“Metal Bio-indicator Plant Species of the Philippines” a De La Salle University Project under the PCIEERD-DOST PROGRAM FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION OF MINING AREAS THROUGH PHYTOTECHNOLOGIES with Ateneo de Manila University and The University of the Philippines Los Banos

1. “Metal Bio-indicator Plant Species
of the Philippines”
a De La Salle University Project under the PCIEERD-DOST
PROGRAM FOR REHABILITATION AND RESTORATION
OF MINING AREAS THROUGH PHYTOTECHNOLOGIES
with Ateneo de Manila University and
The University of the Philippines Los Banos

2. OBJECTIVES OF PROGRAM ARE:
To identify and study the biology-ecology and
chemistry of indigenous metallophyte
species that can be used in phytotechnologies
to restore mined-out areas
To develop a protocol for propagating
metallophyte species for use as metal bio-
indicators, phytostabilization and post-mining
metal recovery

3. SURVEY OF PLANTS IN METALLIFEROUS SOILS
AND MINED OUT AREAS
Collection and taxonomic identification of plants that are metallophytes
(or those plants that thrive even in metal-rich soil conditions); and within
the metallophyte species, identify those that are obligate or facultative
and those that are hyperaccumulators - these plant species can be used
as bio-indicators of heavy metal contamination and used for restoring
mined-out areas (in phytostabilization) as well as recovery of the metal.
DETERMINATION OF THE METAL CONTENT OF PLANT
(ROOT, STEM AND LEAVES) AND SOIL SAMPLES
Measurement of the heavy metal concentration of samples collected
from metalliferous soils compared with those collected from non-
metalliferous soils using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
CLASSIFICATION OF PLANT SPECIES BASED ON
CAPACITY TO EXTRACT METAL FROM THE SOIL AND
ACCUMULATE METAL IN THEIR TISSUES
Determining which plant species are capable of bio-indication, phyto-
extraction, and phyto-stablization using the ratio of metal content in soil
to plant tissue to determine capacity to “take away” metal from soil

4. THE GOAL OF THE PROJECT
is to develop an easy-to-use
and cheap technology, using
plants, to detect the presence
of heavy metals in soils, to
make detection, monitoring and
the clean-up of mining areas
easier for the mining sector and
citizens, to accomplish.

5. ALSO,
provide the mining sector and
citizens the capacity to recognize
and identify plant species that can
ONLY survive in the presence of
heavy metals (or obligate metal-
lophytes) and recognize the
CHANGES (adaptations) that occur in
the morphology of plants that can
survive in the presence or absence of
heavy metals (or those that are
facultative metallophytes).

6. PROJECT OBJECTIVE 1: Create a database of metal
hyperaccumulator plant species naturally occurring in
metal rich or ultramafic soils
Specifically:
1.1 Conduct a taxonomic survey, with gross morphological descriptions, of
metallophyte species (both hyperaccumulators and non-
hyperaccumulators) and other associated vascular plant species thriving in
metal rich and adjacent non-metal rich soils in six sites.
These include: 1) Kalinga, 2) Marinduque Island, 3) Rapu-Rapu Island,
Albay 4) Cebu, 5) Negros, and 6) Compostela Valley which are
representative of phytogeographic regions following the distribution of
ultramafics (metal rich or metalliferous substrates) in the Philippines

7. Specifically…
1.2 Compare the species found in metal rich soils with the species found in
adjacent non- metal rich soils and relate the distribution of
hyperaccumulator, non-hyperaccumulator and non-metallophyte (metal
tolerant or non-tolerant) species to soil chemistry.
1.3 Determine the distribution of the metals in the roots, stem and leaves
of hyperaccumulator plant species; identify the ligands; and compare the
protein profiles of selected hyperaccumulators with other metallophytes
and non-metallophytes.
2.1 Identify the obligate metallophytes (which may also be
hyperaccumulator) species, or those that are found thriving only in metal
rich soils; and facultative species , or those that are present in both metal
rich and non-metal rich soils.
2.2 Describe and compare the gross morphological, morphometric and
physiological characteristics of obligate, facultative metallophyes including
hyperaccumulator species and non-metallophyte species..

8. Marinduque:
Philippines Magmatic Arc
Southern Luzon Geographic Region
Compostela Valley
Philippine Magmatic Arc
Mindanao Biogeographic Region
Negros:
Masbate-Negros Magmatic Arc
Western Visayas Biogeographic Region
Kalinga:
Luzon Central Cordillera Arc
Northern/Southern Luzon Geographic
Region
Rapu-Rapu, Albay:
Philippines Magmatic Arc
Northern/Southern Luzon Geographic
Region
STUDY SITES
Cebu:
Central Philippines, Central Visayas
Geographic Region

9. STUDY SITES SAMPLING SITES
METALLIFEROUS NON-METALLIFEROUS
LUZON
Kalinga Pasil copper Balbalan
Balbalan (Sesec-an) mercury from gold Balbalasan
mining
Marinduque Bocboc small scale mining gold, iron Torrijos
Kapayang abandoned open pit copper Mt. Malindig
Putting Buhangin abandoned open pit
Pili-Butansapa tailings copper
Rapu-Rapu Barangay Akal copper Mainland Bacacay
Barangay Lumang Bisita copper
Barangay Binosawan mining discharge
VISAYAS
Cebu Lutopan ( inside Carmen Balamban
Copper Corporation) Sudlon
Tabuna
Negros Negros Occidental Negros Occidental
Bulata copper Campuestuhan watershed
Maricalum, Sipalay closed copper mine
Negros Oriental Negros Oriental
Basay closed copper mine Valencia
MINDANAO
Compostela Valley Barangay Tupaz small scale mining gold Mt. Candalaga
Barangay Pamintaran copper Cagayan de Oro
Barangay Cambagang gold processing
New Katipunan (Poblacion) Iron

10. STUDY SITE 1: Kalinga (LUZON)
SAMPLING SITES:
Metalliferous (Metal Rich Sites)
- Pasil
- Balbalan (Sesec-an)
Non-Metalliferous (Non-metal
Rich Sites)
- Balbalan
- Balbalasan

11. STUDY SITE 1: Kalinga (LUZON)
• Data collection conducted, additional data collected through interviews also
conducted; samples being processed
• Networking visits to DENR (Regional, Provincial and CENRO), NCIP (Provincial
and Regional) and to institutional partner, Kalinga State University conducted
• Community’s permission and from NCIP (Regional and Provincial) through
Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) application already in process

12. Samples were collected from the copper, zinc, gold mining sites
STUDY SITE 2: Marinduque Island (LUZON)
Kapayang Puting Buhangin
SAMPLING SITES
Metalliferous Non-Metalliferous
Bocboc Torrijos
Kapayang Mt. Malindig
Putting Buhangin
Pili-Butansapa

13. Samples were collected from the site where Marcopper Mining Company mine tailings
spilled from a fractured drainage tunnel of an overburdened tailings dam (the old mined
out pit of Mt. Tapian), toxic wastes eventually reaching Boac River.
Pili-Butansapa
STUDY SITE 2: Marinduque Island (LUZON)

14. Samples were collected from the site of an old copper mine pit; site showing signs
of vegetation (ecosystem recovery?)
Pili-Butansapa
STUDY SITE 2: Marinduque Island (LUZON)

15. Samples were collected where Marcopper
Mining Corporation mine tailings eventually
spilled; site still suspected of being
contaminated with heavy metals. Sudden
vegetation re-colonization was observed after
a flooding.
Bocboc
Sudden re-vegetation of site observed
STUDY SITE 2: Marinduque Island (LUZON)

16. STUDY SITE 2: Marinduque Island (LUZON)
• Four collection trips conducted
with Marinduque State College
(MSC) faculty, staff and LGU
participation
• Hundred seventy one (171) Plant
and soil samples collected from six
sampling sites.
• Eighty one (81) specimens belong
to 29 Families, and 37 Genera
• characterization / chemical
analysis on going
• Networking resulted to training MSC faculty
and staff in-situ and at DLSU, Manila
• Training Kit / Plant Collections Starter Kit
provided to MSC for reference
A fractured drainage tunnel from an old mining pit
now used as tailings pit led to the Marcopper
Mining accident in 1996. Marcopper Mining
Corporation abandoned site and operations. The
parent company has since been sold to new
owners. No big mining operations resumed in the
island.

17. Samples were collected from sites where copper, gold and zinc may be present
STUDY SITE 3: Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay (LUZON)
SAMPLING SITES
Metalliferous
Barangay Akal
Barangay Lumang Bisita
Barangay Binosawan

18. Plant and soil samples were collected along the stream (believed to be) water directly discharging
from the mining site (still locally referred to a “Lafayette” although officially owned by Rapu-Rapu
Processing Inc. Barangay Binosawan is the community right next to the mining activiities.
STUDY SITE 3: Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay (LUZON)

19. The island of Rapu-Rapu may be entirely
metalliferous. Mining officially ceased in March
2013, but Mining Lease Agreement (MLA ) covers
most (or 80% ) of the island.
STUDY SITE 3: Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay (LUZON)
• 280 Plant and soil samples were
collected from selected sites
throughout the entire island with two
trips conducted
• 126 specimens belong to 29 Families,
36 Genera
• characterization / chemical analysis on
going
• Networking with church and LGU officials resulted
to in-site training of volunteer members of Sagip
Isla, Sagip Kapwa Church based People’s
Organization
• Divine Word College in Legaspi, Albay have agreed
to participate in the collection of plants from non-
metalliferous soils

20. STUDY SITE 4: Cebu (VISAYAS)
SAMPLING SITES
Metalliferous
Lutopan (Inside Carmen
Copper Corporation)
Non-Metalliferous
Balamban
Sudlon
Tabunan

21. With help from Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC)
Environmental Unit and De La Salle – Don Andres
Soriano Memorial College faculty and staff, samples
were collected from different sites within the
operational copper mining area.
STUDY SITE 4: Cebu (VISAYAS)

22. STUDY SITE 4: Cebu (VISAYAS)
• 75 Plant and soil samples were collected
from three different sites within the Carmen
Copper Corporation mining site in two trips;
Plant and soil collection also conducted in
nearby intact forests
• 43 specimens belong to 13 Families, 11
Genera
• Taxonomic data and chemical analysis Data
presented to partners
• select fern species subjected to
morphometric measurements and
ultrastructure examinations (SEM-EDX).
Further analysis underway.
• Networking resulted to the training of
partner institution faculty, staff and CCC’s
Environmental Unit staff.

23. STUDY SITE 5: Negros (VISAYAS)
Samples were collected from a closed
down mining site in Sipalay (Maricalum
Mining Corporation for copper) with
help from partner institution, University
of St. La Salle, volunteer researchers.
SAMPLING SITES
Metalliferous
Negros Occidental
Bulata
Maricalum, Sipalay
(closed mining site)
Negros Oriental
Basay (closed mining site)
Non-Metalliferous
Negros Occidental
Campuestohan
Negros Oriental
Valencia

24. Samples were collected along a stream
directly discharging from one of the
retention ponds (according to our LGU
guides) in a closed mining site in Basay,
Negros Oriental (leased to Copper
Development Corporation CDC, in
Hinobaan).
STUDY SITE 5: Negros (VISAYAS)

25. Samples were collected from non-
metalliferous soils in Campuestohan
(Part of Negros Forest and Ecological
Foundation Inc. site in the watershed
that supplies water for Bacolod City
residents; also suspected of being high in
Cd by USLS researchers, implicated for
the high incidence of breast cancer) and
in Valencia, Negros Oriental
STUDY SITE 5: Negros (VISAYAS)

26. STUDY SITE 5: Negros (VISAYAS)
• 403 Plant and soil samples
collected from five sampling sites
with support and participation from
USLS
• 184 specimen belong to 25 Families
and 30 Genera
• characterization and for chemical
analysis after two trips
• Networking resulted to training for the
University of St. La Salle faculty, students and
staff in plant collection and vegetation
analysis. Cross visits from USLS to the DLSU
Manila Herbarium began. Database sharing
discussions started.
• Training Kit and Plant Collection Starter Kit
provide to USLS

27. Samples were collected from copper, iron, gold
mining sites and a gold processing facility.
STUDY SITE 6: Compostela Valley (MINDANAO)
SAMPLING SITES
Metalliferous
Barangay Tupaz (gold mining site)
Barangay Pamintaran (copper mining site)
Barangay Cambagang (Iron mining site)
New Katipunan (Poblacion) in a gold
processing facility
Non-metalliferous soils
Mt. Candalaga
Brgy Tupaz (gold)
Sitio Salaysayon, Brgy Cambagang (iron)

28. Although multiple minerals
(polymetals) are mined in
Maragusan, Compostela Valley, all
mining activities are small scale
operations. Margusan LGU officials
and employees assisted in the
collection of data and providing
security services.
Purok Centennial, Brgy New Katipunan
(Poblacion) – gold processing facility
Brgy Pamintaran (copper mining site)

29. STUDY SITE 6: Compostela Valley (MINDANAO)
• 192 Plant and soil samples were
collected from five sampling sites
• 112 specimens belong to 28
Families and 41 Genera
• Characterization / chemical
analysis
• Networking was done with
Maragusan LGU municipal officials,
agencies (e.g. Municipal Office of
Tourism) and employees who
participated in data collection and
providing security to researchers
• Another trip is necessary to collect
more samples from the non-
metalliferous soils in Mindanao
Mining activities in Maragusan, Compostela Valley are
well regulated (based on interviews) by an LGU that is
keen on developing Maragusan as an ecotourism
destination. Fewer fatalities in mining communities
were experienced in Maragusan (compared to
Diwalwal) despite devastation from typhoon Pablo.
Contract growing of bananas serve as viable
alternative to extractive activities.

30. YEAR 1 OUTPUTS
Objectives 1 and 2
* A database (that is accessible and useful as reference to
the mining sector, restoration scientists and citizens) of
bioindicator, hyperaccumulator plant species naturally
occurring in metal rich (or ultramafic soils) and other
metalliferous soils including those from mining sites; and an
extensive database of bioindicator hyperaccumulator,
obligate and facultative plant species in the six study sites
* Description of the gross morphological, morphometric and
physiological characteristics of obligate and facultative
metallophyes, including bioindicator hyperaccumulator
species, as well as associated non-metallophyte species
submitted.

31. Summary Update of
Website Development
• DLSU BRAHMS Database functional; database
data entry on-going
• Website structure, site-protocol of use already
approved
• Website development 60% complete

32. Summary Update of Website /
Database Development
• 546 records (DOST specimens)
• 2920 records (DLSUH)
• 426+ photos

33. Summary Table of number of samples
and plant species collected
Study Site Sampling Site Species Plant Samples
Marinduque Island Bocboc 9 21
Kapayang 4 7
Putting Buhangin 16 33
Pili 25 64
Torrijos 11 22
Mt. Malindig 16 31
Rapu Rapu Island Akal 11 29
Lumang Bisita 26 50
Binosawan 23 53
Napulingan 41 117
Bulusan 5
Kaka 15 31
Cebu Island Lutopan 43 75
Negros Basay 48 119
Bulata 49 104
Sipalay 78 163
Campuestuhan 9 17
Compostela Valley Tupaz 52 85
New Katipunan 8 12
Cambagang 27 49
Pamintaran 29 48

34. Plant Species (or Genera Families
Samples Specimens)
Marinduque 178 81 37 29
Rapu-Rapu 280 121 36 29
Cebu 75 43 11 13
Negros 403 184 30 25
Compostela Valley 194 116 41 28
Total 545
SUMMARY TABLE OF PLANT SAMPLE AND SPECIES COLLECTED

35. PRELIMINARY CEBU DATA

36. Plants Collected from Toledo, Cebu
Pityrogramma calomelanosDicranopteris linearisBlechnum orientale
Aglaomorpha sp.Nephrolepis sp. Pteridium aquilinum

37. Plants Collected from Toledo, Cebu
Acacia mangium
Melastoma sp.

38. Fe Cu Cd Pb Zn
10,000.00 300.00 100.00 1,000.00 3,000.00
SCIENTIFIC NAME P LANT PART
Pityrogramma calomelanos Shoots 904.93 244.21 6.99 1,224.97 231.07
Roots 625.15 426.00 2.10 1,286.29 67.61
Lycopodiella cernua Shoots 339.58 35.06 2.06 1,371.83 76.29
Roots 261.44 137.31 4.36 1,473.30 223.80
Pteridium aquilinum Shoots 272.52 9.09 0.18 4.33 28.50
Roots 238.26 18.68 0.90 1.36 82.51
Dicranopteris linearis Shoots* 350.70 86.76 1.70 23.55 42.24
Roots* 327.62 13.69 0.43 5.91
Melastoma malabathricum Shoots 171.03 3.67 25.53 1,635.34 217.14
Roots 418.85 252.84 2.62 574.27 245.47
Nephroplepis sp. Shoots 112.82 2.07 2.85 114.82
Rhizome 471.47 2.19 175.63 84.60
Metal concentation (PPM) in shoots and roots of plants from Toledo Cebu

39. Potential Bio-indicator species from
Toledo Cebu
Species Part Cu Content (ppm) Where collected Soil (Cu ppm)
Pityrogramma
calomelanos
Roots 426.0001947 Biga pit ( T3 ) 119.2051158
Roots 439.6257528 Biga pit ( T2, T3) 88.62031393
Rachis 56.64817975 Biga pit ( T2, T3) 88.62031393
Rachis 162.7965458 Biga pit ( T1) 149.195
Leaves 48.60686138 Biga pit ( T1) 149.195
Nephrolepis sp.
Roots and
Rhizome
183.5180723 Biga pit ( T3) 1.2625
Rachis 391.702861 Biga pit ( T3) 1.2625
Leaves 7.139545665
Biga pit ( T3) 1.2625

40. Pityrogramma calomelanos –
Cu Hyperaccumulator species may be
facultative
Nephrolepis sp. Is another potentially the
facultative Cu bioindicator species
Potential Copper Bio-indicator Plants from Cebu

41. Comparison of plants collected from metalliferous soils
(top) and nonmetalliferous soil (bottom) in Cebu
Curling, irregular leaflets and reddening can be observed in plant from Biga Pit bench
Plants (ferns) collected from Sudlon forest

42. Nephrolepis sp. Nephrolepis sp.
Nephrolepis sp. is a potential facultative bio-indicator fern species showing
adaptation to high copper mining soils with the curling of pinna (leaflets) and
the irregularity or gaps in sori.

43. Nephrolepis sp. Showing pinna curling Pteris melanocaulon showing
irregularities (presence of gaps) in the
sori
Gross morphological adaptations in ferns observed in field collected plant samples

44. PRELIMINARY MARINDUQUE DATA

45. TABLE OF COPPER CONTENT IN PPM IN ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND BIOMASS OF PLANTS AND SOIL
SPECIES NAME
BELOW and ABOVE GROUND
BIOMASS Cu Content (PPM)
WHERE COLLECTED SOIL Cu Content (PPM) BIOCONCENTRATION FACTOR TRANSLOCATION FACTOR EFFICIENCY FACTOR
Leucas sp. 37.53096819 Torrijos
Gramineae sp. 2
2.398289956
Torrijos 0.8544843852.049301319
Nephrolepis sp.
369.3270021
Mogpog Capayang 1-2
230.678075 1.601049437 0.995011505 1.59306261
367.4846163
Menispermaceae sp. 1
137.3846012
Mogpog Capayang 1-2
230.678075 0.595568526 0.244174086 0.145422401
33.54575946
Nephrolepis sp.
200.1990217
Putting Buhangin
151.3404368 1.322838931 1.327241385 1.755726576
265.7124269
Cratoxylon sp.
98.59229079
Putting Buhangin
153.3404368 0.642963414 0.490459635 0.315347602
48.355539
Poaceae sp. 1
47.07820109
Putting Buhangin
154.3404368 0.3050283 0.471688328 0.143878289
22.20623794
Leea sp.
41.46679881
Putting Buhangin
155.3404368 0.266941433 0.854064387 0.227985171
35.4153161
Neonauclea / Nauclea sp.
134.8937079
Putting Buhangin
156.3404368 0.862820334 0.943233271 0.813840845
127.2362333
Pteris vitata
116.1459159
Putting Buhangin
157.3404368 0.738182239 0.32774156 0.241932998
38.06584362
Fabaceae sp. 1 29.05497946 Putting Buhangin 157.3404368 0.184663142
Melastoma sp.
28.70955746
Putting Buhangin
157.3404368 0.182467763 1.105713391 0.201757048
31.74454213
Alstonia macrophylla
45.11502414
Putting Buhangin
158.3404368 0.284924212 0.717498058 0.204432569
32.3699422
Hoya madulidii
45.23100193
Putting Buhangin
159.3404368 0.283863926 1.215948832 0.345164009
54.99858397
Pteris ensiformis
65.9190372
PB 4 0.373532693
24.6229155
Tectaria hilocarpia
29.82320241
PB3 1.06457417 28.01420816 1.015397734 28.44556349
30.28241215
Desmodium triflorum 58.11715481 PB1 0.593097593 97.98919357
Fabaceae sp. 1
135.7048375
Capayang 0.6878879193.34971701
Cyperaceae sp.1
517.621933
Capayang 0.17478438290.47222992
Poaceae sp. 2 179.3970966 Capayang
Typha sp.
95.54948272
Capayang 0.38310423436.6054114
Acrostichum aureum 52.10701214 Pili site 1

46. TABLE OF COPPER CONTENT IN PPM IN ABOVE AND BELOW GROUND BIOMASS OF PLANTS AND SOIL
SPECIES NAME
BELOW and
ABOVE
GROUND
BIOMASS Cu
Content (PPM)
WHERE COLLECTED
SOIL Cu Content
(PPM)
BIOCONCENTRATION
FACTOR
TRANSLOCATION
FACTOR
EFFICIENCY FACTOR
Nephrolepis sp.
369.3270021
Mogpog Capayang 1-2
230.678075 1.601049437 0.995011505 1.59306261
367.4846163
Nephrolepis sp.
200.1990217
Putting Buhangin
151.3404368 1.322838931 1.327241385 1.755726576
265.7124269
Cyperaceae sp.1
517.621933
Capayang 0.17478438290.47222992
POTENTIAL BIO-INDICATOR SPECIES FROM MARINDUQUE

47. Pteris melanocaulon Dicranopteris linearis
Potential bio-indicator species of fern commonly found in copper mining soils,
definitive characterization (of being hyperaccumulators) follows results of
chemical analysis from other sites.
OTHER NOTEWORTHY OBSERVATIONS

48. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
Atypical curling of leaves observed in ubiquitous herbs

49. Reddening only at the base of petioles or leaf sheath was
initially observed in plants collected from metalliferous
soils.
Pityrogramma calomelanos
Piper sp.
Eleusine indica

50. Psidium guajava
Atypical reddening patterns observed in
guava leaves
Melastoma sp.
Observations of the fruit of

51. Yellowing of Oryza sativa
Cocos nucifera showing stunted growth
Stunted growth observed even at reproductive maturity

52. PROJECT OBJECTIVE 4: Establish a protocol and a
training kit to build the capacity of environmental
managers and stakeholders to detect heavy metal
contamination in soils using bio-indicator species.
Also establish a network of DOST partner
institutions and La Salle affiliated schools; as well
as provide training to network members in the
identification, monitoring, propagation and
conservation of hyperaccumulator species in the six
sites. More specifically to:
4.1 Train personnel of partner institutions in the collection of taxonomic
data, plant samples, seeds or propagules, and engage them in
monitoring and in the conservation of hyperaccumulator species in the
six sites.

53. OBJECTIVE 4: Establish a protocol and a training kit
to build the capacity of environmental managers
and stakeholders to detect heavy metal
contamination in soils using bio-indicator species.
Also establish a network of DOST partner
institutions and La Salle affiliated schools; as well
as provide training to network members in the
identification, monitoring, propagation and
conservation of hyperaccumulator species in the six
sites. More specifically to:
4.2 Develop a mechanism for cooperation and information sharing with
partner institutions (academic, LGUs, GOs, NGOs) to sustain the network
of institutions focused on monitoring and the conservation of
hyperaccumulator and other noteworthy plant species in the six sites.

54. YEAR 1 OUTPUT
Objective 4
A Network of DOST partner institutions and De La Salle
University affiliated schools within the vicinity of the study
sites which will participate in the completion of the project.
A protocol and training materials for environmental
managers to recognize bio-indicator plant species

55. SUMMARY OUTPUT ON NETWORKING
• Network is in place, network members include La Salle Schools (3); SUCs
(2); NGO; Church based PO; LGUs and NCIP (6)
• Training of partners conducted in all six sites completed
• Network partners have participated in the collection of data in the six sites
• Networking protocol already tested in six sites
• Training manual already drafted, printer already contacted
• Instructional Video on proper plant collection post –production being
completed
• Restoration Research Group of DLSU graduate and undergraduate students
formed; presented papers ( 12)

56. STUDY SITE INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER
Kalinga (Luzon) Kalinga State University
LGUs (Pasil, Balbalan) NCIP
Marinduque (Luzon) Marinduque State College
LGU (3 Barangays)
Rapu-rapu (Luzon) Local church PO (SISK)
Divine World College
Cebu (Visayas) De La Salle Andres Soriano
Memorial College,
Carmen Copper Corporation
(CCC) Environmental Unit
Negros (Visayas) University of St. La Salle,
Bacolod City, NGOs (2)
Compostela Valley (Mindanao) Maragusan LGU municipal
official, LS (Bislig, Illigan,
Osamis)

57. STUDY SITE 1: Kalinga (LUZON)
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER: Kalinga State University
“Rice fields in Tabuk turned hard and
white from the Balatoc mining
activities in Pasil and the wastes
draining into the Chico River” - Dr.
Eduardo Bagtang, KSU President
“The people killed the manager of
Balatoc to stop the mining ” - Mailani
Bilabo, AO NCIP Kalinga Provincial
Office

58. INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER: Marinduque State College
STUDY SITE 2: Marinduque Island (LUZON)
Training and Plant Collection Starter Kit provided MSC

59. Networking with the Barangay
Captains of Capayang, Pili,
and Bocboc, Marinduque

60. Herman Ombao, faculty member of MSC came to
DLSU, Manila to receive hands-on training on
Plant Collections Management
Cross visitation and training opportunities provided

61. “Are you pro mining or anti mining?’ - Nora Onate, Mayor of Rapu-Rapu
“tinatanong kami ng mga tao kung taga mina daw kayo at baka raw nabayaran
na kami” - Lucas Balbin, Field Guide and SISK Officer
STUDY SITE 3: Rapu-Rapu Island, Albay (LUZON)
INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER: Sagip Isla, Sagip Kapwa,
a Church-Based People’s Organization

62. INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: De La Salle-Andres Soriano
Memorial School and Carmen Copper Corporation (CCC)
STUDY SITE 4: Cebu (VISAYAS)

63. Training provided to participating teachers of ASMC and the
Environmental Unit of CCC

64. Networking with DENR Cebu (part of the National Clonal
Forestation Project) in Balamban and Cammita Inc. NGO

65. INSTITUTIONAL PARTNER: University of Saint La Salle, Bacolod
STUDY SITE 5: Negros (VISAYAS)

66. Training was provided USLS volunteer researchers

67. USLS students, faculty and staff joined data collection

68. INSTITUTIONAL PARTNERS: Maragusan Local government Agencies -
MENRO and the Municipal Tourism Office
STUDY SITE 6: Compostela Valley (MINDANAO)
“Ah dahil may mga halamang tumutubo (sa discharge pond)
ibig sabihin safe din sa tao” - Foreman, Gold Processing
Facility

69. De La Salle - St John Bosco College, Bislig
La Salle Academy, Illigan
ACADEMIC PARTNERS VISITED IN MINDANAO
La Salle University, Ozamis

70. Training Protocol
through lectures and hands-on training
methods
• Introduction of the Project and the
Program
• Discussion of levels of participation
• Plant collection Techniques
• Field and Laboratory Safety
• Plant Identification Techniques
• Field Work and Field Documentation
• Sample Processing

71. TRAINING AND STARTER KIT PROVIDED PARTNERS CONTAIN:
• Books on Plant Identification; or pictorial guide books for the initial
identification of the plant collected in their vicinity / area
• Basic plant collecting equipment like pruning shears
• Basic Herbarium sheet preparation supplies like standard size Bristol
Board
• Plastic box / container for all the items and to serve as an example
storage container (correct size) for herbarium sheets (properly preserved
identified plants used as reference.

72. TRAINING OBJECTIVES
The ultimate goal is to:
help build the partner institution’s capacity to establish its own research (and
teaching) collection (herbarium and living) of local plants in the area. Going
beyond the project time horizon, these institutions become the “go to”
authority on the plants within their biogeographic or geopolitical areas. Any
future questions on the identity of plants (non-ornamental or non-food plant,
especially metallophytes) can then be resolved in consultation with experts
from national or international plant collection centers (like the Philippine
National Museum).
The practical goal is to:
help institutions develop their own herbarium, or at the very least,
learn to collect and preserve plants in a manner that renders the specimens
“identifiable” or in a way that plant taxonomists at the Philippine National
Museum or the DLSU System can identify

73. LESSONS LEARNED
• people request for plant to be identified by sending
photographs or sending plants improperly collected
(missing important parts) or those not properly
dried/preserved (decomposing or crumbling in
plastic bags)
• unless hands-on training and actual field collections
are conducted, little of the information on proper
plant collection and identification is retained
• details of simple techniques/procedures on scientific
plant collection and vegetation analysis can be taught
more effectively through experiential learning

74. LESSONS LEARNED
• questions on where to buy supplies used in
collecting, drying and preserving plant
specimen (herbarium preparation) always
arise
• Feedback from trainees is that on their own,
procedures and details of procedures for
collecting plants can easily slip their minds
without any guidebook or, even more useful,
a reference video (like a how-to cooking video
for scientific plant collection)

75. OUTLINE OF A GUIDEBOOK (PART 1)
FOR COLLECTING PLANTS FOR RESEARCH ON METALLOPHYTES
AND BIO-INDICATOR PHYTOTECHNOLOGY
MODULE 1: VEGETATION SURVEY TECHNIQUES
Grassland Vegetation Analysis (Transect, Quadrat Methods)
Forest Vegetation Analysis (PCQM, Plot, Permanent Plot Methods)
MODULE 2: PLANT SPECIMEN COLLECTION FOR TAXONOMY AND
MOLECULAR RESEARCH
Plant Specimen Collection for Taxonomy and Molecular Research
Herbarium Curation and Management
MODULE 3: SOIL AND PLANT CHARACTERIZATION
Soil Sampling and Chemical Analysis
Chemical Analysis of Plant Samples
Morphological Description of Plants
Molecular Analysis
PART II: IDENTIFICATION AND PROPAGATION OF METALLOPHYTES USED AS BIO-INDICATOR,
PHYTOREMEDIATION, PHYTOMINING AND REFORESTATION SPECIES

76. Training / Teaching Video on
Plant Collection Techniques (a Production Update)
* Professional Videographer / Director contracted
* Production, and script completed
* Graphic and animation approaches / styles designed
* Outdoor and indoor shooting conducted
* Rough cut reviewed
* editing and post-production continues
* professional audio dubbing to be scheduled

77. ENGAGING DLSU STUDENTS,
ACADEMIC COMMUNITY AND THE
PUBLIC TO STUDY THE USE OF
PHYTOTECHNOLOGIES FOR
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

78. Ecological Restoration Research Group formed and monthly colloquia
held to monitor and review student research on phytotechnologies

79. STUDENT RESEARCH TOPICS RELATED TO BIO-INDICATOR
AND PHYTOREMEDIATION PHYTOTECHNOLOGIES UNDER
THE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION GROUP
Caspe, Marixel (PhD Student)
Underlying mechanism of metallophyte adaptation to metalliferous soils in Manicani Island,
Eastern Samar
Matulac, John Mark (MS Biology Candidate)
Effects of varying concentrations of copper sulfate on the gametophyte and sporophyte
development of Pteris melanocaulon Fee collected from Marinduque Island, Philippines
Bautista, Mary Ann (MS Biology Candidate)
Morphological and molecular analysis of Philippine Phyllantus species
Cruz , Abigail and Tan, Gladys (BS Biology Students)
Effect of varying copper sulfate concentrations on the growth of Curcuma zedoaria and
Ipomoea batatas
Villa, AJ (BS Biology Student)
Effects of varying copper sulfate concentrations on the growth of Colocasia sp.

80. At the DLSU Science and Technology
Research Congress March 9, 2013
At the Australasia Conference on Ecosystem
Restoration (by Dr. Agoo) July, 2013
• Presented to nationwide teachers participating in SIGWA project on setting up
weather stations in schools , August, 2013
• Presented at the Biodiversity Conservation, the Key to Restoration, Resilience and
Sustainability Symposium and Focused Group Discussion at DLSU August 17, 2013
MEETING WITH NETWORK MEMBERS (PARTNER INSTITUTIONS) PLANNED FOR MAY
(2014) TO DISCUSS YEAR 1 PROGRESS REPORT AND FINDINGS OF THE PROJECT
PRESENTATIONS OF THE BIO-INDICATOR PCIEER-DOST AND
DLSU PROJECT AT MEETNGS
• Presented at Round Table Discussion with Dr. Satria, of Mining Engineering,
Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia , 27 June 2013 at DLSU

81. AND IN YEAR 2 THE GOAL IS:
THROUGH AN ASSAY (OR BY GROWING THE PLANTS
IN POTS) DETERMINE THE RESPONSE OF SELECTED
PLANT SPECIES TO KNOWN CONCENTRATIONS OF
HEAVY METALS UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS
AND PREPARE FOR GOAL IN YEAR 3 TO:
DETERMINE HOW TO PROPAGATE BIO-INDICATOR
SPECIES FOR POTENTIAL USE IN THE FIELD FOR
DETECTION OF CONTAMINATION AND/OR POSSIBLY
FOR CLEAN – UP (PHYTOREMEDIATION)

82. OBJECTIVE 3: Determine the plasticity in the
morphological and physiological responses and
adaptations (or tolerance) of selected facultative
species exposed to varying concentrations of heavy
metals through a pot experiment. More specifically to:
3.1 Monitor selected facultative species to determine reproductive
phenology in order to collect seeds or cuttings to propagate them.
3.2 Expose test plants to varying levels of metals to determine tolerance
(germination, survival and growth) to increasing concentrations of heavy
metals.

83. THANK YOU