The Recreational Value of Majayjay Falls

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the total recreational value of Majayjay Falls in Laguna. Specifically, it described the profile of Majayjay Falls in Laguna as a recreational site and its visitors estimated the total recreational value of the site using the zonal travel cost method (TCM) determined the willingness to pay (WTP) of visitors of the site determined the factors affecting WTP and came up with recommendations on the management of the site. Primary and secondary data were collected to describe the profile of the site and its visitors. Zonal TCM was employed to estimate total recreational value, while the contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to determine WTP. Multiple regression analysis was employed to determine the factors affecting WTP. Recreation in Majayjay Falls are as follows: (a) picnicking on the boulders around the area where the water drops, (b) swimming and dipping in the small natural pool at the site, and (c ) camping around the area near the picnic grounds. There were two types of visitors at the site: day trip visitors and overnight campers. Both day trip visitors and overnight campers came in large groups. Day trip visitors were relatively young, single and had an average income of less than PhP 8,000 a month. Most of them had less than 12 years of education (not beyond collegiate level) and their sex ratio was evenly distributed. On the other hand, overnight campers were younger, single and had an average income lower than day trip visitor. They also had a slightly higher number of years of schooling. The total recreational value of Majayjay Falls based on the TCM was estimated at PhP 35,867,443 with a consumer surplus of Php 6,096,040 in 2003. The total willingness to pay value to engage in recreation at the site was estimated at PhP 2,004,358 in 2003. Most visitors opined that the current level of entrance fee was appropriate and should not be increased than those who think overwise. The mean willingness to pay of day trip visitors was PhP16, which was higher than the current level of entrance fee for day trip visitors but lower than the suggested entrance fee of PhP20. The mean willingness to pay of overnight campers was PhP29 which was higher than the current level but lower than the legislated entrance fee increase of PhP 30 ordered by the municipal council of Majayjay. The significant predictors of willingness to pay for overnight campers were level of education (α = 5%) and income (α = 1%), while for day trip visitors it is age (α = 5%). The study came up with the following recommendations: (1) increase entrance fees to WTP levels and improve services with the additional income, (2) encourage local community control over resource management, and (3) for the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the Protected Areas and Wildlife Services Unit (PAWS) to help the local community improve their capability for nature interpretation.