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Volume 5

The Upland Communities: The Post-Intervention Condition as

Perceived by the Community Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

Chona R. Echavez, Ph.D.

Research Institute for Mindanao Culture (RIMCU) Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City

With support from Upland Development Programme (UDP) for Southern Mindanao

The Upland Communities: The Post-Intervention Condition as Perceived by the Community Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

Volume 5

Table of Contents

PAGE Title Page List of Tables iv Executive Summary vi Rationale 1 Socio-Economic and Political Mechanisms with UDP Objectives and Strategies in Relation to Poverty in the Targeted Communities 4 Facts about the Study Areas Profile of the Five UDP Covered Provinces 7 I Compostela Valley 7 II Davao Oriental Province 12 III Davao del Sur Province 17 IV Sarangani Province 22 V South Cotabato Province 28 The Research Findings: Community Level 31

The Community Data Checklist for Intervention Areas (IAs)

and Non-Intervention Areas (NIAs) 31 Accessibility of Communities 35 Economic Status of the Households 39 Availability of Services 40 Other Infrastructures Available 42 Community Plans 43 Community Organizations 44 Children in School 46 Community Health 47 Agricultural Support Services 49 Land Tenure 51 Savings and Loans 53 Remittances 55 Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources 56

iiThe Upland Communities: The Post-Intervention Condition as Perceived by the Community Stakeholders and Beneficiaries Volume 5

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The Pre and Post Conditions in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas: Insights from the field presented by province. 60 Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in the Compostela Valley: Barangay Level 60

Intervention Areas (IAs) Barangay Level 60 Non-Intervention Areas (NIAs) Barangay Level 66

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas

in the Davao Oriental: Barangay Level 69


Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas

in the Davao del Sur: Barangay Level 82

Intervention Areas (IAs) Barangay Level 82 Non-intervention Areas (NIAs) Barangay Level 86

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in the Sarangani Province: Barangay Level 90


Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in the South Cotabato province: Barangay Level 100

Intervention Areas (IAs) Barangay level 100 Non-Intervention Areas (NIAs) Barangay Level 103

Summary and implication of findings 106 Community Level Research Findings: A Summary 107

Demographic Data 107 Accessibility of Communities 107 Accessibility of Communication Facilities 108 Economic Status of the Households 108 Availability of Services 109 Other Infrastructures Available 110

iiiThe Upland Communities: The Post-Intervention Condition as Perceived by the Community Stakeholders and Beneficiaries Volume 5

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Community Plans 111 Community Organizations 111 Children in School 111 Community Health 112 Agricultural Support Services 112 Land Tenure 113 Savings and Loans 113 Remittances 114 Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources 114 Types of Soil and Water Management Adapted

in the Community 115

Summary and the Pre and Post Intervention and Non-intervention Areas: Insights from the Field 115


Implication 120 References 123


Volume 5

List of Tables

PAGE Table 1 Land Utilization by crop of the intervention and Non-Intervention

Areas (Post-intervention, 2005) 31 Table 2 Selected Demographics Characteristics in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions),

Baseline (2000) and Post-intervention (2005) Studies 32 Table 3 Infrastructures and Services (whether they are present in the

barangay or not) in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies 34

Table 4 Accessibility of Communities in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies 37

Table 5 Accessibility of Communication of Facilities in Intervention and

Non- Intervention areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-intervention (2005) Studies 38

Table 6 Economic Status of Households in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies 40

Table 7 Services Available in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas,

(“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies 41

Table 8 Other Infrastructures Available in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-intervention (2005) Studies 43

Table 9 Community Plans in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas,

(“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies 44

Table 10a Community Organization in Intervention and Non-Intervention,

(Baseline Study, 2000) 44 Table 10b Community Organizations in Intervention and Non Intervention,

Post-Intervention Study (2005) 45

vThe Upland Communities: The Post-Intervention Condition as Perceived by the Community Stakeholders and Beneficiaries Volume 5

Table 11a Children in School in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000 46

Table 11b Children in School in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Communities, Post-Intervention Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2005 47

Table 12a Community Health in Intervention and Non-Intervention


Table 12b Community Health in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Communities, (Post-Intervention Study, 2005) 49 Table 13a Agricultural Support Services in Intervention and Non-Intervention


Table 13b Agricultural Support Services in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Communities, (Post-Intervention Study, 2005) 50 Table 14a Land Tenures in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities,

Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000 52 Table 14b Land Tenures in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities,

(Post-Intervention Study, 2005) 53 Table 15a Savings and Loans in Intervention and Non-Intervention


Table 15b Savings and Loans in Intervention and Non-Intervention

Communities, (Post-Intervention Study, 2005) 55 Table 16 Remittances in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas,

(“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-intervention (2005) Studies 56

Table 17a Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources, Farming Systems

and Soil and Water Management Practices in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000 57

Table 17b Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources, Farming Systems

and Soil and Water Management Practices in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, (Post-Intervention Study, 2005) 59


Executive Summary

This monograph is part of a bigger baseline study that examines the post-intervention

condition of the upland communities covered by the Upland Development Program (UDP) in

Southern Mindanao. UDP was established in October 1998 as a special project of the

Department of Agriculture as an answer to the problems faced by upland communities.

However, it actually started in January 1999.

The main objective of UDP is to develop a replicable model for sustaining the upland

resource base and improving the living standards and prosperity of upland communities. To

achieve its targeted objectives to address upland problems, UDP adopted a six-component

approach, namely: community development, institutional development and extension,

resource management, sustainable agriculture development, rural financial services,

marketing and enterprise development, and agricultural infrastructure support.

A mix of quantitative and qualitative data research approaches was adopted. Data

were collected from various levels, namely, the household, the community and the

community-based organization. This section examines the condition of the upland areas

studied at the community level. The data generated provide a picture of the “after” situation

both at the covered or the intervention areas (IAs) and non-intervention areas or (NIAs) of

UDP.

The community level data were generated using different approaches, namely, the

Focus Group Interview (FGI), interview with key informants and review of secondary data,

namely the barangay profile and other existing records). In the FGI, a minimum of 8 and a

maximum of 12 participants served as interviewees in a focused group setting. A set of

criteria was formulated in the selection of participants, namely: 1) a resident of the purok for

vii

at least seven years; 2) had been involved or participated in community affairs; 3) a member

or official of any community organization; and 4) identified as influential in the community.

Three instruments were used for the community level data, namely: The Community

Checklist, The Community (Barangay and Sitio) Level Instrument, and the Community

Timeline. These were all conducted through Focus Group Interview. The Community

Timeline is a new instrument to further capture the before and after condition of the

intervention and post-intervention communities. This is a part of the triangulation technique

in gathering information to ensure validity and reliability of the data.

A total of 29 communities [19 from the Intervention Communities (ICs) and 10 from

the Non-Intervention Communities (NICs)] were covered at the community level component

of the study.

It has to be noted that the community in this case refers to the barangay where either

the intervention at the sitio level is being implemented or the control barangay wherein no

intervention is implemented in any of its sitio.

Except that IAs are more densely populated than the NIAs, the residents of both

communities share similar demographic characteristics. The population of both areas

increased compared to the baseline data that were gathered five years ago. The majority of

the residents in both IAs and NIAs are Cebuano or Visayan migrants. Even in 2000 (‘before’

condition), the Cebuano still occupied the bulk of the population thus, Cebuano or Bisaya is

the dialect commonly spoken by the people then and now. Until the present, Roman

Catholicism is still the dominant religion in both the IAs and NIAs.

The economy in both the IAs and NIAs is agriculture-based as farming is the most

common source of income before and at present. The top three major crops planted in both

IAs and NIAs include coconut, corn, and banana. The NIAs have been growing bananas

even before 2000 but the IAs instead grew abaca during those years. It is only after 2000

viii

when the IAs learned to adopt the trend. Nonetheless, the number of households producing

banana at present is relatively higher in the IAs than the NIAs.

The single motor or skylab is the principal means of transportation for both areas

before and after intervention. This has increased as the means of transportation in the IAs but

decreased in the NIAs. The second most popular means are PUJ/Truck/Tricycle for the NIAs

and horse/carabao for the IAs.

It takes a longer time to reach the municipal center from the NIAs than from the IAs

by motorbike during the dry season ‘before’ and ‘after’ intervention. In the ‘before’ condition,

it however took longer time to reach the municipal center from the IAs during the wet season

compared to the NIAs but the process again reverses in the ‘present’ condition. However, in

spite of the decrease in travel time, travel cost increased. Improvement in the road network to

cut down travel time did not lower down travel cost because travel cost is dictated more on

the increasing price of gasoline.

Up to the present condition, both communities do not have access to telephone lines.

The number of households who have access to television was comparatively higher in the IAs

than in the NIAs at present condition. The mobile phone phenomenon has reached both the

IAs and NIAs but the former have a higher average number of people who own one at 367

than the latter at 47.7.

Both areas, the IAs and NIAs in the ‘before’ and at present data claimed that there are

poor households in their communities. The ‘before’ data showed that there are more poor

households in the IAs (an average of 375 households) than in the NIAs (an average of 235

households) and the figures increased in the ‘present’ data, 699.27 for the IAs and 296.84 for

the NIAs. It has to be noted that the community level data covered not just the sitios where

the intervention program is being implemented but the whole barangay including the sitios

without intervention.

ix

In the household data where the households included in the study are household

located in the intervention sitios, an increase in the income was noted. The difference in the

household and community data could be in the coverage. At the community level, sitios

within the barangay that has no UDP intervention were still a part in the coverage of the

primary and secondary data gathered for that barangay.

While in the ‘before’ condition nearly half of the communities in the NIAs and a third

of the communities in the IAs have no access to electricity, a remarkable rise in the average

number of households that have been energized in both the IAs and NIAs in the present

condition is reported. The present data showed that there were already an average of 356.82

households and an average of 259.43 households that were energized in IAs and NIAs,

respectively.

It took a slightly longer time for the IAs (an average of 37.2 minutes) than the NIAs

(an average of 25 minutes) to obtain water from the source during the pre-intervention

condition.

In the Post-Intervention Study, the time was relatively shortened for both areas and

data for wet and dry seasons were also gathered. During dry season average time, in minutes,

taken for the households to obtain water from the source decreased to 12.57 and 12.30 for IAs

and NIAs, respectively. During wet season, fetching time consumed dropped to 15.43 and

19.30 for IAs and NIAs, respectively.

It takes a longer time to reach the nearest school in the IAs (an average of 143

minutes) by foot than the NIAs (an average of 111 minutes) in the ‘before’ condition.

However, a cut in the average time spent was noted for both areas. The cut was more

significant in the IAs (from an average of 143 minutes to 34.9 minutes) than in the NIAs

(from 111 minutes to 74 minutes).

In IAs, there is an increase in the availability of other infrastructures such as 1) corn

mill (from 44.4% to 50% of the communities reporting its availability), 2) crop dryer (from

x

72.2% to 100%) and, 3) grain store (from 38.9% to 72.2%). An increase in corn mill and rice

mill was noted in the NIAs. In the household data, a decrease in the corn production was

reported by the respondents. This particular finding may run contrary to the community

finding regarding the increase other infrastructures in the area. Upon a closer examination, an

increase in the number of corn mills in the “after” situation may still be consistent with the

household findings because even with the decrease in corn production, an increase in the

number of corn mills may still be reasonable. The number of available corn mills during the

baseline may not be proportionate to the volume of corn produced. Hence, at the present

situation, even with a decrease in corn production, an increase in the number of corn mills

may still be valid.

Both IAs and NIAs claimed that participatory community planning has been

conducted in the last five years. At present, an increase was noted in the number of

communities that conducted participatory community planning in both areas. Although an

increase is noted in both the IAs and NIAs in the conduct of participatory community

planning as well as in its implementation, data from the Community-Based Organizations

(CBOs) indicated that the implementation of the plan is visible in the IAs than in the NIAs.

In the “before” condition, the top four diseases with the most number of cases per year

and most number of communities affected in the IAs are as follows: malaria, diarrhea, cough,

and fever. The same diseases were common in the “before” condition of the NIAs.

At present, only three diseases emerged to be prevalent in both IAs and NIAs. They

are as follows: cough, fever and diarrhea.

Health services such as prenatal, routine check-up, family planning services, and the

TB program are frequently offered per month in both the IAs and the NIAs. Noticeably, there

are more number of days that family planning services are offered in the IAs than in the NIAs.

At present, more couples in the IAs, are practicing family planning (138.46) than those in the

NIAs (96.97).

xi

In terms of the main form of land tenure, the baseline study as well as the post-

intervention study revealed that more households in the IAs have no titles but are considered

owners of the land, than the households in the NIAs. In all, there is a need to address the

resource tenure improvement in both areas.

The majority of IAs and NIAs in both the baseline and post-intervention studies

experienced the following: erosion, landslides, gully formation, broken hedges, exposed

stones, splash erosion, and sheet erosion. At present, the occurence of these problems have

lessened, particularly in the IAs. Erosion, which was reported to have the highest occurrence

(88.9%) in the IAs was down in its reporting by 14.5 percentage points. In almost all of the

problems identified, there was a decrease in the occurrence. Sheet erosion was more than

halved from 72.2% in the 2000 reports that it did occur to 35.3% in 2005. The NIAs are still

reporting high percentage of occurrence although a slight decrease is noted in the following:

exposed stones, splash erosion, and sheet erosion.

More than 80 per cent of both the IAs and NIAs in the baseline study reported the

presence of forest trees in their respective areas. IAs (94.1) and NIAs (100) in the post-

intervention study revealed an increase in the reporting of the presence of forest trees.

Adoption of a farm system increased in both the IAs and the NIAs in the post-

intervention study. The most remarkable increase is observed in the adoption of contour

farming in the IAs in 2005.

Increase in the adoption of the several types of soil and water management is more

evident in the IAs in 2005. In particular, a remarkable increase was noted in strip contouring,

from 27.8% adoption in 2000 to 88.2% adoption in 2005.

All the intervention areas in the five provinces claimed that there has been

participatory community planning in the last three years. The participatory planning of the

intervention areas mostly included road building or maintenance, school building

xii

construction, and watershed projects. Plans being implemented at present in the IAs include

contour farming, development of a water system, and tree planting, to sustain the forest.

In all of the intervention areas, the efforts made by the LGUs were duly recognized.

Community organizations have different roles in addressing community concerns,

organizational issues and/or individual concerns. In the intervention areas in three of the

provinces, the following were the usual issues encountered: cooperative development in order

to enjoy the benefits of working together; enhancement of women’s participation in the

community and training on gender relations; operation of a micro-finance project; access to

credit and savings; spiritual upliftment; and improvement of the living standard of the people.

While a number of things changed in the IAs, it is also noted that corresponding

changes also occurred in the NIAs. However, there are in the changes that are quite

noticeable in the IAs than in the NIAs. This is specifically true under the following aspects:

1) occurrence of problems due to degradation and misuse of natural resources, 2) presence of

forest trees, 3) farming system agreement adopted in the community, and 4) types of soil and

water management adopted in the community. Along these areas, there seemed to be a ripple

effect because some of the NIAs have adopted some management practices that they have

seen to be beneficial to the community.

Although there are some communities that reported an improvement in their roads due

to UDP intervention, there was not much change in the cost of transportation, It seems that

the rising cost of gasoline is a determining factor in this rather than the improvement in the

road condition.

Increase in income is not yet felt, although diversification gave them security and food

availability. However, they still have to harvest the crops that they planted that will give long

term result. Although there was a slight increase in their savings pattern in the IAs than in the

NIAs, savings in a formal institution is not that much practiced.

xiii

In the area of community and institutional development, the IAs are more dynamic

and active in this aspect since community organizing, value reorientations, leadership

training, among others were conducted in said areas. Sustainability, though,needs to be

emphasized. There are variations in the activities of UBS in various IAs and activities are

also highly dependent on the strength of UBA as an organization and whether members are

active or not.

Both Finance Services System and Enterprise Development need strengthening

because not much can be seen on this at the community level.

To ensure sustainability to the programs installed by the UDP, the LGUs, POs/CBOs,

and the NLAs should join hands and make sure that what has been started and installed should

be sustained specifically along the following areas:

1. Sustainable Agriculture Advocacy. Local government with support from

non-governmental organizations, cooperatives, and community-based

organizations should intensify sustainable agriculture advocacy among

farmers to lessen production costs and to promote environmental

protection. Among the practices promoted are: contour farming, organic

farming, crop diversification, crop-livestock integration, among others.

2. Participation in local governance. Enhance people’s participation in local

governance through participation in the formulation of barangay

development plans, municipal agriculture development plans and other

local development plans; ensure budget allocation for agriculture

development and participate in the policy formulation towards agriculture

development.

3. LGU and POs Capacities on Sustainable Agriculture. Strengthening LGU

and POs’ capacities on sustainable agriculture development through

capacity building for the Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Council

and Barangay Council members on sustainable agriculture;

xiv

4. Access to extension services. Install creative means for increasing access

to extension services including the provision of good quality seedlings,

livestock and poultry.

5. Government should address key issues such as access to credit, market

information, infrastructure and technical know-how of the people in the

community.

6. Strengthen and support the practice of diversified and integrated farming

systems. Promote crop diversification and integrated farming systems to

farmers to safeguard farmers against fluctuations inherent in single

cropping practices.

7. Strengthen farmers’ organizations and cooperatives. There is a need to

assess the organizing efforts of government and NGOs to work towards

enabling farmers and farmers organizations/cooperatives on sustainable

agriculture development and to be conduits and partners of the government

in promoting agricultural development in poor communities.

8. Developing alternative rural enterprises. Since most rural households

depend solely on agricultural harvests to meet their basic needs, there is a

need to promote small-scale rural enterprises to augment farmers’

agricultural incomes such as marketing.

9. Capacity building interventions for rural enterprise development and

management. Rural enterprises as income diversification strategy are high

risk. Their success is highly dependent on the capacity and performance of

the manager. Thus, technical assistance in enhancing the management

capability of manager-entrepreneurs, cooperative leaders, PO leaders and

NGO staff for rural enterprises.

10. Linkaging and networking. There is a need and potential for sharing of

experiences, building information linkages and exchanges. Farmers have

to share their experience and learn from the experience of other farmers.

11. Continue to pursue land tenure improvement in the uplands. The POs with

the local government and DENR has to formulate local mechanisms to

resolve land tenure issues and concerns and establish tracking mechanisms

xv

to be updated of the status of the process in securing tenurial instruments.

Local government has to actively support land tenure improvement by

integrating land tenure improvement in its local development plan.

The above recommendations can be captured in the Rural CO Standard (Batistiana and

Murphy, 1996) as spelled out on the following areas of concerns:

• Organizational Development

• Critical Creative Collective Consciousness Raising

• Coalition Effort and Advocacy Work

• Overcoming Gender and other Biases

• Basic Services and Infrastructure

• Resource Tenure Improvement

• Economic Self-Reliance Strengthening

• Agricultural Development and Ecological Nurturance

• Democratic Participation in Governance

The Upland Communities: 1 The Post-Intervention Condition as Perceived by the Community Stakeholders and Beneficiaries

Volume 5

The importance of the uplands could not be over-emphasized. It is an inte-

grated part of the ecological system that what happens in the uplands always affect the lowlands.

Because of this fragile interrelationship, the uplands deserve attention in spite of the fact that

they are smaller in size and in population compared to that of the lowlands.

This is

specifically true

in the Mindanao

uplands where a

huge

development

challenge is at

hand due to the

magnitude of its destruction. Indiscriminate logging, both legal and illegal, in the past is one of

the reasons for the destruction. Second is, with the large tracks of land occupied by large agri-

business, people are left to cultivate the very steep slopes higher than the already steep ones. To

further magnify the problem, migrant lowlanders practice lowland technologies not suited to

steep uplands that result to severe soil erosion, low productivity and very low quality of life.

All of the factors mentioned above interacted resulting to extreme poverty in terms of biodiver-

sity in the Mindanao uplands and, of course, poverty among its inhabitants.

As an answer to the problems faced by upland communities, the Upland Development Program

in Southern Mindanao (UDP) was established in October 1998 as a special project of the De-

partment of Agriculture; however, it actually started in January 1999 when the technical contract

was signed (UDP, 1999). The fund support came from the Government of the Philippines and

the European Union (EU). The UDP’s primary objective is to develop a replicable model for sus-

taining the upland resource base and improving the living standards and prosperity of upland

communities. To achieve it’s targeted objectives and to address upland problems, UDP adopted

a six-component approach, namely: community development, institutional development and ex-

Rationale


Volume 5

tension, resource management, sustainable agriculture development, rural financial services,

marketing and enterprise development, and agricultural infrastructure support.

This report examines the post-intervention condition of the upland areas studied at the commu-

nity level. The implementation of the intervention began in 2000 and has been in full swing op-

eration since then. At this time, the project can claim a certain level of maturity and a degree of

impact may be seen as manifested in some verifiable indicators. The data generated provide a

picture of the “after” situation both in the covered and non-covered areas of UDP. Specifically,

this delves into the social support network as well as the access to resources and material goods

in the areas studied in relation to the schema adopted by the study.

The “after” condition was gathered in the same areas and the same households that the baseline

study covered. The same core instruments used in the “before” condition were utilized. How-

ever, the format was slightly altered to accommodate “deepening” questions to explore the

“whys” of changes in the “before” and “after” conditions.

The community level data were generated using

different approaches, namely, the Focus Group

Interview (FGI), interview with key informants and

review of secondary data, namely the barangay profile

and other existing records). In the FGI, a minimum of

8 and a maximum of 12 participants served as

interviewees in a focused group setting. A criteria

was formulated in the selection of participants, namely: 1) a resident of the purok for at least

seven years; 2) had been involved or participated in community affairs; 3) a member or official

of any community organization; and 4) identified as influential in the community.

Three instruments were used for the community level data, namely: The Community Checklist,

The Community (Barangay and Sitio) Level Instrument, and the Community Timeline. These

were all conducted through Focus Group Interview. The Community Timeline is a new instru-

ment to further capture the before and after condition of the intervention and post-intervention


Volume 5

communities. This is a part of the triangulation technique in gathering information to ensure va-

lidity and reliability of the data.

The community timeline identified community level factors that have helped or hindered the

overall prosperity of the community over the past eight years (June 1997 to June 2005); This is

a way of determining significant social and economic changes in the before and after conditions.

A total of 29 communities [19 from the Intervention Communities (ICs) and 10 from the Non-

Intervention Communities (NICs)] were covered at the community level component of the study.

The group interview lasted from one to one hour and a half. Although the selection criteria for-

mulated saw to it that the participants are knowledgeable in their own right, there were instances

that answers differed. There was then a need to validate the FGI data from the secondary data if

ever these were available. In cases whereby no reliable data were available, answers were taken

as they were. With the use of three different approaches, triangulation was done with the data

generated. The data presented are results of the triangulation technique applied to the adopted

approaches; however, there were instances that triangulation could not be done since no data

could be taken from other data gathering techniques.


Volume 5

Socio-Economic and Political Mechanisms with UDP Objectives and Strategies in Relation to Poverty in the Targeted Communities

Poverty is usually regarded

as an indicator of the

economic well-being of an

individual or household but it

can also indicate broader deficiencies in well-being (UNFPA and ANU, 1998: 23 in Echavez,

2000). It has been linked to lack of access to resources and material resources. Hence, access

to resources and material goods is a major factor examined in this “after” intervention report at

the community level in the upland area studied. Access is seen in relation to basic social services

available to the people studied.

More often than not, the provinces with least access to services–particularly, agricultural ser-

vices, health, education, and physical infrastructure, are also identified as the less developed ar-

eas.

This report goes back to the UDP twin objectives: firstly, to achieve development in the upland

areas of Mindanao with emphasis on preservation of natural resources by strong community or-

ganizations, and secondly, to achieve higher incomes for the upland folks, specifically those that

make a living out of farming. It reviews these objectives and examines their outcomes at the

community level.

Attainment of the twin objectives will be reflected in well-protected remaining forest pockets; in

reforestation/agro-forestry of fallow lying non-agricultural lands; in diversified farming on al-

ready farmed land, following an agreed land use plan that delineates what areas are for agricul-

tural development and what areas are for protection and reforestation. They are further reflected

by farmers applying appropriate soil and water conservation measures and in strong community

organizations taking the lead in sustainable upland development.

Thus, this community report examines the key development schemes of the project and its im-

pact at the community level. The key development schemes are as follows: Land Use Based

Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Community Capacity Building,

Diversified Faming System, Barangay Forest Protection, Routine Maintenance for Barangay


Volume 5

Roads, Rural Financial Services, Village Enterprise Development, and Planning and Monitoring

and Evaluation Schemes.

The schema of the study includes the social structure condition which shapes and creates socio-

economic and political mechanisms of support and which in turn provide pathways towards em-

powerment for development. Empowerment of individuals and communities leads to develop-

ment and a better quality of life. The manifestations of socio-economic and political mecha-

nisms of support are in the form of informational, financial and emotional supports. These are

factors involved in these support structures such as the accessibility and inaccessibility of re-

sources and material goods, namely: jobs/economic activities, health care, housing, human capi-

tal, referral and institutional contact, and conservation and preservation of environmental re-

sources.

Strengthening communities through organizational development therefore is seen as a must.

Community-based organizations will either be established or strengthened for social structures to

function effectively. Capability building of support institutions and the development of collabo-

rative working relationships of various agencies towards watershed development are imperative.

Hence, upland sustainable resource management and market-led agricultural development are

needed.

The project envisions the development of a model for the

sustainable management of natural resources that has the full

support of local government units and the active participation

of communities. Environmental concerns will be addressed

through conservation techniques. The adoption of diversified

on-farm integrated farming systems to secure food production

while protecting the watershed resource base is also tucked into the project through sustainable

agriculture development.

Penniless people are disempowered people. However, financial assistance should not be in the

form of dole-outs. The provision of a savings-based delivery system for production and provi-


Volume 5

dential loans and savings services on reasonable terms are perceived to help upland farmers help

themselves. Access to financial services by people seen as not “bankable” is an important vehi-

cle towards empowerment. Sustainability is assured if the marketing and entrepreneurial spirit of

upland farmers are also developed hand in hand with the development of agricultural infrastruc-

ture support.

The succeeding discussion focuses on the following: demographic data, accessibility of commu-

nity, communication, economic status, services, other infrastructures, community plans, commu-

nity organizations, schooling of children, community health, food security, agricultural support

services, natural resource management, external support programs, land tenure, non-farm enter-

prises, savings and loans, and remittances.

A backgrounder of the provinces and municipalities, where the UDP operates will provide a con-

text of the data that will be presented.


Volume 5

Facts about the Study Areas

COMPOSTELAVALLEY

Profile of Five UDP-Covered Provinces

I. Compostela Valley1

This newly established province in Southern Min-

danao is bounded by Agusan del Sur on the North,

Davao del Norte on the west, Davao Oriental on the

east and southeast, and Davao Gulf on the west and

southwest. The eastern part of the province is mainly

mountainous. Its climate is classified as typhoon-free,

thus, it experiences even rainfall the whole year

round.

Classified as a first class province, Compostela

Valley is comprised of 11 municipalities grouped

into two districts. These municipalities were carved

out of its mother province, Davao del Norte, in March

1998 to form the new province. History recounts that

it was in the 80’s when a flock of migrants from different places inhabited the land mainly to

stake mining claims in the mountains of Monkayo. As such, small-scale gold mining operations

exist and flourish in the area.

Settlers of various ethnicities and tribes occupied the province and they were comprised of peo-

ple from the Tagalog and Visayan regions. Even the groups from Masaka, Mandaya, and

Manobo tribes were lured to come and dwell in the place. The Masaka tribe is commonly charac-

1 Sources: http://www.globalpinoy.com/travel/province/compostela.php .http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=60


Volume 5

terized as hunters, and slash and burn agriculturists. Languages and/or dialects commonly spo-

ken in the province are Cebuano/Visayan, Tagalog/Pilipino, Mandaya, Mansaka, Hiligaynon,

Ilocano, Waray, Maranao, and Surigaonon.

Compostella Valley has a total land area of 4, 677 sq. km. with a total estimated population of

600,000 per 2000 National Census and Statistics Office survey. The municipality of Nabunturan

serves as the province’s capital, which could be reached by land from any point in Mindanao.

The capital town is only a 2-hour drive from Davao City. The province could be reached by air

via the Davao International Airport. Apart from passenger planes, several privately owned air-

strips are found in the province, and such are mostly owned by multinational companies. By sea,

the province could be reached through Sasa Wharf in Davao City, which is only a two-hour drive

away.

The province’s economy and source of income is primarily agriculture-based. Compostela Val-

ley has become known as the key producer of high-value fruits and vegetables, which include:

white potato, tomato, and banana. Along with the latter, other major products that the province

produces are rice, corn, coffee, and coconuts.

Compostella Valley is not only popularly known as the “Golden Valley of Mindanao,” for it has

housed the largest reserves of gold in the country, but is also famous for its numerous natural at-

tractions like beaches, waterfalls, forests, mountain ranges, caves, lakes, rivers, hot and cold

springs.

Profile of the UDP Covered Municipalities in the Compostela Valley Province

Municipality of Laak2

2 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laak,_Compostela_Valley http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/laak-comval/index.php?cat1=5


Volume 5

Categorized as a 2nd class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley, Laak is po-

litically divided into 40 barangays in which an estimate of 59, 450 people reside based on

the 2000 census.

From the province’s capital, Nabunturan, the municipality of Laak can be viewed in the

northern portion of Compostela Valley and Agusan del Sur. Its boundaries are defined by

the municipality of Asuncion in the province of Davao del Norte on its southwestern por-

tion, the municipalities of Montevista and Monkayo on its southeastern point, the mu-

nicipality of Kapalong on its west, and the municipalities of Veruela and Loreto of the

province of Agusan del Sur on its north.

History has it that the term Laak was already used by the pioneer residents to refer to the

place even before the very formation of its nucleus in 1965. The term was derived from

the name of a small thornless bamboo, which was grown in a particular sitio, now called

sitio Old Laak by the native chieftain, Datu Biyan Atay.

Municipality of Maco3

With a total population of 65,181 and 13,090 households per 2000 census, the municipal-

ity of Maco is comprised of 37 barangays. It is classified as a 2nd class municipality in the

province of Compostela Valley.

Way back in the early days, Maco was once a far-flung village located along the coast of

Davao gulf despite its distance from a bigger town previously called Magugpo (now Ta-

gum City), which was only 12 kilometers away from the latter.

The term Maco is believed to have various origins, one as interpreted by some of the

early migrants (a few still living), and the other by the native inhabitants. The former be-

lieved that the name was originally derived from the word Mamacao, which means an 3 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maco%2C_Compostela_Valley http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/maco-comval/


Volume 5

enormous tree. The latter related that Maco came from another derivative Maraco, al-

though referring to the same meaning i.e. a big tree found in the area. Moreover, to some

early Christian immigrants such as the Boholanos, Maco simply meant big.

Municipality of New Bataan4

New Bataan is politically subdivided into 14 barangays. It is classified as a 2nd class

municipality in the province of Compostela Valley. As per 2000 census, its population

has reached 42,549 people comprised of 8,592 households.

The municipality has a total land area of 67,860 hectares. Out of this figure 30,788 or

45.37 percent is timber land, 16,364 hectares or 24.11 percent is forest reserve, 632 hec-

tares or .93 percent is unclassified public forest and 20,079 hectares or 29.59 percent is

alienable and disposable.

Before it officially became a regular municipality, New Bataan was yet a barangay of

Compostela known as Cabinuangan. The name is a derived from a word "Binuang" be-

cause the area has a high number of binuang trees compared to the other parts of the val-

ley.

Municipality of Mabini5

Mabini was once a mere barangay of the Municipality of Pantukan and was then popu-

larly known as Caumbog. The area was composed of nothing but a vast wilderness popu-

lated by indigenous people particularly from the Mansaka and Kalagan tribes. There was

no record in history where it got its name Mabini. However, folktales have it that the term

Caumbog was a certain derivative from the native word “maambog” referring to the

4 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Bataan%2C_Compostela_Valley http://www.new-bataan.gov.ph/index.php?cat1=10 5 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabini%2C_Compostela_Valley http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/mabini-comval/index.php?cat1=4&cat2=1


Volume 5

name of a tree that grew abundantly along the riverbanks. Accordingly, these trees were

remarkably towering that made the area extraordinary and known to the rest of the com-

munities in the region.

It was during 1910 when foreign investors invaded the area primarily because of the rich-

ness and high suitability of the lands. Vast abaca plantations were believed to be estab-

lished and managed by the Japanese. Because of such overwhelming industries, migrants

from the Visayas and Luzon flocked as hired workers in the area and eventually became

permanent settlers who acquired their lands from the minorities and indigenous people by

means of a barter system.

Mabini is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Compostela Valley. According to

the 2000 census, it has a population of 32,058 people in 6,524 households.

II. Davao Oriental Province6

The province of Davao Oriental became a separate

and independent province on May 8, 1967. It is com-

prised of 11 municipalities with the Municipality of

Mati as its capital. The province is situated in the

Southeastern part of Mindanao Island. Its boundaries

are defined on the north by Agusan del Sur, on

the South by Davao Gulf, on the east by the Pa-

cific Ocean, and on the west by Davao province.

The province’s terrain is composed of huge

mountain ranges with uneven distribution of pla-

teaus, swamps, and lowlands. Strategically, the

province is situated outside the typhoon belt. Cli 6 Sources: http://www.globalpinoy.com/travel/province/davaoori.php http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=59 http://www.davaooriental.gov.ph/website/quickfacts.html

DAVAOORIENTAL


Volume 5

mate in the area is characterized by a short dry season although rainfall is heavily pronounced in

the months of November, December, and January particularly in the coastal districts.

The province has a total land area of 5,164.5 sq. km. As per May 2000 survey conducted by the

National Census and Statistics Office, the province has a total population of 450,000. A varied

mixture of natives and migrants from all over the country characterize the principal inhabitants

of the area. Hence, diverse forms of religions were equally introduced. The Mandaya tribe domi-

nated most of the natives in the province although the Manobo tribe also constitutes the minori-

ties. The former is known for their craft of abaca dressmaking. Their love for the craft is clearly

evident among the men and women settlers, in which the former are commonly characterized

with their loose and wide blue or white cotton trousers and the latter with their embroidered cot-

ton jackets, and tube–like hand woven abaca skirts. These people mostly thrive in the far-flung

mountain clearings and survive by hunting wild pigs and deer using their local-made spears. The

languages and/or dialects widely spoken and understood by the people are Cebuano/Visayan,

Tagalog/Pilipino, and Mandaya.

Although agriculture generated the bulk of the province’s economy, other industries are also

found in the area. Fishing, small and medium cottage industries, and tourism are also considered

primary sources of the province of Davao Oriental. Major agricultural products found in the area

include: coconut, rice, corn, vegetables, and fruits. Durian is the all-time popular fruit in Davao

and its by-products are processed into many kinds of sweet preserves. Huge fishing grounds in

Davao Gulf and the bays of Pujada, Maya, Baculin and Cateel, are very productive in the months

of March to September.

The province’s entry point is Davao City where the Davao International Airport and Sasa Wharf

are located. From there, it only takes a three-hour drive to the capital town of Mati. Nevertheless,

Davao Oriental is accessible by land transportation from any point in Mindanao.


Volume 5

Profile of the UDP Covered Municipalities in Davao Oriental Province

Municipality of Banaybanay7

The municipality of Banaybanay is politically subdivided into 14 barangays. It is a 3rd

class municipality within the province of Davao Oriental that has a population of 33,714

people comprised of 6,448 households.

Municipality of Caraga8

The municipality of Caraga was classified as a 3rd class municipality in the province of

Davao Oriental. As per 2000 census, it has a population of 33,481 people comprised of

6,171 households. Caraga is politically subdivided into 17 barangays.

Municipality of Lupon9

Identified as a 1stclass municipality in the province of Davao Oriental, the municipality of

Lupon derived its name from the Kalagan term “Naluponan,” which means a body of

land accumulated at the mouth of a river resulting from years of continued accretion.

Thus, the term Lupon, which is believed to be abbreviated by the settlers themselves.

As per 2000 census, the municipality has a population of 57,092 people comprised of

10,812 households, and is constituted of 21 barangays.

7 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banaybanay%2C_Davao_Oriental 8 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga,_Davao_Oriental 9 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupon%2C_Davao_Oriental http://www.lupon.gov.ph/index.php?cat1=8


Volume 5

Municipality of Manay10

The municipality of Manay is politically subdivided into 17 barangays. It is classified as

a 3rd class municipality in the province of Davao Oriental. As per 2000 census, it has a

total population of 36,697 people with 7,136 households.

Municipality of San Isidro11

The municipality of San Isidro is bounded on the northeast and north by the municipali-

ties of Alicia and Echague, on the east by the municipality of Echague and west by the

city of Santiago, and on the northwest by the municipality of Ramon respectively. It is

situated 66 kilometers from the capital town of the province of Isable -- Ilagan.

The town of San Isidro was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 4744 enacted by the

Philippine Congress on June 18, 1966. It started operating as a local government unit on

January 1968. It was then classified as a 4th class municipality in the province of Davao

Oriental. It has a land area of 205 km². As per 2000 census, it has a population of 31,705

people comprised of 6,117 households. Around 30% of the population belongs to the

indigenous Mandaya and Kalagan communities. San Isidro is politically subdivided into

16 barangays, seven of which are along the coastlines while the other nine are in the

upland areas.

San Isidro is largely planted with coconut and much of its agricultural industry focuses on

the production of copra. In 1998, the town commenced its first Mango Festival as an

indicator of the prominence of this high yielding fruit. Apart from that, farmers are also

engaged in growing the popular banana (cardava). The municipality is an abode of fish

10 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manay%2C_Davao_Oriental 11 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Isidro%2C_Davao_Oriental http://www.sanisidro-isabela.gov.ph/


Volume 5

sanctuaries in its vast waters. Most of the fishermen in this town use paddle-boat rather

than motorized boat in fishing.

The municipality's seascape brims with potential marine-based recreational industries, as

its marine reserves can provide world-class underwater adventures in the serene and

undisturbed Tinaytay and Burias reefs, a few kilometers offshore. Moreover, its scenic

nature spots include immaculate beaches that have maintained their magnificence despite

urban development, the cascading Cawa-cawa Stepped Falls, and the 12 km² Pygmy or

Bonsai forests in the thickly forested highlands of the municipality.

Municipality of Mati12

The settlement of Mati was officially declared a regular municipality in 1903 by virtue of

Act No. 21 of the Organic Law. Sixty years later, it became the capital town of Davao

Oriental. Mati is a 1st class municipality in the province of Davao Oriental. As per 2000

census, its population already reached to 105,908 people constituting of 21,293

households. It is politically subdivided into 26 barangays.

According to historical accounts, the name “mati” originated from a native word “maa-

ti,” which means “drying up quickly.” The expression was used in reference to a creek

located in the heart of the town and which was predicted to dry up easily even after a

heavy rain.

The original settlers were the Mandayans, Kalagans and Maranaos whose endogenous

culture expresses strong traces of Indo-Malay and Arabic influences. However, with their

interaction with the other native cultures notably Visayans, Tagalogs and Ilocanos whose

subsequent migrations attributed to the employment opportunities in logging, copra and

construction industries with professionals teaching in schools or employed in government

12 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mati%2C_Davao_Oriental http://www.mati.gov.ph/


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DAVAO DEL SUR

offices and in private establishments, the prevailing culture had been diluted and had now

assumed multi-facial characteristics.

Several factors that have significantly contributed to Mati's prosperity and development

include: its accessibility to Davao City, the regional trade center of Southern Mindanao;

its uninterrupted power supplies; its tropically productive agricultural land planted with

corn, coconuts, mango, citrus, cacao and other fruits; its establishment of Provincial Agri-

Industrial Center (PAIC); and the accessibility of its communication facilities.

III. Davao del Sur Province13

The province of Davao del Sur is one of the provinces

that comprise the Southern Mindanao Region or Re-

gion XI. Its boundaries are composed of Davao City

on the north, Mindanao Sea on the south, Davao Gulf

on the east, and the provinces of Cotabato, Sul-

tan Kudarat and South Cotabato on the west. It

is classified as one of the highly urbanized re-

gions in the country wherein the illustrious Da-

vao City lies.

The word Davao originated from the Bagobo

term Daba-Daba that refers to the sacred brass of

the tribe’s highly-revered chieftain, Datu Duli who

dwelt in Mt. Apo during his reign. Later, the

term was added with a prefix with the letter “o” [in

the English alphabet] thus it became Daba-o Daba-o. It connotes justice and the datu’s equal

treatment towards the people. Eventually, the term was shortened into Davao as time went by.

13 Sources: http://www.globalpinoy.com/travel/province/davaosur.php http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=58


Volume 5

Although the bulk of the population of Davao del Sur is of Cebuano origin comprising almost

51% of the total population of the province, there are several natives who are still traced to be

living in some parts of the area. The Bagobo tribe is one of the cultural minorities that are found

to inhabit the place. This particular native tribe is identified by their multihued traditional dresses

and ornaments. Their clothes are usually made of woven abaca fiber, embossed with beads,

shells, metal disks and other colorful adornments. Since the province had also been inhabited by

people from all over the country, the Bagobos, as well as other minority tribes such as the

B’laans, Tagacaolos, and Manobos have learned to co-exist with the lowlanders. The people in

this region are famous with for baskets, ornate weapons, and their rich tradition of music and

dance. The languages and/or dialects spoken and understood by the residents are Ce-

buano/Visayan, Tagalog, B’laan, Bagobo, Manobo, Tagacaolo, and Muslim. The total population

of Davao del Sur as of May 2000 is 775,000 with an annual rate increase of 2.3 percent.

The province experiences a favorable climate, which is only characterized by two reverse sea-

sons, the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The former usually falls every December and Janu-

ary while the latter falls during the months of April and May. Strategically, the province lies out-

side the typhoon belt.

It is classified as one of the potential producers of agricultural products. It features the fish farms

in Kiblawan and Sta. Maria, a prawn farm and cocoa plantation in Malita, a sugar mill in Ma-

gonoy, and a coconut desiccating plant in Sta. Cruz.

Several airlines regularly fly in from other major airports within the country and even outside the

country. These are available in Davao since it is being serviced by an international airport. Alter-

native means to get to the area is catered by several shipping lines that also post trips from Ma-

nila [the country’s capital] and from other nearby southern points that board passengers and tour-

ists going to the province.


Volume 5

Profile of the UDP Covered Municipalities in Davao del Sur Province

Municipality of Don Marcelino14

The municipality was named in honor of Don Marcelino Maruya, the father of the first

appointed Mayor, Hon. Vicente Maruya. It is identified as a 3rd class municipality in the

province of Davao del Sur, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population

of 33,403 people with 6,544 households. It is politically subdivided into 15 barangays.

Malita was then the mother municipality of Don Marcelino as history recounted it. For

three and a half decades of the American Regime (1906-1941), immigrants from Cebu

and other provinces of Mindanao settled in the place. The rich coastal plains were

claimed and developed by American Planters, foremost among them were the Woods in

Barangay Culaman, the Patstones in Barangay Lacaron, the Peabodys in Barangay Lais,

the Pahls in Barangay Calian and the Johnsons in Barangay Lamidan.

A certain US marine named Orville Wood was sent by Governor-General Leonard Wood

to the area to enforce the liquor law. With his troops, Wood settled in the fertile bank of

the river dividing the present Poblacion Malita and the Culaman Company to establish

the first recorded settlement in the area.

The first Filipino plantation owner who set foot in Malita was Don Marcelino Maruya.

He was instrumental for the development of the uncharted forest areas specifically those

areas which presently comprise Don Marcelino. He settled in what is now called Baran-

gay Talaguton and initiated the education of the hilltribes consisting of the Tagacaolos,

the B'laans and the Manobos.

14 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Marcelino%2C_Davao_del_Sur http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/donmarcelino-dds/


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Municipality of Jose Abad Santos15

Jose Abad Santos is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Davao del Sur. According

to the 2000 census, it has a population of 57,147 people with 11,259 households. It is

politically subdivided into 26 barangays.

Municipality of Malalag16

The municipality of Malalag officially became a regular municipality by virtue of Execu-

tive Order No. 596 dated May 28, 1953. It is composed of 15 political subdivisions. It be-

longs to the category of 3rd class municipalities in the province of Davao del Sur. In the

2000 census, Malalag is already the abode of 33,334 people constituting of 7,069

households. Different versions were narrated about the origin of its name. Among the few

were that of the natives who claimed that the name Malalag was derived from the color

that describes the river running within the heart of the town. The water current that di-

rects towards the bay appeared yellowish, thus the natives called “Malalag nga Tubig,”

which means “yellow water.” Such an extraordinary appearance of this particular body of

water lured and enticed many migrants to come to the place.

Municipality of Malita17

The municipality of Malita, in the province of Davao del Sur is composed of 30 political

subdivisions (barangays). It is classified as one of the 1st class municipalities in the re-

gion, which has a population reaching to 100,000 people composed of 20,526 households

as per 200 census.

15 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jose_Abad_Santos%2C_Davao_del_Sur 16 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malalag%2C_Davao_del_Sur http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/malalag-dds/ 17 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malita%2C_Davao_del_Sur http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/malita-dds/


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SARANGANI

The early inhabitants of Malita are mostly of the Tagascaolo, B'laan, Manobo, Maguin-

danao, Sangil and Bagobo tribes who are believed to be the descendants of the second

wave of Malays who migrated to Mindanao from other parts of Southeast Asia years be-

fore the birth of Christ. A wave of immigrants from the Visayas, mostly from Cebu, Lu-

zon Island, and so with a number from the neighboring provinces in Mindanao came to

the place in the succeeding years.

Municipality of Magsaysay18

The municipality of Magsaysay is politically subdivided into 22 barangays. It is classified

as a 3rd class municipality in the province of Davao del Sur. As per 2000 census, its total

population already reached to 43,172 people composed of 9,066 households. Much of the

economic activity in Magsaysay rely on rice farming.

IV. Sarangani Province19

The province of Sarangani marked its birth on 1992 as it was

established as an independent province through Republic

Act 7228. Such declaration gave way for development in the

former third district of South Cotabato. Sarangani is consid-

ered as the country’s 76th province and Mindanao’s 23rd. It is

particularly situated in the southernmost part of the

island. Its boundaries are defined by Sultan Kudarat

in the west, South Cotabato in the north, Davao del

Sur in the east, and Celebes Sea in the South. In the

middle of the eastern and western parts of the province lies

18 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magsaysay%2C_Davao_del_Sur 19 Sources: http://www.globalpinoy.com/travel/province/sarangani.php http://www.tourism.gov.ph/explore_phil/place_details.asp?content=description&province=62 http://sarangani.freewebspace.com/facts/fct-index.html


Volume 5

General Santos City. The province is identified as the coastal zone of SOCSKSARGEN (South

Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, General Santos City), one of the country’s developing clus-

ters.

Its vast beachfronts, fertile plains, rolling hills, and mountainous scope but mostly flatlands, de-

scribe Sarangani’s terrain that offer plenty of opportunities for the people. It has seven munici-

palities with the municipality of Alabel as it’s capital. The area is blessed as it is considered ty-

phoon-free and has mild and pleasant weather condition all year long. Its total land area meas-

ures 4,100.42 sq. km. In the 2000 census, the population of the province reached 410,622.

In 1972, the existence of one of the most enigmatic people who hid from the rest of the world for

600 years was revealed. This group of ancient people bore no metal tools, except those that they

learned from a Manobo-Blit hunter. They survived on fruits and rootcrops even before they were

introduced about the metal implements. They dwelt in caves and just covered their bodies with

leaves and vines.

Apart from the historical discovery of the believed predecessors of the Stone Age man, Saran-

gani province is filled with a varied culture of people who speak different languages and dialects

but is still magically in constant harmony with each other despite the uniqueness of each one.

There exist in the province the Cebuano-speaking B’laans and Muslims in the east coast, Ilo-

cano-speaking T’bolis, Manobos, and Muslim in the west coast, and Ilonggo-speaking B’laans

and Kaolos in the north uplands.

The province’s economy is primarily composed of farming and fishing. It produces coconut,

corn, and cotton that likewise serve as its main crops. Livestock and poultry raising are also

proven viable in the place. Marine life species are also produced in larger bulk in the province

thus making Sarangani Bay a rich fishing ground. The province is considered as the major pro-

ducer of copra and sugarcane in SOCSKSARGEN - - there can even be found in the area a

mango plantation of more than 7,000 hectares. Also contributing to the province’s industry is the

presence of giant companies like DOLE Philippines that ventures into banana, pineapple, and

asparagus growing.


Volume 5

Profile of the UDP Covered Municipalities in the Sarangani Province

Municipality of Glan20

The municipality of Glan is bounded on the west by Sarangani Bay, on the north by

Davao del Sur, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. It is a 1st class municipality in the

province of Sarangani. Although it is not the province’s capital, the place is still the seat

of the local provincial government. The 2000 census reflected that the municipality of

Glan has a population of 83,051 people constituting of 16,990 households. It is politically

subdivided into 31 barangays.

Before the advent of the Christian settlers from Cebu, Glan was a vast virgin forest and

wide cogonal terrain. It was inhabited by few ethnic groups mostly B’laan and Muslim

natives, the former occupying the hinterlands and the latter the coastal plains.

The name Glan was a derivation from the Moro term ‘Magalang’ meaning, sharp. History

recounts that Glan was formerly a favorite hunting ground of Moro bluebloods, datus and

other game-loving Muslim bigwig. It was said that there were many deer in the area,

which then became the major prey of the hunters. For hunting purposes, it was but the

best move for the men to keep their bolos, arrows and other bladed weapons always sharp

in order to meet their goal. In time, the place came to be called ‘galang,’ short for Ma-

galang or a place of sharp weapons, and from it the present name Glan was corrupted.

In the municipality of Glan, the source of economy is agriculture with a high level

production of copra. Aquaculture is also seen as the best alternative for generating

income. This includes milkfish and shrimp culture. Other agricultural products are

coconuts, maize, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples, mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, and fish.

20 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glan%2C_Sarangani http://www.glan.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30


Volume 5

The economy has progressed in the past decade with the biggest contribution from

advances in global communication technology and the finishing of a modern highway

that tremendously improved trade and transport. It has also benefited from its political

role as the seat of the provincial government.

Municipality of Kiamba21

The municipality of Kiamba is bordered on the west by Maitum, on the east by Maasim,

on the north by South Cotabato, and on the south by the Celebes Sea. It is a 3rd class

municipality in the province of Sarangani. It has a population of 44,724 people

constituting of 9,095 households as per 2000 census. It is politically subdivided into 19

barangays.

The term Kiamba originated from the name of a creek, which is located at the eastern

foot of Bakud Point, west of Kiamba proper. According to some old Tagabilis residing in

the place, Kiamba creek was named after Datu Kiamba who was a famous Tagabili chief-

tain. This municipality was formerly known as Kitagas. Cebuano is the commonly spo-

ken dialect among the settlers although they were of Ilocano origin. One of the

indigenous peoples living in the mountainous areas of Kiamba is known as T'boli.

Municipality of Maitum22

In 1928, Maitum became part of the municipality of Kiamba. It was on May 7, 1959

when it was officially announced as a separate municipality through Republic Act 2189.

The municipality of Maitum is internationally famous for the discovery of very old cave

artifacts called Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries in one of its caves. Likewise, it is

21 Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiamba%2C_Sarangani http://www.kiamba.gov.ph/ 22 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maitum%2C_Sarangani


Volume 5

nationally known for its well-enforced solid waste disposal system. This system has been

largely successful through the support of its residents through the years.

Maitum is one of the 3rd class municipalities in the province of Sarangani. In the 2000

census, it has a total population of 35,536 people composed of 7,640 households, and a

land area of 324.35 km². Its coordinates are 6°02' N 124°29 E. It is politically subdivided

into 19 barangays. It is bordered on the west by the province of Sultan Kudarat, on the

east by the municipality of Kiamba, on the north by the province of South Cotabato, and

on the south by the Celebes Sea.

Majority of its population is of Ilocano origin. One of the indigenous peoples living in the

mountainous areas of Maitum is known as T'boli.

The municipality is often referred to as the “rice granary” of Sarangani due to its high

level production of rice. Thus, its main economy is agriculture-based. Apart from that,

aquaculture, notably the culture of milkfish (bangus), prawns (particularly giant prawns)

and shrimps for export, is also seen as a promising venture that can generate income.

Other agricultural products are coconuts, maize, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples,

mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, and fish. Maitum is also a food basket nationally famous for

its dried fish.

The economy has progressed in the past decade, and this is best attributed to the advances

in global communication technology and the finishing of a modern highway that

tremendously improved trade and transport.

Municipality of Malungon23

The municipality of Malungon is a landlocked town at the northeastern part of Sarangani.

It is bounded on the west by Tupi, South Cotabato, on the north and east by the province

23 Sources: http://www.malungon.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=28 http://www.malungon.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=28


Volume 5

of Davao del Sur, on the south by Alabel, Sarangani and General Santos City, and on the

southwest by Polomolok, South Cotabato. It is 37 kilometers away from Gen-

eral Santos City and 43 kilometers away from Alabel, the seat of the Provincial Govern-

ment.

It is classified as a 1st class municipality in the provice of Sarangani and is politically

subdivided into 31 barangays. It has a land area of 896.63 km². According to the 2000

census, it has a population of 93,232 people composed of 18,924 households.

The main source of income is agriculture with a high level production of dried coconut

meat. Animal husbandry, specifically cattle farming, is one of its best alternatives to raise

income. Other agricultural products are coconuts, maize, sugarcane, bananas, pineapples,

mangoes, pork, eggs, beef, and fish.

As with some other municipalities in Sarangani province, the state of economy in this

particular municipality has shown progress in the past decade, with significant

contribution from the advances in global communication technology and the finishing of

a modern highway that tremendously improved trade and transport.


Volume 5

SOUTH COTABATO

V. South Cotabato Province24 Located in the southern part of Mindanao, the province

of South Cotabato is enclosed on the north and the west

portion by the province of Sultan Kudarat, on the south

by Sarangani and Sarangani Bay, and on the east by

Davao del Sur. It was officially declared as one of the

country’s existing provinces on July 18, 1966 when the

Old Cotabato province was divided into North and

South. The province is composed of 11 towns with

Koronadal as its capital. It has a total land area of

3,376.92 sq. km. and has a registered population of

690,728 as of the 2000 census. The province’s

topography is generally flat, with scattered hills, and

isolated mountains. It is considered as a typhoon-free

site wherein rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. The months from March to June

are considered the hottest while December and January are the coolest.

Migrants from Luzon and Visayas, particularly the Panay inhabitants, mainly populate the land.

The province is even considered the melting pot of religions and cultures since the province also

housed several tribal population that include the T’boli, Ubo, B’laan, and Tagabili. The T’boli

natives are considered one of the most colorful people of Mindanao, who live in the site around

Lake Sebu, a mountain lake surrounded by rolling hills. This particular tribe is best identified

through their inclination to wear personally beaded and colorful ornaments. They are lovers of

embroidered dresses, bangles, bracelets and other accessories.

24 Sources: http://www.globalpinoy.com/travel/province/scotabato.php http://www.mindanao.org/socsksargen/overview/ka2.htm http://www.mindanao.org/davao/overview/ka5.htm


Volume 5

As it claims to be the breadbasket of the South, South Cotabato is considered an agricultural ha-

ven producing agricultural products from its rich and fertile lands. Koronadal and Allah Valleys

comprise farmlands producing rice and corn. The municipality of Polomolok is where the im-

mense pineapple plantation is found, supplying the Dole Philippines’ canneries. Vast tracks of

banana plantations are found near General Santos City. Other source of living found in the prov-

ince is through fishing. In fact, the vast water that surrounds the island particularly Sarangani

Bay provides and offers a massive fishing industry for the people.

Profile of the UDP Covered Municipalities in Sarangani Province

Municipality of Tantangan25

The municipality of Tantangan derived its name from the word “Kulitangtangan,” which

means a bell so enormous that when it rings its sound could reach distant places.

The area is located at the mouth of a big river called Luayan and empties its water into a

very big lake. Tangatangan is classified as a 4th class municipality in the province of

South Cotabato. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 32,636 people

composed of 6,583 households. It is politically subdivided into 13 barangays. During its

creation, the municipality of Tantangan encompassed an area of 32,000 hectares.

With favorable weather conditions and with competent and persistent leadership of past

and present leaders, the Municipality of Tantangan is fast growing in its role as the cereal

(grain) producer of the province of South Cotabato.

25 Sources: http://foo.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/tantangansc/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tantangan%2C_South_Cotabato


Volume 5

Municipality of Tampakan26

The municipality of Tampakan is politically subdivided into 13 barangays and as per

2000 census, its population already reached to 33,011 people constituting of 6,754

households. It is identified as one of the 4th class municipalities in the province of South

Cotabato.

26 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampakan%2C_South_Cotabato


Volume 5

The Research Findings: Community Level

The Community Data Checklist for Intervention Areas (IAs) and Non-Intervention Areas (NIAs) Community Instrument 2 produced a checklist of communities both in the intervention areas “be-

fore” and at present (which serves as “after” the UDP intervention has been introduced). Infor-

mation includes the following: 1) land utilization by major crops, 2) selected demographic pro-

file, 3) infrastructure and services (whether they are present in the barangay or not), and 4) eco-

nomic activities/ support services, animals (birds and livestock) and household produce.

It has to be noted that the community in this case refers to the barangay where either the inter-

vention at the sitio level is being implemented or the control barangay wherein no intervention is

implemented in any of its sitio.

In both IA and NIA, the top three major crops planted are: coconut, corn and banana (Table 1).

Table 1. Land Utilization by Crop of the Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas (Post-Intervention, 2005)

Area Land utilization by crop (three major crops mentioned) Intervention (n=19) Non-Intervention Area

(n=9) Coconut 84.2 77.8 Corn 79.8 66.7 Banana 57.9 66.7

It is but expected that the population in both IA and NIA increased in all areas from the 2000

base year compared to the present number (Table 2). This is also true as to the average number

of households in these areas. The IAs are more heavily populated than the NIAs. Cebuano is the

dominant language for both IAs and NIAs followed by Bilaan. However, Mandaya is the third


Volume 5

language for the IAs while Ilonggo and Tiboli are the two languages that ranked as third in use in

the NIAs. As to religion, both areas are predominantly Roman Catholic while the rest belong to

other Christian denominations.

The majority of the residents in both IAs and NIAs are Cebuano or Visayan migrants while the

Mandaya and Bilaan tribes exist in eight and seven communities, respectively. There was not

much change in the 2000 data when it comes to language used, religion, and tribal data for the

present data.

Table 2. Selected Demographic Characteristics in the Intervention and Non- Intervention Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies

Area Intervention (n=19) Non-intervention (n=10)

Before 2000 (n=18)

At present (n=19)

Before 2000 (n=7)

At present (n=9)

Ave. population of the communities 9009.4

11065.4

2894.25

3350.2

(n= 16) (n=19) (n=8) (n=10) Ave. number of households 1662.6

2182

517

700.6

Population characteristics (n= 19) (n=19) (n=10) (n=10)

Dialects (major ones) Bisaya/Cebuano Bilaan Mandaya Ilonggo Tiboli

14 6 5

15 6 5

9 4 3 3

9 4 3 3

Religion R. Catholic Protestant (Four square gospel, UCCP, Church of Christ) Baptist Born Again (Christian Faith, Alliance) SDA Iglesia ni Kristo

18 17

9 9

18 17

9 9

9 5

6 5

9 5

6 5

Tribes Bisaya/Cebuano Mandaya Bilaan

12 8 7

12 8 7

6

6


Volume 5

There was an increase in the IAs in their infrastructures and services (with 2000 as the “before”

and the present as “after” the intervention: 1) barangay health centers, 2) barangay health center

workers and supplies, 3) post-harvest facilities (dryers and warehouse), 4) source of potable wa-

ter, 5) energy /power source/lighting source (the biggest increase from 8 communities to 13

communities, 6) roads (farm to market, bridges), 7) sewerage (was present in 4 communities and

has doubled to 8 at present), 8) flood control (present in two communities “before” but increased

to four more, totaling to six at present), and 9) recreation/sports facilities (basketball courts, etc.)

(Table 3).

An increase was also noted in the NIAs in the following: 1) barangay health center, 2) workers

in the health centers and supplies, 3) source of potable water, 4) energy/power source/lighting

source, 5) sewerage, 6) flood control infrastructures, and 7) means of transportation to other ar-

eas. However, the increase in the number in the NIAs is a bit lower than the IAs. It is noted

though that NIAs have other facilities such as mini-gym, mini-public market, training center,

day-care center, feeding center, and foot trail compared to the IAs.


Volume 5

Table 3. Infrastructures and Services (whether they are present in the barangay or not) in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies

Area Intervention

(n=19) Non-intervention

(n=10)

Before 2000

At pre-sent

Before 2000

At pre-sent

1. barangay hall 14 14 9 7 2. barangay health center (building/facilities) 11 13 6 8 3. barangay health center manpower and sup-plies 11 13 5 7 4. chapel/mosque 14 14 9 9 5. post-harvest facilities (dryers, warehouse, etc.) 12 14 7 7 6. source of potable water 11 14 6 8 7. energy/power source/lighting source 8 13 5 8 9. roads (farm to market, bridges (identify whether all-weather road, macadamized road, etc.) 12 13 8 9 10. sewerage 4 8 4 6 11. flood control infrastructure (dikes, drainage) 2 6 2 4 12. irrigation facilities (dams, irrigation canals) 1 1 13. recreation/sports facilities (basketball courts, etc.) 13 14 8 8 14. means of transportation in going to the area 12 12 8 9 15. Others: Barangay warehouse 1 1 16. Other Infrastructures a) Mini-gym 1 1 b) Mini public market 1 2 Other Infrastructures, cont’d c) Training center 1 1 d) Day care center 2 2 e) Feeding center 1 1 f) Foot trail 1 1

Farming is the main source of livelihood for both IAs and NIAs. Aside from the three major

crops mentioned earlier, the IAs reported abaca as another crop that they planted before the year

2000. Banana is a crop that the IAs planted at present but not before 2000. The NIAs have been

planting bananas before 2000 and are still planting bananas at present. The number of house-

holds producing such crops is higher in the IAs than the NIAs.

The Community Data Barangay Level from Instrument 2A produced the following information:

1) accessibility of community, 2) means of communication and media and program choice, 3)

economic status, 4) services, 5) other infrastructures (more specific than those in the checklist),

6) presence of community plan, 7) average number of children enrolled in school, 8) community


Volume 5

health (state as revealed by presence of common diseases, services offered and average number

of days; services are offered per month), 9) food security, 10) agricultural support services, 11)

external support programs, 12) land tenure, 13) savings and loans, 14) remittances, 15) degrada-

tion and misuse of natural resources, and 16) community organization/people’s organization.

Accessibility of Communities

Distance, Travel Time, and Focal Point of Trading. The single motor or skylab is the principal

means of transportation for both areas. This has increased as the means of transportation in the

IAs but has decreased in the NIAs (Table 4). The second most popular means in the “before

condition are public utility jeepney (PUJ)/truck/tricycle (45.4%) for the NIA (ranks third for IA

at 22.2%) and horse/carabao (27.8%) for the IA (ranks third for NIA at 27.3%). Whereas in the

present condition, horse/carabao and even hiking as a means of reaching the IAs increased com-

pared to before, since bamboo, raft and pump boat are no longer in use.

The focal point of trading for the barangay for both IAs and NIAs in the “before” condition was

the municipal center but it was higher in the IAs (47.1%) than the NIAs (36.4%). The municipal

center is still the focal point of trading at present but there was a slight decrease in the percentage

for such answer. For the NIAs, other municipality/city/ province (30%) rivaled the choice be-

cause this group was ranked first which is similar to that of the municipal center as focal trading

center. For the IAs, other focal trading centers also emerged and these were other barangays but

same municipality (11.1%) and another municipality/city/province (21.7%)

In the “before” condition, the average cost of transporting a sack of corn to the nearest trading

center is higher in the IAs (P49.90) than the NIAs (P32.90). At the IAs, the cost of transporting

a sack of corn ranges from P15 to P108 per sack while in the NIAs the range is from P12.50 to

P80 per sack. At present, an increase was noted at the IAs with an average of P82.90 per sack

while the cost at the NIAs was a bit lower at P30.50 per sack.

It takes a longer time to reach the municipal center from the NIAs (an average of 87.7 minutes in

the “before” condition and 50.87 at the present condition) by motorbike during dry season than


Volume 5

the IAs (an average of 55.0 minutes “before” and 40.23 minutes at present). During wet season,

the average travel time to reach the municipal center by motorbike is 93 minutes “before” and

52.62 minutes at present whereas it will take an average of 75.0 minutes for the “before” condi-

tion for the NIAs and still around that time (70.17) for the present. It is noted though that one

community in the non-intervention area will take 12 hours to reach the municipal center by foot

during wet season from the “before” data. This particular community was not included in the av-

eraging. Reaching the municipal center by foot was not entertained as an option because it is

very risky.

The estimated time to reach the municipal center by foot is longer in the NIAs than the IAs.

This was true for both wet and dry seasons but it was a longer travel during wet season for both

areas.

The responsibility for maintaining the road trail from the sitio to the barangay in the “before”

data rests on the barangay or barangay officials (90.9%) in the case of NIAs while the majority

(64.7%) of IAs answered it rests on the people through voluntary work. However, with the pre-

sent data, majority (83.3%) of the IAs identified the barangay/barangay officials as those respon-

sible for maintaining the road trail from the sitio to the barangay. They added municipal gov-

ernment (44.4% for IAs and 20% for NIAs), provincial government (27.8% for the IAs and 40%

for the NIAs) as other bodies responsible for the maintenance of roads. The role of people and

purok leaders decreased at the IAs (22.3%) but an additional category was added, that of UDP

(5.6%).

Table 4. Accessibility of Communities in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


Volume 5

Areas Intervention Area Non-Intervention Area

“Before” (n=18)

At present (“After”) (n=18)

“Before” (n=11)


Principal Means of Transportation Single motor/Skylab 61.1 77.9 63.6 50 Jeep/PUJ/Truck/Tricycle 22.2 16.7 45.4 30 Horse, Carabao 27.8 22.2 27.3 Bamboo Raft/Pumpboat 5.6 - 18.2 Others (tractor, bus) 11.1 27.3 Hike 16.7 22.2 0 Focal Point of Trading for the barangay Barangay 29.4 16.7 27.3 10 Municipality (Center) 47.1 44.4 36.4 30 Another barangay, same municipality 11.1 20 Others (another municipality, city, province)

23.5

21.7

36.3

30

Estimated Cost of Transporting a Sack of Corn from the Barangay to the Nearest Trading Center

49.90 (range from

P15 to P108/sack)

82.90 (range from 28.74 to

276.17)

32.90 (range from P12.50 to P80/sack)


60)

Estimated Travel Time To Reach the Mu-nicipal Center by Motorbike or usual ve-hicle used (average in minutes)27

Not accessible by motorbike or other vehicle

17.6 (3) -

Dry Season 55.0 40.23 87.7 50.87 Wet Season 93.0 52.62 (n=17) 75.028 70.17 Estimated Travel Time To Reach Munici-pal Center by Foot2

Dry Season 170.0 174.50 202.5 283 Wet Season 244.6 206.42 277.5 322 Responsible for maintaining the road trail from the sitio to the barangay

Barangay/barangay officials 35.3 83.3 90.9 50 Municipal government 44.4 20 Provincial government 27.8 40 People (voluntary work)/residents/purok leaders

64.7 22.3 9.1 20

UDP 5.6 Accessibility of Communication Facilities. Both IAs and NIAs do not have access to telephone

lines for the “before” and the present condition (Table 5). It was noted with the present data that

27 The travel time to reach the municipal center by foot in one community in the intervention area is 9 hrs. during dry season and 10 during wet season. This was not included in the averaging. 28 The travel time to reach the municipal center by foot of one community in the non-intervention area is 12 hrs. during during wet season. This community was not included in the averaging.


Volume 5

households have access to televisions (average number of households that have access at the IAs

is 140.04 and 77.4 at the NIAs).

According to the present data, people prefer news as the program that they listen to over the ra-

dio but the preference is slightly higher in the IAs (72.2%) than the NIAs (60%). They do listen

to drama (44.4% for the IAs and 50% for the NIAs). It was also noted that the mobile phone

phenomenon has reached both the IAs and NIAs but IAs have higher average number of people

who own one at 367 than the NIAs at 47.7

Table 5. Accessibility of Communication Facilities in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


“Before” (n=18)


“Before” (n=11)


Average Number of HHs with access to Telephone Lines (Landline) None

100

100

100

100 Average number of HHs with access to television

140.04 (range from

3.75 to 326.8)

77.43 (range from 0 to 315.33)

Top three commonly tuned-in programs and the respective stations frequently listened to* Drama DXDC Bombo radyo/DXRO DXCP News Bombo Radyo DXDC DXHM FM (Music) Star FM Energy FM Radyo Natin

44.4

33.3 27.8

72.2 27.8 16.7

16.7 11.1 5.6

50

40

60 20

10

10 Average number of people who have cell phones

367.07 (range from

10.33 to 1000)


178)


Volume 5

Economic Status of the Households

Both areas, the IAs and NIAs in the “before” and at present data claimed that there are poor

households in their communities (Table 6). In the “before” data, there are more poor households

in the IAs (an average of 375 households) than in the NIAs (an average of 235 households). The

figures for the “at present” data increased, 699.7 for the IAs and 298.8 for the NIAs. It has to be

noted that the community level data covered not just the sitios where the intervention program is

being implemented but the whole barangay including the sitios without intervention.

In the household data where the households included in the study are household located in the

intervention sitios, an increase in the income was noted. The difference in the household and

community data could be in the coverage. At the community level, sitios within the barangay

that has no UDP intervention were still a part in the coverage of the primary and secondary data

gathered for that barangay.

In the “before” situation, slightly more than three quarters of the IAs while only a fifth from the

NIAs claimed that there are rich households in their respective communities. The average num-

ber of rich households in the IAs is 71.3 in the “before“ situation while the figure increased at

225.7 in the present situation while an average of 15.3 are rich households in the NIAs in the

“before” situation and has increased to 55.7 in the present situation. It seems that for both IAs

and NIAs the number of poor households increased and the number of rich people increased but

the increase in the number of poor households is higher than that of the rich households.


Volume 5

Table 6. Economic Status of the Households in the Intervention and Non- Intervention, (“Be-fore” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


“Before” (n=18)


“Before” (n=11)


Are there poor households in the com-munity

Yes 100 100 100 100 No Average number of poor households in the community

375 (range from

60% to 100%)

699.27 (range from 268.33 to 1313.72)

235 (range from

75% to 100%)

296.84 (range from 138 to 731)

Are there rich households in the com-munity (percentage)

Yes 77.8 88.9 80 70 No 22.2 11.1 20 30 Average number of rich households in the community

71.3 (range from 0 to 30%)

225.65 (range from 3

to 617.22)

15.3 (range from 0 to 21%)

55.66 (range from 5 to 116.33)

Availability of Services

A distinctive rise in the average number of households that have access to electricity is noted in

both the IAs and NIAs. This would mean that in the upland area, energization has been going on

in the past five years (Table 7).

In the “before condition,” the average time for a household to obtain water from the source are

37.2 minutes and 25 minutes for the IAs and NIAs, respectively. In the Post-Intervention Study,

the time was relatively shortened for both areas and data for wet and dry seasons were also gath-

ered. The time was more than halved for the IAs for both dry and wet season while it was cut

into half for the dry season in the NIAs. There was not much change in the information about the

number of children enrolled per grade level provided by both IAs and NIAs. But a cut in the av-

erage time to walk to the nearest school in minutes was noted for both areas but the reduction

was more significant in the IAs (from an average of 143 minutes to 34.9 minutes) than in the

NIAs (from 111 minutes to 74 minutes). There was a slight increase in the none functioning

health clinic post for the IAs (from 5.6% to 11.1%). The responsibility of the BHW as the per-

son who manages the health clinic increased both for the IAs (from 5.6% to 55.6%) and NIAs


Volume 5

(from 18.2% to 70%). The percentage of communities that reported that the doctor does not re-

port to the clinic increased for both areas (from 22.2% to 50% for IAs and from 18.2% to 40%

for NIAs).

Table 7. Services Available in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


“Before” (n=18)


“Before” (n=11)


Average Number of Households that have Access to Electricity

29.3 (range from

9 to 289)

356.82 (range from

10.67 to 838.6)

43.5 (range from

1 to 85)

259.43 (range from 0 to 1148.

67) Average Time Taken for the Household to Obtain Water from the Source (minutes) Dry season Wet season

37.2 (range from

0 to 180)

12.57 (range from 5 to 22.5)

15.43

(range from 5 to 27

25.0 (range from

5 to 90)

12.30 (range from 2 to 30.5)

19.30

(range from 2 to 60.5)

Educational Services Provided by Grade Level, if any, in the Community (percentage)

Primary Only 5.6 - Complete Elementary 88.9 88.9 100.0 90 Secondary 5.6 - Average Time to Walk to the Nearest School (Minutes)

143 (range from 30 to 300)

34.97 (range from

5 to 74)

111 (range from 15 to 360)

74 (range from 2.5 to

240) Presence of Functioning Health Clinic/Post (percentage)

None 5.6 11,1 18.2 10 There Is 94.4 88.9 81.8 90 Person Responsible for Managing the Health Clinic

None 5.6 - Midwife 83.3 83.3 63.6 60 BHW 5.6 55.6 18.2 70 Others (Nurse/Doctor/BNS) 11.1 18.2 10 Number of Times that Doctors Serve in the Clinic

None 22.2 50 18.2 40 Once a week 5.6 - 9.1 Once or twice a month 22.2 5.6 9.1 Quarterly - 11.1 18.2 10 Once a year 22.2 11.1 36.4 10 Others ( twice a year; sometimes, request-based)

27.8 11.1 9.1 40


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Other Infrastructures Available

There was an increase in the availability of the following infrastructures in the IAs: 1) corn mill

(from 44.4% to 50% of the communities reporting its availability), 2) crop dryer, and 3) grain

store (Table 8). An increase in the establishment of corn mill and rice mill was noted in the

NIAs.

The IAs also reported additional infrastructures that were not present during the baseline study,

which are as follows: barangay warehouse, abaca stripping machine, and coffee mill.

In the household data, a decrease in the corn production was reported by the respondents. This

particular finding may run contrary to the community finding regarding the increase other infra-

structures in the area. Upon a closer examination, an increase in the number of corn mills in the

“after” situation may still be consistent with the household findings because even with the de-

crease in corn production, an increase in the number of corn mills may still be reasonable. The

number of available corn mills during the baseline may not be proportionate to the volume of

corn produced. Hence, at the present situation, even with a decrease in corn production, an in-

crease in the number of corn mills may still be valid.


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Table 8. Other Infrastructures Available in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


“Before” (n=18)


“Before” (n=11)


Presence of the Following Infrastructure (percentage):

Rice Mill 33.3 33.3 0 10 Corn Mill 44.4 50.0 30.0 40 Crop Dryer 72.2 100 90.0 90 Grain Store 38.9 72.2 20.0 10 Sheller 10 Barangay warehouse 5.6 Abaca stripping machine 5.6 Presence of the Following Infrastructure (percentage) cont’d:

Coffee mill 44.4 Presence of the following Social Infra-structures in the Community (percent-age)

(n=18) (n=11)

Community Hall 83.3 94.4 36.4 80 Church/Chapel 100.0 100 100.0 100 School 100.0 100 100.0 100 Basketball Court/Solar Dryer 27.8 22.2 27.3 30

Community Plans

Both IC (88.9%) and NIC (81.8%) claimed that participatory community planning had been con-

ducted in the last five years (Table 9). However, an increase was noted in the communities that

conducted participatory community planning in both areas. Integration of these plans in the

barangay municipal plan has been done before and up to the present.

Although an increase is noted in both the IAs and NIAs in the conduct of participatory commu-

nity planning as well as in its implementation, data from the Community-Based Organizations

(CBOs) indicated that the implementation of the plan is visible in the IAs than in the NIAs.


Volume 5

Table 9. Community Plans in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, (“Before” and “After” Conditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


“Before” (n=18)


“Before” (n=11)


Participatory Community Planning Con-ducted in the last Five Years

Yes 88.9 94.4 81.8 90 No 11.1 5.6 18.2 10 Plans are Implemented at Present 83.3 90 Plans are Integrated in the Baran-gay/Municipal Plan (for those that have plans)

100.0 (all of 16)

83.7 88.9 (8 out of 9)

80

Community Organizations

In the “before” condition, almost all communities found in the intervention and non-intervention

areas claimed that there are community groups that meet on a regular basis in their respective

communities (Table 10a). There are residents in the IAs (66.7%) and NIAs (45.4%) that are

members of cooperatives based outside their respective communities.

Table 10a. Community Organizations in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, (Baseline Study, 2000)

Areas Intervention Area “Be-

fore” (n=18)

Non-Intervention Area“Before”

(n=11) Presence of Community Groups That Meet on a Regular Basis (Percent-age)

Yes 94.4 90.9 No 5.6 9.1 Membership of Residents in Coopera-tives Based Outside the Community

Yes 66.7 45.4 No 33.3 54.5

At present (“after” the intervention condition), a number of organizations have been identified to

be operating both in the IAs and NIAs (Table 10b). In the IAs, moderately sized organizations

are identified as follows: school organizations, credit groups, livelihood assistance organiza-


Volume 5

tions, and women’s groups. In the case of NIAs, the following are moderately sized organiza-

tions: religious organization and school organization. NIAs have a large membership of senior

citizens’ groups.

The very active groups in the IAs are the school organization and the volunteer group (in cases

of emergency situation) while the moderately active ones are the multi-purpose cooperative,

farmers/fisherfolks’ organization, drivers’ organization, credit groups, and service organization.

In the NIAs, the active groups are the drivers’ organization, services organization, and senior

citizens’ group. Groups and organizations have been thriving in both areas for the past five

years.

Table 10.b. Community Organizations in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, Post-Intervention Study (2005)

Area Intervention (n=18) Non-intervention (n=10)

Organizations Membership* Level of Activ-ity**

Membership* Level of Activ-ity**

1. Women’s group 2. Multi-purpose Cooperative 3. Farmer’s/Fisher folk’s Or-ganization/ Cooperative 4. Tribal Organizations 5. Youth Organizations 6. Religious Organizations 7. School Organizations 8. Driver’s Organization 9. Credit Groups 10. Volunteer Groups 11. Services Organization 12. Livelihood Assistance 13. Senior Citizen’s Group

2.70

2.67

2.31

2.67

2

1.50

3

1.5 3 1

2

2.75

2.5

2.80

3.67

3.62

3

3

3.67

4

3 3 4

3.4

2.75

3

2.125

2

1.75

2

2.67

3

1 2

2.5

2

4

3.12

3

2.25

3

3

4

3 3

4

3

4 *Membership: very large= 4; large=3; moderate=2; small=1


Volume 5

**Level of activity: very active=4; moderately active=3; not very active=2; almost inactive or inactive=1

Children in School

In the “before” condition, there are more children of school age that completed elementary edu-

cation in the NIAs (an average of 123.7 per community) than the IAs (an average of 51.5 per

community) (Table 11a). As the figures are disaggregated by sex and again, whether boys or

girls, the numbers are still higher in the NIAs; it is noticeable that the number for girls is higher

than the boys in both areas. The reason could be that more girls are able to finish their elemen-

tary schooling since the boys are tapped as helpers in the farms.

When the number of school age children who are currently attending secondary school was ex-

amined, more students are found in the IAs (an average of 68.9 per community) than the NIAs

(an average of 53.9 per community). However, the pattern of having more girls than boys at-

tending school is still true.

Table 11a. Children in School in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000.

Intervention Area Non-Intervention Area Items Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls

Average number of school age (less than 15 years) children that finished elementary school

51.5 (range

from 2 to 210)

21.4 (range

from 2 to 80)

30.1 (range

from 7 to 130)

123.7 (range

from 3 to 300)

48.5 (range

from 0 to 156)

75.2 (range

from 3 to 225)

Average number of school age chil-dren who are currently attending sec-ondary school

68.9 (range

from 1 to 404)

30.8 (range

from 1 to 177)

38.1 (range from 11 to 227)

53.9 (range

from 9 to 275)

24.3 (range

from 2 to 132)

29.6 (range

from 6 to 143)

At present (“after” condition), an increase in the average number of children that finished ele-

mentary school is noted from the baseline data in the IAs but a decrease in the NIAs. More chil-

dren are also reported to be currently attending secondary school (Table 11.b). This is true for

both IA and NIAs.


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Table 11b. Children in School in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Post-Intervention Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2005.

Community Health

In the “before” condition, the top four diseases with the most number of cases per year and most

number of communities affected in the IAs are as follows: malaria (average number of 319.4

cases in 12 communities), diarrhea (average number of 109.4 cases in 8 communities), cough

(average number of 163 cases in 7 communities), and fever (average number of 173.7 cases in 6

communities) (Table 12a). In the NIAs, lesser number of communities is affected considering as

well that there were fewer NIAs included in the study. The top four diseases are as follows:

colds (average number of 110 cases in 2 communities), cough (average number of 80 cases in 3

communities), fever (average number of 79 cases in 3 communities), and malaria (average of

60.3 cases in 3 communities).

There are more malnutrition cases in the IAs (an average of 104.6 children affected in 16 com-

munities) than the NIAs (an average of 49.3 cases in 7 communities).

Intervention Area (n=18) Non-Intervention Area (n=10) Items Total Boys Girls Total Boys Girls

Average number of school age (less than 15 years) children that finished elementary school

87.60 (range from 31.75 to 200) (n=14)


57.55 (range from

16.75 to 110)

60.43 (range from

18.25 to 126.67)

30.03 (range from 11 to 66.67)


Average number of school age children who are currently at-tending secondary school

96.02 (range from 29.83 to 283) (n=12)

41.43 (range from 12.5 to 128)

55.58 (range from

15.33 to 155)

179.83 (range

from 3 to 96.33)

75.17 (range from 2 to 44.67)

26.17 (range

from 1 to 51.67)


Volume 5

Table 12a. Community Health in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000.

At present, in the IAs, the top three most common diseases are cough, fever and diarrhea (Table

12b). These diseases were also noted in the NIAs but the cases are fewer in number compared to

that of the IAs. Table 13b also shows the services offered in the nearest health posts and average

number of households who availed of each type of service per month as well as the average

number of days of services offered per month. It is noted that the health services are availed of

by the households in both areas but the average number of households in the IAs who availed of

the services is higher than that of the NIAs. Family planning (for IAs), pre-natal services (for

both IAs and NIAs) and provision of Vitamin A (for IA only) are the services that registered the

highest number of days in these areas. The average number of couples practicing family plan-

ning is higher in the IAs (138.4) than the NIAs (96.87). It is also noted that there are more num-

ber of days for family planning services in the IAs than the NIAs.

Intervention Area (cases/year)

Non-Intervention Area (cases/year)

Common Diseases Malaria 319.4 (n=12) 60.3 (n=3) Fever 173.7 (n=6) 79 (n=3) Cough 163.6 (n=7) 80 (n=3) Colds 204.6 (n=5) 110 (n=2) Diarrhea 109.4 (n=8) 54 (n=4) Skin disease 190.7 (n=3) 18 (n=2) TB 27 (n=3) 8 (n=2) Malnutrition Cases (average no. of children affected)

104.6 (n=16)

49.3 (n=7)


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Table 12b. Community Health in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, (Post-Intervention Study, 2005)

Area Intervention (n=17) Non-intervention

(10) Three most common diseases or sicknesses that the community suffers from and the average number of cases of each respective type of disease per month (even if not treated by health workers)* Cough Fever LBM/Diarrhea

237.41 116

25.38

25.33 22.33 21.88

Services offered in the nearest health posts and aver-age number of households who availed of each type of service per month * Immunization Prenatal Routine check-up Provision of Vitamin A Family Planning TB Program Malaria services (blood-smearing) Filariasis campaign (only in 1 barangay) Environmental Sanitation (only in 1 barangay) Garantisadong Pambata (only in 1 barangay)

171.01 141.49 137.67

265 143.15

3.75 240.8

586.33 534.5 863

39.89 36.06 81.20

151.75 100.62

2 15

Average number of days of services offered per month Immunization Prenatal Routine check-up Provision of Vitamin. A Family Planning TB Program Malaria services (blood-smearing) Filariasis campaign (only in 1 barangay) Environmental Sanitation (only in 1 barangay) Garantisadong Pambata (only in 1 barangay)

3.55 6.3

12.42 0.34 12.65

20 0.0027 0.0027

0.34 0.0055

1

4.67 12.60

1.5 8.88 4.75

1

Average number of couples who are practicing family planning

138.46 (range from 20 to

400.3)

96.97 (range from 35 to 169.33)

Agricultural Support Services

In the “before” condition, there are slightly more agriculture staff assigned in the NIAs (an aver-

age of 1.9 per community) than the IAs (an average of 1.3 per community) (Table 13a). How-


Volume 5

ever, there were more communities in the NIAs (36.4%) that were not provided with agricultural

support staff than the IAs (12.5%).

The conduct of training/seminars was the most often mentioned support given in both areas

(71.4% in the IAs and 85.7% in the NIAs). This was followed by giving out seedlings (50%) in

the IAs and monitoring agricultural crops (42.9%) in the NIAs as well as the IAs (42.9%).

Table 13a. Agricultural Support Services in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000.


Average number of staff of Department of Agriculture (if any) assigned in the community

1.3 (n=14)

1.9 (n=7)

None (percentage) 12.5 (2 out 16) 36.4 (4 out of 11) Activities of DA staff in the commu-nity:

None 6.2 28.6 Conduct training/seminars/provide TA 71.4 85.7 Give out seedlings and seeds 50.0 28.6 Monitor agri-crops 42.8 42.9 Conduct survey 28.6 - Disperse animals 14.3 28.6 Assist organizations - 14.3

At present, the DA staff visits the IAs more frequently than the NIAs; however, the municipal

staff was slightly more frequent in his/her visits to the NIAs than in his/her visit to the IAs (Table

13b).

Table 13b. Agricultural Support Services in Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas, Post-Intervention Study, 2005.

AREA Intervention (n=17) Non-intervention

(10) Average number of visits the community has re-ceived from the municipal agricultural officer staff or from the Department of Agriculture staff in the last 12 months Municipal Staff DA Staff

24.99 (range from 12.33 to 48) 39.93 (range from 6 to 123)

27.3 (range from 1.5 to 97) 4 (range from 1 to 12.5)


Volume 5

Land Tenure

In the “before” condition, six out of the 18 IAs did not provide data about the main form of land

tenure in the community (Table 14a). None among the IAs and NIAs provided an answer on the

question whether owners of the land have formal land titles. Slightly more than a fifth (22.2%)

of the IAs and slightly more than a quarter (27.3%) of the NIAs answered that there are owners

with tax declaration in their respective communities. Almost a half (45.4%) of the NIAs pro-

fessed that the main form of land tenure in their communities is tenancy.

An average of 273.8 households in the IAs and 103.4 in the NIAs have no titles but are consid-

ered owners of the land. The average number of households who are renters are more or less the

same between the IAs (68.2) and NIAs (70.0). Although, they did not provide any answer for

ownership of formally titled land, they had answers for the average number of households who

are owners of formally titled land (A & D) with individual ownership title and the result is an

average number of 72.1 households in the IAs and 40.6 in the NIAs.

Almost all the communities, 94.4% in the IAs and 81.8% in the NIAs wish to obtain improve-

ment in their land tenure situation. Seven out of 10 communities in both IAs and NIAs have af-

firmed that the process has begun.


Volume 5

Table 14a. Land Tenure in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000.

Area Intervention (n=18) Non-Intervention (n=11)

Main Form of Land Tenure in the community (percentage)

No Data 33.3 (6) Owner of formally titled land - - Owner with tax declaration 22.2 - Land owner w/o title 16.7 27.3 Stewardship 11.1 9.1 Tenant 16.7 45.4 Renter - 9.1 Main Form of Land Tenure (Average no. of HHs)

Average no. of hhs. With no title but considered owner of the land

273.8 103.4

Average no. of hhs. Who are renters or sharecroppers

68.2 70.0

Average no. of hh. Owners of formally titled land (A & D) with individual owner-ship title

72.1 40.6

Average no. of hh. Communal with lim-ited tenure (like CBFMA)

25.1 1.0

Other tenurial instruments (specify) tenant

19.5

6.2

Community Wishes to Obtain Im-provement in its Land Tenure Situa-tion

Yes 94.4 81.8 No 5.6 18.2 If Yes, has this process begun Yes 72.2 72.7 No 27.8 27.3

At present, Table 14b presents a picture of the land tenure arrangement in both the IAs and

NIAs. There is still a need to address resource tenure improvement in both areas.


Volume 5

Table 14b. Land Tenure in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Post-Intervention Study, 2005.

AREA Intervention (18) Non-intervention

(10) Average number of households that have each of the following land tenure arrangements: No title but considered owner of the land by community Renters or sharecroppers Owner of formally titled land (A&D) with individual own-ership title Communal limited tenure instrument like CBFMA Stewardship

288.94 78.41

138.70 101.32 34.62

258.31 71.13

157.62 36.38

44 Savings and Loans

In the “before” condition, seven out of the 18 and four out of the 11 communities in the interven-

tion and non-intervention areas claimed that they simply could not save out of their earnings

(Table 15a). Of those who could save, they pointed out that they save their money by raising

farm animals as investments or they engage in private lending (63.6% of the IAs and 57.1% of

the NIAs). More respondents from the IAs (63.6%) prefer to save through their piggy bank than

the NIAs (28.6%).

An average of 290 families in the IAs while an average of 91.5 families in the NIAs have out-

standing loans with lenders. The top four sources of loans for the IAs are as follows: family and

friends (38.9%), banks (27.8%) and traders (22.2%) and private moneylenders (22.2%). The top

three sources of loans for the NIAs are as follows: banks (45.4%) and the rest got a rating of

36.4% each: family and friends, traders, private moneylenders and cooperatives.


Volume 5

Table 15a. Savings and Loans in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000.

Areas Intervention Area (n=18) Non-Intervention Area

(n=11) If resident wants to save money, do they do this?

None (cannot save) 38.9 (7) 36.4 (4) Banks 18.2 57.1 Invest/raise farm animals/private lending

63.6

57.1

Traders/Business/ Coop 18.2 57.1 Piggy Bank 63.6 28.6 Estimate number of families in the com-munity that have outstanding loans with lender

Ave. of 290 from 10 communities

Ave. of 91.5 from 4 communities

Sources of Loan (n=18) (n=11) Family and friends 38.9 36.4 Traders 22.2 36.4 Private Money lenders 22.2 36.4 Cooperatives 11.1 36.4 Banks 27.8 45.4

At present, in the IAs, the average number of households that save in an institution that

pays interest is 137 while in the NIAs, the average number of households is 28.8. In the IAs,

other financial institutions such as Rural Financial Institutions of UDP, Upland Barangay Asso-

ciation or UBA have been mentioned as the institutions where they save and where their savings

earn interest. However, it is also noted that very few households did save in these newly identi-

fied institutions. The average number of households that have availed of a loan has increased

(from the baseline data) in both areas but the increase in the IAs is higher than that of the NIA.


Volume 5

Table 15b. Savings and Loans in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Post-Intervention Study, 2005.

AREA Intervention (n=17) Non-intervention

(10) Average number of households (if any) that save with an institution, which pays interest

137.02 (range from 26.67 to 270)


Rural Banks Cooperative Commercial banks Rural Financial Services Of UDP (Financial Service Cen-ter, Savings & loan Group) Upland Barangay Association (UBA) Lending Firm

5.42 3.69

3

6.25 3 1

4 4.5 2

Average number of communities with families that are probably saving money in this way

168.55 (range from 80 to 270) (n=16)


Average number of families in the community that have outstanding loans (whether banks, coopera-tives, traders etc.,) with lenders that charged interest

476.46 (range from 204 to 1375.8)

(n=16)

242.37 (range from

20 769.33) How many families are these (expressed in percent-age)

42.22 (range from 30 to 56.5) (n=16)


Average number of households that have loans, which were taken out more than a year ago

382.06 (range from 122.5 to 944.2)

(n=16)

160.17 (range from 10 to 370.33)

Of those who have loans, approximately how many borrowed from each of the following sources (ex-pressed in percentage) Family and friends Traders Private money lenders Cooperatives Banks

30.35 34.68 14.53

25 7.54

23.42 32.24 14.33 16.99 8.53

* Multiple responses

Remittances

In the “before” condition, there were more households in the IAs (an average of 45.1 households

out of 12 communities) that have members who migrated outside the community and who occa-

sionally send money to those who are left behind than the NIAs (an average of 19.4 households

out of 9 communities). At present, the number of families who have members who migrated

outside the community increased in both areas but the increase is higher in the IAs than the NIAs

(Table 16).


Volume 5

Table 16. Remittances in the Intervention and Non-Intervention, (“Before” and “After” Con-ditions), Baseline (2000) and Post-Intervention (2005) Studies


“Before” (n=18)

(cases/year)


(cases/year)

“Before” (n=11)

(cases/year)


(cases/year) Estimate number of families in the community that have members who migrated outside the community (in-cluding OFWs) who occasionally send money

45.1 (average no. of hhs. out of 12 communi-

ties)

84.02 (range

from 40 to 196)

19.4 (aver-age no. of

hhs. out of 9 communities)

33.17 (range

from 10 to 61.67)

Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources

In the “before” condition, the majority of both IAs and NIAs experienced the following: erosion,

landslides, gully formation, broken hedges, exposed stones, splash erosion, and sheet erosion

(Table 17a). The highest percentage of occurrence reported by the IAs is erosion at 88.9 per cent

while the NIAs reported the occurrence of erosion and landslides at 90.9 each. The lowest for IA

is that of landslides at 66.7 per cent while the NIAs reported the occurrence of the following

problems at 81.8 per cent each: gully formation, broken hedges, exposed stones, splash erosion

and sheet erosion. Both areas, however, still reported the presence of forests: 88.9 per cent for

the IAs and 81.8 for the NIAs.

As to the farming systems agreement adopted in the IAs, two out of five adopted contour farm-

ing, half adopted integrated agro-forestry, and another two out of five adopted crop-based inte-

grated farming. In the case of NIAs, more than half (54.5%) adopted contour farming, slightly

more than a third (36.4%) adopted integrated agro-forestry and another slightly more than a third

(36.4%) adopted commercial crop-based integrated farming.

As to the soil and water management mechanisms adopted in the community, half to slightly

more than half of the IAs adopted the following: gradual shift from seasonal to perennial or

permanent crops, ground cover cropping, and minimum zero tillage (55.6%). Two out of the

five IAs adopted protection of river and road embankment. A fifth to slightly more than a quar-


Volume 5

ter of the IAs adopted hedgegrows (22.2%) and strip contouring (27.8%). Less than 20 per cent

of the IAs adopted mulching (16.7%) and water impounding (16.7%).

In the case of the NIAs, still, in the “before” situation, more than half adopted the following:

gradual shift from seasonal to perennial or permanent crops (72.7%), minimum or zero tillage

(63.6%), strip contouring (54.5%) and mulching (54.5%). Slightly more than a quarter adopted

the following: hedgegrows (27.3%) and water impounding (27.3%).

Table 17a. Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources, Farming Systems and Soil and Water Management Practices in Intervention and Non-Intervention Commu-nities, Baseline Study of Upland Communities and Households, 2000.

Intervention Area Non-Intervention Area

Yes No Yes No A. Occurrence of the following problems: erosion 88.9 11.1 90.9 9.1 landslides 66.7 33.3 90.9 9.1 gully formation 83.3 16.7 81.8 18.2 broken hedges 77.8 22.2 81.8 18.2 exposed stones 77.8 22.2 81.8 18.2 splash erosion 77.8 22.2 81.8 18.2 sheet erosion 72.2 27.8 81.8 18.2 B. Presence of forest trees in the community 88.9 11.1 81.8 18.2 C. Presence of land use agreement 54.5 45.4 D. Farming systems agreement adopted in the community contour farming 44.4 55.6 54.5 45.4 integrated agro-forestry 50.0 50.0 36.4 63.6 commercial crop-based integrated farming 44.4 55.6 36.4 63.6 E. Types of soil and water management adopted in the community

a. hedgegrows 22.2 77.8 27.3 72.7 b. strip contouring 27.8 72.2 54.5 45.4 c. minimum or zero tillage 55.6 44.4 63.6 36.4 d. gradual shift from seasonal to perennial or permanent crops 50.0 50.0 72.7 27.3 e. ground cover cropping (leguminous plants) 50.0 50.0 45.4 54.5 f. mulching 16.7 83.3 54.5 45.4 g. water impounding (fishpond) 16.7 83.3 27.3 63.6

h.protection of river and road embankment (bamboo planting) 42.8 57.1 63.6 36.4 F. Land conflicts that occur in the community a. adjacent sitio within the watershed 27.8 72.2 54.5 45.5 b. between land users groups 38.9 61.1 54.5 45.5 c. between individuals 61.1 38.9 100.0 - d. adjacent sitios, barangay, or municipality outside the water-shed

33.3 66.7 63.6 36.4

In the “before” condition, more than half (61.1%) of the IAs reported that land conflicts between


Volume 5

individuals occured in the community. Less than a third to slightly more than a third of the IAs

reported about land conflicts occuring in the community between adjacent sitios within the wa-

tershed (27.8%), between land users’ groups (38.9%), and adjacent sitios, and barangay or mu-

nicipality outside the watershed (33.3%).

In the case of NIAs, majority reported about land conflicts between the following: adjacent si-

tios between the watershed (72.2%), adjacent sitios, barangay or municipality outside the water-

shed (66.7%) and between land users (61.1%). Slightly more than a third (38.9%) reported about

occurrence of conflict between individuals.

At present, there is a lessening in the degradation and misuse of natural resources, and an im-

provement in farming systems and soils and water management practices in the IAs is noted (Ta-

ble 17b). Erosion, which was reported to have the highest occurrence (88.9%) was down by 14.5

percentage points. In almost all of the problems identified, there was a decrease in the occur-

rence. Sheet erosion was more than halved from 72.2% in 2000 reporting to 35.3% in 2005. The

NIAs are still reporting high percentage of occurrence although a slight decrease is noted in the

following: exposed stones, splash erosion, and sheet erosion.

The number of communities reporting the presence of forest trees in the community increased as

well. A remarkable increase in the farm system adopted in the community is observable in the

IAs. From a report of 44.4% contour adoption in 2000, the number rose in all communities

adopting contour farming, from 50% adopting integrated agro-forestry to 88.2% in 2005. An

increase was also noted in the adoption of commercial crop-based integrated farming, from 44.4

in 2000 to 64.7% in 2005 in the IAs.

The adoption of several types of soil and water management in the IA is also evident. A remark-

able increase was noted in strip contouring, from 27.8% adoption in 2000 to 88.2% adoption in

2005. An increase was also noted in the NIAs but the increase was more evident in the IAs in

almost all types of farming systems as well as types of soil and water management adopted by

the communities.


Volume 5

A decrease in the land conflict in the IAs was noted in the following areas: between land users

groups and between individuals, but an increase in conflicts in the following also occurred: ad-

jacent sitio within the watershed and adjacent sitios, barangay or municipality outside the water-

shed. In the NIAs, a decrease was noted in all types of conflict.

Table 17b. Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources, Farming Systems and Soil and Water Management Practices in Intervention and Non-Intervention Communities, Post-Intervention Study, 2005.

Intervention Area Non-Intervention Area

Yes No Yes No A. Occurrence of the following problems: Erosion 74.4 23.5 90 10 Landslides 52.9 47.1 70 30 gully formation 70.6 29.4 80 20 broken hedges 64.7 35.3 60 40 exposed stones 54.8 49.2 50 50 splash erosion 70.6 29.4 50 50 sheet erosion 35.3 64.7 50 50 B. Presence of forest trees in the community 94.1 5.9 100 C. Presence of land use/watershed agreement 76.5 23.5 50 50 D. Farming systems agreement adopted in the com-munity

contour farming 100 - 70 30 integrated agro-forestry 88.2 11.8 60 40 commercial crop-based integrated farming

64.7 35.3 30 70

E. Types of soil and water management adopted in the community

a. hedgegrows 47.1 52.9 40 60 b. strip contouring 88.2 11.8 70 30 c. minimum or zero tillage 58.8 41.2 40 60 d. gradual shift from seasonal to perennial or permanent crops

76.5 23.8 50 50

e. ground cover cropping (leguminous plants)

82.3 17.7 40 60

f. mulching 52.9 47.1 40 60 g. water impounding (fishpond) 58.8 41.2 40 60 h. protection of river and road embankment (bamboo planting)

76.5 23.5 50 50

G. Land conflicts that occur in the community e. adjacent sitio within the watershed 41.2 58.8 20 80 f. between land users groups 35.2 64.8 40 60 g. between individuals 58.8 41.2 60 40 h. adjacent sitios, barangay, or municipality outside the water-shed

52.9 47.1 40 60


Volume 5

The Pre and the Post Conditions in the Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas: Insights from the Field Presented by Prov-ince

This section explores the insights of people in the intervention and non-intervention communi-

ties, how they perceive the situation in their respective communities on some key issues “before”

the UDP Project was introduced and at present (which represents the “after” condition). This

section further attempts to relate the strategies the UDP adopted and how these impacted or are

translated in the community and the individual lives of people in these areas. While the previous

section gave a general view of the representative areas in both intervention and non-intervention

communities, this part of the report tries to give the details and explanations of the numbers and

figures presented in the earlier section.

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in the Compostela Valley: Barangay Level Land Use Based Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Com-munity Capacity Building Even before the UDP Project started, both the IAs and NIAs claimed that participatory commu-

nity planning has been conducted in the last five years. All IAs and 88.9 per cent of the NIAs

have integrated the said community plans in the barangay/municipal plans. However, IAs and

NIAs did not indicate that land-use based participatory barangay development planning through

LGU was conducted.

Intervention Areas (IAs): Barangay Level

After the project, the stakeholders in the IAs in Compostela Valley Province claimed that

there has been participatory community planning in the area in the last three years. The

participatory community planning include: road building, health assistance, agriculture

development, annual development plan in elementary school construction, health center


Volume 5

construction, farm to market road planning, waiting shed construction planning and water

system planning.

Participatory community planning was initiated to address common problems in the

community such as the difficult road condition by exposing travelers to risk and danger

and the inconvenience of bringing farm products to the market. They further claimed that

health-related and infrastructure problems in the area can be addressed through participa-

tory planning. Bringing together people to plan can generate better solutions and plan of

actions.

► Community Organizations in IAs and their Roles

One of the things that is

noticeable after the project has

been introduced is the

establishment and or the

strengthening of existing

organizations. There are 15

community organizations with

different levels of capabilities

in the area. Community

organizations have different

roles in addressing community concerns, organizational issues and/or individual concerns

such as:

• Environmental protection • Unity and cooperation in the community • Sports development • Wise use and proper maintenance of community resources • Enhanced participation of women in community activities and improved • gender relations in the home and community • Availment of reasonable prices of household commodities and farm • production inputs • Continuing education to enhance farming technologies


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• Spiritual upliftment • Access to credit by farmers to invest in farm production

According to the stakeholders, community organizations are prime movers of the follow-

ing activities:

• Community beautification • Livelihood training sessions such as handicrafts making, sewing • Monitoring of UDP projects • Cooperative development training • Community meetings • Leadership training sessions

Aside from the various organizations operating in the IAs, the people who attended FGIs

identified other institutions/organizations (both government and non-government who are

actively supporting the IAs and by providing assistance in various forms). This is a part

of networking, establishing and strengthening linkages and partnership. By doing so,

people and organization harmonize and integrate efforts, thus, widening the scope and

strengthening the impact of programs and activities. They are the following:

• Barangay/Municipal/Provincial Local Government Units • UDP • Philippine Eagle Foundation • DOLE • UD • MINSSAD • DANECO • Congressional Office • Local Parish • NCIP • PCA • CDA

► The LGU and Its Role

The LGU’s role in helping the people hand in hand with the implementation of the UDP

Project is recognized by the people. They identified the following services extended by

the Municipal LGU to the IAs:


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• Conduct training on appropriate farming techniques that include grafting, contour-

ing, livestock/animal-hog raising

• Conduct training on sustainable agriculture • Carabao injection • Monitoring • Provision of planting materials – tree seedlings and vegetable seeds • Provision of farm inputs such as fertilizer, herbicide • Orientation to avail of loan

► Types of Soil and Water Management in Relation to Degradation and Misuse

of Natural Resources

One of the evident changes in the data presented in table form in the earlier section is re-

flected in Tables 18a and 18b. The change from the baseline data as reflected in the oc-

currence of problems, adoption of farming system agreements as well as soil and water

management made a difference in the IAs. The informants and participants elaborated on

what was reported. They noted that improvement in soil fertility and the occurrence of

problems previously identified were at least minimized because, according to them, they

have not totally eliminated them. Here are some of their observations:

• Those farm areas that were introduced with chemical fertilizers are dependent on ex-

ternal inputs to generate more production. In those areas that chemical fertilizers were not introduced, they produced more without the chemical inputs.

• With UDP’s assistance, soil fertility has improved due to reduction in soil erosion from planting of trees, contour farming and other soil-water conservation techniques. The trees prevent soil run-off or erosion. Trees were planted on vacant agricultural lands. Both DA and DENR assisted in this endeavor. The people emphasized that the practice of contour farming has improved soil fertility by preventing soil and wa-ter run-off.

• Farmers do not practice slash and burn farming unlike before. • But, there are still areas with heavy flooding and erosion. • With improved farming practices from training activities provided by UDP, soil fertil-

ity has improved and banana production has increased. • Financing from UDP to support appropriate farming practices resulted in improving

soil fertility.


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As to the water supply, they noted that they are still feeling the impact of decades of cut-

ting trees in their area. They also brought up that the construction of Level II water sys-

tem in the IAs. Communal faucets with reservoirs are established - - the UDP Project has

installed a total of four. The installation of communal faucets has reduced the time and

effort in fetching water. The establishment of water systems was made possible by com-

bining or harmonizing project funds from UDP, congressional funds, the parish, and

LGUs both at the municipal and the barangay levels.

Changes in the forest

The forest area is dwindling due to indiscriminate cutting of trees. Without livelihood

options, community members have resorted to cutting of trees as one of the easiest ways

to earn income. However, there are existing efforts to plant different types of fruit and

forest trees. The UDP, DENR and DA are the agencies providing assistance in reforesta-

tion and tree planting. They also educate communities on environmental awareness and

strengthen the campaign against illegal logging.

Land-use agreement

When informants and participants were asked about the existing land use agreement, the

answer given was the Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) for 25 years under the

condition that the land has to be developed properly by the CSC holder. They also men-

tioned that there is an existing watershed agreement based on Watershed area proclama-

tion to protect and not abuse watersheds by Community-Based Forest Management As-

sociation (CBFMA). The activities include tree planting and protection of existing trees.

The funding for items such as materials, hired labor, and volunteers to protect and main-

tain watershed areas was provided by UDP. The stakeholders in the agreement were the

following the following: the Ramos Administration, DENR, Barangay Council, and

UDP-DENR.


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► Programs and Projects in the IAs

The forms of assistance given for specific programs and projects as identified by the

stakeholders in the community are as follows:

UDP

• Training sessions (capacity building) on marketing and enterprise

development, • Diversified farming systems (DFS), sustainable agriculture development

(SAD), and appropriate farming technologies • Livelihood projects such as livestock dispersal • Road rehabilitation • Small infrastructure projects such as day care center, farm to market road,

road rehabilitation, water system installation, school building, bridges, etc. • Farm business planning • Barangay development planning focused on farm management • Seedling dispersal (durian, lanzones, mangga, rambutan, falcatta, mahogany)

MRDP

• Water supply and (goat dispersal, hog raising, chicken raising)

MINSSAD

• School building • Training for appropriate farming technology • Goat dispersal

CIDSS

• Financial assistance for banana production • Assistance for extension of day care center • Spring development


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Non-Intervention Areas (NIAs): Barangay Level

The Non-Intervention Areas in Compostela Valley Province claimed that there has been

participatory community planning in the area in the last three years. The participatory

community planning include: planning the farm to market road and barangay hall com-

pletion.

Community plans being implemented are as follows: training for appropriate farming

technology, warehouse construction, farm to market road, electrification, health center

construction, and forest protection.

► Community Organizations in NIAs and their Roles

There are 10 community organizations with different levels of capacities in the area.

Community organizations have different roles in addressing community concerns, organ-

izational issues and/or individual concerns such as:

• Enhance the participation of women in community activities, provide trainingon live-lihood and entrepreneurial skills, and improve gender relations in the home and the community

• Promote unity and cooperation in the community • Livelihood enhancement • Maintain peace and order in the community • Spiritual upliftment • Share community problems and issues and discuss possible solutions • Promote unity among indigenous people • Monitor prices of farm products especially banana

According to informants and participants in the FGIs, community organizations initiated

the following activities in their respective areas:

• Maintenance of cleanliness of the barangay hall


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• Training on livelihood enhancement • Training of diversification of sources of income such as handicraft making,

cooking and sewing • Regular patrol in the community to maintain peace and order • Construct meeting hall for the village • Meeting to discuss budget for the church activities • Participate in activities of the local government in the barangay and the

municipality

Similar to the IAs, some organizations and institutions are helping these areas by provid-

ing different forms of support/assistance:

• Local Government Units: Municipal/Provincial Levels • Air Force of the Philippines (AFP) • Department of Agriculture

► The LGU and its Role

The informants and the participants also outlined the services they received from the Mu-

nicipal LGU and the DA Staff:

• Participate in community meetings to provide inputs on appropriate farming technol-

ogy • Provide inputs on health care for livestock • Conduct training/seminar on appropriate farming systems • Conduct immunization of livestock • Provide fertilizer and seedlings • Monitor of government programs and projects • Promote sustainable agriculture (e.g. organic farming) • Discuss problems related to farming

► Types of Soil and Water Management in Relation to Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources

The residents in the NIAs noted that different types of trees and crops were planted but in

terms of using farm inputs to increase farm productivity there is still much to be desired.

They also mentioned that, three years ago, potable water facilities were not readily avail-


Volume 5

able and it took so much effort to fetch water. At present, there are four water facilities

that are installed and are functional in strategic locations with two reservoirs.

The problem of flooding is still mentioned in the area. Even if the rains are not too

heavy, flooding still occurs. However, they also brought up some factors that compound

the problems that they face and these are as follows:

• When the NPA movement was still active in the area, agencies working to protect the forest cannot reach the area. The reduction of the presence of the NPA encouraged agencies of government to work closely with upland communities in environmental protection resulting to the planting of trees.

• Lack of capital to invest in farm development, which will result to the improvement of soil and water conditions.

• Cutting of trees has affected the water supply in the area. • Level of environmental awareness was quite low before the year 2002. With in-

creased efforts to educate communities on environmental awareness, upland commu-nities started to address the threat to forest resources.

When asked what are the existing initiatives in the community to address environmental

problems, the answers they gave were as follows:

• Contour and diversified farming to improve and/or maintain soil fertility and prevent

soil erosion • Tree planting to improve soil condition and protect soil erosion • Tree planting near the water source to protect the water supply • Pass an ordinance preventing the cutting of trees to protect the forest • Protect the forest through tree planting

Assistance from agencies/stakeholders in the community are as follows:

DA

Seedling dispersal (forest and fruit trees) Animal dispersal (pig, chicken, carabao, cow)

DENR

Seedling dispersal (forest and fruit trees) Training/session: FTG (Farmer Training Group)


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LGU Infrastructure Health Livelihood enhancement

► LGU Services: Municipal LGU

• Monitor/survey agricultural development in the community • Disease prevention and care of livestock • Hands-on training on appropriate farming technology • Provide inputs on contour farming • Tree planting • Attend community meetings to assess the situation of upland farmers

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in Davao Oriental: Barangay Level Land Use Based Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Com-munity Capacity Building

Similar to the answer given by the Compostela Valley informants, both the IA and NIA claimed

that participatory community planning had been conducted in their area before the UDP Project

was introduced. Again, both IA and NIA did not indicate that land-use based participatory

barangay development planning through LGU was conducted.


The Intervention Community (Barangay Level) in Davao Oriental Province claimed that

there has been participatory community planning processes conducted in the area in the

last three years. The participatory community planning include: the establishment of a

Barangay Development Plan, Infrastructure renovation – barangay hall, flood control,

honeycomb cemetery, concreting from the barangay hall to the National Highway and

road improvement, watershed development plan, and high school building construction.


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community such as the following: improvement of the barangay and to keep the commu-

nity updated about the priority projects in the barangay, improvement of the barangay

hall (which is already old), protect streams and rivers, quarterly assembly, to facilitate

transport of farm products to market, environmental protection, and to give opportunity

of the youth and children to go school, especially the poor.

The current activities of the IAs are:

• Barangay sessions, barangay assemblies with purok presidents, survey (actual) lec-tures

• Quarterly Barangay Development Council Meeting • General Assembly / Special General Assemblies • Information dissemination • Contour farming, tree planting and riverbank rehabilitation. Contour Farming has the

following as key players: UDP and Barangay Council Farmers. It is noted that others will not continue to do contouring because UDP could not provide the planting mate-rials. Farmers are waiting for the support from UDP.

• Bayanihan BOD meeting

Plans, which are now being implemented and assessment of implementation are also on

going, as follows:

• High School Building – finished and functional, other activities were done through bayanihan, but still lacking one building and teachers.

• Water system – completed but it cannot cater to the needs of the residents especially those residing at the barangay center because it is far from the source of water and the water from the source is not enough.

• Contour Farming – it is successful because most of the farmers cooperate and it is discussed during Barangay Council Meeting.

• Barangay Hall Renovation • Sustainable Agriculture – 90% is practicing SA based on the monitoring. • Barangay Forest Protection – this is on-going and funds were released for this project;

survey was completed.

► Community Organizations in IAs and Their Roles





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• To increase income of members • For women’s organization -- to orient women to know their rights • To enjoy the benefits of working together • To operate a micro-finance project • To look into potable water needs of the community and provide water system to the

community • To improve the condition of the fisherfolk • To reforest the watershed area • To improve the living standard of the people • To improve status of women through gender and development initiatives

The people further identified the objectives and activities of community organizations ex-

isting and operating in their areas and the organizations supporting these organizations.

They are as follows:

1. Multi-purpose cooperative with the objective of augmenting income. This organiza-tion is supported by Landbank and the barangay. They undertook the following initia-tives/activities: • Money lending activities • Elementary school gate construction • Meetings

2. Women’s Association with the objectives of increasing income and for women to

recognize their rights. This is supported by the Municipal and Barangay Government, Office of the Congressman (congressional fund), and CIDDS. They undertook the following initiatives/activities: • Beautification • Fiesta organizing • Meetings • Women’s month celebration • Money lending activities • Establish flower nursery

3. Seniors’ Citizens’ Association with the objective of letting senior citizens avail of

benefits, to discuss concerns of senior citizens, and address some of their needs and concerns. This is supported by the Barangay and Municipal Local Government. They undertook the following initiatives/activities: • Beautification projects • Money-lending activities • Meetings


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4. Don Mariano Marcos Farmers’ Association with the objective of increasing income;

supported by DENR. They undertook the following initiatives/activities: • Tree planting • Processing for CBFM • Reforestation project

5. PWDEP – microfinance with support from the Barangay Development Council.

• Money lending activities

6. PINTAWASA – to address water needs and other gaps in basic needs of the commu-nity with support from the Barangay Development Council. • Initiated the move for households to have their own faucets

7. Fisherfolk (PINCOCO) – to improve status of living of fisherfolk; supported by the

Barangay Development Council (BDC) and ISFI of Ateneo de Davao. • Respond to needs of fisherfolk such as pumpboat

8. Pintatangan Forest Developers Association (PFDA) – for environmental protection

and reforestation in watershed areas; supported by DAR • Tree planting

9. PILMAPRIMCO – for environmental protection and reforestation in watershed areas;

supported by Barangay-LGU, Banay Banay and DENR-PENRO.

10. SIDUCCO – improve livelihoods; supported by Barangay-LGU and UDP. They un-dertook the following initiatives/activities: • Provision of seed/capital • Money lending • Cassava production • Nursery • Rubber production and mango puree production

11. Women’s Cooperative – to support women’s lives and livelihoods through gender

and development initiatives; supported by the Municipal Local Government Unit. They undertook the following initiatives/activities: • Meetings • Money lending activities

The people identified key players in the IAs in the development process and they are as follows:

• Barangay /Barangay Council • Municipal LGU


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• Provincial Governor • DepED • UDP • Agriculture Technician • Barangay Extension Worker • Upland Barangay Association • Upland Community Association • Cooperative (SIDUCCO) • DENR


The LGUs’ role in helping

the people have been

highlighted by the people

in this study. They

mentioned a number of

LGU services/activities

that the Municipal Level

LGU initiated and these are as follows:

• Seedling dispersal, calamity fund distribution • Giving information on agriculture-related activities • Conduct of seminars and trainings on new technologies on modern farming, monitor-

ing of livestock, and mango production • Inputs about farming systems, provision of seedlings, and encouragement of farmers

to plant fruit trees

They also itemized the help extended by the LGU, specifically from the DA Staff:

• Spearhead pest management and farm management • Assist and facilitate UDP Projects, give seedlings for fruit trees, and manage contour

farming • Assist in the organization of assembly meetings and People’s Day • Conduct seminars on contouring • Conduct contour monitoring and evaluation • Organize meetings


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The people further identified the types of support they expect from the government ulture which are as follows:

• Financing on farm production including livestock dispersal • More technicians to help farmers • Support construction of farm to market roads • Support for soil analysis, agri-technology guide on when and how to plant crops • Modern technology on farming and livestock • Seeds dispersal and provision of organic fertilizers


Less occurrence of the prevailing problems related to degradation and misuse of natural

resources was noted by informants when measures were adopted to help prevent or

minimize further destruction. One informant said that landslides and soil erosion were

heavy before compared to the years 2002-2004. Now, it is minimized because of tree

planting, monitoring of Forest Guards (Bantay Gubat), and contour farming.

They also noted the scarcity or the dwindling of water resource because of decades of

cutting forest trees. There was awareness of the problem that could be translated into ac-

tion that will prevent further destruction.

They noted that forest trees are denuded due to illegal logging or cutting of trees. With-

out sustainable livelihood activities, people will cut trees by illegal means to survive.

But they also indicated that measures are also being implemented to address the problem.

Illegal logging is minimized and forest protection policies are enforced because staff

from DENR are closely monitoring tree planting and IEC campaign, people no longer

practice the slash and burn farming and illegal cutting of trees.

The informants could very well identify known methods to maintain soil fertility, such as:

• Contour farming • Organic farming • Water and soil conservation


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• Tree planting • Rubber production • Composting and not burning of farm/plant wastes

They also identified known methods to protect the soil from erosion:

• Hedgerows, contour farming • Tree planting • Intercropping • Adopt-A-frame (This is used in establishing contour lines.) • Mulching

They also identified known methods to protect water supply:

• Tree planting near source of water • Bamboo planting • Avoid cutting trees within 50 meter radius from the water source • Tree planting • Regular monitoring of water system and distribution for ready action on water leaking

and other problems that will affect water supply

The following are the environmental protection initiatives that are being practiced in the

community:

To enhance farm fertility

1, Contour farming 2. Organic farming 3. Soil and water conservation 4. Tree planting 5. Rubber production

To protect soil erosion

1. Hedgerows and contour farming 2. Contour farming and intercropping 3. Adopt A-Frame (This is the equipment used to establish contour lines.) 4. Mulching 5. Farming

To protect water supply

1. Plant trees near the water source


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2. Bamboo planting 3. Avoid cutting trees within 50 meter radius from the water source 4. Tree planting

To protect the forest

1. Regular monitoring to prevent illegal activities 2. Control/regulate cutting of trees 3. Avoid slash and burn farming (kaingin)

► Programs and Projects in IAs

Provincial Government

• The governor will release to the community P100,000 per year for the project.

UDP

• Seed dispersal (fruit trees) • Water systems in four sitios • Spring development for water supply • Presence of technicians • Farm tools • Fingerlings for fishponds • Lecture/inputs on farm management • Training/Seminar on modern farming • Goat raising

DENR

• Seedling dispersal

Calumnan Foundation • Tree planting SIDUCCO (Municipal) • Tree planting ISDRI • More on training and seminar on cooperative (micro-finance)


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The NIAs (Barangay Level) in Davao del Oriental Province claimed that there has been

participatory community planning processes conducted in the area in the last three years.

The participatory community planning include: establishment of 5-year Barangay Devel-

opment Plan, Renovation of Barangay Hall, Road maintenance (farm-to-market road),

Road filling (gravelling), and Solid waste management.


community such as: enabling the community to plan systematically the right projects for

the barangay from the 20% barangay development fund, be able to prioritize a list of pro-

jects based on need, improve the image of the barangay hall by renovation, facilitate

transport of farm produce from farm to market, and environmental protection.

They identified the following as the current activities conducted by the community:

Establishment of 5-year Barangay Development Plan

• Barangay Development Council (BDC) meeting/consultation with purok presidents

and seminar on how to organize Barangay Development Plan in coordination with MPDC

Road maintenance (farm-to-market road)

• Board meeting with barangay officials (special session) and meeting with barangay

development council with purok president and general assembly

Road filling (gravelling)

• Meeting with barangay officials, meeting with BDC and general assembly

Solid waste management

• Special session with barangay council; IEC campaign for purok presidents; Collec-tion for garbage collectors (municipal)


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Plans which are now being implemented and those assessed for implementation:

Road Maintenance (farm-to-market road)

Key Players: Barangay Officials, Purok Presidents, Municipal Government (infrastruc-ture committee)

Stage: Completed. On-going gravelling is done as maintenance activity

Assessment: This is on-going if planning process is maintained and the barangay cap-tain will still be in office.

There was a special session and a resolution was passed to the Sangguniang Bayan.

Electrification

Key Players: Barangay Council and Governor as the source of fund

Stage: Implementation Stage

Assessment: Successful if there is financial assistance This is integrated in the 5-year development plan. Water System (deep well)

Key Players: Barangay Council, Congressional fund and Governor’s Fund

Stage: Implemented

Assessment: Successful if people will cooperate


There are six community organizations with different levels of capacities in the area.


izational issues and/or individual concerns. They pursue different activities to be able to

meet their objectives. They are also assisted by organizations outside of the community


Volume 5

working in partnership with these organizations by providing support. The organizations

are as follows:

1. Women’s Organization was organized to improve the status of women, their liveli-

hood and as partners of men in development. Its members regularly meet. They are into lending activities, livestock dispersal and other livelihood activities. They also participate in the Women’s Day Celebration. This organization is assisted by the Provincial Government (Governor) and LGU.

2. Parents’ and Teachers’ Community Association has the objective of providing

support to teachers for school improvement. The members meet regularly and cele-brate PTCA. Members meet for bayanihan every 1st Wednesday of the month to maintain cleanliness in the school grounds. There is no servicing organization out-side of the community who provide assistance.

3. Community-Based Forest Management is organized to assist upland dwellers in

livelihood activities. DENR is providing support to this organization.

4. IFMA has its aim of reforesting the denuded forest area. They distribute and plant seedlings. DENR is providing support to this organization.

5. Ad Jesum Incorporated – to assist upland families. They are into money lending

activities. The members regularly meet for updating of activities. There is no servic-ing organization outside of the community who provide assistance.

6. Senior Citizens’ Group was organized for senior citizen to avail of benefits. They

participate in tree planting. LGU is providing support to this group.


The following are the LGU Services/Activities initiated by the Municipal LGU:

Municipal staff are involved in seminars on cassava production, provide seedlings to

farmers (sometimes), and monitor tree planting activities and livestock dispersal.

DA Staff monitor livestock dispersal (9 heads of cows dispersed), provide seedlings to

farmers, and give training on corn production and tree planting.


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The people also reported that with regard to agri-related problems, they approached the

DA staff. As to the type of support they expect from the government related to agricul-

ture, they mentioned the following:

• Support for contour farming, vegetableseeds and fruit tree seedlings • Support for livestock such as goat raising because people do not have money to buy

livestock • Training on pest management

► Types of Soil and Water Management in Relation to Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources.

The informants noted that soil erosion is a problem the during rainy season. The top soil

is washed away by rain. The soil easy dries up even after only few a days without rain.

They also noted that the water source was never a problem before. As to the forest, it has

been denuded a long time already. There is no change up to this time according to the in-

formants.

They identified the known methods to maintain soil fertility

• Contour farming • Use of fertilizer (14-14-14) • Organic farming • Mulching • Treeplanting

As to the known methods to protect soil erosion, they identified contour farming and tree

planting.

As to the known methods to protect water supply, they mentioned the following:

• Tree planting near the water source • Report leaking pipes • Regular cleaning of reservoir • Avoid throwing garbage

The known methods to protect the forest are as follows:


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• Treeplanting by every couple • No cutting of trees (P500 penalty)

The methods of environmental protection being practiced by the community are as fol-lows:

To enhance/maintain farm fertility:

• Contour farming • Use of fertilizer • Treeplanting

To prevent soil erosion:

• Treeplanting • Contouring

To protect water supply:

• plant trees (mahogany) near the water source • report leaking pipes immediately and general cleaning of reservoir • proper garbage disposal

To protect the forest:86

• not yet protected • avoid kaingin • no cutting trees because there is no forest around

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in Davao del Sur: Barangay Level Land Use Based Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Com-munity Capacity Building

The Intervention Areas in Davao del Sur Province claimed that there has been participatory

community planning in the area in the last three years. The participatory community planning

include: barangay hall, lupon building, fiesta sports, school building, multi-purpose building,

farm to market road, savings and loan, leadership training, PIME (project implementation, moni-


Volume 5

toring and evaluation), Bayanihan Dagyaw system, continuing education, water system and

spring development, and livelihood project.

Participatory community planning was initiated to address common problems in the community

such as: to provide better working conditions for barangay officials, to provide outpost for CVO,

meaningful celebration in the barangay, improve farming practices, improve status of women

and gender relations, project monitoring, acquire other skills and knowledge, and facilitate com-

munity work and undertakings, among others.






• Spiritual upliftment and growth in Christian faith • Improved situation of the community • Literacy for children living away from school • Training on gender relations and women empowerment • Cooperative development • Micro-Finance • Establish 5-year development plan • Savings and Loan • Death aid • Riverbank stabilization

According to the informants and participants in the data gathering process, community

organizations initiated the following activities in the area:

• Bible sharing in the household • Prayer meeting • Community meeting or assembly / Organizational meeting or assembly • Establish development plans • Encourage children to go to school • Leadership training sessions • Marketing


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• Treeplanting • Savings and Loan • Plant bamboos

The following were also identified as entities that provided support and assistance to the

community:

• Local Government Units • LGU / UDP / DENR


The LGU was identified as a prime mover of development activities. Together with the UDP project, its personnel assisted in the following areas:

• Monitoring of bamboos and trees • Meetings • Conduct trainings • Technical assistance on farming systems development • Emergency meeting • Distribution of seedlings and animal dispersal • Monitoring of irrigation systems in the banana plantation

The DA (LGU devolved personnel) also arranged meetings and seminars. When people

need technical assistance in the area of farming systems, they approached the following

people:

• Municipal technician • DA technician • UDP personnel/technician

They identified the following as the types of assistance or support they need from the

government:

• Technical expertise • Training and Seminar • Seedlings • Farm Management


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• Livestock Management • Livelihood project / enhancement


The people in the IAs noticed an

improvement in soil fertility and water

supply/quality in the years 2002-2004.

The reasons they gave are as follows:

For Soil

• The soil condition is much better

now compared to before. This is because of the inputs (technical assistance) from UDP such as practicing contour farming, prohibiting the practice of burning of plant wastes, and stopping the practice of the cutting of trees.

• Soil erosion has been minimized because of contour establishment, tree planting, and the “no cutting of trees” practice.

• Application of fertilizer because of poor soil condition

For Water

• Water quality is better compared to the years before 2002. This because riverbanks are planted with trees.

• Because of spring development, water from rivers and streams will not overflow be-cause of the trees planted.

• No more cutting of trees

Forest

• As seen by the greening of the area due to reforestation • Presence of the forest guards who protect the forest



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They identified the following as the specific programs and projects that have extended

assistance in their respective areas:

UDP

• Training / Seminar: Livelihood projects (goat raising, loan) • Spring Development • Small Infrastructure Projects: footbridge, road construction and maintenance, foot

trail • Seedlings • Water system

KAPWA

• Technical Assistance in upland development and provision of materials • Training and Seminar

BEAM LIFE

• Education • Livelihood

TABANG MINDANAO

• Spring development


The non-intervention areas in Davao del Sur claimed that there has been participatory

community planning in the area in the last three years. The participatory community

planning include: road rehabilitation, seminar on savings and loan group, peace and or-

der, request for operation “tuli” (circumcision), program of activities for fiesta, status of

land tenure instrument of 350 has., and barangay roads.

The main purpose of participatory community planning: to inform the community of

programs and projects, for organizations to meet and contribute funds for the organiza-

tion every week, peace and order in the area, to circumcise the children in the commu-


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nity, work together to plan a program of activities during fiesta celebration, plan to secure

tenurial security for upland dwellers, barangay road construction and maintenance.

They identified the following as the current activities in the community:

• Barangay assemblies • Seminar/Orientation in organizing cooperative • Sports environment • Road maintenance • DENR survey to process tenurial security

The following are the key players in the community as identified by informants and par-

ticipants in the data gathering process:

• LGU • Military • Barangay Council • Barangay folks

► Community Organizations in NIAs and Their Roles

There are nine community organizations with different levels of capacities in the area.



• To implement livelihood projects • To request medicines for the health center • To strengthen IP organization • Savings mobilization • Savings to generate revolving fund which will be used as credit fund at low interest

for the members • Livelihood • Unity and cooperation

Community organizations undertake the following activities in the area:

• Undertake quarterly / monthly meetings • Conduct municipal activities • Represent the barangay in meetings at the municipality and tribal day


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• Organize assembly meetings • Conduct skills training • Organize a yearly meeting

They also noted that the Municipal Staff performed the following:

• Attend barangay session • Monitor UDP-LGU program • Conduct information dissemination • Initiate relief distribution when calamity occurs (provision of 3-kilo rice per family)

The DA Staff were seen to have conducted artificial insemination for goats, cows and

carabaos.

When they needed technical assistance they said that they would approach the municipal

staff or DA staff.

When asked what type of assistance do they expect in the area of agriculture from agen-

cies of government. They identified the following as the most urgent:

• Loan for agricultural production (to purchase fertilizer, planting materials, seedlings) • To provide technical advice to improve farm management practices • Provision of fertilizer and seedlings (planting materials) by the barangay council


The residents have observed the poor soil fertility because upland dwellers are using

chemical fertilizers. As to water, it is available but it cannot service the demand for water

by all residents of the sitio with the three water systems developed in three puroks. Water

supply is not sufficient especially during dry season. One factor is the lack of water res-

ervoir. They also noted the denudation of the forest due to indiscriminate cutting of trees.

The residents mentioned that they can maintain soil fertility by practicing diversified

farming system and appropriate farm management (such as cleaning the farm properly).


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To protect soil erosion they suggested treeplanting both forest species and fruit bearing

trees. As to the protection of water supply, again they mentioned treeplanting and pro-

hibit the cutting of trees. When it comes to protecting the forest, they again mentioned

prohibiting cutting of trees, plant trees, as well as stop the slash and burn practice or “ka-

ingin.”

The following are the organizations identified by the residents who are active in envi-

ronmental protection and the other activities they undertake:

MAFAMCO • Savings and credit coop • Solar dryer and Goat

Women’s Organization • Swine production

Senior Citizens’ Group • 20% discount for medicines

SLG • Savings and credit group (UDP)

DFS • Training on actual contour establishment

UCO • Upland Community Organization

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in the Sarangani Province: Barangay Level Land Use Based Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Com-munity Capacity Building

Even before the UDP Project started, both the IAs and NIAs claimed that participatory commu-

nity planning has been conducted in the last five years.



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After the project, the stakeholders in the IAs in the Sarangani Province claimed that par-

ticipatory community planning has been conducted in the area in the last three years.

They identified some projects and activities that made plans through participatory plan-

ning and these include the following:

• “Bayanihan” or collective voluntary work to clean the water reservoir to be able to

ensure that water is clean • “Araw sa Sitio” for the community to enjoy. Meetings were conducted to plan the af-

fair. The activities include amateur contest, and search for Miss Sitio Katupan • Sports activities for the community to enjoy such as basketball tournament, amateur

singing contest, discos, volleyball, singing contest and horse fighting. • Tubod and Training Center to have a comfortable venue for meetings and other ac-

tivities which were funded by UDP. A bayanihan was conducted. • Bayanihan system was planned and organized to facilitate farmwork. Land prepara-

tion is usually done through bayanihan • Nursery for abaca with the purpose of providing planting materials for abaca produc-

tion by the members of the cooperative and minimize diseases of abaca. Activities for the nursery establishment were conducted such as land preparation, fencing, se-cure planting materials.

• Child friendly barangay to prevent child abuse and provide school supplies to poor families and also assist in the issuance of birth certificates. The activities conducted were: Children’s Congress, King and Queen Contest and distributing school supplies.

• Cleaning of the Road and School to properly maintain the road and assist the school administrator in cleaning the school building, school grounds and classrooms. A ba-yahinan was conducted.

• Watershed Project to conserve water and improve water quality. On-going activities on tree planting and contour farming.

• Contour System Barangay Ordinance to control soil erosion. On-going activities on contour establishment and tree planting.

When people were asked if these plans are being implemented at present. The answer

they gave are as follows:

• Child Friendly which has been initiated by the Barangay Local Government. This is on-going or currently being implemented.

• Training Seminar organized by DSWD and Local Government. This project has just been started. But, the project lacks funding and support.

• Nursery Establishment is initiated by UBA Cooperative. This is on-going at its 2nd stage of implementation.


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• Training Center which is initiated by UDP and Barangay Upper Dumabat. The pro-ject is at its initial stage. They are gathering lumber for the construction. The project is proceeding quite well because of community support with assistance from UDP.

• Contour Farming initiated by UDP and Barangay Council. This is implemented. Most of the sloping farm areas were contoured. This is operational and on-going. The community was convinced of the benefits of contour farming.

• Protected Area Watershed initiated by UDP and Barangay Council. It is already im-plemented. This is operational and on-going. Community is aware of the benefits of watershed protection.

• Child Friendly initiated by Municipal LGU, barangay LGU and DSWD. A barangay ordinance was issued, and is already implemented. This is being implemented. One case of child abuse was already reported to DSWD.

• Malaria Prevention by DOH and Barangay Officials. It is being implemented. There were 120 households provided with medicines. This is effective if each family will use the mosquito nets provided to them to control malaria and dengue.


The informant/participants acknowledged that the LGU played an important role in their

community’s development. They identified the services the LGU provided and activities

it initiated. They are as follows:

• Provide planting materials • Monitor farming operations to check problems related to farming • Initiate the DFS Survey • Monitor health status of livestock • Monitor the status of the assistance provided to farmers • Provide inputs on farming operations • Monitor the community to avoid kaingin and cutting of trees • Monitor the types of problems affecting the farmers • Initiated the survey of the learning site • Inform the barangay of incoming activities initiated outside the barangay • Conduct meetings, training and seminars

The LGU further extended assistance through the services given by the devolved DA

Staff. The DA staff provided the following services:

• Monitor if any livestock is affected by diseases • Give seminar • Provide inputs on appropriate technology in farming


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• Provide expertise/technical assistance in pest management and farm management

When asked what type or kind of support would they need from the government in terms

of agricultural-related services, the answer they gave were as follows:

• New methods/technology in farming and provide free planting materials and compost

fertilizer (organic) • Provide support by giving planting materials for corn, rice or financial assistance for

farming or livelihood support on livestock such as goat dispersal • New farming technology, seedlings and farm tools


The blossoming of upland community organizations was quite noticeable in the interven-

tion areas in Sarangani Province. The strengthening of communities through organiza-

tional development is an area that was embraced in the intervention areas. The following

organizations were identified in the areas. Some were formed during the implementation

of the UDP while others were already established and were further strengthened.

1. UBA (Upland Barangay Association). The purpose of this to organization is improve

appropriate technology for upland development and forest protection. Activities un-dertaken include: meetings, seminars, study tour (lakbay aral), treeplanting and field trip. Linkages to the following organizations: UDP/DA, FIDA, DTI-TESDA, and Rural Bank.

2. UCO (Upland Community Organization) was organized to improve farming technol-ogy. Activities undertaken include: meetings, seminars, and treeplanting. Linkages to the following organizations: UDP/DA and FIDA

3. CBFM (Community-Based Forest Management) is to protect the forest and other natural resources. Activities undertaken include: meetings and tree planting. Link-ages to DENR.

4. WINDS to educate the women in areas of health, sanitation and family health care. Activities undertaken include: meetings, cooking, seminar, herbal medicine prepara-tions. Linkages to the following organizations: DSWD with Barangay LGU and DOH.

5. PNP Coop is aimed to improve personal hygiene and peace and order. Activities un-dertaken: duty and patrol in the barangay by rotation. Linkages to UDP and DA.

6. Nagmabaul (Nagkahiusa Mag-uuma sa Barangay Upper Lumabot) to avail of gov-ernment services and programs through UDP. Activities undertaken include: meet-ings and seminars on new technology. Linkage to LGU.


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7. ILO was organized to provide assistance to IPs especially in livelihood enhancement (farming). Activities undertaken include: meetings, seminars, fieldwork such as ag-riculture field trip. Linkage to LGU.

8. SACAPDA (Sangkayaw, Abgang bato, Campao Patban Datl Bulol Association). The purpose is to improve standard of living. Activities undertaken include: board meet-ings, assembly, regular meetings, training and seminars. Linkage to UDP-LGU

9. SCFO for the coconut farmers. Activities undertaken: meetings, seminars and train-ing. No linkages.

10. Jeepney Drivers Motor Organization to better understanding among drivers and better service to the public. Meetings had been conducted. No linkages.

► Types of Soil and Water Management in Relation to Degradation and Misuse of

Natural Resources

Some people noted that the soil is very poor and cannot give good produce because the

top soil which is fertile was washed away. However, a number noted that contoured

farms are getting good produce because top soil erosion is prevented. The planting of

trees for the people made a difference. They pointed out that for trees planted near

streams and rivers, the change that has been noticed is that the soil is not washed away

because of the trees planted. The areas without trees are now being planted with trees

and planting of bamboos and trees along riverbanks and streams is encouraged. Indeed,

there was a strong feeling that it is different now because of contour farming. The farm-

ers are being careful to preserve the soil so that it is not washed away. Farmers are be-

coming aware of the dangers of soil erosion.

Soil Conservation

The informants/participants of the study identified known methods being practiced by the

community to maintain soil fertility. They pointed out that they are practicing DFS (Di-

versified Farming System) and contour farming; they will not use commercial/chemical

fertilizer, and they refrain from burning trees and plant wastes. To protect soil erosion,

they said that they will plant trees in sloping areas and practice contour farming.

Water Conservation

The people pointed out that nowadays, the water source is near. UDP provided assistance

in the construction of water reservoir. They claimed that there are trees planted in areas

which were barren before, with the help of the UDP project. Nowadays, they emphasized


Volume 5

that the source of water will not dry up unlike before that the water level will drop, espe-

cially during summer time. Trees are planted near water sources, riverbanks and beside

streams. Today, water supply is no longer a problem.

The known method they identified that is being practiced to protect the water supply is

the planting of trees near the water source and not cutting trees.

Forest

People noted that planting of new trees is being done. In some IAs, forest areas are ex-

panding. Cutting of trees is prohibited and forest monitoring by CBFM members is done

regularly to check.

Because of the planting, people also observed that the surrounding area is getting cooler.

Cutting of trees near the water reservoir is strictly prohibited through a barangay ordi-

nance with assistance from UDP. Thus, more planting of trees is being done in protected

sites. Community residents are actively planting different types of trees, both forest trees

and fruit trees.


Several programs/projects are initiated

in the IAs and some forms of

assistance are extended by

agencies/stakeholders implementing

these programs and projects in the

community. The programs and

projects they identified with the

activities and assistance are as follows:

UDP

• Spring development • Road rehabilitation


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• Footbridge • Livelihood • Seedlings • Education • Training/Seminars • Infrastructure projects such as road rehabilitation • Water systems • Farm-to-market road • Technology • Watershed • Savings (RFS 83,000)

MUNONG EL

• Goat and chicken dispersal

HPI (Heifer Project International

• Goat, chicken and cow dispersal

Sarangani - Non-Intervention Community Barangay Level:

People answered that participatory community planning has been conducted in the past

three years. But there was not much articulation on the said process. They, however,

gave examples of activities that involved participatory planning. They identified some

projects that made plans through the participatory process which area as follows:

• Electrification or energization of the community. As an activity in relation to this

project, they passed a resolution to the Municipal Government but until now there is no action about it.

• Road maintenance so that vehicles can travel during rainy days/season or even during dry season and to make the community accessible. Road maintenance was done through “bayanihan.” A resolution was passed regarding road maintenance but has not yet been implemented.

• Corn production to improve harvest. A training was conducted by DA on corn pro-duction but implementation is a problem because of the lack of capital for farm pro-duction.

When asked if the plans are being implemented at present, the responses they gave are as

follows:


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• Plan for corn production initiated by DA, but it is not yet implemented because farm-ers do not have the capital to finance corn production.

• Road maintenance initiated by the Barangay Council. Only 5% is accomplished be-cause there is no funding.

• Bayanihan initiated by a Sitio Leader. This is being implemented and has again proven that working together is effective.


The people noted the role that the LGU played in their community’s development. They further identified the services and activities the LGU initiated:

• Introduction of new farming technology • Immunization of livestock • Deworming of livestock • Artificial insemination for carabao

The staff of DA (devolved) also extended which is considered as also from the LGU.

They identified the following forms of assistance:

• Immunization of animals/livestock • De-worming • Artificial insemination

When asked what type/kind of support they feel they need from the government agricul-

tural support services, they answered, “Provision of fertilizers and planting materials

(such as corn seeds and vegetables).”

► Community Organizations in NIAs and Their Roles The following are the community organizations present in the non-intervention areas:

• GKK (Gagmay nga Kristohanong Katilingban) was organized by the Roman Catholic Church for peace and spiritual advancement. Activities include: meetings, holy mass, bible sharing and bayahinan. No linkages with outside organizations.

• Farmers’ Association was organized to create an atmosphere of cooperation among farmers. Activities undertaken: meetings and program. Linkage with LGU-Municipal.


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• WINDS (Women in Development in Sarangani) to educate women in the area of live-lihood. Activities include meetings and training such as pedicure, manicure and dressmaking). Linkages with DSWD / DA.

• RIC (Rural Improvement Club) organized for livelihood enhancement. Activities in-clude poultry and communal garden. Linkage with DA.

• SCFO to develop the planters. Activities undertaken: meetings and seminars. Link-age with DA.


When people were asked the following questions: What changes had been noticed in the

recent years about soil fertility, water and forest resources in the years 2002-2004? What

do think are the main reasons for these changes? What methods do you know that would

help? Which of these methods are generally practiced by the community now? The an-

swers they gave are as follows:

Soil

• Before, the soil in the uplands was fertile because people will not make kaingin. Now,

there are landslides and flooding. This is the effect of cutting trees, and kaingin for livelihood. There are no more trees to prevent soil erosion.

• The area is not fertile (umaw na kayo). Inappropriate farming practices resulted to soil erosion.

The known methods being practiced to maintain soil fertility are: 1) crop rotation, 2) fal-

low - to let the farm rest for two years and then resume the farming after two years, and

3) contour farming. But, crop rotation and non-cultivation for two years are not being

practiced. Contour farming is being practiced. To protect soil erosion, the known

method is treeplanting and this is being practiced by only three households in the area.

Water

It was pointed out by the informants/participants that water was a problem before because

there was no reservoir. Fetching water was difficult because the water source is very far.

A reservoir was donated by the Business Resource Center (BRC). This enabled people to


Volume 5

save time and effort in fetching water from the source. However, water level in the

streams in the last three months was low because there was no rain in the past months.

The known method they identified to alleviate the problem was raised by someone who

said: “Ang bukid dili kalbohon. Walay watershed. (The mountain should not be left de-

nuded. There is no watershed.) The people also noted that there is no method being

practiced to protect water supply.

Forest

The informants/participants observed that the forest is denuded unlike before because

people are farming in what used to be forest area. There are lesser trees in the forest

compared before because people cut down trees in forest areas.

They noted the following known methods to protect the forest: treeplanting, prohibiting

the cutting of trees as well as the practice of “slash and burn” farming. However, nothing

has been done to protect the forest.

The Business Resource Center was identified as an institution that provided facilities

such as water reservoir, warehouse (bodega for products), sheller and dryer.

Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas in the South Cotabato Province: Baran-

gay Level

Land Use Based Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Com-munity Capacity Building

Intervention Area: Barangay Level

The informants/participants noted that the communities in the IAs has conducted partici-

patory community planning in the last three years. They identified a number of projects

and activities that implemented participatory planning processes, namely:

1. Road maintenance to properly maintain the road. The activities conducted include

bulldozing and gravel filling.


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2. Purchase of medicine for the barangay. Residents can ask for medicines for free. 3. Supplemental feeding for malnourished children. Feeding has been conducted for

children 5 years and below. 4. Bayanihan system to clean the community. Cleaning in public places was conducted. 5. Seedlings requests for Agro-Forestry to reforest the area (3 x 2.5 = 7.5 kms). Tree-

planting was conducted. 6. Reforestation for environmental protection. The UDP beneficiaries in three puroks

are planting trees. 7. Livelihood for income enhancement. Goat raising and duck raising were initiated. 8. Watershed project 50m around the watershed area so that the water level in the area

will not be reduced. Treeplanting of fruit trees is on-going. 9. Perimeter survey of 1000 hectares to protect participants of UDP. Treeplanting along

the perimeter was initiated.

When asked if plans are being implemented at present, the answers they gave are as fol-

lows:

• Livelihood initiated by UDP. This is on-going to expand the reach of the project. • Agro-forestry with UDP as key player. Trees are planted and weeding is on-going to

clean the areas, and in order that weeds will not compete with the growing trees. • Bayanihan system initiated by barangay officials and community residents. This is

done yearly. • Water system 50m away from the source of water by UDP/LGU. Fully implemented.

Treeplanting will be continued because there is an association and monthly dues are collected.

• Perimeter 1000 has – 50% of trees planted by UDP/LGU was able to survive. Fully implemented. Monitoring team from DA/LGU-Municipal and Barangay to check the status of the project

• Road maintenance by the UDP-LGU to facilitate transport of products and facilitate movement of people. Gravelling on the roads was done.


The following are the activities that the people felt the LGU did:

• Monitoring of project beneficiaries • Meetings • Information drive


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When asked what type/kind of support do they need from the government agricultural

support services, the answers given are as follows:

• Support to procure planting materials because DA provided very limited planting ma-

terials • Appropriate farming techniques to increase farm production


The following organizations are present in the intervention areas:

1. UBA (Upland Barangay Association) was organized to develop the upland farmers. Activities undertaken were: meetings, seminars and treeplanting. Linkages with UDP/LGU.

2. UCO (Upland Community Organization) was organized for peace and order. Activi-ties undertaken: keeping peace and order in the community. Linkage with LGU.

3. PERLAS Coop to help the farmers. Activities undertaken: meetings, seminar and other activities in the barangay government. Linkages with DA/LGU.


What changes have been noticed in the recent years about soil fertility, water and forest

in the years 2002-2004?

Soil

When it comes to changes in the soil, people noted that there are changes because soil is

not anymore fertile. Fertilizer is required to be able to harvest enough. The known

methods to maintain farm/soil fertility is for farmers not to burn farm and plant wastes.

The known methods being practiced by the community to protect soil erosion is contour

farming. It is practiced in areas covered by UDP.

Water


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At present, there is already potable water in the IA that was initiated by UDP and Baran-

gay Project on water system. Treeplanting and prohibiting the cutting of trees are known

methods of water conservation.

Forest

The people noted that there are more trees in the forest because of the UDP Agro-forestry

project. To protect the forest, fire prevention should be implemented by puroks so that

residents will not start fire in the forest such as kaingin and burning of farm wastes.

► Forms of Assistance from Agencies/Stakeholders in the Community

UDP

• Livelihood, seedlings and loan • Training/Seminars (educational tours) • Leadership Training • Sustainable development

DA

• Counterpart support from the LGU (financial and technical)

DENR

• Counterpart; seedlings and trainings


The following projects made plans through participatory processes:

1. Women’s livelihood to provide opportunity for women to earn an income. UDP pro-vided training on stuff toy making, pedicure, manicure and smacking pillows.

2. Garlan making for Grade 6 students as income for students. Garlan making was initi-ated.


Volume 5

3. Family Health Care (RHU) to prevent diseases. An assembly was conducted and in-spection of houses was done every month. Toilet bowls were distributed for free to the community residents.

4. Water System because the barangay center has no water system. Resolution was submitted to the municipal government.

5. Project proposal presentation to assist the IPs. Orientation/seminar on project pro-posal was conducted.

When asked whether plans are implemented at present, they gave the following answers:

• Livelihood was initiated by DENR. This is fully implemented. As assessed, there

was no expansion of the livelihood activities because the farmers were not able to im-plement very well.

• Presentation of Financial Statement by Barangay Council. This is done every year. As assessed – as long as there is SMI (Saguittarius Mining Corporation) this will con-tinue.

• Family Health Care by DOH/Health. Fully implemented. As per assessment, if health issues are not addressed and everyone will be careless about cleanliness and health, dengue will recur.


The following services and activities rendered by the LGU were identified by the people:

• Monitoring of livelihood projects provided by UDP • Vaccination of livestock • Information dissemination – example training/meetings • Lecture on how to prevent the growth of weeds that will compete with the crops

The devolved DA staff provided the following activities as well:

• Vaccination of livestock • Monitoring of and asking farmers about agri-related problems. • Conduct seminar

When asked what type/kind of support do they need from the government agricultural

support services, they identified the following:

• Farm financing


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• Training sessions on appropriate farming techniques to learn new technology and im-prove farming practices

• Assistance on farm inputs with easy terms of payment

► Community Organizations in NIAs and Their Roles The following organizations are present in the non-intervention areas:

• Women’s Organization. The purpose is to educate women about livelihood and fam-ily health. Activities include: handicraft making (smacking, pedicure and manicure), meetings, treeplanting, cleaning the community. Linkages with DSWD/DOH.

• SIAK DSWD was organized for livelihood enhancement. Activities include: train-ing, seminar and loan assistance. Linkage with DSWD.

• TRIAMCO (Triangle Multi-Purpose Cooperative). Purpose is to organize a coopera-tive. Activities include: meetings, forest treeplanting and fruit tree planting. No linkages.

• TACLANDAS (Tablu Christian Land Association). Purpose is to organize a coopera-tive. Activities include: meetings, forest treeplanting and fruit tree planting. Link-age with DSWD.


Soil

People noted that at present, there are no more landsides. Only those areas not planted

with trees have occurrence of landslides. Landslides were prevented because of planting

of forest trees in sloping areas and planting fruit trees in flatlands. Soil is not fertile be-

cause of denudation and topsoil was washed away.

Water

There is a good source of potable water in a particular sitio. In the past, this water source

was not identified.

Forest


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Mountains are denuded. There are not so many forest trees compared before because

people cut down trees and made kaingin, and IPs converted the forest to farm areas and

trees.

To protect the forest, kaingin has to be stopped and the cutting of trees should be prohib-

ited. Only 20% of the IPs are planting trees and there are people assigned to monitor ka-

ingin and cutting of trees.


Volume 5

This section presents the summary of the findings of the “before and after” condition of upland

areas studied at the community level.

The UDP is one of the attempts to address upland problems. Its primary aim is to develop a rep-

licable model to sustain the upland resource base and improve the living standards and prosperity

of upland communities. Its six-component approach constitute the following: community devel-

opment, institutional development and extension, resource management, sustainable agriculture

development, rural financial services, marketing and enterprise development, and agricultural

infrastructure support.

The community level data were generated using different approaches, namely, the Focus Group

Interview (FGI), interview with key informants and review of secondary data, namely the baran-

gay profile and other existing records. A total of 29 communities (19 from the IAs and 10 from

the NIAs) was covered for the community level component of the study. It has to be noted that

the community in this case refers to the barangay where either the intervention at the sitio level is

being implemented or the control barangay wherein no intervention is implemented in any of its

sitio.

In the light of the study schema, the following data were presented: demographic data, accessi-

bility of community, communication, economic status, services, other infrastructures, community

plans, community organizations, children in school, community health, food security, agricul-

tural support services, natural resource management, external support programs, land tenure,

non-farm enterprises, savings and loans, and remittances.

Summary and Implications of Findings


Volume 5

Summary

Community Level Research Findings: A Summary

Demographic Data

• Intervention Areas (IAs) in the ‘before’ condition and at present are more densely popu-lated than the Non-Intervention Areas (NIAs). Nonetheless, the number of households in both IAs and NIAs dramatically increased through the years.

• The majority of the residents in both IAs and NIAs are Cebuano or Visayan migrants. Even in 2000 (‘before’ condition), the Cebuano still occupied the bulk of the population thus, Cebuano or Bisaya is the dialect commonly spoken by the people then and now.

• Until the present, Roman Catholicism is still the dominant religion in both the IAs and NIAs.

• The economy in both the IAs and NIAs is agriculture-based as farming is the most com-mon source of income before and at present. The top three major crops planted in both IAs and NIAs include coconut, corn, and banana.

• The NIAs have been growing bananas even before 2000 but the IAs instead grew abaca during those years. It is only after 2000 when the IAs learned to adopt the trend. Nonethe-less, the number of households producing banana at present is relatively higher in the IAs than the NIAs.

Accessibility of Communities

Distance, Travel Time, and Focal Point of Trading

• The single motor or skylab is the principal means of transportation for both areas before and after intervention. This has increased as the means of transportation in the IAs but decreased in the NIAs. The second most popular means are PUJ/Truck/Tricycle for the NIAs and horse/carabao for the IAs.

• The focal point of trading for the barangay for both IAs (47.1%) and NIAs (36.4%) in the ‘before’ and ‘after’ condition was at the municipal center. However, a slight decrease in the percentage was evident in both areas at the present. For the NIAs, other municipal-ity/city/province (30%) emerged and was ranked number 1, similar to that of the munici-pal center.

• Even at present, the cost of transporting a sack of corn to the nearest trading center is relatively higher in the IAs (at an average of P 82.90) than the NIAs (at an average of P 30.50). While there is a significant increase in the cost per sack to be transported from the IAs (from an average of P49.90) there is an apparent decline in the NIAs (from an aver-age of 32.90).


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• It takes a longer time to reach the municipal center from the NIAs than from the IAs by motorbike during the dry season ‘before’ and ‘after’ intervention. In the ‘before’ condi-tion, it however took longer time to reach the municipal center from the IAs during the wet season compared to the NIAs but the process again reverses in the ‘present’ condi-tion.

• It takes a longer time to reach both communities during the wet season than during the dry season be it by motorcycle or by foot in both 2000 and at present.

• The responsibility for maintaining the road trail from the sitio to the barangay in the ‘be-fore’ condition rests on the barangay government or barangay officials as commented by the NIAs while the IAs answered that it rests on the people through voluntary work. At present (‘after’ condition) a great majority of the IAs have come in concordance with the NIAs.

Accessibility of Communication Facilities

• Both IAs and NIAs do not have access to telephone lines for the ‘before’ and at present

condition. • The number of households who have access to television was comparatively higher in the

IAs than in the NIAs at present condition. • Access to radio is also evident in the both IAs and NIAs in the present condition. News-

broadcasting, among other radio programs, was the most frequent tuned in to in both of the areas although the preference is slightly higher in the IAs (72.2%) than the NIAs (60%).

• The mobile phone phenomenon has reached both the IAs and NIAs but the former have a higher average number of people who own one at 367 than the latter at 47.7.

Economic Status of the Households

• Both areas, the IAs and NIAs in the ‘before’ and at present data claimed that there are

poor households in their communities. • The ‘before’ data showed that there are more poor households in the IAs (an average of

375 households) than in the NIAs (an average of 235 households) and the figures in-creased in the ‘present’ data, 699.27 for the IAs and 296.84 for the NIAs. It has to be noted that the community level data covered not just the sitios where the intervention program is being implemented but the whole barangay including the sitios without inter-vention.

• In the household data where the households included in the study are household located

in the intervention sitios, an increase in the income was noted. The difference in the household and community data could be in the coverage. At the community level, sitios within the barangay that has no UDP intervention were still a part in the coverage of the primary and secondary data gathered for that barangay.

• For both IAs and NIAs, the number of rich people increased in the present but such a


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growing population still could not out-number those who are still living in poverty.

Availability of Services

Electricity

• While in the ‘before’ condition nearly half of the communities in the NIAs and a third of

the communities in the IAs have no access to electricity, a remarkable rise in the average number of households that have been energized in both the IAs and NIAs in the present condition is reported.

• Of those that have access to electricity in the ‘before’ condition, an average of 29.3 households has access in the IAs and 43.5 in the NIAs. The present data showed that there were already an average of 356.82 households and an average of 259.43 households that were energized in IAs and NIAs, respectively.

Water

• It took a slightly longer time for the IAs (an average of 37.2 minutes) than the NIAs (an

average of 25 minutes) to obtain water from the source during the pre-intervention condi-tion.

• In the Post-Intervention Study, the time was relatively shortened for both areas and data for wet and dry seasons were also gathered. During dry season average time, in minutes, taken for the households to obtain water from the source decreased to 12.57 and 12.30 for IAs and NIAs, respectively. During wet season, fetching time consumed dropped to 15.43 and 19.30 for IAs and NIAs, respectively.

Education

• In the ‘before’ condition, all the communities in the NIAs while 88.9 per cent in the IAs offered complete elementary. Percentage gleaned in the former areas lessened to 90 in the present though, while the latter stayed the same.

• It takes a longer time to reach the nearest school in the IAs (an average of 143 minutes) by foot than the NIAs (an average of 111 minutes) in the ‘before’ condition. However, a cut in the average time spent was noted for both areas. The cut was more significant in the IAs (from an average of 143 minutes to 34.9 minutes) than in the NIAs (from 111 minutes to 74 minutes).

Health Clinic/Services

• There were more functioning health clinic/posts in the IAs than in the NIAs during the ‘before’ condition. After five years, the availability of such facility decreased in the IAs but somehow showed an increase in the NIAs.


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• The midwife has been identified by both IAs and NIAs as the person responsible in man-aging the health clinic before. Although, in the present the IAs still attest to this, the NIAs on the other hand, identified the BHWs as the persons who now frequently take charge of the facility.

• The percentage of communities that reported that the doctor does not report to the clinic increase for both areas (from 22.2% to 50% for IAs and from 18.2% to 40% for NIAs).

Other Infrastructures Available

• The pre-intervention data revealed that a third of the communities in the intervention area have rice mills while none could be found in NIAs. But now, presence of rice mill in the former is only 10%.

• In IAs, there is an increase in the availability of other infrastructures such as 1) corn mill (from 44.4% to 50% of the communities reporting its availability), 2) crop dryer (from 72.2% to 100%) and, 3) grain store (from 38.9% to 72.2%). An increase in corn mill and rice mill was noted in the NIAs. In the household data, a decrease in the corn production was reported by the respondents. This particular finding may run contrary to the com-munity finding regarding the increase other infrastructures in the area. Upon a closer ex-amination, an increase in the number of corn mills in the “after” situation may still be consistent with the household findings because even with the decrease in corn produc-tion, an increase in the number of corn mills may still be reasonable. The number of available corn mills during the baseline may not be proportionate to the volume of corn produced. Hence, at the present situation, even with a decrease in corn production, an in-crease in the number of corn mills may still be valid.

• As to the presence of other social infrastructures, both IAs and NIAs, have commonalities in terms of the presence of community halls, chapels or church buildings, basketball courts and school buildings before and after intervention.

Community Plans

• Both IAs and NIAs claimed that participatory community planning has been conducted in the last five years. At present, an increase was noted in the number of communities that conducted participatory community planning in both areas. Although an increase is noted in both the IAs and NIAs in the conduct of participatory community planning as well as in its implementation, data from the Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in-dicated that the implementation of the plan is visible in the IAs than in the NIAs.


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Community Organizations

• In the ‘before’ condition almost all communities found in the intervention and non-

intervention areas claimed that there are community groups that meet on a regular basis in their respective communities.

• There were residents in the IAs (66.7%) and NIAs (45.4%) that are members of coopera-tives based outside their respective communities.

• At present (“after” the intervention condition), a number of organizations have been iden-tified to be operating both in the IAs and NIAs. In the IAs, moderately-sized organiza-tions are identified as follows: school organizations, credit groups, livelihood assistance organizations, and women’s group. In the case of NIAs, the following are moderately sized organizations: religious organization and school organization.

Children in School

• In the ‘before’ condition, there were more children of school age that completed elemen-tary education in the NIAs than the IAs. More girls have completed elementary education than the boys. The reason that more girls than boys finish their elementary schooling is that boys are tapped as helpers in the farms.

• The pre-intervention data revealed that more children of school age in the IAs than NIAs are currently attending secondary school. The pattern of more girls than boys attending school holds true.

• At present (“after” condition), an increase in the average number of children that finished elementary school is noted in the IAs. Furthermore, an increase in the number of chil-dren who are reported to be currently attending secondary school was also noted in both IAs and NIAs.

Community Health

• In the “before” condition, the top four diseases with the most number of cases per year and most number of communities affected in the IAs are as follows: malaria, diarrhea, cough, and fever. The same diseases were common in the “before” condition of the NIAs.

• At present, only three diseases emerged to be prevalent in both IAs and NIAs. They are as follows: cough, fever and diarrhea.

• In the present study, additional inquiries were set to assess community health (services offered in the nearest health post, average number of households who availed, average number of days services are offered and average number of couples practicing family planning). In both the IAs and NIAs, health services such as immunization, pre-natal, provision of vitamin A, routine check-ups and family planning services are the most availed of.


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• Health services such as prenatal, routine check-up, family planning services, and the TB program are frequently offered per month in both the IAs and the NIAs. Noticeably, there are more number of days that family planning services are offered in the IAs than in the NIAs.

• At present, more couples in the IAs, are practicing family planning (138.46) than those in the NIAs (96.97).

Agricultural Support Services

• In the “before” condition, there were slightly more agriculture staff assigned in the NIAs (an average of 1.9 per community) than the IAs (an average of 1.3 per community).

• At present, a large difference in the number of visits by the DA staff in the last 12 months, existed between the IAs (39.93) and NIAs (4).

• In the “before” condition, there were more communities in the NIAs (36.4%) that were not given an agricultural support than the IAs (12.5%).

• Support provided both in the IAs and NIAs are as follows: support in the conduct of training/seminars, provision of seedlings, and monitoring of agricultural crops.

Land Tenure

• In the baseline study conducted, six out of the 18 IAs did not provide data about the main form of land tenure in the community. None among the IAs and NIAs provided an an-swer for the question of whether owners of the land have formal land titles or none.

• In terms of the main form of land tenure, the baseline study as well as the post-intervention study revealed that more households in the IAs have no titles but are consid-ered owners of the land, than the households in the NIAs.

• The average number of households who are renters are more or less the same between the IAs (68.2) and NIAs (70.0), in the “before” condition. The same goes for the IAs (78.41) and the NIAs (71.13) in 2005.

• At present, there is an increase in the average number of households in both the IAs and the NIAs, who are owners of formally titled land (A & D) with individual ownership ti-tles.

• A large increase is also seen, at present, in the average number of households with com-munal but limited tenure, such as the CBFMA.

• In all, there is a need to address the resource tenure improvement in both areas.

Savings and Loans

• In the baseline study, seven out of the 18 and four out of the 11 communities in the inter-


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vention and non-intervention areas, respectively, claim that they simply could not save out of their earnings.

• Noticeably, the number of households in the IAs included in the baseline study, who mostly saved their money in informal institutions, is almost at par with the number of households in the NIAs included in the post-intervention study, who saved their money in an institution.

• More from the IAs (63.6%) prefer to save through the piggy bank way than the NIAs (28.6%).

• In both baseline and post-intervention studies, the average number of households that have outstanding loans is greater in the intervention areas than in the non-intervention ar-eas.

• The topmost source of loan for the IAs in the baseline study is their families and friends (38.9), while those in the post-intervention study mostly borrowed money from traders (34.68).

• For the NIAs in the baseline study, loans were mostly obtained from banks. The NIAs in the post-intervention study, on the other hand, got most of their loans from traders.

• Banks are considered as the least source of loans in both IAs and NIAs in the post-intervention study. Nevertheless, they are one of the top sources of loans in both IAs and NIAs in the baseline study.

Remittances

• At present, the number of families who have members who migrated outside the commu-nity who occasionally send money to the people left behind in the place of origin in-creased in both areas. However, the increase is higher in the IAs than the NIAs.

Degradation and Misuse of Natural Resources

• The majority of IAs and NIAs in both the baseline and post-intervention studies experi-enced the following: erosion, landslides, gully formation, broken hedges, exposed stones, splash erosion, and sheet erosion. At present, the occurence of these problems have less-ened, particularly in the IAs. Erosion, which was reported to have the highest occurrence (88.9%) in the IAs was down in its reporting by 14.5 percentage points. In almost all of the problems identified, there was a decrease in the occurrence. Sheet erosion was more than halved from 72.2% in the 2000 reports that it did occur to 35.3% in 2005. The NIAs are still reporting high percentage of occurrence although a slight decrease is noted in the following: exposed stones, splash erosion, and sheet erosion.

• More than 80 per cent of both the IAs and NIAs in the baseline study reported the pres-ence of forest trees in their respective areas. IAs (94.1) and NIAs (100) in the post-intervention study revealed an increase in the reporting of the presence of forest trees.

• Adoption of a farm system increased in both the IAs and the NIAs in the post-intervention study. The most remarkable increase is observed in the adoption of contour farming in the IAs in 2005.


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Types of Soil and Water Management Adopted in the Community

• Increase in the adoption of the several types of soil and water management is more evi-dent in the IAs in 2005.

• In particular, a remarkable increase was noted in strip contouring, from 27.8% adoption in 2000 to 88.2% adoption in 2005.

• A decrease on all types of land conflict could be noted in the NIAs of the post-intervention study.

• Meanwhile, there is a slight increase of conflict in the adjacent sitio within the watershed (27.8 in 2000 to 41.2 in 2005) and adjacent sitios, barangay, or municipality outside the watershed (33.3. in 2000 to 52.9 in 2005) in the intervention areas.

Summary of the Pre- and Post-Intervention and Non-Intervention Areas: Insights from the field Intervention Areas (IAs)

► Land Use Based Participatory Barangay Development Planning through LGU and Community Capacity Building

• All the intervention areas in the five provinces claimed that there has been participatory

community planning in the last three years. • The participatory planning of the intervention areas mostly included road building or

maintenance, school building construction, and watershed projects. • Intervention areas in three provinces referred to participatory planning as a means of ad-

dressing problems such as difficult road conditions and other infrastructure problems, like the building of schools or the renovation of the barangay hall.

• Plans being implemented at present in the IAs of three provinces include contour farm-ing, development of a water system, and tree planting, to sustain the forest.


• In all of the intervention areas, the efforts made by the LGUs were duly recognized. • Several activities initiated by the LGUs were as follows: monitoring of the project bene-

ficiaries, status of livestock or the condition of the farmers; holding meetings and infor-mation drives, particularly agriculture-related; and providing technical assistance in the farm.


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• Intervention areas in three provinces mentioned that assistance in agriculture was further extended by the LGUs through the help of the DA staffers.

• The DA staffers extended the following services in the intervention areas: technical assis-tance in the farm; inputs on appropriate technology in farming; and spearheading pest management.

• Additional agricultural support services that were sought after by intervention areas are: further support, either in the form of planting materials, organic fertilizers or in financing, as well, and introduction of new technology in farming that would further assist the man-agement of the farm.

► Community Organizations in IAs and their Roles

• Community organizations have different roles in addressing community concerns, organ-izational issues and/or individual concerns. In the intervention areas in three of the prov-inces, the following were the usual issues encountered:cooperative development in order to enjoy the benefits of working together; enhancement of women’s participation in the community and training on gender relations; operation of a micro-finance project; access to credit and savings; spiritual upliftment; and improvement of the living standard of the people.

• Activities usually initiated by the community organizations present in the intervention ar-eas include: community beautification; community meetings; leadership training ses-sions; money-lending activities; and tree planting.

• Aside from the community organizations, the participants from the intervention areas identified key players in the development process. UDP, LGUs, i.e., from the barangay level to the province, and DENR, were the ones generally mentioned.


• Soil. Intervention areas in three provinces revealed that there is already a need to use fer-

tilizers in order to come up with a good harvest. • In the intervention areas, preservation of the soil’s fertility and prevention of soil erosion

were made possible through the planting of trees, prohibition of the practice of burning of plant wastes, and most of all, through contour farming.

• Water. Intervention areas in the four provinces indicated that they already have a devel-oped water system through the combined efforts of the UDP and LGUs.

• All of the participants from the intervention areas were able to identify that the planting of trees near the water source and prohibiting excessive cutting of trees helped in the con-servation of water.

• Forest. Activities such as reforestation, presence of forest guards, frequent monitoring by DENR personnel, environmental awareness raising, and non-practice of the slash and burn manner of farming, are now being done in intervention areas in order to stop the dwindling number of forest trees.


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• Unavailability of livelihood options was raised by respondents in the intervention areas in two provinces as the cause why residents resort to cutting of trees in order to earn.

► Programs and projects in the IAs

• Common forms of assistance provided by agencies or stakeholders in the community in-

clude: livelihood projects or assistance, such as goat dispersal and access to loans; agri-culture–related trainings and seminars; provision of seedlings; infrastructure projects such as road rehabilitation and footbridges; and spring development for a convenient wa-ter supply.


• For the past three years, all NIAs have conducted participatory community planning. Road rehabilitation and maintenance was the most prominent project that planned out through the participatory process although other significant infrastructure developments were likewise identified.

• Planning of livelihood projects through the participatory process was highlighted by one NIA province. These livelihoods directly focus on women’s and children’s welfare.

• Another NIA province emphasized projects and activities distinctive from the other NIA provinces. Such activities include seminar on savings and loans group, peace and order, request on operation ‘tuli’ (circumcision), and program of activities for fiesta among oth-ers.

• As highlighted in two NIA provinces, participatory community planning is conducted primarily to address common problems in the community, and to inform the community of programs and projects.

• Most of the plans that had been carried out in each of the five NIA provinces were al-ready on the process of implementation, if not completely realized.

• The key players that contributed to the realization of community projects are none other than the Local Government Units (LGU), the barangay council, the provincial and na-tional governments, even the military and the barangay folks.


• NIA provinces reported that several community organizations with different levels of ca-pacities are operating in their respective places.

• Topping the significant issues addressed by the community organizations are livelihood enhancement specifically for the women, strengthening and assisting IP’s and/or upland dwellers’ organization or group, and unity and cooperation in the community.


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• The LGUs in the NIAs have provided several services and have significantly contributed

their part for community development. Primarily, the municipal staff are involved in barangay sessions and meetings; they conduct information dissemination and inputs on appropriate farming systems; they provide inputs on health care for livestock; and they are in-charge of monitoring the LGU and other government programs.

• The devolved DA staff were likewise seen as providing assistance in the parts of the LGUs in NIAs. The most common services they extended include: conducting artificial insemination of selected livestock even de-worming and immunization; and monitoring and assisting farmers on agri-related problems.

• Various expectations regarding agricultural support services in NIAs were raised. They mainly enumerated farm financing, which includes provision of fertilizers, planting mate-rials and other farm inputs; training sessions on farm management with emphasis on new technologies and practices; and support on livestock.


• The residents in the NIAs reported that soil fertility is no longer true in the present. Forest denudation was chiefly identified to cause soil degradation although one NIA province included the heavy use of chemical fertilizers as another contributing factor.

• As such, the non-intervention areas proved that they are vulnerable to landslides and flooding, washing away the topsoil. Inappropriate farming practices, which include indis-criminate cutting of trees and ‘slash and burn’ farming resulted to soil erosion.

• Existing initiatives utilized in the NIAs to address soil fertility include: diversified farm-ing and appropriate farm management. Some provinces identified these methods as com-posed of crop rotation, fallowing, and contour farming. Planting of trees as it improves soil condition is likewise imperative. One NIA province emphasized the use of fertilizer (14-14-14), organic farming, and mulching as these are also helpful in the process.

• Closely related strategies to prevent and minimize soil erosion were likewise reported. Contour farming was one plausible method identified and the other one, which happened to be the most common rejoinder in the NIAs, was reforestation. In one NIA province, planting of forest trees in sloping areas and planting of fruit trees in flatlands was pro-nounced.

• Access to water supply has shown remarkable improvement in the NIAs after long years of carrying the brunt of spending time and effort of fetching water from a distant source.

• Two NIA provinces reported that, nonetheless, there is insufficient water supply. Water scarcity is primarily due to dry spell, lack of water reservoir, and deforestation.

• The best method to do to protect water supply, as identified by the NIAs, is tree planting, specifically in areas near the source. Also what goes with it is safeguarding against indis-criminate cutting of trees. Moreover, one NIA province reported other safety measures


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against water deficiency, such as follows: to report leaking pipes, to have a regular clean-ing of the reservoir, and to espouse proper waste management.

• The former vastness of the forest has been gradually destroyed in the NIAs because of pervasive denudation. Upland dwellers were said to be the major perpetrators of indis-criminate cutting down of trees and converting these areas to farmlands.

• Actions that must be undertaken to protect the richness of the forest in the NIAs were to infuse the importance of reforestation in as much as there is emphasis on the prohibition of forest denudation. However, it was reported that only very few people are docile when it comes to regulations.

Implications While a number of things changed in the IAs, it is also noted that corresponding changes also

occurred in the NIAs. However, there are in the changes that are quite noticeable in the IAs than

in the NIAs. This is specifically true under the following aspects: 1) occurrence of problems

due to degradation and misuse of natural resources, 2) presence of forest trees, 3) farming system

agreement adopted in the community, and 4) types of soil and water management adopted in the

community. Along these areas, there seemed to be a ripple effect because some of the NIAs

have adopted some management practices that they have seen to be beneficial to the community.

Although there are some communities that reported an improvement in their roads due to UDP

intervention, there was not much change in the cost of transportation, It seems that the rising

cost of gasoline is a determining factor in this rather than the improvement in the road condition.

Increase in income is not yet felt, although diversification gave them security and food availabil-

ity. However, they still have to harvest the crops that they planted that will give long term result.

Although there was a slight increase in their savings pattern in the IAs than in the NIAs, savings

in a formal institution is not that much practiced.

In the area of community and institutional development, the IAs are more dynamic and active in

this aspect since community organizing, value reorientations, leadership training, among others

were conducted in said areas. Sustainability, though,needs to be emphasized. There are varia-


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tions in the activities of UBS in various IAs and activities are also highly dependent on the

strength of UBA as an organization and whether members are active or not.

Both Finance Services System and Enterprise Development need strengthening because not

much can be seen on this at the community level.

To ensure sustainability to the programs installed by the UDP, the LGUs, POs/CBOs, and the

NLAs should join hands and make sure that what has been started and installed should be sus-

tained specifically along the following areas:

1. Sustainable Agriculture Advocacy. Local government with support from non-

governmental organizations, cooperatives, and community-based organizations should in-

tensify sustainable agriculture advocacy among farmers to lessen production costs and to

promote environmental protection. Among the practices promoted are: contour farming,

organic farming, crop diversification, crop-livestock integration, among others.

2. Participation in local governance. Enhance people’s participation in local governance

through participation in the formulation of barangay development plans, municipal agri-

culture development plans and other local development plans; ensure budget allocation

for agriculture development and participate in the policy formulation towards agriculture

development.

3. LGU and POs Capacities on Sustainable Agriculture. Strengthening LGU and POs’ ca-

pacities on sustainable agriculture development through capacity building for the Mu-

nicipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Council and Barangay Council members on sus-

tainable agriculture;

4. Access to extension services. Install creative means for increasing access to extension

services including the provision of good quality seedlings, livestock and poultry.

5. Government should address key issues such as access to credit, market information, in-

frastructure and technical know-how of the people in the community.

6. Strengthen and support the practice of diversified and integrated farming systems. Pro-

mote crop diversification and integrated farming systems to farmers to safeguard farmers

against fluctuations inherent in single cropping practices.


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7. Strengthen farmers’ organizations and cooperatives. There is a need to assess the orga-

nizing efforts of government and NGOs to work towards enabling farmers and farmers

organizations/cooperatives on sustainable agriculture development and to be conduits and

partners of the government in promoting agricultural development in poor communities.

8. Developing alternative rural enterprises. Since most rural households depend solely on

agricultural harvests to meet their basic needs, there is a need to promote small-scale ru-

ral enterprises to augment farmers’ agricultural incomes such as marketing.

9. Capacity building interventions for rural enterprise development and management. Rural

enterprises as income diversification strategy are high risk. Their success is highly de-

pendent on the capacity and performance of the manager. Thus, technical assistance in

enhancing the management capability of manager-entrepreneurs, cooperative leaders, PO

leaders and NGO staff for rural enterprises.

10. Linkaging and networking. There is a need and potential for sharing of experiences,

building information linkages and exchanges. Farmers have to share their experience and

learn from the experience of other farmers.

11. Continue to pursue land tenure improvement in the uplands. The POs with the local gov-

ernment and DENR has to formulate local mechanisms to resolve land tenure issues and

concerns and establish tracking mechanisms to be updated of the status of the process in

securing tenurial instruments. Local government has to actively support land tenure im-

provement by integrating land tenure improvement in its local development plan.

The above recommendations can be captured in the Rural CO Standard (Batistiana and Murphy,

1996) as spelled out on the following areas of concerns:

• Organizational Development

• Critical Creative Collective Consciousness Raising

• Coalition Effort and Advocacy Work

• Overcoming Gender and other Biases

• Basic Services and Infrastructure

• Resource Tenure Improvement

• Economic Self-Reliance Strengthening


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• Agricultural Development and Ecological Nurturance

Democratic Participation in Governance

References

Batistiana, Ma. B. and Dennis Muphy, 1996. Rural Community Organizing in the Philippines, COTRAIN, Quezon City. Upland Development Programme (UDP) in Southern Mindanao, The Philippines, Replicable Model for Sustainable Upland Development (August 2005) Upland Development Programme in Southern Philippines (UDP), 1999. Global Work Plan (January 1999 to January 2006). UNFPA and ANU, 1998. Southeast Asian Population in Crisis: Challenges to the Implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action. Canberra, Australia.

Documents

The Upland Communities: The Post-Intervention Condition … Post Intervention.pdf · V South Cotabato Province 28 The ... in the Compostela Valley: ... cut down travel time did not