2015 ERDB beach forest.pdf

// CANOPY INTERNATIONAL VOL 41 NO. 2 JULY - DECEMBER 2015
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References
Bickford D, Posa MR, Qie L, Campos-
Arceiz A, Kudavidanage E. 2012.
Science communication for
biodiversity conservation. [accessed
2016 July 7]. http:/www.researchgate.
net/publication/228089882_Science_
communication_for_biodiversity_
conservation
Ecosystems Research and
Development Bureau. 2015. College,
Laguna, Philippines: Department of
Environment and Natural Resources;
[accessed 2016 July 7]. http://erdb.
denr.gov.ph/index.php/about-erdb/
profile
Forest Resarch Institute. 1975. CANOPY
Vol.1 No. 1. College, Laguna,
Philippines
Fischloff B, Scheufele D. 2012. The
science of science communication.
[accessed 2016 July 7]. http://www.
pnas.org/content/110/
Supplement_3/14031.full.pdf
Timeline of CANOPY International from 1975 to 2015.
graphics by MJLZuraek.

After the tragic typhoon Yolanda, beach
forest species have suddenly been
considered in the rehabilitation efforts
for four reasons, namely, they serve
as first defense against storm surge in
areas sans mangroves; occupy a longer
area than mangroves, therefore, more
protection potential of shoreline;
arrest sedimentation of sea grasses
and corals; and provide shelter and food
to wildlife. Thus, beach forest species
are already included in the Mangrove
and Beach Forest Development
Project (MBFDP) with PhP 1-B budget
implemented by the Ecosystems
Research and Development Bureau
(ERDB) assisted by the Biodiversity
and Watersheds Improved for Stronger
Economy and Ecosystem Resilience
(B+WISER), a United States Agency
for International Development (USAID)
assisted program implemented by the
Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR).
Local information on beach area
restoration is very limited as most
CALIXTO E.YAO
“Beach species serve as first defense against storm surge in areas
sans mangroves.”
BEACH FOREST AND
MANGROVE ASSOCIATES
SPECIES PLANTING:
THE SIQUIJOR EXPERIENCE
Banalo tree along the shore of
Barangay Lumangkapan.
Photo by CEYao.

of them are already developed. The
recent books, Beach Forest Species
and Mangrove Associates in the
Philippines (Primavera and Sabeda
2012) and Beach Plant Species (Palis
2014), are timely for the implementation
of the MBFDP, at least for species
identification. The former included
mangrove associate species (MAS) but
lacks categorical differentiation with the
traditional beach species (TBS), while
the latter merely mentioned mangrove
associates in passing.
Publications on rehabilitation are from
Indo-Pacific regions, which have been
hit by Titanic Tsunami in 2004. Chan
and Baba (2009), which cited several
authors, underlined the importance
of selection of suitable species for
planting sand dunes that could survive
sandblasting, sandburial, saltspray,
saltwater flooding, heat, drought, and
limited soil nutrient. Wibisono and
Suryadiputra (2006) reported that most
post-tsunami plantings on beach areas
in Aceh, Indonesia failed due to poor
site and species selection, grazing,
and no maintenance after planting.
Moreover, the report underscored
the vulnerability of TBS to sea water
intrusion, where all agoho (Casuarina
equisetifolia Forst.) seedlings died after
inundation.
Beach forest and mangrove
associate species
Beach forest species are plants
commonly found along the shorelines in
two distinct groups, TBS and MAS.
The former, which includes agoho
(Casuarina equisetifolia Forst.), narra
(Pterocarpus indicus Willd.), and bread
fruit (Artocarpus altilis (Park) Fosb),
are not tolerant to sea water intrusion,
while the latter is. The MAS is further
subdivided into two subgroups by
BARANGAY TULAPOS. Resilient bitaog with dense foliage. Photo by CEYao.
habitat and substrates, namely, along
sandy beaches, which include bitaog
(Calophyllum inophyllum L.), butong
(Barringtonia asiatica L.), banalo
(Thespesia populnea L.) and along
muddy back mangroves, which include
dungon late (HerItiera littorals Ait), ipil
(Intsia bijuga Colebr.), and balitbitan
(Cynometra ramiflora L.).
Easement zone planting
The promotion of native trees by DENR
started in 1990s contract reforestation
under the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) Loan 1 with the Central Office
providing different regions with agoho
seeds because of the lack of planting
material in many regions. In 1993,
Provincial Environment and Natural
Resources Office (PENRO) Siquijor
started the phenological studies
on native trees to produce a seed
calendar indicating flowering/fruiting,
germination percentage, number of
seeds per kilo, longevity, and price of
a particular species in anticipation for
the big demand of native trees. Some
of the seedlings from the germination
and phenology studies were used in the
initial trial on native trees with its seed
production area in Liloan, Maria in 1993
(Yao 1993).
PENRO Siquijor did trial planting on
easement zones in three barangays
in Enrique Villanueva, using TBS and
MAS. The first batch was in Tulapos
with agoho and bitaog as part of the
landscaping of the Training Center
under the Coastal Environment
Program (CEP). The second was
in Lumangkapan covering 0.3 ha
with bitaog, banalo, agoho, neem
(Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), and
acacia (Acacia auriculiformis Cunn).
The third was in Barangay Bitaog
on a 0.25-ha lot with bitaog, batino
(Alstonia macrophylla Wall), mahogany
(Swietenia macrophylla Jacq.), molave
(Vitex parviflora Juss), narra, neem,
kalantas (Toona calantas Merr.), and
kubi (Artocarpus nitidus Trec. subsp).
Growth performance
All the plantings in Enrique Villanueva
were evaluated only last 2014 or
20 years after planting because the
author was transferred in 1995. Rapid
assessment was done in support of
Local
information on
beach area
restoration is
very limited as
most are already
developed.
“
“

“
the MBFDP of DENR, with PhP 1-B
budget to rehabilitate the coastal areas
of regions affected by Typhoon Yolanda
(Table 1).
In Barangay Tulapos, all the five Agoho
that were planted 5 m from the highest
tide were luxuriant until they started
to die after five years due to sea water
intrusion. On the other hand, bitaog
trees with an average diameter and
height of 10 cm and 6 m, respectively,
were all bearing fruits even with 25% of
roots exposed due to scouring.
Table 1. Growth performance in three easement zones
LOCATION/SPECIES SURVIVAL
RATE (%)
AVE. DIA.
(cm)
AVE. HT.
(m)
REMARK
Barangay Tulapos Single row of the three species, 16 trees, 5 m from highest tide
1. Bitaog 100 10 cm 6 m Seven trees
2. Balu 100 15 cm 8 m Four trees (planted 2000)
3. Agoho 0 All died in the fifth year due to inundation
Barangay
Lumangkapan
0.3 ha easement zone
1. Agoho 10 12 11 Low survival attributed to stray animals
2. A. auriculiformis 25 12 Very resilient
3. Banalo 10 20 9 Started fruiting at year 5
4. Bitaog 30 12 6 Started fruiting at year 5
5. Neem 10 15 8 Very resilient, beach species in India
Barangay Bitaog 0.25 ha easement zone
1. Narra 80 18 11 Consistently luxuriant
2. Neem 50 25 12 Luxuriant
3. Mahogany 70 20 14 Very resilient, closest to the shore
4. Molave 40 12 7 Branchy
5. Batino 20 15 12 Cylindrical bole
In Barangay Lumangkapan, although
all species have very low survival rate
due to absence of maintenance and
monitoring, most of them showed high
resilience like bitaog, banalo, agoho,
neem, and even A. auriculiformis, a
nonbeach species. The two surviving
banalo have been fruiting since 1999.
Agoho and neem, beach species in
India, are thriving well.
In Barangay Bitaog, the planting site
was formerly a coconut plantation with
corn underplant. Soil is clay loam, much
more fertile compared to Lumangkapan
site. Almost all species are luxuriant due
to the relatively fertile soil. Narra, neem,
and mahogany have been consistently
luxuriant with average diameter and
height of 18 cm, 25 cm, 20 cm and
11 m, 12 m and 14 m, respectively.
The area was replanted several times
due to damage by stray animals.
The easement zone planting in Tulapos
highlighted the distinct difference
between TBS and MAS, where agoho
and bitaog have been planted 5 m
away from the highest tide. The former
died after five years due to inundation
caused by sea level rise, whereas the
latter is still luxuriant and fruiting despite
the exposed roots from scouring. This
finding will significantly increase survival
rate in beach area by planting only
MAS within the first three rows from the
highest tide. The two surviving banalo in
Lumangkapan, one with exposed roots,
are also promising. The same goes for
agoho and neem. In Barangay Bitaog
where narra, bitaog, molave, neem, and
mahogany have been replanted several
times due to damage by stray animals,
no growth performance evaluation has
been done since planting.
The overall performance of the
different beach forest species in the
three easement zones trials showed
high resilience, especially bitaog, with
consistent luxuriant growth in the three
sites. This is followed by banalo, neem,
and narra. On the other hand, nonbeach
forest species like mahogany and A.
auriculiformis, showed promising growth
and high resilience, which could be
considered in coastal rehabilitation.
The consistent excellent performance
of bitaog in the three trials makes
it a top priority in beach planting,
while nonbeach forest species like A.
auriculiformis and mahogany are as
resilient as the former and can be well
considered in coastal rehabilitation.
Lastly, the death of all agoho trees in
Barangay Tulapos after its inundation
showed that traditional beach forest
species are not suited within the first
Traditional
beach forest
species are not
suited within
the first 10 m of
easement
zones.
“

BARANGAY BITAOG. Dense bitaog and neem serve as shades to boats. Photo by CEYao.
10 m of the easement zone, especially
now that, even in an ordinary typhoon,
storm surge is common.
Based on the learning from the study
and the needed information on beach
forest rehabilitation, the following
next steps are recommended. First, if
possible, only MAS should be planted
within the easement zone in the light of
frequent storm surges.
Second, for fast growth and higher
survival rate, apply 300 g of chicken
dung/seedling and 3-4 inches mulching.
Third, ERDB may embed community-
based studies on the MBFDP
plantations consistent with the science-
based approach on mangrove and
beach forest restoration. Also, ERDB
may conduct phenological/germination
studies on beach species for seed
calendar production.
Last, there is a need to document all
resilient nonbeach forest species.
Literature cited
Chan H, Baba S. 2009. Manual on
guidelines for rehabilitation of coastal
forest damaged by natural hazards
in the Asia-Pacific Region.
International Society for Mangrove
Ecosystems (ISME) and International
Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).
Primavera J, Sadaba R. 2012. Beach
forest species and mangrove
associates in the Philippines.
SEAFDEC Aquaculture Department.
Palis H. 2013. A Handbook of beach
plants in the Philippines. ERDB,
College, Laguna
Yao CE. 1993. Species trials of
indigenous species in Siquijor.
Canopy International. ERDB,
College, Laguna
The author is retired Provincial Environment
and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO)
from Region 7
.

GIRLIE H. RUEDA, SIMPLICIA A. PASICOLAN, PhD, JAMELLA M. DE CASTRO,
WENCELITO P. HINTURAL, and JEWEL B. LABITA
PEATLAND FOREST FIRES IN
AGUSAN DEL SUR:
NATURAL OR MANMADE?
Residents were oblivious of the fact that forest fires contribute greatly
to climate change.
Not so many articles have been written
about peatlands in the Philippines.
Perhaps, the word “peatland” itself
does not sound really familiar to many
Filipinos. This might be because of the
fact that studies on peatlands in the
Philippines are still in their infancy stage
despite the confirmation of parts of
Agusan Marsh as peatland as early as
November 2005.
Peatland is a freshwater wetland with
a thick water-logged organic soil layer
(peat) made up of dead and decaying
plant material which is normally black
and spongy.
According to the Country Report on
the implementation of the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Peatland Management Strategy
(APMS) in the Philippines, the very
first engagement of the Philippine
Government on the protection of
peatlands was during the consultation-
workshop for the development of
APMS held in Bangkok, Thailand in
May 2005. In this particular workshop,
the Philippine representative stated
the presence of peatlands in the
country. However, identifying their exact
locations will entail assistance from the
experts. Dr Jonathan Davies, a wetland
Consultant who worked initially in the
Philippines’ wetlands, then conducted
a field work and finally validated the
very first peatlands in the Philippines.
Talacogon and Caimpugan Lakes in
Agusan del Sur were the identified
peatlands within the Agusan Marsh.
The Biodiversity Management Bureau
(BMB) was the lead agency in the
conduct of ASEAN Peatland Forests
Project (APFP) funded by GEF/IFAD.
In 2010, the Ecosystems Research
and Development Bureau (ERDB)
collaborated with BMB in the conduct of
rapid assessment for the confirmation
of numerous peatland sites in the
Philippines. One of the objectives
was the confirmation of other sites in
Talacogon and La Paz, Agusan del Sur
as peatlands and thereafter included
in ERDB’s project titled “Biological
Assessment of Suspected Peatlands”
which was later reconstructed to
“Development of Management
Strategies for Peatlands”
.
It was in August 2015 when the ERDB
team witnessed peatland forest fires
in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur for the
very first time. The photo below shows
two separate fires that were personally
witnessed by the ERDB team. No one
confirmed whether they were man-
induced or occurred naturally. There
were only speculations. The fires lasted
for about an hour only as they had been
quenched by the rainwater.
The authors met with Michael G.
Sabacajan of the Municipal Disaster
Risk Reduction Management Office.
(MDRRMO). He expressed that these
fires appeared to be manmade. It
could be that fisherfolks purposely
burn grasses and weeds so they can
fish in the lake. Most of the residents
in the community rely on fishing for
daily sustenance. On the other hand,
it could also be a form of spontaneous
combustion. The MDRRMO staff,
accordingly, have documented several
peatland forest fires on different
occasions, which at times lasted for
several days and even weeks making
the sensitive peatlands unprotected.
The MDRRMO added that massive
Information, Education, and
Communication (IEC) campaign has
been initiated to further increase the
residents’ knowledge and awareness
on the importance of these peatlands.
In the previous years when IEC has
not been conducted by the Talacogon
Municipality, fires occurred very
frequently. This heightened their alarm
as residents were oblivious of the fact
that forest fires contribute greatly to
climate change. Burning peat, which
is composed of layers of organic
FOREST FIRES. Two separate fires in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur witnessed by
the ERDB team on August 25, 2015. Photo by GBRueda.

“
Very few
are aware that
peatland serves
as a giant
sponge that
absorbs excess
water, thereby
preventing flash
floods.
materials, releases carbon dioxide,
as peats are carbon-rich soils. In fact,
the carbon dioxide emission intensity
of peat is higher than that of coal and
natural gas (Imcg.net. Retrieved on
2015-09-29). Peatland fires, if not put
off immediately, could result in long or
continuing combustion. Thus, municipal
fire fighters are always alert, keeping
watch of fire occurrence.
Addressing the peatland fire and its
prevention, the Municipal Administrator
and Mr. Sabacajan called for a meeting
requiring the attendance of all barangay
chairpersons surrounding the Agusan
Marsh within Talacogon. The issue on
peatland forest fires and the importance
of peatlands especially during flooding
were discussed during the meeting.
Flooding is not only an annual
occurrence during the rainy season,
but more so, when strong typhoons
visit Agusan. Very few are aware that
peatland serves as a giant sponge
that absorbs excess water, thereby
preventing flash floods. Mr. Sabacajan
repeatedly reminded the residents that
without the peatlands, perhaps Agusan
del Sur and everything within the site
will be submerged in water.
Though Talacogon peat (soil) proved to
be acidic in nature, peatland utilization
in agriculture and other related activities
is still evident. In an interview with one
of the barangay chairpersons, he stated
that although soil quality of the peatland
seems to be very poor, a number of
farmers were able to harvest rice. There
were instances, nevertheless, where
yields become a failure when rice
plants, during their “pregnancy” period,
either die or the grains do not reach
maturity.
Little do these farmers know that tilling
the peatland to grow crops leads to
considerable decline in organic carbon
(C) and hastens peat decomposition
causing methane emission and other
greenhouse gases (GHGs) that
contribute to global warming. It is
also worth mentioning that one of the
agricultural practices to prepare the
lands for the next cropping season is
the intentional burning of the farm lands,
which are actually peatlands, likewise
destroys the natural state of the peats
and other important habitats.
It is a sad fact that even with continuous
IEC campaigns, residents seemed to
disregard the conservation efforts being
done by DENR and the Talacogon
Municipality. There is really a need
to intensify IEC efforts to increase
awareness for peatland conservation
among local communities. The
APFP had made initial conservation
awareness activities to conserve
Caimpugan peatland in Agusan Marsh
which includes those within Talacogon.
If, on the other hand, fires naturally
occurred, it is still a matter of concern,
and management strategies must
be developed to fully conserve these
peatlands.
ERDB, in strong partnership with the
local government of Talacogon, has
programmed an IEC activity and
a Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
with the concerned communities to
further increase their conservation
awareness and participation in the
sustainable peatland management.
This research and development (R & D)
project of ERDB will sustain the earlier
conservation awareness efforts to reach
other sectors both in the Municipalities
of Talacogon and La Paz, Agusan del
Sur. The people must take possession
of the peatland forests and protect them
in whatever way possible to ensure
provision of continuous benefits from
these “wonderlands”
.
The first, fourth, and fifth authors are Science
Research Analysts, the third author is
Science Research Specialist II, and the
second author is Chief Science Research
Specialist of the Urban Ecosystem
Research Division, ERDB.
FOREST FIRES. Several documented peatland forest fires in Agusan del Sur that
occurred on March 27, 2013, June 3, 2013, April 27, 2014, and April 23, 2015.
Photo by MSabacajan.
“

AIDA BAJA-LAPIS, PhD and GREGORIO E. SANTOS JR.
WEALTH OF BATANES:
THE NONTIMBER FOREST
SPECIES AND MORE
PICTURESQUE. Basking in
the majestic view of the sea from
Marlboro Hills in Batanes.
Photo by ABLapis.

Batanes, as a protected landscape and seascape, has preserved itself
from modernization and commercial exploitation.
The journey to Batanes was a dream
that unexpectedly became a reality. To
have set foot in this far-flung island
province hardly spotted in the Philippine
map was an experience of a lifetime.
Imagination of the northernmost island
groups of the Philippines remains so
hazy relying only on few descriptions as
unproductive and a grassland
dominated landscape. Moreover, the
visibility of the island is almost nil when
it is foggy, and skies are cloudy and
dark.
But Batanes is more than a pasture
area for goats and cattle grazing as
commonly noted, because in the plant
lovers’ and enthusiasts’ point of view, it
is a huge bonsai garden, par excellence,
with unique trees, palms, shrubs, and
rock plants. For a scientist, the island
is an awesome beauty of a specialized
habitat for unique plant forms and
landscape. It is God’s creation of rock
formations curved by the slow and
sometimes raging currents of the
Pacific Ocean, dented by the tsunamis
and ocean surges that reached the
Philippine shorelines.
The first encounter into this natural
landscape and seascape commenced
with getting off from a light plane after
an hour and 15-minute flight from
Manila. The sky jet that brought along
90 passengers, 70% of whom are
tourists, encircled the sky twice before
touching the ground to drive away the
birds that clung to the airport transmitter
lines.
We dared a visit to Batanes, at least
during the summer time, to observe
forestry matters, which included hunting
for the indigenously unique uses of
nontimber forest species such as rattans
and other palms, bamboos, ferns, and
pandans, among others. On top of the
species observation list was the desire
to see valit on its natural habitat. It is an
endemic rattan species scientifically
known as Calamus batanensis (Becc.)
Baja-Lapis. The author encountered this
species in the earlier botanical literature
search as Calamus siphonospathus var.
batanensis Becc. (Beccari 1908). In
1987, an account of C. siphonospathus
complex was closely studied, and the
variety was elevated to a species as
comb. nov. or a new combination status
level (Baja-Lapis 1989). In the recent
guidebook to identification of Philippine
rattans by Baja-Lapis in 2010, valit
picture was taken by Dr Domingo A.
Madulid of the Philippine National
Herbarium (PNH). Since then, it was
planned that voucher specimen has to
be recollected for further study and
lodging of samples at ERDB’s research
herbarium, the ERDB Botany
Laboratory (EBL), the scientific authority
for Philippine plants as far as the
Convention on International Trade of
Endangered Species (CITES) is
concerned.
With the guidance of the PENRO
Batanes led by For. George R. Reyes
from Basco, to find valit, we trekked the
long, narrow winding road and the rocky
shorelines leading to Marlboro country,
a common destination of tourists to view
farm lots neatly parcelled by hedges of
sturdy grasses. It was a picturesque
grassland/pasture area with Mt Iraya at
the background bounded by magnificent
rocks along the Pacific Ocean. We
encountered valit along the road to the
landward steep slopes sporadically
towering the medium, tall trees with
their powerful cirrus and robust leaves.
It is also found along vegetated slopes
in association with other trees. A lone
farmer that we met disclosed that valit is
the only big diameter rattan where the
canes are used for making huge
baskets mounted to sleds to haul farm
produce. Apparently, valit exhibits
stunted growth as shown by short
internodes of 50 to 10 cm long. Its cane
elongates rarely up to 10 m long and is
seldom cut for other products like
furniture and baskets. But the large
cane diameter of about 4 cm is used as
tool handles.
While we have already satisfied the
main purpose in going to Batanes,
our group did not stop exploring other
interesting forest species in the vicinity.
An endemic erect palm species called
voyavoi (Phoenix hanceana Naud. var.
philippinensis Becc.) has a long cultural
VALIT. Calamus batanensis is a threatened endemic rattan species, which is found
only in Batanes. Overharvesting makes it an endangered species.
Photo by DNTandang.

importance to the natives of Batanes.
The shredded leaflets are sown into
native hats called vacol, which are used
for the protection of farmers and the
old and young residents from rain and
sunlight. Another version of the rain
gear serves as a raincoat for the upper
body.
Basket making is women’s occupation.
They use the lengthy nito (Lygodium
japonicum Sw.) to weave a jar-like
container, a native traditional souvenir
item, which is considered a “pamana”
for its durability that can test time, as it
may be handed down to generations.
The price is also very prohibitive
because it may fetch from PhP 500-
2500 depending on size and shape of
the baskets, jar, trays, and the like.
Because summer was almost ending,
it was a very rare chance for us to have
seen a native lily (Lilium longiflorum
Thunb.) blooming among the
grasslands. Only a single blooming lily
was observed.
Other species of economic importance
were found. Tagbak (Alpinia elegans
(Presl.) K. Schum.), a species of family
Zingeberaceae is a source of natural
fiber. The fiber is an excellent material
for basket weaving. Farmers used this
basket tied on their forehead to sow
corn seeds and carry sweet potatoes
and yams. Combined with small
diameter rattans, bamboo strips and
nito for tying baskets are woven with
intricacies of design. Using nito strips
with its natural brown skin gives an
extra ornamental effect to the basket,
making it distinctly Batanes-made.
Lining the road side and a common
beautification tree for public plazas and
school yard is an endemic species of
Podocarpaceae family, locally called
arios (Podocarpus costalis Presl). It is
a thick and densely foliage tree that is
trimmed and shaped into various forms.
Definitely, it is an excellent ornamental
plant that is maintained as bonsai for
landscaping. Not to be outdone, a
tree locally known as riwas (Drypetes
falcata (Merr.) Pax & K. Hoffm.) serves
the same function along the national
highway. Its trimmed heavy foliage
provides shade and is an icon of cooling
effect. These species are much sought
after so that the local ENRO makes the
seedlings available at the airport. They
sell at PhP 70 for three seedlings, which
are properly labelled and ready to take
off.
Basco is a natural habitat of bitaog
(Calophyllum inophyllum L.) and
kamagong or ebony (Diospyros
discolor Willd.), which are also widely
and naturally distributed on the
island. They are prominent species in
Mahatao, Uyugan, and other nearby
municipalities. Many were stunted in
growth with reference and compared
to the tall and straight-boled trees of
same species in the mainland and
elsewhere. However, bitaog is the local
source of timber for furniture and local
woodworks.
The wood design is best suited for
naturally finished furnitures. Bitaog
seeds also provide the biofuel for
lighting. Seeds contain oils that are
flammable. The locals stitch the seeds
together and light them.
In 1986, bitaog was planted in a
reforestation site at the foot of Mt Iraya,
together with various species of rattans.
About 10 ha of bitaog interplanted with
rattan species are maintained by the
HANDMADE. Vacol is sewn from
shredded leaflets of voyavoi, an
endemic erect palm species. Vacol is a
native hat worn by residents of Batanes
to serve as protection from rain and
sunlight. Photo by ABLapis.
BLOOM. Lilium longiflorum
Thunb., a native lily, only blooms
during summertime.
Photo by DNTandang.

PENRO. They are now more than 6-8 m
tall with 10-15 cm diameter.
Thatches of wild pandan (Pandanus
spp.) are plentiful in the area
and likewise withstand the harsh
environmental conditions, such as
strong winds, typhoon, and tidal waves.
Pandan has adapted to adverse
conditions and evolved as exemplified
by closely-knit internodes, shorter
leaves, and dense clumping habit. The
sturdy and branchy stems have served
as fence post to farms. The leaves also
are short, thus, seldom woven into mats
and bags.
Important species found in most
farmlands belong to the family
Zingiberaceae. Its beautiful flower
attracted us most. They, too, grow in
large groups. Surprisingly, the clumps
are robust with large leaf and stouter
stems. The rhizome and roots have a
good smell, and the locals add them
in fermenting wine for the captivating
flavor.
As far as the PENRO is concerned, the
priority for Batanes is the conservation
and management of the whole
province as it is declared and already
legislated as a protected landscape
and seascape. As such, Batanes has
preserved itself from modernization and
commercial exploitation. Presently, there
are attempts to bring in development
projects like renewable energy
generating project through wind mills for
electric power, but the Batanes locals
denied access to the investments. Even
small scale factories that could offer
jobs to locals have been turned down
by the community. On the other hand,
deciding against industrialization, which
was a socio-culturally decided option by
the Ivatans, may be good for preserving
the beauty of nature. Nonetheless,
improving the local economy should
also be attended to in the midst of the
present ecological preservation.
It is along this thought that DENR
PENRO is concentrating its efforts to
the protected area landscape. Perhaps,
ecotourism is the alternative,
compatible, friendly, and acceptable
option to Batanes. It can capitalize on
the uniqueness of the vegetation,
landforms, manicured landscape as well
as indigenous cultural practices inherent
among the Ivatans. Even the house and
building structures are an adaptation to
the frequency of typhoons and harsh
weather conditions. As the PENRO
pointed out, they are now working on an
assessment of the ecotourism potential
which will probably implore a
multiplier effect to the community, which
can trigger more economic activity in
the province.
In this booming stage of developing and
converting, many natural landscapes
and seascapes are converted into
resorts and leisure destinations to boost
a sleeping local economy to a modest
beautiful flowering plants growing up
the rocky mountains and the grassy
ecosystem may be the future reason
to come back to Batanes and its
neighboring islands of Itbayat and
Sabtang as there are specialty species
needing botanical records. Even the
variety of grasses and sedges that
control erosion of soil surfaces needs
botanical attention as they are useful
to and may be added to the list of
vegetation for soil stabilization and
rehabilitation of degraded areas.
Literature cited
Baja-Lapis AC. 1989. An account of
taxa related to Calamus
siphonospathus complex. Sylvatrop.
The Technical Journal of the
Philippine Ecosystems and Natural
Resources 12: 61-86.
Beccari O. 1908. Asiatic Palms –
Lepidocaryoidae. Part 1. The species
of Calamus. Annals of the Royal
Botanic Garden, Calcutta 11(1):1-58.
The author is Scientist I and Consultant at
ERDB, and the second author is
Supervising Science Research Specialist of
the Coastal Zone and Freshwater
Ecosystems Research Division, ERDB.
Deciding
against
industrialization
may be good
for preserving
the beauty of
nature.
BITAOG FLOWER. The wood of bitaog
(Calophyllum inophyllum L.) is used in
furniture making. Photo by ABLapis.
economic status. Batanes remains slow
to adapt and open itself to the clamor
of modernization and demands of
delightful pleasure. It has maintained
its pristine state highly dreamed of
only to be seen and experienced at its
untouched setting. At the same token,
the locals remain idyllic and nostalgic to
live with an unaffected situation of the
older generations and slow to the call of
modernization and present conventional
tourism.
The vantage point goes to the plant
component when low key development
maintains the occurrence and presence
of many endemic species in this fragile
habitat of Batanes.
This short account of the nontimber
species found in Basco and vicinities
primarily to recollect valit (Calamus
batanensis (Becc.) Baja-Lapis), merely
included very few plant species. It
is possible that the distinctive forest
ecosystem is laden with still unidentified
species unknown to science. The
“
“

In an effort to recognize the Ecosystems
Research and Development Bureau’s
(ERDB’s) transferred technologies and
how far they have reached the clientele,
the Technology Transfer Division (TTD)
of the Bureau conducted the
“Symposium on the Transfer and
Adoption of ENR Technologies” with the
theme “Experiences from ENR
Technology Transfer: Insights for
Capacitation and Improvement” last
November 5, 2015 at the ERDB
Auditorium.
The symposium entailed two
competitions in two categories,
specifically poster and case
presentations. The Chief of TTD, Ms.
Veronica O. Sinohin spearheaded the
event, while Mr. Juan B. Ebora served
as the Chair.
A total of 42 participants joined the
symposium. They came from six
HIGH-QUALITY SEEDLING
PRODUCTION IN REGION 2
WINS CASE AND POSTER
COMPETITION
JOBELLE MAE L. ZURAEK
ERDB’s research centers: Watershed
and Water Resources Research Center
(WWRRC) (Regions 1, 2, 3, and CAR);
Land Management, Agroforestry, and
Upland Farm Technology Research
Center (LAUFTeRC) (Regions 4a, 4b,
and 5); Biodiversity, Coastal Wetlands
and Ecotourism Research Center
(BCWERC) (Regions 6, 7, and 8); Forest
and Timber Resources Research
Center (FTRRC) (Regions 9, 10, and
CARAGA); Mining and Degraded
Areas Rehabilitation Research Center
(MDARRC) (Regions 11 and 12);
and Urban, Toxic Substances and
Hazardous Wastes Research Center
(UTHWRC) (NCR). The participants
consisted of Research Center (RC)
heads and technology transfer staff
and people’s organization (PO)
representatives.
The panel of judges for the symposium
included For. Celso P. Diaz, former
ERDB Director; Mr. Eliseo M. Baltazar,
former Chief of the Technology
Development Division (TDD); Dr. Aleli
M. Luna, former Chief of the Upland
Farms Ecosystems Research Division
(UFERD); and Prof. Rommel A. Daya,
professor at the College of Development
Communication in the University of the
Philippines Los Baños.
Case presentation winners
Competing against nine regional entries
and six RCs, the Watershed and Water
Resources Research Center
(WWRRC)-Region 2 prevailed.
The PO CELYO-Kooperatiba ng
Pangmaramihang Serbisyo, with their
entry “Seedling Production using ENR
Clonal Technology and Vermicompost
Application”
, won PhP 30,000,
Certificate of Participation, and token,
and Plaque of Recognition for WWRRC.
FIRST PLACER. PO representative
Rexinald M. Wong along with WWRRC-
Region 2 staff receives the certificate and
prizes for the case presentation winner
from ERDB-TTD. Photo by GLaforteza.

The author is Media Production Specialist I
of the Technology Transfer Division, ERDB.
For the second place, Biodiversity,
Coastal, Wetlands and Ecotourism
Research Center (BCWERC)-Region 6
won. Through their presentation
“Mangrove Reforestation cum Talaba
Culture”
, the Balaring Mangrove Planters
Association received PhP 20,000,
and Plaque of Recognition for
BCWERC.
Meanwhile, Mining and Degraded Areas
Rehabilitation Research Center
(MDARRC)-Region 11 placed third on
the case presentation. The Pangapog
Association Inc., through their “Mass
Propagation of Pagatpat Seedlings”
presentation, took home PhP 10,000,
and Plaque of Recognition for
MDARRC.
ERDB’s technology adopters in Talim
Island, the Samahang Mangingisda ng
Barangay Pinagdilawan and Samahang
Mangingisda ng Barangay Ginoong
Sanay, also shared their “Bamboo
Propagation” as guest entry and not
as contender since it is a project of the
contest organizer which is ERDB.
Poster presentation winners
There were nine posters on adopted
technologies that were presented and
showcased in the symposium. The
poster entries were judged based on
content and appearance. The top three
entries were given PhP 10,000,
PhP 7,000, and PhP 5,000, respectively,
plus Certificate of Participation and
token for the PO, and Plaque of
Recognition for the respective RCs.
Bagging two awards in one day,
WWRRC-Region 2’s Entry #4: Seedling
Production using ENR Clonal
Technology and Vermicompost
Application won first place in the poster
presentation. Meanwhile, Entry #1:
Karagomoi Plantation Management
and Best Practices by Land
Management, Agroforestry and Upland
Farm Technology Research Center
(LAUFTeRC)-Region 5 won the second
place, and Entry #8: Mangrove
Reforestation cum Talaba Culture by
BCWERC-Region 6 placed third.
The other regions did not go home
empty-handed as PhP 2,000 and tokens
TOP THREE POSTERS. The first, second, and third place entries by WWRRC-
Region 2, LAUFTeRC-Region 5, and BCWERC-Region 6 in the poster
competition. Photos by MNOjeda.
were given to non winners as
consolation prizes for each category,
namely, case presentation and poster
presentation. The participants also went
home filled with knowledge as they were
able to share and learn from
experiences on the transfer of ENR
technologies to clients, gain insights
on strengthening the links between
technology generation and technology
transfer, identify the means of applying
science while laymanizing the course of
technology transfer and extension, and
determine mechanisms for increasing
capacities on extending ENR
technologies.

IN PHOTO:TAÑON STRAIT. The map of the largest protected seascape in the Philippines that serves as passageway
and breeding ground to marine species.
Map grabbed from enwikipilipinas, graphics by JMLZuraek.
JOBELLE MAE L. ZURAEK
EARTHWATCH
The contributor is Media Production
Specialist I of the Technology Transfer
Division, ERDB.
If undelivered, please return to:
CANOPY International
Ecosystems Research and
Development Bureau
College, Laguna 4031
PHILIPPINES
The Tañon Strait Protected Seascape
(TSPS), with an area of 521,018 ha
or more than three times the area of
Tubbataha National Park, is the biggest
protected seascape in the Philippines.
It separates Cebu in the east and
Negros in the west. It is bounded by
36 coastal municipalities and cities of
Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Negros
Oriental.
TSPS houses rich and diverse aquatic
species, such as 70 species of fish,
20 species of crustaceans, 26 species
of mangroves, and 18,830 ha of coral
reef. Not only that, it also provides
passageway and breeding ground to
14 species of dolphins and whales like
spinner dolphins, dwarf sperm whales,
melonheaded whales, pygmy killer
whales, and spotted dolphins, and other
equally important marine species like
giant diamond-backed squid, critically-
endangered dugong, and chambered
nautilus, which is a rare mollusk.
With the extraordinarily rich assemblage
of marine species that can be found
in the seascape, it was declared a
protected seascape in 1998 by then
President Fidel V. Ramos, under the
National Integrated Protected Areas
Systems (NIPAS) Act of 1992.
Despite its status as a protected
seascape, the largest and very
abundant strait faces serious threats.
Fishing is allowed in the strait. With
its diverse and abundant life forms, it
is not surprising that TSPS is one of
the country’s major fishing grounds.
However, illegal, destructive fishing
activities like dynamite and cyanide
fishing operate in the TSPS.
Imposing and enforcing strict measures
against destructive, illegal fishing
practices still proves to be challenging
for local government units because of
lack of resources and political will to
fight big-time operators.
Other than the destructive and illegal
fishing practices, TSPS also faces
chemical and land-based pollution.
Plastics and other wastes can be seen
in some parts of the strait.
Due to its scope, the Tañon Strait
is under the jurisdiction of several
government units, with overlapping and
sometimes contradicting commands
that make it hard to conserve the
seascape.
These threats pose imminent risks to
the abundant marine species in TSPS
and result in dwindling fish catch in the
strait, which impacts around 43,000
fisherfolk who depend on fishing in the
strait for livelihood.
References:
oceana.org
cebudailynews.inquirer.net
www.britannica.com
www.rappler.com/
www.philstar. com

2015 ERDB beach forest.pdf

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