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Issue No.

3 Series of 2013

February 2013 - June 2013

INSIDE!
MARIBOJOC REVISITED KNOWLEDGE SHARING SCALED UP LAKE MAINIT MERITS CONSERVATION SUPPORT

EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES SAFEGUARD MT. BULUSAN VOLCANO NATURAL PARK UNDERSTANDING LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINE REEF VOICE OF VULNERABLE TRIBE HEARD

INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES GREENING THE FORESTS IN ABRA FPE SPORTS AN UPDATED LOGO TRIBUNIMALS

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EDITORIAL BOARD

ABOUT SARIHAY
Sarihay is a bi-annual newsletter of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE). The word Sarihay was coined from samut saring buhay to describe the diversity of life or biodiversity. In its continuing effort to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, FPE shares through Sarihay some project updates as well as strategies, experiences and lessons of practitioners, partners and networks of the Foundation. Email your request for newsletter subscription, inquiries, or article contributions at info@fpe.ph. An online version of Sarihay is also available at www.fpe.ph. Copyright 2013 Foundation for the Philippine Environment. All rights reserved.

Nestor R. Carbonera
CHAIRPERSON AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Godofredo T. Villapando Jr.


EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Fernando M. Ramirez
LUZON REGIONAL UNIT MANAGER

Myrissa L. Tabao
VISAYAS REGIONAL UNIT MANAGER

Armando C. Pacudan
MINDANAO REGIONAL UNIT MANAGER

Liza M. Vida
OIC, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT UNIT

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO

Jay Carmela C. Ciriaco


FINANCE UNIT MANAGER

MANAGING EDITOR

Mary Ann B. Leones


INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION UNIT MANAGER

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Pilar B. Saldajeno
INFORMATION OFFICER

DESIGN AND LAYOUT DIRECTOR

Earl Paulo Diaz


CONTRIBUTORS

Armando C. Pacudan Edel S. Garingan Dominic S. Agsaway Fernando M. Ramirez Florence C. Baula Maria Felda S. Domingo Marjorie A. Marasigan Mark Anthony L. Bagsit Myrissa L. Tabao

Swimming and sheltering through the corals in Caramoan, Camarines Sur are a small group of five-line cardinal fish. They inhabit coastal lagoon and reef flats to a depth of about 40m or more. This underwater shot was taken by the Diliman Science Research Foundation (DSRF) for the FPE-supported project entitled Need to Quantify and Understand Reef Biodiversity in the Philippines for the Benefit of Filipinos.

Summer cool-down. Children frolicking in the waters of Maribojoc Bay in Barangay San Vicente, Maribojoc. (Photo by FPE-VRU)

MARIBOJOC REVISITED
Myrissa L. Tabao, FPE Visayas Regional Unit Manager

Last April 3, 2013, a new project was forged through a partnership agreement signing between FPE and the Participatory Research Organization of Communities and Education towards Struggle for Self-Reliance or PROCESS-Bohol, Inc., a non-government organization based in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. This project entitled Re-assessment of Community-Managed Mangrove Forest Ecosystems in Maribojoc Bay has the purposes of (1) reassessing the current biophysical resources and conduct social and services mapping of the Maribojoc Bay covering the municipalities of Cortes and Maribojoc

fter 16 years, the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) has returned to Maribojoc Bay!

on southwestern Bohol and comparing this with 1997 baseline data; (2) establishing a local research and monitoring team and institutionalizing a multisectoral community-based monitoring system for the mangroves; and (3) producing a 5-year climate resilient management plan for Maribojoc Bay. Maribojoc Bay is the biggest bay in Bohol province covering an area of 145 km2. In a 2005 study conducted by JBJ Consulting, Inc., it was determined that its 573-ha coral reef and 84-ha mangrove forest respectively provides PhP 43.1 million and PhP 33.7 million worth of benefits annually to the surrounding municipalities.

Back in 1997, PROCESS-Bohol received a grant from FPE to conduct a baseline study of Maribojoc Bay. The study, which was conducted by the Silliman University Marine Laboratory, found the Bay to have Maribojoc Bay one of the richest mangroves in has one of the the Philippines with 25 species richest mangroves in 13 families. Various endemic species of plants and animals in the Philippines were also listed. This baseline with 25 species in information became the basis for various conservation programs 13 families. in the Bay that eventually led to its management by the local governments of Maribojoc-CortesTagbilaran City-Panglao-Dauis (MACOTAPADA) through the Maribojoc Bay Executive Management Office.

A simple signing ceremony with the community was held along the mangrove-fringed shore of Barangay San Vicente, Maribojoc. This was witnessed by the respective presidents and members of three Peoples Organizations who will be the local partners for this project, namely: the San Vicente Mangroves Association (SAVIMA), Dipatlong Mangrove Planters Association (DIMAPA), and Upper de la Paz Biodiversity Conservation Association (UBCA). It is worthy to mention that SAVIMA was organized during the first FPE project with PROCESS-Bohol back in 1997 and has never wavered in restoring lush mangrove forests in the municipality of Maribojoc. Indeed, FPE is now seeing the results of its work even as it continues to foster partnerships and support communities for the environment in southwestern Bohol.

On hand for the signing were (right and left): Ms. Emilia Roslinda, Executive Director and Mr. Mario Limocon, Director for Operations and Project Supervisor of PROCESS-Bohol, and Myrissa Lepiten-Tabao (center) and Raymunda Debuayan (standing, second row, first from right) from the Visayas Regional Unit of FPE.

KNOWLEDGE SHARING SCALED UP


Maria Felda S. Domingo, National Coordinator, USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Project

n support of this years Earth Day celebration, with the theme Earth Day Everyday, Everywhere, for Everyone, FPE launched the second batch of its KALIKASAN (Kaalamang Likas Yaman: Knowledge of Natural Resources) Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development Knowledge Series featuring the case studies of eight partners under the USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas Project. These cases showcase best practices on forest restoration of FPE partners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This activity, which forms part of the Knowledge Management component of the USAID-FPE Upscaling Project, was held on April 17, 2013 at the UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries, Diliman, Quezon City. Nearly 100 participants graced the event from government agencies (DENR and DOT), USAID sub-grantees, FPE civil society partners, business sector and the media. With cases that revolve around convergence and partnership building as well as encouraging peoples organizations and communities participation in forest restoration, the partners shared valuable learnings, strategies and recommendations worth replicating in other conservation sites. Here are some insights from our partners about the case studies:
Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development As They See It: Community-based Conservation with the Manobo-Tinananon of Arakan, North Cotabato

The indigenous planning framework or village-wide planning approach attempts to look at how indigenous peoples see their world: not a material thing to be consumed, but a sacred place for spirits that regulate use of natural resources. - Jayson Ibaez Research and Conservation Director Philippine Eagle Foundation, Inc. (PEFI)
Convergence Building Towards Sustainable Management of Watersheds: Case Study of Panigan-Tamugan and Talomo-Lipadas Watersheds in Davao City

The case underscores the importance of sustaining the engagement of policy makers so they could take part in the implementation of the initiative.
- Mary Ann Fuertes Executive Director Interface Development Initiatives, Inc. (IDIS) Pagsugod sa Pagbulig Para sa Lasang: Encouraging Participation of Peoples Organizations in Forest Resource Management

If there is no sustainable livelihood, park occupants will go back again to unsustainable livelihood or forest extraction.
- Reynic Alo Executive Director Multi-sectoral Alliance for Development (MUAD)-Negros

The 4Cs Cycle Model: Making Partnerships in Biodiversity Conservation Work in Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed Forest Reserve

In all levels of implementation, the involvement of the local people is important so they feel an ownership of the project.
- Roseo Depra Executive Director Negros Economic Development Foundation (NEDF)

Rebirthing Philippine Forests: Best Practices and Lessons in 22 Years of VSUs Rainforestation Implementation

Memorandum of agreements and partnership with various organizations played an important role in promoting rainforestation on a wider scale.
- Ma. Juliet Ceniza Director National Coconut Research Center Visayas/Visayas State University

Phases of Stewardship in Cebus Terrestrial KBAs: The Case of Tabunan, Alcoy and Dalaguete

Forest wardens must transition to stewards by providing them with livelihood support and training; and by instilling them the value that forest stewardship is a responsibility and a privilege rather than a mere job. - Estela Rodriguez Executive Director Cebu Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (CBCFI)

The Banahaw-San Cristobal Social Fence: Linking Organized Communities in Quezon and Laguna

Ang social fence ay mahaba at masalimuot na paglalakbay, maraming issues ang kailangang tugunan. Building a social fence begins when stakeholders realize they need to have a common vision for the protection of the park. - Eugenio Roxas Executive Director Luntiang Alyansa Para sa Bundok Banahaw (LABB)

Scaling-up Local Conservation Initiatives: Stories to Tell from Polillo Islands

One of our many lessons in Polillio: conservation actions should not be driven by funding availability, but by a conservation agenda.
- Errol Gatumbato Technical Consultant/Case Study Writer Polillo Islands Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PIBCFI)

Mt. Bulusan scarred by several eruptions.

EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES SAFEGUARD MT. BULUSAN VOLCANO NATURAL PARK


Fernando M. Ramirez, FPE Luzon Regional Unit Manager

t. Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) is a significant protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). It is an active volcano and one of the last intact forests in the Bicol Region. Mt. Bulusans earliest recorded eruption was in 1852, followed by several others until 1916, emitting mud and ashes that caused landslides. The volcano rested for almost 50 years from 1933, then it erupted again in 1983 and in 2006. In 2007, small ash emissions and lahar flow have been constantly monitored.

The Park is also known for its hot and cold springs, geothermal fields, and a small crater lake Bulusan silently shimmering in the midst of a thick dipterocarp forest that teems with vines, wild orchids and threatened giant ferns. BVNP is an important watershed that supplies water for Sorsogon. It is home to some near-threatened and vulnerable birds such as the Luzon-bleeding heart pigeon ( Gallicolumba luzonica) and the Philippine HawkEagle ( Spizaetus philippinensis); and two Bulusanendemic flora an aquatic plant, Schefflera bulusanicum and a fern, Prenephrium bulusanicum. The most recent resource and socio-economic assessment of the park validated the presence of a small Rafflesia species. The greatest threat to BVNP aside from natural calamities is the perception that the forest is a communal property.

LOCATION Province: Sorsogon Municipalities: Casiguran, Irosin, Bulusan, Juban, Barcelona Barangays: Inlagadian, Mabini, Monbon, Mapaso, Cogon, San Roque, San Francisco, San Jose, San Isidro, Puting Sapa Area: 3,600 hectares ECOSYSTEMS Sub-montane Forest and Lake Ecosystem CONSERVATION STATUS (PBCPP) Bulusan National Park - Very High (VH); Current Key Biodiversity Area (KBA)

Bulusan lake, part of the BVNP, as pristine as ever, since the FPE CBRMP project started in mid 1990s.

This means unregulated resource extraction will continue to pose risks for the park. In 1996, Lingap para sa Kalusugan ng Sambayanan (LIKAS, Inc.) started an FPE-funded Communitybased Resource Management Project (CBRMP) in BVNP. Initially 10 barangays were covered by the project; out of these, 9 barangays in 5 municipalities surrounding the park were successfully organized into a strong federation of upland farmers and forest stakeholders called Pederasyon ng Nagkakaisang Samahan ng Bundok Bulusan or PNAGSAMA. In 2002, after a turnover ceremony involving LIKAS, as well as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region V, provincial federation members and local government unit (LGU) representatives, PNAGSAMA accepted the challenge of managing the BVNP conservation project. The federation had organized the other surrounding barangays and developed second-liner leaders to sustain biodiversity conservation activities. Thus, more PO formations emerged such as AGAPBulusan and others.
Patrolling and biodiversity monitoring in BVNP.

PNAGSAMA Strategic Planning, 2006.

Partners Forum at Shangrila.

While there were deputation issues with the DENR, other protection activities such as patrolling and biodiversity monitoring system (BMS) were continued, park violators were apprehended and court cases were filed accordingly. A total of 10 years of intervention was completed with an investment of about PhP12 million from FPE, excluding the counterpart funds from LIKAS, PNAGSAMA and the DENR. Up to this day, the federation is still actively involved in forest monitoring and patrolling, and advocacy initiatives such as lobbying for the congressional enactment of the BVNP protected area bill. PNAGSAMA remains a potent PO federation operating

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FPE project investment goes a long way
PNAGSAMA has become a strong community organization bound by a common goal of protecting BVNP. The federation now participates in park strategic planning, decision making and management. PNAGSAMA has been acknowledged widely by different sectors, further encouraging the Federation to sustain park protection. During the last year of the project implementation, Likas and the federation tested a systematic phase out mechanism and filed a protected area bill for BVNP and several local resolutions/ ordinances to effectively manage the park.
around BVNP. Nurtured by LIKAS, they have become a strong partner in the management of the park. PNAGSAMA has relentlessly pushed for the passage of the protected area bill despite inaction from the previous and the present government administrations. Now faced with yet another huge challenge -- the geothermal plant application in Irosin and the perennial volcanic hazards of pyroclastic and lava flows, ashfall and lahar -- the empowered communities and POs will again step up their efforts; but, they strongly feel government agencies concerned must really live up to their mandate of protecting the precious Bulusan.

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UNDERSTANDING LIFE IN THE PHILIPPINE REEF


Edel S. Garingan, FPE Project Officer

A researcher in action. (Photo by DSRF)

rom a distance, they look like a group of young people having an exciting summer adventure or a sweet voyage to a remote island in Northern Samar. They are traversing the calm morning waves through a relatively large fishing vessel that offers enough space for their baggage, food crates and diving paraphernalia. The group scans a perfect spot in the ocean. After the anchor was set in its most steady location, they begin the real order of the day -- to determine the condition of life and ecosystem beneath the ocean. One by one, the five-person research team dives into the water; that is the starting point of one of the most extensive researches on the state of the Philippine reef biodiversity. The team, as part of their study, will provide realistic recommendations on ocean resources management, especially on the reef and fisheries current conditions and threats. The research on Philippine reef biodiversity was conceptualized by the Diliman Science Research

Foundation (DSRF) with Jonathan Anticamara, associate professor in the University of the Philippines Institute of Biology as the lead researcher for the project. They recognized the need to assess more sites as a viable contribution to science and conservation action on Philippine reef biodiversity. And so in 2012, DSRF submitted a proposal to FPE on the said reef study. FPE supported this project that will cover 14 representative sites in the country including Palawan, Tawi-tawi and Northern Samar. Jonathan, with his research associate Justine Ramos, partners with an academic institution that can work with them in specific representative sites. They coordinate with the local government agencies such as the Municipal Environmental and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and the Bureau of Fisheries, and secure the informed consent from the municipal mayor. When all prerequisites had been completed and those who will join the actual field survey in the reef have been oriented, the group then banters the waves and

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plunges themselves into a couple feet under the ocean.

Lemon damselfish (DSRF)

Cabadiangan Experience On the second week of April 2013, the group conducted the field survey in two municipalities in Northern Samar, their fifth site since they started the research last March 2013. The first site they visited in Samar was the coral reef area of Cabadiangan in an old town of Laoang.
With the big fishing boat provided by the local government unit, the team of Jonathan, Justin and two other research associates, Kevin and Daisy, including Saula Gabona, an associate professor in the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) plus two local fisheries technicians, navigated the sea very smoothly. For about three hours, they were surging under the water, taking pictures of corals, fishes and other lifeforms. Unfortunately, many sections of the Cabadiangan reef have vast coral rubbles demonstrating the site had been blasted by dynamite. Moreover, the team did not notice any big fishes inhabiting the reef; they only saw fish species of about 30 cm long. With the fishes criss-crossing, circling and swimming around them, the dive became extremely exciting. However even certified professional divers cannot always trust the waves. At a certain point in the dive in Cabadiangan, Jonathan had to cut short the survey because the current gained so much strength that made the dive dangerously risky.
The underwater scene (DSRF)

Clarks anemone fish (DSRF)

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The good shot Unlike in Laoang, the team found more fish and coral species in Barangay Barobaybay in Lavesares, which is a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Jonathan is very delighted to discover that many coral species and coral reef fishes found in other sites in the country are actually present in this MPA. Among the fish species are anemone, lemon fish, chevron, damsel and beaked filefish. The team also saw a school of striped catfish willfully wandering on the coral reef and that is exactly what they would like to see, a thriving reef ecosystem!
Although, some patches of the reef were blasted in the past by dynamite, there are, however, existing mechanisms that will ensure threats, such as this, are being addressed.

Tomato Anemonefish (DSRF)

Striped catfish (DSRF)

Crown of thorns Although different in many ways, the sites in Laoang and Lavesares share one common weakness: the presence of crown of thorns -- species of starfish that are eating the corals to death. Jonathan recommended to LGUs to periodically strip off these starfishes from the reef as they can really kill a lot of corals. More life to discover After each survey, the team relaxes a bit in a nearby community, under the shade of a tree, inside a local house or just by the bay sharing stories with the locals. They munch home-cooked meals or sip coffee to warm their bodies. Then the team cleans up their diving gear and research equipment. Although tired, they happily head back to Manila thinking about rest for the weekend. Just a few days after that, they will be diving again to understand life and ecosystem balance in a place still largely unknown and unexplored.

Bleaked filefish (DSRF)

The researchers in Lavasares.

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LAKE MAINIT MERITS CONSERVATION SUPPORT


Armando C. Pacudan, FPE Mindanao Regional Unit Manager

hy conserve biodiversity in Lake Mainit? Lake Mainit, a wetland ecosystem, bisects the two provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Norte in the Caraga region. Considered as the fourth largest freshwater lake in the Philippines, and Mindanaos second, Lake Mainit is the deepest lake with a maximum depth of 223 meters. It has an area of 17,340 hectares, an altitude of 27 meters above sea level and a shoreline of about 62.10 km.

Lake Mainit supports an important fishery, which is a major source of livelihood of communities surrounding the lake. The economy of the municipalities around Lake Mainit is also heavily dependent on the agricultural production around the perimeter of the lake.

Biodiversity and watershed importance Lake Mainit is categorized in the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Priority-Setting Program (PBCPP) as very high in biodiversity value. Likewise, Conservation International, Haribon Foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), among others, have considered Lake Mainit to be a candidate key biodiversity area (KBA), making it a priority for conservation and management. In fact, it belongs to the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC), composed of eight KBAs. Being part of the watershed areas (87,072 has.), it is also proposed by the DENR to become a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (RA 7586).
Lake Mainit is a habitat of rich flora and fauna including migratory and non-migratory species most prominent species are pedianga (Glossogobius giurus), buguan

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Major strategies of the Lake Mainit Year 3 BCSD Program
Ecosystem-based Management. Establishment of additional areas for rainforestation and additional community-managed protected area/fish sanctuary; reactivation of Barangay Fishery Aquatic Resource Management Council (BFARMC); adoption of barangay sanctuary fishery ordinance; and, rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing fish sanctuaries. Organizational Development and Tribal Empowerment. Continuous coaching and mentoring to POs; and, creation of PO federation. Socio-Economic Enhancement. Through complementation with other donors, there will be small capital infusion/microfinance assistance; livelihood projects; and training on community-based ecotourism. Linkaging and Networking. The project will strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders in the area. Research and Information Management.There will be fish catch monitoring using biodiversity monitoring and evaluation (BIOME) system, and production of IEC materials.

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(Hypselelotris agilis) and other rare fish species like puyo or climbing perch and gabot. Its forest lands are dominated by secondary growth with indigenous species like Batuan (Garcina garciae), rattan (Calamus merrillii), palm (Caryota rumphiana philippinensis). Narra, yakal, red and white lauan, balete, bugawak and molave can also be found in the forest.

Presence of mineral resources and indigenous people


The Caraga region, the so-called mining capital of the Philippines, also boasts of rich mineral resources like gold, limestone, marble, copper, silver and coal that sit within the Lake Mainit environs. Owing to this richness, mining explorations and operations abound in the vicinity of Lake Mainit. Mining, being an extractive activity, is considered a major threat to biodiversity. Most importantly, the uplands of Lake Mainit are home to the Mamanwa tribe, a diminishing and/or nearly vanishing indigenous peoples (IP) group in the Caraga region.

Sustainable Development (BCSD) program of Green Mindanao Association, Inc. The current years sitefocused intervention of FPE continues to respond to some environmental and social issues and challenges confronting the Lake Mainit ecosystems; hence, the project employs advocacy on mining, promotes IP empowerment and enhances tribal governance. The main objective of the program is to strengthen and sustain the conservation gains of previous interventions, as well as to bridge some gaps in the first two years of program implementation. Following the road map based on the five-year strategic plan for the site, the projects year 3 aims to scale up and consolidate BCSD efforts

What strategies will be employed in the current project?


Considering the biodiversity importance and sociocultural significance of Lake Mainit, FPE approved the Year 3 Integrated Biodiversity Conservation and

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Expected outcomes of Year 3 BCSD Program
Empowered IPs and PO organizations as indicated by increased representation in the council and consideration in projects environmental impact assessments; Fostered partnerships among stakeholders who will sustain what have been started by the assisting NGOs; POs/IPOs have promoted environment friendly economic activities; Addressed immediate socio-economic needs of communities; Promoted PO self-reliance; Increased number of BCSD advocates; Drew financial, technical and material resources from the other organizations to sustain conservation initiatives/ advocacy; Baseline data gathered; Measured immediate impact of established fish sanctuaries; and, Increased awareness of the community on lake protection.

among partner non-government organizations (NGO) and people organization (PO), emphasizing NGO-PO management, or deeper hand-holding and empowerment process of the PO partners. Green Mindanao Association, Inc. works with and nurtures eight POs located in selected barangays surrounding the lake and administratively under the jurisdiction of four lake-shore municipalities of Jabonga and Kitcharao in the province of Agusan del Norte and Alegria; and Mainit in the province of Surigao del Norte. Green Mindanao also collaborates with the local government units (LGUs), the Lake Mainit Development Alliance, the academe, government line agencies, donor agencies and other stakeholders in the area.

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INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES GREENING THE FORESTS IN ABRA


Marjorie A. Marasigan, FPE NGP Coordinator

Nursery located at Brgy. Tiempo, Tubo, Abra.

IPON (Tipon ti Umili para iti Panagsalwad ti Nakaparswaan, Inc.) is an Indigenous Peoples Organization (IPO) partner of FPE engaged in the National Greening Program (NGP) in Tubo, Abra. TIPON is also a partner under the EU-Fundeso Mainstreaming Indigenous Peoples Participation in Environmental Governance (MIPPEG) project. The IPO remarkably mobilized nine of its ten barangays in the seedlings production for NGP, establishing 28 nurseries all over the municipality. More than 600,000 seedlings of endemic forest tree species and fruit-bearing tree species were produced by the organization and now ready for planting. Despite the unfavorable rainy season for seed collection and tree planting activities in June 2013 plus the pressure of having to complete the project within six months or by December, and other organizations opting to procure seedlings from other provinces and nearby municipalities, TIPON is determined to raise
MOA signing (from left NCIP representative Elsa Dioayan, PENRO Ernesto Aton, TIPON president Mariano Dangatan, and TIPON member Anthony Ladawan.)

TIPON is among the 14 CSO partners of FPE that have successfully signed a MOA with their respective PENRO and CENRO pursuant to the NGP partnership among FPE, DENR and PTFCF aiming to raise one million seedlings in 2012 for 3,475 hectares of forestland nationwide. For 2013, around 68 CSOs were endorsed to the DENR for NGP with expected seedling production of more than two million.

and plant their own seedlings in their ancestral domain. They believe that by doing this, they can cultivate environmental stewardship in the community, protect the natural resources for the younger generation and provide more than just additional source of income for the indigenous people. While TIPON has continuing discourse with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Abra and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Bangued concerning the NGP, the support of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the local government unit of Tubo had boosted cooperation among the organizations involved. Recently, TIPON represented by its chairman Mariano Dangatan signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with PENRO and CENRO for site preparation to eventually commence their tree planting in June 2013 in 1,295 hectares of ancestral land or about 70 percent of the NGP target of CENRO-Bangued.

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