1
PUSOD Inc.PUSOD Inc.2011-20122011-2012
ADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES OFADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES OF MALARAYAT ECOSYSTEM AND DEPENDENTMALARAYAT ECOSYSTEM AND DEPENDENT COMMUNITIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE YEAR IICOMMUNITIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE YEAR II
FINAL REPORTFINAL REPORT
With Fund Support from the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF)With Fund Support from the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF)
1. Identifying Information:
Name of Proponent: Pusod, Incorporated
Unit 19-M, 2nd Floor, Big Ben Complex
J.P. Laurel Highway, Lipa City
www.pusod.org
Project Title: Addressing Vulnerabilities of Malarayat Ecosystem and
Dependent Communities to Climate Change
Contact Person: Maria Paz G. Luna
Executive Trustee
(043) 757 3192
Ann Hazel P. Javier
Executive Director
(043) 757 3192
Project Location: Mt. Malarayat Forest Reserve, Barangays Sto. Niño and Talisay,
Lipa City
Total Project Cost: Php 773, 300.00
Total Counterpart: Php 157, 000.00
Amount Requested: Php 616, 300.00
Project Duration: Six (6) Months
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The project would like to give profound gratitude and deep regards to the contributions of people and
institutions in the achievement of goals of the Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve conservation project.
Lipa Headwaters Council and members (City Environment and Natural Resource Office, City Planning and
Development Office, Sangguniang Panlungsod, City Agriculture, City Engineering, Metro Lipa Water District,
LIMA Water Corp., DENR and NPC). Sangguniang Barangay and community members of Barangay Sto
Nino and Barangay Talisay, in Lipa City. Deputized Forest Officers (DFOs) and members of Malaraya –
Malepunyo Watershed Protection Council (MMWPC)
The Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) Technical Staff for the support in the water
valuation study.
Our partners in tree planting and other initiatives: De La Salle Lipa, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde,
Pilipinas Kyohritsu Inc., BigBen Complex, Batangas State University - Lipa Campus, STI – Lipa City,
University of Batangas, Canossa Academy, Fernando Air Base, Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines – Sta. Rosa
Plant.
Earthday Network and Geoinfometrics for the assistance in the Rainforestation Program and GIS Training,
respectively.
The Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) for providing financial and technical
support to the project.
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARYEXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve (MMFR), based on the Proclamation 842, covers approximately 1,210 hectares
of forestlands within the five upland communities in Lipa City. It is the remaining chunk of forest within
the Malaraya-Malepunyo mountain range. The proclamation was declared to protect the watershed and the
mountain range. Through the Department of Justice Resolution signed last November 2009, the jurisdiction
of Malarayat watershed given to the National Power Corporation (NPC) through Executive Order No. 224.
In response to the need to conserve the MMFR as a source of water to Lipenos and as a result of series of
consultations with the stakeholders, the local Government of Lipa initiated the creation of the Lipa
Headwaters Council in 2007. The LHWC shall take the lead in the conservation of Malarayat Watershed.
Conservation initiatives composed of trainings, seminars, and other activities were launched.
The whole mountain range is shared by the provinces of Batangas, Laguna and Quezon. The subwatershed
of the pilot areas directly drains to Padre Garcia, Batangas. Out of five (5) upland communities in the city
of Lipa, Brgys Sto Nino and Talisay communities were selected as pilot sites for the year 1 project. Brgys
Sto Nino and Talisay has a total population of 2,425 and 4,143, respectively.
Mt Malarayat has rich biodiversity. There are approximately 122 plant species, 63 species of birds, 35
species of herpetofauna and 16 mammals, among which the famous alamid (Paradoxus philippinensis) and
the threatened Luzon Bleeding Heart (Gallicolumba platenae) for birds also thrives within the forests of Brgy
Sto Nino and Talisay.
Ironically, as it was reflected in the delineated MFR map that there are obviously no more public land
within the forest reserve, all of which are titled or claimed. There are no more available areas for restoration
in Brgy Sto Nino and Talisay. While it was determined that the grasslands in Brgy Malitlit is a potential
reforestation area. This project focused on nurturing and maintaining the 5 hectares of grassland in Brgys.
Sto Nino and Talisay, planted with indigenous forest trees. Assisted natural regeneration and replanting,
protection and fireline establishment were carried out.
Family – based nurseries worked better for Brgy Sto Nino and Talisay during the first year of the project
than the community – managed nurseries thus families interested to get involved in nursery activities were
given the assistance and provided the needed planting stocks during the project period. A total of 10 families
and households from the pilot barangays benefitted from the supplemental income derived from selling
native tree seedlings.
4
The result of the delineation activity in the first year inferred that there are no more available public lands
within the forest reserve thus, the project focused on nurturing the trees planted in the 5 hectares of open
grassland through assisted natural regeneration and replanting, protection and firelines. While the project was
not yet able to solicit the support of the 135 land owners, the project increased the awareness of the
communities and other stakeholders on the importance of the watershed and its conservation. While there
was difficulty in the protection of planted trees in Brgy Talisay due to the accessibility and its location, the
project ensured that maintenance in both barangays were ensured through regular maintenance partnership
with the community and partners from private sector.
Enforcement is among the promising focus of intervention in the future as local community patrol group has
already undertaken series of capacity – building through the expanded – paralegal training in partnership
with Tanggol Kalikasan. The support to the Mt Malarayat Watershed Protection Council MWPC) may
contribute to increased local policy – formulation towards watershed protection that will back-up the
enforcement interventions. Also with the support of NPC in the forest protection activities, it is hoped that
pressure on the remaining forest vegetation is reduced.
It has been proven still that the political environment in Lipa City is not ripe for ecosystem service charges
for water usage as there are still remaining objections on reassigning the use of the current P10 from its
existing use as environmental fee for solid waste management to the funds for watershed conservation. In
the study conducted by ERDB in collaboration with Pusod, showed that households in Lipa City are in
favor the creation of a trust fund and contribute as much as P25 per household per month to ensure that
there is a sustainable supply of water in the future.
Since the Metro Lipa Water District has not fully fulfilled its mandate for watershed protection under the
law. Continuous promotion of watershed conservation to Lipa Headwaters Council members was undertaken
to increase support to conservation interventions for Malarayat ecosystem. The LHWC will be facing more
challenges ahead due to the political climate in Lipa City (May 2013 National Elections, October 2013
Local Elections). With these, programs must involve more private partners while continuously building the
capacity of the LGU.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Project Description 7
Project Highlights 9
Initiatives with other Conservation Partners 19
Sustainability Mechanism and Lessons Learned 21
Management Issues and Concerns 23
Recommendations 24
Annexes 25
6
The Mt Malarayat Watershed Conservation Project Year II
I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A.A. IntroductionIntroduction
At the advent of climate change and continuous pressure to watershed and forest ecosystems in the
country, Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve is not exempted in this current general environmental condition. The
project fueled the important activities of the Lipa Headwaters Council, National Power Corporation and
DENR in the implementation of priority actions for Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve amidst the climate change
crisis.
The result of the hydrologic study conducted in the first year of the project concluded that water
received by the watershed is lessened with changing climate and thus immediate interventions to mitigate its
impact to water supply is to be undertaken. The MFR with the chunk of forest left is the source of
groundwater supply to Lipa City. Moreover, the risk and vulnerability assessment focused on the vegetation
cover with implication to biodiversity, watershed capacity and land –use change, yielded that there is a
45% decrease in the closed forest (broadleaved) from 189 hectares to 85 hectares and 4% increase in the
open forest and 60% increase in cultivated lands.
The main objective of the second year remained to be the identification followed by full
comprehension of the vulnerabilities of the watershed ecosystem of Mt. Malarayat and provision of
information to the Lipa Headwaters Council to enable them to address these vulnerabilities and enhance
ecosystem resilience. Specific objectives include continuing research that would point the way towards more
efficient and strategic interventions, community engagement and enhanced local capacities geared towards
protection and responsiveness to the vulnerabilities, institutional arrangements to make these gains
sustainable, and wide public dissemination to gain support.
B. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES
The objective of the project is to identify vulnerabilities of the watershed ecosystem of Malarayat
and dependent communities and provide information to the Lipa City Headwaters Council to be able to
address these vulnerabilities and enhance ecosystem resilience. Since climate change impacts are varied, the
project will continue to undertake biodiversity protection and management, identify effective management
systems to address conservation and vulnerability issues, and identify innovative conservation techniques and
approaches to enhance watershed ecosystem and continued provision of environmental services, particularly
water resources to residents and business establishments in Lipa City.
7
C. The Bigger Picture
The project fueled the important activities of the Lipa Headwaters Council, National Power
Corporation and DENR in the implementation of priority actions for Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve amidst of
climate change crisis.
Resources from the different stakeholders and key players were pooled and were put to use. Aside
from the financial and technical support from the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, the
national government agencies such as NAPOCOR and DENR also provided assistance in the decision –
making of important issues in Malarayat Forest Reserve.
The local government of Lipa City is the Chair of the LHWC. However, in the absence of Mayor
Meynard Sabili, Committee Chair for Environment and Health City Councilor Councilor Avior Rocafort
presided most of LHWC meetings. The Lipa Headwaters Council served as the platform in complementing
activities and preventing replication of interventions leading to a more maximized and optimized use of the
government and other financial resources.
The native trees nurseries established in the pilot barangay served as a model to the rest of the 72
barangays for the MAS to Million Project of Lipa City. Barangay Talisay participated in the Rainforestation
Forest Restoration Initiative (RFRI). This served as an encouragement to the communities in finding
additional means of income and as a positive response to the watershed conservation. Moreover, the
biological fencing along the MFR boundaries, which is supposedly one of the components of the next
Malarayat Proposal, was implemented by the City ENRO in partnership with NPC. However, during the
Malarayat Water Forum, a question was raised regarding the introduced species, Delonix regia that is being
used in the biological fencing of MMFR. With this, Pusod, Inc has drafted a letter of inquiry to UPLB
College of Forestry to get their opinion regarding the species mentioned (see Annex).
The NPC promotes co-management of its geothermal reserves. Thus, the MAKBAN Watershed Area
Team, led by its Chief Eliseo Calleja together with the other members of LHWC, conducted an evaluation
of the NPC – managed reforestation site in Brgy Malitlit. The NPC endorsed adoption of the 30-hectare
reforestation plots for maintenance and protection to interested companies and offices.
8
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS (Outcome and Expected Results)PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS (Outcome and Expected Results)
The project paved a way for more permanent, dynamic and sustainable watershed conservationThe project paved a way for more permanent, dynamic and sustainable watershed conservation
program. It has offered opportunities for partnership and co-management scheme that is highly likely toprogram. It has offered opportunities for partnership and co-management scheme that is highly likely to
work for the communities and the resource under protection. The participation of additional stakeholders inwork for the communities and the resource under protection. The participation of additional stakeholders in
the arena of management decisions concerning the watershed resources will create balance in the pace andthe arena of management decisions concerning the watershed resources will create balance in the pace and
mobilization of set goals and activities. mobilization of set goals and activities.
1. Restoration of Degraded Areas through Stakeholder Mobilization
The restoration activities opened up for opportunities for public-private partnership in undertaking
the restoration and protection of grassland areas in MFR, with emphasis on the use of native tree
species. The stewardship of the watershed resources is increased. The trust to ecosystem
rehabilitation is somehow realized through the project. While the local practice and perception on
open areas rehabilitation is difficult to alter, the project efforts are slowly gaining the trust and
preference of the local people involved in restoration activities.
The project partnered with the different sectors in the conduct of tree growing activities which
involve planting and maintenance as well as the nursery activities. This provided opportunities for
private companies to appreciate conservation initiatives of the community and thus supporting the
restoration activities as well. Volunteers from academic institutions and colleges in Lipa City and
Manila, STI – Lipa, BSU, University of Batangas, PKI, Bigben Complex, DENR, LHWC and
other partners to conduct replanting and maintenance in the planting sites. Various stakeholders were
mobilized to maintain the trees planted in the grasslands in the two barangays. Tree planting
activities, maintenance operation and foot patrols were conducted in the course of the project
through the support of volunteers from the academe, from the private sector and from the
Sangguniang Barangay.
In Barangay Sto Nino, 2600 seedlings were maintained. The project considers the restoration
activities in the planting sites in Brgy Sto. Nino a success. The native trees used grew well even in
the grassland areas (Annex 1). The project and the community conducted maintenance activities
during the wet season and patrolling and during the dry season. With the continuous maintenance
the grassland area the project and the communities expects that there the area will soon be covered
with forest vegetation. The trees maintained in the grassland area in Barangay Sto Nino include
hauili (Ficus septica), Tibig (Ficus nota), Kupang (Parkia timoriana), Malapapaya (Polyscias nodosa),
9
Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Amugis (Koordersiodendrum pinnatum), Kalumpit (Terminalia
microcarpa), Igiw (Dysoxylum decantum and balobo (Diplodiscus paniculatus).
Regrettably, the 3400 (2500+900) native trees planted in the Biak – na – Bundok site in
Barangay Talisay. Portion of it were burned during the summer season last May 2011. To prevent
the event from happening again, the Pusod strongly pushed for the FLUP for proper zoning as the
area may not really be a reforestation area after all. Meanwhile, the project proposes to designate
one possible site for restoration in Barangay Talisay the area adjacent to the current planting
site, which is comparably not along the trail that is commonly used by hikers and local travelers
and forest gatherers (Annex 6). The restoration area should be declared as part of the
restoration zone such that maintenance and strict protection should be implemented.
The NPC promotes co-management of its geothermal reserves. Thus, the MAKBAN Watershed Area
Team, led by its Chief E. Calleja together with the other members of LHWC, conducted an
evaluation of the NPC – managed reforestation site in Brgy Malitlit. The NPC endorsed
adoption of the 30-hectare reforestation plots for maintenance and protection to interested companies
and offices. It was observed however, the concentration of support from stakeholders and even the
council members is on tree growing or tree planting activities rather than on other conservation
intervention. The council should determine the priorities for 2013 based on the urgent issues and
needs of MFR.
2. Continuation and Expansion of Community-based Nurseries
The project encouraged the communities to take advantage of the wildling supply from Mt
Malarayat as a potential source of income and to provide for the growing trend of tree growing
activities in Malarayat and the surrounding areas.
Currently, there are 35,000 native trees grown in the family-based nurseries Table 1 shows the list
of the ten (10) families involved in the native trees propagation in Barangay Sto Nino and Barangay
Talisay (Annex 3-5). While, the list shows that it is 15,000 short to the target number of seedlings,
it is important to note that both barangays established centralized nurseries to support the MAS to
Million trees project of the LGU. This compensates more than 15,000 short for the project as the
community’s counterpart. The communities are also selling the native trees in the nurseries to the
groups conducting tree growing in Mt Malarayat. The project just has to ensure that these trees are
planted within the Mt Malarayat communities. The National Greening Program (NGP) is expected to
provide additional opportunity to these local farmers.
10
Table 1. The total number of seedlings and the species propagated by each family-based nursery owner in
the pilot barangays.
Barangay Nursery
Owner
No. of
Seedlings
Species Propagated
Talisay 1. Pedro Latorre 4,607 Kalumpit, binunga, anae, igiw, toog, kalumala, lumbang,
alim, akle, tibig, malauban, hawili, malaikmo, batino,
bayag-kabayo, makasim2. Efren Naturilla 3,831 Kupang, balobo, anae,igiw,binunga, tinig malauban3.Democrito Obales 2,959 Hawili, balobo,igiw, tibig, anae, malauban, kalumpit,
bingonga4.Francisco Montenegro 1,680 Tibig, hawili, balobo5. Lorna Morilla 3,548 Malauban, tibig,hawili,binunga, kalumala, alim,malaikmo,
bakan,amlang, anaeSto Nino 6. Eleno Mea 2,442 Calumala, tibig, ayangao, antipolo
7. Ronnel Pesa 5,435 Balobo, calumala, igiw, anae, hawili, tibig, wild ilang-
ilang, tikis-tikis, kupang, antipolo, narra8. Leandro Brasa 2,550 Anae, hawili, tibig, kalumala, balobo, 9. Regino Pesa 3,316 Anae, hawili, tibig, kalumala, balobo, igiw10. Nestor Olayao 5,000 Kupang, hawili, tibig, kalumala, bayag-kabayo, tangisang-
bayawak, malauban, anae, binunga, piling-gubat, mulawin,
sahing, makasim, antipoloTotal 35,368
The community nursery of Barangay Talisay, as designated by the LHWC Secretariat, competed in
the Rainforest Restoration Initiative (RFRI) Leonard Co Award for Best Native Forest Tree Nursery
as an entry from Lipa City. The nursery won third place for the said best nursery award. In addition,
the nurseries provided planting stocks to private local partners such as Earth Day Network for its
planting activities. Currently, the project is also one of the expected sources of native trees for the
National Greening Program in the province.
3. Capability Enhancement for the Continuation of Markets for Nurseries & Student Fieldtrips/Tours
and Services
Pilipinas Kyohritsu Inc. Pilipinas Kyohritsu Inc. has consistently been a partner for Mt. Malarayat
conservation project. Tree planting efforts for two consecutive years are done in Brgy. Sto. Nino
near BMS 6 and now tree maintenance and nurturing were conducted last Nov. 16, 2012 (Annexes
11). Through the support of the private corporation, sustainability for the conservation program can
be achieved even without the support fund from the grantees. PKI also supported the Malarayat
Water Forum 12 12 12. They are also considering to purchase in bulk native trees seedlings from
the family-based nurseries, to be distributed to their employees. Employees will be expected to grow
these trees in their backyard.
11
Hands On Manila Foundation Inc. A volunteer- NGO that organizes Corporate Social
Responsibility activities for their partner private companies. Among the private corporation who
partnered with Hands on Manila is the Holcim Cement Corp. who conducted nursery establishment
in Brgy. Talisay last August 2012 (Annex 11). Seedling production to supply the needs for the
native species as response to the NGP program of the President and to help support to have an
income-generating for the locals is the objectives of the activity. Another private partner is the
Philippine Electricity Market Corp. who conducted tree planting activity also in Brgy. Talisay last
Dec. 15, 2012, planted about 1,316 native trees.
Hacienda San Benito. Through the City Agricultures Office of Meaning Agricultural Support
program of Mayor Meynard Asa. Sabili, in partnership with Hacienda San Benito, An Info-Seminar
on Organic Farming was conducted last June 19, 2012 (Annex 10). Through this, it opened an
alternative livelihood opportunity for the Mt. Malarayat stakeholders and to shift them to non-
destructive way of agroforestry. There is a growing market for organic produce locally and we
would like Mt. Malarayat stakeholders to be the forefront of this development.
The LIMA Water. The LIMA Water is among the youngest member of the Lipa Headwaters
Council, which sit in the LHWC as a member only this year 2012. Primarily, the LIMA Water
Corporation has already incorporated environment – related activities and programs in its corporate
social responsibility initiatives. In addition to Mt. Malarayat Tree Planting, LIMA Corp. forged
partnership with organizations such as Lipa Head waters Council which undertakes programs and
activities for Mt. Malarayat Forest Reserve. LIMA Water has supported the Malarayat Water Forum
12 12 12.
Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Corp. Inquiry regarding the hydrology and hydro-geology study
assessment of Coca-Cola Bottlers Corp. in Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay watershed was initiated by Pusod Inc.
together with the members of Lipa Headwaters Council such as City Environment and Natural
Resources Office and Metro Lipa Water District (Annex 12).
Brgy. Malitlit, San Benito & San Celestino. Consultation meetings regarding the Mt. Malarayat
expansion project on the three barangays were set last Feb. 5 -6 (Annex 13). They were informed
of Pusod initiatives in Mt. Malarayat for the last 2 years of community work in Brgy. Sto. Nino and
Talisay, Lipa City. Different project components were line-up for the 3 barangays for the Mt.
Malarayat expansion.
12
4. Watershed Conservation Appreciation and Information Education Communication Campaigns
Greater public and stakeholders participation was accomplished in the course of the project. The
social media sites (Facebook, Balikas and Philippines today) served as platform sharing of written
information for watershed conservation campaign. The articles posted in the said websites reached
the locals and Filipinos nationwide.
The exhibits launched by Pusod Inc. showcased the Malarayat posters, photos and illustrations of
biodiversity and other related materials concerning the conservation of the environment.
The seminars and lectures about Mt Malarayat Watershed and Conservation were included in the
educational trips of De La Salle - College of St Benilde with students majority from Manila and
neighboring provinces. The activity was conducted to consult groups involved in biodiversity
conservation on how to successfully integrate climate change in biodiversity planning and
management in the Philippines.
The audio visual presentation (avp) for the project conceptualized to demonstrate the efforts of the
different stakeholders in MFR to encourage stakeholders in MMFR conservation. The audiovisual
presentation can be used in information campaign and advocacy towards watershed protection,
climate change adaptation and mitigation. The material can target the local community, water
resource user, academe and the policy –makers.
6. Capacity Building for Enforcement and Policy Development
The project provided trainings capacity building activities to the LHWC and the communities to
reduce the risks and pressure to the Malarayat Ecosystem. A follow-up Paralegal Training was
given to the MMWPC members as a refresher course in environmental law enforcement. The
National Power Corporation realized the need to ensure that capacity – building is an integral part
in the implementation of forest protection activities for MFR. A range-wide enforcement training to
be spearheaded and supported by NPC is foreseen by the project. Issues that will be covered by
this intervention include encroachment, timber and wildlife poaching, bioprospecting, logging among
others.
The Draft Ordinance on the “Resolution Declaring Moratorium on the Issuance of Tax Declaration
to Land Titles and Land Claims within the Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve in the City of Lipa, Luzon
Island” was put on-hold by the Sangguniang Panlungsod with the assurance from Assessors’
Office Lipa as the office informed of the cease issuance of titles and tax declaration for the lands
within MFR. In connection to the issue, options such as the filing of cases on court to cancel the 13
land titles within the forest reserve is still suggested by the Land Evaluation Party and the project as
there still exists the threat of massive land development of the privately-owned lands within MFR.
One important issue discussed during the project period was the proposal of DENR CALABARZON
Region – Protected Areas and Wildlife Coastal Zone Management Section (PAWCZMS) to declare
Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve as a protected area as MFR is part of the initial component of NIPAS
Act (Republic Act 7586). An initial meeting was set last August 2011, which was attended by the
Sangguniang Panlungsod Chairman on Environment and LHWC Vice Chairman Honorable Avior
Rocafort. It was agreed during that meeting that instead of a Protected Area Management Board
(PAMB), an expanded council composed of DENR, LGU, LHWC, NGOs with a Memorandum of
Understanding shall be forged. DENR would facilitate the consultation and meetings for the
declaration of Mt Malarayat as Critical Habitat/Watershed. The local government of Laguna and
Quezon shall be invited to encourage them to actively get involved in the conservation and
protection of the mountain.
7. Payment for Environmental Services for MFR
The availability of funds to support the conservation and protection activities for Mt Malarayat or
any other area is among the issues that institutionalization and implementation of a payment
mechanism or trust fund will hopefully resolve.
With the concluded water valuation study of ERDB, the Lipa City communities and stakeholders are
now being geared up for setting – up of mechanism that will ensure sustainability of Malarayat
watershed resources. The results showed low level of awareness of Lipa Residents about watersheds
but high level of awareness was observed about the role of forest in securing water supply. Majority
(72%) of residents are willing to contribute for the proposed watershed management trustfund. The
Mean Willingness to Pay (WTP) is P25 while the total household population of Lipa is 57,434. The
Estimated Potential Revenue is P1,435,850 per month. This potential revenue from water user fee
should finance the estimated annual management cost of MMFR. The legal framework for the water
user fee is Executive Order 318. This may already be integrated in the monthly household bill for
water since this mechanism is already in place.
The study also recommended intensified IEC activities to inform people about watershed and its
importance. A city-wide public consultation is needed before finalizing the price and payment
scheme. Further study must also be conducted considering the WTP of other water user groups
(Industrial, Commercial, Recreational and Agricultural Sectors). Further, the LHWC should make
14
recommendations on who will be collecting and administering the fund and where will it be
remitted.
The Metro Lipa Water District is currently collecting P10 per household in Lipa City for
Environmental Management Fund. There are only 5 out of the 72 barangays where MLWD does not
collect since these barangays have their own waterworks. These are Barangays Talisay, Lumbang,
Plaridel, Halang and San Lucas. The collected amount is turned over to the Lipa City Government.
Committee Chair for Environment and Health, City Councilor Avior Rocafort has promised to
deliver a privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session that would request for a report on
the allocation of the EMF. If the EMF is allocated for garbage collection, there are only 22 out of
the 72 barangays more or less are currently being serviced. Also a portion of this amount was
alleged being plowed back to the barangay, but selected barangays could not identify the exact
amount which is bundled in the IRA that they receive. The privilege speech is pending until after
the elections. This was not accomplished by the Councilor who is now running for Vice Mayor. The
City ENRO office was tasked to prepare the draft of the privilege speech.
The results of the study were still further presented during the Malarayat Water Forum 12 12 12
and the succeeding meetings with Barangays Malitlit, San Celestino and San Benito.
8. MMFR Management by the Lipa Headwaters Council/ Institutional Strengthening for Lipa
Headwaters Council (LHWC)
The documentation of the biodiversity, identification of vulnerabilities through ecosystem risk,
hydrologic assessment accomplished in the first year of the project resulted to a series of discussion,
arguments and agreements within the council and the stakeholders of Lipa City in general. The Lipa
Headwaters Council members became much more informed of the importance of decisive
management interventions to ensure watershed services from MFR. Among the major matters of
discussion in the LHWC management meetings include the following issues:
a. Delineation and Mapping of MFR Boundary and Land Claims. Although there has been efforts
to directly bring the issue on the claimants and creation of possible venue for collaboration and
incentive to the claimants and caretakers, this has been one of the most difficult issues to bring
up to the council as the office that would be put on the spot in the matter would be the LGU
itself, together with the department that provide technical advice and assistance to the council
i.e. Assessor’s Office.
15
b. Mt Malarayat Biodiversity Assessment = Creation of MFR PAMB vs. Local Watershed
Protection Area. The active involvement of the Department of Environment and Natural
resources (DENR) as technical adviser in the LHWC, toward the end, resulted to the proposal
of DENR to establish the MFR as a protected area. Although it was assumed by the project that
there will still be serious discussions between parties of DENR and NPC on the matter, it is
hoped that the Lipa Headwaters Council has to comment and decide on the issue.
c. Forest Land-use Planning for Mt Malarayat. The Delineation and Boundary Mapping provided
the LHWC a clear vision as to the extent of the lands and claims within the MFR Risk and
Vulnerability Assessment which simply showed the decrease in the forest cover served as
additional consideration for the formulation of a Forest Land-Use Plan for MFR . To ensure
synergy of stakeholders efforts towards conservation and to ensure that resources are prioritized
based on issues and concerns in MMFR. The forest land – use planning process was presented
to the Lipa Headwaters Council . It was a good opportunity since the LGU will also be
updating their Comprehensive Land – Use Plan (CLUP). This process is also seen as an
opportunity to involve the landowners and claimants who has current use and access to the
resources within the forest reserve. This will also set the direction on the management regime
that is most suitable to the area, making sure that everyone is on – board the decision –
making and implementation. While there are still discussions on the matter at hand as to the
budgetary requirements and commitments of various stakeholders, the LHWC members are
willing to provide support to this process. The project is hopeful that the LGU and other major
stakeholders such as MLWD will be more open in financing the FLUP process.
d. Trust Fund for MFR Conservation and Protection. The study on water resource valuation
through a public-private partnership of Pusod and ERDB may be considered as a solution to
financial sustainability aspect of the watershed conservation program. Critically, the creation of
trust fund to support watershed conservation interventions is under review and discussion by the
LHWC members. Despite some questions of public acceptance and ease of implementation,
enormous support from the local populace as shown by the seventy-two percent (72%) of the
Lipa residents who are willing to contribute an estimated mean willingness to pay (WTP)
amount to P25/ household/month to support the watershed protection activities warrants the
probability of success. Among the activities that the fund will support include maintenance and
protection up to 3 years (fast growing) and 5 years (indigenous) of already planted seedlings,
increase awareness of people from Tiaong, Quezon and San Pablo, Laguna as well students of
Lipa City about the importance of protecting MMFR, installation of signage in different portions
of MMFR to inform visitors and the community about their role in protecting the watershed,
Seminar-orientation on forestry related laws for brgy. officials, committee on environment, LGU,
16
schools, availability of forest rangers within the MMFR and provide them with proper
communication and transportations facilities, nursery establishment which will provide for the
indigenous seedling requirement of the tree planting activities, seminar on alternative livelihood
for the community.
9. Enhancing Biodiversity and Reduction of Risks and Vulnerabilities of Mt Malarayat
Ecosystem
The Forest Land Use Planning as part of the Updating of the Comprehensive Land-use Planning is
still on the table of CPDO and LGU. During the Committee Hearing by the Sangguniang
Panlungsod on the proposed amendment of the current Comprehensive Land – Use Plan (CLUP)
of Lipa City, the discussion included the establishment of buffer areas around the forest reserve in
Mt Malarayat to prevent further degradation and land conversion. The FLUP process will be
discussed formally during the 2013 Lipa Headwaters Council Meeting where the project proposes to
pursue the FLUP with commitment from the LGU or MLWD as the major resource-users of the
ecosystem services from MFR.
The last LHWC Meeting held on 12 December 2012 informally tackled issues on Trust Fund
Creation, Establishment of Malarayat as Protected Area, Forest Land – Use Planning. The
members agreed to discuss further the said issues and the proposed 2013 initiatives in the January
2013 LHWC meeting tentatively scheduled on January 25,29, 30,or 31.
10. Strengthening and Enhancing the Forest Watch Group Capability on Monitoring and Law
Enforcement
Various skills on environmental monitoring such as the BMS, mapping, wildlife, identification,
rainforestation were provided to the local community and Deputized Forest Officers in the pilot
barangays through trainings, symposium and seminars.
a. Paralegal and Patrolling for Law Enforcement
It was observed that the community through the trainings and seminars provided by the
project and NPC, has become more aware of the illegal activities within the forest reserve
and more responsive to law enforcement by reporting observed illegal activities. This
primarily is the basis to suggest further strengthening in terms of the enforcement capacity
17
of the forest watch groups in the future. The need to draft the operations manual for law
enforcement in MFR is recognized. NPC will hopefully collaborate with the
communities and LGU in law enforcement activities.
b. Geographical Information Systems Training
The three-day Community – based GIS training conducted from July 11-12, 2011 attended
by the Malarayat stakeholders enabled the participants to understand the importance of
using the web-based tools in management and monitoring of the forest and watershed
resources.
11. Institutional mechanism for Payments for Watershed Services for Mt Malarayat towards
The project partnered with the Ecosystem Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) to determine
the water valuation study for the willingness-to-pay study. The study focused on the determination
of the willingness-to-pay of Lipenos to fund the watershed protection efforts for Mt Malarayat
Forest Reserve. The project provided assistance and counterpart in the data collection while the
ERDB processed and analyzed the data. The results showed that despite the low level of awareness
of Lipa City residents about watersheds there is high level of awareness on the role of forest in
securing water supply. Seventy-two percent (72%) of the residents are willing to contribute for the
proposed watershed management trust fund at an estimated mean willingness to pay (WTP) amount
to P25/ household/month. The potential revenue from water user fee could be used to finance the
activities to protect and manage MMFR.
In lieu of the presentation to the stakeholders of the water pricing study, the Malarayat Water
Forum was held on December 12, 2012. The forum was participated by the local government unit
of Lipa City represented by the City Planning Office, City Engineering Office, City Agriculture
Office, City ENRO, Office of the Mayor and Sangguniang Barangays of Talisay and San Benito
representatives, national government agencies DENR – ERBD, DENR CALABARZON – LEP,
private sector partners Metro Lipa Water District, LIMA Waters and National Power Corporation,
academic sectors represented by students and professors from FAITH and LIMA Hotel and De La
Salle Lipa and Pusod Inc. Conservation and other related efforts were presented to draft general
action plans for Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve for the next 3-5 years and identify; and identify new
stakeholders and partners in operationalizing the general action plans. Topics discussed in the open
forum include the species used by City ENRO in the biological fencing activity, boundary
delineation and mapping, policy on the creation of trust fund and strengthening of information
campaign to gain more support in the MFR conservation initiatives.
18
INITIATIVES WITH OTHER CONSERVATION PARTNERSINITIATIVES WITH OTHER CONSERVATION PARTNERS
1. The National Power Corporation (NPC)
The NPC, as a mandated agency to manage and protect Mt Malarayat was a geothermal reservation
under EO 224, continuously conducts watershed management interventions in the city of Lipa. The
agency National has years of conservation efforts for Mt Malarayat. Among these include the Mt
Malarayat Watershed Protection Council (MMWPC) creation, watershed protection and restoration
activities, community organizing and trainings for alternative livelihood for the forest – dependent
communities in Batangas, Lipa City in particular, Quezon and Laguna.
Several meetings with the National Power Corporation were initiated by the project. Possible future
endeavors, through a MOA, include the 1) management of the 10-hectare reforestation site in
Barangay Malitlit. Pusod shall consider continuing the maintenance and monitoring of the trees
planted in the site; 2) collaboration in further strengthening of Mt Malarayat – Malepunyo
Watershed Protection Council (MMWPC) in terms of sustainability; and 3) continuous capacity
building on enforcement of environmental laws including counterpart sharing on related trainings
and the laws of procedure for environmental enforcement in Mt Malarayat. (the possible framework
of the new project is composed of activities in partnership with NPC – IEC and law enforcement,
MLWD data gathering through weather station and modeling of Lipa’s groundwater recharge,
nursery and rainforestation for the community, PES mechanism and FLUP for the City
ENRO/LHWC for policy Project development stage again is needed.
2. Lipa City Two Million Trees Project
In response to the Executive Order 26 from the Office of the President (Annex 9), the city of Lipa
composed of the 72 barangays is raising native forest and fruit trees in each area. Both the project
sites are actively involved in raising seedlings for the nursery. Brgy Sto Nino nursery has dispatched
a number of seedlings for the SM tree planting along the riverbanks of Sto Nino. Meanwhile, Brgy
Talisay continuously manages their community nursery located near the entrance of the barangay.
This has continuously been managed by through the assistance and support from the Project and
other partners such as NPC and now the City Environment and Natural Resources Office of Lipa.
19
3. Biological Fencing in MFR
The City ENRO of Lipa City also consulted with MMWPC, barangay chairman within MFR, NPC,
and City Agriculturist, the City ENRO spearheaded the biological fencing project. Fire trees were
planted in along the 25 corners identified during the mapping and delineation of MFR boundaries.
To lessen leakage for MFR, the conditional cash transfer program of DSWD was also used as a
mechanism to encourage the communities to depart from charcoal-making activities.
4. Metro Lipa Water District (MLWD)
The efforts of MLWD are focused in Water and watershed rehabilitation and maintenance efforts were the
focus of the efforts of the water district, which was grounded on the imminent threat of water depletion. The
MLWD shared the humble beginnings of the Malarayat watershed conservation which was started in 1998
by champions of EPM process sharing the two water forum and the concerted highlighting the creation of
the Lipa Headwaters Council in the process.
5. ERDB – DENR through Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB).
The ERDB is one of the research arms of the DENR. The ERDB research team conducted the study on
valuation of water provided by Mt Malarayat to the City of Lipa. The study was focused on the
determination of the willingness-to-pay of Lipenos to fund the watershed protection efforts for Mt Malarayat
Forest Reserve. The results showed that despite the low level of awareness of Lipa City residents about
watersheds there is high level of awareness on the role of forest in securing water supply. Seventy-two
percent (72%) of the residents are willing to contribute for the proposed watershed management trust fund at
an estimated mean willingness to pay (WTP) amount to P25/ household/month. The potential revenue from
water user fee could be used to finance the activities to protect and manage MMFR.
6. DENR Land Evaluation Party (DENR – LEP).
The DER CALABARZON Land Evaluation Party (LEP) conducted the mapping and location of Malarayat
Forest Reserve Boundary. The mapping exercise revealed the presence of claimants with titles and/or tax
declaration within the Forest Reserve. Also, while the MFR by the virtue of the existing laws regarding its
management, some part of the protected area is developed for commercial use thus, thorough study, legal or
technical is prescribed and ensuring that the rights of the community dependent on the resources are
considered - co-management may be possible for the benefit of all resource users.
20
7. DENR CENRO – Batangas. The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Batangas
City
DENR – CENRO Batangas currently pushes for the establishment of Mt. Malarayat as a Protected Area
under NIPAS Act (RA 7586) with the inclusion of other barangay in Laguna and Quezon provinces. The
Management Plan would also be developed.
SUSTAINABILITY MECHANISMSUSTAINABILITY MECHANISM
The project is hopeful that the LGU and other major stakeholders such as MLWD will be more open in
financing the Forest Land – Use Planning (FLUP) process. Recently, the MLWD has committed to install
rain gauges in the MMFR barangays. They will also ensure that the community will be trained in reading
the rain gauges and the data will be included in their regular monitoring activities.
The City ENRO and the rest of the Local Government Offices who are members of the LHWC or
supportive for MMFR to have its own FLUP. However, this is not yet translated into allocation of financial
support thru the Annual Investment Plan for 2013. Currently, the City ENRO has a regular allocation of
P50,000 for LHWC activities which may be realigned for FLUP upon recommendation and justification of
the City ENRO.
Moreover, the study on water resource valuation may be considered as a solution to financial sustainability
aspect of the watershed conservation program. The mechanism in payment scheme following the creation of
the trust should be institutionalized so that financing the watershed protection interventions and programs for
MMFR will be possible.
Pusod, Inc is continuously engaging potential partners in the conservation initiatives for Mt. Malarayat Forest
Reserve.
LESSONS LEARNED LESSONS LEARNED
The Mt Malarayat Watershed Conservation Project is heading to a more complex management program
influenced by politics, financial availability and sustainability, bureaucracy, economics in Lipa City. The
presence of facilitator, such as the project, to push each key player is indeed vital. The implementation of
the two-year project translates into greater understanding of the dynamics of a typical watershed management
21
that is under the mandate of the local and national government and the local people. More effort on the
aspect of advocacy and lobbying to local leaders can be instrumental in the attainment of the project goal.
The set –up of financial scheme/payment mechanism, FLUP should be closely participated by the project
to ensure that gray areas are addressed.
The participation of additional stakeholders in decision – making and in the conservation interventions
creates an avenue for decentralized and shared stewardship of MFR resources and also offers awareness in
the process. More importantly, decisions are critically analyzed based on the views and positions from the
different sectors of resource users.
Co-management of the MFR will benefit the NPC as the mandated agency, the water users and dependent
communities in Lipa through the designation of MFR as local watershed protection area. Otherwise, the NPC
should have enough mobilization funds to ensure that the forest watch groups are able to stop the illegal
activities inside MFR. Private – public partnerships can be forged towards the conservation of MFR with
the growing interest in the environmental conservation. While there are efforts among the stakeholders and
council members, the LHWC should continuously partner with academic institutions, private companies and
corporations, and other interest group.
Next to the results of the willingness – to – pay study, the creation of trust fund for watershed protection
activities and the mechanism to implement such has to be clearly discussed with the community and the
stakeholders of Malarayat water.
The nursery activities and community rehabilitation scheme should be strengthened to ensure that leakage is
prevented. The MFR Forest Land-use Plan should be pursued as this will serve as guide in the
management of the MFR. The different use for certain areas in MFR will be regulated and at the same time
maximized. Massive land conversion, encroachment and commercial development can be regulated and the
designation of the recreation zones and hiking zones will benefit the communities when used in accordance
with the designed FLUP.
Working with the community is at its best when the locals’ welfare is ensured and the purpose of the
project is for the betterment of the community and their environment. Understanding of the community
leaders of the project is essential to ensure support to any intervention that will involve community
participation. Visibility in the community is important. Organizing is a one-step-at-a-time process.
The Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve is ready to be managed sustainably that neither dynamic political
environment nor financial constraints must hinder. The current conservation interventions currently done to
ensure sustainable water supply for all driven by leadership with political will partnered with decisive
community will do it.22
Mt Malarayat has more to offer than the neighboring municipality, provinces and whole world has expected,
to which the community, LGU, and the national government and even the today’s generation should not
give up to destruction.
ManagementManagement ISSUES AND CONCERNS ISSUES AND CONCERNS
The Lipa Headwaters Council members especially the Office of the City Assessor is silent in the issue of
the claimants in Mt Malarayat. Until now and during the last LHWC meeting, there has been no concrete
plan as to the action of the council with regards to the landowners and claimants within the forest reserve.
The verbal assurance from the City Assessors’ Office and DENR has to be secured through a written
document such as the Moratorium issued by the SP as an endorsement Although there has been verbal
discussion and assurance that there are no more issuance of tax declaration to the claimants within MFR, the
Sangguniang Panlungsod has yet to issue an ordinance as a legally binding document.
While the Local government of Lipa became concerned on the framework of a PAMB as proposed by the
DENR, initial meetings were conducted by with the City ENRO which also sits as the Secretariat for LHWC.
During the conceptualization stage, the key LHWC members expressed opinions that LHWC is a
management body capable enough to protect and conserve of what remains in the mountain range and thus
creating a larger body may just slow down the decision – making process, as there are some issues that
need immediate attention and action. However, through its ground working activities, the DENR solicited
support from City ENRO in pursuing the PA establishment concept. It is expected that the National Power
Corporation would have its position when the matter is discussed formally in the regular LHWC meeting.
One of the utmost and persistent issues in the restoration and tree planting activities is the lack of general
terms and guidelines or the protocol for the tree planting and maintenance activities as well as the fees for
the activities in Mt Malarayat Forest Reserve. Without these, the implementation of the activities may not be
harmonized .
The results of the presentation of the willingness – to – pay study results to the pilot communities was
put on-hold as per advised from the Lipa Headwaters Council until such time that SP representative to the
council Councilor Avior Rocafort delivered a privilege speech on the P10 Environmental Management Fund
collected by MLWD. Likewise, the study was presented to the general stakeholders during the Malarayat
Water Forum held on December 2012.
23
RECOMMENDATIONS for RECOMMENDATIONS for 2013 - 20162013 - 2016
� The LHWC may consider expansion of membership to the other MMFR barangays (to include
Malitlit, San Celestino, and San Benito), MMWPC and other sectors such as business/chambers of
commerce, academe (research and development), religious, women and health groups for population
management (IMMEDIATE);
� It is urgent for the LHWC to proceed with undertaking Forest Land Use Planning. This will
synergize local efforts for MMFR and will identify clearly the roles of each stakeholder. This will
also prevent piece-meal commitment and sometimes broken verbal promises from the officials and
stakeholders concerned, every agreement should be in written document format and institutionalized
through memorandum, resolution of ordinance, or any similar document from the LHWC. With the
change in leadership, every relevant approach and agreements should be institutionalized.
(IMMEDIATE)
� Re-evaluation and expansion of the Biodiversity Monitoring Sites and information must be
organized in a database/ website so that information may be accessed by others and finally
identifying a “visitor center” where all information may be housed. In addition, the MLWD has
committed to install rain gauges in the MMFR barangays. All other baseline data gathering
initiatives for MMFR must be strongly supported. These information will be crucial for further
management and advocacy and may bring in more conservationist “visitors”.
� A comprehensive ground water/ hydro-geology study is still needed so that the LHWC and the
MLWD especially can better manage the resource with better factual information. Pusod, Inc has
spearheaded the meeting with Coca Cola Bottlers Philippines and was informed that the study cost
about P2 Million Pesos. However, with the geographic size of MMFR and the coverage of MLWD,
the cost for the local study is hoped to be much lesser. (IMMEDIATE)
� There is a need for a legal expert to serve as a technical adviser on law enforcement and other
related issues to the forest reserve. As well as a community organizer that will ensure that there will
be people’s organization that will continue the conservation efforts at the grassroots level.
� Co-management agreement with claimants whereby incentives (e.g tax rebate or water charge rebate)
may be given to the claimants who will participate in this scheme.
24
� There is a need for stakeholders in Batangas, Laguna and Quezon Provinces to meet and discuss
issues, concerns and conservation initiatives. Therefore an MMFR Summit is needed before end of
2013. This is also a good opportunity for the National Power Corporation to craft a Management
Plan for MMFR which can span to 2014-2024 (10 years). This will also harmonize initiatives for
2014 and beyond. They can also learn and replicate conservation initiatives.
� Annexes
Photo documentation (before and during the project)� Maps� Seedling inventory (those projects with nursery and planting components –
refer to Seedling production form)
25