BIBLIOGRAPHY ATAYOC, JOSE P. April 2010. Analysis of Agricultural Land...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ATAYOC, JOSE P. April 2010. Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion in
La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University, Open University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Marlowe U. Aquino, Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
La Trinidad, Benguet is generally described and tagged as an agricultural
area. Actual case of land conversion is observed and done in this time of fast
paced development from 1991 to 2008. Specifically, Betag and Puguis
barangays were the identified study sites where massive agricultural, socio-
economic as well as environmental activities are caused by the land conversion
process.
Results revealed that agricultural land conversion in barangays Betag and
Puguis are affected by increasing population and acquisition of lots for residential
area like the establishment of Palmaville Subdivisions, originally an agricultural
land to become a booming residential area.
There were 548 residential and commercial buildings constructed in
barangays Betag and Puguis from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total land area of
93,519 square meters or 0.79% area equivalent in both barangays. A total land
area of 45,006 square meters was occupied by the buildings built in Barangay
Betag over a period of 17 years representing 2.87% of the total barangay area.
Compared with barangay Puguis with slightly wider area occupied by constructed
buildings covering 48,513 square meters or 0.47% of the total barangay area.
More health, crime and traffic problems due to fast population increase is
the considered the number one social effect on agricultural conversion in both
barangays. On the other hand, barangay Betag identified lost or reduction of
community cohesiveness or belongingness which is commonly observed in
urbanizing area as the second social effect compared with promotion of
availability of social services in barangay Puguis.
Along economic aspect, barangays Betag and Puguis viewed increasing
business activities, more income and increasing land value as the major effects
of agricultural land conversions. These are manifested by the 24/7 transportation
service operation, establishment of private and government institutions,
automobile shops, computer shops, and other business establishments.
The contamination of water supply and air pollution due mainly to
garbage, domestic wastes and vehicular emission were identified as
environmental effects of agricultural land conversion by both barangay
respondents.
There is a significant difference on the perception of solutions to minimize
agricultural land conversions and its adverse effects in La Trinidad Benguet.
Barangay Betag focused on the issue of improving the fertility of the soil for
agricultural lands, establishment of more business cooperatives and promotion of
organic farming to support to farmers income while Barangay Puguis
ii
respondents focused on the improvement and modernization of irrigation system
to sustain agricultural activities.
Based on the above findings, it is recommended that policies and rules
and regulations on land conversion should be strictly implemented in order to
other social and economic support services will be provided by the local
government units as well as other concerned agencies.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Scope and Limitation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Conceptual Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Operational Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Research Design and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Data Analysis and Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Construction of Residential Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Extent of Agricultural Land Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Effects of Agricultural Land Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
Social Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
iv
Economic Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Environmental Effects . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
Solutions to Minimize Agricultural
Land Conversion and its Adverse Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
71
Implications to Urban Development
and Management . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
75
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . .
79
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79
Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
80
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
86
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
A. Request Letter to OU Director
to Conduct the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
B. Request Letter to Mayor Artemio
Galwan to Conduct the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
90
C. Request Letter to La Trinidad
Municipal Agriculture Office for
a Permit to Conduct the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91
D. Letter to the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92
E. Survey Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
93
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
98
v
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of
communities has received increasing attention in recent years, reflecting
the growing awareness among rural sociologists, economists, politicians,
planners, and development practitioners that the problems of
mismanagement and underdevelopment cannot be solved without a
solution to the problem of agricultural stagnation (Crosson, 1970).
This condition has changed over time with a tremendous shift of
productive agricultural areas to other uses like commercial and industrial.
The shift has caused agricultural lands to decrease, which affects the
operation and activities of development. On the other hand, the shift
resulted to more integrated activities, which support the social and
economic status of people and communities. Given this situation, it is
necessary to show that efforts towards development and management of
communities are of prime importance especially if these cause dramatic
change in social, economic and environmental conditions.
The development of a particular area is dependent on the different
activities orchestrated and implemented by its people and institutions
present. Through time, people adjust to these changes, which affect their
lives and the place they live in. This is what happened to La Trinidad,
2
Benguet. It started as a simple community of agricultural endeavors and
now to a budding first class municipality of social and economic
development.
La Trinidad, Benguet is a classic example of a fast-paced
developing community. Originally, it was an agricultural area planted with
rice and rootcrops. These were considered then as the major commodities
grown and produced. As years passed, this kind of agricultural production
shifted from rice to vegetables particularly cabbage, broccoli, lettuce,
carrot and beans. Large scale vegetable farming boomed in the
municipality in the 1960’s making La Trinidad a leading vegetable
producer in the entire country. Also, it incorporated several agri-related
activities like trading, banking, agricultural education and training, and
industry and development.
The increasing vegetable production led the local people to trade
their produce as influenced by Chinese traders who also started the
restaurant businesses in Baguio City and La Trinidad. These businesses
helped develop La Trinidad and Baguio City from agriculture industry into
combined
commercial
and
residential
businesses
and
other
establishments to cope with the booming and developing municipality
(Cheng, 2006 as cited by Kacayon, 2009).
3
In the 80’s, La Trinidad earned the distinction, “The Salad Bowl of
the Philippines.” Toward the end of 1980’s, farmers began to shift from
vegetable production to strawberry and cut-flower production. In 1998,
Barangay Bahong was declared, “The Rose Capital of the Philippines.”
Today, La Trinidad is recognized, as “The Strawberry Fields of the
Philippines.” At the same time, it incorporated other agriculture-related
activities for increased socio-economic and ecological development.
Aside from these distinctions, La Trinidad is known as the trade
center of Benguet province and the entire Cordillera Administrative
Region. To date, it remains an agricultural area with urbanization fast
creeping in the valley area and rapidly increasing as a diversified
business center with big investments coming in.
La Trinidad also accommodates the site of one of the regional
educational centers in the Cordilleras. The establishment of Benguet State
University (BSU) serves as the entity for agricultural education
development particularly on instruction, research, extension, and
production services. Aside from being the capital town of Benguet, it is the
seat of several regional offices such as: Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Commission on Audit (COA), National Commission for Indigenous
Peoples (NCIP), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of
4
Public Works and Highways (DPWH). As such, many students and
employees residing in this capital town come from other places.
The services needed by these students and employees, and
tourists alike, promote businesses and attract more people to flock to this
capital town. Many have already acquired lots and constructed their
houses, and still, many are in the pursuit of land acquisition and
house/building constructions or both. Big offers tempt owners of
agricultural lands, especially along the roads and nearby business areas,
sell their lots to rich people who eventually convert the areas into
residential and other commercial uses.
Consequently, the population of La Trinidad continues to increase
rapidly necessitating expansions of commercial, industrial, and human
settlement areas that further the conversion of agricultural lands for such
necessities. This scenario has serious impact on food security.
Furthermore, the massive land conversion for non-agricultural
purposes is one of the major factors for dwindling rice supply, food
insecurity, and rising costs of basic commodities in recent years. These
lands were transformed into subdivisions, commercial centers, recreation
camps, golf courses, export processing zones, mines, and other non-
agricultural purposes (Ombion 2008).
5
Recognizing its adverse impact to food production and other
possible negative consequences, La Trinidad Municipality ignored last
year a proposal for the construction of a shopping mall right in the valley
because of space; however, the municipal government recognizes that
investments are necessary for the development of the area
(http://www.agribusinessweek.com).
The fast turnover and development from agricultural condition to
commercial and industrial situation prompted the La Trinidad local
government to prepare and develop their comprehensive land
development plan. The plan is a blueprint of development efforts of the
municipality to maintain the natural landscape of the area and not to
destroy its natural resources. Specifically, it is the agricultural land that is
to be maintained or diversified, because of its living testimony to an
agricultural municipality.
In support to the foregoing views on the adverse impact to food
security of agricultural land conversions, this study was conducted with an
end view of saving the remaining highly productive agricultural lands in La
Trinidad and other areas as well.
Given these concerns, La Trinidad is an ideal area to study
development
trends
and
management
of
resources
vis-à-vis
comprehensive land development. It will address the concern on land
6
conversion of agricultural areas to commercial and industrial purposes or
both causing a massive change in natural landscape.
Statement of the Problem
Land conversion is an important aspect in rural and urban
management including community development. Certain communities
pass this kind of physical change, because of factors in technological
interventions and socio-economic influences affecting them.
With the present condition of La Trinidad, Benguet and the
completion and preparation of a new comprehensive land use plan, the
municipality is an ideal area to study the effects and implications of land
conversion particularly on agricultural development.
The many physical landscape changes as well as socio-economic
changes in the municipality are very appropriate to analyze in relation to
their implication to urban management. As a fast-changing municipality,
La Trinidad, Benguet must describe, and show direction and trends for
more in-depth study of urban management and development.
The main focus of the study is to analyze the condition of La
Trinidad in three important aspects of land conversion, namely social,
7
economic, and environmental development. In order to understand the
municipality’s condition, the following questions were answered.
1. What are the factors affecting agricultural land conversion to
other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet?
2. What is the rate of land conversion from agricultural to residential
and commercial or industrial purposes?
3. What are the social, economic, and environmental effects of land
conversion?
4. What are the recommended solutions to minimize the agricultural
land conversion to other uses and its adverse consequences?
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to analyze the agricultural land
conversion process in La Trinidad, Benguet. Specifically, the study aimed
to:
1. Identify factors affecting agricultural land conversion to other
uses in La Trinidad Benguet;
2. Determine the rate of land conversion from agricultural to
residential and commercial or industrial purposes in Barangay Betag and
Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet.
8
3. Identify the social, economic, and environmental effects of
agricultural land conversion.
4. Formulate solutions to minimize the agricultural land conversion
to other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study on land management including conversion to other uses
entails a very wide coverage. It incorporates all aspects of social,
economic, ecological, technological, and political dimension. Considering
that La Trinidad, Benguet is an example of naturally occurring
development along side processes, this research is very ideal to
understand the factors influencing changes and growth as well as
development trends.
The study focused on the agricultural land conversion process in
two barangays of the municipality. These are Barangay Betag in the
middle of the valley where it nestle the agricultural development activities
of the area and Barangay Puguis, because of its major contribution to
agricultural, commercial, and industrial development.
These barangays were chosen, because of the physical and
geographic changes that occurred and affected agricultural development
9
including the physical reforms brought about by constructions of buildings,
improvement of the natural setting, and changes of landscape. These
items made the selection of the barangays more relevant to the study.
In addition, the period 1990-2008 was covered because the two
comprehensive land conversion plans prepared by the La Trinidad
Development Planning Office are important inputs in the analysis of the
agricultural land conversion of the municipality. At the same time, this
period hypothetically illustrates physical changes in the identified
barangays towards management of resources and socio-economic and
ecological development.
Furthermore, Municipal and Barangay key Officials and members
were interviewed to solicit pertinent research data affecting the overall
management of La Trinidad, Benguet in terms of land conversion. This
study was conducted from June 2008 to September 2009 incorporating
document
analysis,
physical
observation
and
data
gathering,
interpretation, and analysis.
The analysis done on this research focused and emphasized on
urban management, because of the fast-paced development of La
Trinidad as an example of a fast-rising urbanized area within the confines
of a rural lifestyle. Agricultural practices including production and
marketing together with land conversion process were cross-checked with
10
policies, strategies, barangay conditions, and respondents’ profiles for
more conclusive results and implications to urban management and
community development.
Importance of the Study
The focus of the study is one of the major challenges in rural and
urban planning and management. Land conversion is a major issue of
most local government units especially on prime agricultural lands.
Several study show that land conversions are considered important
programs in areas where land are not fully utilized or abandoned through
the years. They provide new direction of development especially if these
are towards the improvement of the living condition in the place (Personal
communications, VCA Ubaldo and F. de Los Santos 2009).
These shared views are sufficient reasons why the study must be
conducted. The study helps us to understand the importance of land
conversion in the development of a place. Specifically, it will provide
broader insights to local government units particularly the office of the
development planning in the development of appropriate actions and
projects to consider. At the same time, it will lead key officials maintain
11
the original purpose and use of lands especially if these are of cultural or
heritage and even educational purposes.
Furthermore, the study will provide new direction of learning for
development planners and area developers in land zoning and
diversification. In effect, strategic operations will be properly utilized and
effectively managed.
Also, this study will help other professionals particularly engineers,
agricultural officers, and other planners to re-evaluate programs affecting
agriculture and natural resources especially related to and affect food
security and sustainable development.
Finally, lessons learned and experiences in the conduct of this
research can be shared to students and practitioners in rural and urban
planning and management to appreciate the tools and methods used by
the researcher in coming up with a comprehensive analytical contribution
to development.
12
Conceptual Framework
Figure below shows the paradigm of the study in support to the
analysis of the agricultural land conversion process of the study area.
FACTORS:
√ Socio-economic
√ Policies and their
implementation
√ Political will
√ Population
pressure
Immigration
OTHER USES:
AGRICULTURAL
√ Residential
CONVERSION
LANDS
√ Commercial
Supermart/stores/
markets/trading
posts, restaurants
IMPACTS: (- / +)
Boarding houses/
apartments/ hotels
√ Social
√ Industrial:
Factory
√ Economic
Shops (auto repair,
tailoring, electronic,
√ Environment
electrical, etc.)
Infra: roads and
bridges
√ Social and Educational:
Mitigation of
Barangay centers
Negative Impacts
Day care centers
Clinics/hospitals
Schools
Figure 1. The paradigm of the study in relation to the agricultural land
conversion to other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet
13
Conversion of agricultural lands to other uses is governed by
Republic Act No. 6657 or the “Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of
1988” which provides the legal framework for the conversion of agricultural
lands to non agricultural uses in order to achieve optimum public benefit
from lands as a national resource for public welfare.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is authorized to approve
or
disapprove
the
conversion,
reclassification,
restructuring
or
readjustment of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses. The
conversion of lands from agricultural into non-agricultural uses is allowed
when the proposed use conforms to the land use plan or development
plan of the city or municipality and said land use or town development plan
has been approved by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
(HLURB) and validated by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). In case
the proposed use does not conform with the approved land use plan of the
city or municipality, the conversion may be allowed under the following
conditions: 1.) when the land is intended to be used as (a) a government
or joint venture private – government low-cost housing project, as certified
by the National Housing Authority (NHA), (b) a government or joint private-
government industrial venture or project as certified by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI), or Department of Tourism (DOT) with location
clearance has been issued by the HLURB; 2.) when the land has ceased
14
to be economically feasible and sound for agricultural purposes as
certified by the Provincial Agricultural Officer of the Department of
Agriculture (DA) assigned to the province; and 3.) when the locality has
become urbanized and the land will have a greater economic value for
residential, commercial, industrial, or memorial park purposes as certified
by the HLURB deputized Zoning Administrator. These rules shall cover all
private agricultural lands whether tenanted or not, and regardless of crops
or commodity produced. Aside from this, the Local Government Code of
1991, Section 20, gives local government units (LGUs) the power to
reclassify lands to other uses in their jurisdiction.
Proper implementations of such laws are mainly intended to
optimize benefits from agricultural lands and to ensure sufficiency of food
production. Increase of population that consequently increases demand is
a major pressure leading to the conversion of prime agriculture areas into
residential and/or commercial uses. High demand for housing and socio-
economic services enormously increases prices of lands and makes
commercial establishments (stores, hotels, restaurants, etc.) more
profitable and more convenient sources of income than agricultural crop
production. Such increase of prices and profits and convenience entice
agricultural land owners to sell or convert to commercial establishments
their agricultural lands.
15
As more population is settled in a community, more infrastructure
and social and educational services have to be established, further
diminishing agricultural areas. This scenario may continue until an area is
completely urbanized that completely depends up on imported crop and
livestock production from other areas.
Political leaders’ decision-making mainly determines rate of
agricultural land conversion in their respective communities. In La
Trinidad, the current Mayor, Hon. Artemio A. Galwan, prefer to retain the
town’s name as the “Strawberry and Rose Gardens or capital of the
Philippines” (La Trinidad Comprehensive Land Used Plan 2000 - 2010).
Socio-economic and environmental impacts are the primary bases
in allowing or disallowing agricultural land conversion to other uses. But
the socio-economic impacts seemed to be more important basis in the
locality. As observed, where people are more concentrated, the more
environmental damages are incurred.
The main issue related to this agricultural land conversion is food
production or security. Mouths to feed inevitably increase while our crop
production areas continue to decline. This scenario may lead our farmers
to operate and develop our forest and mountainous areas for food
production in the near future. Our people need food and obtaining it may
result to greater concern.
16
This study will analyze the agricultural land conversion in the study
area and formulate recommendations based on the results to mitigate
identified adverse consequences of, and optimize benefits from
conversion, at the same time to at least minimize the rate of prime
agricultural land conversion to other uses.
On the other hand, it is also very important that local development
plans must have concrete goal and objectives to be achieved as stated in
the vision and mission.
The vision of La Trinidad is “a dynamic, self-sustaining,
ecologically-balance, and peaceful community where God-Loving and
healthy people live in an atmosphere of social justice and effective
governance” (La Trinidad Development Plan, 2007). Thus, the municipal
development plan is anchored to this vision. Specifically, the LGU and
other stake holders are empowered to implement the development plan in
accordance with Executive Order No. 72, s. 1973 with the accompanying
Zoning Ordinance and resolutions of the Sangguniang Bayan of the
Municipality
and
Sangguniang
Panlalawigan
of
the
Province
(Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2000-2010).
Based on this, individual barangay development plan, allocation of
annual budgets, and land use zoning and planning strategies are prepared
to respond to sectoral concerns like human resources development,
17
economic services, social services, infrastructure, agriculture, land use,
and environmental management. The attainment of the goals and
objectives of the plan lies on the effort of the implementers, the municipal
and national government, NGOs, and the people themselves.
Implementation of Development
Plans and Programs
Development plans and programs are important tools in
understanding and setting the direction and changes or growth of a
particular community. It is also the basis in managing and utilizing
resources. One of the resources identified is land. Land resource is the
central factor of development and people activities. It is also an aspect of
study in several fields.
Rural or urban management and development looks at resources
as means to improve capacities of the government at the local, provincial,
regional, and national levels. Based on this, the national government must
devolve more functions at the local levels to create and broaden their own
sources of revenue and the right to the utilization and development of the
national wealth within their respective areas including local capacities to
provide consistent and relevant policies. This is very common in local
planning and development (PSRDI, 1998).
18
Local Government officials, planners, urban managers, and other
stakeholders, on the other hand, need to improve their institutional
capacities in the planning and management of the land, urban
infrastructure, economy, housing and community development, social
services, development finance, and the management of other sectors and
participatory governance.
One of the constraints in the implementation of development plans
and programs of the national and local governments is the budgetary
requirements to finance development projects that could have improved
the
quality
of
life
of
their
constituents
(http://home.earthlink.
net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/state.html).
Although some city governments have been successful in
investment planning, financial management, and revenue generation,
performance levels need to be improved and evaluated.
On the contrary, to attain a successful implementation of
development plans and programs, partnership between LGU and civil
society groups towards achieving sustainable development plans must be
strengthened.(http://home.earthlink.net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/
state.html).
Goodman and Love (1974) mentioned that lack of well-qualified
personnel and appropriate organizations to implement development
19
schemes can hamper the achievement of planning goals. It also leads to
lack of management and administrative capacity to direct projects in some
countries. Consequently, it ensures a project to be administered effectively
within an appropriate agency or organization. More over, it requires
managers, planners and implementers to improve their capabilities in
planning and management.
It is for this reasons that the Mountain Province State Polytechnic
College prepared its Development Plan as a guide in implementing its
plans through capability building, continuing education, upgrading and re-
tooling of competencies.
Based on observations, one of the constraints in plan
implementation is budgetary requirement. In like manner, the Mountain
Province State Polytechnic College is not spared from this. The
administration’s strategy is to explore other sources from national and
local government units, and other funding agencies including non-
government organizations as well as strengthening of linkages and
partnership with LGU, NGO and other institutions for the smooth
implementation of its development plan (MPSPC Development Plan 2005
to 2013).
20
Management of Resources
One of the government’s responsibilities is to sustainably manage
the resources which require decision-making at the higher levels of public
bureaucracy involving the participation of the people and communities.
Consequently, strategies failed to minimize the effects of improper
management of natural resources such as lands, forests, rivers, and
lakes. In view of this, there is a need to emphasize people and community
responsibility and accountability on managing the resources.
The World Commission on Environment (1987) states that
environmental and natural resource management should be integrated
into economic planning. Through the Philippine Urban System, urban
structures required in economic production, strengthen local comparative
advantages and improve quality f life must be developed.
An attempt to provide a comprehensive agenda of action must be
geared towards instituting legal, institutional and financial reforms as well
as capacity building measures for both government and non-government
sectors in order to pave way the way for sustainable human settlements
as response to increasingly urbanizing Philippine cities.
Based on this, the implementation and management of the
program, an interagency committee was created comprising the Housing
and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to oversee and
21
ensure the accomplishment for a unified national shelter program and
proper use of resources.
On the other hand, the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or
otherwise known as known as Pag-ibig. fund focuses on the
administration of a nationwide provident fund for the government’s
housing program and formulates other investment strategies relative to
housing.
The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) is the sole
regulatory body for housing and land development. It ensures rational land
use for the equitable distribution and enjoyment of development benefits.
It also extends comprehensive and productive planning assistance to
province, cities and municipalities towards the formulation of
comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs).
The National Housing Authority (NHA) is the sole national agency
mandated to engage in direct shelter production focused on providing
housing assistance to the lowest 30 percent of urban income-earners
through slum upgrading, squatter relocation, development of sites and
services, and construction of core housing units. It also undertakes
programs for the improvement of blighted urban areas and provides
technical assistance for private developers undertaking low-cost housing
projects (http://home.earthlink.net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/state.html).
22
These agencies are very instrumental in ensuring the appropriate
management of resources which are critical in rural and urban
management and development, and important institutions which support
the implementation of local comprehensive land use plans.
Factors and Indicators of Development
and Management
One of the greatest factors and indicators of urban development is
increase in population. The increasing population in urban areas creates
problems such as environment degradation, declining literacy rates, rising
unemployment rates and lack of low cost housing units and other social
services like protective services, access to potable water, and electricity.
These impel city or municipal governments and their civil society
partners to rethink their development strategies in dealing with urban
problems, which includes prioritizing of limited resources, innovation of
ways to mobilize resources, reengineering of local bureaucracies and
install
the
necessary
infrastructure
(http://home.earthlink.
net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/state.html ).
Coxhead and Buenavista (2001) found in their study that people
migrate to the Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon due to economic
reasons. This is attributed through the introduction of irrigation necessary
in the shifting of farmers from single cropping to double cropping. Also, in
23
1950’s the availability of lands were very cheap which could even be
exchanged with alcoholic beverages and hiring of farm workers who
decided to stay or reside in the area. While the increased of population
may have contributed to the development of the municipality in terms of
economic aspect, it was noted further that degradation of forest in the area
also contributed I the change of physical condition.
As a manifestation, there was continuous clearing of forest for corn
production and commodities suitable for upland areas. Other contributory
factors identified were the profitability of commercial vegetable cultivation,
road development and the lack of a well-defined and enforced property
rights over the land (Cairns, 1995).
Impacts on Social, Economic
and Ecological Development
Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) is a very much
publicized and promoted principle since the Rio Earth Summit but has not
proceeded beyond the rhetoric either in developed or developing
countries. It is nonetheless a desirable principle by which planners can
assess development proposals.
In addition, the Commonwealth of Australia in 1992 states that
“Development improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future,
24
in a way that maintains the ecological processes upon which life
depends.”
It can be said that ESD is successfully applied when the monetary
values are weighted against non-monetary values such as social, cultural,
visual, etc. and the environmental benefits outweigh the costs.
One of the policies of Ecological Sustainable Development is to
integrate economic, environmental, and social goals in the strategic
planning for the preparation of Comprehensive Land Use Plan of a
municipality or city.
Likewise, the Philippine Agenda 21 defines the agenda for
sustainable development based on strategic interventions across
ecosystems; such as forests/uplands, coastal and marine, urban,
freshwater, lowland/agricultural, including areas designed as mineral
reserves and areas of high biological diversity.
Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7586 – National Integrated Protected
Areas System Act of 1992 (NIPAS) also recognize that the protected
areas, although distinct in features, possess common ecological values
that may be incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our natural
heritage;…. that the use and enjoyment of these protected areas must be
consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable
development.
25
In the part of agricultural land conversion, the impacts on social,
economic and ecological aspects are seen in the development
applications. Most objections to development are based on amenity
issues, which are either beneficial or detrimental. Among these are
physical impacts such as pollution, noise, smell, increased traffic, etc;
social impacts such as increased crime rates, and loss of parklands and
other community facilities; economic impacts like loss of employment,
transfer of employment, higher travel cost, etc; and environmental impacts
like loss of habitat, bio-diversity, or non-renewable and absolute resources
or both. These can only be reduced if development applications satisfy
ecologically sustainable development.
Silberstein and Maser (2000) pointed out that developing
community goals tied to economic development and not to economic
growth is a good step. They argued that if economic growth is necessary
to maintain full employment, which implies that there is a continuous
increase in resources consumption we will soon realize it is impossible;
because resources are finite.
On the other hand, the study of Coxhead and Buenavista (2001)
revealed that farmers in the Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon are
practicing highly commercialized agriculture providing a year-round
26
agricultural employment as well as a number of farm workers on a daily
wage rate basis.
Related studies in the same site showed that agricultural
intensification without adequate soil management has negative effects
both on-site and off-site. The intensive cultivation of annual crops in
general and the increased use of fertilizer, pesticides, and other chemicals
on vegetable crops degrade water based on the result of Lantapan water
monitoring (Deutsch, et.al., 1998).
Furthermore, Cairns (1995) noted also that the profitability of
commercial vegetable cultivation has been the primary impetus of forest
encroachment with decisive contributions from road development and the
lack of well-defined and enforced property rights on land.
This is clearly seen in the decrease of land area owned by the
people with fairly high hectare average of 12 hectares in the 1950s.
However, in the 1980s, the average farm size has been reduced to 4
hectares (Costello, 1986).
In some developing countries, small farms are being predicted to
soon disappear; but, they prove to be persistent and the total area of
arable land occupied by farmers continues to grow. The people also
proved that in times of economic decline, they stay on the farm or even
27
return to farming. Besides, strong rural economies based on efficient small
farming allow workers to remain with their families instead of migrating.
Urban Planning and Management
Sound planning rests on the availability of a wide range of
information about existing and potential investments and their likely effects
on the growth and other national objectives. Realistic planning involves
knowing the amount that can be spent on development activities each
year and the resources that will be required for particular kinds of
investment.
According to Brinckloe and Coughlin (1977) as cited by Meister
(1997), proper planning will minimize costs by smoothing out workloads,
and preventing discontinuities in the work of one division while waiting for
work to be completed in another. Also, the success and failure of a project
depend on the manager’s management. Weak public administration and
management are often the root delays and cost overruns of a project.
Such weaknesses are manifested in inadequate planning, delays in land
acquisition, protracted bidding and contracting procedures, insufficient
project supervision, and slow response to change in the policy
environment, and low staff morale and productivity.
28
Other important consideration in planning is the Involvement of
intended beneficiaries in the planning and management of project. Meister
(1997) also mentioned that financial difficulties are common causes of
project failure. Evaluators of the UNDP’s (1979) rural development
projects found that a major constraint affecting the achievement of the
project objectives is the transfer of technologies without local adaptation.
The constitution of the Philippines and a succession of codes,
particularly the Local Government Code (LGC) clearly point the direction
of planning for the community. This is to be achieved by the continuing
devolution of powers and responsibilities to the Local Government Units
(LGUs). These responsibilities of the LGUs include land use planning and
development control consistent with national and provincial policies.
These gives the legal obligation to the LGUs to prepare Comprehensive
Land Use Plan which is one of the most important planning documents
that contains the programs, plans, and projects that represent the
expected outcomes of the LGUs, vision. The CLUP also effectively reflect
the communities’ and stake-holders’ aspiration to an improved quality of
life.
29
Operational Definition of Terms
Agricultural activity – refers to the cultivation of soil, planting of
crops, growing of fruit trees, raising of-livestock, poultry, fish or
aquaculture products, including the harvesting and immediate processing
of such farm products, and other farm activities and practices performed in
conjunction with such farming operations done by persons whether natural
or juridical.
Agricultural development - is the process focusing on the
enhancement or betterment of agricultural development work. It is also a
land-based activity that includes the management of farm-land and
production activities of crops, livestocks, and people activities to
encourage bountiful yield for the benefit of the rural or local community
resulting to economic growth, social upliftment, and ecological
enhancement.
Agricultural and conversion – refers to the process of converting or
reclassifying agricultural lands to other uses like residential or industrial.
Agricultural land – refers to public or private lands devoted to
agricultural activities as herein defined and not classified as mineral or
forest land.
30
Comprehensive land use plan – is the document that defines the
Municipality’s/City’s long-range intentions regarding the nature and
direction of future developments. It contains elements on land use,
transportation, community facilities, urban design and housing.
Change – refers to the transformation of the economy, society, and
or ecology, which may give favorable or unfavorable results.
Development – is a multidimensional process, which includes
changes in structure (institutional, social, and administrative), attitudes,
customs and beliefs as well as acceleration of economic growth and
reduction of poverty within the context of La Trinidad, Benguet.
Economic change – is a change in the living conditions of a
community. Some indicators are road constructions, construction of
commercial buildings, presence of schools, offices, etc.
Economic factors - are factors that have either positive or negative
effects in the development of a community.
Ecological change – refers to physical change of an environment
brought by the activities of man, which are either beneficial or detrimental
to the environment.
Ecological factors – are indicators or issues and concerns that have
either negative or positive impacts on social and economic development
such as loss of employment, loss of habitat, increase in crime rates, etc.
31
Implementation – is an activity that supports specific policies in
order to translate programs, plans, and projects into an achievable
outcome.
Land reclassification - refers to the further classification and
disposition of alienable and disposable lands into specific uses.
Land use – refers to the manner of utilization of land, including its
allocation, development, and management.
Reclassification - refers to the official act of the city government for
allowing the change in the classification of agricultural land into residential,
commercial, or industrial lands manifested through an ordinance.
Social change – refers to change in the nature of social institutions,
social behavior or social relations of a society, and community of people or
other social structures.
Sociological factors – refers to the indicators that influence social
development of a particular community such as migration, establishment
of partnership and participation in the implementation of programs and
activities.
Zoning - refers to the legislative act of delineating areas or districts
within the territorial jurisdictions of cities and municipalities that may be put
to specific uses, and their regulations subject to the limitations imposed by
law or competent authority.
32
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted from April to September 2009 in
Barangays Betag and Puguis of La Trinidad, the capital town of Benguet
province. Figure 2 is the map showing the site.
33
The research areas were selected because of the fast-paced
changes of the physical, social and economic conditions including a very
ideal case of agricultural land conversion process and management.
Furthermore, the research areas represent La Trinidad valley with an area
of 1,178.74 hectares.
La Trinidad municipality has 16 barangays which embraces a total
area of 80.7951 square kilometers, representing 2.78 percent of the total
area of Benguet province (29.92410 sq. km.).
It is the center of agricultural-related activities like education and
training, trade and industry, and tourism support the social and economic
development of the province as well as the Cordillera Region.
La Trinidad is located at coordinates of 16 degrees, 21 minutes
north latitude and 120 degrees and 35 minutes east longitude. It is
adjacent to Baguio City and 256 kilometers northeast of Manila. It could be
reached by plane through Loakan Airport in Baguio City and by land
transportation such as motorbikes, cars, jeepneys, and buses.
The elevation of this valley is 600 meters above sea level. La
Trinidad’s elevation ranges from 500 m to 1,700 meters above sea level,
with mean elevation of 1,300 meters.
It has Type I climate based on Coronas system of classification
which is characterized by pronounced wet and dry seasons, dry from
34
November to April and wet season during the rest of the year. During the
rainiest month of August, the rainfall average is 850.70 mm.
The temperature is perpetually cool with invigorating atmospheric
temperature ranging from 11.7 degrees centigrade during the month of
December, the coldest month, to 23.2 OC during the months of March,
April and May. The average daily temperature is 18.55 degrees centigrade
and the average wind velocity is 1.43.
Research Design and Methods
The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative
research methodology. It describes the condition of La Trinidad, Benguet
in relation to agricultural land conversion and the social, economic and
ecological development derived from observations, documentaries and
insights of individuals and organizations working on agricultural activities.
The study was supported by a guide questionnaire highlighting
areas in social, economic and ecological changes as influenced by
agricultural land conversion in Barangays Betag and Puguis. This was
substantiated by further validation of collected data through personal
interviews and photo documentation on critical areas of development like
residential and building construction, land use conversion, farm lands and
35
businesses. In addition, key players in agricultural land conversion
program in the municipality were interviewed personally by the researcher
to obtain ideas, insights, and concerns toward development and
management.
Furthermore, secondary data and available documents were
analyzed to support the claims identified during the course of the research
work. Respondents’ knowledge particularly on issues, problems, activities,
practices and other relevant areas of concern regarding agricultural land
conversion to other uses in barangays Betag and Puguis La Trinidad,
Benguet were conducted.
The guide questionnaire was pre-tested to test its validity and was
reproduced for final administration from July to August 2009. It is
composed of five parts; namely: Part I - profile of respondents; Part II -
observations on agricultural land conversion; Part III- factors influencing
agricultural land conversion to other uses; Part IV- the effects and
implications of agricultural land conversion along social, economic, and
environmental aspect; and Part V - solutions to minimize agricultural land
conversions in La Trinidad.
The researcher secured permission from the municipal mayor of
the municipality and the Open University Director before administering the
instrument to the respondents. The respondents were asked to choose
36
one of the possible responses per item asked in each of the five parts of
the questionnaire.
The following rating scale was employed to facilitate answering by
the respondents and the quantification and qualification of the data.
Rating Scale
Descriptive Interpretation
Symbol
5
Strongly Disagree
SD
4
Disagree
D
3
Uncertain
U
2
Agree
A
1
Strongly Agree
SA
Respondents of the Study
A total of 300 respondents coming from barangays Betag and
Puguis were surveyed. Each barangay has 150 respondents providing the
necessary views and perspective on agricultural land conversion in the
municipality. The respondents are composed of farm owners, workers,
managers, and operators; business individuals; and government
employees like agricultural technicians, planning and development
officers, and Barangay officials (Table 1).
37
Table 1. Comparative profile of Barangay Betag and Puguis respondents
PROFILE
BETAG
PUGUIS
N=150
Percent
N=150
Percent
Age
Below 20 1 0.67 8 5.33
21 – 25
6
4.00
21
14.00
26 – 30
25
16.67
37
24.67
31 – 35
48
32.00
29
19.33
36 – 40
21
14.00
10
6.67
41 – 45
12
8.00
13
8.67
46 – 50
16
10.67 10
6.67
51 – above
21
12.67 22
14.67
Sex
Male
72
48.00
63
42.00
Female
78
52.00
87
58.00
Civil Status
Single
38
25.33
38
5.33
Married
102
68.00
103
8.67
Widow/Widower
10
6.67
9
6.00
38
Table 1. Continued . . .
PROFILE
BETAG
PUGUIS
N=150
Percent
N=150
Percent
Occupation
Government
8
5.33
8
5.33
Employees
(Agric’l Technicians,
PD Officers, Brgy. officials
and Kagawads)
Professionals
40
26.67
42
28.00
(Doctors, Nurses,
Engineers, Teachers,
Lawyers)
Business Related
35
23.33
33
22.00
(Business Managers,
Operators, Store Owners)
Agriculture-related
55
36.67
57
38.00
(Farmers and Traders)
Others
12
8.00
10
6.67
(Students, Drivers,
Homeowners)
39
Specifically, there are seventy-two (72) males and seventy-eight
(78) females in Barangay Betag compared with eighty-seven (87) males
from and sixty-three (63) females in Barangay Puguis. In terms of age,
Barangay Betag has an average age of 40.7 years old while Barangay
Puguis has average age of 36.6 years or an average mean age of 38
years old for both barangays.
Furthermore, it was noted that the majority of the respondents are
married with 102 or 68% in Barangay Betag and 103 or 68.7% in
Barangay Puguis, respectively; both barangays have 38 or 25.33% single
respondents.
In terms of occupation, there are130 Betag and 132 Puguis
respondents who are professionals like doctors, nurses, engineers and
lawyers; working in business and agricultural-based activities like farmers,
owners and traders of agricultural products. The other respondents are
government employees employed at the municipal and barangay
government units and as students and drivers or homeowners.
40
Table 2. Number of years as resident and homeownership of respondents
in Barangays Betag and Puguis
PROFILE
BETAG
PUGUIS
N=150
Percent
N=150
Percent
No. of years as Resident
Below 10
30
20
28
18.67
11 – 15
12
8
12
8
16 – 20
21
14
20
13.33
21 – 25
14
9.33
14
9.33
26 – 30
28
18.67
25
16.67
31 – 35
16
10.67
16
10.67
36 – 40
10
6.67
7
4.67
41 – 45
3
2
10
6.67
46 – 50
5
3.33
12
8
51 – above
11
7.33
6
4
Observations on Land
Conversions
Own a house
83
55.33
85
56.67
Renting
63
42
59
39.33
Caretaker
4
2.67
6 4
This could be attributed by the migration of people from nearby
municipalities and provinces where their occupation and livelihood are
within La Trinidad and Baguio City. The residents lived in the municipality
between 16 to 30 years or an average of 18.6 years for both barangays.
The La Trinidad Socio-Economic Development Profile (2007) revealed
41
that such observations are also consistent with factors in population, land
ownership and activities in social, economic and ecological development
in the municipality.
In addition, homeownership of local residents as owners, renting
and or caretakers shows significant difference between Betag and Puguis
barangays with 55.33% and 56.67%, respectively. Compared to renting
with 42 % and 39.33% and as caretaker of houses in Betag (4 or 2.67%)
and Puguis (6 or 4%) barangays.
Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation
Pertinent quantitative research data were gathered, tallied,
classified, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis and
interpretation. Simple frequency count, percentages, means, and ranking
were used to describe the research data which were presented as tables
and figures. The research information was further discussed through the
observations and testimonies of the respondents during validations and
individual interviews.
42
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Agricultural land conversion is a challenging area of development
study. It provides an interesting avenue for discussion especially if the
results or findings are related to proper management of resources
affecting the social, economic, and ecological development activities of a
given area. Generally, it focuses on agricultural land conversion to other
uses like commercial and industrial which is analyzed in the applied field
of urban management.
Factors Affecting Agricultural
Land Conversion
Barangays of Betag and Puguis identified several factors affecting
the agricultural land conversion of La Trinidad. The barangays have
different factor prioritization but with similar concerns. Generally, the
social and economic factors have bearing in the management of the land
resources which are considered to influence the direction of development
and planning activities of the municipality.
43
Table 3. Factors affecting agricultural land conversion to other uses
FACTORS
BETAG
PUGUIS
WM DE
WM DE
Increasing population (family
members increase; need to
have better houses)
3.90 A
3.83 A
Community industrialization
(more business establishments
and activities)
3.86 A
3.81 A
Migration and people movements
3.55 A
3.56 A
Acquisition of lots for residential
3.67 A
3.87 A
Accessible transportation and feasible
for commercial use
3.67 A
3.77 A
Housing project
3.29 U
3.51 A
No capital for agricultural activities
3.11 U
3.25 U
Minimal return of investment in
Agriculture
3.54 A
3.45 U
Lack of interest and motivation in
agricultural work and activities
3.35 U
3.07 U
Agricultural activities require
high capital of inputs
3.56 A
3.42 U
44
Table 3. Continued . . .
FACTORS
BETAG
PUGUIS
WM DE
WM DE
Unstable prices of agricultural products 3.66 A
3.70 A
Poor support for farmers from government
and other agencies in agricultural
development
3.80 A
3.77 A
People prefer other work activities
than farming
3.75 A
3.75 A
Land owners need money badly
3.65 A
3.52 A
Grand Mean 3.60 A 3.59 A
Legend:
Numerical Values Weighted Mean (WM) Descriptive Equivalent (DE)
5
4.50 – 5.00
Strongly Agree (SA)
4
3.50 – 4.49
Agree (A)
3
2.50 – 3.49
Uncertain (U)
2
1.50 – 2.49
Disagree (D)
1
1.00 – 1.49
Strongly Disagree (SD)
In Barangay Betag, the increasing population affects the land
conversion in the area. This is very supported by the NSO Census of
2007 report that Barangay Betag is the highest most populated area
among the 16 barangays of La Trinidad with a total population of 6,235 on
a 40 person per hectare ratio with 5 family members per household.
45
In addition, the population of Barangay Betag has an increasing
trend. In 1996, it was 6, 108, in 2000 it was 7,526 with an increased of 1,
418 or an average of 300 persons per year from 1996 to 2000. However,
there was a tremendous increase of 3, 523 or 400 persons per year from
2001 to 2008. Today, the barangay population is 11, 455 which affects the
physical and economic condition of the barangay.
The 4.04% growth rate of La Trinidad influenced the population of
the area due to high rate of in-migration and rising economic opportunities
and spillover jobs in Baguio city (La Trinidad Physical and Socio-
Economic Profile 2007). The new census in 2007 also shows that the
growth rate increased to 5.3% and it expected to double by 2020. This
finding is very alarming in terms of land use because there is a need for
residential areas for the increasing population.
This a similar to the population growth rate that was observed in the
Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon, wherein the annual population growth
rate of this municipality is 4.26% from 1960 to 1995 which is higher than
the Philippine average rate of 2.4%. This is attributed to the migration of
ethnic groups people from coastal areas and other islands and the
Cordillera (Rola et.al.1996) as cited by Coxhead and Buenavista (2001).
Furthermore, agricultural land conversion in Barangay Betag is
affected by community industrialization. This is shown by the introduction
46
of institutions such as banks, schools, hotels and restaurants, hardware
shops, vulcanizing and machine shops, computer shops and other
establishments.
The establishment of these businesses and industries is related to
the increasing population and the changes in land utilization and resource
management in the barangay (Plate 1). These are directly related to the
economic development of the barangay and the municipal in general.
According to Governor Salceda (2008) during the 2008 National PHILARM
Conference in Albay, the uncontrolled growing population of the country
causes the shortage of rice. This argument relates to the decrease of rice
production with increase population in rural areas (BAR Chronicle Volume
9 No. 4 2008).
Plate 1. One of the sari-sari stores in Barangay Betag (January 2010)
47
In another aspect, poor support services extended to farmers as
provided by government agencies affect agricultural land conversion in the
area. The identified support services are regulations on policies for
agricultural product, viable information and technologies for agricultural
production and provision and operation on irrigation systems. While the
local government provides their best to support the local farmers in the
area, still the respondents during the personal interview pointed out that
they were not supported in their quest to stop vegetable importation over
the local produce.
Another issue is the shortage of water supply during summer
season as well as contamination of water irrigation for strawberry and
vegetables that may affects the quality of products produced.
With the perennial occurrence of this concern, the respondents
believed that businesses such as boarding houses, restaurants and hotels
are the easy way for leaving which will cause agricultural land conversion
for this purposes.
As a result, the Barangay Betag Council, La Trinidad Water District,
Benguet State University, La Trinidad Municipal government and Benguet
provincial government constructed the water treatment station at the
middle of the Betag vegetable farms to treat the water coming from the
48
canals and residential areas so that it could be used in watering
strawberries and vegetables (Plate 2).
Plate 2. The Water Treatment Station found in Barangay Betag vegetable
and strawberry farms (March 27, 2010)
Furthermore, respondents in Barangay Betag pointed out that they
are uncertain if the lack of interest and motivation (3.35) in agricultural
activities affects the conversion of land because of the rise of building
construction in the area including issues on minimal return of investment
in agriculture (3.54) and or no capital for agricultural activities (3.11).
However, it was noted that people prefer other work activities than farming
49
(3.75) which means that business opportunities in Barangay Betag causes
an increase of businesses and face growth in population.
Also, the location of Barangay Betag post the fast-paced
development in relation to agricultural development because it is near the
national highway, Benguet State University, Benguet General Hospital,
and other regional and provincial offices like the Department of Science
and Technology, Commission on Audit where people work. As observed,
majority of the people working in these institutions have residents in
Barangay Betag which is related to the increasing population and the
construction of residential areas which lead to the intrusion and
conversion of the agricultural lands to other uses.
By contrast, Barangay Puguis shows that agricultural land
conversion was more prevalent in the area. Respondents have identified
more significant factors related to other uses. The factor on the acquisition
of lots for residential area was pointed out by the respondents considering
that the barangay is also an agricultural area with a weighted mean of
3.87.
Based on the follow-up interview and observations, the residents
are not originally from the place. They are from other municipalities and
nearby provinces who acquired their residential area by purchasing them.
50
Plate 3. Palmaville Subdivision in Puguis (February 2010)
A very visible manifestation is the establishment of the Palmaville
Subdivision which was originally a productive agricultural land area in the
barangay (Plate 3). This was converted to a residential subdivision per
Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 8-96, dated January 26, 1996.
Aside from this, there were four (4) subdivision projects originally
agricultural but converted to other uses through Sangguniang Bayan (SB)
Resolutions in 1996. Out of the six (6) applications filed in the
Sangguniang Bayan within1995 to 2005 for reclassification from
agricultural to other uses, only one (1) was denied because it was found
out to be still profitable for agricultural use as per SB Committee report.
The total area of the converted/reclassified agricultural lands into
residential areas through SB Resolutions was 61, 144 square meters.
51
Other observation pointed out by the respondents is the original
agricultural land was subdivided into smaller areas which became
commercial or business areas like gasoline station and the Palmaville
Vegetable Trading Post (Plate 4).
This is the reason why there was a construction of concrete road
traversing Barangay Puguis and Barangay Betag (Plate 5). This is also
supported by the factor on accessibility of transportation and feasible for
commercial use. People can just drive in and go around the barangay
because of the prevalence of public utility vehicles traversing the routes
Baguio to Puguis or Baguio-Motorpool (Buyagan) and vice versa.
Plate 4. Palmaville Vegetable Trading Post in Barangay Puguis
(February 2010)
52
Plate 5. Concrete Road traversing Barangays Betag and Puguis (February
2010)
On the other hand, Barangay Puguis respondents pointed out that
they are uncertain there is minimal return of investment in agriculture
(3.45) which is also supported by factors like lack of interest and
motivation in agriculture (3.07), no capital for agricultural activities (3.25),
and agricultural activities requires high capital of inputs (3.42).
Furthermore, Barangay Puguis respondents agreed that poor
support for farmers from government and other agencies in agricultural
53
development affects land conversion (3.77) in the area including unstable
prices of agricultural products sold (3.70).
Compared to Barangay Betag, respondents in Barangay Puguis
agreed
that
the
community
industrialization
(more
business
establishments in the area) affects faster land conversion (3.81) because
local residents convert the area and construct buildings for economic
reasons like apartments and boarding houses (Plate 6) of other people
working in the municipality of La Trinidad and Baguio City and also
gasoline station serving the local residents and other people (Plate 7).
Plate 6. New houses constructed in Puguis (February 2010)
54
Plate 7. Gasoline station in Barangay Puguis (January 2010)
One critical insight gathered in both barangay is the purchasing and
selling of agricultural lands for other uses. Barangay Puguis agricultural
lands are purchased in interior areas close to the boundaries of Barangay
Poblacion-Buyagan and Longlong. Likewise, private agricultural lands in
Barangay Betag is being sold also and converted to residential and
business establishments that further decreases productive areas.
These identified responses are believed to have direct and indirect
effects in terms of land conversion to other uses. Land identified for
specific use must be followed in order that it will have its potential use that
supports the social and economic development of residents. Local
55
government officials and other agencies should develop and prepare
plans and programs and policies for the community as well as to utilize
and provide the necessary resources needed to the improvement and
sustainability of services to further enhance the development of the area.
If these were done properly, agricultural land conversion especially in La
Trinidad will be minimized vis-à-vis the increasing population and other
activities outside of agricultural-related development activities because
overall, La Trinidad is still considered as agricultural area.
Extent of Agricultural Land Conversion
Over the years, the condition of the natural landscape in La
Trinidad has been observed to be changing very fast. Mountains are
flattened to establish subdivisions, and trees are cut down to give spaces
for commercial buildings and residential houses.
Residential houses In Barangays Betag and Puguis, number of
residential houses and other buildings constructed within and close to the
agricultural lands has enormously increased (Table 4).
56
Table 4. Number of Residential houses constructed from 1991 to 2008 in
Betag and Puguis, with the corresponding areas occupied as per
data from La Trinidad Municipal Engineering Office
AREA OCCUPIED (m2)
BARANGAY NUMBER
Smallest
Largest
Average
AND YEAR
House
House
House
TOTAL
(SH)
(LH)
(SH+LH)/2
Betag:
1991 – 1992
10
30 503 266.5
1,377
1993 – 1995
29 20 509 264.5
3,750
1996 – 1998
18
30 402 216.0
2,393
1999 – 2001
45 21 424 222.5
6,960
2002 – 2004
27 60 666 363.0
5,187
2005 – 2007
42
27 454
240.5
7,261
2008
1
0 0
137
137
Sub-Total
172
188 2,958
1,710
27,065
Puguis:
1991 – 1992
9
52
131
91.5
798
1993 – 1995
27 30 413
221.5
2,987
1996 – 1998
30
72 1,368 720.0
5,654
1999 – 2001
99
40
302 153.0
6,977
2002 – 2004
44
14
360 187.0
6,961
2005 – 2007
62 25
378 201.5 10,579
2008
9
74
456 265.0 1,799
Sub-Total
280
287
3,408 1,839.5 35,755
Grand Total 452 475 6,366 3,549.5 62,820
57
In Barangay Betag, there were 172 residential houses constructed
from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total area of 27,065 square meters. This
gives an average of 10 houses constructed per year with an average area
of 1,592 square meters. The highest increase was recorded in 1999 to
2001; there were 46 houses constructed with total area of 6,960 square
meters. The least number was recorded in 2008; only one house was
constructed. The land area of the residential houses ranges from 20 to
666 square meters, with an average area of 157.35 square meters per
house. This rate of houses construction will continue to reduce agricultural
lands of Betag if it will not be stopped.
Majority of Barangay Betag respondents reported that the lots
where they constructed their houses were originally agricultural lands
(Plate 8). They further reported that they bought their lots. Some
respondents pointed out that it is better to construct their residential
houses than continuously renting which are too costly in the long run.
In Barangay Puguis, there were 280 houses constructed from
1991-2008, occupying a total area of 35,755 square meters. This is far
more than the number of and area occupied by houses constructed within
the period covered by this study in Betag. The computed average number
of houses constructed within the covered period is 16.47 per year, and the
58
average area is 2,103.24 square meters per year; also far more than that
in Betag.
Plate 8. Newly constructed buildings in Barangay Betag within the
original agricultural lands (January 2010)
The area occupied by the constructed houses ranges from 14
square meters to 1,368 square meters, the average area occupied by
each houses is 127.7 square meters, much smaller than the average area
occupied in Betag (Plate 9). The very small areas are presumed to be of
those constructed extension for small business purposes like selling
certain products, sari-sari store, and tailor shop. The rest may have been
just rushly erected to support their application of electrical and water
connection.
59
Plate 9. Constructed residential houses in Puguis (February 2010)
As shown in the Table from 1991 to 2008, or in a span of 17 years,
the total houses constructed in Barangays of Betag and Puguis was 452,
with a total land area of 62,820 square meters. This gives an average of
26.59 houses constructed per year with aggregate average area of
3,695.29 square meters.
Non-residential buildings. The buildings constructed for commercial
and industrial purposes in Betag and Puguis barangays from 1991 to 2008
were significant increased (Table 5).
60
Table 5. Number of commercial/Industrial buildings constructed in Betag
and Puguis, with the corresponding areas occupied as per data
from La Trinidad Municipal Engineering Office
AREA OCCUPIED (m2)
BARANGAY NUMBER
Smallest
Largest
Average
AND YEAR
House
House
House
TOTAL
(SH)
(LH)
(SH+LH)/2
Betag:
1991 – 1992
4
15
1,022 518.5
1,215
1993 – 1995
8
96 1,482 789
3,544
1996 – 1998
7
72
1,644
858 3,411
1999 – 2001 12 18
595 306.5 3,066
2002 – 2004
4
110
523
316.5 1,258
2005 – 2007 18
28
540
284 4,380
2008
2
119
948
533.5 1,067
Sub. Total
55
458
6,754 3,606 17,941
Puguis:
1991 – 1992
1
0
0
180
180
1993 – 1995
4
192
1,015
603.5
1,619
1996 – 1998
5
137
354
245.5
1,021
1999 – 2001
10
12
1,121
566.5
3,332
2002 – 2004
5
36
2,396 1,216
2,396
2005 – 2007
16
46
1,076 561
4,210
2008
0
0 0 0 0
Sub. Total
41
423
5,962 1,839.5 12,758
Total
96
881 12,716 5,445.5 30,699
61
A total of 96 commercial/industrial buildings were constructed in
both barangays from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total land area of 30,519
square meters. This gives an average of 5.65 commercial/industrial
buildings constructed per year at an average area of 1,805.82 square
meters. A much greater area is occupied by said buildings in Betag than in
Puguis, the reverse in terms of residential houses constructed where
Puguis has significantly more than Betag.
Betag has 55 constructed business/industrial buildings from 1991 to
2008 occupying with a total area of 17,941 square meters. The largest
occupies an area of 1,644 square meters, and was constructed in 1996 to
1998. The next largest occupies an area of 1,482 square meters; this was
constructed in 1993 to 1994. The smallest occupies an area of just 15
square meters, constructed in 1991 to 1992, the next smallest is 18
square meters constructed in 1999 to 2001, followed by 28 square meters
house which was constructed between 2005 to 2007.
For Puguis, there were 41 commercial/industrial buildings
constructed from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total of 12,758 square
meters; an average of 2.4 buildings constructed per year, occupying an
average area of 750.47 square meters. The size range from 12 square
meters to 2,396 square meters. The largest has an area of 3,332 square
meters and constructed in 1999 to 2001 while the smallest was only 12
62
square meters and constructed in1991 to 2001. There was no construction
in 2008.
Residential and commercial buildings. There were 548 residential
and commercial buildings constructed in barangays Betag and Puguis
from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total land area of 93,519 square meters
(Table 6). This area represented 0.79% of the area of both barangays.
A total area of 45,006 square meters was occupied by the buildings
built in Barangay Betag from the covered period of 17 years. This
represents 2.87% of the barangay’s land area. On the other hand, a little
bit bigger area occupied by buildings constructed within the covered
period in Barangay Puguis, 48,513 square meters. This represents 0.47 %
of the barangay’s land area. The much larger area of Puguis allows or
accommodates more buildings construction than Betag.
The considerable extent of land conversion in the two barangays is
mainly attributed to the enormous vegetable trading and business major
educational institutions that draws people to the place. These areas
affected were originally agricultural lands that were productive but
converted to other uses, especially to business establishments, because
of the associated increase of return of investment and other related
business opportunities.
63
Table 6. Residential and commercial buildings constructed in Betag and
Puguis from 1991 to 2008.
Number
Area (sq. m.)
Barangay
Res. Comm’l
Total
Res. Comm’l
Total
Betag
172
55
227
27,065 17,941 45,006
Puguis
280
41 321 35,755 12,758 48,513
Total
452
96 548 62,820 30,699 93,519
Effects of Agricultural Land Conversion
The agricultural land conversion in the municipality of La Trinidad,
particularly in barangays Betag and Puguis, have created social,
economic and environmental changes. These effects have both positive or
beneficial and negative or detrimental effects.
64
Social Effects
The social effects of agricultural land conversion in La Trinidad as
perceived by respondents are shown in Table 8. Ranked as the number
one effects by respondents in both barangays Betag and Puguis are more
health problems, crimes and increasing traffic problems. These problems
are seen as consequences of population increase. The reported
population growth of both barangays, combined is 4.04%. The presence of
various institutions such as banks, schools, public markets and trading
posts in La Trinidad are significant drawers of people to the place.
Table 7. Social effects of agricultural land conversion as perceived and
rank by respondents.
SOCIAL EFFECTS
BETAG
PUGUIS
Mean Rank Mean Rank
More health problems,
more crimes, and
increase traffic problems
2.17
1
1.88
1
Agricultural activities lessened;
business activities increased
3.34
4.5 3.45
4.5
Community cohesiveness
reduced/lessened
3.05 2
3.18
3
Promotes availability of
social services (markets,
education, health &
recreation)
3.07
3
2.88
2
65
Ranked second by respondents in Betag was the lost or reduction
of community cohesiveness or belongingness. This trend was commonly
observed to occur in the process of urbanization wherein kinship ties are
replaced with formal relationships. For Barangay Puguis respondents, the
ranked as second a positive effect, the promotion of social services such
as markets, education, health, and recreation. Such services are
established in response to felt demands from increasing number of
people. The respondents from Betag ranked positive effect as third; their
ranked second, which was ranked third in Puguis is the decreased in
community cohesiveness.
Due to the growing population, congestion is becoming a serious
problem, especially in Barangay Betag. There are no access roads, only
pathways in the interior part of Betag to deliver basic support services.
Consequently, health and sanitation is becoming a serious social concern.
Decreasing agricultural production activities and increasing business
activities were ranked fourth by respondents from both barangays.
In Barangay Puguis, there is lesser effect of the agricultural land
conversion because it has much bigger area than Betag. However, it was
reported that big lots were already subdivided to the children of original
land owners and or old to buyers. The opening of the Palmaville
66
Subdivision as a trading center is a manifestation of growing number of
people in the area that changes the social environment. Community
people’s cohesiveness and belongingness is observed by respondents to
have changed, and business relationships are evolving. These observed
changes requires the local residents to adjust to their regular activities and
seek new work outside agriculture or to other agriculture-related activities
like selling or trading of goods. Local residents observed that those
involved in agricultural production activities is decreasing while those
involved in selling, processing, food servicing, and the like are increasing.
Specifically, Barangay Puguis respondents believed that availability
of social services like markets, education, health and recreation is more of
a positive effect because they created employment and livelihood.
However, sanitation is becoming a problem, and due to increased vehicles
traversing regularly in the area, air and noise pollutions are felt.
Economic Effects
The perceived economic effect of agricultural land conversion in
barangay Betag and Puguis is shown in Tale 8 mainly observed by the
respondents as to the economic effects are related to the increase of
business activities and the profitability of house rentals.
67
Table 8. Economic effects of agricultural land conversion
ECONOMIC EFFECTS
Betag
Puguis
Mean Rank
Mean Rank
More business activities
2.50 1
2.40 1
Housing projects are better source of
income, (rental); increase income
2.91 2
2.78 2
Increase land valuation &
market value
3.05 3
2.98 3
Barangays Betag and Puguis are both accessible to transportation,
and are close to schools, government and private offices, automobile
shops, computer shops ,etc. People operating, and/or clients of these
establishments needs boarding houses or residential areas to settle. Thus
conversion of the agricultural lands to accommodate the resultant
increasing demands is inevitable.
The respondents reported that housing projects like building
houses for board and lodging is increasing as source of income.
Consequently, land value enormously increases. Bothe situation make
agricultural production a less practical economic activity. A case to
mention is that of Engineer Angelito Palma who converted his agricultural
lot into a subdivision, the Palmaville Subdivision which is doubtlessly
ushering him profit levels unmatched by agricultural production in the
area.
68
These business opportunities have helped both barangays
economically stable and relevant to the whole development of the
municipality.
Furthermore, Barangay Puguis is now becoming a center of
business activities because of its accessibility to the Longlong – Tam-
awan road and Pico-Puguis – Buyagan road that are both conducive to
business establishments and residential houses.
Once an agricultural land is converted to residential or commercial,
the valuation and market value of its zone will increase, together with the
market and assessed value of the land. This will tempt land owners to
convert their lands to residential or commercial use, especially if for loan
purposes, because it has a higher appraised value. This benefit was
affirmed by the zoning officer of the Municipal Planning and Development
Coordination (MPDC) of Dasmariñas, Cavite, Mr. Moises Menguito, who
reported that commercial and residential lands are more profitable
compared to agricultural lands ( http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/special-
report/04/14/08/lgus-power-reclassify-land-helps-landowners-evade-carp).
69
Environmental Effects
Table 9 shows the environmental effects of land conversion as
observed by respondents from Barangay Betag and Puguis. The
respondents noted that agricultural land conversion tremendously affects
the natural resources of the two barangays. In Barangay Betag, the major
environmental effect associated with agricultural land conversion is the
contamination of water supply and air which directly affect residents,
business and even agricultural activities.
The respondents also claimed that agricultural lands adjacent to
residential and commercial buildings become unproductive because of
water contamination coming for these buildings.
Table 9. Environmental effects of agricultural land conversion
ENVIRONMENTAL
BETAG
PUGUIS
EFFECTS
Mean Rank
Mean Rank
Climate effect like “extreme
temperature/weather condition”
3.26 4
2.85 1
Contamination of water supply
and air
2.84 1
2.99 4
Increased garbage/wastes
2.93 2
2.89 2
Noise pollution
2.87 3
2.96 3
70
As a result, there is a need to construct water treatment plant in the
strawberry farm in Betag to be used by farmers. The next major
environmental impact is increased garbage/wastes that also contaminate
soil, water and air. This effect forced the Local Government of La Trinidad
to construct additional dumpsite facility at Barangay Alno to augment the
original dumpsite at Barangay Buyagan.
By contrast, respondents from Barangay Puguis ranked first climate
change like extreme temperature/weather condition as the major effect of
agricultural land conversion. Many respondents viewed that the
unpredictable weather conditions that endangered many residents near
the mountain slopes in La Trinidad last October 2009, especially in Little
Kibungan in Barangay Puguis which is a collective effect of global land
conversion leading to excessive loss of natural vegetative cover.
Noise pollution is another identified result of agricultural land
conversion. Both Barangays Betag and Puguis residents pointed out that
they were affected by noise pollution from “karaoke bars” and vehicles
traversing the major roads.
So as not to further aggravate the enormous domestic and
industrial pollution in the area, the Municipal Agriculture Office, with the
assistance of the Department of Agriculture is promoting organic farming
71
or good agricultural practices in Barangay Betag vegetable and strawberry
farms. Some farmers as pessimistic of said practices, perceiving that it is
very difficult to follow because of the excessive use of pesticide and
inorganic fertilizers that almost permanently damaged the soil condition in
the area; they also perceived that it is difficult to purchase and or prepare
compost as fertilizers (La Trinidad Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2000 –
2010). Changing farmers’ agricultural practices entails intensive training
and reorienting farmers on proper resource and waste management, and
providing technical and practical assistance.
Solutions to Minimize Agricultural
Land Conversion and its adverse effects
Because of the serious adverse effects or consequences of
agricultural land conversion in barangays Betag and Puguis as identified
in the previous section such as environmental pollution, health problems,
and reduced agricultural production, the local government of La Trinidad
and Betag and Puguis need to implement mitigation measures. Table 10
shows suggestions to minimize agricultural land conversion and its
adverse impact.
72
Table 10. Solutions/suggestions by respondents to minimize agricultural
land conversion and its adverse effects in La Trinidad, Benguet
SOLUTIONS
BETAG
PUGUIS
Mean Rank
Mean Rank
Improve and reinforce
population management
4.15 4
4.19 4
programs
Create non-agricultural
5.30 7
5.27 7
employment opportunities
Improve the fertility of agricultural
lands through trainings on intensive
and organic/sustainable agriculture
3.74 1
3.66 2
Promote sustainable
Agriculture through modernized
Irrigation system
4.14 3
3.61 1
Strictly enforce properly the rules
and regulations on agricultural
land conversion and promote
and diversify agri-based livelihood
like wine production, and other
agricultural products processing
4.65 6
4.75 6
Promote cooperativism among
farmers and businesses groups
or entities
4.48 5
3.83 3
Minimize or promote zero
Waste management goal
5.42 8
5.51 8
Encourage government
and private funding
agencies to support and
strengthen research and
extension activities
3.97 2
4.58 5
73
The solutions to minimize agricultural land conversion to other uses
are focused on promoting sustainable/ecological/organic agriculture
through improvement of soil fertility to be ranked number one by Betag
respondents and ranked number two by Puguis respondents. The issue
on soil fertility can be restore through trainings on intensive and
organic/sustainable agriculture by providing the necessary support to
agricultural production systems like pest control management, proper use
of agricultural chemicals toward optimizing productivity to increase farmers
income and minimize environmental damage.
For Barangay Puguis respondents, their ranked number one is on
irrigation system modernization which is ranked third by Betag
respondents. As it was mentioned in the previous section that water in the
area is a problem that needs more irrigation and construction of additional
deep wells, although a water treatment station was constructed in Betag
but according to the respondents, it is not enough so they suggest that an
additional facility be put up.
On the other hand, Barangay Betag respondents pointed out that
there is a need to encourage government and private funding agencies to
support and strengthen research and extension activities raked as number
2 and ranked number five by Puguis respondents. Some funding agencies
are giving financial assistance to farmers for agricultural used, there are
74
several banking institutions in the locality extending financial assistance.
Some of these are rural, commercial and development banks. However,
only rural and development banks are offering agricultural loans. Most of
the commercial banks do not grant agricultural loans because according to
them, farming is very risky.
The rural and development banks servicing the locality are
Kapangan Rural Bank, Trinidad Rural Bank, Rosbank and Cooperative
Bank of Benguet and Development Bank of the Philippines. Based on
interviews conducted with these banks, an average of PhP 50,000.00 is
provided as agricultural loan to farmers for different agricultural
commodities like cutflowers and vegetables. Rose Bank has at least loan
provided to farmers in the amount of Php 40,000.00.
Likewise, Kapangan Rural Bank and Land Bank respectively
disbursed an estimated total amount of Php 8 million for agricultural loans.
The Rural Bank of La Trinidad grants agricultural loans as high as
Php100,000.00. Generally, these banks require farmers/ borrowers to
submit a project feasibility study duly signed by a Certified Public
Accountant, in addition to other collaterals like land titles and or tax
declarations of property before the agricultural loans are released. These
reasons made Puguis respondents ranked as number five.
75
To minimize or promote zero waste management, goal is ranked
number eight by barangays Betag and Puguis respondents. This entails
that there is a need for the local government to conduct more information
drive, educational and technical trainings on proper waste management.
Implications to Urban Development
and Management
Land use conversion in the context of this study refers to the act or
process of changing current physical use of agricultural lands into other
uses. It has long been recognized as inevitable to the country’s march
towards
urbanization
and
industrialization.
It
involves
different
stakeholders such as the government, the private developers, the
landowners, and the tenants in the process, whose varied interests,
actions, and expectations usually differ greatly from each other. The issue
is how to regulate land use conversion to favor majority of the
stakeholders (Chun Yu Wang, 2008).
At the onset of research conceptualization and preparation, the
study had identified several factors influencing the agricultural land
conversion. However, it was not clear whether these perceived factors
such as increasing population, rate of building constructions and its effects
to social, economic and environmental are contributing or limiting
76
agricultural land conversions because there are other data that directly
affect the condition of the area. These were either viewed or observed by
key players and stakeholders involved in the study of land conversions or
even users based on their effects and impacts.
Specifically, an improved research framework showing the
underlying factors and effects of land conversion studied which were
interrelated to show the direction and effects of and problems identified in
agricultural land conversion to other uses. These effects of agricultural
land
conversions
were
dealt
with
individually
and
analyzed
comprehensively along social, economic and ecological changes with a
span of 18 years or covering the period from year 1990-2008, which was
the time when the La Trinidad Comprehensive Development Plans were
prepared, implemented and completed.
The agricultural land conversion analysis utilized and adopted the
introduced analytical framework on agricultural development vis-à-vis
productivity and resource management by Schultz (1964) as cited by
Crosson (1970) and community development by Bonifacio and Aquino
(2006), and Balisacan (2006).
The analytical framework focuses on the development trends of a
particular community, which is predominantly agriculture in nature and
whose main source of livelihood is agriculture-based. Also, it views the
77
process of development and management through resource utilization and
the internal and external changes caused by the changes of natural
landscape or land conversions. It specifically considers technological
changes employed from social and economic perspectives and ecological
and political perspectives because of the common resource used-the land.
The study focused on the physical, social and economic conditions
of La Trinidad, Benguet particularly on the two important agriculture-based
barangays of Betag and Puguis. These barangays were compared and
integrated in areas of complementation and collaborative development
along the social, economic, and ecological aspects.
Figure 8 is the developed research framework showing the different
influencing factors which were interrelated for further analysis in relation to
the agricultural land conversion process in La Trinidad, Benguet. Also, this
is shown to be used and further improved in studying rural-urban planning
and management in similar conditions.
78
Respondent’s
Profile
and
2
Condition
1
Social,
Outputs and
Economic
Outcomes
Agricultural
and
in local
Land Conversion
Ecological
development
changes for
Implementation
and
the period
and
resources
1990-2008
management
Process
3
Development,
4
Implementation
and
Application of
Policies and
Strategies
Figure 3. Improved framework showing the different influencing
factors affecting the agricultural land conversion process
in La Trinidad, Benguet from 1990 to 2008.
79
SUMMARY, CONLCUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study analyzed the factors and effects of agricultural land
conversion in La Trinidad, Benguet, specifically in Betag and in Puguis.
The data needed were gathered from 150 respondents per barangay from
April to September 2009 with the use of questionnaires, complimented by
information gathered via personal interviews, and from reports from the
Municipal Engineering Office of La Trinidad.
The respondents consists of 16 Government Employees
(agricultural technicians, barangay officials and kagawads), 82
professionals (doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, lawyers), 68 business
related (business managers, operators, store owners), 112 agriculture-
related (farmers and traders), 22 others (students, drivers, homeowners).
Frequency counts, weighted mean, ranking and averaging were
used to analyze the data.
Focused on land use conversion, this study sought the answer
to the following questions: (1) What are the factors affecting agricultural
land conversion to other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet?; (2) What is the
rate of land conversion from agricultural to residential and commercial or
industrial purposes?; (3) What are the social, economic, and
environmental effects of land conversion?; (4) What are the recommended
80
solutions to minimize the agricultural land conversion to other uses and its
adverse consequences?
Findings
1. The greatest factors affecting agricultural land conversion to
other uses in La Trinidad Benguet was due to the increasing population
because of increasing of family members that needs more space for
residential houses causes the fast diminishing of agricultural lands.
2. There were 548 residential and commercial buildings constructed
in Barangays Betag and Puguis from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total area
of 93,519 square meters or 0.79% of the land area of both barangays.
This is equivalent to about 32 buildings constructed per year with an
average area of 170.66 square meters per building. There were 321
buildings constructed in Puguis within the specified period, with a total
area of 48,513 square meters which is equivalent to 0.47 % of the
barangay’s total land area. In Barangay Betag, 227 buildings were
constructed with a total area of 45,006 square meters which is equivalent
to 2.87% of the barangay’s total land area. There were 452 residential
buildings constructed, in barangays Betag and Puguis occupying an area
81
of 62,820 square meters, while commercial buildings were only 96 with
30,699 square meters area occupied.
3. The ranked number one social effects of agricultural conversion
in Betag and in Puguis are more health problems, more crimes, and traffic
problems due to the fast population increase. Ranked as second major
effect by Barangay Betag respondents is the lost or reduction of
community cohesiveness or belongingness which is commonly observed
in urbanizing area. Barangay Puguis, the respondents ranked this effect
as the third major effect, and ranked as the second major effect the
promotion of availability of social services such as markets, education,
health and recreation as a positive effect of agricultural land conversion
which in tern ranked as third by Betag respondents.
Along economic aspect, both barangay’s Betag and Puguis
respondents view increasing business activities, more income and
increasing land value as the major effects of agricultural land conversions.
These effects are manifested by the 24 hour transportation services (e.g.
taxi), establishment of private and government institutions, automobile
shops, computer shops, etc.
The perceived environmental major effects of agricultural land
conversion are contamination of water supply and air due mainly to
garbage, domestic wastes and vehicular emission, and climatic change.
82
As a result, a water treatment plant in the strawberry farm in Betag was
constructed to be used by farmers. The garbage problems forced the
Local Government of La Trinidad to construct additional dumpsite facility
at Barangay Alno to augment the original dumpsite at Barangay Wangal.
4. There is a significant difference on the perception of Betag and
Puguis respondents as to the solutions to minimize agricultural land
conversions and its adverse effects in La Trinidad Benguet. Betag
respondents focused on the issue of improving the fertility of the soil for
agricultural lands and establishments of more cooperatives and promotion
of organic farming by providing the necessary support to increased
farmers
income.
While
Puguis
respondents
focused
on
the
improvement/modernization of irrigation system to sustain agricultural
activities.
Conclusions
In the light of the findings, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. Agricultural land conversions to other uses in Betag and Puguis
La Trinidad Benguet was mainly attributed to the fast increasing
population, through internal and in-migration. The fast-paced population
increase indicates that Betag and Puguis are nice and strategic places to
83
stay for various businesses such as commerce, education, agriculture,
tourism, etc.
2. The remaining agricultural lands in Betag and Puguis, especially
those owned by private individual, will most likely to be converted sooner
or later to residential and commercial/industrial buildings. La Trinidad will
continue to become commercial/urban center. The proposed construction
of a mall along KM 5 is a further manifestation of somewhat an express
road to “City hood of La Trinidad.”
3. Agricultural land conversion has great social, economic, and
environmental effects. It causes both economic progress with associated
environmental and social pollution.
4. The severe deficit of water supply during summer in the two
Barangays to sustain agricultural activities will force land owners to shift to
a land use that provided them more viable income source.
Recommendations
In view of the foreseen transformation of La Trinidad into an urban
center, the following are recommended:
1. The development plan of La Trinidad should be thoroughly
reviewed
to
come-up
with
a
well-defined
environment-friendly
84
infrastructure development that support both landscape enhancement and
preservation and further development of the strawberry-vegetable farms.
Maintaining our identity as the “Strawberry Fields” of the Philippines
promotes ecotourism that can sustain development, and proper planning
and execution of plans, La Trinidad can become the hub of sustainable
business and tourism destination in the Cordilleras.
2. In support to agricultural goals, DA, DAR and LGU should closely
coordinate and collaborate to effectively implement the land conversion to
avoid illegal or indiscriminate conversion of agricultural land to other uses,
especially in Betag which was declared as Special Agricultural and
Fisheries Development Zone (ZAFDZ). They should likewise promote
sustainable/ecological/organic agriculture by strengthening agricultural
research and extension; provision of a systematic trainings on intensive
and organic sustainable agriculture; modernizing irrigation system;
promoting diverse agri-based livelihoods such as fruit wine production,
vegetable noodle processing, and other agricultural products processing;
and establishing farmers’ agricultural cooperatives. The Department of
Trade and Industry should strictly monitor and stop the illegal importation
or smuggling of imported vegetables to protect our framers.
3. The barangay and municipal government units should fully
implement the solid waste management Act of 2000 (R.A. 9003) and local
85
ordinances towards achieving the zero-waste goal. This entails organizing
people and providing enough educational, technical, and financial support
system.
4. Those barangays that are still considered as rural must be
develop so that people will not migrate to the urbanizing barangays to
avoid population explosion that will contribute to slum formation of the
urbanizing barangays.
86
LITERATURE CITED
ABALOS, G. 2009. Personal communication on agricultural land
conversion in Betag.
CROSSON , W. P. 1970. Agricultural development in Japan and other
Asian countries. Prentice Hall. London. Pp 17-19.
OMBION, K. G. 2008. Former Agriculture Chief Says Land Conversion
Hurts Food Security. GMA News.tv/story 88133. Quezon City.
BALISACAN, A. 2007. Agricultural Productivity Indicators. DA-BAR and
SEARCA Project. Unpublished project report rt. SEAMEO-
SEARCA, Los Banos, Laguna.
BONIFACIO, M.F. and AQUINO, M.U. 2006 Agriculture and Fisheries
Research
and
Development
Trends
in
Technology
Commercialization and Management. Paper presented during the
3rd National Technology Forum. Bureau of Agricultural Research,
RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue cor. Elliptical Road, Diliman,
Quezon City.
COXHEAD, I. and BUENAVISTA, G. 2001. Seeking Sustainability.
Challenges of Agricultural Development and Environmental
Management in a Philippine Watershed. Los Banos, Laguna,
Philippines
DE LOS SANTOS, F. 2009. Personal communication on land conversions
and land use planning and management.
GERMAN, M.,A. Administrative Orders and Executive Issuances in
Implementing PD 27 and the CARL – RA 6657 from 1988 to 1994.
Manila National Book Store Inc. Diliman Q.C.
HLURB, (2001), Planning Strategically. Guidelines for the Application of
the Strategic Planning Process in the Preparation of the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and to Important Urban
Area Issues and Problems, Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila..
87
HEALY, R.G. and ROSENBERG, J. S. 1979. Land Use and the States.
Resources for the Future Inc. Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
KACAYON, L. L. 2009. Strawberry OTOP in the Sustainability of Agri-
Tourism Industry in La Trinidad, Benguet. Unpublished M.A.
Thesis, UO, B.S.U. La Trinidad, Benguet.
LANDO, R. 2009. Personal communication. Land Reclassification in La
Trinidad.
MEISTER, A. 1997. Development Project Management Study Guide 1
Reading 2, Massey University, Institute of Development Studies)
TICBAEN, F. 2009. Personal communication. Agricultural land conversion
in La Trinidad Benguet.
UBALDO, V.C.A. 2009. Personal communication on urban management
WANG, C., Y. 2008. Land Use Conversion in the City of Koronadal: A
Multi-Perspective Analysis. Thesis and Dissertations.
_______COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN (CLUP), La Trinidad
Benguet 2000 – 2010.
_______2008. LA TRINIDAD PHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC
PROFILE. La Trinidad Municipal Planning Development Office. La
Trinidad, Benguet.
_______ 1992. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE of 1991, Sec. 20. Manila.
February 6, 1992.
_____2010. The Baguio Midland Courier. Vol. LXII, No. 4 “LT’s MOA for
Mall ok’d” January 24, 2010.
________The State of the Philippine Environment, IBON Foundations,
Inc. Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines. 1997.
______ 2009. Magazine on Low External Input and Sustainable
Agriculture, March 2009 Vol. 25 No.1)
88
______ Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Engineering
Office (Building Permits Issued from 1991 to 2008)
______2008. Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Chronicle,
Department of Agriculture, Volume No. 9, Issue No.4. April 2008.
Worldwide Websites:
http://www.agribusinessweek.com/
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/88133/Former-Agriculture-chief-says-land-
conversion-hurts-food-security.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/special-report/04/14/08/lgus-power-
reclassify-land-helps-landowners-evade-carp
http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/do_reports_land.shtml
http://www.cati.csufresno.edu/Cab/rese/96/960802/
89
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Request Letter to OU Director to Conduct the Study
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 20, 2009
DR. LITA MOLITAS – COLTING
Director, Open University
La Trinidad Benguet
Dear Ma’am:
The undersigned is presently working on his thesis entitled
“Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion in La Trinidad Benguet” as a
partial requirement for his Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request your good office to please
allow me to float the questionnaires to my respondents.
Rest assured that all data gathered will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes only.
Very truly yours;
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Recommending Approval:
Approved:
(Sgd) MARLOWE U. AQUINO,PhD.
LITA MOLITAS-COLTING, PhD.
Adviser
Director
90
Appendix B. Request Letter to Mayor Artemio Galwan to Conduct the
Study
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 20, 2009
HON. ARTEMIO GALWAN
Municipal Mayor
La Trinidad, Benguet
Dear Mayor Galwan:
I am currently working on my master’s thesis entitled “ANALYSIS
OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION IN LA TRINIDAD BENGUET”
as a partial requirement for my Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request your good office to please
allow me to float the questionnaires to the Municipal Officials, Barangay
Officials of Betag and Puguis and the residents of the said two barangays.
Rest assured that all data gathered will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your favorable response, more power and God bless.
Very Truly Yours,
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Noted:
(Sgd) LITA MOLITAS - COLTING, Ph.D.
Director
91
Appendix C. Request Letter to La Trinidad Municipal Agriculture Office for
a Permit to Conduct the Study
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 13, 2009
MS. FELECITAS D. TICBA-EN
Municipal Agricultural Office
La Trinidad, Benguet
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am currently working on my master’s thesis entitled “ANALYSIS
OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION IN LA TRINIDAD BENGUET”,
as a partial requirement for my Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request that I may be allowed to
gather pertinent data related to agricultural land conversion to other uses
as well as to conduct an interview to any key personnel in your
department regarding agricultural land conversion.
Rest assured that all information gathered will be treated with
utmost confidentiality and for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your favorable response, more power and God bless.
Very Truly Yours,
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Noted:
(Sgd) LITA MOLITAS - COLTING, Ph.D.
Director
92
Appendix D. Letter to the Respondents
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 20, 2009
Dear Respondents:
The undersigned is presently working on his thesis entitled
“Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion in La Trinidad Benguet” as a
partial requirement for his Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request your utmost cooperation and
support by answering the attached questionnaires.
Rest assured that your answer will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes only.
God bless.
Very truly yours;
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Noted:
(Sgd) LITA MOLITAS – COLTING
Director
93
Appendix E. Survey Questionnaire
Direction:
As part of the academic exercise in the completion of the master’s
research/special problem in Master of Urban Management, the attached
survey questionnaire is prepared to obtain pertinent data in relation to the
research entitled, Analysis of the Agricultural Land Conversion in La
Trinidad, Benguet from 1991 to 2008.
Kindly answer each question based on your understanding and
observations. Your responses will be treated with utmost confidentiality
and will be solely used for academic purpose.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
Part I. Personal Information
Name of respondent (Optional) __________________________
Age: _______
Sex: ______Male
_____Female
Civil Status: _____Married
______Single
______Widow(er)
Place of Birth: ________________________________________
Number of years in your Barangay? _______ in La Trinidad _______
Highest Educational attainment: ________________________________
Occupation/Profession: ___________________________________
Sources of Income:
Main source of livelihood _________________________________
Other sources of livelihood ________________________________
94
Estimated monthly family income:
______Php 10,000.00 – 15,000.00
______Php 15,001.00 – 20,000.00
______Php 20, 001.00 – 25,000.00
______Php 25, 001.00 and above
Part II. Observations on Land Conversion
Do you own a house? _____ Yes
_____ No
Are you renting?
_____ Yes
_____ No
What is your general observation of your barangay?
_____ agricultural landscape
_____ business area
_____ agriculture and business combined
_____ Others, please specify
What are the major changes in your area?
Year
Physical and Natural Changes
(e.g. construction of bridges, landslide and erosions)
95
Part II. Factors affecting agricultural land conversion to other uses
Factors
Strongly
Disagree
Uncertain
Agree
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
Increasing population (family
members increase; need to
have better houses)
Community industrialization
(more business establishments
and activities)
Migration and community
movements
Acquisition of lots for residential
Accessible transportation and
feasible for commercial use
Housing project
No capital for agricultural
activities
Minimal return of investment in
agriculture
Lack of interest and motivation
in agricultural work and activities
Agricultural activities require
high capital of inputs
Unstable prices of agricultural
products
Poor support for farmers from
government and other agencies
in agricultural development
People prefer other work
activities than farming
Land owners need money badly
Others, please specify _______
_________________________
__________________________
96
Part III. Effects of agricultural land conversion. Kindly rank according to
importance and 1 being the highest in the following aspects:
Social aspects
_____ More health problems, more crimes, food shortage, increase
traffic problems
_____ Agricultural activities lessened; business activities increased
_____ Community cohesiveness reduced/lessened
_____ Promote availability of social services (markets, education,
health and recreation)
Economic aspects
_____ More business activities
_____ Housing projects are better source of income (Rental);
increased income
_____ Increase land valuation and market value.
Environmental aspects
_____ Climate effect like extreme temperature/weather condition
_____ Contamination of water supply and air
_____ Increased garbage/wastes
_____ Noise pollution
97
Part IV. Solutions/suggestions to minimize agricultural Land conversion
and its adverse effects in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Kindly rank according to importance and 1 being the highest.
______ Improve and reinforce population management programs
______ Create non-agricultural employment opportunities.
______ Improve the fertility of agricultural lands through trainings on
intensive and organics/sustainable agriculture.
______ Promote sustainable agriculture through modernized irrigation
system.
______ Strictly enforce properly the rules and regulations on agricultural
land conversion and promote and diversify agri-based
livelihood like wine production, and other agricultural
products processing.
______ Promote cooperativism among farmers and businesses groups or
entities.
______ Minimize or promote zero waste management goal.
______ Support and encourage government and private funding agencies
to support and strengthen research and extension activities.
98
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
The researcher is a native of Kibungan
Benguet. He was born on March 26, 1963 in
Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet. He finished
his elementary education in 1980 at the
Kibungan Central School and secondary
education at the Kibungan National High
School in 1984.
He pursued his higher education at the Baguio Central University
where he obtained Associate in Geodetic Engineering in 1992 and
finished his Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering in the same
institution in 1996 and passed the board examination in the same year.
After passing the Board examination, he worked as a temporary
instructor at the Engineering Department, Baguio Central University for
one year at the same time practicing as private surveyor.
With his humble knowledge and experience gained from his work,
he applied as an instructor at Mountain Province State Polytechnic
College, Engineering Department and is serving up to the present. To
uplift himself technically, he applied for the master program in Urban
99
Management at the Open University, Benguet State University starting the
first semester of 2005.
The researcher is happily married to Grace Basalong of Wangal, La
Trinidad Benguet and blessed with three children, two girls and one boy.
He and his family are now permanently residing at Upper Wangal La
Trinidad Benguet.
Through his gained knowledge in urban management and
development, the ideas, perspectives and experiences especially in
conducting research will be shared as a teaching-learning experience to
his students and colleagues at the Mountain Province State Polytechnic
College – Tadian Campus.
ATAYOC, JOSE P. April 2010. Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion in
La Trinidad, Benguet. Benguet State University, Open University, La Trinidad,
Benguet.
Adviser: Marlowe U. Aquino, Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
La Trinidad, Benguet is generally described and tagged as an agricultural
area. Actual case of land conversion is observed and done in this time of fast
paced development from 1991 to 2008. Specifically, Betag and Puguis
barangays were the identified study sites where massive agricultural, socio-
economic as well as environmental activities are caused by the land conversion
process.
Results revealed that agricultural land conversion in barangays Betag and
Puguis are affected by increasing population and acquisition of lots for residential
area like the establishment of Palmaville Subdivisions, originally an agricultural
land to become a booming residential area.
There were 548 residential and commercial buildings constructed in
barangays Betag and Puguis from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total land area of
93,519 square meters or 0.79% area equivalent in both barangays. A total land
area of 45,006 square meters was occupied by the buildings built in Barangay
Betag over a period of 17 years representing 2.87% of the total barangay area.
Compared with barangay Puguis with slightly wider area occupied by constructed
buildings covering 48,513 square meters or 0.47% of the total barangay area.
More health, crime and traffic problems due to fast population increase is
the considered the number one social effect on agricultural conversion in both
barangays. On the other hand, barangay Betag identified lost or reduction of
community cohesiveness or belongingness which is commonly observed in
urbanizing area as the second social effect compared with promotion of
availability of social services in barangay Puguis.
Along economic aspect, barangays Betag and Puguis viewed increasing
business activities, more income and increasing land value as the major effects
of agricultural land conversions. These are manifested by the 24/7 transportation
service operation, establishment of private and government institutions,
automobile shops, computer shops, and other business establishments.
The contamination of water supply and air pollution due mainly to
garbage, domestic wastes and vehicular emission were identified as
environmental effects of agricultural land conversion by both barangay
respondents.
There is a significant difference on the perception of solutions to minimize
agricultural land conversions and its adverse effects in La Trinidad Benguet.
Barangay Betag focused on the issue of improving the fertility of the soil for
agricultural lands, establishment of more business cooperatives and promotion of
organic farming to support to farmers income while Barangay Puguis
ii
respondents focused on the improvement and modernization of irrigation system
to sustain agricultural activities.
Based on the above findings, it is recommended that policies and rules
and regulations on land conversion should be strictly implemented in order to
other social and economic support services will be provided by the local
government units as well as other concerned agencies.
iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
i
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iv
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Background of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
Statement of the Problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
Objectives of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7
Scope and Limitation of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
Importance of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10
Conceptual Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
Operational Definition of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Locale and Time of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Research Design and Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Respondents of the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36
Data Analysis and Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Construction of Residential Houses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
42
Extent of Agricultural Land Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
55
Effects of Agricultural Land Conversion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
63
Social Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
64
iv
Economic Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
66
Environmental Effects . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
69
Solutions to Minimize Agricultural
Land Conversion and its Adverse Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .
71
Implications to Urban Development
and Management . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .
75
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . . . .
79
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
79
Findings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
80
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
82
Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
86
APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
A. Request Letter to OU Director
to Conduct the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
89
B. Request Letter to Mayor Artemio
Galwan to Conduct the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
90
C. Request Letter to La Trinidad
Municipal Agriculture Office for
a Permit to Conduct the Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91
D. Letter to the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
92
E. Survey Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
93
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
98
v
INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
The role of agriculture in the socio-economic development of
communities has received increasing attention in recent years, reflecting
the growing awareness among rural sociologists, economists, politicians,
planners, and development practitioners that the problems of
mismanagement and underdevelopment cannot be solved without a
solution to the problem of agricultural stagnation (Crosson, 1970).
This condition has changed over time with a tremendous shift of
productive agricultural areas to other uses like commercial and industrial.
The shift has caused agricultural lands to decrease, which affects the
operation and activities of development. On the other hand, the shift
resulted to more integrated activities, which support the social and
economic status of people and communities. Given this situation, it is
necessary to show that efforts towards development and management of
communities are of prime importance especially if these cause dramatic
change in social, economic and environmental conditions.
The development of a particular area is dependent on the different
activities orchestrated and implemented by its people and institutions
present. Through time, people adjust to these changes, which affect their
lives and the place they live in. This is what happened to La Trinidad,
2
Benguet. It started as a simple community of agricultural endeavors and
now to a budding first class municipality of social and economic
development.
La Trinidad, Benguet is a classic example of a fast-paced
developing community. Originally, it was an agricultural area planted with
rice and rootcrops. These were considered then as the major commodities
grown and produced. As years passed, this kind of agricultural production
shifted from rice to vegetables particularly cabbage, broccoli, lettuce,
carrot and beans. Large scale vegetable farming boomed in the
municipality in the 1960’s making La Trinidad a leading vegetable
producer in the entire country. Also, it incorporated several agri-related
activities like trading, banking, agricultural education and training, and
industry and development.
The increasing vegetable production led the local people to trade
their produce as influenced by Chinese traders who also started the
restaurant businesses in Baguio City and La Trinidad. These businesses
helped develop La Trinidad and Baguio City from agriculture industry into
combined
commercial
and
residential
businesses
and
other
establishments to cope with the booming and developing municipality
(Cheng, 2006 as cited by Kacayon, 2009).
3
In the 80’s, La Trinidad earned the distinction, “The Salad Bowl of
the Philippines.” Toward the end of 1980’s, farmers began to shift from
vegetable production to strawberry and cut-flower production. In 1998,
Barangay Bahong was declared, “The Rose Capital of the Philippines.”
Today, La Trinidad is recognized, as “The Strawberry Fields of the
Philippines.” At the same time, it incorporated other agriculture-related
activities for increased socio-economic and ecological development.
Aside from these distinctions, La Trinidad is known as the trade
center of Benguet province and the entire Cordillera Administrative
Region. To date, it remains an agricultural area with urbanization fast
creeping in the valley area and rapidly increasing as a diversified
business center with big investments coming in.
La Trinidad also accommodates the site of one of the regional
educational centers in the Cordilleras. The establishment of Benguet State
University (BSU) serves as the entity for agricultural education
development particularly on instruction, research, extension, and
production services. Aside from being the capital town of Benguet, it is the
seat of several regional offices such as: Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Commission on Audit (COA), National Commission for Indigenous
Peoples (NCIP), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of
4
Public Works and Highways (DPWH). As such, many students and
employees residing in this capital town come from other places.
The services needed by these students and employees, and
tourists alike, promote businesses and attract more people to flock to this
capital town. Many have already acquired lots and constructed their
houses, and still, many are in the pursuit of land acquisition and
house/building constructions or both. Big offers tempt owners of
agricultural lands, especially along the roads and nearby business areas,
sell their lots to rich people who eventually convert the areas into
residential and other commercial uses.
Consequently, the population of La Trinidad continues to increase
rapidly necessitating expansions of commercial, industrial, and human
settlement areas that further the conversion of agricultural lands for such
necessities. This scenario has serious impact on food security.
Furthermore, the massive land conversion for non-agricultural
purposes is one of the major factors for dwindling rice supply, food
insecurity, and rising costs of basic commodities in recent years. These
lands were transformed into subdivisions, commercial centers, recreation
camps, golf courses, export processing zones, mines, and other non-
agricultural purposes (Ombion 2008).
5
Recognizing its adverse impact to food production and other
possible negative consequences, La Trinidad Municipality ignored last
year a proposal for the construction of a shopping mall right in the valley
because of space; however, the municipal government recognizes that
investments are necessary for the development of the area
(http://www.agribusinessweek.com).
The fast turnover and development from agricultural condition to
commercial and industrial situation prompted the La Trinidad local
government to prepare and develop their comprehensive land
development plan. The plan is a blueprint of development efforts of the
municipality to maintain the natural landscape of the area and not to
destroy its natural resources. Specifically, it is the agricultural land that is
to be maintained or diversified, because of its living testimony to an
agricultural municipality.
In support to the foregoing views on the adverse impact to food
security of agricultural land conversions, this study was conducted with an
end view of saving the remaining highly productive agricultural lands in La
Trinidad and other areas as well.
Given these concerns, La Trinidad is an ideal area to study
development
trends
and
management
of
resources
vis-à-vis
comprehensive land development. It will address the concern on land
6
conversion of agricultural areas to commercial and industrial purposes or
both causing a massive change in natural landscape.
Statement of the Problem
Land conversion is an important aspect in rural and urban
management including community development. Certain communities
pass this kind of physical change, because of factors in technological
interventions and socio-economic influences affecting them.
With the present condition of La Trinidad, Benguet and the
completion and preparation of a new comprehensive land use plan, the
municipality is an ideal area to study the effects and implications of land
conversion particularly on agricultural development.
The many physical landscape changes as well as socio-economic
changes in the municipality are very appropriate to analyze in relation to
their implication to urban management. As a fast-changing municipality,
La Trinidad, Benguet must describe, and show direction and trends for
more in-depth study of urban management and development.
The main focus of the study is to analyze the condition of La
Trinidad in three important aspects of land conversion, namely social,
7
economic, and environmental development. In order to understand the
municipality’s condition, the following questions were answered.
1. What are the factors affecting agricultural land conversion to
other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet?
2. What is the rate of land conversion from agricultural to residential
and commercial or industrial purposes?
3. What are the social, economic, and environmental effects of land
conversion?
4. What are the recommended solutions to minimize the agricultural
land conversion to other uses and its adverse consequences?
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to analyze the agricultural land
conversion process in La Trinidad, Benguet. Specifically, the study aimed
to:
1. Identify factors affecting agricultural land conversion to other
uses in La Trinidad Benguet;
2. Determine the rate of land conversion from agricultural to
residential and commercial or industrial purposes in Barangay Betag and
Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet.
8
3. Identify the social, economic, and environmental effects of
agricultural land conversion.
4. Formulate solutions to minimize the agricultural land conversion
to other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Scope and Limitation of the Study
The study on land management including conversion to other uses
entails a very wide coverage. It incorporates all aspects of social,
economic, ecological, technological, and political dimension. Considering
that La Trinidad, Benguet is an example of naturally occurring
development along side processes, this research is very ideal to
understand the factors influencing changes and growth as well as
development trends.
The study focused on the agricultural land conversion process in
two barangays of the municipality. These are Barangay Betag in the
middle of the valley where it nestle the agricultural development activities
of the area and Barangay Puguis, because of its major contribution to
agricultural, commercial, and industrial development.
These barangays were chosen, because of the physical and
geographic changes that occurred and affected agricultural development
9
including the physical reforms brought about by constructions of buildings,
improvement of the natural setting, and changes of landscape. These
items made the selection of the barangays more relevant to the study.
In addition, the period 1990-2008 was covered because the two
comprehensive land conversion plans prepared by the La Trinidad
Development Planning Office are important inputs in the analysis of the
agricultural land conversion of the municipality. At the same time, this
period hypothetically illustrates physical changes in the identified
barangays towards management of resources and socio-economic and
ecological development.
Furthermore, Municipal and Barangay key Officials and members
were interviewed to solicit pertinent research data affecting the overall
management of La Trinidad, Benguet in terms of land conversion. This
study was conducted from June 2008 to September 2009 incorporating
document
analysis,
physical
observation
and
data
gathering,
interpretation, and analysis.
The analysis done on this research focused and emphasized on
urban management, because of the fast-paced development of La
Trinidad as an example of a fast-rising urbanized area within the confines
of a rural lifestyle. Agricultural practices including production and
marketing together with land conversion process were cross-checked with
10
policies, strategies, barangay conditions, and respondents’ profiles for
more conclusive results and implications to urban management and
community development.
Importance of the Study
The focus of the study is one of the major challenges in rural and
urban planning and management. Land conversion is a major issue of
most local government units especially on prime agricultural lands.
Several study show that land conversions are considered important
programs in areas where land are not fully utilized or abandoned through
the years. They provide new direction of development especially if these
are towards the improvement of the living condition in the place (Personal
communications, VCA Ubaldo and F. de Los Santos 2009).
These shared views are sufficient reasons why the study must be
conducted. The study helps us to understand the importance of land
conversion in the development of a place. Specifically, it will provide
broader insights to local government units particularly the office of the
development planning in the development of appropriate actions and
projects to consider. At the same time, it will lead key officials maintain
11
the original purpose and use of lands especially if these are of cultural or
heritage and even educational purposes.
Furthermore, the study will provide new direction of learning for
development planners and area developers in land zoning and
diversification. In effect, strategic operations will be properly utilized and
effectively managed.
Also, this study will help other professionals particularly engineers,
agricultural officers, and other planners to re-evaluate programs affecting
agriculture and natural resources especially related to and affect food
security and sustainable development.
Finally, lessons learned and experiences in the conduct of this
research can be shared to students and practitioners in rural and urban
planning and management to appreciate the tools and methods used by
the researcher in coming up with a comprehensive analytical contribution
to development.
12
Conceptual Framework
Figure below shows the paradigm of the study in support to the
analysis of the agricultural land conversion process of the study area.
FACTORS:
√ Socio-economic
√ Policies and their
implementation
√ Political will
√ Population
pressure
Immigration
OTHER USES:
AGRICULTURAL
√ Residential
CONVERSION
LANDS
√ Commercial
Supermart/stores/
markets/trading
posts, restaurants
IMPACTS: (- / +)
Boarding houses/
apartments/ hotels
√ Social
√ Industrial:
Factory
√ Economic
Shops (auto repair,
tailoring, electronic,
√ Environment
electrical, etc.)
Infra: roads and
bridges
√ Social and Educational:
Mitigation of
Barangay centers
Negative Impacts
Day care centers
Clinics/hospitals
Schools
Figure 1. The paradigm of the study in relation to the agricultural land
conversion to other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet
13
Conversion of agricultural lands to other uses is governed by
Republic Act No. 6657 or the “Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of
1988” which provides the legal framework for the conversion of agricultural
lands to non agricultural uses in order to achieve optimum public benefit
from lands as a national resource for public welfare.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is authorized to approve
or
disapprove
the
conversion,
reclassification,
restructuring
or
readjustment of agricultural lands into non-agricultural uses. The
conversion of lands from agricultural into non-agricultural uses is allowed
when the proposed use conforms to the land use plan or development
plan of the city or municipality and said land use or town development plan
has been approved by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board
(HLURB) and validated by Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). In case
the proposed use does not conform with the approved land use plan of the
city or municipality, the conversion may be allowed under the following
conditions: 1.) when the land is intended to be used as (a) a government
or joint venture private – government low-cost housing project, as certified
by the National Housing Authority (NHA), (b) a government or joint private-
government industrial venture or project as certified by the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI), or Department of Tourism (DOT) with location
clearance has been issued by the HLURB; 2.) when the land has ceased
14
to be economically feasible and sound for agricultural purposes as
certified by the Provincial Agricultural Officer of the Department of
Agriculture (DA) assigned to the province; and 3.) when the locality has
become urbanized and the land will have a greater economic value for
residential, commercial, industrial, or memorial park purposes as certified
by the HLURB deputized Zoning Administrator. These rules shall cover all
private agricultural lands whether tenanted or not, and regardless of crops
or commodity produced. Aside from this, the Local Government Code of
1991, Section 20, gives local government units (LGUs) the power to
reclassify lands to other uses in their jurisdiction.
Proper implementations of such laws are mainly intended to
optimize benefits from agricultural lands and to ensure sufficiency of food
production. Increase of population that consequently increases demand is
a major pressure leading to the conversion of prime agriculture areas into
residential and/or commercial uses. High demand for housing and socio-
economic services enormously increases prices of lands and makes
commercial establishments (stores, hotels, restaurants, etc.) more
profitable and more convenient sources of income than agricultural crop
production. Such increase of prices and profits and convenience entice
agricultural land owners to sell or convert to commercial establishments
their agricultural lands.
15
As more population is settled in a community, more infrastructure
and social and educational services have to be established, further
diminishing agricultural areas. This scenario may continue until an area is
completely urbanized that completely depends up on imported crop and
livestock production from other areas.
Political leaders’ decision-making mainly determines rate of
agricultural land conversion in their respective communities. In La
Trinidad, the current Mayor, Hon. Artemio A. Galwan, prefer to retain the
town’s name as the “Strawberry and Rose Gardens or capital of the
Philippines” (La Trinidad Comprehensive Land Used Plan 2000 - 2010).
Socio-economic and environmental impacts are the primary bases
in allowing or disallowing agricultural land conversion to other uses. But
the socio-economic impacts seemed to be more important basis in the
locality. As observed, where people are more concentrated, the more
environmental damages are incurred.
The main issue related to this agricultural land conversion is food
production or security. Mouths to feed inevitably increase while our crop
production areas continue to decline. This scenario may lead our farmers
to operate and develop our forest and mountainous areas for food
production in the near future. Our people need food and obtaining it may
result to greater concern.
16
This study will analyze the agricultural land conversion in the study
area and formulate recommendations based on the results to mitigate
identified adverse consequences of, and optimize benefits from
conversion, at the same time to at least minimize the rate of prime
agricultural land conversion to other uses.
On the other hand, it is also very important that local development
plans must have concrete goal and objectives to be achieved as stated in
the vision and mission.
The vision of La Trinidad is “a dynamic, self-sustaining,
ecologically-balance, and peaceful community where God-Loving and
healthy people live in an atmosphere of social justice and effective
governance” (La Trinidad Development Plan, 2007). Thus, the municipal
development plan is anchored to this vision. Specifically, the LGU and
other stake holders are empowered to implement the development plan in
accordance with Executive Order No. 72, s. 1973 with the accompanying
Zoning Ordinance and resolutions of the Sangguniang Bayan of the
Municipality
and
Sangguniang
Panlalawigan
of
the
Province
(Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2000-2010).
Based on this, individual barangay development plan, allocation of
annual budgets, and land use zoning and planning strategies are prepared
to respond to sectoral concerns like human resources development,
17
economic services, social services, infrastructure, agriculture, land use,
and environmental management. The attainment of the goals and
objectives of the plan lies on the effort of the implementers, the municipal
and national government, NGOs, and the people themselves.
Implementation of Development
Plans and Programs
Development plans and programs are important tools in
understanding and setting the direction and changes or growth of a
particular community. It is also the basis in managing and utilizing
resources. One of the resources identified is land. Land resource is the
central factor of development and people activities. It is also an aspect of
study in several fields.
Rural or urban management and development looks at resources
as means to improve capacities of the government at the local, provincial,
regional, and national levels. Based on this, the national government must
devolve more functions at the local levels to create and broaden their own
sources of revenue and the right to the utilization and development of the
national wealth within their respective areas including local capacities to
provide consistent and relevant policies. This is very common in local
planning and development (PSRDI, 1998).
18
Local Government officials, planners, urban managers, and other
stakeholders, on the other hand, need to improve their institutional
capacities in the planning and management of the land, urban
infrastructure, economy, housing and community development, social
services, development finance, and the management of other sectors and
participatory governance.
One of the constraints in the implementation of development plans
and programs of the national and local governments is the budgetary
requirements to finance development projects that could have improved
the
quality
of
life
of
their
constituents
(http://home.earthlink.
net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/state.html).
Although some city governments have been successful in
investment planning, financial management, and revenue generation,
performance levels need to be improved and evaluated.
On the contrary, to attain a successful implementation of
development plans and programs, partnership between LGU and civil
society groups towards achieving sustainable development plans must be
strengthened.(http://home.earthlink.net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/
state.html).
Goodman and Love (1974) mentioned that lack of well-qualified
personnel and appropriate organizations to implement development
19
schemes can hamper the achievement of planning goals. It also leads to
lack of management and administrative capacity to direct projects in some
countries. Consequently, it ensures a project to be administered effectively
within an appropriate agency or organization. More over, it requires
managers, planners and implementers to improve their capabilities in
planning and management.
It is for this reasons that the Mountain Province State Polytechnic
College prepared its Development Plan as a guide in implementing its
plans through capability building, continuing education, upgrading and re-
tooling of competencies.
Based on observations, one of the constraints in plan
implementation is budgetary requirement. In like manner, the Mountain
Province State Polytechnic College is not spared from this. The
administration’s strategy is to explore other sources from national and
local government units, and other funding agencies including non-
government organizations as well as strengthening of linkages and
partnership with LGU, NGO and other institutions for the smooth
implementation of its development plan (MPSPC Development Plan 2005
to 2013).
20
Management of Resources
One of the government’s responsibilities is to sustainably manage
the resources which require decision-making at the higher levels of public
bureaucracy involving the participation of the people and communities.
Consequently, strategies failed to minimize the effects of improper
management of natural resources such as lands, forests, rivers, and
lakes. In view of this, there is a need to emphasize people and community
responsibility and accountability on managing the resources.
The World Commission on Environment (1987) states that
environmental and natural resource management should be integrated
into economic planning. Through the Philippine Urban System, urban
structures required in economic production, strengthen local comparative
advantages and improve quality f life must be developed.
An attempt to provide a comprehensive agenda of action must be
geared towards instituting legal, institutional and financial reforms as well
as capacity building measures for both government and non-government
sectors in order to pave way the way for sustainable human settlements
as response to increasingly urbanizing Philippine cities.
Based on this, the implementation and management of the
program, an interagency committee was created comprising the Housing
and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) to oversee and
21
ensure the accomplishment for a unified national shelter program and
proper use of resources.
On the other hand, the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or
otherwise known as known as Pag-ibig. fund focuses on the
administration of a nationwide provident fund for the government’s
housing program and formulates other investment strategies relative to
housing.
The Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) is the sole
regulatory body for housing and land development. It ensures rational land
use for the equitable distribution and enjoyment of development benefits.
It also extends comprehensive and productive planning assistance to
province, cities and municipalities towards the formulation of
comprehensive land use plans (CLUPs).
The National Housing Authority (NHA) is the sole national agency
mandated to engage in direct shelter production focused on providing
housing assistance to the lowest 30 percent of urban income-earners
through slum upgrading, squatter relocation, development of sites and
services, and construction of core housing units. It also undertakes
programs for the improvement of blighted urban areas and provides
technical assistance for private developers undertaking low-cost housing
projects (http://home.earthlink.net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/state.html).
22
These agencies are very instrumental in ensuring the appropriate
management of resources which are critical in rural and urban
management and development, and important institutions which support
the implementation of local comprehensive land use plans.
Factors and Indicators of Development
and Management
One of the greatest factors and indicators of urban development is
increase in population. The increasing population in urban areas creates
problems such as environment degradation, declining literacy rates, rising
unemployment rates and lack of low cost housing units and other social
services like protective services, access to potable water, and electricity.
These impel city or municipal governments and their civil society
partners to rethink their development strategies in dealing with urban
problems, which includes prioritizing of limited resources, innovation of
ways to mobilize resources, reengineering of local bureaucracies and
install
the
necessary
infrastructure
(http://home.earthlink.
net/~lordprozen/PUF/bahang/state.html ).
Coxhead and Buenavista (2001) found in their study that people
migrate to the Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon due to economic
reasons. This is attributed through the introduction of irrigation necessary
in the shifting of farmers from single cropping to double cropping. Also, in
23
1950’s the availability of lands were very cheap which could even be
exchanged with alcoholic beverages and hiring of farm workers who
decided to stay or reside in the area. While the increased of population
may have contributed to the development of the municipality in terms of
economic aspect, it was noted further that degradation of forest in the area
also contributed I the change of physical condition.
As a manifestation, there was continuous clearing of forest for corn
production and commodities suitable for upland areas. Other contributory
factors identified were the profitability of commercial vegetable cultivation,
road development and the lack of a well-defined and enforced property
rights over the land (Cairns, 1995).
Impacts on Social, Economic
and Ecological Development
Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) is a very much
publicized and promoted principle since the Rio Earth Summit but has not
proceeded beyond the rhetoric either in developed or developing
countries. It is nonetheless a desirable principle by which planners can
assess development proposals.
In addition, the Commonwealth of Australia in 1992 states that
“Development improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future,
24
in a way that maintains the ecological processes upon which life
depends.”
It can be said that ESD is successfully applied when the monetary
values are weighted against non-monetary values such as social, cultural,
visual, etc. and the environmental benefits outweigh the costs.
One of the policies of Ecological Sustainable Development is to
integrate economic, environmental, and social goals in the strategic
planning for the preparation of Comprehensive Land Use Plan of a
municipality or city.
Likewise, the Philippine Agenda 21 defines the agenda for
sustainable development based on strategic interventions across
ecosystems; such as forests/uplands, coastal and marine, urban,
freshwater, lowland/agricultural, including areas designed as mineral
reserves and areas of high biological diversity.
Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7586 – National Integrated Protected
Areas System Act of 1992 (NIPAS) also recognize that the protected
areas, although distinct in features, possess common ecological values
that may be incorporated into a holistic plan representative of our natural
heritage;…. that the use and enjoyment of these protected areas must be
consistent with the principles of biological diversity and sustainable
development.
25
In the part of agricultural land conversion, the impacts on social,
economic and ecological aspects are seen in the development
applications. Most objections to development are based on amenity
issues, which are either beneficial or detrimental. Among these are
physical impacts such as pollution, noise, smell, increased traffic, etc;
social impacts such as increased crime rates, and loss of parklands and
other community facilities; economic impacts like loss of employment,
transfer of employment, higher travel cost, etc; and environmental impacts
like loss of habitat, bio-diversity, or non-renewable and absolute resources
or both. These can only be reduced if development applications satisfy
ecologically sustainable development.
Silberstein and Maser (2000) pointed out that developing
community goals tied to economic development and not to economic
growth is a good step. They argued that if economic growth is necessary
to maintain full employment, which implies that there is a continuous
increase in resources consumption we will soon realize it is impossible;
because resources are finite.
On the other hand, the study of Coxhead and Buenavista (2001)
revealed that farmers in the Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon are
practicing highly commercialized agriculture providing a year-round
26
agricultural employment as well as a number of farm workers on a daily
wage rate basis.
Related studies in the same site showed that agricultural
intensification without adequate soil management has negative effects
both on-site and off-site. The intensive cultivation of annual crops in
general and the increased use of fertilizer, pesticides, and other chemicals
on vegetable crops degrade water based on the result of Lantapan water
monitoring (Deutsch, et.al., 1998).
Furthermore, Cairns (1995) noted also that the profitability of
commercial vegetable cultivation has been the primary impetus of forest
encroachment with decisive contributions from road development and the
lack of well-defined and enforced property rights on land.
This is clearly seen in the decrease of land area owned by the
people with fairly high hectare average of 12 hectares in the 1950s.
However, in the 1980s, the average farm size has been reduced to 4
hectares (Costello, 1986).
In some developing countries, small farms are being predicted to
soon disappear; but, they prove to be persistent and the total area of
arable land occupied by farmers continues to grow. The people also
proved that in times of economic decline, they stay on the farm or even
27
return to farming. Besides, strong rural economies based on efficient small
farming allow workers to remain with their families instead of migrating.
Urban Planning and Management
Sound planning rests on the availability of a wide range of
information about existing and potential investments and their likely effects
on the growth and other national objectives. Realistic planning involves
knowing the amount that can be spent on development activities each
year and the resources that will be required for particular kinds of
investment.
According to Brinckloe and Coughlin (1977) as cited by Meister
(1997), proper planning will minimize costs by smoothing out workloads,
and preventing discontinuities in the work of one division while waiting for
work to be completed in another. Also, the success and failure of a project
depend on the manager’s management. Weak public administration and
management are often the root delays and cost overruns of a project.
Such weaknesses are manifested in inadequate planning, delays in land
acquisition, protracted bidding and contracting procedures, insufficient
project supervision, and slow response to change in the policy
environment, and low staff morale and productivity.
28
Other important consideration in planning is the Involvement of
intended beneficiaries in the planning and management of project. Meister
(1997) also mentioned that financial difficulties are common causes of
project failure. Evaluators of the UNDP’s (1979) rural development
projects found that a major constraint affecting the achievement of the
project objectives is the transfer of technologies without local adaptation.
The constitution of the Philippines and a succession of codes,
particularly the Local Government Code (LGC) clearly point the direction
of planning for the community. This is to be achieved by the continuing
devolution of powers and responsibilities to the Local Government Units
(LGUs). These responsibilities of the LGUs include land use planning and
development control consistent with national and provincial policies.
These gives the legal obligation to the LGUs to prepare Comprehensive
Land Use Plan which is one of the most important planning documents
that contains the programs, plans, and projects that represent the
expected outcomes of the LGUs, vision. The CLUP also effectively reflect
the communities’ and stake-holders’ aspiration to an improved quality of
life.
29
Operational Definition of Terms
Agricultural activity – refers to the cultivation of soil, planting of
crops, growing of fruit trees, raising of-livestock, poultry, fish or
aquaculture products, including the harvesting and immediate processing
of such farm products, and other farm activities and practices performed in
conjunction with such farming operations done by persons whether natural
or juridical.
Agricultural development - is the process focusing on the
enhancement or betterment of agricultural development work. It is also a
land-based activity that includes the management of farm-land and
production activities of crops, livestocks, and people activities to
encourage bountiful yield for the benefit of the rural or local community
resulting to economic growth, social upliftment, and ecological
enhancement.
Agricultural and conversion – refers to the process of converting or
reclassifying agricultural lands to other uses like residential or industrial.
Agricultural land – refers to public or private lands devoted to
agricultural activities as herein defined and not classified as mineral or
forest land.
30
Comprehensive land use plan – is the document that defines the
Municipality’s/City’s long-range intentions regarding the nature and
direction of future developments. It contains elements on land use,
transportation, community facilities, urban design and housing.
Change – refers to the transformation of the economy, society, and
or ecology, which may give favorable or unfavorable results.
Development – is a multidimensional process, which includes
changes in structure (institutional, social, and administrative), attitudes,
customs and beliefs as well as acceleration of economic growth and
reduction of poverty within the context of La Trinidad, Benguet.
Economic change – is a change in the living conditions of a
community. Some indicators are road constructions, construction of
commercial buildings, presence of schools, offices, etc.
Economic factors - are factors that have either positive or negative
effects in the development of a community.
Ecological change – refers to physical change of an environment
brought by the activities of man, which are either beneficial or detrimental
to the environment.
Ecological factors – are indicators or issues and concerns that have
either negative or positive impacts on social and economic development
such as loss of employment, loss of habitat, increase in crime rates, etc.
31
Implementation – is an activity that supports specific policies in
order to translate programs, plans, and projects into an achievable
outcome.
Land reclassification - refers to the further classification and
disposition of alienable and disposable lands into specific uses.
Land use – refers to the manner of utilization of land, including its
allocation, development, and management.
Reclassification - refers to the official act of the city government for
allowing the change in the classification of agricultural land into residential,
commercial, or industrial lands manifested through an ordinance.
Social change – refers to change in the nature of social institutions,
social behavior or social relations of a society, and community of people or
other social structures.
Sociological factors – refers to the indicators that influence social
development of a particular community such as migration, establishment
of partnership and participation in the implementation of programs and
activities.
Zoning - refers to the legislative act of delineating areas or districts
within the territorial jurisdictions of cities and municipalities that may be put
to specific uses, and their regulations subject to the limitations imposed by
law or competent authority.
32
METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
The study was conducted from April to September 2009 in
Barangays Betag and Puguis of La Trinidad, the capital town of Benguet
province. Figure 2 is the map showing the site.
33
The research areas were selected because of the fast-paced
changes of the physical, social and economic conditions including a very
ideal case of agricultural land conversion process and management.
Furthermore, the research areas represent La Trinidad valley with an area
of 1,178.74 hectares.
La Trinidad municipality has 16 barangays which embraces a total
area of 80.7951 square kilometers, representing 2.78 percent of the total
area of Benguet province (29.92410 sq. km.).
It is the center of agricultural-related activities like education and
training, trade and industry, and tourism support the social and economic
development of the province as well as the Cordillera Region.
La Trinidad is located at coordinates of 16 degrees, 21 minutes
north latitude and 120 degrees and 35 minutes east longitude. It is
adjacent to Baguio City and 256 kilometers northeast of Manila. It could be
reached by plane through Loakan Airport in Baguio City and by land
transportation such as motorbikes, cars, jeepneys, and buses.
The elevation of this valley is 600 meters above sea level. La
Trinidad’s elevation ranges from 500 m to 1,700 meters above sea level,
with mean elevation of 1,300 meters.
It has Type I climate based on Coronas system of classification
which is characterized by pronounced wet and dry seasons, dry from
34
November to April and wet season during the rest of the year. During the
rainiest month of August, the rainfall average is 850.70 mm.
The temperature is perpetually cool with invigorating atmospheric
temperature ranging from 11.7 degrees centigrade during the month of
December, the coldest month, to 23.2 OC during the months of March,
April and May. The average daily temperature is 18.55 degrees centigrade
and the average wind velocity is 1.43.
Research Design and Methods
The study used a combination of quantitative and qualitative
research methodology. It describes the condition of La Trinidad, Benguet
in relation to agricultural land conversion and the social, economic and
ecological development derived from observations, documentaries and
insights of individuals and organizations working on agricultural activities.
The study was supported by a guide questionnaire highlighting
areas in social, economic and ecological changes as influenced by
agricultural land conversion in Barangays Betag and Puguis. This was
substantiated by further validation of collected data through personal
interviews and photo documentation on critical areas of development like
residential and building construction, land use conversion, farm lands and
35
businesses. In addition, key players in agricultural land conversion
program in the municipality were interviewed personally by the researcher
to obtain ideas, insights, and concerns toward development and
management.
Furthermore, secondary data and available documents were
analyzed to support the claims identified during the course of the research
work. Respondents’ knowledge particularly on issues, problems, activities,
practices and other relevant areas of concern regarding agricultural land
conversion to other uses in barangays Betag and Puguis La Trinidad,
Benguet were conducted.
The guide questionnaire was pre-tested to test its validity and was
reproduced for final administration from July to August 2009. It is
composed of five parts; namely: Part I - profile of respondents; Part II -
observations on agricultural land conversion; Part III- factors influencing
agricultural land conversion to other uses; Part IV- the effects and
implications of agricultural land conversion along social, economic, and
environmental aspect; and Part V - solutions to minimize agricultural land
conversions in La Trinidad.
The researcher secured permission from the municipal mayor of
the municipality and the Open University Director before administering the
instrument to the respondents. The respondents were asked to choose
36
one of the possible responses per item asked in each of the five parts of
the questionnaire.
The following rating scale was employed to facilitate answering by
the respondents and the quantification and qualification of the data.
Rating Scale
Descriptive Interpretation
Symbol
5
Strongly Disagree
SD
4
Disagree
D
3
Uncertain
U
2
Agree
A
1
Strongly Agree
SA
Respondents of the Study
A total of 300 respondents coming from barangays Betag and
Puguis were surveyed. Each barangay has 150 respondents providing the
necessary views and perspective on agricultural land conversion in the
municipality. The respondents are composed of farm owners, workers,
managers, and operators; business individuals; and government
employees like agricultural technicians, planning and development
officers, and Barangay officials (Table 1).
37
Table 1. Comparative profile of Barangay Betag and Puguis respondents
PROFILE
BETAG
PUGUIS
N=150
Percent
N=150
Percent
Age
Below 20 1 0.67 8 5.33
21 – 25
6
4.00
21
14.00
26 – 30
25
16.67
37
24.67
31 – 35
48
32.00
29
19.33
36 – 40
21
14.00
10
6.67
41 – 45
12
8.00
13
8.67
46 – 50
16
10.67 10
6.67
51 – above
21
12.67 22
14.67
Sex
Male
72
48.00
63
42.00
Female
78
52.00
87
58.00
Civil Status
Single
38
25.33
38
5.33
Married
102
68.00
103
8.67
Widow/Widower
10
6.67
9
6.00
38
Table 1. Continued . . .
PROFILE
BETAG
PUGUIS
N=150
Percent
N=150
Percent
Occupation
Government
8
5.33
8
5.33
Employees
(Agric’l Technicians,
PD Officers, Brgy. officials
and Kagawads)
Professionals
40
26.67
42
28.00
(Doctors, Nurses,
Engineers, Teachers,
Lawyers)
Business Related
35
23.33
33
22.00
(Business Managers,
Operators, Store Owners)
Agriculture-related
55
36.67
57
38.00
(Farmers and Traders)
Others
12
8.00
10
6.67
(Students, Drivers,
Homeowners)
39
Specifically, there are seventy-two (72) males and seventy-eight
(78) females in Barangay Betag compared with eighty-seven (87) males
from and sixty-three (63) females in Barangay Puguis. In terms of age,
Barangay Betag has an average age of 40.7 years old while Barangay
Puguis has average age of 36.6 years or an average mean age of 38
years old for both barangays.
Furthermore, it was noted that the majority of the respondents are
married with 102 or 68% in Barangay Betag and 103 or 68.7% in
Barangay Puguis, respectively; both barangays have 38 or 25.33% single
respondents.
In terms of occupation, there are130 Betag and 132 Puguis
respondents who are professionals like doctors, nurses, engineers and
lawyers; working in business and agricultural-based activities like farmers,
owners and traders of agricultural products. The other respondents are
government employees employed at the municipal and barangay
government units and as students and drivers or homeowners.
40
Table 2. Number of years as resident and homeownership of respondents
in Barangays Betag and Puguis
PROFILE
BETAG
PUGUIS
N=150
Percent
N=150
Percent
No. of years as Resident
Below 10
30
20
28
18.67
11 – 15
12
8
12
8
16 – 20
21
14
20
13.33
21 – 25
14
9.33
14
9.33
26 – 30
28
18.67
25
16.67
31 – 35
16
10.67
16
10.67
36 – 40
10
6.67
7
4.67
41 – 45
3
2
10
6.67
46 – 50
5
3.33
12
8
51 – above
11
7.33
6
4
Observations on Land
Conversions
Own a house
83
55.33
85
56.67
Renting
63
42
59
39.33
Caretaker
4
2.67
6 4
This could be attributed by the migration of people from nearby
municipalities and provinces where their occupation and livelihood are
within La Trinidad and Baguio City. The residents lived in the municipality
between 16 to 30 years or an average of 18.6 years for both barangays.
The La Trinidad Socio-Economic Development Profile (2007) revealed
41
that such observations are also consistent with factors in population, land
ownership and activities in social, economic and ecological development
in the municipality.
In addition, homeownership of local residents as owners, renting
and or caretakers shows significant difference between Betag and Puguis
barangays with 55.33% and 56.67%, respectively. Compared to renting
with 42 % and 39.33% and as caretaker of houses in Betag (4 or 2.67%)
and Puguis (6 or 4%) barangays.
Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation
Pertinent quantitative research data were gathered, tallied,
classified, tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis and
interpretation. Simple frequency count, percentages, means, and ranking
were used to describe the research data which were presented as tables
and figures. The research information was further discussed through the
observations and testimonies of the respondents during validations and
individual interviews.
42
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Agricultural land conversion is a challenging area of development
study. It provides an interesting avenue for discussion especially if the
results or findings are related to proper management of resources
affecting the social, economic, and ecological development activities of a
given area. Generally, it focuses on agricultural land conversion to other
uses like commercial and industrial which is analyzed in the applied field
of urban management.
Factors Affecting Agricultural
Land Conversion
Barangays of Betag and Puguis identified several factors affecting
the agricultural land conversion of La Trinidad. The barangays have
different factor prioritization but with similar concerns. Generally, the
social and economic factors have bearing in the management of the land
resources which are considered to influence the direction of development
and planning activities of the municipality.
43
Table 3. Factors affecting agricultural land conversion to other uses
FACTORS
BETAG
PUGUIS
WM DE
WM DE
Increasing population (family
members increase; need to
have better houses)
3.90 A
3.83 A
Community industrialization
(more business establishments
and activities)
3.86 A
3.81 A
Migration and people movements
3.55 A
3.56 A
Acquisition of lots for residential
3.67 A
3.87 A
Accessible transportation and feasible
for commercial use
3.67 A
3.77 A
Housing project
3.29 U
3.51 A
No capital for agricultural activities
3.11 U
3.25 U
Minimal return of investment in
Agriculture
3.54 A
3.45 U
Lack of interest and motivation in
agricultural work and activities
3.35 U
3.07 U
Agricultural activities require
high capital of inputs
3.56 A
3.42 U
44
Table 3. Continued . . .
FACTORS
BETAG
PUGUIS
WM DE
WM DE
Unstable prices of agricultural products 3.66 A
3.70 A
Poor support for farmers from government
and other agencies in agricultural
development
3.80 A
3.77 A
People prefer other work activities
than farming
3.75 A
3.75 A
Land owners need money badly
3.65 A
3.52 A
Grand Mean 3.60 A 3.59 A
Legend:
Numerical Values Weighted Mean (WM) Descriptive Equivalent (DE)
5
4.50 – 5.00
Strongly Agree (SA)
4
3.50 – 4.49
Agree (A)
3
2.50 – 3.49
Uncertain (U)
2
1.50 – 2.49
Disagree (D)
1
1.00 – 1.49
Strongly Disagree (SD)
In Barangay Betag, the increasing population affects the land
conversion in the area. This is very supported by the NSO Census of
2007 report that Barangay Betag is the highest most populated area
among the 16 barangays of La Trinidad with a total population of 6,235 on
a 40 person per hectare ratio with 5 family members per household.
45
In addition, the population of Barangay Betag has an increasing
trend. In 1996, it was 6, 108, in 2000 it was 7,526 with an increased of 1,
418 or an average of 300 persons per year from 1996 to 2000. However,
there was a tremendous increase of 3, 523 or 400 persons per year from
2001 to 2008. Today, the barangay population is 11, 455 which affects the
physical and economic condition of the barangay.
The 4.04% growth rate of La Trinidad influenced the population of
the area due to high rate of in-migration and rising economic opportunities
and spillover jobs in Baguio city (La Trinidad Physical and Socio-
Economic Profile 2007). The new census in 2007 also shows that the
growth rate increased to 5.3% and it expected to double by 2020. This
finding is very alarming in terms of land use because there is a need for
residential areas for the increasing population.
This a similar to the population growth rate that was observed in the
Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon, wherein the annual population growth
rate of this municipality is 4.26% from 1960 to 1995 which is higher than
the Philippine average rate of 2.4%. This is attributed to the migration of
ethnic groups people from coastal areas and other islands and the
Cordillera (Rola et.al.1996) as cited by Coxhead and Buenavista (2001).
Furthermore, agricultural land conversion in Barangay Betag is
affected by community industrialization. This is shown by the introduction
46
of institutions such as banks, schools, hotels and restaurants, hardware
shops, vulcanizing and machine shops, computer shops and other
establishments.
The establishment of these businesses and industries is related to
the increasing population and the changes in land utilization and resource
management in the barangay (Plate 1). These are directly related to the
economic development of the barangay and the municipal in general.
According to Governor Salceda (2008) during the 2008 National PHILARM
Conference in Albay, the uncontrolled growing population of the country
causes the shortage of rice. This argument relates to the decrease of rice
production with increase population in rural areas (BAR Chronicle Volume
9 No. 4 2008).
Plate 1. One of the sari-sari stores in Barangay Betag (January 2010)
47
In another aspect, poor support services extended to farmers as
provided by government agencies affect agricultural land conversion in the
area. The identified support services are regulations on policies for
agricultural product, viable information and technologies for agricultural
production and provision and operation on irrigation systems. While the
local government provides their best to support the local farmers in the
area, still the respondents during the personal interview pointed out that
they were not supported in their quest to stop vegetable importation over
the local produce.
Another issue is the shortage of water supply during summer
season as well as contamination of water irrigation for strawberry and
vegetables that may affects the quality of products produced.
With the perennial occurrence of this concern, the respondents
believed that businesses such as boarding houses, restaurants and hotels
are the easy way for leaving which will cause agricultural land conversion
for this purposes.
As a result, the Barangay Betag Council, La Trinidad Water District,
Benguet State University, La Trinidad Municipal government and Benguet
provincial government constructed the water treatment station at the
middle of the Betag vegetable farms to treat the water coming from the
48
canals and residential areas so that it could be used in watering
strawberries and vegetables (Plate 2).
Plate 2. The Water Treatment Station found in Barangay Betag vegetable
and strawberry farms (March 27, 2010)
Furthermore, respondents in Barangay Betag pointed out that they
are uncertain if the lack of interest and motivation (3.35) in agricultural
activities affects the conversion of land because of the rise of building
construction in the area including issues on minimal return of investment
in agriculture (3.54) and or no capital for agricultural activities (3.11).
However, it was noted that people prefer other work activities than farming
49
(3.75) which means that business opportunities in Barangay Betag causes
an increase of businesses and face growth in population.
Also, the location of Barangay Betag post the fast-paced
development in relation to agricultural development because it is near the
national highway, Benguet State University, Benguet General Hospital,
and other regional and provincial offices like the Department of Science
and Technology, Commission on Audit where people work. As observed,
majority of the people working in these institutions have residents in
Barangay Betag which is related to the increasing population and the
construction of residential areas which lead to the intrusion and
conversion of the agricultural lands to other uses.
By contrast, Barangay Puguis shows that agricultural land
conversion was more prevalent in the area. Respondents have identified
more significant factors related to other uses. The factor on the acquisition
of lots for residential area was pointed out by the respondents considering
that the barangay is also an agricultural area with a weighted mean of
3.87.
Based on the follow-up interview and observations, the residents
are not originally from the place. They are from other municipalities and
nearby provinces who acquired their residential area by purchasing them.
50
Plate 3. Palmaville Subdivision in Puguis (February 2010)
A very visible manifestation is the establishment of the Palmaville
Subdivision which was originally a productive agricultural land area in the
barangay (Plate 3). This was converted to a residential subdivision per
Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 8-96, dated January 26, 1996.
Aside from this, there were four (4) subdivision projects originally
agricultural but converted to other uses through Sangguniang Bayan (SB)
Resolutions in 1996. Out of the six (6) applications filed in the
Sangguniang Bayan within1995 to 2005 for reclassification from
agricultural to other uses, only one (1) was denied because it was found
out to be still profitable for agricultural use as per SB Committee report.
The total area of the converted/reclassified agricultural lands into
residential areas through SB Resolutions was 61, 144 square meters.
51
Other observation pointed out by the respondents is the original
agricultural land was subdivided into smaller areas which became
commercial or business areas like gasoline station and the Palmaville
Vegetable Trading Post (Plate 4).
This is the reason why there was a construction of concrete road
traversing Barangay Puguis and Barangay Betag (Plate 5). This is also
supported by the factor on accessibility of transportation and feasible for
commercial use. People can just drive in and go around the barangay
because of the prevalence of public utility vehicles traversing the routes
Baguio to Puguis or Baguio-Motorpool (Buyagan) and vice versa.
Plate 4. Palmaville Vegetable Trading Post in Barangay Puguis
(February 2010)
52
Plate 5. Concrete Road traversing Barangays Betag and Puguis (February
2010)
On the other hand, Barangay Puguis respondents pointed out that
they are uncertain there is minimal return of investment in agriculture
(3.45) which is also supported by factors like lack of interest and
motivation in agriculture (3.07), no capital for agricultural activities (3.25),
and agricultural activities requires high capital of inputs (3.42).
Furthermore, Barangay Puguis respondents agreed that poor
support for farmers from government and other agencies in agricultural
53
development affects land conversion (3.77) in the area including unstable
prices of agricultural products sold (3.70).
Compared to Barangay Betag, respondents in Barangay Puguis
agreed
that
the
community
industrialization
(more
business
establishments in the area) affects faster land conversion (3.81) because
local residents convert the area and construct buildings for economic
reasons like apartments and boarding houses (Plate 6) of other people
working in the municipality of La Trinidad and Baguio City and also
gasoline station serving the local residents and other people (Plate 7).
Plate 6. New houses constructed in Puguis (February 2010)
54
Plate 7. Gasoline station in Barangay Puguis (January 2010)
One critical insight gathered in both barangay is the purchasing and
selling of agricultural lands for other uses. Barangay Puguis agricultural
lands are purchased in interior areas close to the boundaries of Barangay
Poblacion-Buyagan and Longlong. Likewise, private agricultural lands in
Barangay Betag is being sold also and converted to residential and
business establishments that further decreases productive areas.
These identified responses are believed to have direct and indirect
effects in terms of land conversion to other uses. Land identified for
specific use must be followed in order that it will have its potential use that
supports the social and economic development of residents. Local
55
government officials and other agencies should develop and prepare
plans and programs and policies for the community as well as to utilize
and provide the necessary resources needed to the improvement and
sustainability of services to further enhance the development of the area.
If these were done properly, agricultural land conversion especially in La
Trinidad will be minimized vis-à-vis the increasing population and other
activities outside of agricultural-related development activities because
overall, La Trinidad is still considered as agricultural area.
Extent of Agricultural Land Conversion
Over the years, the condition of the natural landscape in La
Trinidad has been observed to be changing very fast. Mountains are
flattened to establish subdivisions, and trees are cut down to give spaces
for commercial buildings and residential houses.
Residential houses In Barangays Betag and Puguis, number of
residential houses and other buildings constructed within and close to the
agricultural lands has enormously increased (Table 4).
56
Table 4. Number of Residential houses constructed from 1991 to 2008 in
Betag and Puguis, with the corresponding areas occupied as per
data from La Trinidad Municipal Engineering Office
AREA OCCUPIED (m2)
BARANGAY NUMBER
Smallest
Largest
Average
AND YEAR
House
House
House
TOTAL
(SH)
(LH)
(SH+LH)/2
Betag:
1991 – 1992
10
30 503 266.5
1,377
1993 – 1995
29 20 509 264.5
3,750
1996 – 1998
18
30 402 216.0
2,393
1999 – 2001
45 21 424 222.5
6,960
2002 – 2004
27 60 666 363.0
5,187
2005 – 2007
42
27 454
240.5
7,261
2008
1
0 0
137
137
Sub-Total
172
188 2,958
1,710
27,065
Puguis:
1991 – 1992
9
52
131
91.5
798
1993 – 1995
27 30 413
221.5
2,987
1996 – 1998
30
72 1,368 720.0
5,654
1999 – 2001
99
40
302 153.0
6,977
2002 – 2004
44
14
360 187.0
6,961
2005 – 2007
62 25
378 201.5 10,579
2008
9
74
456 265.0 1,799
Sub-Total
280
287
3,408 1,839.5 35,755
Grand Total 452 475 6,366 3,549.5 62,820
57
In Barangay Betag, there were 172 residential houses constructed
from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total area of 27,065 square meters. This
gives an average of 10 houses constructed per year with an average area
of 1,592 square meters. The highest increase was recorded in 1999 to
2001; there were 46 houses constructed with total area of 6,960 square
meters. The least number was recorded in 2008; only one house was
constructed. The land area of the residential houses ranges from 20 to
666 square meters, with an average area of 157.35 square meters per
house. This rate of houses construction will continue to reduce agricultural
lands of Betag if it will not be stopped.
Majority of Barangay Betag respondents reported that the lots
where they constructed their houses were originally agricultural lands
(Plate 8). They further reported that they bought their lots. Some
respondents pointed out that it is better to construct their residential
houses than continuously renting which are too costly in the long run.
In Barangay Puguis, there were 280 houses constructed from
1991-2008, occupying a total area of 35,755 square meters. This is far
more than the number of and area occupied by houses constructed within
the period covered by this study in Betag. The computed average number
of houses constructed within the covered period is 16.47 per year, and the
58
average area is 2,103.24 square meters per year; also far more than that
in Betag.
Plate 8. Newly constructed buildings in Barangay Betag within the
original agricultural lands (January 2010)
The area occupied by the constructed houses ranges from 14
square meters to 1,368 square meters, the average area occupied by
each houses is 127.7 square meters, much smaller than the average area
occupied in Betag (Plate 9). The very small areas are presumed to be of
those constructed extension for small business purposes like selling
certain products, sari-sari store, and tailor shop. The rest may have been
just rushly erected to support their application of electrical and water
connection.
59
Plate 9. Constructed residential houses in Puguis (February 2010)
As shown in the Table from 1991 to 2008, or in a span of 17 years,
the total houses constructed in Barangays of Betag and Puguis was 452,
with a total land area of 62,820 square meters. This gives an average of
26.59 houses constructed per year with aggregate average area of
3,695.29 square meters.
Non-residential buildings. The buildings constructed for commercial
and industrial purposes in Betag and Puguis barangays from 1991 to 2008
were significant increased (Table 5).
60
Table 5. Number of commercial/Industrial buildings constructed in Betag
and Puguis, with the corresponding areas occupied as per data
from La Trinidad Municipal Engineering Office
AREA OCCUPIED (m2)
BARANGAY NUMBER
Smallest
Largest
Average
AND YEAR
House
House
House
TOTAL
(SH)
(LH)
(SH+LH)/2
Betag:
1991 – 1992
4
15
1,022 518.5
1,215
1993 – 1995
8
96 1,482 789
3,544
1996 – 1998
7
72
1,644
858 3,411
1999 – 2001 12 18
595 306.5 3,066
2002 – 2004
4
110
523
316.5 1,258
2005 – 2007 18
28
540
284 4,380
2008
2
119
948
533.5 1,067
Sub. Total
55
458
6,754 3,606 17,941
Puguis:
1991 – 1992
1
0
0
180
180
1993 – 1995
4
192
1,015
603.5
1,619
1996 – 1998
5
137
354
245.5
1,021
1999 – 2001
10
12
1,121
566.5
3,332
2002 – 2004
5
36
2,396 1,216
2,396
2005 – 2007
16
46
1,076 561
4,210
2008
0
0 0 0 0
Sub. Total
41
423
5,962 1,839.5 12,758
Total
96
881 12,716 5,445.5 30,699
61
A total of 96 commercial/industrial buildings were constructed in
both barangays from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total land area of 30,519
square meters. This gives an average of 5.65 commercial/industrial
buildings constructed per year at an average area of 1,805.82 square
meters. A much greater area is occupied by said buildings in Betag than in
Puguis, the reverse in terms of residential houses constructed where
Puguis has significantly more than Betag.
Betag has 55 constructed business/industrial buildings from 1991 to
2008 occupying with a total area of 17,941 square meters. The largest
occupies an area of 1,644 square meters, and was constructed in 1996 to
1998. The next largest occupies an area of 1,482 square meters; this was
constructed in 1993 to 1994. The smallest occupies an area of just 15
square meters, constructed in 1991 to 1992, the next smallest is 18
square meters constructed in 1999 to 2001, followed by 28 square meters
house which was constructed between 2005 to 2007.
For Puguis, there were 41 commercial/industrial buildings
constructed from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total of 12,758 square
meters; an average of 2.4 buildings constructed per year, occupying an
average area of 750.47 square meters. The size range from 12 square
meters to 2,396 square meters. The largest has an area of 3,332 square
meters and constructed in 1999 to 2001 while the smallest was only 12
62
square meters and constructed in1991 to 2001. There was no construction
in 2008.
Residential and commercial buildings. There were 548 residential
and commercial buildings constructed in barangays Betag and Puguis
from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total land area of 93,519 square meters
(Table 6). This area represented 0.79% of the area of both barangays.
A total area of 45,006 square meters was occupied by the buildings
built in Barangay Betag from the covered period of 17 years. This
represents 2.87% of the barangay’s land area. On the other hand, a little
bit bigger area occupied by buildings constructed within the covered
period in Barangay Puguis, 48,513 square meters. This represents 0.47 %
of the barangay’s land area. The much larger area of Puguis allows or
accommodates more buildings construction than Betag.
The considerable extent of land conversion in the two barangays is
mainly attributed to the enormous vegetable trading and business major
educational institutions that draws people to the place. These areas
affected were originally agricultural lands that were productive but
converted to other uses, especially to business establishments, because
of the associated increase of return of investment and other related
business opportunities.
63
Table 6. Residential and commercial buildings constructed in Betag and
Puguis from 1991 to 2008.
Number
Area (sq. m.)
Barangay
Res. Comm’l
Total
Res. Comm’l
Total
Betag
172
55
227
27,065 17,941 45,006
Puguis
280
41 321 35,755 12,758 48,513
Total
452
96 548 62,820 30,699 93,519
Effects of Agricultural Land Conversion
The agricultural land conversion in the municipality of La Trinidad,
particularly in barangays Betag and Puguis, have created social,
economic and environmental changes. These effects have both positive or
beneficial and negative or detrimental effects.
64
Social Effects
The social effects of agricultural land conversion in La Trinidad as
perceived by respondents are shown in Table 8. Ranked as the number
one effects by respondents in both barangays Betag and Puguis are more
health problems, crimes and increasing traffic problems. These problems
are seen as consequences of population increase. The reported
population growth of both barangays, combined is 4.04%. The presence of
various institutions such as banks, schools, public markets and trading
posts in La Trinidad are significant drawers of people to the place.
Table 7. Social effects of agricultural land conversion as perceived and
rank by respondents.
SOCIAL EFFECTS
BETAG
PUGUIS
Mean Rank Mean Rank
More health problems,
more crimes, and
increase traffic problems
2.17
1
1.88
1
Agricultural activities lessened;
business activities increased
3.34
4.5 3.45
4.5
Community cohesiveness
reduced/lessened
3.05 2
3.18
3
Promotes availability of
social services (markets,
education, health &
recreation)
3.07
3
2.88
2
65
Ranked second by respondents in Betag was the lost or reduction
of community cohesiveness or belongingness. This trend was commonly
observed to occur in the process of urbanization wherein kinship ties are
replaced with formal relationships. For Barangay Puguis respondents, the
ranked as second a positive effect, the promotion of social services such
as markets, education, health, and recreation. Such services are
established in response to felt demands from increasing number of
people. The respondents from Betag ranked positive effect as third; their
ranked second, which was ranked third in Puguis is the decreased in
community cohesiveness.
Due to the growing population, congestion is becoming a serious
problem, especially in Barangay Betag. There are no access roads, only
pathways in the interior part of Betag to deliver basic support services.
Consequently, health and sanitation is becoming a serious social concern.
Decreasing agricultural production activities and increasing business
activities were ranked fourth by respondents from both barangays.
In Barangay Puguis, there is lesser effect of the agricultural land
conversion because it has much bigger area than Betag. However, it was
reported that big lots were already subdivided to the children of original
land owners and or old to buyers. The opening of the Palmaville
66
Subdivision as a trading center is a manifestation of growing number of
people in the area that changes the social environment. Community
people’s cohesiveness and belongingness is observed by respondents to
have changed, and business relationships are evolving. These observed
changes requires the local residents to adjust to their regular activities and
seek new work outside agriculture or to other agriculture-related activities
like selling or trading of goods. Local residents observed that those
involved in agricultural production activities is decreasing while those
involved in selling, processing, food servicing, and the like are increasing.
Specifically, Barangay Puguis respondents believed that availability
of social services like markets, education, health and recreation is more of
a positive effect because they created employment and livelihood.
However, sanitation is becoming a problem, and due to increased vehicles
traversing regularly in the area, air and noise pollutions are felt.
Economic Effects
The perceived economic effect of agricultural land conversion in
barangay Betag and Puguis is shown in Tale 8 mainly observed by the
respondents as to the economic effects are related to the increase of
business activities and the profitability of house rentals.
67
Table 8. Economic effects of agricultural land conversion
ECONOMIC EFFECTS
Betag
Puguis
Mean Rank
Mean Rank
More business activities
2.50 1
2.40 1
Housing projects are better source of
income, (rental); increase income
2.91 2
2.78 2
Increase land valuation &
market value
3.05 3
2.98 3
Barangays Betag and Puguis are both accessible to transportation,
and are close to schools, government and private offices, automobile
shops, computer shops ,etc. People operating, and/or clients of these
establishments needs boarding houses or residential areas to settle. Thus
conversion of the agricultural lands to accommodate the resultant
increasing demands is inevitable.
The respondents reported that housing projects like building
houses for board and lodging is increasing as source of income.
Consequently, land value enormously increases. Bothe situation make
agricultural production a less practical economic activity. A case to
mention is that of Engineer Angelito Palma who converted his agricultural
lot into a subdivision, the Palmaville Subdivision which is doubtlessly
ushering him profit levels unmatched by agricultural production in the
area.
68
These business opportunities have helped both barangays
economically stable and relevant to the whole development of the
municipality.
Furthermore, Barangay Puguis is now becoming a center of
business activities because of its accessibility to the Longlong – Tam-
awan road and Pico-Puguis – Buyagan road that are both conducive to
business establishments and residential houses.
Once an agricultural land is converted to residential or commercial,
the valuation and market value of its zone will increase, together with the
market and assessed value of the land. This will tempt land owners to
convert their lands to residential or commercial use, especially if for loan
purposes, because it has a higher appraised value. This benefit was
affirmed by the zoning officer of the Municipal Planning and Development
Coordination (MPDC) of Dasmariñas, Cavite, Mr. Moises Menguito, who
reported that commercial and residential lands are more profitable
compared to agricultural lands ( http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/special-
report/04/14/08/lgus-power-reclassify-land-helps-landowners-evade-carp).
69
Environmental Effects
Table 9 shows the environmental effects of land conversion as
observed by respondents from Barangay Betag and Puguis. The
respondents noted that agricultural land conversion tremendously affects
the natural resources of the two barangays. In Barangay Betag, the major
environmental effect associated with agricultural land conversion is the
contamination of water supply and air which directly affect residents,
business and even agricultural activities.
The respondents also claimed that agricultural lands adjacent to
residential and commercial buildings become unproductive because of
water contamination coming for these buildings.
Table 9. Environmental effects of agricultural land conversion
ENVIRONMENTAL
BETAG
PUGUIS
EFFECTS
Mean Rank
Mean Rank
Climate effect like “extreme
temperature/weather condition”
3.26 4
2.85 1
Contamination of water supply
and air
2.84 1
2.99 4
Increased garbage/wastes
2.93 2
2.89 2
Noise pollution
2.87 3
2.96 3
70
As a result, there is a need to construct water treatment plant in the
strawberry farm in Betag to be used by farmers. The next major
environmental impact is increased garbage/wastes that also contaminate
soil, water and air. This effect forced the Local Government of La Trinidad
to construct additional dumpsite facility at Barangay Alno to augment the
original dumpsite at Barangay Buyagan.
By contrast, respondents from Barangay Puguis ranked first climate
change like extreme temperature/weather condition as the major effect of
agricultural land conversion. Many respondents viewed that the
unpredictable weather conditions that endangered many residents near
the mountain slopes in La Trinidad last October 2009, especially in Little
Kibungan in Barangay Puguis which is a collective effect of global land
conversion leading to excessive loss of natural vegetative cover.
Noise pollution is another identified result of agricultural land
conversion. Both Barangays Betag and Puguis residents pointed out that
they were affected by noise pollution from “karaoke bars” and vehicles
traversing the major roads.
So as not to further aggravate the enormous domestic and
industrial pollution in the area, the Municipal Agriculture Office, with the
assistance of the Department of Agriculture is promoting organic farming
71
or good agricultural practices in Barangay Betag vegetable and strawberry
farms. Some farmers as pessimistic of said practices, perceiving that it is
very difficult to follow because of the excessive use of pesticide and
inorganic fertilizers that almost permanently damaged the soil condition in
the area; they also perceived that it is difficult to purchase and or prepare
compost as fertilizers (La Trinidad Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2000 –
2010). Changing farmers’ agricultural practices entails intensive training
and reorienting farmers on proper resource and waste management, and
providing technical and practical assistance.
Solutions to Minimize Agricultural
Land Conversion and its adverse effects
Because of the serious adverse effects or consequences of
agricultural land conversion in barangays Betag and Puguis as identified
in the previous section such as environmental pollution, health problems,
and reduced agricultural production, the local government of La Trinidad
and Betag and Puguis need to implement mitigation measures. Table 10
shows suggestions to minimize agricultural land conversion and its
adverse impact.
72
Table 10. Solutions/suggestions by respondents to minimize agricultural
land conversion and its adverse effects in La Trinidad, Benguet
SOLUTIONS
BETAG
PUGUIS
Mean Rank
Mean Rank
Improve and reinforce
population management
4.15 4
4.19 4
programs
Create non-agricultural
5.30 7
5.27 7
employment opportunities
Improve the fertility of agricultural
lands through trainings on intensive
and organic/sustainable agriculture
3.74 1
3.66 2
Promote sustainable
Agriculture through modernized
Irrigation system
4.14 3
3.61 1
Strictly enforce properly the rules
and regulations on agricultural
land conversion and promote
and diversify agri-based livelihood
like wine production, and other
agricultural products processing
4.65 6
4.75 6
Promote cooperativism among
farmers and businesses groups
or entities
4.48 5
3.83 3
Minimize or promote zero
Waste management goal
5.42 8
5.51 8
Encourage government
and private funding
agencies to support and
strengthen research and
extension activities
3.97 2
4.58 5
73
The solutions to minimize agricultural land conversion to other uses
are focused on promoting sustainable/ecological/organic agriculture
through improvement of soil fertility to be ranked number one by Betag
respondents and ranked number two by Puguis respondents. The issue
on soil fertility can be restore through trainings on intensive and
organic/sustainable agriculture by providing the necessary support to
agricultural production systems like pest control management, proper use
of agricultural chemicals toward optimizing productivity to increase farmers
income and minimize environmental damage.
For Barangay Puguis respondents, their ranked number one is on
irrigation system modernization which is ranked third by Betag
respondents. As it was mentioned in the previous section that water in the
area is a problem that needs more irrigation and construction of additional
deep wells, although a water treatment station was constructed in Betag
but according to the respondents, it is not enough so they suggest that an
additional facility be put up.
On the other hand, Barangay Betag respondents pointed out that
there is a need to encourage government and private funding agencies to
support and strengthen research and extension activities raked as number
2 and ranked number five by Puguis respondents. Some funding agencies
are giving financial assistance to farmers for agricultural used, there are
74
several banking institutions in the locality extending financial assistance.
Some of these are rural, commercial and development banks. However,
only rural and development banks are offering agricultural loans. Most of
the commercial banks do not grant agricultural loans because according to
them, farming is very risky.
The rural and development banks servicing the locality are
Kapangan Rural Bank, Trinidad Rural Bank, Rosbank and Cooperative
Bank of Benguet and Development Bank of the Philippines. Based on
interviews conducted with these banks, an average of PhP 50,000.00 is
provided as agricultural loan to farmers for different agricultural
commodities like cutflowers and vegetables. Rose Bank has at least loan
provided to farmers in the amount of Php 40,000.00.
Likewise, Kapangan Rural Bank and Land Bank respectively
disbursed an estimated total amount of Php 8 million for agricultural loans.
The Rural Bank of La Trinidad grants agricultural loans as high as
Php100,000.00. Generally, these banks require farmers/ borrowers to
submit a project feasibility study duly signed by a Certified Public
Accountant, in addition to other collaterals like land titles and or tax
declarations of property before the agricultural loans are released. These
reasons made Puguis respondents ranked as number five.
75
To minimize or promote zero waste management, goal is ranked
number eight by barangays Betag and Puguis respondents. This entails
that there is a need for the local government to conduct more information
drive, educational and technical trainings on proper waste management.
Implications to Urban Development
and Management
Land use conversion in the context of this study refers to the act or
process of changing current physical use of agricultural lands into other
uses. It has long been recognized as inevitable to the country’s march
towards
urbanization
and
industrialization.
It
involves
different
stakeholders such as the government, the private developers, the
landowners, and the tenants in the process, whose varied interests,
actions, and expectations usually differ greatly from each other. The issue
is how to regulate land use conversion to favor majority of the
stakeholders (Chun Yu Wang, 2008).
At the onset of research conceptualization and preparation, the
study had identified several factors influencing the agricultural land
conversion. However, it was not clear whether these perceived factors
such as increasing population, rate of building constructions and its effects
to social, economic and environmental are contributing or limiting
76
agricultural land conversions because there are other data that directly
affect the condition of the area. These were either viewed or observed by
key players and stakeholders involved in the study of land conversions or
even users based on their effects and impacts.
Specifically, an improved research framework showing the
underlying factors and effects of land conversion studied which were
interrelated to show the direction and effects of and problems identified in
agricultural land conversion to other uses. These effects of agricultural
land
conversions
were
dealt
with
individually
and
analyzed
comprehensively along social, economic and ecological changes with a
span of 18 years or covering the period from year 1990-2008, which was
the time when the La Trinidad Comprehensive Development Plans were
prepared, implemented and completed.
The agricultural land conversion analysis utilized and adopted the
introduced analytical framework on agricultural development vis-à-vis
productivity and resource management by Schultz (1964) as cited by
Crosson (1970) and community development by Bonifacio and Aquino
(2006), and Balisacan (2006).
The analytical framework focuses on the development trends of a
particular community, which is predominantly agriculture in nature and
whose main source of livelihood is agriculture-based. Also, it views the
77
process of development and management through resource utilization and
the internal and external changes caused by the changes of natural
landscape or land conversions. It specifically considers technological
changes employed from social and economic perspectives and ecological
and political perspectives because of the common resource used-the land.
The study focused on the physical, social and economic conditions
of La Trinidad, Benguet particularly on the two important agriculture-based
barangays of Betag and Puguis. These barangays were compared and
integrated in areas of complementation and collaborative development
along the social, economic, and ecological aspects.
Figure 8 is the developed research framework showing the different
influencing factors which were interrelated for further analysis in relation to
the agricultural land conversion process in La Trinidad, Benguet. Also, this
is shown to be used and further improved in studying rural-urban planning
and management in similar conditions.
78
Respondent’s
Profile
and
2
Condition
1
Social,
Outputs and
Economic
Outcomes
Agricultural
and
in local
Land Conversion
Ecological
development
changes for
Implementation
and
the period
and
resources
1990-2008
management
Process
3
Development,
4
Implementation
and
Application of
Policies and
Strategies
Figure 3. Improved framework showing the different influencing
factors affecting the agricultural land conversion process
in La Trinidad, Benguet from 1990 to 2008.
79
SUMMARY, CONLCUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study analyzed the factors and effects of agricultural land
conversion in La Trinidad, Benguet, specifically in Betag and in Puguis.
The data needed were gathered from 150 respondents per barangay from
April to September 2009 with the use of questionnaires, complimented by
information gathered via personal interviews, and from reports from the
Municipal Engineering Office of La Trinidad.
The respondents consists of 16 Government Employees
(agricultural technicians, barangay officials and kagawads), 82
professionals (doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers, lawyers), 68 business
related (business managers, operators, store owners), 112 agriculture-
related (farmers and traders), 22 others (students, drivers, homeowners).
Frequency counts, weighted mean, ranking and averaging were
used to analyze the data.
Focused on land use conversion, this study sought the answer
to the following questions: (1) What are the factors affecting agricultural
land conversion to other uses in La Trinidad, Benguet?; (2) What is the
rate of land conversion from agricultural to residential and commercial or
industrial purposes?; (3) What are the social, economic, and
environmental effects of land conversion?; (4) What are the recommended
80
solutions to minimize the agricultural land conversion to other uses and its
adverse consequences?
Findings
1. The greatest factors affecting agricultural land conversion to
other uses in La Trinidad Benguet was due to the increasing population
because of increasing of family members that needs more space for
residential houses causes the fast diminishing of agricultural lands.
2. There were 548 residential and commercial buildings constructed
in Barangays Betag and Puguis from 1991 to 2008, occupying a total area
of 93,519 square meters or 0.79% of the land area of both barangays.
This is equivalent to about 32 buildings constructed per year with an
average area of 170.66 square meters per building. There were 321
buildings constructed in Puguis within the specified period, with a total
area of 48,513 square meters which is equivalent to 0.47 % of the
barangay’s total land area. In Barangay Betag, 227 buildings were
constructed with a total area of 45,006 square meters which is equivalent
to 2.87% of the barangay’s total land area. There were 452 residential
buildings constructed, in barangays Betag and Puguis occupying an area
81
of 62,820 square meters, while commercial buildings were only 96 with
30,699 square meters area occupied.
3. The ranked number one social effects of agricultural conversion
in Betag and in Puguis are more health problems, more crimes, and traffic
problems due to the fast population increase. Ranked as second major
effect by Barangay Betag respondents is the lost or reduction of
community cohesiveness or belongingness which is commonly observed
in urbanizing area. Barangay Puguis, the respondents ranked this effect
as the third major effect, and ranked as the second major effect the
promotion of availability of social services such as markets, education,
health and recreation as a positive effect of agricultural land conversion
which in tern ranked as third by Betag respondents.
Along economic aspect, both barangay’s Betag and Puguis
respondents view increasing business activities, more income and
increasing land value as the major effects of agricultural land conversions.
These effects are manifested by the 24 hour transportation services (e.g.
taxi), establishment of private and government institutions, automobile
shops, computer shops, etc.
The perceived environmental major effects of agricultural land
conversion are contamination of water supply and air due mainly to
garbage, domestic wastes and vehicular emission, and climatic change.
82
As a result, a water treatment plant in the strawberry farm in Betag was
constructed to be used by farmers. The garbage problems forced the
Local Government of La Trinidad to construct additional dumpsite facility
at Barangay Alno to augment the original dumpsite at Barangay Wangal.
4. There is a significant difference on the perception of Betag and
Puguis respondents as to the solutions to minimize agricultural land
conversions and its adverse effects in La Trinidad Benguet. Betag
respondents focused on the issue of improving the fertility of the soil for
agricultural lands and establishments of more cooperatives and promotion
of organic farming by providing the necessary support to increased
farmers
income.
While
Puguis
respondents
focused
on
the
improvement/modernization of irrigation system to sustain agricultural
activities.
Conclusions
In the light of the findings, the following conclusions were drawn:
1. Agricultural land conversions to other uses in Betag and Puguis
La Trinidad Benguet was mainly attributed to the fast increasing
population, through internal and in-migration. The fast-paced population
increase indicates that Betag and Puguis are nice and strategic places to
83
stay for various businesses such as commerce, education, agriculture,
tourism, etc.
2. The remaining agricultural lands in Betag and Puguis, especially
those owned by private individual, will most likely to be converted sooner
or later to residential and commercial/industrial buildings. La Trinidad will
continue to become commercial/urban center. The proposed construction
of a mall along KM 5 is a further manifestation of somewhat an express
road to “City hood of La Trinidad.”
3. Agricultural land conversion has great social, economic, and
environmental effects. It causes both economic progress with associated
environmental and social pollution.
4. The severe deficit of water supply during summer in the two
Barangays to sustain agricultural activities will force land owners to shift to
a land use that provided them more viable income source.
Recommendations
In view of the foreseen transformation of La Trinidad into an urban
center, the following are recommended:
1. The development plan of La Trinidad should be thoroughly
reviewed
to
come-up
with
a
well-defined
environment-friendly
84
infrastructure development that support both landscape enhancement and
preservation and further development of the strawberry-vegetable farms.
Maintaining our identity as the “Strawberry Fields” of the Philippines
promotes ecotourism that can sustain development, and proper planning
and execution of plans, La Trinidad can become the hub of sustainable
business and tourism destination in the Cordilleras.
2. In support to agricultural goals, DA, DAR and LGU should closely
coordinate and collaborate to effectively implement the land conversion to
avoid illegal or indiscriminate conversion of agricultural land to other uses,
especially in Betag which was declared as Special Agricultural and
Fisheries Development Zone (ZAFDZ). They should likewise promote
sustainable/ecological/organic agriculture by strengthening agricultural
research and extension; provision of a systematic trainings on intensive
and organic sustainable agriculture; modernizing irrigation system;
promoting diverse agri-based livelihoods such as fruit wine production,
vegetable noodle processing, and other agricultural products processing;
and establishing farmers’ agricultural cooperatives. The Department of
Trade and Industry should strictly monitor and stop the illegal importation
or smuggling of imported vegetables to protect our framers.
3. The barangay and municipal government units should fully
implement the solid waste management Act of 2000 (R.A. 9003) and local
85
ordinances towards achieving the zero-waste goal. This entails organizing
people and providing enough educational, technical, and financial support
system.
4. Those barangays that are still considered as rural must be
develop so that people will not migrate to the urbanizing barangays to
avoid population explosion that will contribute to slum formation of the
urbanizing barangays.
86
LITERATURE CITED
ABALOS, G. 2009. Personal communication on agricultural land
conversion in Betag.
CROSSON , W. P. 1970. Agricultural development in Japan and other
Asian countries. Prentice Hall. London. Pp 17-19.
OMBION, K. G. 2008. Former Agriculture Chief Says Land Conversion
Hurts Food Security. GMA News.tv/story 88133. Quezon City.
BALISACAN, A. 2007. Agricultural Productivity Indicators. DA-BAR and
SEARCA Project. Unpublished project report rt. SEAMEO-
SEARCA, Los Banos, Laguna.
BONIFACIO, M.F. and AQUINO, M.U. 2006 Agriculture and Fisheries
Research
and
Development
Trends
in
Technology
Commercialization and Management. Paper presented during the
3rd National Technology Forum. Bureau of Agricultural Research,
RDMIC Building, Visayas Avenue cor. Elliptical Road, Diliman,
Quezon City.
COXHEAD, I. and BUENAVISTA, G. 2001. Seeking Sustainability.
Challenges of Agricultural Development and Environmental
Management in a Philippine Watershed. Los Banos, Laguna,
Philippines
DE LOS SANTOS, F. 2009. Personal communication on land conversions
and land use planning and management.
GERMAN, M.,A. Administrative Orders and Executive Issuances in
Implementing PD 27 and the CARL – RA 6657 from 1988 to 1994.
Manila National Book Store Inc. Diliman Q.C.
HLURB, (2001), Planning Strategically. Guidelines for the Application of
the Strategic Planning Process in the Preparation of the
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and to Important Urban
Area Issues and Problems, Housing and Land Use Regulatory
Board, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila..
87
HEALY, R.G. and ROSENBERG, J. S. 1979. Land Use and the States.
Resources for the Future Inc. Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
KACAYON, L. L. 2009. Strawberry OTOP in the Sustainability of Agri-
Tourism Industry in La Trinidad, Benguet. Unpublished M.A.
Thesis, UO, B.S.U. La Trinidad, Benguet.
LANDO, R. 2009. Personal communication. Land Reclassification in La
Trinidad.
MEISTER, A. 1997. Development Project Management Study Guide 1
Reading 2, Massey University, Institute of Development Studies)
TICBAEN, F. 2009. Personal communication. Agricultural land conversion
in La Trinidad Benguet.
UBALDO, V.C.A. 2009. Personal communication on urban management
WANG, C., Y. 2008. Land Use Conversion in the City of Koronadal: A
Multi-Perspective Analysis. Thesis and Dissertations.
_______COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN (CLUP), La Trinidad
Benguet 2000 – 2010.
_______2008. LA TRINIDAD PHYSICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC
PROFILE. La Trinidad Municipal Planning Development Office. La
Trinidad, Benguet.
_______ 1992. LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE of 1991, Sec. 20. Manila.
February 6, 1992.
_____2010. The Baguio Midland Courier. Vol. LXII, No. 4 “LT’s MOA for
Mall ok’d” January 24, 2010.
________The State of the Philippine Environment, IBON Foundations,
Inc. Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines. 1997.
______ 2009. Magazine on Low External Input and Sustainable
Agriculture, March 2009 Vol. 25 No.1)
88
______ Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Engineering
Office (Building Permits Issued from 1991 to 2008)
______2008. Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) Chronicle,
Department of Agriculture, Volume No. 9, Issue No.4. April 2008.
Worldwide Websites:
http://www.agribusinessweek.com/
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/88133/Former-Agriculture-chief-says-land-
conversion-hurts-food-security.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/special-report/04/14/08/lgus-power-
reclassify-land-helps-landowners-evade-carp
http://egov.oregon.gov/ODA/do_reports_land.shtml
http://www.cati.csufresno.edu/Cab/rese/96/960802/
89
APPENDICES
Appendix A. Request Letter to OU Director to Conduct the Study
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 20, 2009
DR. LITA MOLITAS – COLTING
Director, Open University
La Trinidad Benguet
Dear Ma’am:
The undersigned is presently working on his thesis entitled
“Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion in La Trinidad Benguet” as a
partial requirement for his Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request your good office to please
allow me to float the questionnaires to my respondents.
Rest assured that all data gathered will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes only.
Very truly yours;
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Recommending Approval:
Approved:
(Sgd) MARLOWE U. AQUINO,PhD.
LITA MOLITAS-COLTING, PhD.
Adviser
Director
90
Appendix B. Request Letter to Mayor Artemio Galwan to Conduct the
Study
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 20, 2009
HON. ARTEMIO GALWAN
Municipal Mayor
La Trinidad, Benguet
Dear Mayor Galwan:
I am currently working on my master’s thesis entitled “ANALYSIS
OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION IN LA TRINIDAD BENGUET”
as a partial requirement for my Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request your good office to please
allow me to float the questionnaires to the Municipal Officials, Barangay
Officials of Betag and Puguis and the residents of the said two barangays.
Rest assured that all data gathered will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your favorable response, more power and God bless.
Very Truly Yours,
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Noted:
(Sgd) LITA MOLITAS - COLTING, Ph.D.
Director
91
Appendix C. Request Letter to La Trinidad Municipal Agriculture Office for
a Permit to Conduct the Study
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 13, 2009
MS. FELECITAS D. TICBA-EN
Municipal Agricultural Office
La Trinidad, Benguet
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am currently working on my master’s thesis entitled “ANALYSIS
OF AGRICULTURAL LAND CONVERSION IN LA TRINIDAD BENGUET”,
as a partial requirement for my Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request that I may be allowed to
gather pertinent data related to agricultural land conversion to other uses
as well as to conduct an interview to any key personnel in your
department regarding agricultural land conversion.
Rest assured that all information gathered will be treated with
utmost confidentiality and for academic purposes only.
Thank you for your favorable response, more power and God bless.
Very Truly Yours,
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Noted:
(Sgd) LITA MOLITAS - COLTING, Ph.D.
Director
92
Appendix D. Letter to the Respondents
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad, Benguet
April 20, 2009
Dear Respondents:
The undersigned is presently working on his thesis entitled
“Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion in La Trinidad Benguet” as a
partial requirement for his Master in Urban Management.
In view of this, may I humbly request your utmost cooperation and
support by answering the attached questionnaires.
Rest assured that your answer will be treated with utmost
confidentiality and strictly for academic purposes only.
God bless.
Very truly yours;
(Sgd) JOSE P. ATAYOC
Researcher
Noted:
(Sgd) LITA MOLITAS – COLTING
Director
93
Appendix E. Survey Questionnaire
Direction:
As part of the academic exercise in the completion of the master’s
research/special problem in Master of Urban Management, the attached
survey questionnaire is prepared to obtain pertinent data in relation to the
research entitled, Analysis of the Agricultural Land Conversion in La
Trinidad, Benguet from 1991 to 2008.
Kindly answer each question based on your understanding and
observations. Your responses will be treated with utmost confidentiality
and will be solely used for academic purpose.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
Part I. Personal Information
Name of respondent (Optional) __________________________
Age: _______
Sex: ______Male
_____Female
Civil Status: _____Married
______Single
______Widow(er)
Place of Birth: ________________________________________
Number of years in your Barangay? _______ in La Trinidad _______
Highest Educational attainment: ________________________________
Occupation/Profession: ___________________________________
Sources of Income:
Main source of livelihood _________________________________
Other sources of livelihood ________________________________
94
Estimated monthly family income:
______Php 10,000.00 – 15,000.00
______Php 15,001.00 – 20,000.00
______Php 20, 001.00 – 25,000.00
______Php 25, 001.00 and above
Part II. Observations on Land Conversion
Do you own a house? _____ Yes
_____ No
Are you renting?
_____ Yes
_____ No
What is your general observation of your barangay?
_____ agricultural landscape
_____ business area
_____ agriculture and business combined
_____ Others, please specify
What are the major changes in your area?
Year
Physical and Natural Changes
(e.g. construction of bridges, landslide and erosions)
95
Part II. Factors affecting agricultural land conversion to other uses
Factors
Strongly
Disagree
Uncertain
Agree
Strongly
Disagree
Agree
Increasing population (family
members increase; need to
have better houses)
Community industrialization
(more business establishments
and activities)
Migration and community
movements
Acquisition of lots for residential
Accessible transportation and
feasible for commercial use
Housing project
No capital for agricultural
activities
Minimal return of investment in
agriculture
Lack of interest and motivation
in agricultural work and activities
Agricultural activities require
high capital of inputs
Unstable prices of agricultural
products
Poor support for farmers from
government and other agencies
in agricultural development
People prefer other work
activities than farming
Land owners need money badly
Others, please specify _______
_________________________
__________________________
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Part III. Effects of agricultural land conversion. Kindly rank according to
importance and 1 being the highest in the following aspects:
Social aspects
_____ More health problems, more crimes, food shortage, increase
traffic problems
_____ Agricultural activities lessened; business activities increased
_____ Community cohesiveness reduced/lessened
_____ Promote availability of social services (markets, education,
health and recreation)
Economic aspects
_____ More business activities
_____ Housing projects are better source of income (Rental);
increased income
_____ Increase land valuation and market value.
Environmental aspects
_____ Climate effect like extreme temperature/weather condition
_____ Contamination of water supply and air
_____ Increased garbage/wastes
_____ Noise pollution
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Part IV. Solutions/suggestions to minimize agricultural Land conversion
and its adverse effects in La Trinidad, Benguet.
Kindly rank according to importance and 1 being the highest.
______ Improve and reinforce population management programs
______ Create non-agricultural employment opportunities.
______ Improve the fertility of agricultural lands through trainings on
intensive and organics/sustainable agriculture.
______ Promote sustainable agriculture through modernized irrigation
system.
______ Strictly enforce properly the rules and regulations on agricultural
land conversion and promote and diversify agri-based
livelihood like wine production, and other agricultural
products processing.
______ Promote cooperativism among farmers and businesses groups or
entities.
______ Minimize or promote zero waste management goal.
______ Support and encourage government and private funding agencies
to support and strengthen research and extension activities.
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
The researcher is a native of Kibungan
Benguet. He was born on March 26, 1963 in
Poblacion, Kibungan, Benguet. He finished
his elementary education in 1980 at the
Kibungan Central School and secondary
education at the Kibungan National High
School in 1984.
He pursued his higher education at the Baguio Central University
where he obtained Associate in Geodetic Engineering in 1992 and
finished his Bachelor of Science in Geodetic Engineering in the same
institution in 1996 and passed the board examination in the same year.
After passing the Board examination, he worked as a temporary
instructor at the Engineering Department, Baguio Central University for
one year at the same time practicing as private surveyor.
With his humble knowledge and experience gained from his work,
he applied as an instructor at Mountain Province State Polytechnic
College, Engineering Department and is serving up to the present. To
uplift himself technically, he applied for the master program in Urban
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Management at the Open University, Benguet State University starting the
first semester of 2005.
The researcher is happily married to Grace Basalong of Wangal, La
Trinidad Benguet and blessed with three children, two girls and one boy.
He and his family are now permanently residing at Upper Wangal La
Trinidad Benguet.
Through his gained knowledge in urban management and
development, the ideas, perspectives and experiences especially in
conducting research will be shared as a teaching-learning experience to
his students and colleagues at the Mountain Province State Polytechnic
College – Tadian Campus.
Document Outline
- Analysis of Agricultural Land Conversion inLa Trinidad, Benguet
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- Background of the Study
- Statement of the Problem
- Objectives of the Study
- Scope and Limitation of the Study
- Importance of the Study
- Conceptual Framework
- Implementation of DevelopmentPlans and Programs
- Management of Resources
- Factors and Indicators of Developmentand Management
- Impacts on Social, Economicand Ecological Development
- Urban Planning and Management
- Operational Definition of Terms
- METHODOLOGY
- Locale and Time of the Study
- Research Design and Methods
- Respondents of the Study
- Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- Factors Affecting AgriculturalLand Conversion
- Extent of Agricultural Land Conversion
- Effects of Agricultural Land Conversion
- Social Effects
- Economic Effects
- Environmental Effects
- Solutions to Minimize AgriculturalLand Conversion and its adverse effects
- Implications to Urban Developmentand Management
- SUMMARY, CONLCUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- Summary
- Findings
- Conclusions
- Recommendations
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES