BIBLIOGRAPHY BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012. Water
Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River, Masala,
Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Romeo A. Gomez, Jr., Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
This study documented the community-based watershed conservation practices: the
case study of the maupa watershed in Ampucao.Itogon, Benguet relative to the
characterization of the maupa watershed. socio-economic profile of the respondents, the
activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the Maupa
Watershed, the intervention from the Barangay Local Government Unit for the
conservation of the Maupa Watershed, and the different problems encountered by the
residents in the conservation of the Maupa Watershed. It was conducted at Dalicno, Itogon,
in the province of Benguet. It involved 30 respondents from Purok Demang and Midway.
Data gathering was undertaken in October 2011.
The age of the respondents ranged from 16 to 80 years old. The greatest number of
respondents falls under the age bracket of 16 to 20 and 56 to 60. The oldest respondent is
80 years old. All the respondents had formal education. The greatest number of respondents
finished college. According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were
constrained by financial problems so they preferred to seek for a job and earn.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
With regards to the findings of the study, the respondents strongly believe that
protecting the Maupa watershed will in turn, save their lives. As such, there are certain
activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the watershed.
The respondents claimed to have exerted effort in safeguarding the watershed against forest
fire, illegal loggers and illegal settlers. The Barangay Captain revealed that they have been
patrolling the area on a regular basis. Nevertheless, they did not deny that there are still
individuals who insist on destroying if not, destroying it. Other activities include planting
trees on grassland and/or barren land, and caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees.
With regards to the problems encountered, the respondents looked at illegal loggers
as the biggest threat on the conservation of the Maupa watershed. Other problems include
presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities in the area, run-off
water from the mining area which affects the watershed, natural calamities, and shortage
of water supply resulting from human intervention.Based on the findings of the study
recommendations are therefore formulated for the betterment of the Maupa watershed. The
community residents especially the youth should participate on set activities like tree
planting, safeguarding the watershed and conduct seminars to make everyone aware on the
environmental concerns and be more responsible in the conservation and preservation to
have a clean, clear, healthy and sustainable watershed.
Lastly, the Barangay LGU should seek assistance from the Municipal LGU to
provide enough materials for the sustainable development and equitable preservation and
management of the Maupa watershed. They should work hand in hand to formulate policies
that will integrate environmental thinking into the development decisions in the
conservation practices of the Maupa watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the characteristics of the Maupa watershed and profile of
respondents. It also reflects the activities undertaken by the community residents for the
conservation of the Maupa watershed, and the interventions from the Barangay Local
Government Units. Moreover, the problems encountered by the residents on the
conservation of the watershed are also included.
Characteristics of the Maupa Watershed
Table 1 shows the characteristics of the Maupa watershed as to area, location and
ownership. Based on Barangay Ampucao Records (2009), the watershed is located in
SitioMaupa and has an estimated land area of 100 hectares. Situated on the eastern part of
the Barangay, the watershed is bounded on the north by Ampucao Poblacion, south by
Sangilo, east by Cruz and west by CotcotAso. As to ownership, the watershed is classified
as communal.
According to the Barangay officials, the watershed is owned by the government.
However, there were individuals who have been vesting interest on the ownership of the
area but they have failed to present authentic evidences.
Table 1. Characteristics of the Maupa watershed
PARAMETER
DESCRIPTION
Area
100 hectares
Location
SitioMaupa
Ownership
Communal
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Profile of the Respondents
The profile of the respondents as to the gender, civil status, age bracket, highest
educational attainment, religion and occupation is shown in Table 2.As shown in the table,
majority of the respondents are females and married. Of the 30 respondents, the number of
males and females are almost the same. It may imply that the key informants on the Maupa
watershed have equal representation as to gender.
Table 2. Profile of the respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 30)
(%)
a. Gender
Female
16
53.33
Male
14
46.67
TOTAL
30
100.00
b. Civil Status
Married
21
70.00
Single
9
30.00
TOTAL
30
100.00
c. Age Bracket
16-20
6
20.00
21-25
1
3.33
26-30
1
3.33
31-35
2
6.67
36-40
2
6.67
41-45
3
10.00
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 2.continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 30)
(%)
46-50
1
3.33
51-55
3
10.00
56-60
6
20.00
61-65
1
3.33
66-70
1
3.33
71-75
2
6.67
76-80
1
3.33
TOTAL
30
100.00
d. Highest Educational Attainment
Elementary graduate
7
23.33
High School graduate
9
30.00
College graduate
13
43.34
Vocational course graduate
1
3.33
TOTAL
30
100.00
e. Religion
Roman Catholic
23
76.66
Assembly of God
3
10.00
Baptist
2
6.67
United Church of Christ in the
2
6.67
Philippines
TOTAL
30
100.00
f. Occupation
Miner
10
33.33
Housewife
8
26.67
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 2.continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 30)
(%)
Student
6
20.00
Government employee
3
10.00
Self-employed
1
3.33
TOTAL
30
100.00
*Multiple responses
The age of the respondents ranges from 16 to 80 years old. The greatest number of
respondents falls under the age bracket of 16 to 20 and 56 to 60. The oldest respondent is
80 years old.
All the respondents had formal education. The greatest number of respondents
finished college. Some were able to finish elementary or high school. One respondent
claimed to have finished vocational course. According to the respondents who did not
finish college, they were constrained by financial problems so they preferred to seek for a
job and earn.
The table also reflects the religion of the respondents. More than 75% of the
respondents are Roman Catholics. In a descending order, the religions of the other
respondents are Assembly of God, Baptist, and United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
The occupation of more than 30% of the respondents proves the classification of
Ampucao as a mining community. Aside from being host to the Philex Mining Corporation,
the presence of small-scale miners is also evident in the community. There were six
respondents who are students in different universities in Baguio City and La Trinidad.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Activities Undertaken by the Community
Residents for the Conservation of the
Maupa Watershed
The activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the
Maupa watershed are shown in Table 3. According to the respondents, the community
residents strongly believe that protecting the Maupa watershed will in turn, save their lives.
As such, there are certain activities undertaken by the community residents for the
conservation of the watershed.
The foregoing scenario relates to the claims of Reinold (1988) that effective
management of watershed depends on comprehensive human understanding of the
components of watershed and their interactions. The application of the ecological
principles to watershed planning has recently become one of the most important topics of
natural resources management discussion. Traditionally, interest in balanced natural
resources (land and water) management has come only after human have first severely
damaged a landscape. To paraphrase the world famous naturalist Aldo Leopold: Human
do not seem to be able to understand a system that they did not build; instead, they
seemingly must partially destroy and rebuild the system before itsuses and limitations are
understood and appreciated.
As reflected on the table, the activities are categorized as very much undertaken,
moderately undertaken, and not undertaken at all. A great majority of the respondents
claimed to have exerted effort in safeguarding the watershed against forest fire, illegal
loggers and illegal settlers. The Barangay Captain revealed that they have been patrolling
the area on a regular basis. Nevertheless, they did not deny that there are still individuals
who insist on destroying if not, destroying it.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 3.Activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the
Maupa watershed
ACTIVITY
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
VMU
%
MU
%
NU
%
Safeguarding the watershed from forest
23
76.67
6
20.00
1
3.33
fire, illegal loggers and illegal settlers
Planting trees on grassland/barren land
18
60.00
12
40.00
1
3.33
Replacing dead trees and/or mulching
11
36.67
14
46.67
1
3.33
Caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees
10
33.33
19
63.33
0
0.00
*Multiple responses (VMU-Very Much Undertaken; MU-Moderately Undertaken, NU-Not Undertaken)
According to the Ampucao Barangay Records (2009), rampant illegal cutting was
observed in the watershed area. During an inspection, the team observed three groups of
timber poachers. Patches of vegetable gardens and swidden farms were likewise visible
within the watershed area. Sixty percent of the respondents also claimed that planting trees
on grassland and/or barren land is very much undertaken. According to the respondents,
the seedlings were sourced out by the Local Government Units.
Moreover, 19 respondents stated that caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees
is moderately undertaken to conserve the Maupa watershed. At least one respondent
claimed to have done nothing for the conservation of the watershed.
Intervention from the Barangay LGU for the
Conservation of the Maupa Watershed
Table 4 shows the interventions from the Barangay Local Government Unit for the
conservation of the Maupa watershed. These are categorized as to whether they are very
much undertaken, moderately undertaken, or not undertaken.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 4.Interventions undertaken by the Barangay LGU for the conservation of the Maupa
watershed
INTERVENTION
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
VMU
%
MU
%
NU
%
Barangay LGU processes
documents on the ownership of the
watershed
25
83.33
3
10.00
2
6.67
Barangay LGU prohibits the
community residents and nearby
communities relative to occupancy
and/or alienation of the watershed
16
53.33
6
20.00
8
26.67
Barangay LGU sets policies and
implements sanctions to violators
relative to the conservation of the
14
46.67
12
40.00
5
16.67
watershed
Barangay LGU donatedplanting
materials (seedling)during the tree
planting activities
5
16.67
6
20.00
19
63.33
Barangay LGU allows the
community residents to have free
access to fauna and flora product
but not for commercial purposes
4
13.33
7
23.33
19
63.33
Barangay LGU allows the
community residents have free
access on the watershed for hunting
wild animals and birds
3
10.00
5
16.67
22
73.33
*Multiple responses(VMU-Very Much Undertaken; MU-Moderately Undertaken, NU-Not Undertaken)
According to a great majority of the respondents, the Barangay LGU processes the
pertinent documents on the ownership of the watershed. The Barangay Captain revealed
that they are doubling their efforts to maintain the watershed as community in nature.
Relatively, more than 50% of the respondents claimed that the LGU is very firm in its stand
of prohibiting the community residents and nearby communities to occupy or alienate the
watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
On the other hand, more than 70% of the respondents stated that the Barangay LGU
is not strict in implementing rules in prohibiting community residents from hunting wild
animals and birds in the watershed. Similarly, there were 19 respondents who claimed that
the Barangay LGU is not strict in regulating the access of the community residents on the
watershed flora and fauna, and they are not consistent in donating planting materials
(seedling)during the tree planting activities.
Problems Encountered by the
Community Residents in the Conservation of
theMaupa Watershed
Table 5 shows the problems encountered by the community residents relative to the
conservation of the Maupa watershed. A great majority of the respondents looked at illegal
loggers as the biggest threat on the conservation of the Maupa watershed. Figure 3 shows
members of the community planting trees at the Maupa watershed
Figure 3.Members of the community planting trees at the Maupa watershed
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 5.Problems encountered by community residents in the conservation of the Maupa
watershed
PROBLEM
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
VS
%
MS
%
NS
%
Presence of illegal loggers in the
area
20
66.67
5
16.67
5
16.67
Presence of swidden farms and other
agricultural production activities in
the area
12
40.00
7
23.33
11
36.67
Run-off water from the mining area
affects the watershed
11
36.67
2
6.67
17
56.67
Natural Calamities affects and
10
33.33
17
56.67
3
10.00
destroys the watershed
Shortage of water supply resulting
from human intervention on the
8
26.67
11
36.67
12
40.00
watershed
*Multiple responses(VS-Very Much Serious; MS-Moderately Serious, NS-Not Serious)
Moreover, there were 12 respondents who cited the presence of swidden farms and
other agricultural production activities in the area as a big problem. The other problems, in
a descending order of gravity, are as follows: run-off water from the mining area which
affects the watershed, natural calamities, and shortage of water supply resulting from
human intervention.
Findings of the study relate to the claim of Pereira (1989) that considered as a very
serious threat to our forests are commercial loggings and kaingin or slash-and-burn farming
system to give way to commercial gardening. As demand for livelihood increases the
depletion of forest resources become fast paced.The most critical aspects of upper
watershed management which directly affect the lives and property of downstream users
are the effects on floods, on water supplies and on sediments transport. Figure 4 shows the
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities at the Maupa
watershed.
Figure 4. The presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities at the
Maupa watershed
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study documented the community-based watershed conservation practices: the
case study of the maupa watershed in Ampucao.Itogon, Benguet relative to the
characterization of the maupa watershed. socio-economic profile of the respondents, the
activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the Maupa
Watershed, the intervention from the Barangay Local Government Unit for the
conservation of the Maupa watershed, and the different problems encountered by the
residents in the conservation of the Maupa watershed. It was conducted at Dalicno, Itogon,
in the province of Benguet. It involved 30 respondents who were residents of
purokDemang and Midway. Data gathering was undertaken in October 2011.
As to the characteristics of the Maupa watershed, it is located at Sitio Maupa and
has estimated land area of 100 hectares. It is classified as communal.On the profile of the
respondents, majority are female and married. The greatest number of the respondents falls
under the age bracket 16 to 20 and 56 to 60. The oldest respondent is 80 years old and the
youngest is 16 years old.
All the respondents had formal education. The greatest number of respondents
finished college. Some were able to finish elementary and high school. One respondent
claimed to have finished vocational course. According to the respondents who did not
finish college, they were constrained by financial problems so they preferred to seek for
job and earn.On the religion of the respondents, more than 75% of the respondents are
Roman Catholics. In descending order, the religions of the other respondents are Assembly
of God, Baptist and United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
The occupation of more than 30% of respondents proves the classification of
Ampucao as a mining community. Aside from being host of the Philex Mining
Corporation, the presence of small-scale miners is also evident in the community. There
were six respondents who are students in different universities in Baguio City and La
Trinidad.
In the activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the
Maupa watershed, the community residents strongly believed that protecting the Maupa
watershed will in turn save their live.
As such, there are certain activities undertaken by the community residents for the
conservation of the watershed. A great majority of the respondents claimed to have exerted
effort in safeguarding the watershed against forest fire, illegal loggers and illegal settlers.
Sixty percent of the respondents also claimed that planting trees on grassland and/or
barren land is very much undertaken. According to the respondents, the seedlings were
sourced out by the Local Government Units.
Moreover, 19 respondents stated that caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees
is moderately undertaken to conserve the Maupa watershed. At least one respondent
claimed to have done nothing for the conservation of the watershed.
The Barangay LGU processes the pertinent documents on the ownership of the
watershed. The Barangay Captain revealed that they are doubling their efforts to maintain
the watershed as community in nature. Relatively, more than 50% of the respondents
claimed that the LGU is very firm in its stand of prohibiting the community residents and
nearby communities to occupy or alienate the watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
On the other hand, more than 70% of the respondents stated that the Barangay LGU
is not strict in implementing rules in prohibiting community residents from hunting wild
animals and birds in the watershed. Similarly, there were 19 respondents who claimed that
the Barangay LGU is not strict in regulating the access of the community residents on the
watershed flora and fauna, and they are not consistent in donating planting materials
(seedling) during the tree planting activities.
The most common problems encountered by the community residents relative to
the conservation of the Maupa watershed were: illegal loggers as the biggest threat on the
conservation of the Maupa watershed. Moreover, there were 12 respondents who cited the
presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities in the area as a big
problem. The other problems, in a descending order of gravity, are as follows: run-off water
from the mining area which affects the watershed, natural calamities, and shortage of water
supply resulting from human intervention.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The respondents undertook several measures to preserved and
conserved for the conservation of the Maupa watershed such as; planting trees
on grassland/barren land, replacing dead trees, caring on wildling or naturally
grown trees, and safe guarding the watershed.
2. The declaration of the Maupa watershed as own by the government
is being enforced and implemented by the Barangay LGU incorporated by the
Local Government Unit.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
3. The respondents encountered several problems in the conservation of the Maupa
watershed such us; the presence of illegal loggers in the area, presence of swidden farmers
and other agricultural production activities in the area, run-off water from the mining area,
affects the watershed, shortage of water supply resulting from human intervention on the
watershed, and natural calamities affects and destroys the watershed.
Recommendations
The following are recommended:
1.
The community residents especially the youth should participate on
set activities like tree planting, safeguarding the watershed and conduct seminars
to make everyone aware on the environmental concerns and be more responsible in
the conservation and preservation to have a clean, clear, healthy and sustainable
watershed.
2.
The Barangay LGU should seek assistance from the Municipal LGU
to provide enough materials for the sustainable development and equitable
preservation and management of the Maupa watershed. They should work hand in
hand to formulate policies that will integrate environmental thinking into the
development decisions in the conservation practices of the Maupa watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
LITERATURE CITED
ANTOLIN, B.1999. Community-Based forest management. Lecture not for the
reviewclasses for the Foresters’ Licensure Examination, sponsored by the
FutureForesters Society and the 1999 BS Forestry graduates. BSU-college of
ForestryLa Trinidad, Benguet.
BARANGAY AMPUCAO RECORDS.2009. Maupa Watershed Profile in
Ampucao,Itogon, Benguet.
CORDILLERA
GREEN
NETWORK,
2007.Lakon/
Saguday:
An
IndigenousForestManagement System in Mountain Province.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE of the NATIONAL WORKSHOP of INDIGENOUS
PEOPLE on HUMAN RIGHTS, 2004.National Workshop of Indigenous Peopleon
Human Rights.
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES-FMB, 1996.
Philippines Forestry Statistics.P.xii. Manila DENR, 1996
PERIERA, H. 1989. Policy and practice in management of tropical watershed. Boulder:
Westview Press; London: Belhaven Press, 1989
REIMOLD, R. 1988. Watershed management: practice, policies, and coordination. New
York :Mc Grow Hill Co.:, 1988
TACLOY, J. 2000. Indigenous forest conservation system in the Cordillera Region.
Unpublished PhD Dissertation. Benguet State University La Trinidad, Benguet.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012. Water
Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River, Masala,
Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Romeo A. Gomez, Jr., Ph.D.
ABSTRACT
This study documented the community-based watershed conservation practices: the
case study of the maupa watershed in Ampucao.Itogon, Benguet relative to the
characterization of the maupa watershed. socio-economic profile of the respondents, the
activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the Maupa
Watershed, the intervention from the Barangay Local Government Unit for the
conservation of the Maupa Watershed, and the different problems encountered by the
residents in the conservation of the Maupa Watershed. It was conducted at Dalicno, Itogon,
in the province of Benguet. It involved 30 respondents from Purok Demang and Midway.
Data gathering was undertaken in October 2011.
The age of the respondents ranged from 16 to 80 years old. The greatest number of
respondents falls under the age bracket of 16 to 20 and 56 to 60. The oldest respondent is
80 years old. All the respondents had formal education. The greatest number of respondents
finished college. According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were
constrained by financial problems so they preferred to seek for a job and earn.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
With regards to the findings of the study, the respondents strongly believe that
protecting the Maupa watershed will in turn, save their lives. As such, there are certain
activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the watershed.
The respondents claimed to have exerted effort in safeguarding the watershed against forest
fire, illegal loggers and illegal settlers. The Barangay Captain revealed that they have been
patrolling the area on a regular basis. Nevertheless, they did not deny that there are still
individuals who insist on destroying if not, destroying it. Other activities include planting
trees on grassland and/or barren land, and caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees.
With regards to the problems encountered, the respondents looked at illegal loggers
as the biggest threat on the conservation of the Maupa watershed. Other problems include
presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities in the area, run-off
water from the mining area which affects the watershed, natural calamities, and shortage
of water supply resulting from human intervention.Based on the findings of the study
recommendations are therefore formulated for the betterment of the Maupa watershed. The
community residents especially the youth should participate on set activities like tree
planting, safeguarding the watershed and conduct seminars to make everyone aware on the
environmental concerns and be more responsible in the conservation and preservation to
have a clean, clear, healthy and sustainable watershed.
Lastly, the Barangay LGU should seek assistance from the Municipal LGU to
provide enough materials for the sustainable development and equitable preservation and
management of the Maupa watershed. They should work hand in hand to formulate policies
that will integrate environmental thinking into the development decisions in the
conservation practices of the Maupa watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the characteristics of the Maupa watershed and profile of
respondents. It also reflects the activities undertaken by the community residents for the
conservation of the Maupa watershed, and the interventions from the Barangay Local
Government Units. Moreover, the problems encountered by the residents on the
conservation of the watershed are also included.
Characteristics of the Maupa Watershed
Table 1 shows the characteristics of the Maupa watershed as to area, location and
ownership. Based on Barangay Ampucao Records (2009), the watershed is located in
SitioMaupa and has an estimated land area of 100 hectares. Situated on the eastern part of
the Barangay, the watershed is bounded on the north by Ampucao Poblacion, south by
Sangilo, east by Cruz and west by CotcotAso. As to ownership, the watershed is classified
as communal.
According to the Barangay officials, the watershed is owned by the government.
However, there were individuals who have been vesting interest on the ownership of the
area but they have failed to present authentic evidences.
Table 1. Characteristics of the Maupa watershed
PARAMETER
DESCRIPTION
Area
100 hectares
Location
SitioMaupa
Ownership
Communal
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Profile of the Respondents
The profile of the respondents as to the gender, civil status, age bracket, highest
educational attainment, religion and occupation is shown in Table 2.As shown in the table,
majority of the respondents are females and married. Of the 30 respondents, the number of
males and females are almost the same. It may imply that the key informants on the Maupa
watershed have equal representation as to gender.
Table 2. Profile of the respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 30)
(%)
a. Gender
Female
16
53.33
Male
14
46.67
TOTAL
30
100.00
b. Civil Status
Married
21
70.00
Single
9
30.00
TOTAL
30
100.00
c. Age Bracket
16-20
6
20.00
21-25
1
3.33
26-30
1
3.33
31-35
2
6.67
36-40
2
6.67
41-45
3
10.00
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 2.continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 30)
(%)
46-50
1
3.33
51-55
3
10.00
56-60
6
20.00
61-65
1
3.33
66-70
1
3.33
71-75
2
6.67
76-80
1
3.33
TOTAL
30
100.00
d. Highest Educational Attainment
Elementary graduate
7
23.33
High School graduate
9
30.00
College graduate
13
43.34
Vocational course graduate
1
3.33
TOTAL
30
100.00
e. Religion
Roman Catholic
23
76.66
Assembly of God
3
10.00
Baptist
2
6.67
United Church of Christ in the
2
6.67
Philippines
TOTAL
30
100.00
f. Occupation
Miner
10
33.33
Housewife
8
26.67
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 2.continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENTAGE
(N = 30)
(%)
Student
6
20.00
Government employee
3
10.00
Self-employed
1
3.33
TOTAL
30
100.00
*Multiple responses
The age of the respondents ranges from 16 to 80 years old. The greatest number of
respondents falls under the age bracket of 16 to 20 and 56 to 60. The oldest respondent is
80 years old.
All the respondents had formal education. The greatest number of respondents
finished college. Some were able to finish elementary or high school. One respondent
claimed to have finished vocational course. According to the respondents who did not
finish college, they were constrained by financial problems so they preferred to seek for a
job and earn.
The table also reflects the religion of the respondents. More than 75% of the
respondents are Roman Catholics. In a descending order, the religions of the other
respondents are Assembly of God, Baptist, and United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
The occupation of more than 30% of the respondents proves the classification of
Ampucao as a mining community. Aside from being host to the Philex Mining Corporation,
the presence of small-scale miners is also evident in the community. There were six
respondents who are students in different universities in Baguio City and La Trinidad.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Activities Undertaken by the Community
Residents for the Conservation of the
Maupa Watershed
The activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the
Maupa watershed are shown in Table 3. According to the respondents, the community
residents strongly believe that protecting the Maupa watershed will in turn, save their lives.
As such, there are certain activities undertaken by the community residents for the
conservation of the watershed.
The foregoing scenario relates to the claims of Reinold (1988) that effective
management of watershed depends on comprehensive human understanding of the
components of watershed and their interactions. The application of the ecological
principles to watershed planning has recently become one of the most important topics of
natural resources management discussion. Traditionally, interest in balanced natural
resources (land and water) management has come only after human have first severely
damaged a landscape. To paraphrase the world famous naturalist Aldo Leopold: Human
do not seem to be able to understand a system that they did not build; instead, they
seemingly must partially destroy and rebuild the system before itsuses and limitations are
understood and appreciated.
As reflected on the table, the activities are categorized as very much undertaken,
moderately undertaken, and not undertaken at all. A great majority of the respondents
claimed to have exerted effort in safeguarding the watershed against forest fire, illegal
loggers and illegal settlers. The Barangay Captain revealed that they have been patrolling
the area on a regular basis. Nevertheless, they did not deny that there are still individuals
who insist on destroying if not, destroying it.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 3.Activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the
Maupa watershed
ACTIVITY
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
VMU
%
MU
%
NU
%
Safeguarding the watershed from forest
23
76.67
6
20.00
1
3.33
fire, illegal loggers and illegal settlers
Planting trees on grassland/barren land
18
60.00
12
40.00
1
3.33
Replacing dead trees and/or mulching
11
36.67
14
46.67
1
3.33
Caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees
10
33.33
19
63.33
0
0.00
*Multiple responses (VMU-Very Much Undertaken; MU-Moderately Undertaken, NU-Not Undertaken)
According to the Ampucao Barangay Records (2009), rampant illegal cutting was
observed in the watershed area. During an inspection, the team observed three groups of
timber poachers. Patches of vegetable gardens and swidden farms were likewise visible
within the watershed area. Sixty percent of the respondents also claimed that planting trees
on grassland and/or barren land is very much undertaken. According to the respondents,
the seedlings were sourced out by the Local Government Units.
Moreover, 19 respondents stated that caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees
is moderately undertaken to conserve the Maupa watershed. At least one respondent
claimed to have done nothing for the conservation of the watershed.
Intervention from the Barangay LGU for the
Conservation of the Maupa Watershed
Table 4 shows the interventions from the Barangay Local Government Unit for the
conservation of the Maupa watershed. These are categorized as to whether they are very
much undertaken, moderately undertaken, or not undertaken.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 4.Interventions undertaken by the Barangay LGU for the conservation of the Maupa
watershed
INTERVENTION
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
VMU
%
MU
%
NU
%
Barangay LGU processes
documents on the ownership of the
watershed
25
83.33
3
10.00
2
6.67
Barangay LGU prohibits the
community residents and nearby
communities relative to occupancy
and/or alienation of the watershed
16
53.33
6
20.00
8
26.67
Barangay LGU sets policies and
implements sanctions to violators
relative to the conservation of the
14
46.67
12
40.00
5
16.67
watershed
Barangay LGU donatedplanting
materials (seedling)during the tree
planting activities
5
16.67
6
20.00
19
63.33
Barangay LGU allows the
community residents to have free
access to fauna and flora product
but not for commercial purposes
4
13.33
7
23.33
19
63.33
Barangay LGU allows the
community residents have free
access on the watershed for hunting
wild animals and birds
3
10.00
5
16.67
22
73.33
*Multiple responses(VMU-Very Much Undertaken; MU-Moderately Undertaken, NU-Not Undertaken)
According to a great majority of the respondents, the Barangay LGU processes the
pertinent documents on the ownership of the watershed. The Barangay Captain revealed
that they are doubling their efforts to maintain the watershed as community in nature.
Relatively, more than 50% of the respondents claimed that the LGU is very firm in its stand
of prohibiting the community residents and nearby communities to occupy or alienate the
watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
On the other hand, more than 70% of the respondents stated that the Barangay LGU
is not strict in implementing rules in prohibiting community residents from hunting wild
animals and birds in the watershed. Similarly, there were 19 respondents who claimed that
the Barangay LGU is not strict in regulating the access of the community residents on the
watershed flora and fauna, and they are not consistent in donating planting materials
(seedling)during the tree planting activities.
Problems Encountered by the
Community Residents in the Conservation of
theMaupa Watershed
Table 5 shows the problems encountered by the community residents relative to the
conservation of the Maupa watershed. A great majority of the respondents looked at illegal
loggers as the biggest threat on the conservation of the Maupa watershed. Figure 3 shows
members of the community planting trees at the Maupa watershed
Figure 3.Members of the community planting trees at the Maupa watershed
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
Table 5.Problems encountered by community residents in the conservation of the Maupa
watershed
PROBLEM
NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS
VS
%
MS
%
NS
%
Presence of illegal loggers in the
area
20
66.67
5
16.67
5
16.67
Presence of swidden farms and other
agricultural production activities in
the area
12
40.00
7
23.33
11
36.67
Run-off water from the mining area
affects the watershed
11
36.67
2
6.67
17
56.67
Natural Calamities affects and
10
33.33
17
56.67
3
10.00
destroys the watershed
Shortage of water supply resulting
from human intervention on the
8
26.67
11
36.67
12
40.00
watershed
*Multiple responses(VS-Very Much Serious; MS-Moderately Serious, NS-Not Serious)
Moreover, there were 12 respondents who cited the presence of swidden farms and
other agricultural production activities in the area as a big problem. The other problems, in
a descending order of gravity, are as follows: run-off water from the mining area which
affects the watershed, natural calamities, and shortage of water supply resulting from
human intervention.
Findings of the study relate to the claim of Pereira (1989) that considered as a very
serious threat to our forests are commercial loggings and kaingin or slash-and-burn farming
system to give way to commercial gardening. As demand for livelihood increases the
depletion of forest resources become fast paced.The most critical aspects of upper
watershed management which directly affect the lives and property of downstream users
are the effects on floods, on water supplies and on sediments transport. Figure 4 shows the
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities at the Maupa
watershed.
Figure 4. The presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities at the
Maupa watershed
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
This study documented the community-based watershed conservation practices: the
case study of the maupa watershed in Ampucao.Itogon, Benguet relative to the
characterization of the maupa watershed. socio-economic profile of the respondents, the
activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the Maupa
Watershed, the intervention from the Barangay Local Government Unit for the
conservation of the Maupa watershed, and the different problems encountered by the
residents in the conservation of the Maupa watershed. It was conducted at Dalicno, Itogon,
in the province of Benguet. It involved 30 respondents who were residents of
purokDemang and Midway. Data gathering was undertaken in October 2011.
As to the characteristics of the Maupa watershed, it is located at Sitio Maupa and
has estimated land area of 100 hectares. It is classified as communal.On the profile of the
respondents, majority are female and married. The greatest number of the respondents falls
under the age bracket 16 to 20 and 56 to 60. The oldest respondent is 80 years old and the
youngest is 16 years old.
All the respondents had formal education. The greatest number of respondents
finished college. Some were able to finish elementary and high school. One respondent
claimed to have finished vocational course. According to the respondents who did not
finish college, they were constrained by financial problems so they preferred to seek for
job and earn.On the religion of the respondents, more than 75% of the respondents are
Roman Catholics. In descending order, the religions of the other respondents are Assembly
of God, Baptist and United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
The occupation of more than 30% of respondents proves the classification of
Ampucao as a mining community. Aside from being host of the Philex Mining
Corporation, the presence of small-scale miners is also evident in the community. There
were six respondents who are students in different universities in Baguio City and La
Trinidad.
In the activities undertaken by the community residents for the conservation of the
Maupa watershed, the community residents strongly believed that protecting the Maupa
watershed will in turn save their live.
As such, there are certain activities undertaken by the community residents for the
conservation of the watershed. A great majority of the respondents claimed to have exerted
effort in safeguarding the watershed against forest fire, illegal loggers and illegal settlers.
Sixty percent of the respondents also claimed that planting trees on grassland and/or
barren land is very much undertaken. According to the respondents, the seedlings were
sourced out by the Local Government Units.
Moreover, 19 respondents stated that caring of wildlings or naturally-grown trees
is moderately undertaken to conserve the Maupa watershed. At least one respondent
claimed to have done nothing for the conservation of the watershed.
The Barangay LGU processes the pertinent documents on the ownership of the
watershed. The Barangay Captain revealed that they are doubling their efforts to maintain
the watershed as community in nature. Relatively, more than 50% of the respondents
claimed that the LGU is very firm in its stand of prohibiting the community residents and
nearby communities to occupy or alienate the watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
On the other hand, more than 70% of the respondents stated that the Barangay LGU
is not strict in implementing rules in prohibiting community residents from hunting wild
animals and birds in the watershed. Similarly, there were 19 respondents who claimed that
the Barangay LGU is not strict in regulating the access of the community residents on the
watershed flora and fauna, and they are not consistent in donating planting materials
(seedling) during the tree planting activities.
The most common problems encountered by the community residents relative to
the conservation of the Maupa watershed were: illegal loggers as the biggest threat on the
conservation of the Maupa watershed. Moreover, there were 12 respondents who cited the
presence of swidden farms and other agricultural production activities in the area as a big
problem. The other problems, in a descending order of gravity, are as follows: run-off water
from the mining area which affects the watershed, natural calamities, and shortage of water
supply resulting from human intervention.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. The respondents undertook several measures to preserved and
conserved for the conservation of the Maupa watershed such as; planting trees
on grassland/barren land, replacing dead trees, caring on wildling or naturally
grown trees, and safe guarding the watershed.
2. The declaration of the Maupa watershed as own by the government
is being enforced and implemented by the Barangay LGU incorporated by the
Local Government Unit.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
3. The respondents encountered several problems in the conservation of the Maupa
watershed such us; the presence of illegal loggers in the area, presence of swidden farmers
and other agricultural production activities in the area, run-off water from the mining area,
affects the watershed, shortage of water supply resulting from human intervention on the
watershed, and natural calamities affects and destroys the watershed.
Recommendations
The following are recommended:
1.
The community residents especially the youth should participate on
set activities like tree planting, safeguarding the watershed and conduct seminars
to make everyone aware on the environmental concerns and be more responsible in
the conservation and preservation to have a clean, clear, healthy and sustainable
watershed.
2.
The Barangay LGU should seek assistance from the Municipal LGU
to provide enough materials for the sustainable development and equitable
preservation and management of the Maupa watershed. They should work hand in
hand to formulate policies that will integrate environmental thinking into the
development decisions in the conservation practices of the Maupa watershed.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012
LITERATURE CITED
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reviewclasses for the Foresters’ Licensure Examination, sponsored by the
FutureForesters Society and the 1999 BS Forestry graduates. BSU-college of
ForestryLa Trinidad, Benguet.
BARANGAY AMPUCAO RECORDS.2009. Maupa Watershed Profile in
Ampucao,Itogon, Benguet.
CORDILLERA
GREEN
NETWORK,
2007.Lakon/
Saguday:
An
IndigenousForestManagement System in Mountain Province.
COORDINATING COMMITTEE of the NATIONAL WORKSHOP of INDIGENOUS
PEOPLE on HUMAN RIGHTS, 2004.National Workshop of Indigenous Peopleon
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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES-FMB, 1996.
Philippines Forestry Statistics.P.xii. Manila DENR, 1996
PERIERA, H. 1989. Policy and practice in management of tropical watershed. Boulder:
Westview Press; London: Belhaven Press, 1989
REIMOLD, R. 1988. Watershed management: practice, policies, and coordination. New
York :Mc Grow Hill Co.:, 1988
TACLOY, J. 2000. Indigenous forest conservation system in the Cordillera Region.
Unpublished PhD Dissertation. Benguet State University La Trinidad, Benguet.
Water Quality in Capuyuan River, Amlimay, Buguias, Benguet and Pinmaydeng River,
Masala, Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet |
BOTANGEN, CHARMAIGNE M. and MENZI, JEROME G. April, 2012