for a changing world

ETHNOECOLOGY FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Vol. 6 Issue 1 January 2021

What’s inside?

State-of-Calamity 05

DALUHAY celebrates with the world

View from an Eagle’s Eye 03

Support for MPA Links 07

SAKAILAP 08

Be an Ambassador 10

We heard a call!! 09

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DALUHAY BOARD

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Daluhay is a non-profit non-government organization based in Baler, Aurora Province, Philippines. We aim to sustain the flow of life by becoming catalysts in strengthening the link between people and their environment from ridge to reef through a multi-stakeholder approach to biodiversity conservation.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Magandang Daloy ng Buhay! As we enter this newest year of 2021, there seems to be a global sense of hope, hope that we are emerging from the pandemic. Change will occur, the nature of the change is very much up to all of us. Here in the Anthropocene Era, there is some recognition that we need to change our role on the planet. Not everyone feels that way and not everyone can focus on making a difference. However, when we use our social energy to encourage efforts towards planetary sustainability, we make a difference.

Paul D. Watts, Dr. Sc.

President

Sincerely,

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DARNa Conservation Initiative View from an Eagle’s Eye

in partnership with Rainforest Trust

The innovations in technology for the past decades show promising applications in research, environmental science, biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. The need for responsive, relevant and cost effective ways of data gathering and monitoring has been one of the directions of many organizations and institutions to optimize resources available and address environmental challenges more effectively. Daluhay in partnership with SUBKALN (San Luis Aurora Dumagat and Alta Forest Guards Organization) with the support of the Rainforest Trust launches its first DARNa Conservation Initiative. DARNa Conservation Initiative or the Drone-Assisted Research and Nature Conservation Initiative aims to build capacity for Daluhay’s conservation biologists and forester and the SUBKALN in conducting monitoring and assessment of forests and other ecosystems using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle light weight Drones. Information gathered from the DARNa Conservation Initiative are forecasted to be used in research, sustainable forest planning and management and biodiversity conservation among others.

Also named after the Filipino Superheroine, DARNa took flight last December 29, 2020 in the forest of Brgy Dibut inside the ancestral domain of San Luis, Aurora. Following the flight plan, DARNa’s objectives are to gather aerial views of the forest and identify areas with kaingin (slash and burn farming) and illegal logging activities. The second flight was conducted in Brgy. Dikapinisan also inside the ancestral domain last January 08, 2021 with the same objectives. Orientations and initial drone flying was also conducted with the members of the SUBKALN Forest Guards. DARNa has the ability to capture high quality videos and images and map coordinates which are both crucial for forest monitoring.

Shot via Daluhay Drone while flying at about 50m altitude over an eroded kaingin area in Dikapinisan, San Luis post typhoon Ulysses


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San Luis Bantay Gubat member assisting drone landing

With DARNa on board, SUBKALN Forest Guards in the near future will be able to conduct patrolling and map other areas that are hard to reach by foot patrol. Daluhay will be able to establish spatial and temporal data across ecosystems that will be useful for communities and other stakeholders in protecting and conserving natural resources.

Comparison of images of the same site in San Luis captured via Google Earth (left) vs Drone (right)

Daluhay DARNa Conservation Initiative Team

Rainforest Trust Fellows Mark Raquino and Marilyn Dela Torre teaching the basics in Drone Flying to Bantay Gubat Members


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State-of-Calamity The Dumagat and Alta Forest Guards’ answer

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Daluhay R&D Coordinator and Rainforest Trust Fellow , Mark Raquino sharing relief goods with Dumagat families post Typhoon Ulysses


Like many in the world, the last quarter of 2020 has been challenging for the Indigenous Forest Guards of San Luis in Aurora. In addition to the health crisis that has been negatively affecting the socioeconomic state of the indigenous (IP) coastal communities, is the battle against natural disasters that worsen the situation. Most of our community partners were directly affected by the previous typhoon Ulysses that has put Aurora Province in a State of Calamity. Boats, homes and crops were lost/damaged by the typhoon that made its landfall with continuous strong wind and rain in the dark, at the peak of the tide. Thanks to Rainforest Trust and individual donors, Daluhay visited Dumagat settlements in Dikapinisan and Dimanayat, a week after the typhoon for a relief operation and to facilitate a Post Disaster Needs Assessment. During the assessment, members of the Forest Guards shared that the severity of the typhoon’s impact is due to insufficient information dissemination at the time. Post-Typhoon kumustahan between Daluhay Team and community partners


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Dikapinisan Forest Guard patrolling in a cave within their Ancestral Domain

Despite the calamities, the Forest Guards (FG) carried on in fulfilling their sworn duties for their Ancestral Domain (AD). Illegal activities of timber poaching and electrical fishing were apprehended through the FG’s strengthened partnership with the Barangay Council and the Philippine Army. The expansion of kaingin areas were also regulated within the AD. To strengthen the efforts of the Forest Guards in Dikapinisan, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Maricel Estefanio and Tribal Chieftain Christopher Estefanio attended the regular Sangguniang Barangay session and stated the rules and policies in regards with the conservation and protection management of their AD. One of the success stories shared by the FG is that their efforts are being visible and recognized by the youth including their children. In Dibalo, Tribal Chieftain Diego Sindac continuously coordinates with the Radio Station to promote the FG’s advocacy in protecting the remaining forests in San Luis. Even towards the end of the project period, the Forest Guards express their willingness to continue the initiated activities of patrolling even without funding support because they believe that this is part of their permanent responsibilities as front liners that conserve and protect the AD that will also decrease impacts of calamities locally.

Forest Guards from Kalapnit & Dibalo monitoring the existing kaingin areas within their Ancestral Domain


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Support for MPA links Road to Synergies in Coastal Resource Management in Aurora

in partnership with Foundation for the Philippine Environment

The province of Aurora was deliberately provided by our Creator with enormous forests and a healthy ocean, a home for a wide variety of wildlife. Sustainable use of these resources are critical for the Indigenous Peoples and all those dependent upon marine fisheries. Daluhay’s history of Marine Protected Area (MPA) work extends back several decades, with outreach across the Northern Philippine Sea (NPS). Working closely with the Aurora government-based Three Musketeers; Teodoro Torio, Jagger Enaje, Reymar Tercero and others, MPA efforts in Aurora provide conservation leadership across the NPS.

The Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) recently approved a project to strengthen the network of Marine Protected Areas across Aurora. San Luis, Baler Dipaculao, and Dinalungan currently have MPA initiatives already. Some towns are currently processing documents to make their policies and become fully compliant. As the FPE project continues, we will research individual MPA contributions to the network, such as the different types of seaweeds, presence of coral and fish biodiversity. This will involve liaison with all government environment staff and assessments on their office capacity for local and inter-jurisdictional management.

San Luis, Baler, Dipaculao, Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag have now been given project orientation and ongoing efforts to engage Dingalan in a safe manner given the pandemic. At the recent ASIAN WATERBIRDS CENSUS held in Brgy. Lual, Casiguran, Daluhay was invited to learn how to identify water bird species. As a new staff member, Jeffrey Natividad thinks that the project will build on the current skills and knowledge of Coastal Resource Management practitioners and initiate synergies in conservation of marine resources across Aurora.

FPE project coordinator, Mark Raquino conducting a Capacity Needs Assessment Survey for CRM in Aurora


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SAKAILAP Kabuhayan para sa Katutubong Kababaihan

in partnership with Forest Foundation of the Philippines

Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na mahirap ang buhay sa mga liblib na lugar sa probinsya kung saan karaniwang pangingisda at pagsasaka ang pangunahing hanapbuhay. Dahil sa kakulangan sa sapat na kita araw-araw ay naapektuhan ang kabuhayan ng bawat katutubong Agta maging ang kalusugan ng pamilya at ang edukasyon ng kanilang mga anak kaya naman ang kababahian mula sa Agta settlments sa Brgy. Cozo at San Ildefonso, Casiguran ay nagkaisa upang bumuo ng isang samahan na siyang magiging tulay para sa pag unlad ng komunidad. Mula sa hangarin na payak na pamumuhay at mayamang lupaing Ninuno, nagsimulang isa-katuparan ng mga kababaihang Agta ang kanilang mga pangarap. Noong Hulyo 2020 nabuo ang samahan na tinawag na SAKAILAP o Samahan ng mga Katutubong Agta Ikhan at Lhaman Phisad Phisad na siyang ganap na narehistro sa DOLE noong Oktubre.

Ating pinalakas ang kapasidad ng mga kababaihang Agta sa pagnenegosyo sa pamamagitan ng pagdaos ng mga pagsasanay sa sustainable livelihood, bookkeeping, product development at business planning. Tayo rin ay nakipag ugnayan sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno at mga indibidwal upang magkaroon ng mga pagsasanay sa paggawa ng iba’t ibang produktong mula sa kanilang likas yaman. Kasama rito ang mga pagsasanay sa paggawa ng fish lumpia, longganisa, tocino, at embotido, paglalala ng sabutan, pati na rin ang tamang packaging at labeling ng produkto (DTI), pagluluto ng mga kakanin, tinapa at mga bottled products tulad ng ube jam, atsara at pineapple jam (Municipal Agriculture Office at Office of the Provincial Agriculturist /OPAg) at pagsasanay sa tamang pag papatakbo sa isang samahan (DSWD). Ang komunidad din ay nakatanggap mga donasyon tulad ng smokehouse at ibang kagamitan sa pagluluto mula sa OPAg. Dahil sa mga biyayang ito, ang antas ng kaalaman ng bawat isa lalo na ng pamunuan ay higit na nahasa at nadagdagan.

Sa kasalukuyan, handa nang patakbuhin ang kanilang mga napiling negosyo sa pagproseso ng isda at mga lamang ugat, sa Dumaguipo at pamamalakad ng isang mini grocery sa Nipoo na magsisilbi ring outlet ng mga produkto. Ang samahan ay nagtalaga ng 10% ng kita sa mga negosyong ito para sa suporta sa pagbabantay ng kanilang lupaing ninuno samantalang 5% naman ay para sa mga scholar na tribu.

Miyembro ng SAKAILAP na si Lonalyn habang sumasagot sa mga gawain sa pagsasanay sa bookkeeping


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We heard a call!! Search for the Philippine Eagle Continues


The main objective of the Rainforest Trust-Daluhay project is to document and conserve the Philippine Eagle’s habitat in the Dumagat and Alta ancestral domain in San Luis through capacitated Indigenous Forest Guards (FG). Data from documentations will be used in formulating appropriate conservation and management plan in the Ancestral Domain led by the Indigenous community . An initial five day Philippine Eagle monitoring activity conducted in Brgy. Diteki led by the FG faced challenges due to inclement weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Alta tribe member Domingo Lazam shared with the San Luis FG that he heard the Philippine Eagle call twice while hunting. He was once involved in the previous capturing of Philippine Eagle Agawid, making him confident that what he heard was indeed, the iconic bird.

With hopes of finally recording a sighting of the majestic bird, Daluhay met with the Forest Guards to facilitate an orientation for the next monitoring activity. Diteki Forest Guards with Mr. Lazam went on a hike on December 13 to 23, 2020. Associate species of the Philippine Eagle such as the iguana, civet cat, snakes, monitor lizard and dipterocarp species were documented by the team. They also heard a bird call similar with that of the Philippine Eagle three times during the activity. The team is looking forward to conducting another hike during the dry season and continue their efforts in looking after the natural resources in their Ancestral Domain.

Photos of associate species taken by the San Luis Forest Guards during a monitoring activity in their Ancestral Domain


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Calling for DALUHAY ECOHEALTH AMBASSADORS on DEFORESTATION prevention and RESTORATION

As a team and for many, a family by choice: our Board of Directors; totally awesome and dedicated employees; Associate Board Members; volunteers, friends and leadership are defining a bigger picture. We are all Daluhay Ambassadors just by sharing newsletters, reports and activities. Our nationally and internationally recognized approach, uniquely links three ecosystems; rainforests, agriculture and marine for community-based food security and sustainability. Globally, local protein needs drive deforestation (doi:10.1111/ele.13535) similarly with Philippine fisherfolk. When communities are protein insecure, there is a tendency to increasingly hunt wild animals such as the Hornbill, clear forests for agriculture and/or overharvest fish. Recognizing chronic fisherfolk malnutrition leads to deforestation, Daluhay works with the old and young to strengthen forest ecosystem values and conservation of iconic species such as the Hornbills, while developing pathways for local food security. Above, Daluhay President’s choice for Best Picture of 2020 (taken by staff member Erica Zafra) demonstrating valuation enhancement led by volunteer Isabell Kittel using paper mâché through Social Artistry. The President’s artwork framing the photo depicts global oceans with blue circles and the local ocean by the blue rectangle. Daluhay fills a need for conservation organizations to also have an inclusive focus on local food security. On land and sea, Daluhay also works toward ecosystem restoration for food security. In 2018, the World Health Organization supported a global forum by the Partnership for Maternal Newborn and Child Health and showcased our Maternal Marine Protected Area innovation. Subsequently in 2020, with funding assistance from Korea SHE Foundation, Daluhay held a pilot project on raising awareness to maternal nutrition needs in Indigenous communities. If you are reading this, you too can be a Daluhay Ambassador just by sharing our newsletter and 2020 Best Picture on ETHNOECOLOGY for a changing world.


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THE TEAM

The DALUHAY team consists of a dedicated Board of Directors, other volunteers and contractual front-line community workers applying their passion for sustainable development through contractual opportunities. Current team members and their areas of overall contribution are:

DALUHAY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sharon Teh Chairman of the Board

Paul Watts

President and Vice Chairman of the Board

Purisima Juico Secretary/Treasurer and Founding Board Member

THEMATIC BOARD MEMBERS

Joanna Imsum-Lim Maternal and Child Health

Eli Guieb III

Community Development

Melissa Gibson Villuanueva Biocultural Resilience and Risk Mitigation

ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBERS

Matt Blackburn (United Kingdom)

Andrea Ulrich (Switzerland)

Gian Valenzuela

(New York)

Alex Sipho Stuart (United Kingdom)

FORMER BOARD MEMBERS

Charlito Juico Founding Board Member

Marivic Pajaro

Founding Board Member

Raymond Pajaro Founding Board Member

Ronie Caanawan

Thematic Board Member – Development and Indigenous Peoples

Anacoreta Arciaga

Thematic Board Member - Community Development

FRONT-LINE COMMUNITY WORKERS

Marivic Pajaro

Executive Director

Mark Edison Raquino Research & Development Coordinator

Marilyn Dela Torre

Forest Specialist & Researcher

Mary Shan Faye Alejos Communication and Livelihood Specialist ,

Researcher & Q Editor

Ria Esteves Community Development Coordinator

Daniel Amores

Community Development Assistant

Jeffrey Natividad Community Networking Assistant

Marco Yambot

Admin and Finance Officer

Karen Joy Virrey Bookkeeper

Isabell Kittel Volunteer

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Did you enjoy reading any of the articles? We are open to your insights regarding our stories. If you think we can collaborate in the future or may know people / organizations that may be interested in receiving our newsletters, feel free to send us message! To learn more about our projects and activities, you may visit our website www.daluhay.org or you can send us an email at [email protected] . We will get back to you as soon as we can.

We’d love to hear from you!

The DALUHAY QUARTERLY is published in July, October, January and April

https://daluhay.org/newsletters/

http://www.daluhay.org

for a changing world

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