FMDS Student Papers

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https://repository.upou.edu.ph/handle/20.500.13073/52
Research outputs by graduate students of the Faculty of Management and Development Studies.

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Browsing FMDS Student Papers by Subject "Research Subject Categories::FORESTRY, AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES and LANDSCAPE PLANNING::Landscape planning::Comprehensive planning"
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    Conservation of Pinulot-Caulaman River Watershed using GIS and RUSLE-based Soil Erosion Risk Assessment in Central Luzon, Philippines
    ( 2025-03-07) Salac, Carlo P.
    Soil erosion is a serious environmental issue which can drastically impact watersheds like the case of Pinulot-Caulaman River Watershed (PCRW) in Central Luzon, Philippines. PCRW is a critical watershed for agricultural and domestic purposes covering Zambales Range and Mt. Natib to the west and lowland areas to the east. This study investigated the biophysical and socioeconomic conditions of PCRW to estimate the overall soil erosion risk and recommend conservation strategies appropriate for the watershed. The methodology involved data mining online and processing of secondary information through Geographic Information System (GIS). This was followed by applying Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model to compute soil erosion and delineate risk zonation by analyzing the temporal and spatial changes in the watershed on three selected periods, i.e., 2014, 2017, and 2024. The PCRW is characteristically fragmented showing declining forest cover across complex topography with young and clay-rich soil types that received abundant rainfall, however, there were minimal conservation practices employed. Based on RUSLE, soil erosion with more than 300 tons ha-1 annually was considered very severe, particularly in steep and sparsely vegetated western areas of the watershed. In 2014, these severely eroded areas covered 20% of PCRW which increased to 28% with 11,696 hectares erosion coverage a decade after. Considering the status of the watershed, these critically erodible areas should be prioritized for restoration through the enhanced National Greening Program (NGP). Furthermore, moderate to very high erosion risk categories require conservation measures while intact forested slopes should be delineated as protected zones that will altogether form part of the watershed management plan. This study highlighted the applicability of GIS techniques and RUSLE model in providing data-driven and evidence-based decision-making tools for soil conservation. Furthermore, erosion results can be verified through ground validation to enhance the accuracy of the model in assessing the PCRW, together with future watershed assessment of erosion in other parts of the country.
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    Drivers and barriers in climate change mitigation and adaptation in infrastructure development in Iloilo Province
    ( 2023) Policarpio, Ruby Rose
    Anchored on the importance of local governments in national and global climate change initiatives, this study delves into the drivers of, barriers to, and recommendations for, enhancing the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in local government infrastructures in Dumangas, Iloilo, Philippines. As a qualitative study, analysis was undertaken per review of Dumangas Municipality’s annual accomplishment reports, development and action plans, ordinances, and other local policies; and responses of respondents to a semi-structured questionnaire. Using purposive sampling, 60 local government officials were targeted as respondents and received the questionnaire; 47 of the 60 target respondents (78%) completed and returned the questionnaires. Current drivers of climate change mitigation and adaptation in local government infrastructures in Dumangas include the presence of champions/avid supporters, financial assistance from foreign/national donors, and technical assistance from foreign/national donors. Local capacities, local funds dedicated to climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures imbedded into Local Comprehensive Development Plan/Local Climate Change Plan, are not playing key roles in the current integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into local government infrastructures. Barriers to climate change mitigation and adaptation measures integration in local government infrastructures are difficulties in conceptualizing the design, allocating funds, sourcing out materials, obtaining expertise, and legislating local ordinances. Recommendations for enhancing the integration of climate change mitigation and adaptation in local government infrastructures, to supplement and complement the current drivers, include the establishing of technical expertise, capacity building of local government officials, putting in place of local legislations with annual fund allocation, and strengthening of executive-legislative coordination. Validation of the study could be conducted in other LGUs, for strengthening climate change adaptation and mitigation policies and initiatives in specific municipalities and/or across municipalities in the Philippines.