chapter i background and brief history 1.0 background … · 2018. 12. 29. · comprehensive land...

Forest Land Use Plan 2017-2021

1

CHAPTER I

BACKGROUND AND BRIEF HISTORY

1.0 Background

1.1 Brief History

The “Bugkalots” of the Ilongot Tribe were the first inhabitants of Maria

Aurora. This indigenous people established a settlement called “Egabong”, meaning muddy stream or no man’s land since no Christian dared to enter the place for fear of being beheaded.

The municipality’s first name was San Jose, the name of an adventurer

from Liliw, Laguna who settled in Egabong by marrying a young Bugkalot woman. Jose Bitong became a respected leader in the community and was instrumental for the entry of Spanish missionaries in the community. In 1771, the Egabong settlement became a pueblo and named San Jose de Casecnan in honor of Jose Bitong and of the Casecnan river that the Spanish believed to be near the settlement.

Jose Bitong became the first appointed “Municipal Kapitan” of pueblo

followed by MamertoCatipon and many others. The last “Kapitan” who served the placed was Pantaleon Dulay who hailed from the province of La Union.

After the Spanish revolution, San Jose became a barrio of Baler, one of

the only two towns (the other is Casiguran) comprising the northern part of the then Tayabas, Quezon. San Jose was then renamed Maria Aurora in April 1949 in honor of Maria Aurora Aragon Quezon, a lawyer and daughter of the late President Manuel Luis Quezon and Doña Aurora Aragon Quezon.

In July 21, 1949, Executive Order No. 246 created the Municipality of

Maria Aurora out of Baler. Fourteen barrios including San Jose initially comprised the municipality. Maria Aurora has had twelve mayors since it was created.

1.2 Location and Land Area

Maria Aurora is geographically located between East longitudes

121º16’30’’ and 121º32’00’’ and North latitudes 15º55’00’’ and 15º39’00’’

It is the only non-coastal municipality of Aurora. Baler and Dipaculao bound Maria Aurora on the East, San Luis on the South, the province of Nueva Ecija on the West and the provinces Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino on the Northwest.

Maria Aurora has a total land area of 42,433 hectare based on the

digitized data of the Aurora Integrated Area Development Project 2-BSEI in


2

1996. BSWM (1989) reported that the municipality has a land area of 40,518 hectares and NCSO (1990) published a land area of 42,492 hectares. The area of Maria Aurora, which is the legal basis of the Department of Budget and Management in releasing the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), is 42,629 hectares.The Forest Land Use Planning Team, therefore, used the 42,629 hectares as the baseline area for Maria Aurora. Accordingly, all the thematic, derived, and the composite maps are presented with a total land area of 42,629 hectares. The FLUP team jointly made this decision after consulting with the key officers of the LGU and DENR, particularly the Chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee of the Sangguniang Bayan, Municipal Planning and Development Officer, and the Municipal Assessor’s Office.

1.3 Socio-Political Importance of Maria Aurora

Maria Aurora has 40 barangays with a population of 38,128 as of 2010. Eight barangays cover more than 50% of the municipality’s total land area. The municipality produces rice, coconut, and other agricultural products. The existing 15 communal irrigation systems irrigate an estimated total area of 2,000 hectares of agricultural lands.

Maria Aurora encompasses seven (7) watersheds under Presidential

Proclamation, four (4) of which were assisted by Aurora Integrated Area Development Project (AIADP) as shown in Table 1. These watersheds service the water needs of the existing irrigation systems and domestic water requirements in the municipality and nearby towns. In addition, they serve as buffer for landslides and typhoons in the lowlands.

Maria Aurora’s physical closeness to Baler makes it strategic and the

natural expansion of the latter’s industrial and commercial activities. Maria Aurora is the gateway to the Aurora province via the Pantabangan-Canili- Bazal Road.

1.4 Rationale of the Forest Land Use Planning

The forest land use planning in Maria Aurora was largely motivated by

the need and urgency to rationalize the allocation and management of forest lands to complement the zoning and land uses in the alienable and disposable lands of the municipality, especially the expected intensification and development of agricultural production areas and industrial and eco-tourism activities. There was a perceived need for a forest land use plan to complement the comprehensive municipal land use plan of Maria Aurora as mandated by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB). DENR through its Natural Resources Management Program (NRMP) saw the opportunity to adopt forest land use planning that considered the watershed planning perspective, particularly the functions and services of watersheds in the forest lands of Maria Aurora that will complement the existing and proposed land uses and zones in the A & D lands.


3

Accordingly, the forestland use planning process tried to address the doubts and concerns over the intergenerational sustainability of the present allocation and management of forestlands. The nation-wide non-renewal of Timber License Agreement (TLA) has resulted in forestlands that are open for re-allocation by DENR and LGU. This open access situation has spawned the entry of new immigrants. Maria Aurora has not been spared of this phenomenon, especially with the improving peace and order situation in the province.

The improving accessibility of Maria Aurora through the Canili road

poses an increasing threat to the ecological stability and environmental soundness of the nearby forestlands, which support lowland and upland agriculture, infrastructures, settlements, major catchments, and river systems. Only a rational allocation, use, and management of forestlands through a joint forest land use planning between the DENR and the LGU would minimize land speculation, facilitate decisions that could lead to optimal and complementary allocation and management of forestlands, focus or realign public and private investments (farm to market roads, schools, clinics, processing plants, etc.) in support of lowland and upland agriculture, tree plantations, ecotourism, and forest management, and facilitate the resolution of emerging and anticipated conflicts in the allocation and management of forestlands.


4

CHAPTER II

VISION, MISSION, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

2.1 Vision

The Local Government of Maria Aurora envisioned a resilient community that is able to manage its environmental resources through rational allocation and utilization by providing the needs of the future generation and ensuring ecological stability.

2.2 Mission

• To ensure rational allocation and management of the municipality’s forest and forest land.

• Sustain a balanced ecology and its aesthetic features

• Develop and manage climate change adaptive forests and forest lands

2.3 Goals and Objectives

• Provide an environmentally and socio-economically sound forests and forestland use framework that will increase food production, protect public and private investments, protect communities and settlements and increase forest cover in Maria Aurora.

• Provide recommendations on how DENR and the LGU could jointly and institutionally allocate, manage and monitor forestlands in support of the overall socio-economic development and environmental management of Maria Aurora.

• Provide a rationale for prioritizing watersheds/sub-watersheds so that the LGUs, DENR, other government agencies, and the private sector can focus and mobilize investments on farm to market roads, irrigation systems, social infrastructures, and privately initiated business investments.

• Recommend alternatives for resolving existing, emerging, and future conflicts in the allocation and management of forestlands.


5

CHAPTER III

SCOPE AND LIMIT OF THE FLUP

From the inception, orientation, drafting, consultations, validation up to the

legitimization process, the FLUP formulation process in Maria Aurora took more than a year. The plan was prepared following the principles of participatory approaches and processes, teamwork, the perspective of allocating and managing forestlands based on Executive Order 192, Series of 1987, guidelines for the formulation of comprehensive land use plans by HLURB, and iterative techniques. The Forest Land Use Plan of Maria Aurora responds to five (5) major categories of issues, namely:

• Which forestlands within the municipality are not allocated for specific uses? Or which forestlands are considered to be open access, where nobody at the local level is responsible, accountable, and authorized to implement specific plans with respect to the protection and management of forestlands? What is the area and size of these unallocated forestlands? Where? What are the condition and status of these areas? In this open access forest lands, where and how large are the forestlands that should be considered for protection and production?

• Which forestlands in the municipality are allocated (those that have been proclaimed as watershed reservations or protected areas, those that are under CADC, SIFMA, CBFMA, CSCs, Special Use Permits and other form of long-term lease or production sharing agreements) but are not under effective management? Which forestlands have been allocated but have no defined or assigned entity to be responsible, authorized to implement and act based on a currently under tenure, proclamation, or long term lease with the public, private, or communities? How are these forestlands being managed? Are these allocations consistent with sound forest management? Are these supportive of the zoning plan in the A & D areas? Are these in support of the expected development in the A & D areas and other physical and industrial development?

• Where are the conflict areas or emerging conflict areas especially with respect to the allocation and management of forestlands and in the complementary of use? Who and what can be done to resolve these conflicts? What mechanisms should be recommended to resolve these conflicts? What management systems are feasible in these areas?

• What are the existing support services in the forestlands? Where are the required public and private investments that are needed to enhance sustainable forest management and increase the productivity of the agricultural and forestlands? What are the existing farms to market roads? What are available social infrastructures in the forestlands where sitios and barangay settlements are found?


6

• Which watersheds or sub-watersheds should have immediate and urgent attention for rehabilitation and management because of perceived threats to public and private investments, food production, lives of communities, and sustainability of forest resources?


7

CHAPTER IV

METHODOLOGY

4.1 Orientation and Formation of the FLUP Team

Selected members of Municipal Technical Working Group (MTWG) were invited to attend the FLUP Orientation conducted by DENR Regional Office at Lubao, Pampanga last May 4 – 5, 2015.

An orientation anchored/based on Transparency, Accountability and

Participatory approach was also conducted at the municipal level lastMay 26, 2015. It was attended by the Local Chief Executive, members of the Sangguniang Bayan and Municipal Technical Working Group created by virtue of Executive Order No.2015-10. The orientation was focused on transparency, accountability and participation.

Action planning was also initiated to have timetable for the set of

predetermined activities based on FLUP guidelines. 4.2 MOA (DENR and LGU) with Ordinance or Resolution from MDC and SB

Resolution No. 72 dated June 1, 2015 was passed by the Sangguniang Bayan of Maria Aurora authorizing the Honorable Mayor Amado M. Geneta to enter into Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DENR Regional Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr. to undertake the preparation/ formulation of FLUP of Maria Aurora, Aurora.

On June 10, 2015, said MOA was put into reality during ceremonial signing

between LGU Maria Aurora and DENR-3 Regional Office. 4.3 Community Profiling and Mapping

On June 23-July 1, 2015, Punong Barangays, Barangay Secretaries, SB Member on Environment and selected forest stakeholders of 40 barangays were invited in this workshop. Data gathering was done through the collection of maps and information from the municipal and barangay levels. Socio economic survey forms were distributed and filled-up.

Other relevant secondary data were collected from DENR, NAMRIA, NSO,

CBMS, old FLUP and CLUP of Maria Aurora specifically with regards to population/demographic information and physical environment/information respectively.

4.4 Validation and Revision of Draft Community Profile and Thematic/

Composite Maps Revision of draft community profile was done through consultation and field

validation by the Technical Working Group (TWG) assisted by DENR, Municipal


8

TWG and barangay officials. All thematic maps gathered were also validated in the field.

4.5 Map Overlays, Analysis, Consultations with Various Stakeholders

The data gathered was organized, summarized and analyzed. Overlaying of

thematic maps such as land cover map, slope map, elevation, tenure map, issue map, soil map, drainage map, tourism area and other maps were prepared by GIS experts from the DENR and analyzed to draw valid conclusions and possible management strategies.

Consultation / presentation to various stakeholders like IPs, CBFM POs,

NIA, etc. was conducted and participated in this situational analysis of the area, determining the trend of forests and forestland destruction/decrease and studying the suitable and best uses of the forests and forestlands among others. The stakeholders also have the comparison of the past and present situations and visualizing what they wanted to be in the future.

4.6 Prioritizing Sub-Watersheds and Allocating Open Access (Unallocated And Unmanaged) Forests and Forest Lands

Prioritization of sub-watersheds were participated by the stakeholders based

on the criteria on biodiversity value, hydrological value, economic value, protection of infrastructure investments, protection of lives and properties, aesthetic value and potential threats. 14 sub-watersheds were identified and ranked based on criteria as shown in Table 1. Each criterion was given weights that will be equivalent to 100% when summed up. From each criterion, each sub-watershed is rated from 1 to 14, fourteen with the highest value. The value given was divided into number of sub-watershed multiplied by the weights given to each criterion. Then each sub-watershed is ranked based on the ratings, the highest ratingwas given the highest or topmost priority. Canili subwatershed was selected as the most priority subwatershed based on criteria presented. However, Pacugao sub-watershed was ranked first in terms of bio-diversity value as it was given the highest priority.


9

Table 1. List of Sub- watersheds

SUB-WATERSHEDS AREA COVERED RANK

Canili 11,902.85 1

Pacugao 5,952.70 2

Punglo 5,730.43 3

Diaat 4,180.63 4

Baubo 3,696.04 5

Cabualan 2,594.17 6

Dialatnan 1,787.19 7

Dicaan 1,611.14 8

Diaman 1,559.12 9

Bazal 1,109.10 10

Dianawan 972.74 11

Malupa 632.43 12

Wenceslao 533.00 13

Dimasalan 367.66 14

TOTAL 42,629.19

4.7 Community Mapping and Field Validation of Recommendations for the Allocation and Management of the Forests and Forest Lands

Community mapping and recommendations for the allocation of open access and proposed tenured holder allocation were validated in the field by the DENR and Municipal TWG and consulted to the stakeholders during stakeholder’s meeting.

Refining, revision and finalization of FFL allocation for FLUP was done.

4.8 Visioning, Drafting, and Revising the Final FLUP

Maria Aurora has an approved Forest Land Use Plan since 2006. However, said Plan was not fully implemented and need to be updated. Vision, mission, goals and objectives were revisited and discussed based on the result of series of workshops like prioritization of sub-watersheds and the present condition of forest and forest land of the municipality.

The initial drafting of the FLUP was followed with the presentation of outputs and formulation of the municipal vision, mission and proposed first and five-year plan.

Final draft was presented to the municipal TWG for revision and finalization

before the presentation to the MDC and SB.


10

4.9 Legitimization

The final draft of the plan was presented to the Municipal Development

Council (MDC) and Sangguniang Bayan for the passing of Resolution for the adoption of the said plan.

4.10 Endorsement and Approval of FLUP by the LCE and DENR

After review and consultation to all concerned community and municipal officials through a resolution and approved Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the Local Chief Executive (LCE) and DENR-CENRO Dingalan endorses the adopted Forest Land Use Plan to the DENR Regional Office for the implementation of programs and projects therein by the concerned agencies and sectors.

4.11 Preparation, Validation and Signing of MOA for Implementation

The prepared FLUP will be validated in the field through actual survey of the

area suited for reforestation, agro-forestry and other land use for implementation, allocation of budget and identification of appropriate tenurial instrument/MOA for management purposes.

The MENRO being the main actor of the LGU together with the DENR-

PENRO/CENRO will help hand on hand in setting the effective and efficient forestland management and protection based on the prioritize activities and sub-watershed.


11

CHAPTER V

MUNICIPAL PROFILE

5.1 Biophysical Profile

5.1.1Geographical Location

Maria Aurora is the only non-coastal municipality of the Province of Aurora and geographically located between East longitudes 121o 16’ 30” and 121o 32’00” and North latitudes 15o55’00” and 15o 40’ 00”. It is bounded by Municipalities of Baler and Dipaculao on the East, San Luis on the South, the Province of Nueva Ecija on the West and the Province of Nueva Vizcaya on the NorthWest.

The municipality of Maria Aurora comprises 40 barangays (Figure 1)

with a total land area of 42,629.19 hectares. Table 2 shows the list of barangays wherein Barangay Villa Aurora has the largest area of 6,674.15 hectares followed by Barangay Bayanihan with a land area of 6,110.33 hectares. The poblacion proper consisting of 4 barangays has a total area of 234.86 hectares. The smallest barangay is Barangay I, Poblacion with a total area of only 50.12 hectares.

Figure 1. Administrative Map


12

Table 2. Land Area by Barangay

Barangay No. of Sitios/Puroks Total Land Area (ha.)

Alcala 3 Puroks 214.81

Bagtu 3 Puroks 220.14

Bannawag 3 Puroks 293.18

Bangco 7 Puroks 422.15

Barangay I (Poblacion) 6 Puroks 50.12

Barangay II (Poblacion) 7 Puroks 80.08

Barangay III (Poblacion) 7 Puroks 60.04

Barangay IV (Poblacion) 7 Puroks 44.62

Baubo 3 Puroks 472.38

Bayanihan 7 Puroks 6,110.33

Bazal 7 Puroks 3,782.90

Cabituculan East 7 Puroks 89.27

Cabituculan West 3 Puroks 70.74

Debucao 6 Puroks 254.34

Decoliat 4 Sitios 1,300.19

Detailen 3 Puroks 248.25

Diaat 7 Puroks 679.82

Dialatnan 3 Puroks 1,116.64

Diaman 7 Puroks 567.14

Dianawan 6 Sitios and 7 Puroks 3,638.94

Dikildit 6 Puroks 1,690.43

Dimanpudso 6 Puroks 222.78

Diome 6 Puroks 254.36

Florida 6 Puroks 166.46

Galintuja 3 Sitios 3,134.21

Kadayakan 3 Sitios 1,316.79

Malasin 5 Puroks 149.02

Punglo 1 Sitio and 4 Puroks 4,816.52

Quirino 7 Puroks 294.48

Ramada 7 Puroks 171.92

San Joaquin 7 Puroks 514.49

San Jose 6 Puroks 239.55

San Juan 7 Puroks 369.74

San Leonardo 4 Puroks 345.26

Sta. Lucia 3 Puroks 131.93

Sto. Cristo 3 Puroks 229.27

Sto. Tomas 7 Puroks 512.83

Suguit 4 Sitios and 7 Puroks 946.72

Villa Aurora 7 Sitios and 4 Puroks 6,674.15

Wenceslao 1 Sitios and 7 Puroks 732.20

Total - 42,629.19


13

5.1.2 Topography

Slope

About 29.00% percent or 12,366.35hectares are levels to moderately sloping areas. 11,611.28hectares are sloping areas while 27.23% is steep to very steep areas at 18-30% and 0-8% slope category. Above 50% slope or severely steep areas has 78.13hectares or 0.18% percent of the total land area as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Slope Map


14

Table 3. Slope Category and Barangay(s) Covered

SLOPE TABLE Barangays

SLOPE AREA %

0-8 (moderately

sloping) 12,366.35 29.00

Brgy. I, II, III, IV (Poblacion), Alcala, Bagtu, Bangco, Baubo, Bazal, Bannawag, Cab. East & West, Diaat, Malasin, San Joaquin, Sta. Lucia, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Detailen, Quirino, Debucao, San Leonardo, San Jose, Wenceslao, Diome, Ramada, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, Dimanpudso, San Juan, Galintuja, Villa Aurora, Sto. Cristo and Florida

8-18 (sloping) 11,611.28 27.23

Sto. Cristo, Brgy. III, San Leonardo, Debucao, Dikildit, Diaman, Sto. Tomas, wenceslao, Baubo, Suguit, Punglo, Villa Aurora, Dialatnan, Galintuja, Decoliat, San Juan, Bazal, Bayanihan, Kadayacan, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Alcala

18-30 (steep) 13,067.74 30.65

Sto. Cristo, Brgy. III, San Leonardo, Debucao, Dikildit, Diaman, Sto. Tomas, wenceslao, Baubo, Suguit, Punglo, Villa Aurora, Dialatnan, Galintuja, Decoliat, San Juan, Bazal, Bayanihan, Kadayacan, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Alcala

30-50 (very steep) 5,790.52 13.58

Sto. Cristo, San Leonardo, Debucao, Dikildit, Diaman, Sto. Tomas, wenceslao, Baubo, Suguit, Punglo, Villa Aurora, Dialatnan, Galintuja, Decoliat, San Juan, Bazal, Bayanihan, Kadayacan, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Alcala

50 and above (severely steep)

78.13 0.18

Bazal, Villa Aurora, Diaat, Bayanihan, Sto. Tomas,


15

Table 3 shows the slope category and the respective barangays covered. Level to moderately sloping areas are generally in lowland barangays while Barangays of Bazal, Villa Aurora, Diaat, Bayanihan and Sto. Tomas are considered or within severely steep areas.

Elevation

Lowland barangays are located between 0-200 meters above sea level (masl) or 35.33 percent (15,062.78 hectares) of the total land area. Almost half of the total barangays belongs to elevation of 200-600 masl which comprise of 51% (21,759.54 hectares). Other areas within 600-800 masl and 800-1000 masl elevations are located within protected areas/watersheds while 209.05 hectares or 0.49% (above 1000masl) of the total land area can be found at Barangay Villa Aurora and Barangay Bazal.

Figure 3. Elevation Map


16

Table 4. Elevation Distribution by Barangay

ELEVATION AREA (ha.)

% Barangay

0-200 15,062.78 35.33

Brgy. I, II, III, IV (Poblacion), Alcala, Bagtu, Bangco, Baubo, Bazal, Bannawag, Cab. East & West, Diaat, Malasin, San Joaquin, Sta. Lucia, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Detailen, Quirino, Debucao, San Leonardo, San Jose, Wenceslao, Diome, Ramada, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, Dimanpudso, Galintuja, Sto. Cristo and Florida

200-400 12,422.68 29.14

Baubo, Bazal, Diaat, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Wenceslao, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, Galintuja, San Juan, Villa Aurora

400-600 9,336.86 21.90

Bazal, Diaat, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Wenceslao, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, Galintuja, San Juan, Villa Aurora

600-800 4,218.59 9.90 Bazal, Punglo, Bayanihan, Dianawan,

Decoliat, Galintuja, Villa Aurora

800-1000 1,379.23 3.24 Bazal, Bayanihan, Villa Aurora

1000 Above 209.05 0.49 Villa Aurora, Bazal

TOTAL 42,629.19 100.00


17

5.1.3 Climate

Based on PAGASA Corona’s Classification, 98.09% or 41,813.91 hectares of the total land area of the municipality shifted from Type III to Type II climatic type of weather condition where there is no dry season with a very pronounced maximum rain period from December to February. No single dry month and minimum monthly rainfall occurs during the period from March to May.

The rest of the area remains under Type III climatic type

classification covering the portions of Barangay San Juan, Villa Aurora, Punglo and Decoliat with a total land area of 815.28 hectares.

Figure 4. Climate Map


18

Table 5. Climatic Type based on Corona’s Classification

CLIMATIC TYPE LOCATION

CODE AREA

Type III 815.28 Portions of San Juan, Villa Aurora, Punglo, Decoliat

Type II 41,813.91 Entire Municipality

TOTAL 42,629.19

5.2 Land Resources

Land Classification

The total land area of Maria Aurora is 42,629.19 hectares classified as 27,620.04 hectares of forestland (FL) which is 64.79% of the total land area. Alienable and disposable (A&D) land is about 35.21% of the land area with an estimated area of 16,960.88 hectares (Figure 5).

Alienable and

Disposable 15,009.15 has

Forestland 27,620.04 has

Figure 5.Land Classification


19

Production and Protection Forest

As show in Figure 6 and based on Land Classification of the entire land area, 27,620.04 hectares are classified as Forest Land wherein 25,093.65 hectares or 91% are estimated to be Protection Forest. The remarkable area that occupies such classification type of forest is due to numerous proclaimed watershed/protected area that Maria Aurora has, while only 2,526.39 hectares are classified Production Forest.

Figure 6. Production and Protection Forest Map Tenure Instruments Issued in Forest and Forestland of Maria Aurora

At present, there are two (2) existing tenurial instruments issued as Community Based Forest Management Area (CBFMA) covering an area of 6,243.729 hectares. GADWEN Highlanders was awarded with 4,606.601 hectares covering forestlands of Barangays Dianawan, Wenceslao and Galintuja and 1,637.128 hectares to Kabakiran-Dipungsu covers Barangays Diaman, Punglo and Suguit and 1,070.14 hectares was identified as SIFMA however, all SIFMA holders were already cancelled by the DENR due to non-compliance on forest development as shown in Figure 7 and other data provided in Table 6.


20

Table 6. Tenurial Instruments Issued in Forest and Forestland of Maria Aurora

Figure 7. Tenure Map

Allocation As shown in Figure 8, out of the 27,620.04 hectares of forestlands, a total estimated area of 4,777.81 hectares are considered as Open Access or Unallocated Areas. This Plan proposes that 3,934.15 hectares be set aside a Protection Forest while the remaining 843.66 hectares as Production Forest.

TENURE HOLDERS

TENURE INSTRUMENT

ISSUED

AREA LOCATION DATE ISSUED

EXPIRY DATE

Kabakiran Dipungsu

CBFMA 1,637.13

Diaman, Punglo, Suguit

07/31/09 12/8/ 2022

GADWEN Highlanders

CBFMA 4,606.60 Galintuja, Dianawan, Wenceslao

09/29/09 12/8/ 2022

- SIFMA 1,070.14 Punglo, Decoliat

- -


21

Figure 8. Allocation Map

Reforestation A total of 2,994 hectares were identified and implemented with

National Greening Program since it was started last 2011. NGP was implemented both in Production and Protection Forest, depending on the nature or purpose of establishment. Some areas were established in Protection Forest as rehabilitation of the areas while other sites were selected and planted with high-value crops as agro-forestry areas. Figure 9 shows the established NGP sites in the municipality.


22

Figure 9. Reforestation Map

5.3 Vegetative Cover

2003 Land Cover Table 7 shows the status of forest cover for 2003 wherein 67.09%

or 28,600.89 hectares belongs to Open Forest, broadleaved type while Closed forest, broadleaved has 1,241.51 hectares, followed by cultivated land planted with annual crop with 5,214.37 hectares. The rest belongs to natural barren land, built-up areas, grassland and cultivated land planted with perennial crop. As shown in Figure 6, major areas of Maria Aurora belongs to Open forest, broadleaved type.


23

Table 7. Forest Cover Type by Land Classification, 2003

Figure 10. Land Cover, 2003

LAND COVER AREA (has) PERCENTAGE

Other land, cultivated, annual crop 5,214.37 12.23

Inland water 458.16 1.07

Other land, natural barren land 486.85 1.14

Other land, built-up area 175.81 0.41

Other land, cultivated, perennial crop 2,425.88 5.69

Other wooded land, wooded grassland 1,919.29 4.50

Closed forest, broadleaved 1,241.51 2.91

Open forest, broadleaved 28,600.89 67.09

Open forest, mixed 2,106.43 4.94

TOTAL 42,629.19 100.00


24

Figure 10 shows the 2003 Land Cover of Maria Aurora wherein open forest, broadleaved is the dominant type of land cover.

2010 Land Cover

In 2010 as shown in Table 8, about 3,272.15 hectares or 7.68% of

Maria Aurora’s total land area are classified as open forest; broadleaved while closed forest, broadleaved is estimated to 26,869.01 hectares or 63.03%. The rest are classified into mixed open forest, wooded grassland, closed forest, built-up areas and other uses. However, open forest, broadleaved was remarkably reduced into 3,272.15 hectares while about Sixty Three (63.03%) percent or 26,869.01 hectares of Maria Aurora is now covered by closed forest, broadleaved type. Maria Aurora is cultivating about 6,043.33 hectares of land for annual and perennial crops. The area devoted for built-up use is only 367.81 hectares or 0.86 percent of the total land area. Other areas are mostly covered by natural grassland, wooded grassland, inland water and a fraction of the total land area with natural barren land.

Table 8. Forest Cover Type by Land Classification, 2010

LAND COVER AREA (has) PERCENTAGE

Other land, cultivated, annual crop 3,767.57 8.84

Inland water 1,315.62 3.09

Other land, natural, grassland 289.19 0.68

Other land, natural barren land 33.11 0.08

Other land, built-up area 367.81 0.86

Other land, cultivated, perennial crop

2,275.76 5.34

Other wooded land, fallow 11.00 0.03

Other wooded land, wooded grassland

2,651.80 6.22

Other wooded land, shrubs 1,776.18 4.17

Closed forest, broadleaved 26,869.01 63.03

Open forest, broadleaved 3,272.15 7.68

TOTAL 42,629.19 100.00


25

Figure 11. Land Cover, 2010

Figure 11 shows the land cover status of Maria Aurora wherein it is

dominated by closed forest, broadleaved type. It is dominated by premium and dipterocarp species like narra, white lauan, apitong, palosapis bagtikan and guijo. Ferns, vines and shrubs dominate the forest floor. Open forest are usually logged over areas with secondary/residual trees growing.

Watershed

Maria Aurora lies within six (6) Bigger Watersheds namely: Casecnan River Water Forest Reserve, Pantabangan-Carangalan Water Forest Reserve, Pacugao River Water Forest Reserve, Diaat River Water Forest Reserve, Diteki River Water Forest Reserve, Bazal-Baubo River Water Forest Reserve. 71% or 4,044 hectares of the total area of Aurora Memorial National Park also within the jurisdiction of Maria Aurora and the remaining area is under the jurisdiction of Nueva Ecija. (Figure 12).


26

Figure 12. Bigger Watershed Map

Table 9. Proclaimed Watersheds NAME OF WATERSHED PROCLAMATION

NO. DATE

PROCLAIMED AREA

Pacugao River Water Forest Reserved

No.110 11/23/92 1,743.709

Diaat River Water Forest Reserved

No.309 05/24/94 2,760.445

Casecnan River Water Forest Reserved

No.278 08/11/87 253.547

Diteki River Watershed Forest Reserved

No.20 08/24/92 2,654.811

Aurora Memorial National Park (Aurora side)

No.744 1937 4,044.00

Bazal-Baubo River Watershed Forest Reserve

No.402 06/02/94 4,352.303

Pantabangan-Caranglan Watershed Forest Reserve

No.561 05/21/1969 1,674.373


27

Geohazard

The forestland areas of Maria Aurora are considered as landslide

prone particularly in Barangays of Villa Aurora, Canili, Bayanihan, Bazal, Punglo, Dialatnan, Dianawan and Decoliat or those barangays that within elevation of 400 masl to 1000 masl and above and a slope ranging from 30% to 50% above. Lowland areas particularly near rivers and creeks however, are prone to flooding.

F

Figure 13. Geohazard Landslide Map

As shown in Table 10, more than 50% of the municipality’s total area

belongs to very highly and highly susceptible to landslide. Twenty six and 40/100 (26.44%) percent of the total area or 11,270.47 hectares are very highly susceptible to landslide and twenty seven and 18/100 (27.22%) percent or 11,604.55 hectares are highly susceptible to landslide.

Three thousand six hundred forty three and 53/100 3,643.50 hectares of

land belongs to very low susceptibility to landslide areas where Barangay’s I to IV or the poblacion proper belongs to.


28

The rest of the area representing 6,773.14 and 3,643.50 hectares covers moderately susceptible and low susceptible to landslide Geohazard Susceptibility.

Table 10.Geohazard Susceptibility in the Municipality of Maria Aurora

DESCRIPTION Area (has.)

% Barangay

Very high susceptibility to

landslide 11,270.47 26.44

Baubo, Bazal, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Debucao, San Leonardo, Wenceslao, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, San Juan, Galintuja, Villa Aurora

High susceptibility to landslide

11,604.55 27.22

Baubo, Bazal, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Debucao, Wenceslao, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, San Juan, Galintuja, Villa Aurora, Alcala, Sto. Cristo

Moderate susceptibility to

landslide 6,773.14 15.89

Baubo, Bazal, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Debucao, Wenceslao, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, San Juan, Galintuja, Villa Aurora, Sto. Cristo, Brgy. III, Malasin, San Leonardo

Low susceptibility to landslide

3,643.50 8.55

Baubo, Bazal, Bannawag, San Joaquin, Kadayacan, Diaman, Punglo, Suguit, Dialatnan, Dikildit, Debucao, Wenceslao, Sto. Tomas, Bayanihan, Dianawan, Decoliat, San Juan, Galintuja, Villa Aurora, Malasin, San Leonardo


29

5.4 Socio-economic and Cultural Profile Political Subdivisions

Maria Aurora is subdivided into forty (40) barangays with twenty six (26) lowland barangays and fourteen (14) upland barangays. The upland barangays are those which majorities of the areas are within forestland.

Demography

The population over area density of the municipality as of 2014 is just about one (1) person per hectares of land. Upland areas which comprises 14 barangays covers 34,382.33 hectares of land with a population of 12,589 while lowland areas comprises 26 barangays covering 8,246.86 hectares of land inhabited by 29,284 people.

With a total population of 2,715 in an area of just 44.62 hectares

Barangay IV, is the mostly densely populated barangay at 61 person/hectares followed by Barangay II at 2,132 person over 80.08 hectares of land or 27person/hectares and Barangay I with 1,199 person at 50.12 hectares and Barangay 3 at 1,036 person at 60.04 hectares of land all of which located in the poblacion.

From 2010 to 2014, the municipality increased its total population

by 5,103. Barangay Kadayacan increased mostly with 456 from 2010 to 2014 (Table 11).

Table 11. Population in Upland and Lowland Barangays

Brgy. No. of HH Population Total Area Density (Person/hectare)

UPLAND 2010 2014 2010 2014

Bayanihan 1325 1395 1202 1,484 6,110.33 0

Bazal 1274 1341 1118 1,406 3,782.90 0

Decoliat 457 481 487 482 1,300.19 0

Diaat 1460 1537 1292 1,592 679.82 2

Dialatnan 183 193 170 173 1,116.64 0

Diaman 239 252 216 261 567.14 0

Dianawan 1111 1169 968 1,299 3,638.94 0

Galintuja 598 629 760 883 3,134.21 0

Punglo 543 572 398 382 4,816.52 0

San Juan 891 938 836 833 369.74 2

Sto. Tomas 684 720 640 763 512.83 1


30

Suguit 564 594 514 608 946.72 1

Villa Aurora 751 791 796 888 6,674.15 0

Wenceslao 1266 1333 1353 1,535 732.2 2

LOWLAND

Alcala 521 548 1080 574 214.81 3

Bagtu 748 787 696 843 220.14 4

Bangco 636 669 624 663 422.15 2

Bannawag 492 518 456 568 293.18 2

Baubo 634 667 613 751 472.38 2

Brgy. I 1260 1326 1181 1,199 50.12 24

Brgy. II 1874 1973 1901 2,132 80.08 27

Brgy. III 873 919 766 1,036 60.04 17

Brgy. IV 2465 2595 2415 2,715 44.62 61

Cab. East 664 699 632 724 70.74 10

Cab. West 493 519 448 536 89.27 6

Debucao 1293 1361 1236 1,527 254.34 6

Detailen 793 835 768 830 248.25 3

Dikildit 908 956 888 1,043 1,690.43 1

Dimanpudso 1296 1364 1183 1,280 222.78 6

Diome 760 800 729 922 254.36 4

Florida 1635 1721 1561 1,775 166.46 11

Kadayacan 1261 1327 1091 1,547 1,316.79 1

Malasin 539 624 629 635 149.02 4

Quirino 1584 1667 1533 1,685 294.48 6

Ramada 1134 1194 1086 1,174 171.92 7

San Joaquin 1634 1720 1410 1,554 514.49 3

San Jose 1460 1537 1508 1,593 239.55 7

San Leonardo

475 500 420 511 345.26 1

Sta. Lucia 541 569 475 605 131.93 5

Sto. Cristo 530 619 691 862 229.27 4

TOTAL 41,873 42,629.19

Source: CBMS, 2010

a. Population in Lowland and Upland Barangay

The most populated barangays are Florida and Quirino with 3,336 and 3,218 respectively, both in lowland barangays. The least populated in upland is Barangay Dialatnan with only 343 inhabitants.

Current upland population is 12,589 representing 31.09% of the

total population of the municipality. Upland population increased by 1839` people and a huge increase was observed in Barangay Diaat with an increase of 1,592 from population of about 331 persons


31

posted in 2014. The average upland population density is zero (2), however, out of the fourteen upland barangays. Wenceslao has the highest population density equivalent to 2.

b. Average Annual Growth Rate

Based on 2010 and 2014 population census, Maria Aurora has a

decreasing annual growth rate of 0.878. This is a good indicator that the place is not populated and only a few resources are being spent. As for the years to come, it must also be noted that the population might reach its carrying capacity.

In terms of annual growth rate based on 2010 and 2014

population, upland barangays have a positive growth rate of 0.8533 while lowland barangays have also positive growth rate of 0.888. The indicated growth rate in upland population shows a possibility of migration to upland area.

Table 12. Causes of Upland Migration

Barangay Population Causes of Migration

2010 2014

UPLAND

Bayanihan 1202 1,484 Farming, source of livelihood

Bazal 1118 1,406 Farming, source of livelihood

Decoliat 487 482 Farming, source of livelihood

Diaat 1292 1,592 Farming, source of livelihood

Dialatnan 170 173 Farming, source of livelihood

Diaman 216 261 Farming, source of livelihood

Dianawan 968 1,299 Farming, source of livelihood

Galintuja 760 883 Farming, source of livelihood

Punglo 398 382 Farming, source of livelihood

San Juan 836 833 Farming, source of livelihood

Sto. Tomas 640 763 Farming, source of livelihood

Suguit 514 608 Farming, source of livelihood

Villa Aurora 796 888 Farming, source of livelihood

Wenceslao 1353 1,535 Farming, source of livelihood

SUB-TOTAL 10,750 12,589

LOWLAND 26,020 29,284

TOTAL 36,770 41,873

Farming and source of livelihood are the main causes of in-

migration as shown in Table 12. However, there is no available data pertaining to actual number of person migrated to the municipality coming from other places as of 2014.


32

Table 13. Population Projection Estimate

The population of Maria Aurora for the planning period, 2009-2019,

was projected using the mathematical method based on the geometric annual growth rate of 0.52% from the 2000-2007 census years.

Name of

Barangay

Population (NSO 2009)

2010 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Rural Barangays

Alcala 450 521 548 555 563 570 577 585

Bagtu 714 748 787 798 808 818 829 839

Bangco 618 636 669 678 687 696 705 714

Bannawag 450 492 518 525 531 538 545 552

Baubo 612 634 667 676 685 694 702 712

Bayanihan 1,301 1,325 1,395 1,413 1,431 1,449 1,468 1,487

Bazal 1,215 1,274 1,341 1,358 1,376 1,394 1,412 1,430

Cab. East 644 664 699 708 717 726 736 745

Cab. West 470 493 519 526 532 539 546 553

Debucao 1,260 1,293 1,361 1,379 1,396 1,414 1,433 1,451

Decoliat 429 457 481 487 494 500 506 513

Detailen 759 793 835 845 856 867 879 890

Diaat 1,440 1,460 1,537 1,557 1,577 1,597 1,618 1,639

Dialatnan 160 183 193 195 198 200 203 205

Diaman 215 239 252 255 258 261 265 268

Dianawan 1,080 1,111 1,169 1,185 1,200 1,215 1,231 1,247

Dikildit 886 908 956 968 981 993 1,006 1,019

Diome 750 760 800 810 821 831 842 853

Estonilo 725 755 795 805 815 826 837 847

Galintuja 570 598 629 638 646 654 663 671

Kadayacan 1,229 1,261 1,327 1,344 1,362 1,379 1,397 1,415

Malasin 571 593 624 632 640 649 657 666

Punglo 520 543 572 579 586 594 602 609

Ramada 1,110 1,134 1,194 1,209 1,225 1,240 1,256 1,273

San Juan 889 891 938 950 962 975 987 1,000

San Leonardo 452 475 500 506 513 520 526 533

Sta. Lucia 521 541 569 577 584 592 599 607

Sto. Tomas 659 684 720 729 739 748 758 768

Suguit 541 564 594 601 609 617 625 633

Villa Aurora 727 751 791 801 811 821 832 843

Wenceslao 1,241 1,266 1,333 1,350 1,367 1,385 1,403 1,421

SUB-TOTAL 23,208 24,047 25,312 25,639 25,970 26,302 26,645 26,98

8

TOTAL 36,974 38,128 40,135 40,652 41,179 41,704 42,246 42,79

1


33

Apparently, the population of Maria Aurora will reach 42,791 by year 2019 or at the end of the planning period. This signifies a total increase of 8,125 from the 34,666 population in 2007 or an average annual increase of 545 persons. The urban area (Brgy. Poblacion) is projected to increase its population to 16,849 while the rest of the barangays will have a total of 28,773populations by 2019. (See Table 13- Population Projection and Estimate)

The projected population will provide the most basic consideration in planning for the socio-economic, infrastructure and other development needs of the population and in determining the spatial growth of the town within the planning period.

c. Literacy

Table 14. Literacy of Population Five Years Old and Over, 2010

INDICATOR

MALE FEMALE BOTH SEX

NO. RATE

% NO.

RATE %

NO. RATE

%

Literate 16,935 98 15,880 98 32,815 98

Illiterate 365 2 374 2 739 2

Total (Population

> 5yrs) 17,300 16,254 33,554

Source: CBMS 2010

The literacy level in the municipality for year 2010 is 98%. This means that of its 33,554 population within the ages 5 years and above, there were 32,815 literates and 739 (2%) illiterates. (Table 14)


34

Table 15. By Highest Grade Completed, 2010 Source: CBMS 2010

In terms of highest grade completed of its population ages 5 years old and above, a sizable 12,326 or 37% have completed the elementary grade level. A total of 5,556 or about 17% completed the secondary level while only 133 or 0% are academic degree holders. There were more male (1085) than female (1081) college under graduates.It is likewise significant to note that a total of 8,944 population or 30.65% have not completed any grade/level of schooling at all. (See Table 15)

d. Population by Mother Tongue

Table 16. Population by Mother Tongue

MOTHER TONGUE NO. OF

HOUSEHOLD % OF TOTAL

HOUSEHOLDS

Ilocano 20,669 56.22

Pangasinan 93 0.25

Bikolano 443 1.20

Bisaya/Waray 398 1.08

Cebuano 22 0.05

Tagalog 11,209 30.49

Other Dialects 3,936 10.71

Total 36,770 100

The major dialect in Maria Aurora is Ilocano. In 2000, about 56.22% of its populace has Ilocano as their mother tongue. The Ilocano-speaking population has gradually given in to speaking other major tongues on account of constant immigration. Other dialects that have found their way in the municipality are Tagalog

HIGHEST GRADE

COMPLETED

MALE FEMALE BOTH SEXES

NO. % NO. % NO. %

Pre-School 2,238 13 2,173 13 4411 13

Elementary 6,540 38 5,786 35 12326 37

1st - 4th Grade 3,022 18 2,649 16 5671 17

5th - 7th Grade 3,518 20 3,137 19 6655 20

High School 6,045 35 5,693 35 11738 35

Undergraduate 3,239 19 2,943 18 6182 18

Graduate 2,806 16 2,750 17 5556 17

Post-Secondary 5,36 3 431 3 967 3

Undergraduate 332 2 264 2 596 2

Graduate 204 1 167 1 371 1

College 1,851 11 2,157 13 4008 12

Undergraduate 1,085 6 1,081 7 2166 6

Graduate 766 4 1,076 7 1842 5

Academic Degree 47 0 86 1 133 0

TOTAL 17,257 16,326 33,583


35

which is considered as their second mother tongue, Pangasinan, Bicolano, Bisaya/Waray, Cebuano, and other dialects. (See Table 16) e. Religious Affiliation Table 17.Population by Religious Affiliation, 2010

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

NO. OF MEMBERS

% OF TOTAL POPULATION

Roman Catholic 25,977 70.65%

Iglesia ni Cristo 1,959 5.34%

Protestant 2,154 5.87%

Aglipay 15 0.01%

Islam 29 0.08%

Other 6,636 18.05%

Total 36770 100%

Source :CBMS_Survey 2010 Of the total 36,770 total population in 2010, majority are affiliated with Roman Catholic with 25,977 or 70.65 percent, followed by other religious affiliations with 6,636 or 18.05 percent and by Protestant and Iglesia ni Cristo with 5.87 percent and 5.34 percent, respectively (Table 17) f. Household Population 15 Years Old and Over by Employment Status

About 22,119 or 60.15 percent of the total household population 15-64 years old are in the labor force. The employed populations constitute about 57.14 percent or 12,640; while 42.86 percent or 9,479 are unemployed. However, statistics showed that the employed are temporary, permanent or occasional employment status.

The data on labor force revealed that there is insufficient job opportunities in

the locality, thus, additional employment for the maximum utilization of the labor force is essential.

g. Institutional profile

Table 18 shows different institutions and stakeholders and their respective stakes, activities and undertakings in the forest and forest land.


36

Table 18. Different Institutions and Stakeholders

STAKEHOLDERS NAME STAKE IN THE FOREST

Furniture makers Source of raw materials (wood and other minor forest products)

Upland farmers Land, resources

Irrigators Association Water availability and quality

Indigenous Peoples Land claims, resources

Academe Research and extension

PAMB Protection and management

Peoples Organization Development/utilization of resources

Quarry operators/ permittee Utilization of resources

DPWH Infrastructures development

DENR, LGUs, other agencies

Co-management

While there are institutions and stakeholders engaged in protecting and managing the forest and forest land, there are also institutions and stakeholders who are connected in activities that needs to utilize the forest and forest land of the municipality.

Farmers and irrigators need land and water availability for cultivation

and farming. Furniture makers on the other side needs wood, bamboo, rattan and other raw materials for their livelihood.

There are also government and non-government organizations who are advocating for protection and management of forest and forest land.


37

5.49

1.95

10.6

32.79

8.74

1.843.360.76

1.52

0.85

0

11.65

20.04

0.4

Figure 14. Distribution of Forestland

Baubo Bazal Cabualan Canili Diaat Dialatnan Diaman

Dianawan Dicaan Dimasalan Malupa Pacugao Punglo Wenceslao

CHAPTER VI

Conditions of Forests and Forestlands Assets

6.1 Forestlands

Distribution of Forestland

Maria Aurora has a total forestland area of 27,620.04 hectares or 64.79% of the total land area. The forestland is subdivided to fourteen (14) sub-watersheds, namely: Baubo, Bazal, Cabualan, Canili, Diaat, Dialatnan, Diaman, Dianawan, Dicaan, Dimasalan, Malupa, Pacugao, Punglo and Wenceslao.

As shown in Figure 14, Canili and Punglo sub-watersheds vastly occupy

32.79% and 20.04% of the forestland areas of Maria Aurora. The twelve remaining subwatersheds namely: Baubo, Bazal, Cabualan, Diaat, Dialatnan, Diaman, Dianawaan, Dicaan, Dimasalan, Malupa, Pacugao, and Wenceslao aggregately occupy 47.16% of forestland area.


38

Table 19. Distribution of Forestland per Sub-watershed

NAME OF SUB-WATERSHED

BARANGAY COVERED

AREA COVERED

A & D COVERED

(has)

FOREST LAND

COVERED (has)

% OF FOREST

LAND

Baubo

Baubo, Sto. Tomas, Wenceslao, Diaman,

Diome, Quirino, Debucao, San

Leonardo, Bagtu, Detailen

2,185.95 769.64 1,416.31 5.13

Bazal Bazal, Diaat,

Malasin, Baubo, Sto. Cristo

753.43 265.27 488.16 1.77

Cabualan Bayanihan, Bazal, Baubo, Galintuja

4,106.39 1445.80 2,660.59 9.63

Canili Galintuja, San Juan, Decoliat, Diaman,

Punglo, Villa Aurora 14,505.63 5,107.23 9,398.40 34.03

Diaat

Diaat, Bayanihan, San Joaquin,

Malasin, Brgy. I, II, IV, Sto. Cristo, San

Jose, San Leonardo, Sta. Lucia, Ramada,

Bangco, Bagtu, Bazal

3,386.75 1,192.43 2,194.32 7.9

Dialatnan Suguit, Dikildit,

Dialatnan 713.98 251.38 462.60 1.67

Diaman Diaman, Suguit,

Dikildit, Punglo, Villa Aurora

1,301.66 458.30 843.36 3.05

Dianawan Dianawan, Punglo 1,175.28 413.80 761.48 2.76

Dicaan Dikildit, Diaman,

Debucao, Quirino, Detailen, Suguit

587.58 206.88 380.70 1.38

Dimasalan Dianawan, Punglo 586.60 206.53 380.07 1.38

Malupa Wenceslao, Diaman,

Debucao, Quirino 30.25 10.65 19.60 0.07

Pacugao

Florida, Dimanpudso, Brgy. I, III, IV, Bayanihan,

Kadayacan, San Joaquin, Bannawag, Alcala, Cab. East &

West, Bangco

4,511.34 1,588.38 2,922.96 10.58

Punglo Punglo, Villa Aurora 8,106.96 2854.35 5,252.61 19.02

Wenceslao Wenceslao, Dianawan

677.40 238.50 438.90 1.59

TOTAL 42,629.19 15,009.15 27,620.04 100

Forest Cover

Considering that Maria Aurora is one of the municipality that has logging concessionaires in the 80s, not only holders of Timber License Agreements (TLAs) but also with Private Land Timber Permits (PLTPs) and other cutting permits and/or agreements, the diversity and condition of the


39

forest had greatly affected by numerous logging operations. As shown in

Table 20, there is a 95.38 increase in area on closed forest, broadleaved for 2010 as compared to 2003 while Maria Aurora experienced a decline on area of open forest, broadleaved. This may be due to the influx of upland farmers to residual forest for farming and the increasing demand for wood and other forest product.

Table 20. Forest Cover of Maria Aurora, 2003 and 2010

Forest Cover Type Forest Land (has)

Forest Land Increase/ decrease

Annual rate loss/growth

2003 2010 hectares % hectares %

Other land, cultivated, annual crop

5,214.37 3,767.57 (1,446.80) (38.40) (482.27) (12.80)

Inland water 458.16 1,315.62 857.46 65.18 285.82 21.73

Other land, natural, grassland

289.19 289.19 100.00 96.40 33.33

Other land, natural barren land

486.85 33.11 (453.74) (1,370.40) (151.25) (456.80)

Other land, built-up area

175.82 367.81 191.99 52.20 64.00 17.40

Other land, cultivated, perennial crop

2,425.88 2,275.76 (150.12) (6.60) (50.04) (2.20)

Other wooded land, fallow

11.00 11.00 100.00 3.67 33.33

Other wooded land, wooded grassland

1,919.29 2,651.80 732.51 27.62 244.17 9.21

Other wooded land, shrubs

1,776.18 1,776.18 100.00 592.06 33.33

Closed forest, broadleaved

1,241.51 26,869.01 25,627.50 95.38 8,542.50 31.79

Open forest, broadleaved

28,600.89 3,272.15 (25,328.74) (774.07) (8,442.91) (258.02)

Open forest, mixed 2,106.43 - 2,106.43 - 702.14 -

TOTAL 42,629.19 42,629.19


40

6.2 Natural forests

The natural forest serves as the watershed area of the municipality of Maria Aurora that supplies water for domestic and irrigation purposes. It also acts as natural habitat for wildlife species thriving in the forest. However, this important FFL asset is confronted with threats such as timber poaching, charcoal making, illegal hunting, kaingin, forest/grassfire and squatting.

6.3 Plantations

Forest plantations are established forest area with the intervention of human. Identified area of forest plantation in 2003 statistics is within the DENR Tenured Area specifically in Community Based Forest Management Area of Canili- Wenceslao Upland Multi-purpose Cooperative with an estimated area of 258 hectares. While in 2010 statistics, the identified plantations are the DENR Reforestation Projects from 2004 to 2007.

Other plantation areas established were individual upland and lowland

farmers, areas reforested by group of individuals, associations and private organizations.

Past programs like Upland Development Program (UDP), Contract

Reforestation, Integrated Social Forestry and others were also established plantations.

6.4 Grasslands and Brushlands

Grasslands and brushlands of the forest land of Maria Aurora has a total area of approximately 289 hectares. The vegetative cover of the grassland is dominated by cogon grass and boho (species of bamboo) of which some barangay folks gathered and collect for commercial purposes. Boho is being used for the manufacture of barbecue sticks and cogon as roofing material for huts and native cottages.

The 289 hectares open grasslands and brushlands should also be rehabilitated/ reforested thru the implementation of the National Greening Program of the government to further enhance the ecological stability and diversities of the area.

6.5 Cultivated Lands

Cultivated lands within forestland are areas planted with annual crops and root crops like corn, potatoes, Baguio beans, string beans, pipino , rainfed palay and others. In 2010, 3,767.57 hectares of forestlands are cultivated land planted with annual crops. Cultivated forest lands in Maria Aurora usually concentrated in upland barangays of Canili area where Igorot tribe dwells.


41

6.6 Water Bodies and Water Production Areas

Rivers and Creeks

There are fourteen (14) main rivers and creeks namely, Baubo, Bazal, Cabualan, Canili, Diaat, Dialatnan, Diaman, Dianawan, Dicaan, Dimasalan, Malupa, Pacugao, Punglo, and Wenceslao that serve as tributaries of the sub-watersheds with an estimated total length of 139.6 kilometers. The longest stream is within Pacugao sub-watershed with an estimated length of 21.5 km.

Maria Aurora forestlands are rich in water resources. There are

several small creeks and streams draining from the forest areas that have been used for household consumption, irrigation, agricultural and recreational purposes.

Rivers and creeks within the sub-watershed areas as shown in Table 21 are mostly used for irrigation, potable water, fishing, tourism and other domestic uses.

Table 21. Rivers and Creeks per Sub-watershed and their Uses

SUBWATERSHED RIVERS/CREEKS STREAM LENGTH

USES

Baubo Baubo River 10.90 Irrigation, fishing

Bazal

Bazal River 10.00

Irrigation, fishing, tourism, domestic

use

Cabualan Cabualan River 7.20 Irrigation, fishing,

tourism

Canili Cabatangan River 18.20


use

Diaat Diaat River 20.2

Irrigation, fishing, domestic use

Dialatnan

Malupa River 3.00

Irrigation, fishing,

domestic use

Diaman Diaman River 11.10


Dianawan

Magdenden Creek

5.00 Irrigation, fishing

Dicaan Dicaan River 10.06 Irrigation, fishing


42

Dimasalan

Malupa River 4.40


Malupa

Malupa River 4.40


Pacugao

Pacugao River 21.5


use

Punglo

Dipawan River 10.70


Wenceslao Dimanglat Creek 2.40 Irrigation, fishing,

domestic use

139.06

6.7 Biodiversity Resources

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is one of the indicators on the state of forest. It also signifies the richness and diversity of interacting lives in a forest ecosystem. Based on the observation during the field validation the area is still diverse and rich in various species Flora and Fauna

Table 22 and Table 23 shows the threatened flora and fauna in

Maria Aurora based on biodiversity assessment conducted.

Table 22. Threatened Flora Species based on Biodiversity Assessment Common Name Scientific Name Family Conservation

Status

Almaciga Agathis philippinensis Araucariaceae Vulnerable

Amugis Koordersiodendron pinnatum Araucariaceae Vulnerable

Apo Oak Lithocarpus apoencis Fagaceae Vulnerable

Bolong-eta Diospyros pilosanthera Ebenaceae Endangered

Dao Dracontomelon dao Araucariaceae Vulnerable

Hairy leaf Apitong Dipterocarpus philippinensis Dipterocarpaceae Endangered

Ipil Intsia bijuga Leguminosae Endangered

Kamagong/Mabolo Diospyros blancoi(A Dc) Ebenaceae Critically Endangered

Lamio Dracontomelon edule Araucariaceae Vulnerable

Makaasim Syzygium nitidum (Benth) Myrtaceae Critically Endangered

Malabayabas Tristaniopsis decorticata Myrtaceae Critically Endangered

Molave/Molawin Vitex parviflora Verbenaceae Endangered

Narra Prickly Pterocarpus indicus (Forma Leguminosae Critically


43

echinatus) Endangered

Pahutan Mangifera altissima Araucariaceae Vulnerable

Pakak Arthocarpus treculianus Moraceae Vulnerable

Philippine Teak Tectona philippinensis Verbenaceae Critically Endangered

Red lauan Shorea negrosensis Dipterocarpaceae Vulnerable

Supa Sindora supa Leguminosae Endangered

Tangile Shoreapoly sperma Dipterocarpaceae Vulnerable

Tindalo Afzelia rhomboidea Leguminosae Endangered

Tree Fern Cyatheamic rochlamya Cyatheceae Critically Endangered

Tree Fern Cyathea acuminata Cyatheceae Endangered

White Lauan Shorea contorta Dipterocarpaceae Vulnerable

Yakal Shoreaastylosa (Foxw) Dipterocarpaceae Critically Endangered

Table 23. List of Threatened Wildlife Species in Maria Aurora

Common Name Scientific Name Order Conservation

Status

Kalaw AgrosWaldeni Critically Endangered

Luzon bleeding heart

Gallicolumbaluzonica Critically Endangered

Philippine warty pig

Sus philippinensis Artiodactyla Vulnerable

Blue-capped kingfisher

Actenoidoshombroni Coraciiformes Vulnerable

Kuwago Bubo philippinensis Strigiformes Vulnerable

Pugo Turnixworcesteri Charadriiformes Vulnerable

Usa Rusa marina Artiodactyla Vulnerable

Giant golden crowned flying fox

Acerodonjubatus Chiroptera Endangered

Polilo forest frog

Platymantisspelaeus Anura Endangered

Analysis

The change on status of forest cover type in forestlands of Maria

Aurora affects the presence of existing flora and fauna in forestland. The decline in forest cover indicates significant threat to biodiversity and the species therein.

Growing population of the adjacent lowland barangays and upland

barangays threaten the protection of the forest resources in the forest area of Maria Aurora particularly in open access areas. Human activities adversely affect the health and condition of the forestland.


44

6.8 Sand and Gravel Resources

Sand and Gravel along rivers and creeks washed from the mountain

areas of Maria Aurora down to Dikildit-Villa Aurora River are potential resources that have economic value. However, the sand and gravel accumulated in the river system of Maria Aurora caused siltation and eventually flooding in low lying communities near the riverbanks. Regulated extraction of sand and gravel could address siltation of river system and add revenue to the locality.

6.9 Nature-based Tourism Assets

The identified nature-based tourism areas are potential eco-tourisms area in Maria Aurora. Table 24 enumerated potential eco-tourism sites in Maria Aurora per sub-watershed also shown in Figure 14.

Historical landmarks are also considered as potential eco-tourism area. The important historical landmarks in Maria Aurora are the Bathing Place of Quezon and Death Place of Maria Aurora both located in boundary of Maria Aurora and Nueva Ecija.

Figure 15. Tourism Map


45

Table 24.List of Potential Eco-Tourism Sites

Sub-Watershed Barangay/Eco-Tourism Site

Pacugao Bayanihan (mountain trek, eco-tourism site, pacugao falls/kelensekagi), Kadayacan (hot spring), Alcala(hotspring, spring), Dimanpudso (2 picnic area, quarry site,NIA dam), Barangay III (view deck, forest park), Florida (spring), Bangco (diversion dam, spring, picnic site,), Cabituculan East (mini dam, picnic site)

Diaat San Jose (fish culture site ,picnic area, picnic area), Ramada (spring,old swimming pool,2 SWIP), Bagtu, 2 SWIP), Diaat- Mamonce Falls

Baubo Detailen (picnic area, spring, mini dam, agromet weather station), Quirino (Balete Park), Sta. Lucia (spring),Wenceslao (Dicagum Falls), Wenceslao (balete, view deck)

Bazal Bazal (prayer mountain), NIA (picnic site)

Cabualan Bazal (Mt.Udok, bazal falls, kampovirgie)

Canili Galintuja (la fortuna falls, aurora trans basin dam, dimasalan falls, dimotol falls), Decoliat (dimalngin falls), Villa Aurora (welcome arc, tagpo falls, ubot falls)

Punglo Punglo (punglo falls)

Diaman Suguit (suguit falls, Ditapalyen falls)

Dicaan Dikildit (2 picnic ground)


46

CHAPTER VII

Key Stakeholders

7.0 Water Users

Farmers in lowland barangays are the main beneficiaries of water flowing in the watershed. It has been used by 3,000 farmers for irrigation and agricultural purposes. Also, it has been used for recreation and other domestic purposes by various households both in lowland and upland barangays.

7.1 Upland Farmers

Forestland of Maria Aurora, just like any other forestland areas in the Philippines, became an option for farmers to till and cultivate as agricultural land which is one of the cause of migration in upland areas.

With the issuance of CBFMA under Executive Order 263 as a strategy for

sustainable development in upland area, farmers became steward and partners in management and protection of forestland areas. Maria Aurora has two (2) CBFM areas awarded to people’s organization, namely; Kabakiran Dipungsu and Gadwen Highlanders.

7.2 Investors

Currently, there is no investor for eco-tourism project in Maria Aurora but the LGU is looking forward for potential/possible investors. Public-private partnership could be adopted strategy in the future development of potential nature tourism areas.

Investors and business companies with interest in the Forestland could be a

construction company, a tourism developer, biodiversity conservation advocates, forest based industries and other stakeholders with social responsibilities.

7.3 NGOs

There are numerous non-government organizations participate in the environmental advocacy of the LGU and DENR namely: Organization for Industrial Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA), Maria Aurora For Christ and Green Society. The said NGOs promote advocacy on environmental protection, conducted tree planting and seminars on ecological waste management.


47

7.4 LGU

The Local Government of Maria Aurora is an active partner of DENR in the implementation of National Greening Program (NGP). Other activities undertaken by the LGU is as follows:

1. Implementation of National Greening Program (NGP) through the

Bottom Up Budgeting (BUB) with partnership with CBFM PO

2. Establishment of municipal forest nursery and distribution of forest tree seedlings to individual farmers / lot owners both in upland and lowland community

3. Establishment of 50 hectares communal forest at Brgy. Diaman.

4. Establishment of 50 hectares fruit tree plantation at Brgy. Dianawan.

7.5 Forest-based Industries

In terms of forest-based industries like wood furniture and sash factories, Maria Aurora has 35 registered/unregistered sash factories/ furniture shops/antique shops while other stakeholders like basket weavers are commonly concentrated in their locality / barangay Most of the raw materials like timber and rattan are source out from the forestlands of Maria Aurora. Despite with the issuance of Executive Order No. 23, most of these shops uses common hardwoods as their wood materials. Below is the list of furniture shops operating with or without business permits as of 2013.

Business Name Location

1. Julli-Ann Furniture & Sash Factory Brgy. 4 2. Xtreme Furniture Makers Brgy. 4 3. MDG Furniture Shop Brgy. 2 4. Manel Sash Furniture Shop Brgy. 2 5. Fersie Furniture Shop Brgy. 2 6. Arshylle Antiques Roots and Brgy.Dianawan Handicrafts 7. Manacpo’s Furniture Shop Brgy. 4 8. Ricardo Apilado Brgy. Florida 9. Erwin Antiques & Furniture Shop Brgy.San Joaquin 10. 4H Handicrafts Brgy. Dianawan 11. Brotherhood Furniture Brgy. 4 12. Jemarie Creative Antiques &Woodcrafts Brgy. Decoliat 13. Gumuwang Antiques & Handicrafts Brgy. Decoliat 14. Jerry Castro Brgy. Alcala 15. Rodrigo Abrero, Jr. Brgy. Alcala 16. Alejandro M. San Juan Brgy. 2 17. Lito Mariano Brgy. 4 18. Ador De Guzman Brgy. 4 19. Abad Mariano Brgy. 4


48

20. Benjie D. Mariano Brgy. 2 21. Reynaldo Parrocha Brgy. 4 22. Bartolome Julian Brgy. 4 23. Angelito Argallion Brgy. 4 24. Orlando Apalla Brgy. 2 25. Aufrocinio Abuan Brgy. 2 26. Violeta Ayson Brgy. 2 27. Edgardo Reyes Brgy. 2 28. Editha Emperador Brgy. Dimanpudso 29. Ruben Roque Brgy. Dimanpudso 30. Ronaldo Virgo Brgy. 3 31. Romy Leones Brgy. Detailen 32. Henry Angayon Brgy. Dianawan 33. Angelo Antiques (Roland Cabbigat) Brgy. Galintuja 34. Esmeraldo Catipon Brgy. Dianawan 35. Reymundo Catipon Brgy. Dianawan

7.6 DENR

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its

field offices – PENRO and CENROS implement the plans and programs of the agency as mandated by the Executive Order 192.

One of the main advocacies of the agency is to reforest the denuded and

degraded forestland areas in the country through the National Greening Program. This program aims to uplift economic condition and environmental health particularly in the upland communities with an effect to offsite communities. It helps support Climate Change, Biodiversity Conservation and Poverty Alleviation in the Upland Communities.

7.7PAMB

The Aurora Memorial National Park (AMNP) has established governing body called the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB). The PAMB manage the said protected area (PA) with the support of its Protected Area Superintendent (PASu). Activities and development within the PA must secure clearance to the PAMB.


49

CHAPTER VIII

Institutional Assessment

The key actors in the implementation of the environmental and forestland management plan were assessed based on the manpower component, organizational framework, budget allocation, equipment, plans and programs in managing the country’s natural resources.

DENR and LGU are considered as the key actors in the management of forest and forestland. The partnership of the two agencies was strengthen with the provision of DENR-DILG Joint Memorandum Circulars (98-01 and 2003-01). The said JMC hopes to serve as a guide in forging a closer alliance between the national government and the LGUs towards the attainment of a common goal – to provide effective “on site” forest management. Table 25 show different institutions and their mandates, manpower and projects being implemented in relation to forestry-related activities.


50

Table 25. Parameters in Institutional Assessment

INSTITUTIONS MAN DATES FFM UNITS/ MANPOWER

FFM SKILLS ANNUAL BUDGET

PROJ/POLICIES IMPLEMENTED

WERE THIS SUCCESS-FUL?

WHY?

REMARKS

DENR EO 192 CENRO with forestry units; BantayGubat

GIS, nursery and plantation

establishments, surveying

NGP, technical assistance, CBFMP;

ISF

Limited coordination to

LGUs

MLGU RA 7160 MENRO; MPDC technical capability

300,000 nursery establishment;

FLUP TWG organization

lack of funds/ manpower

PLGU RA 7160 PG-ENRO technical capability

ISF;

NCIP IPRA law Tribal Chieftain/ Representative

forest protection i.e. patrolling

ADSPP YES; cooperation, control illegal

forest activities

lack of funds

DA AFMA law ATs technical capability

organic farming; seedling production;

postharvest

BLGUs RA 7160 local leaders; community

key resource/area

informant

NGP;barangay forest; nursery and

seedling production; SGI

YES; cooperation control illegal

forest activities

lack of fund

NIA RA 3601; PD 552

WATER DISTRICT Balibago Plumber

NGOs, Pos Advocacy Members monitoring, community organizer

tree planting, community organizing

YES request fund from

LGUS/NGAs


51

CHAPTER IX

Summary of Key Issues, Conflicts, Problems, Needs, Investment/Socio-Economic Opportunities

A. Problems, Issues and Needs

1. Expanding Agriculture in Forestlands

Agriculture / farming is the main source of income Maria Aurora. Exploding population and migration leads to insufficiency of agricultural lands to cultivate that drives the community people to encroach in forestlands and develop into farms lots (kaingins).

2. Declining Natural Forests

Communities close to the natural growth forest of Maria Aurora mostly

depends on forest products they derive from the remaining vegetation for their daily living. Timber poaching and charcoal making are the major causes of forest degradation. This manifests the necessity for employment and livelihood programs to redirect the interest and reliance from uninhibited forest product utilization. Collection and pouching of wildlife affects the biodiversity in the area. Construction of farm to market roads also facilitates the access to forest resources and causes degradation of old growth forest.

3. Weak Institutional Collaboration

Weak collaboration and linkages by and between government agencies,

private sectors, organizations and other concern agencies resulted to ineffective protection and conservation of remaining environmental resources. Success in the implementation of National Greening Program projects within the municipality of Maria Aurora rely on the effective and harmonious coordination and dynamic participation of Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Local Government Unit of Maria Aurora and other concern institutions.

4. Degradation of Water Sources

Quality and volume of water resources degrade through time due to

damage to watersheds. Flash floods, soil erosion during rainy season and low water inflow during summer’s season are the end result of unhealthy watershed.


52

5. Boundary Conflicts/ Conflicting Land Claims

In determining the actual and official land area of the municipality, boundary conflicts play a vital role in decision-making. One major conflict is Maria Aurora – Alfonso Castaneda wherein based on cadastral survey conducted by hired surveyor, it showed that 1,000.41 hectares within A. Castaneda is part of Maria Aurora, however and expectedly, A. Castaneda’s local officials did not allow or agree in the result of survey.

6. Others

Concrete bridges, hanging bridges and farm to market roads are essential to the community for the easy transport of their goods for trade. Likewise, it gives access for lowland people to nature attractions within Maria Aurora. Construction of flood control dams/dikes in barangays with close proximity at raging River during rainy seasons to prevent flooding, siltation and soil erosion.

B. Opportunities

1. Tourism Opportunities

Natural waterfalls, rivers, mountain treks & climbing and the AMNP itself present within Maria Aurora are potential opportunities for eco-tourism and recreational activities. Waterfalls like Pacugao Falls, Galintuja Falls Ubot Falls, Gipit Falls, Cabualan Falls, Dimasalan Falls,Diaat Waterfalls etc. are magnetizing scenery for sightseers. Activities such as canyoneering and mountain biking areas must be identified including the seasonal hunting in CADT area.

2. Potential Areas for Plantations

A total of 2,288 hectares potential area for agro-forestry plantation and

reforestation specifically located in multiple use zones and production zones. Most of the areas in 50% above steep slopes are suitable for assisted natural regeneration and reforestation projects. It is also encourage that indigenous species be planted in the area.

3. Private Investors

Investment on tourism sites development is an opportunity for private

investors and at the same time to the local government of Maria Aurora. Biodiversity area and nature tourism areas like waterfalls and trekking with the forest flora and fauna are some of the eco-friendly tourism areas in Maria Aurora that can attract investors.


53

4. Biodiversity Conservation Areas

Existence of protected area and rich flora and fauna in the area like dipterocarp species and other threatened species are potential area for in-situ biodiversity conservation area. The mountain ranges of Sierra Madre within the Aurora Memorial National Park is said to be the habitat and sightings of Philippine Eagle and Rafflesia sp. particularly in forested and high elevations.

5. Forest and Water Resources

The forest area of Maria Aurora is rich in various forest products both

flora and fauna. These raw materials could be utilized by the community starting forest products enterprises like souvenir items, furniture and fixtures with proper regulation on the volume of resources to be extracted per year. Extraction will be limited in identified multiple use areas with proper permits in compliance with existing rules and regulations with close monitoring of concern agency, barangay and MLGUs on the said activity.

It also provides and exhibits a unique microclimate in the area which

favors the diverse ecosystem with complex foo

chapter i background and brief history 1.0 background … · 2018. 12. 29. · comprehensive land...

Documents