April 2001 Mobilizing the youth along environmental concerns

Aurora S. Jose

he youth sector comprises the bulk of the Philippine population Ttoday. In 2000, the youth (15-30 years old) population reached 22.2 million, according to the National Census and Statistics Office. The Philippine government recognizes the vital role the youths play in the national development. Hence, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution further stresses to “...promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youths, patriotism and nationalism and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.”

Youth involvement has been magnified The youths make their pledge to protect the environment during the culminating activity of the under Republic Act (RA) No. 7160, also Youth Environment Summer Camp in Baguio City. known as the Local Government Code of 1991, which provided for the creation of the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth promote sustainable development in DENR support program Council) and the Pederasyon ng mga local communities and throughout the In support to the Green Brigade, the Sangguniang Kabataan (Federation of countryside through action and advocacy government launched the “Kabataan Youth Councils). These councils for environmental quality and social 2000”, a collection of summer youth emphasized that participation of the justice. This would also mobilize the programs implemented by several youths from all local government units in youths in local communities and national agencies. The Department of the formulation and execution of encourage their participation in the Environment and Natural Resources ordinances, and in planning and formulation of local environmental plan. (DENR) promoted the Kabataan implementation of development Green Brigade also aims to promote a Reforestation Program (KRP) through programs. spirit of “intergenerational responsibility” the development of a sense of believing that the youths of present awareness on environmental issues/ Participation of the youths was further generation have the responsibility to problems and the government’s encouraged in 1994 through R.A. 8044, protect and conserve the environment for response in addressing such issues/ otherwise known as “Youth in Nation- future generations. problems. Other activities initiated by Building Act”, under the administration of the DENR include tree planting and the President Fidel V. Ramos. The Act The Green Brigade program Weekend Youth Brigade, which aimed towards the survival, protection, For the province of Laguna, 12 towns promotes cleanliness in major development, and wide participation of and two cities have implemented the thoroughfares all over the country. the youths in all government and youth Green Brigade program in the nongovernment programs, projects, and barangays. Field verification revealed Moreover, to support the nationwide activities in order to develop their that San Pablo City had the most number participation of the youth sector in potentials as partners in nation building. of barangays (38) that implemented environmental actions, the DENR, Green Brigade since 1999. The towns of through Special Order No. 97-768, The Green Brigade: Its Liliw and Nagcarlan had 33 and 31 instructed all its regional offices, implementation barangays, respectively, that adopted bureaus and line agencies to Specifically, along environmental Green Brigade. The towns of Magdalena, designate Youth Desk Officers or concerns, youth involvement was Los Baños, and Victoria had the least Bureau Youth Coordinators as enhanced through Executive Order No. number of barangays that implemented caretakers of the needs of the youth 52, creating an environmental corps Green Brigade. Other towns included constituents for the environment and composed of the Katipunan ng Luisiana (23), San Pedro (19), Cavinti natural resources. Kabataan, known as “Green Brigade”. (19), Sta. Cruz (18), Calauan (17), Green Brigade is a community-based Pagsanjan (16), and Pila (14) had youth organization which aims to established the Green Brigade. Calamba The author is Science Research City had 14 Green Brigade. Specialist II of the Forest Ecosystem Research Division, ERDB.

March - April 2001 CANOPY International 9 Pagsahingin… from page 2 observed that under climate Type I, species under the family Leguminosae Table 1. Occurrence and distribution of pagsahingin, their measurements, and their plant associates, were found to be the most numerous according to four climate types. (e.g., narra, siar, ipil, fire tree, antsoan dilau, and akleng-parang). Under climate Ave. Ave. Ave. No. of Plant associates Climate Municipality/ No. of No. of merchantable total Type II, most of the species associated diameter trees (Family/common type Province plots pagsahingin height height (cm) per ha name) with pagsahingin belonged to the family (m) (m) Moraceae represented by antipolo, Type I San Marcelino, 27 95 53.31 8.60 18.01 35 Family Leguminosae, balete, anubing, nangka, tibig, is-is, Zambales Family Anacardiaceae, Family Moraceae upling-gubat, basikong, dolalog, and malatibig. Under climate Type III, the Type II Baybay, Leyte 21 41 37.57 5.24 11.86 20 Family Moraceae, Family Lauraceae, highest number of species included Family Euphorbiaceae those of the family Euphorbiaceae such

Bahi, 11 13 21.91 1.99 12.63 12 Almon, red lauan, tangile, as balanti, binunga, hamindang. Under Camarines Sur gisok-gisok. These were climate Type IV, such species as leftovers by loggers. Wildlings growing under basikong, antipolo, tangisang-bayawak parent trees. Moraceae under family Moraceae, were found to be (balete), Euphorbiaceae (binunga), Anacardiaceae the most numerous. (sangilo) Reference Bulusan, 14 17 49.29 6.50 14.14 12 Meliaceae (kalantas, Sorsogon santol, kalimutain), Guttiferae (bitanghol, Aragones, E.G. 1995. Resource inventory of gatasan, kamandiis), three Canarium species (Burseraceae) Moraceae (antipolo, anubing, tibig) and almaciga (Agathis philippinensis Warb.) in five provinces of the Philippines Type III Ayungon, Negros 10 21 52.25 10.30 20.61 21 Euphorbiaceae, Myrtaceae, and their ecology. Terminal Report on Oriental Dipterocarpaceae DOST-GIA-Funded Project. Puerto Princesa, 37 201 30.99 5.42 16.00 54 Lauraceae, Moraceae, Palawan Leguminosae, Meliaceae, Leenhouts, P.W. 1959. A monograph of the Euphorbiaceae genus Canarium (Burseraceae). Blumea Pasonanca, 4 4 58.00 12.75 25.75 10 Moraceae (5 species), IX(2). Zamboanga del Sur Leguminosae (3 species), Dipterocarpaceae, Euphor- biaceae, Meliaceae, Seeber, G., H. Weidelt, and V.S. Banaag. Sapindaceae 1979. Dendrological characters of important forest trees from Eastern Type IV Pagbilao, Quezon 14 18 47.36 10.46 18.94 13 Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae, Meliaceae Mindanao. GTZ, Typo-druck-Rossdorf OHG, 6101 Rossdorf 1, Germany. Talacongon, 8 9 51.88 8.25 22.50 11 Dipterocarpaceae, Agusan del Sur Guttiferae, Moraceae, Euphorbiaceae The authors are Science Research In terms of species density, climate Type conducted by Aragones in 1995, the Specialist II, and retired Supervising III had the highest density with 54 trees/ highest density was 15 trees in an 11-ha Science Research Specialist, ha; those under climate Type I, 35 trees/ sample plot, or a species density of only respectively, of the Forest Ecosystem ha; climate Type II, 20 trees/ha; and 1.36 trees/ha. With regard to tree species Research Division, ERDB. climate Type IV, 13 trees/ha. In a study associated with pagsahingin, it was

Seedlings… from page 3 do not have SPAs or seed sources Due to insufficient data submitted by ERDB from different geographical identified for such species in their some regional offices, thorough locations. Due to fluctuating yearly seed respective areas. However, it is discussions with some officials generated production, a factor of 50% seed envisioned that regions with high supply vital information, particularly about the production was considered. The data on of seeds can provide their seeds for demand for seedlings/planting materials seed production areas came from a other regions in need. per species. report of FMB (2003). Since some existing seed production Challenges Supply-demand relationship areas and seed sources are poorly Some challenges in the management of Analysis of supply and demand of managed, seed production becomes SPAs have been identified based on the seeds/seedlings per species generally insufficient. It is imperative that proper responses of regional offices: shows a trend of low supply of planting silvicultural treatments be applied to materials from regional SPAs while the improve production of seeds/seedlings. ❑ Unpredicted seed yield of most demand remains high. Moreover, additional seed production species. areas for different forest tree species, a ❑ Onslaught of natural calamities Similarly, the regions mentioned above demand of some regions must be which not only damage the had also demand for different forest tree established, but in accordance with the promising seed crops but also make species (exotic and indigenous). They species-site compatibility. seed production in the ensuing years

) page 11 10 CANOPY International March - April 2001 Seedlings… from page 10 of seed production/yield, is still Mangroves… from page 5 dependent on nature. Full productivity more erratic and uncertain. potential of such species has not been For the last 10 years, there has been a ❑ Human impact such as illegal harnessed because of the marked increase of visitors in mangrove cutting of selected trees for seed nonimplementation of management areas. With this trend, the number of production. schemes that could improve seed yield. tourist sites should also be increased for ❑ Inappropriate storage facilities for Important silvicultural treatments have variation. additional seeds for future use. not been practiced, like rouging of ❑ Insufficient funds and inadequate undesirable trees of the same species Reference workforce for seed collection. (which may pollinate superior trees) and the removal of competing vegetation. If Primavera, J. 1997. Development and Recommendations these treatments are applied to the conservation of Philippine mangroves: Institutional issues. Paper presented at Based on the results of the study, all the selected seed stand, the Philippines may th satisfy the immediate planting stock the 4 Workshop of the Global Wetlands regions need to maintain their existing Economic Network. Beijer, Stockholm, SPAs considering the high demand for requirements of reforestation programs, 16-17 November. seeds/seedlings in reforestation especially on importation of seeds of programs of both government and exotic species. private sectors. The author is Provincial Environmental References and Natural Resources Officer of In order for the regions to manage the PENRO-Region VII. Forest Management Bureau. 2003. List of established SPAs and monitor the identified seed production areas (SPAs) livelihood activities of peoples in the Philippines. organizations around the SPAs, they should be provided sufficient logistics Lapis, A., E.B. Principe, and N.R. Pablo. 2000. “The human species support. Why the need for selected planting stocks for tree planting. CANOPY is…intricately and Other strategies to improve the source International. Vol. 26 No. 4. pp. 3, 10. intimately related to the of good planting materials may include remainder of the web of seed orchard establishment and development for indigenous species. The first author is Supervising Science life.” Research Specialist, the second is Concluding note Science Research Assistant, and the John B. Cobb Jr., 1986 The Philippines has identified 23 third is Science Research Specialist II “A Christian View of Biodiversity” species that are commonly used for of the Grassland and Degraded Areas reforestation in 33 locations. The Ecosystems Research Division, ERDB. performance of these species in terms

Editorial… from page 1 Solid Wastes… from page 7 References

Asian Wetland Bureau of the Philippines A large number of them have been management of wood, glass, rubble, Foundation, Inc. 1990. A directory of willing to eliminate annual model textiles, boxes, metal, paper, and Philippine wetlands: A preliminary changes in automobiles if doing so plastics; management of alloys for compilation of information on wetlands of would reduce consumption of raw appliances, cars, and other fixtures; the Philippines. 444 pp. materials. They are also willing to management of human tissue exudates; dispense with annual fashion changes in zoning of municipal/city land for open/ Holger, Holst. 1999. Leachate treatment. 1st clothing. closed dumps/sanitary landfills and Philippine solid waste management cemeteries or memorial parks. conference and exhibition. PICC, Manila. 4-5 October. It goes without saying that voluntary simplicity reconciles the needs of the National policies should also provide Mercene, E.C. 1983. Assessment of capture person, the community, the economy, immediate and workable solutions to fisheries and biology of some important and most of all the environment. It transform the waste stream into fish species: State of development of answers questions posed by resource beneficial energy forms such as steam- Laguna de Bay. PCARR, NSTA. scarcities and ecological stresses. to-power-engines through incineration; pp. 10-16. pelleted organic fertilizers to boost Confronting us now is the opportunity to agricultural crops; biogas to provide The author is Science Research adjust our values according to our electricity and fuel for household use; Specialist II of the Forest Ecosystem changing perceptions of our and activated charcoal from forestry, Research Division, ERDB. agricultural, and municipal wastes.

We have not inherited the earth Enhanced advocacy for reuse, recycling, The deliberate spilling of oil from our fathers, we are composting, and cleanups should be and the firing of oil wells borrowing it from our children. encouraged in the community particularly represent ecological sabotage. at home, in school, church, and Lester R. Brown, 1981 barangay. Environmental Almanac 1992 Building a Sustainable Society World Resources Institute

March - April 2001 CANOPY International 11

EDITORIAL BOARD Earthwatch Celso P. Diaz Executive Adviser Praxedes Silvoza Bibiano P. Ranes Executive Editor report disclosed that in developing countries 50% of the ***** Asian gold courses are among the EDITORIAL STAFF water is lot due to leakage and A threats to the earth’s cloud forests, illegal hookups. Sewage (90%) and which are vital habitats for thousands of Gloria R. Diokno industrial wastes (70%) are discharged rare and endangered species and Editor into the environment untreated, crucial sources of water, according to eventually contaminating the water the United Nations Environment Carlo B. Castillo supply. Programme. Associate Editor

Liberato A. Bacod ***** ***** Colorist The United Nations reported that over Every two years, Indonesia loses about 1.1 billion people in the world have no 40,145 sq km of forests, an area roughly BUSINESS STAFF access to improved water supply, and the size of Switzerland, to rampant 2.4 billion have no access to proper logging. Flora B. Palicpic sanitation, the cause of water-borne

Circulation Manager diseases. ***** Eduardo M. Tolentino ***** The 1990s was the hottest decade on Circulation Assistant record and the upward trend in the Over 250 million people suffer from world’s temperature continues. In water-related diseases every year. More Europe, an estimated 20,000 people than 2.2 million people from developing Canopy International is published bi-monthly by died due to extremely hot temperatures. countries die due to poor water and the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of sanitary conditions. Over 6,000 children Environment and Natural Resources, Republic of die each day throughout the world due the Philippines. ***** to lack of improved water supply and Statistics shows that an average one Canopy International seeks to promote the sanitation. billion cubic meter of topsoil — 100,000 global communication and exchange of information on issues and developments ha multiplied by 1-m depth — is swept affecting the equitable utilization of natural ***** away yearly because of relatively few resources and sustainable management of the trees remaining in the forests. According to a report, unless environment. greenhouse gas emissions are Canopy International accepts contributions for significantly reduced over the next 50 ***** publication but reserves the right to edit such contributions. Only unsolicited manuscripts years, a quarter of the globe’s land Soot mostly from diesel engines is accompanied by self-stamped and self- animals and plants will become extinct. blocking snow and ice from reflecting addressed envelope will be returned. sunlight, contributing to near worldwide Contributions must be accompanied with a brief melting of ice and as much as a quarter curriculum vitae of the author(s). ***** of all observed global warming, the Many scientists believe that global No contents of this publication may be National Aeronautics and Space warming is responsible for the reproduced, in part or in whole, without prior Administration scientists say. permission from the publisher, except for increasing frequency and severity of purposes of review and citation, provided a copy extreme weather events like floods, of such review or citation is sent to the publisher. hurricanes, windstorms, and droughts. Views expressed herein are of the author(s) and The compiler is Librarian II of the ERDB. do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editors.

Canopy International was entered as second- class mail in College, Laguna, PHILIPPINES on 30 May 2003.

Rage on, gentle environment. Let it out! And show exploitation should end.

12 CANOPY International March - April 2001