An Evaluation of the Community-Based Forest Management Project in Catubig, Northern Samar Using Criteria and Indicators

Abstract

This study assessed the accomplishments of the Catubig Watershed Rehabilitation Subproject in Catubig, Northern Samar in terms of the bio-physical or resource use development, socio-economic and institutional development using relevant criteria and indicators modified from the DENR Memorandum Circular 2001-04.

A combination of key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations through field visits of sample plantations, and review of project documents and other related literatures were used in gathering data.

Results of the study showed that the people's organizations, in partnership with DENR were able to reforest and develop a total of 2433.95 ha of formerly logged-over and degraded area. Of the total reforested, 48.81% is in Catubig and 51.19% is in Las Navas.

Only three (3) forest species were adopted in reforestation, namely: toog (Combretodendron quadrialatum), mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and narra (Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) with toog being the most dominant forest tree species.

Survival rates of planted species in both reforestation and agroforestry were high with mahogany as the best performing among forest tree species while abaca as the most potential among agroforest tree species. Difference in the growth of forest tree species in Catubig and Las Navas was attributed to the varying age of planting stocks during establishment. For, agroforest tree crops, on the other hand, the difference was attributed to varying soil fertility in plantation sites and the degree of care and maintenance.

Project participants benefited from the CBFM project through increased income derived largely from the different CSD activities during the peak of the Catubig subproject implementation. The communities covered by the Catubig subproject likewise benefited from the CBFM project through various support facilities and services extended by the people's organizations (CAPWA and HIREDERA) and the Catubig Subproject.

Both CAPWA and HIREDERA, as people's organizations were capable of sustaining the CBFM area management.

Using the DENR modified criteria and indicators, the Catubig subproject have successfully rehabilitated and developed the CBFM area management.

Using the DENR modifies criteria and indicators, the Catubig subproject has successfully rehabilitated and developed the CBFM area, benefited the participating households and communities, and enhanced the capability of CAPWA and HIREDERA to manage a sustainable basis the CBFM area awarded them.