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"
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    Assessment of Abaca Disease Management Project of Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in Manito, Albay
    (Zenodo, 2022-11-07) Barquilla, Clark B.
    Abaca farming is one of the major sources of income for farmers living in the four barangays of Manito, Albay consisting of Balasbas, Buyo, Cawayan, and Nagotgot. Unfortunately, this livelihood is threatened by the spread of abaca diseases such as abaca bunchy top, bract mosaic, and abaca mosaic which the mosaic has been one of the major factors contributing to decreased crop productivity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Abaca Disease Management Project of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in Manito, Albay based on the gathered secondary data and field interviews. The socio-demographic profile of the respondents was gathered to understand its correlation with farmers’ perception of whether the project is effective or not. The impacts of the project are discussed specifically the socio-economic, gender equality, social capital, and other impacts. Out of 125 farmer-beneficiaries, 57 abaca farmers were interviewed. It was found that the ADMP conducted by PhilFIDA in Manito, Albay was effective in controlling and eradicating abaca diseases. The majority of farmers interviewed believed that ADMP was successful. The major contribution of the project to the farmer’s household increase in fiber harvested, families enabled to send their children to school and abaca farming became their major source of income. Women had an equal chance to participate in community organizations. The number of farmer-beneficiaries attending the training and skill development like training on abaca disease control and eradication and livelihood training on abaca fiber processing increased. Respondent’s role in abaca farming had a high and middle degree of correlation to the increase of abaca fiber harvested, and also to the perceived success of the project. The increase in abaca fiber harvested by the farmers had a positive correlation to their perception that ADMP would be a successful project. However, the status of ownership of the land being cultivated, the size of the farm, the age, the sex, the civil status, the education, and the number of children of the farmers had no correlation to the increase of abaca fiber harvested and to the farmer’s perception on the success of the project. The results of the study could be valuable for the implementing agency and local government unit in reviewing their project implementation, management, and policy-making.
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    Assessment of the Reforestation Area at Crow Valley, Clarkfield, Pampanga.
    ( 2004) Aquino, Bolando Monje
    This study aimed at a thorough assessment of the PAF reforestation area at the Crow Valley, Clarkfield, Pampanga. Its primary objectives were to determine: (a) the suitability of the bio-physical condition of the area for forest production; (b) the acceptability of the PAF reforestation plan to the stakeholders; and © the feasibility of the PFA reforestation project. To achieve these, a map survey was conducted supplemented by an ocular inspection of the area. This was followed by a social survey through interview with the stakeholder's key personnel. Furthermore, a feasibility study was conducted based on a reforestation plan developed. Based on the biophysical assessment, the area is found suitable for forest production with its slope falling within 0% to 50% gradient and its elevation below 1000m asl. However, more than its productive use, the area needs rehabilitation because it is slightly eroded and its vegetation is basically covered with grasses with few patches of trees. On the socio-institutional assessment of the community in the area, the social survey revealed that the residents accepted the PAF reforestation project as indicated by their willingness to participate in the reforestation project despite no consultations made by PAF. However, the residents preferred that the project should not be contracted for fear that they would not be involved in forest management. If the PAF would pursue the project, it was assessed that it is financially viable based on a reforestation plan formulated that would address the current bio-physical and social-institutional concerns into a socially and environmentally acceptable undertaking. This is indicated by an NPV of 10% and 12% of P8.277M and P5.772M respectively, and an IRR of 23%. More than its financial returns, it was also assessed that the project could uplift the socio-economic life of the residents in terms of employment and livelihood benefits, and could improve the various environmental services like increased biodiversity, improved microclimate, increased water-generating capacity, among others.
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    Characterization of the Habitat and Food Preference of Bayuku (Ryssota ovum Val) in Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve
    ( 2003) Solatre, Jimson S.
    The study aimed at characterizing the biophysical and microclimatic conditions of the natural habitat of Bayuku (Ryssota ovum Val.) and determining its food preferences. The characterization of the natural habitat was carried out at the Boot Subwatershed where the Bayuku specimens were collected for experimentation. The preference test was undertaken at the multistorey agroforestry system at the Learning Laboratory for Agroforestry. The study was conducted from February to March 2003. Among the micro-habitats of the Bayuku included the base or buttresses of trees rock depressions, weathered rock surfaces, the underside of forest leaves, and underneath fallen branches, decomposing logs and other forest litters. They concealed themselves as defense mechanism against their predators and protection against light and desiccation. Their common enemies include the black ant, Aphaenogaster treate, and the Red Crested Malkoha, Phaenicophaeus supercilious, or locally known as “Basag-Bayuku” which preyed on juveniles. A Zoroptys sp., a primitive insect common at the foot of the Bayuku was believed to be their ally or collaborator. Threats to the survival of the Bayuku were found to be man-made, over collection and the incidence of forest fires damaging their natural habitat. In the preference test, Tangisang Bayawak was the most preferred food by the Bayuku among the five-leaf litters from the natural habitat while Kakawate was the most preferred food among the agroforestry species tested. On choice test, the Bayuku demonstrated greater preference for fresh leaves than the decomposing dried biomass. Comparing the food consumption among biomass types, the combination of decomposing dried biomass and fresh leaves registered the highest food intakes followed by the pure-fresh leaves. Leaf litter of sample trees from the natural habitat and leaf litters of agroforestry species raked the least consumed food types. The moistness of the leaf biomass was observed to enhance the food preference of the Bayuku. The study showed that Bayuku are generalists in their food intake. They consumed food other than what they normally eat at their natural habitat. This suggests the potential of Bayuku for culture and integration in agroforestry. The relationship between the weight increments of Bayuku with their food intake was found to be negative, signifying that other than the quantity of food consumed, the nutrient value of the food was another factor that contributed to the growth and weight increment of Bayuku. The meat and fecal matter of Bayuku were also found to be significant. An analysis of its edible meat's nutritive value showed very high amounts of protein and ash as source of minerals, and low in fat. The meat's attribute was found to be at par with the other major food sources. Moreover, its fecal matter was found to be good source of macro and micronutrients essential for plant growth.
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    Exploring the Use of RS and GIS Technologies for the Future Development of Heritage Information System in Banaue Rice Terraces
    ( 2017) Sontillanosa, Rosalyn D.
    The beauty of the Banaue Rice Terraces continues to be threatened. Challenges to protect and conserve the Rice Terraces continue to persist in Banaue being a living cultural landscape. Lack of baseline information like maps in particular make it difficult for site managers to understand the amount of work to be done to ensure the sustainability of the conservation program on the terraces. The use of earth science tools like Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) are becoming popular in the management of cultural heritage sites. However, the technologies of Remote Sensing and GIS are quite expensive. In addition, some geospatial data are not readily available. Financial constraints/lack of knowledge are some of the reasons why the LGU cannot invest on these technologies. This paper used the available geospatial data like the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture RADAR (IFSAR) and the Land Use Map of Prof. Harold Conklin that was generated in the 1970s and assessed its usefulness to the Heritage Information System (HIS). Different geospatial datasets were generated from IFSAR Digital Elevation Model like the high-resolution contours, Slope, TIN, and Hillshade. All processing were done using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software, a free and open-source GIS software that is gaining popularity nowadays among GIS users. The availability of different free and open-source GIS softwares could help poor municipalities like Banaue manage the information and data to protect and conserve the famous Banaue Rice Terraces (BRT). These data will help site managers understand the spatial relationship of different land use activities on the area and how it would affect the BRT.
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    Grassland Vegetation Assessment In Forage Farms In Masbate Province, Philippines
    ( 2021-05) Barruga, Bever M.
    BARRUGA, BEVER MANARAS.Master of Environment and Natural Resources Management.Faculty of Management and Development Studies. University of the Philippines Open University. July 2021. Grassland Vegetation Assessment in Forage Farms in Masbate Province, Philippines Special Problem Adviser: Dr. Ramiro F. Plopino Grassland vegetation assessment is valuable for monitoring and inventory of pastures. This study gathered baseline data on the prevailing grassland condition and its underlying factors byidentifying vegetation attributes and how these impact the feed resources condition, in terms of species composition, cover, frequency value, height, and dominance ratio, and examine how it relates to pasture management and practices. Pointsampling technique using point frame method, vegetation analysis through descriptive statistics, and Key Informant Interviews were employed to gather data and qualitative information. It was observed that the species composition was diverse in each area. In terms of percent relative cover, Paddock 16, Stylosanthes guianensis obtained 75.80%; Paddock 8, Brachiaria humidicola, 59.26%; and Paddock 12 (P12), Brachiaria humidicola, 31.36%.For paddock 16 (P16) and 8 (P8), the relative frequency is highest for Stylosanthes guianensisand Brachiaria humidicola, 50% and 39% respectively, while in paddock 12 (P12), the highest relative frequency were Arachis pintoi and Bracharia decumbens, 17.65%.The highest relative height recorded in paddock 8 (P8) was Themeda triandra, Imperata cylindrica, and Mimosa pudicahaving 22.70%, 32.42% and 14.40%, respectively. Paddock 12 (P12) appeared to have lowest relative height value of 46.49% compared to paddock 8 (P8) and 16 (P16) with 169.03% and 185.59%, respectively. Overall, Brachiaria humidicolain Paddock 8 (P8) and 12 (P12) and Stylosanthes guianensis in Paddock 16 (P16) had the highest dominance ratio. Pastoral management of ranchers adopts rotational grazing management. However, rotation of animals was done at its lowest grazing capacity which resulted to overgrazing. Environmental policies in the barangay such as garbage disposal, impoundment of stray animals must be strictly observed to avoid additional grazing impact and pasture degradation. It is also recommended that improved pastures such as stylo and humidicola shall be homogenous to increase herbage yield available to animals to control possible growth of unpalatable invasive species.
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    Landcover Analysis of Uppper Magat Magat Watershed, Northern Luzon, Philippines
    ( 2024) Castillo, Jhonber R.
    The Upper Magat Watershed is classified as one of the 142 critical watersheds in the Philippines and its contribution on maintaining ecological balance as well as its economic importance warrants significant inputs to its sustainable management, conservation, and protection. As such, it was subjected to landscape analysis particularly its land cover and landscape elements which were used to recommend management regimes in the watershed. Geographic Information System (GIS) was employed in data processing and analysis. The generated GIS data were then processed using Supervised Classification in Quantum GIS 3.4.9 with Semi-Automatic Classification and Lecos plug-ins, and Arc Map 10.2. The Upper Magat Watershed was classified into five major land cover types such as vegetation, agricultural areas, barren lands, built-up zones, and water bodies. Areas classified as vegetation were mainly forest lands and grassland areas in the upper slopes which dominates the total land area of the study site. While agricultural areas were very pronounced in the lowland areas. Furthermore, the results of overlaying the DENR projects such as NGP and FMP with the landcover shows that there is a significant increase in forest areas and retention of forest cover in the projects sites. The study recognized that the importance and impact of landcover change and its drivers in the planning process, development environmental projects and mitigation and strategies to investigate and formulate possible solutions to identified potential or emerging problems in the watershed.
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    Problems Associated with Adoption of Pili (Canarium ovatum, Eng) As Cashcrop in Barangay Simamla, Virac, Catnduanes, Philippines
    ( 2005) Magtañob, Lisa P.
    Problems and the corresponding solutions associated with the adoption of pili, (Canarium ovatum, Eng) in Barangay Simamla, Barangay Simamla, Virac, Catanduanes in the Bicol Region were investigated. Likewise, the socio-economic factors affecting the adoption and acceptability of pili as a cash crop was also studied. Data were collected through personal interviews with key informants and active observation on pili adoption in the area. The study revealed that the major problem in pili adoption is the non-acceptance of pili as a major cash crop by 94 residents of the barangay. This is due to lack of information and education regarding the value and potential of pili as a cash crop. The farmers claimed that they lacked training on the technical aspects of pili adoption such as proper timing of outplanting, care of the newly out planted seedlings, provision of water impoundment to un-irrigated areas to counter the effect of the long dry season and provision of shelterbelts to protect the seedlings from strong winds during the typhoon season. Non-access to credit facility to defray the expenses for the inputs during the pre-fruit bearing years was also cited as one of the problems. Correlation analysis on the rate of outplanting and survival rate vs. the annual income of the key informants showed no significant relationship between each factor. This indicates that annual income has no influence on the successful adoption of pili. Some intervention actions and further study on the cost and benefits of growing pili intercropped with the major crops grown in the area and the potential of pili as a rehabilitation species for the denuded areas in Virac, Catanduanes are proposed.
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    Protecting the Dark Places: An Analysis of Cave Assessment for Cave Management in the Philippines
    ( 2021-01-22) Conlu, Maria Tanya N.
    Caves are hidden and fragile ecosystems that have scientific, cultural and recreational values. The Philippines has 3,193 recorded caves which must undergo assessment, classification and management planning before they can be open to the public, but often this legal process is overtaken by the demands of tourism. This results in irreversible destruction of cave formations and loss of wildlife. This study aims to contribute to cave conservation by looking at the adequacy and gaps of the cave assessment tool and the classification process in so far as they inform management decisions on cave protection measures. Content analysis was done on relevant policies to compare the classification system with other countries to find good practices which may be adapted. Cave assessment reports and management plans of three selected caves with different classifications, namely, Bayukbok I in Bulacan, Bagumbungan in Marinduque, and Hundred in Palawan were also analyzed. Staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB), which has jurisdiction over caves, were interviewd, as wel as cave assessors, managers and other stakeholders from the selected sites. The research found that even if guidelines are followed, the effectiveness of the assessment form is only as good as the expertise and perseverance of the team, particularly in putting in precise details. It is recommended that guidelines are added to qualify significant values and hazards and to have a simple chart to guide classification and lessen subjectivity. It is important that cave assessment remains simple, yet these standards can be added to enhance its effectiveness as a management tool for cave protection and tourist safety.
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    State of Agrochemical Pesticides Use in Upland Farming in Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape
    ( 2021) Garinga, Roger V.
    Agrochemical pesticides are inherently toxic that could harm hhumans, animals, and the natural ecosystem. Stories and unverified repots reveal the use of agrochemical pesticides in upland farming in Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape in Palawan. Hence, the study aimed to determine the status or current condition of agrochemical pesticide use in upland farmin in the protected landscape. Through site visits and structured interview supplemented by review of literature, the use of agrochemical pesticides in upland farming in Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape is confirmed, spatially determined, risks enumerated and understood, and courses of action recommended. The use of agrochemical pesticides in agricultural systems in the uplands of Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL) is an adaptive mechanism of the farmers in response to the changing circumstances of the people and of the place. While the use of herbicides like 2,4-D was found to have started much earlier, this phenomenon is gaining more ground today as more and more variants of agrochemical pesticides become available. Apparently, slowly but increasingly, the trend appears to indicate that more and more farmers are opting to use agrochemical pesticides to protect the economic objectives of the agricultural production system of the family, primarily ensuring that the potential harvest is not severely damaged by an infestation of weeds and insect pests. Weeds, being the primary problem is a complex one, and is driven by factors such as land use regulation (Policy) resulting to shortened fallow in the swidden system as well as in the sedentary system (technical), exacerbated by the erosion of traditional free labor exchange (socio-cultural) which necessitates the search for alternatives in order to ensure the completion of the production cycle with the end result of a good harvest and hence, survival of the family (economic) which pushed farmers to adopt agrochemical pesticides. Unfortunately, current practices exposed humans, animals, and ecosystem to risk of poisoning. It is, therefore, necessary for the stakeholders especially the management of the MMPL-PAMB to take cognizance of this concern and craft management options to address the risks associated with agrochemical pesticides use in MMPL.