protect wildlife quarterly progress report 10 ...the activity opened its site office in palayan...

This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development.

It was prepared by DAI Global, LLC.

PROTECT WILDLIFE

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT 10

July - September 2019

October 2019

USAID PROTECT WILDLIFE

Activity Title: Protect Wildlife Activity

Sponsoring USAID Office: USAID/Philippines

Contract Number: AID-OAA-I-14-00014/AID-492-TO-16-00002

Contractor: DAI Global, LLC

Date of Publication: October 2019

Author: DAI Global, LLC

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

COVER STORY 3

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND LEARNING 7

QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT 26

MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 75

PAST AND PROJECTED EXPENDITURES 80

ABBREVIATIONS

ABHI Abraham Holdings, Inc.

BARMM Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

BCC behavior change communication

BIOFIN Biodiversity Finance Initiative

BRAIN Biodiversity Resources Access Information Network

BSAP Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

C4C Campaigning for Conservation

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CENRO Community Environment and Natural Resources Office

CEPA communication, education and public awareness

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CLAFI Conrado and Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc.

CLUP comprehensive land use plan

CSO civil society organization

CWT combating wildlife trafficking

DA-BFAR Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DENR-BMB DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau

DENR-FASPS DENR Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Service

DENR-FMB DENR Forest Management Bureau

DOJ Department of Justice

ECAN Environmentally Critical Areas Network

ECLOF Ecumenical Church Loan Fund

ELP Environmental Law and Protection

ENIPAS Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System

FLUP forest land use plan

FSSI Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc.

GenSan General Santos City

IPAF Integrated Protected Area Fund

IRR implementing rules and regulations

IUU illegal, unreported and unregulated

KAP knowledge, attitudes and practices

LGU local government unit

LOP life of project

NAIA Ninoy Aquino International Airport

NALECC-SCENR National Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee-Sub-Committee on

Environment and Natural Resources

NBI National Bureau of Investigation

NIPAS National Integrated Protected Areas System

OCENR Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources

PAEMB Protected Area and Ecotourism Management Board

PalaWEN Palawan Wildlife Enforcement Network

PAMB Protected Area Management Board

PAMO Protected Area Management Office

PBC III Partnership for Biodiversity Conservation Phase III

PBSAP Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

PCSD Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

PCSDS Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff

PES payment for ecosystem services

PNP Philippine National Police

PSCCJP Philippine Society of Criminologists and Criminal Justice Professionals

SA Strategic Approach

TWG technical working group

USAID United States Agency for International Development

US DOI ITAP United States Department of the Interior-International Technical Assistance

Program

USG United States Government

WEO wildlife enforcement officer

WildLEAP Wildlife Law Enforcement Action Plan

ZCWD Zamboanga City Water District

PROTECT WILDLIFE QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT 10 | 1

INTRODUCTION

The Protect Wildlife activity supports initiatives to align conservation policy with on-the-ground wildlife

management actions and enforcement. The activity works in target landscapes to reduce threats to

biodiversity, reduce poaching and use of illegally harvested wildlife and wildlife products, and improve

ecosystem goods and services for human well-being.

Protect Wildlife fits within the USAID Biodiversity Policy (USAID 2014) that “builds upon the Agency’s

long history of conserving a global biological heritage for current and future generations and reflects a

deep understanding of the role that healthy natural systems play in achieving the Agency’s human-

development goals.” The activity is the first USAID/Philippines initiative to combat wildlife trafficking and

directly implement the U.S. Government’s Eliminate, Neutralize and Disrupt Wildlife Trafficking Act of

2016. Protect Wildlife supports the Philippines’ current policies and programs on biodiversity

conservation and reduction of wildlife trafficking under the National Integrated Protected Areas System

(NIPAS) Act and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

Protect Wildlife’s principal counterpart is the DENR-Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) in

coordination with the DENR-Forest Management Bureau (DENR-FMB), Department of Agriculture-

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples

(NCIP), and various national level law enforcement agencies. At the local level, Protect Wildlife works

directly with DENR Regional Offices; Provincial and Community Environment and Natural Resources

Offices (PENROs and CENROs); and provincial, city and municipal local government units (LGUs), as

well as local offices of DA-BFAR and NCIP. In Palawan, the activity coordinates with the Palawan

Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS). At various levels, the activity works with non-

government and civil society organizations (NGOs and CSOs); colleges and universities; and land and

resource managers, such as ancestral domain and tenure holders and fisherfolk and coastal community

organizations.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

As a megadiverse country, the Philippines claims to be the “center of the center” of nearshore marine

diversity, including corals and reef fishes. It is home to approximately 1,100 terrestrial vertebrates and

five percent of the world’s flora, a significant proportion of which is endemic. However, much of these

biodiversity assets continue to face risks and pressures from both natural and human interventions, such

as land conversion for agriculture and settlements; illegal, unregulated and unreported harvesting; and

destructive mining and quarrying. The value of biodiversity and the ecosystem goods and services they

provide are not effectively communicated to local stakeholders. Capacities are limited with unrealized

economic incentives and inadequate financial support to manage wildlife habitats and regulate uses in

highly diverse areas.

2 | PROTECT WILDLIFE QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT 10

TARGET SITES

Protect Wildlife strives to target wildlife trafficking hotspots and work with local stakeholders with

initiatives to improve local capacities; incentivize communities and LGUs; leverage financing support; and

deepen knowledge, attitudes and behaviors for the effective management, regulation and enforcement of

wildlife habitats and wildlife trafficking transshipment points such as ports. The activity works across

geographies in the Philippines to address wildlife trafficking transshipment, but implements a more

comprehensive ecosystem-based approach in biologically significant areas presented below:

• Palawan: From the activity’s Puerto Princesa City office, Protect Wildlife implements technical

activities in threatened terrestrial, marine and coastal areas; wildlife habitats in forest lands and

protected areas, such as the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape, Tubbataha Reefs

Natural Park, Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary,

Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat, El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, and

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

• Zamboanga City-Sulu Archipelago: From offices in Zamboanga City and Tawi-Tawi,

Protect Wildlife implements activities in forest lands, including foreshore and mangrove areas;

and protected areas, such as Pasonanca Natural Park and Great and Little Santa Cruz Islands

Protected Landscape and Seascape.

• General Santos City (GenSan), Sarangani and South Cotabato in Region 12: From its

office in General Santos City, Protect Wildlife implements activities in forest lands and

protected areas, such as Mount Matutum Protected Landscape, Sarangani Bay Protected

Seascape and Allah Valley Protected Landscape. Mount Busa Key Biodiversity Area in Sarangani

and South Cotabato is also one of the target sites in Region 12.

• Region 3 or Central Luzon, with selected sites in Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Bataan:

From its Manila office, Protect Wildlife started planning the implementation of region-wide and

site-specific activities in Aurora Memorial National Park, Mount Mingan and the Pampanga-

Bataan side of Manila Bay. The activity opened its site office in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija in May.

The Manila office maintains the national advisors and specialists who lead the development of the activity

and Strategic Approach (SA) work plans; provide technical support to field activities; and work with

national-level agencies, Manila-based private and non-government organizations, and relevant donor-

funded projects.


COVER STORY

An abaca farmer tries his hand stripping fibers of abaca at a spindle machine during a technology training supported by

USAID Protect Wildlife and a host of government and enterprise partners in Sarangani province.

ABACA PAVES WAY FOR BIODIVERSITY-FRIENDLY COMMUNITY

ENTERPRISE IN SARANGANI

Sarangani province in southern Mindanao in the Philippines is blessed with vast beaches, rolling hills,

mountains and forests, and is home to Mount Busa—the highest peak in the province.

Mount Busa covers 114,144 hectares and was declared a key biodiversity area and an important bird

area that supports important populations of several threatened avian species. These include the Spotted

Imperial-Pigeon, the Lesser Eagle-Owl, the Little Slaty Flycatcher, and the threatened Blue-capped

Kingfisher. Recent records of presence of the Philippine Eagle in the area suggest that it is an important

part of the network of sites required to conserve this critically threatened raptor (Haribon Foundation

and Birdlife International).

The Sarangani Environmental Conservation and Protection Center has also reported sightings of

tarsiers, wild deer, pigs, monkeys, bats, civets and endangered species of birds at the foot of the

mountain. Despite its rich biodiversity, Mount Busa remains threatened by land conversion, slash-and-

burn farming, wildlife hunting, illegal logging and mining (Mindanews July 25, 2017).


Mount Busa’s forests stretch across the municipalities of Maitum and Kiamba in Sarangani, and T’boli and

Lake Sebu in neighboring South Cotabato province. According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, the

presence of the country’s iconic raptor in Maitum and Lake Sebu proves that the forest in the area

remains pristine and healthy and is worth conserving.

Mount Busa has 111, 238 hectares of forestlands, of which 43,460 hectares are in Sarangani. The

province is proposing for these forestlands to be declared as a local conservation area.

The USAID Protect Wildlife activity will be assisting the province of Sarangani in the delineation and

declaration of the local conservation area and in preparing its management plan.

A small bale of abaca, one of the world’s most prized industrial-strength natural fibers and hails from a banana plant species

native to the Philippines.

ABACA FARMING IN MOUNT BUSA

Growing and farming of abaca—a banana species native to the Philippines—is one of the traditional

economic activities of the indigenous T’boli and B’laan in the upland areas and forestlands in Mount Busa.

From the strong fibers of abaca, farmers produce tinagak or abaca thread and sinamay or weaved abaca

thread. Both are used to produce various products like clothing, bags, accessories and handicrafts.

Abaca thrives well in the hilly and mountainous areas of Mount Busa. These are usually found in forests

under the shade of trees, which protects them from winds and strong rains and provides cooler

temperature during the dry season. Forest-grown abaca are said to be more productive. Because abaca

is a major source of their local income and an indelible part of their culture, indigenous farmers see the

value in keeping and protecting their forests to help sustain their livelihood in abaca.


However, the reality on the ground is that abaca yield and income in these communities are far below

the ideal average production in the Philippines. Most farmers are still adopting the traditional method of

producing abaca fiber. In terms of support, abaca has been getting little attention from many local

government units (PhilFIDA 2019).

To date, the majority of potential abaca production areas in the province are not yet maximized. Mature

abaca plants are not being properly harvested due to the lack of post-harvest facilities and equipment.

Farmers who still strip abaca fibers by hand are 10 to 20 times slower than those using mechanized

spindle stripping machines.

Abaca farmers in Sarangani also have limited access to markets from their farms. They are forced to

transport their products to other provinces for almost eight hours of travel by foot or by horses—due

to poor road conditions—just to sell their products to the nearest abaca buyer. Otherwise, they are left

without a choice but to sell their products at low prices to local traders.

FINDING SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE GAINS FROM ABACA FARMING

One farmers’ cooperative in the village of Maligang in Kiamba municipality, which is part of Mount Busa,

is making the most out of the opportunities in abaca farming in Sarangani despite the challenges.

In 2015, United Maligang Farmers received assistance from the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural

Development Project (PRDP) to obtain an abaca processing center and warehouse, stripping machines,

and an improved farm-to-market road to support their abaca enterprise. In 2017, the cooperative

received 74 spindle stripping machines that were distributed to abaca clusters around the Mount Busa

area. They have proven that using available technology, along with proper farm maintenance and

harvesting methods of abaca, can lead to high quality fibers and yield additional income of ranging from

₱9,200 (US$180) to ₱45,400 (US$890) per hectare for every harvest.

However, the cooperative could not expand to provincial and regional operations because of lack of

capital funds for buying abaca. But a huge opportunity opened up when a credit line worth ₱5 million

(US$98,000) from the Foundation for a Sustainable Society, Inc. (FSSI), facilitated by USAID Protect

Wildlife, was approved.

The loan, which is now the cooperative’s buying fund, made it possible for the group to purchase abaca

fiber from its abaca clusters from all over Sarangani, boosting a province-wide operation for abaca

production.

“Without a buying capital—even if we have a warehouse, a processing center and other facilities and

tools—we wouldn’t be able to begin working with our abaca clusters,” United Maligang Farmers

manager Ricardo Anora. “That’s why I think the cooperative is extremely lucky to have USAID with us.

Your assistance was timely as you helped with the thing we needed most.”

Now, the cooperative can access financial assistance from FSSI and receive the necessary technical

support through USAID Protect Wildlife.


“Before the loan, our cooperative faced many hurdles in figuring out how to keep a project from PRDP

afloat. Our savings would always be used up. But with Protect Wildlife’s help in in preparing the

proposal and our credit line application with FSSI, our difficulties were eased,” Anora added.

Under the guidance of PRDP and Protect Wildlife, the abaca enterprise will operate across the province

with six clusters. Two clusters will cover Kiamba, and one from each municipality of Maitum, Maasim,

Alabel and Malungon. This will directly benefit 542 farmers and will employ 89 women members in the

village of Maligang.

To boost its abaca enterprise, Protect Wildlife will provide support in strengthening United Maligang

Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative as an organization. Organizational development interventions have

been lined up—strategic planning, market and business development, financial management—and to be

delivered in partnership with the PhilFIDA, PRDP and local government units.

“Before Protect Wildlife, we had several problems in the cooperative. We were unable to follow the

policies. That’s one of the main things that really brought us down,” said Beverly Grace Pacquiao,

treasurer of the cooperative. “Now, we are able to review, re-write and improve our policies and

ensure that they will be followed so we can avoid the mistakes we did back then. We will also able to

make policies for future operations,”

WAY FORWARD

United Maligang Farmers is positioned to be the lead proponent in consolidating, processing and

marketing of abaca fiber in the province and in nearby areas in southern Mindanao. Their presence right

in Mount Busa opens a lot of opportunities for upland abaca farmers as they have a ready and reliable

market for their abaca. With their concern for a reliable supply and product quality, the cooperative is

willing to extend technology assistance to their abaca sources through the provision of stripping

machines and planting materials. By providing them a stable source of income from abaca, there will be

greater motivation for them to preserve their forests and the biodiversity of Mount Busa.

The partnership between United Maligang Farmers, Protect Wildlife and PhilFIDA will be brought to a

higher level to support the conservation agenda in Mount Busa. PhilFIDA has already signed an

agreement to introduce into their abaca farming modules the concept of conservation. Introduce

conservation-oriented abaca farming practices through PhilFIDA modules and farmer field schools in

Mount Busa communities. As agreed in the joint plan with PhilFIDA, Protect Wildlife will assist in the

integration of conservation topics in farmers’ field school curricula, which will be piloted in schools

around Mount Busa in the first quarter of 2020.

This quarter, Protect Wildlife will conduct field validations in existing land and resource uses in Mount

Busa, in collaboration with the newly created Task Force Mount Busa, its technical working group, and

DENR Region 12, by virtue of a provincial executive order issued on October 2019. Land use zoning of

Mount Busa will establish the areas which should be maintained as protection zones and delineate the

areas which can be developed as production zones. This promotes an encouraging environment for both

the cooperative and their farmer partners to follow the prescribed zoning in Mount Busa, particularly in

maintaining their abaca farms strictly within identified production zones.


MONITORING, EVALUATION &

LEARNING

Protect Wildlife presents a status update on progress achieved this quarter within each Strategic

Approach of the activity’s Theory of Change, and progress against Year 4 and cumulative contract

deliverable targets and USAID Economic Growth targets.

THEORY OF CHANGE STATUS REPORT

Protect Wildlife’s work in target sites is guided by the following Theory of Change:

IF national and local stakeholders understand the economic value and sociocultural

significance of habitats and wildlife species, including the ecosystem services that they

provide in conservation areas, as a combined result of:

• Improved and positively changed communities’ knowledge, attitudes

and behaviors toward wildlife and biodiversity conservation;

• Increased public and private sector investments and increased

revenues from environment and natural resources-related enterprises

to finance conservation, support to biodiversity-friendly and sustainable

livelihoods and enterprises for local communities in priority sites;

• Improved conservation competencies of governance bodies, local

government units, civil society organizations, and landowners, tenure

and domain holders in managing and regulating land and resource uses

in landscapes of habitats and wildlife species;

• Improved capacities of higher education institutions to generate

scientifically rigorous evidence and knowledge essential for conservation

and for enriching curricula and outreach programs; and

• Enhanced capacities of national and local enforcement entities to

identify, capture, prosecute and adjudicate wildlife crimes and habitat

losses,

THEN, Protect Wildlife can significantly contribute to the reduction of threats to

habitats and to wildlife species,

THEREBY, directly and indirectly enhancing capacities of various threatened habitats

of wildlife species, as part of larger ecosystems and seascapes-landscapes, to supply and

provide ecosystem services that benefit human well-being.


Protect Wildlife operationalizes the Theory of Change via five SAs and their corresponding results and

targets:

Strategic Approach 1: Improve attitudes and behavior toward biodiversity and its

conservation in target areas at a statistically significant level, with these five-year targets:

• 100 people trained to lead behavior change campaigns

• 25 behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns implemented

• 300,000 people reached by BCC campaigns

Strategic Approach 2: Intensify financing from private and public sectors and

internally generated revenues for biodiversity conservation, with these five-year targets:

• US$500,000 revenues generated from the sale of ecosystem services in target

sites

• 100 payments for ecosystem services (PES) or tourism initiatives

• US$5 million in public-private investments in Protect Wildlife anti-poaching

and trafficking efforts

Strategic Approach 3: Improve biodiversity conservation competencies of local

government units, governance bodies, civil society organizations, and land and resource

management units, with these five-year targets:

• 200 LGU staff trained in participatory planning for integrated conservation and

development

• 2,500 community members trained in planning and implementation of

integrated conservation and development

• 200 LGU staff trained, certified and formally deputized as Wildlife

Enforcement Officers (WEOs) by government agencies

• 500 community members trained and certified as WEOs by government

agencies

Strategic Approach 4: Enhance capacities of universities to advance biodiversity

conservation education, research, monitoring and innovation, with these five-year

targets:

• 25 university-supported research initiatives implemented at Protect Wildlife

sites

• 10 universities developing conservation curricula with support from Protect

Wildlife

Strategic Approach 5: Enhance competencies of national and local government

agencies in enforcing biodiversity conservation-related laws and policies, with these five-

year targets:

• 1,000 government staff trained in combating wildlife and environmental crime

• 50 new or revised laws and regulations adopted to combat wildlife crimes

• 1,000 confiscations, seizures and arrests resulting from capacity building

provided by Protect Wildlife.


This quarter, Protect Wildlife continued to address the 21 intermediate results in its overall Theory of

Change results chain (Figure 1). There is continuing capability building to improve the management of

biodiversity and natural assets in activity sites and to strengthen enforcement units at different levels –

national, provincial, protected area, LGU and community. Protect Wildlife believes that these have

resulted in more wildlife habitat management and enforcement efforts and actions on the part of its

partners that are designed to address threats to both habitat and species. The activity has started to

document the increase in resource and habitat management and enforcement actions to show reduced

illegal and destructive practices and other threats in protected areas and forest lands where zoning

schemes have been adopted, enforcement systems have been established, and communities continue to

be engaged in conservation-oriented planning and site-development activities. Gains are expected to be

evident in Pasonanca Natural Park and Santa Cruz Islands in Zamboanga City, and to some extent in

Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape and forest lands in southern Palawan.

The scale up of activity efforts in target conservation areas in Region 12 and Central Luzon is reflected

in Figure 1. There is increasing contribution of the two regions to intermediate results. The ongoing

protected area management planning, FLUP, PES, community enterprise, BCC and enforcement activities

in Region 12 contributes significantly to the following major results:

• Capacity of PAMBs, LGUs and CSOs improved

• PAMB/DENR policies on protected area management improved

• Community, institutional and private sector attitudes towards conservation improved

• Management of biodiversity and natural assets improved

• Social, economic and environmental benefits to LGUs, communities and private sector

generated from biodiversity-friendly investments,

• Investments in PA management, support services and livelihoods increased

• Local law enforcement improved

In Region 3, activities initiated since March 2019 include the zoning of Aurora Memorial National Park,

consensus building for the establishment of the Mount Mingan critical habitat, training on social

marketing for behavior change, identifying PES opportunities in Bataan province, and an enforcement

violation assessment. These contribute to the intermediate results listed below:

• Foundational knowledge on behavior change for conservation improved

• Capacity of PAMBs, LGUs and CSOs increased,

• PAMB/DENR policies on PA/conservation area management improved

• Conservation financing arrangement and opportunities identified, and

• Skills and abilities of enforcement authorities improved.

The activity has also commenced the analysis of trends of wildlife crimes in in and outside the Philippines

based on local and national reports of various enforcement law agencies. These are to indicate the

potential contribution of the integration of the activity’s five strategic approaches to two higher-level

intermediate results which also address direct threats to species and habitats. These are: (a) incidents of

wildlife trafficking reduced inside the Philippines, and (c) incidents of wildlife trafficking reduced outside

the Philippines.


FIGURE 1: OVERALL PROTECT WILDLIFE THEORY OF CHANGE RESULTS CHAIN HIGHLIGHTING INTERMEDIATE RESULTS BEING ACHIEVED FROM SA-SPECIFIC AND INTER-SA ACTIVITIES


MONITORING AND EVALUATION STATUS REPORT

CONTRACT DELIVERABLES

Protect Wildlife achieved significance advances this quarter under each Strategic Approach:

Strategic Approach 1: Behavior Change Communication

One site-level campaign was launched in South Cotabato in Region 12. This is the Youth for

Environment in Schools Organizations (Yes-O) campaign that is a collaboration among the C4C

trainees from South Cotabato’s Provincial Environmental Management Office and the Yes-O President

for the province. The first campaign activity was the Yes-O annual youth camp, which included schools

surrounding Mt. Matutum. The campers developed environmental awareness activities and materials

targeted to students that the C4C trainees can enhance with behavior change principles. An activity

book, a song, a logo, and a puppet script were developed. The three-day camp had a total of 214 Yes-O

teacher-coordinators and student-participants.

In other regions, preparatory activities were undertaken for campaigns to be launched next quarter. The

Sarangani Bay C4C graduates underwent a creative clinic and communications planning workshop to

prepare 7 campaigns. Arrangements were pursued for Wild and Alive campaigns in Puerto Princesa City

(airport, seaport and bus terminals) and Clark international airport as part of the local campaigns. For

Manila efforts, The Mind Museum design was finalized and production of the components of the

travelling exhibit ensued.

In addition to the Yes-O participants, other individuals reached this quarter consisted of the 4,568

followers of the Facebook page of Makmak, the blue-naped parrot mascot of Brooke’s Point, Palawan,

and the 600 individual who participated the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape Perya para sa Konserbasyon

(Conservation Fair) games and other activities that were set up in General Santos City in support of the

International Coastal Clean-up in the city.

Strategic Approach 2: Conservation Financing

PES revenue collections that was reported for the quarter amounted to US$195,403. Collections were

mainly from three water PES schemes: fees from Brooke’s Point and Rizal water works services, and the

watershed protection budget of the Zamboanga City Water District. Tourism fees from the Pasonanca

Protected Landscape and Bud Bongao Eco Forest Park constitutes less than 2% of the total collections.

There are currently 84 ongoing PES initiatives across activity sites. The 71 establishments in Region 12

that are being assisted have yet to generate revenue collections for plough back to natural resource

management.

Two partnership agreements were formalized during the quarter. A supplementary partnership

agreement with Conrado & Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. will provide additional funding support

of US$96,674 (₱5 million) to the livelihood and conservation programs in Sarangani Bay Protected

Seascape. The other partnership agreement was with the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Fiber


Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA). Protect Wildlife and PhilFIDA will collaborate for the

integration of a conservation program into the abaca farmer field school modules that will be rolled out

in Region 12, where abaca is largely grown in forestlands and protected areas particularly by indigenous

groups. PhilFIDA also committed support to nursery establishment and the introduction of improved

abaca production technology to partner communities in the region. The value of PhilFIDA’s commitment

to Protect Wildlife is still being determined. It will be drawn from the current Region 12 budget of

₱26,610,838.

Discussions are ongoing for possible partnership with Smart Communications, Coffee Bean and Tea

Leaf, some members of the Leagues of Corporate Foundations, the World Bank-funded Philippine Rural

Development Project (PRDP) and the Coalition of Social Development Organizations in South

Cotabato.

Strategic Approach 3: Conservation and Governance

In preparation for the distribution by the activity of high value fruit tree seedlings and vegetable seeds to

selected communities in southern Palawan, Protect Wildlife introduced a training of trainers on

conservation–based agroforestry, mixed and diversified perennial cropping systems, and agriculture.

Eighty trainers from the LGUs, consisting of technical and extension staff from their municipal

agricultural offices, completed the training that included lectures on conservation agriculture and

agroforestry, tree establishment and management and conservation agriculture with trees; and a

practicum on conservation farming technologies. The trained trainers in turn trained 617 community

members who are target recipients of the seedlings and seeds.

In Sarangani Bay, six LGU staff completed the key modules on protected area management planning. The

series of integrated conservation and development training that were held in the seven LGUs along the

bay reached a total of 626 community members. In Region 3, the training of community members

commenced during the quarter, with 35 community members form within the Aurora Memorial

National Park trained.

In Zamboanga City, the 50 forest guards of the Pasonanca Natural Park who were trained on wildlife

and environmental law enforcement in the previous quarter were deputized as WEOs by DENR Region

9.

Strategic Approach 4: Conservation Research

This quarter, the evaluation of the last batch of applications accepted from graduate students for

research assistance resulted in four new awards. The research proposals approved for funding are:

1. Biodiversity Assessment of Marine Ecosystem of Burias, Glan, Sarangani: Basis for a Learning

Package (Notre Dame of Dadiangas University)

2. Improved Mangrove Crown Measurement from Airborne Lidar Data Using Marker-controlled

Watershed Algorithm-filtered Hamraz Technique (Technological Institute of the Philippines)

3. Abundance and Distribution of the Philippine Brown Deer (Rusa marianna) in the Obu Manuvu

Ancestral Domain, Davao City (Ateneo de Davao University)


4. Amphibians and reptiles in Mt. Busa, Kiamba, Sarangani Province: species and functional trait

responses along forest gradients (University of the Philippines at Los Baños)

With the mobilization in August 2019 of the research team Philippine Eagle Foundation in August 2019,

the LOP target of 25 researches has been achieved.

On curriculum development, discussions were pursued with both Mindanao State University-GenSan

and the Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) to clearly define the scope of their proposed

curriculum enhancements. The second rollout for the activity-developed Environmental Law and

Protection syllabus (now called Environmental Law, Protection and Investigation) by the Philippine

Society of Criminologists and Criminal Justice Professionals, Inc. (PSCCJPI) that was held in Region 3

was attended by 16 colleges and universities that are offering BS Criminology courses.

Strategic Approach 5: Wildlife Law Enforcement

Three training activities for government agencies on wildlife and environmental laws were held this

quarter with a total of 109 persons trained. The participants consisted of staff of DENR regional and

CENRO enforcement units, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of

Customs, Philippine Coast Guard, and Department of Justice. Twenty-three prosecutors of green courts

from Mindanao attended the DOJ training. A representative from the Office of the Special Envoy for

Transnational Crimes participated in the advanced course on enforcement and investigation which was

co-managed with US DOI PBC III. With this accomplishment, Protect Wildlife substantially exceeds its

life-of-project training targets.

Four local policies in Palawan and Zamboanga City were adopted this quarter. The PCSD issued a

resolution on the guidelines for the determination and classification of categories of wildlife and their

conservation status. Two LGUs in southern Palawan, Bataraza and Quezon, also passed ordinances on

their chosen flagship species. In Zamboanga City, the Sta. Cruz Islands PAMB approved the Manual of

Operations of the PAMO which included the enforcement protocols for the protected area and steps

and processes of the other regulatory and permitting functions of the PAMO.

Other policy initiatives were pursued during the quarter but these have yet to be finalized and endorsed

for approval. These include the draft administrative order on integrating biodiversity conservation

agenda in existing and future large-scale mining areas; draft rules on fisheries anti-poaching protocol and

draft ordinances, draft environmental code of Zamboanga City, and resolutions for the adoption of

flagship species at the protected area and LGU levels in South Cotabato and Sarangani.

OUTCOME TARGETS

EG 10.2-2: Number of hectares of biologically significant areas under improved natural

resource management as a result of USG assistance

No additional hectares are reported for the quarter. The zoning of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape

(210,883 ha) is at the final stages of refinement prior to PAMB adoption. The TWGs for the El Nido-

Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area (89,135 ha), and Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (38,639)


have yet to come up with the proposed zoning and management prescriptions. The expected

completion of the zoning of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape next quarter will allow the activity to

meet its LOP target.

EG 10.2-3: Number of people with improved economic benefits derived from sustainable

natural resource management and/or biodiversity conservation as a result of USG

assistance

Three people’s organization in Region 12 received funding support from FSSI and CLAFI during the

quarter for livelihoods and social enterprises. FSSI funding amounting to US$444,874 (₱23 million) is

earmarked for financing conservation-oriented abaca and other agricultural commodity production of

farmers in production zones in Mount Matutum, and Mount Busa. The additional CLAFI funding will be

for reforestation and agroforestry in selected communities in Sarangani. These assisted organizations are

projected to benefit about 1,469 household-members which translates to about 7,345 persons

benefitted.

At the end of the quarter, Protect Wildlife has started the distribution of high value seedlings to target

communities. The number of persons benefitted will be reported next quarter.

EG 10.2-6: Number of people that apply improved conservation law enforcement practices

as a result of USG assistance

Protect Wildlife reports on this indicator annually, i.e., in June which is the end of the activity year.

EG 10.3-4: Amount of investment mobilized (in US$) for sustainable landscapes, natural

resource management and biodiversity conservation as supported by USG assistance

This quarter, Protect Wildlife leveraged US$242,914 (₱12.558 million) from partner national agencies,

LGUs, protected area management offices, communities and other partners for the conduct of joint or

co-funded activities. Protect Wildlife also obtained the commitment of CLAFI for an additional

US$96,674 (₱5 million) and of PhilFIDA for training, nursery development and technology support to

upland abaca farmers.

EG 10.3-6: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, estimated in metric tons of CO2 equivalent

reduced, sequestered or avoided through sustainable landscape activities supported by

USG assistance

Protect Wildlife reports on this indicator based on the reported hectares in EG 10.2-2.

OUTPUT TARGETS

EG 10.2-4: Number of people trained in sustainable natural resources management and/or

biodiversity conservation as a result of USG assistance

This quarter, Protect Wildlife trained a total of 1,473 persons. Those trained on conservation

agriculture and agroforestry composed the biggest group (47%). LGU staff and communities trained on


integrated conservation and development composed 45% and the rest (8%) were trained on

enforcement.

EG 10.2-5: Number of laws, policies, or regulations that address biodiversity conservation

and/or other environmental themes officially proposed, adopted or implemented as a

result of USG assistance

In addition to the four local policies related to enforcement that are reported in SA 5 above, the Sta.

Cruz Islands PAMB issued a resolution upgrading the visitor entrance fees from ₱20 to ₱100. This new

regulation is designed to generate additional funding for the management of the protected area. As

indicated earlier, other policy initiatives pursued this quarter have yet to be finalized and endorsed to

the proper authorities for approval.

Tables 1 and 2, respectively, provide a more comprehensive presentation of accomplishments per

contract deliverable and outcome and output targets.


TABLE 1: CONTRACT DELIVERABLES: YEAR 4 ACCOMPLISHMENTS (as of September 30, 2019)

INDICATORS

TARGETS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

NARRATIVE PROGRESS LOP

Year 4

(Adjusted)1

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception to

Date

SA 1

1.1

People trained to

lead behavior

change campaigns

100 LOP target

achieved - -

101

Male: 45

Female: 56

The LOP target was achieved in November 2018.

A BCC and Social Marketing Workshop was held in Region 3 last

August 2019 to help LGU and DENR staff develop the concept

models and theory of change for BCC campaigns in Aurora

Memorial National Park and Mt. Mingan.

1.2

Behavior change

campaigns

implemented

25 9 1

(site-level)

1

(site-level)

17

(16 site-level;

1 national)

A three-day Yes-O camp for students in schools surrounding

Mount Matutum launched the Yes-O campaign in Polomolok,

South Cotabato. The campers were engaged in environmental

awareness activities and materials (activity book, song, logo, and

puppet script) were developed with behavior change principles.

Sarangani Bay C4C graduates underwent a creative clinic and

communications planning workshop to prepare 7 campaigns that

will be launched next quarter.

For the International Coastal Clean-up event in Gen. Santos City,

the Perya Para Sa Konserbasyon games were set up. For the

Flom’lok Annual Festival in Polomolok, South Cotabato, two

environmental campaign billboards were installed at the entrance

and exit of the festival area.

The Mind Museum design for the travelling exhibit was finalized

and production of the components of the exhibit was started.

1 Includes shortfalls from previous year’s target and the target for Year 5 per the approved MEL Plan.


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)1

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception to

Date

1.3

People reached

by behavior

change campaigns

300,000 174,236 5,382 5,382

(site-level)

131,146

(site-level)

3,554,793

(national)

The documented reach of new campaigns and follow-on activities

to major campaigns are the following:

(a) 214 Yes-O teacher-coordinators and youth participants at the

Yes-O camp (September 2019)

(b) 600 individuals who took part in the campaign perya games

during the coastal clean-up in General Santos City (September

2019)

(c) 4,568 individual who accessed the Facebook page of Makmak, the

blue-naped parrot mascot of Brooke’s Point, Palawan

SA 2

2.1

Revenue

generated from

the sale of

ecosystem

services in target

sites

US$500,000 US$295,890 US$195,4032 US$195,403 US$389,092

PES collections reported for the quarter:

(a) Brooke’s Point LGU: US$2,877 (₱148,774)

(b) Rizal LGU: US$904 (₱46,742)

(c) Zamboanga City Water District quarterly budget for the

Protection, Conservation, and Management of Pasonanca Natural

Park: US$188,760 (₱9,762,674)

(d) Pasonanca Natural Park IPAF: US$134 (₱6,920)

(e) Bud Bongao Forest Park: US$2,729 (₱141,150)

2.2

Payment for

ecosystem

services or

tourism

initiatives

supported in

target sites

100 47 32 32 84

A total of 32 ENR-related enterprises were assisted on PES:

(a) 31 RWSAs in General Santos City

(b) Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Office

which has established an environment and tourism development

fund

2.3 Private-Public

investments in

US$5

million

LOP target

achieve US$99,674 US$99,674 US$7,310,631

A supplementary partnership agreement with CLAFI was signed

on September 2019. An additional US$96,674 (₱5 million) was

2 Exchange rate used this quarter: US$1 = ₱51.70


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)1

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception to

Date

Protect Wildlife

anti-poaching and

trafficking efforts

committed by CLAFI for a reforestation and agroforestry activity

in the Sarangani Bay area.

A partnership agreement was also signed with DA-PhilFIDA,

which committed to provide technical and funding support to

abaca production technology, nursery establishment, roll-out of

abaca farmer field school modules, and a conservation-oriented

abaca program in selected communities in Region 12. The value of

the commitment has yet to be determined.

Discussions are underway with education unit of Smart

Communications for collaboration on a “school-in-a-bag”

program for schools located in remote areas. Modules or topics

related to conservation and wildlife will be used as input for

school-in-a-bag. Also explored was possible partnership between

Smart (particularly its DevNet team) and USAID Protect Wildlife

on Zoohackathon.

Exploratory meetings were held with selected members of the

League of Corporate Foundations, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and

other donor-funded projects.

SA 3

3.1

LGU staff trained

in participatory

planning for

integrated

conservation and

development

(ICD)

200 100

86

Male: 67

Female: 19

86

Male: 67

Female: 19

186

Male: 130

Female: 56

80 LGU staff from Brooke’s Point, Quezon, and Rizal in Palawan

participated in the training of trainers on conservation-based

agroforestry and agriculture. Six staff from Sarangani Bay LGUs

completed the required modules on protected area management

planning.

3.2

Community

members trained

in planning and

implementation

of integrated

conservation and

2,500 1,987

1,278

Male: 822

Female: 456

1,278

Male: 822

Female: 456

1,791

Male: 1,197

Female: 594

617 community members/farmers from Española, Brooke’s Point,

Quezon, Bataraza, and Rizal in southern Palawan completed the

household-level training on conservation agriculture and

agroforestry practices.

626 community members from the municipalities of Kiamba, Glan,

Maitum, Maasim, Alabel, and Malapatan in Sarangani and General


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)1

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception to

Date

development

(ICD)

Santos City completed the training on integrated conservation

and development.

35 community members from within the Aurora Memorial

National Park completed the integrated conservation and

development training

3.3

LGU staff

trained, certified

and formally

deputized as

Wildlife

Enforcement

Officers (WEOs)

by government

agencies

200 123 - -

77

Male: 65

Female: 12

No training and deputation activity was implemented this quarter.

3.4

Community

members trained

and certified as

WEOs by

government

agencies

500 283

50

Male: 50

Female: 0

50

Male: 50

Female: 0

267

Male: 263

Female: 4

50 forest guards (who are also community members) at the

Pasonanca Natural Park who completed the Wildlife and

Environmental Law Enforcement Training on May 2019 were

deputized by DENR Region 9.

SA 4

4.1

University-

supported

research

initiatives

implemented in

target sites

25 5 5 5 25

The Philippine Eagle Foundation mobilized its research team in

August 2019.

Four conservation-related student researches were selected from

the last batch of student applicants. These are:

(a) Amphibians and Reptiles in Mt Busa, Kiamba, Sarangani

(b) Abundance and Distribution of the Phil Brown Deer – Obu

Manuvu Ancestral Domain, Davao City

(c) Biodiversity Assessment of Marine Ecosystem of Burias, Glan,

Sarangani

d) Improved Mangrove Crown Measurement from Airborne Lidar

Data using Marker-controlled Watershed Algorithm-filtered

Hamraz Technique


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)1

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception to

Date

With these research initiatives, the LOP target of 25 researches is

achieved. There are though other researches that are being

considered such as the study on tarsier, blue-naped parrot and

almaciga.

4.2

Universities

developing

conservation

curricula with

support from

Protect Wildlife

10 2 - - 8

Discussions with Mindanao State University -GenSan focused the

technical assistance on the development of suitable teaching tools

and materials for its Marine Biology.

The Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) identified the

enhancement of its agroforestry program as priority for technical

assistance.

The second workshop for the rollout of the activity-developed

Environmental Law and Protection syllabus (now called

Environmental Law, Protection and Investigation) by the Philippine

Society of Criminologists and Criminal Justice Professionals, Inc.

(PSCCJPI) was held in Region 3. Sixteen colleges and universities

that are offering BS Criminology courses attended this activity.

SA 5

5.1

Government staff

trained in

combating

wildlife and

environmental

crime

1,000

LOP target

achieved;

with

additional

target

109

Male: 66

Female: 43

109

Male: 66

Female: 43

1,415

Male: 851

Female: 564

Training on enforcement continue to be undertaken. The

following training were held this quarter:

(a) 9th Training of Trainers on the Application of the Wildlife Law

Enforcement Manual of Operations (July 2019; 64 participants)

(b) Advanced training on enforcement and investigation for

violations of laws and regulations on wildlife, fisheries, and

protected areas (September 2019; 22 participants)

(c) Seminar on Environmental Laws for Mindanao Prosecutors of

Green Courts (September, 2019; 23 participants)

5.2

New or revised

laws and

regulations

adopted to

50 30 4 4 24 Four local policies in Palawan and Zamboanga City were adopted

this quarter.


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)1

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception to

Date

combat wildlife

crimes

(a) PCSD Resolution No. 19-682 on guidelines for the

determination and classification of categories of wildlife and

their conservation status.

(b) Bataraza, Palawan ordinance adopting the Nicobar pigeon as

its flagship species

(c) Quezon, Palawan ordinance adopting the Tabon bird as its

flagship species.

(d) Santa Cruz Islands PAMB resolution approving the Manual of

Operations of the PAMO which included enforcement

protocols for the protected area and steps and processes of

the other regulatory and permitting functions of the PAMO.

The following policy initiatives were provided support during the

quarter:

(a) draft administrative order on integrating biodiversity

conservation agenda in existing and future large-scale mining

areas

(b) draft rules on fisheries anti-poaching protocol and draft

ordinances

(c) draft environmental code of Zamboanga City, and

(d) resolutions for the adoption of flagship species for the

Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Mount Matutum

Protected Landscape and member LGUs.

5.3

Confiscations,

seizures and

arrests resulting

from capacity

building provided

by Protect

Wildlife

1,000 651 - - 349 Data for this indicator will be reported on December 2019 and

June 2020.


TABLE 2: ECONOMIC GROWTH OUTCOMES AND OUTPUTS: YEAR 4 ACCOMPLISHMENTS (as of September 30,

2019)

INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception

to Date

Outcomes

EG.10.2-2

Number of hectares of

biologically significant

areas under improved

natural resource

management as a result

of USG assistance

500,000 127,088 - - 372,912

No additional hectares this quarter. The zoning of Sarangani

Bay Protected Seascape (210,883 ha) is at the final stages of

refinement prior to PAMB adoption. The TWGs for the El

Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area (89,135 ha),

and Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat (38,639) have yet to

come up with the proposed zoning and management

prescriptions.

EG.10.2-3

Number of people with

improved economic

benefits derived from

sustainable natural

resource management

and/or biodiversity

conservation as a result

of USG assistance

100,000 84,380 7,345 7,345 27,460

Three people’s organization in Region 12 received funding

support during the quarter from FSSI and CLAFI for

livelihoods and social enterprises.

United Maligang Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative:

US$58,027 (₱3 million) from FSSI as revolving fund for buying

and selling of stripped abaca from members and non-members

from Mount Busa. About 719 household members will be

benefitted.

KSP-SEED: US$386,847 (₱20 million) for microfinancing of

agricultural commodity production of farmers in Mount

Matutum Protected Landscape and Sarangani Bay LGUs. It is

estimated that 600 household-members from KSP-SEED’s

network of organizations will be benefitted.

Community in Maasim, Sarangani: US$96,712 (₱5 million) for

reforestation and agroforestry (cacao, coffee, abaca, jackfruit)

by about 150 households in the community.

These assisted organizations are projected to benefit about

1,469 household-members which translates to about 7,345

persons benefitted.


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception

to Date

Household benefitted by the distribution of high value fruit

seedlings and vegetables will be reported next quarter.

EG.10.2-6

Number of people that

apply improved

conservation law

enforcement practices

as a result of USG

assistance

1,200 516

The data for this indicator is collected at the end of each

activity year, i.e., June.

EG.10.3-4

Amount of investment

mobilized (in US$) for

sustainable landscapes,

natural resource

management and

biodiversity

conservation as

supported by USG

assistance

US$5

million

LOP target

achieved US$339,588 US$339,588 US$7,920,729

The LOP target was achieved on March 2019.

Investments that was mobilized and leveraged during the

quarter are:

(a) U$242,914 (₱12.558 million ) as counterpart support of

national agencies, LGUs, and communities in training activities

organized or co-funded by Protect Wildlife

(b) US$96,674 (₱5 million) as commitment of CLAFI to

support reforestation and agroforestry

The commitment of PhilFIDA has yet to be determined.

EG.13-6

Greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions,

estimated in metric

tons of CO2 equivalent

reduced, sequestered

or avoided through

sustainable landscape

activities supported by

USG assistance

703,930 631,889 - - 72,041 No report for this quarter. The data for this indicator is

derived from the reported hectares in EG.10.2-2

Outputs

EG.10.2-4

Number of people

trained in sustainable

natural resources

management and/or

4,500 1,884

1,473

Male: 955

Female: 518

1,473

Male: 955

Female: 518

4,101

Male: 2,751

Female: 1,350

A total of 1,473 individuals were trained in sustainable natural

resources management and/or biodiversity conservation in the

quarter:


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception

to Date

biodiversity

conservation as a result

of USG assistance

(a) Training of trainers on conservation-based

agroforestry and agriculture in southern Palawan (August

2019; 80 participants)

(b) Household-level training on conservation agriculture and

agroforestry practices in southern Palawan (September 2019;

617 farmers).

(c) Protected area management planning/integrated

conservation and development (6 Sarangani LGU staff)

(d) Integrated conservation and development - Sarangani Bay

Protected Seascape (626 community members from seven

LGUs

(e) Integrated conservation and development – Aurora

Memorial National Park (September 2019; 35 community

members)

(f). 9th Training of Trainers on the Application of the Wildlife

Law Enforcement Manual of Operations (July 2019; 64

participants)

(g) Advanced training on enforcement and investigation for

violations of laws and regulations on wildlife, fisheries, and

protected areas (September 2019; 22 participants)

(h) Seminar on Environmental Laws for Prosecutors in Green

Courts in Mindanao (September 2019; 23 participants)

EG.10.2-5

Number of laws,

policies, or regulations

that address

biodiversity

conservation and/or

other environmental

themes officially

proposed, adopted, or

implemented as a result

of USG assistance

50 22 5 5 32

Five local policies in Palawan and Zamboanga City were

adopted this quarter.

(a) PCSD Resolution No. 19-682 Guidelines for the

Determination and Classification of Categories of

Wildlife

(b) Bataraza, Palawan ordinance adopting the Nicobar

Pigeon as its flagship species

(c) Quezon, Palawan ordinance adopting Tabon bird as its

flagship species.

(d) Sta. Cruz Islands PAMB resolution issued on August 8,

2019 approving the Manual of Operations of the PAMO

which included enforcement protocols for the protected


INDICATORS



Year 4

(Adjusted)

Year 4,

Quarter 1 Year 4

Inception

to Date

area and processes for the other regulatory and

permitting functions of the PAMO

(e) Santa Cruz Islands PAMB resolution also issued on

August 8, 2019 endorsing to the Zamboanga City Mayor

the implementation of the increase in the entrance fee

from P20 to P100.


QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT

Protect Wildlife highlights the important activities and results during the quarter at the national level and

at activity sites. Major activities are described in detail while a table summarizes all other activities

carried out during the quarter. The priorities for the following quarter are then listed according to the

SA Theory of Change result.

MANILA

HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE QUARTER

• Continued support to national agencies in the creation and enhancement of policy products

(three policy initiatives);

• Establishment of proof of concept for higher-level training designs on Environmental Law

Enforcement;

• Development of new partnerships with private sector partners; and

• Roll-out of the Environmental Law and Protection Syllabus.

Policy Development

Policy on Biodiversity and Large-Scale Mining Operation. From July 3 to 4, 2019, Protect

Wildlife assisted the DENR in facilitating a TWG workshop tasked with preparing the DENR Order

(DAO) on integrating biodiversity conservation and management in large-scale mining operations as well

as the framework for its implementation. The draft DAO was pre-finalized with the TWG, and Protect

Wildlife provided additional builds on substance and format. Both documents will be presented to the

officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in October 2019, and to the industry in two

clusters (Luzon and Visayas cluster and Mindanao cluster) by the end of November 2019. Protect

Wildlife will be assisting the Luzon and Visayas cluster, while BIOFIN will handle the Mindanao cluster.

In addition to the above, the Protect Wildlife team contributed and facilitated workshops and meetings

that led to the drafting, review and finalization of draft policies on enhancing biodiversity protection and

conservation in mining operations. DENR plans to issue an administrative order to enhance the

environmental impact assessment/system at the operational level for the mining sector.

SA teams met with key DENR-BMB divisions (Wildlife Resources Division, National Parks Division, and

Biodiversity Policy and Knowledge Management Division) over the course of the quarter to identify

opportunities for the activity to strengthen DENR-BMB’s capacity to support the planning

implementation and monitoring wildlife law enforcement policies and programs in and outside the

protected areas. These include a review of biodiversity policy gaps and formulation/refinement of

policies that relate to biodiversity in mining areas, land uses and valuation of ecosystem services (SA 3

and SA 5).


Policy Support to Forestry Programs. On July 5, 2019, Protect Wildlife held a formal discussion on

the areas of cooperation with the DENR Forestry Management Bureau (DENR-FMB). The meeting

produced a draft work plan in anticipation of the creation of the technical working group. On August 9,

2019, Protect Wildlife and DENR-FMB agreed on the facilitated the workshop of the TWG. As a result

of the workshop, an agreement was reached on the final areas of collaboration assistance by Protect

Wildlife and the heads of tasks under DENR-FMB and their counterparts from the activity, as well as

schedules and activities that bureau will handle. Many of the outputs from the assistance areas come in

the form of policy development and knowledge products. The adjusted plan began implementation last

September 2019.

Support to Internal Policy Workshop of DENR Staff Bureaus. On July 20, 2019, representatives

of Protect Wildlife, staff bureaus of the DENR, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Staff

Bureaus came together to prepare the program for the Internal Policy Workshop of staff bureaus and

the DENR. The resulting workshop was facilitated by Protect Wildlife and focused on policy issues in

the areas of biodiversity management, forest and forestland management, ecosystems research, and

lands management. The senior officials of all the staff bureaus were in attendance—from directors down

to section chiefs. Policy issues discussed cut across both the staff and line bureaus such as the Mines and

Geosciences Bureau and the Environment Management Bureau. Highlights of the discussion included:

developing improved criteria to aid in the identification and classification of invasive and alien wildlife

species and distinguishing between perilous and non-perilous ones; opportunity losses due to poor

investments in forestry; and the urgent need to improve certain lands management policies. The DENR

management and the participants unanimously agreed that the workshop was successful, especially with

the first-time use of an integrated workshop design and external facilitator.

Policy Development on Improving CWT and Environmental Law Enforcement. A dedicated

Enforcement Bureau that will professionalize forestry, wildlife and environmental law enforcers within

the Department will be developed by DENR, a decision catalyzed by recent deaths of environmental law

enforcers. The objective of this bureau is to capacitate its staff with the needed skills and tools to

effectively enforce the law, similar to how other mainstream enforcement agencies, such as the police,

have been trained. There is a need to explore how this will move forward within the Department,

especially as the creation of the Bureau will entail a legislative act of Congress. Protect Wildlife, together

with PBC 3, started discussions with the designated focal person of the DENR Secretary to explore the

potential policy framework and to identify which models are appropriate to follow in developing this

new bureau. These efforts dovetail with the PA Academy plans, where the modules on enforcement can

be developed and delivered in the interim while the proposed Bureau’s mandates are being formalized.

Fisheries Anti-Poaching Protocol. The development of the draft rules on Anti-Poaching Protocol

seeks the effective apprehension and handling of foreign fishing vessel/s caught in the act of poaching in

Philippine waters including our exclusive economic zones and to aid the Law Enforcement Officers and

other Law Enforcement Agencies in the filing of appropriate administrative and criminal case involving

this offense. The draft rules has undergone a series of consultations within DA-BFAR and with different

stakeholders in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The TWG discussed the latest draft during its meeting last

September 6, 2019. Once finalized, the proposed draft will be submitted to National Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources Management Council.


Protect Wildlife supported the following additional activities this quarter:

• Facilitation of the Visayas Cluster Public Consultation on the Draft Rules on Fisheries Anti-

Poaching Protocol at Bai Hotel, Cebu, on July 4, 2019. Participants from DA-BFAR, DENR,

DILG, PCG, PNP, PNP Maritime, PPA, Cebu Ports Authority, Philippine Navy, National Fisheries

and Aquatic Resources Management Council (NFARMC), and commercial fishing organizations

attended the public consultation.

• Protect Wildlife co-sponsored the Mindanao Cluster Public Consultation on the Draft Rules on

Anti-Poaching Protocol in Davao City on August 1, 2019. Over 60 personnel from the DA-

BFAR, DENR, PCG, Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Customs, Philippine National Police,

the Department of Justice, and other national government agencies operating in Mindanao

participated in the public consultation. Participants provided inputs to the current draft of the

anti-poaching protocol, which includes the standardization of rules of engagement across

agencies.

• Finalization of the Draft Rules of the Anti-Poaching Protocol by DA-BFAR TWG, with guide

procedures in addressing intrusions of foreign fishing vessels in Philippine waters. Next step will

be to present the protocol to the DA-BFAR Director and NFARMC for adoption. Protect

Wildlife provided technical support to the consultations and drafting process.

• The activity also supported DA-BFAR’s development of the national protocol on poaching

through regional consultations with 100 participants from across the country. Through these

consultations, participants reviewed the draft protocol for addressing foreign fishing vessels that

encroach in Philippine territory. This protocol will be finalized and submitted to the technical

working group and the National Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council for

adoption in Year 4.

• With Protect Wildlife support, DA-BFAR conducted a workshop on June 4 to 5, 2018 to

develop an enforcement protocol to address the illegal operations of foreign fishing vessels in

Philippine waters and align it with the amended Fisheries Code. The workshop identified gaps in

the current enforcement framework, set the accountabilities of enforcement agencies in the

enforcement continuum, and identified proposals for a unified approach to address poaching.

This national-level protocol is crucial as foreign fishing vessels usually target protected species

such as sharks, rays, marine turtles and napoleon wrasses, among others. DA-BFAR has created

a technical working group to complete the protocol, which will be presented to other

enforcement agencies.

Capacity Building Support and Systems Development

Higher Level Programs to Improve Philippine Wildlife Forensics Capacities and

Investigation Skills in Support of CWT Efforts. During the quarter, Protect Wildlife supported

the DENR in its development of the country’s wildlife forensics system on two fronts: at the field level

in terms of enforcement; and at the systems level in terms of the national development plan for the

forensics center.

On July 16 to 18, 2019, the activity, in partnership with US DOI PBC3 and the US Fish and Wildlife

Service, supported the NALECC-SCENR in conducting the Conference on Wildlife Forensics as a Tool

to Combat Wildlife Trafficking in Cebu. The conference was a follow-on activity to the previous peer-


to-peer exchanges of Philippine

government agencies to the USFWS

Forensics Laboratory in Eugene,

Oregon, which provided Philippine

participants a systems overview of how

a wildlife forensics laboratory functions.

DENR and other participating agencies

including the NBI, DA-BFAR, Bureau of

Customs, and the Special Envoy on

Transnational Crimes, developed a plan

for the creation of the Philippines’ own

wildlife forensics system. The activity

has engaged a short-term technical

consultant to assess the status of the

country’s forensics capacities which is

spread out in different agencies. A report

will be presented to partner agencies, and

the activity will assess which preparatory

activities it can support as part of the initial

development plan for the wildlife forensics

framework for the country.

The conference also reviewed the training design on the Wildlife Crime Scene Forensics Investigation

Course. Participants to the conference were mostly graduates of the first two proof-of-concept trainings

conducted in partnership with USFWS and PBC 3. The training design has been revised based on the

inputs provided by the graduates, taking into account how these have been applied in the field. The

design will be formally submitted to the DENR HRDS for its review for inclusion as part of the training

course for DENR enforcers.

As part of mainstreaming crime scene forensics skills for frontline units enforcing environmental laws, a

modified version of the subject was integrated into the Training of Trainers on the Application of the

Wildlife Law Enforcement Manual of Operations Batch 9 (TOT 9) held last June 30 – July 5, 2019. DENR

staff who were participants during the first-ever wildlife crime scene forensics course now acted as

resource persons for TOT9, conducting both an overview lecture and a classroom exercise.

In the field of investigation, intelligence, and monitoring, the Bureau of Fisheries held its own in-house

training on intelligence, investigation and monitoring, the Information Gathering, Surveillance and

Investigation (IGSI) Course from July 7 to 20, 2019 in Pagbilao, Quezon. The course was based on the

course outline from the first Advanced Training on Enforcement and Investigation for Violations of Laws

and Regulations on Wildlife, Fisheries and Protected Areas that was conducted last April 2019. The

Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group adapted the course outline with help from Protect

Wildlife, taking into consideration the specialized needs of the DA-BFAR by orienting the course

towards fisheries law enforcement. The course is now part of the DA-BFAR’s course offering for

enforcement managers and supervisors for the Fisheries Protection and Law Enforcement Group.

Experts and officials from science, enforcement and

environmental sectors gathered in Cebu for the

Conference in Wildlife Forensics to develop a common

vision and action plan for enhancing the Philippines’

capacity in using forensic science to boost wildlife law

enforcement and strengthen the campaign to end illegal

wildlife trade in the country.


On the side of the DENR, a second proof-of-concept Advanced Training on Enforcement and

Investigation for Violations of Laws and Regulations on Wildlife, Fisheries and Protected Areas was

conducted last September 8 to 21, 2019 in Iloilo City. Other agencies who participated in this training

were the PNP MG, BOC, Office of the Special Envoy on Transnational Crimes, and other agencies

mandated to enforce environmental laws. The training was done in partnership with the USFWS. After

this second proof-of-concept training, the course design will be reviewed and finalized for adoption by

the DENR HRDS.

Environmental Law and Protection Course. The rollout of the Environmental Law and Protection

(ELP) course across the country commenced during the last quarter of Year 3 through the activity’s

partnership with Philippine Society of Criminologists and Criminal Justice Practitioners, which has more

than 100 partner schools nationwide. The 25 colleges and universities represented in the initial rollout

workshop all indicated interest to offer the ELP course.

Protect Wildlife continued to roll out the ELP syllabus developed through support of USAID for use of

universities and colleges in the Philippines offering Bachelor of Science in Criminology Program. The

syllabus was developed to further strengthen environmental law enforcement in the country by

producing better prepared graduates to handle and manage such tasks. This quarter, the Environmental

Law, Protection, and Investigation Course was rolled out with academic institutions in Region 3 that are

offering Bachelor of Science in Criminology and are members of the Philippine Society of Criminologists

and Criminal Justice Professionals, Inc. (PSCCJPI). The workshop was conducted on August 6 to 9, 2019

in Cabanatuan City that engaged the participation of 16 academic institutions in nine cities and

municipalities. Protect Wildlife and the PSCCJPI are working together to promote the separation of

Environmental Law and Protection from the Cybercrime course under the BS Criminology program

being offered by these concerned academic institutions across the country. In so doing, ELP will be given

the detailed treatment it requires to basically equip graduates for environmental law protection Protect

Wildlife and PSCCJPI will continue working together on the roll out and adoption of the syllabus by

concerned academic institutions.

Public-Private Partnership Agreements

Protect Wildlife has been engaging partners in public sector that aims to reduce threats to biodiversity,

poaching and use of illegally harvested wildlife and wildlife products, and improve provision of ecosystem

goods and services in activity sites. The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority under the

umbrella of Department of Agriculture signed a partnership with Protect Wildlife on September 26,

2019 to improve economic activities of target communities in Region 12. Under this partnership

agreement, PhilFIDA committed US$516,115 or ₱26,838 million to promote abaca production

technology and its value chain among upland smallholder farmers. PhilFIDA will work with abaca

smallholder farmers by providing technical assistance and support to LGU agricultural offices such as:

the transfer of sustainable abaca production technology; integrated environmental conservation;

establishment of nurseries through the provision of abaca seedlings; delivery of abaca modules to farmer

field schools; and linkages between abaca producers with other government agencies on support

facilities. Protect Wildlife will engage FSSI to provide working capital for cooperatives and people’s

organizations who are engage in abaca production in the region.


To enhance the partnership, Protect

Wildlife and Conrado and Ladislawa

Alcantara Foundation, Inc. (CLAFI) signed

an updated agreement that now includes

working with indigenous communities to

assist them on abaca and coffee

production in selected sites where CLAFI

is already operating. Under this

partnership agreement, CLAFI committed

an additional US$96,153 million or ₱5

million, which will provide technical

assistance on abaca and coffee production

for the T’boli and B’laan tribes.

CLAFI also made a commitment of US$

95,785.44 (₱5 million) to support mangrove and

marine turtle conservation program in Sarangani

Bay. The foundation committed to work with

Protect Wildlife on a range of activities in the

Sarangani Bay, including mangrove rehabilitation,

community development and integrated

environmental conservation that seeks to protect coastal areas and endangered marine turtles.

Initial exploratory meetings with Smart Communication have resulted in an agreement to promote

biodiversity conservation topics and to develop learning tools to improve literacy and awareness among

students in hard to reach areas through Smart’s mobile digital laboratory called School in a Bag. This kit

includes educational modules and mobile applications that are easy to navigate by the students. Protect

Wildlife will work with the DENR-BMB CEPA team in developing digital and interactive materials for

biodiversity conservation and education that can be integrated into the mobile learning kit.

Protect Wildlife has also invited Smart Communications’ DevNet team as partner for the first-ever

Zoohackathon in the Philippines. The partnership with Smart DevNet is to provide mentorship talks on

digital innovation and technopreneurship as well as coaching to participating teams during the

Zoohackathon event in November 2019. The goal of this event is to promote technology solutions that

build cross-sector collaboration, raise awareness, and empower communities to help reduce poaching,

illegal trade of wildlife, and address other wildlife trafficking challenges.

The team explored collaboration with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, a retail coffee brand that champions

environmental sustainability as part of its corporate social responsibility. SA 1 and SA 2 are working to

create in-store, digital and on-site activations with the brand in time for World Wildlife Day in 2020.

On July 4 to 5, 2019 at the League of Corporate Foundation’s CSR Expo 2019, Protect Wildlife was able

to link up with the LCF program-based environment and enterprise committees and foundation of

private companies like Coca-Cola Foundation, BDO Foundation, and UCPB-CIIF Foundation.

CLAFI and Protect Wildlife signed an updated

agreement that now includes working with indigenous

communities to assist them on abaca and coffee

production in selected sites where CLAFI is already

operating. The foundation will also provide technical

assistance on establishing an abaca nursery for T’boli

and B’laan communities.


The team met with UCPB-CIIF Foundation, Inc. on September 20, 2019 for possible partnership with

Protect Wildlife on conservation and protection related activities in activity sites, especially in Region 3.

A follow-up meeting with Abraham Holdings on September 3, 2019 had discussion on community

engagement and marketing agreement for the target communities in southern Palawan. Protect Wildlife

presented the commodity map that highlights specific crops planted in specific sites. Abraham Holdings

expressed interest in buying commodities such as banana and other locally grown vegetables from

upland farmers in southern Palawan. Abraham Holdings, Inc. committed up to US$90,000 (₱5 million) to

provide capacity building support (leadership skills, business management, etc.) to existing community-

based organizations and support the establishment of a common trading area for fruits and vegetables

from southern Palawan.

Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative. Protect Wildlife with the

USAID Mission Philippines submitted a proposal to the Women's Global Development and Prosperity

(W-GDP) Initiative. The W-GDP Initiative is built on three pillars: (1) Women Prospering in the

Workforce, which will support workforce development and skills training; (2) Women Succeeding as

Entrepreneurs, which will focus on entrepreneurship and access to capital, markets, and networks; and

(3) Women Enabled in the Economy, which will address the factors that affect women’s ability to reach

their economic potential, including applicable laws, regulations, policies, practices, and norms. One of

the 14 projects approved by the W-GDP Initiative is the Philippines’ “Journey to Self-Reliance through

Women’s Economic Empowerment”. The activities of the project will focus on working with the private

sector to increase earnings for 3,800 women entrepreneurs and 12,000 households, as well as assisting

local government units to address barriers to women achieving their full economic participation in the

selected sites of Protect Wildlife. Initial proposals for the W-GDA are listed under Table 3.

TABLE 3: INITIAL PROPOSALS FOR W-GDP INITIATIVE

ORGANIZATION /

COMMUNITY SITE

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

NEEDED

AMOUNT

(₱)

DIRECT

BENEFICIARIES

Kusor Farmer's Association

(KUFA)

Inugbong,

Bataraza,

Palawan

Village-Level feed mill 3.5 million

315 individuals

Marketing fund for vegetables,

cassava and other biodiversity-

friendly crops

250,000

Post-harvest facilities (i.e.,

processing of cassava chips and

other products) from

PhilRootcrops

500,000

Bulalacao Community-

Based Wildlife Protection

Bulalacao,

Bataraza,

Palawan

Marketing fund for pineapple

production 300,000

265 individuals Processing facility of pineapple

products 300,000

Cherish Fisherfolks

Association

Isugod,

Quezon,

Palawan

Processing by-products of

seaweeds (bio-fertilizers, feeds,

etc.)

1 Million 415 individuals

Crab fattening and lobster 300,000

Tupi Coffee Growers

Association, Inc.

Tupi, South

Cotabato

Coffee nursery establishment for

Robusta coffee covering 5 clusters 5 Million 4,350 individuals

Marketing fund for buying coffee


ORGANIZATION /

COMMUNITY SITE

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

NEEDED

AMOUNT

(₱)

DIRECT

BENEFICIARIES

United Maligang Farmers

Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Kiamba,

Sarangani

Abaca nursery establishment for

quality fiber covering 5 clusters 5 Million

3,595 individuals

Marketing fund for buying abaca

fiber

Product display furniture and

fixtures; storage for processed

abaca fiber

500,000

T’boli Knoon Highland

Farmer Association

Allah Valley,

South

Cotabato

Arabica coffee nursery

establishment (covering 2

barangays and 7 sitios)

2 Million

2,500 individuals

Abaca spindle stripping machines

for 7 sitios 400,000

Tawi-Tawi Mother's Club

Marketing Cooperative

Bongao, Tawi-

Tawi

Processing facility to obtain BFAD

certification (including BFAD

certification fee)

producing bottled fish meat and

shrimp paste

500,000

140 individuals

Revolving capital for fish meat

production (i.e., bottles, labeling,

etc.)

200,000

Mampang Seaweeds

Planters Association

Zamboanga

City

Seaweed Production and

Marketing Capital 1 Million 136 individuals

Biodiversity Conservation Research

Graduate Student Research Assistance. For the quarter, there were 12 applications received and

evaluated by Protect Wildlife Technical Evaluation Committee. Four proposals were approved for

funding and were awarded during the quarter (2 PhD students and 2 master’s students). The approved

proposals bring to 25 the number of researches that can potentially meet the LOP for SA 4.2.

The proposals approved for funding are the following:

• Biodiversity Assessment of Marine Ecosystem of Burias, Glan, Sarangani: Basis for a Learning

Package – Leizle Coronica, PhD in Science Education (major in Biology), Graduate School,

Notre Dame of Dadiangas University

• Improved Mangrove Crown Measurement from Airborne Lidar Data Using Marker-controlled

Watershed Algorithm-filtered Hamraz Technique – Rufo Marasigan, Jr., Doctor in Engineering

(Computer Engineering), Technological Institute of the Philippines

• Abundance and Distribution of the Philippine Brown Deer (Rusa Marianna) in the Obu Manuvu

Ancestral Domain, Davao City – Jhonnel P. Villegas, MS in Biology, Ateneo de Davao University.

• Amphibians and reptiles in Mt. Busa, Kiamba, Sarangani Province: species and functional trait

responses along forest gradients – Kier Mitchel Pitogo, Master of Science in Wildlife Studies,

UPLB Graduate School

On August 20 to 23, 2019, an orientation-meeting with DENR Region 9 and the Zamboanga City Water

District on the study on the Philippine Eagle in Pasonanca Natural Park by the Philippine Eagle

Foundation (PEF) was held. The PEF team was headed by Dr. Jayson Ibañez, Director for Research. The

PEF team then proceeded to do a reconnaissance of potential nesting sites within the park.


Protect Wildlife-Funded Research Presented at Various Fora. Throughout the quarter, several

of the activity-funded research received international and local attention during their presentation at

various fora:

• The master’s thesis on Rafflesia by Adrianne Tobias and advisers at the First Symposium on

Plants, People and Planet held in Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London on September 4 to 5,

2019. This was selected as a Poster talk at the symposium. He received an award as the best

poster talk presentation. The activity supported the participation of Mr. Adriane Tobias to the

Teacher Workshops in Conservation Science on 29 to 31 July 2019 held at the Arnold and

Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, located adjacent to the San Diego Zoo

Safari Park in Escondido, California. San Diego, California.

• Five presentations of research being supported by USAID at the 8th Annual Conference on

Environmental Science (ACES 2018) “Environmental investments for securing bio-cultural

diversity” Mindanao State University - Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography

Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on September 19 to 21, 2019. Two presentations were selected for

competition at the plenary presentation.

• Supported the participation of Rudolf Balisco of Western Philippines University to 29th

International Congress for Conservation Biology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 21 to 25,

2019. He presented the results of the sea cucumber research.

Events and Outreach

• July 16-18, 2019 – Co-hosting of the Conference on Wildlife Forensics as a Tool to Combat

Wildlife Trafficking at Bai Hotel, Cebu City. Discussions focused on the wildlife forensics science

and an overview of Philippine regulations on wildlife forensics. About 60 representatives from

the DENR, NBI, PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, PCSDS, and the Philippine

Center for Transnational Crimes participated in the conference.

• July 25-26, 2019 – Palawan Research Symposium, which Protect Wildlife co-funded. The

symposium is the first international conference on biosphere and sustainability with the theme,

“Catalyzing sustainable development.” The event was organized by PCSDS and the members of

the Palawan Knowledge Platform. Approximately 150 participants attended the conference,

from universities within Palawan and outside the province, as well as universities from

Singapore, Chile, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada. The WPU presented

the USAID-funded research on the growth and survival of laboratory-produced sandfish at

different culture stages.

• August 8, 2019 – With DENR, a round table discussion on forestry and forest governance to

gather perspectives, insights, and recommendations from key opinion leaders, forestry experts,

and wood and furniture industry representatives to the Operationalization of the Forestry

Master Plan. The RTD was attended by technical experts from both the private and government

sectors, including the academe.

• August 13-16, 2019 – Sponsorship of the 28th Philippine Biodiversity Symposium organized by

the Biodiversity Conservation Society of the Philippines. Protect Wildlife sponsored the

attendance of 23 presenters of various biodiversity studies, composed of graduate students,

professors and CSO representatives. Venue: Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte.


• August 23, 2019 — Support to DENR-BMB’s Youth and Buwan ng Wika event, "Samu't-saring

Kwentuhan." About 100 participants from DENR, CSOs, and high school and college students

from various schools and universities attended the event. Venue: The Ruins, Makati City.

• September 17-19, 2019 – Co-sponsorship of the 8th National Conference of the Philippine

Forestry Education Network, Inc. (PFEN) with the theme, “Gearing for Excellence: Linking Up

the Academe with Industry.” The project was represented by its Chief of Party, Dr. Ernesto

Guiang. Venue: Pampanga State Agricultural University, Magalang, Pampanga

• Protect Wildlife attended the Agri-Innovation Summit organized by the American Chamber of

Commerce Philippines at Clark, Pampanga. The summit, with the theme, “Developing Pampanga

through Inclusive Agribusiness in Clark, Pampanga,” provided a venue for discussions among

industry partners of existing agricultural technologies, potential investment of agricultural

technology, and opportunities on the usage of technology in agriculture - July 30, 2019.

OTHER MANILA-BASED ACTIVITIES

PARTNER

ORGANIZATIONS SA ACTIVITY DATE

DENR-BMB

SA 5 Luzon-wide stakeholders’ review of proposed revisions to the Wildlife

Act.

August 6-7,

2019

SA 5 Meeting on the proposed CAPTURED study and other activities

supported by Protect Wildlife.

August 23,

2019

SA 3

Meeting on the logistical and technical preparations for the conduct of

the 2nd Capacitation Workshop on Protected Area Management for the

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The

group agreed that DENR will conduct an internal assessment prior to

the workshop.

August 30,

2019

SA 5

WildALERT Reporting Process Workshop. The user interface and user

experience for the WildALERT were developed, This will be used in the

alpha version of the application and website.

August 28-

29, 2019

SA 5

Seminar on National and International Policies Governing Ivory and the

Illegal Wildlife Trade in Seaports and Airports. This is part of the

continuing series of seminars of the BMB-WRD to mainstream wildlife

law enforcement at airports and seaports in identified hotspot areas.

September

19, 2019

SA 5

Learning Event on National and International Policies governing ivory

and wildlife trade in airports and seaports held at Laoag International

Airport.

September

26, 2019

SA 3

SA 5

Joint planning with BMB-WRD for the initial assessment and training on

marine turtle conservation for partners in the Sarangani Bay Protected

Seascape.

September

5, 2019

Department

of Agriculture

SA 2

Meeting with DA- Agricultural Credit Policy Council for possible

partnership to allow Protect Wildlife partner communities within

protected areas and forestlands to access DA credit programs.

August 16,

2019

SA 5

Visayas Cluster Public Consultation on BFAR’s Draft Rules on Fisheries

Anti-Poaching Protocol held in Cebu City.

July 4, 2019

SA 5 Mindanao Cluster Public Consultation on BFAR Draft Rules on

Fisheries Anti-Poaching Protocol held in Davao City.

August 1,

2019

SA 5

Finalization of BFAR’s Draft Rules for the Anti-Poaching Protocol, with

procedures in addressing intrusions of foreign fishing vessels into

Philippine waters.

September

25, 2019


PARTNER

ORGANIZATIONS SA ACTIVITY DATE

PCSD

SA 1

Museum tour of a PCSDS team and interaction with museum curators

and archivists to help PCSDS refine the concept of the PCSD

Biodiversity Learning Center

July 15-17,

2019

League of Corporate

Foundations

SA 2

League of Corporate Foundation’s CSR Expo 2019. Protect Wildlife

was able to link up with the Foundation’s program-based environment

and enterprise committees and foundations of private companies like

Coca-Cola Foundation, BDO Foundation, and UCPB-CIIF Foundation.

July 4-5,

2019

SA 2 Follow-on meeting with UCPB-CIIF Foundation, Inc. for possible

partnership on conservation and protection related activities in activity

sites especially in Region 3

September

20, 2019

Asian Development Bank SA 5

Asian Development Bank and Global Environment Facility – DENR

Experts’ Review of the draft Amended Wildlife Act

August 8-9,

2019

USAID Green Invest

Asia SA 2

Asia Regional Coffee Forum organized by USAID Green Invest Asia, in

partnership with International Women’s Coffee Alliance and the

Philippine Coffee Board, Inc. The coffee forum highlighted the demand

on good quality coffee in domestic and international market, sustainable

sourcing of premium coffee with perspective from buyers and roasters,

fair-trade market on coffee, and commitment of promoting sustainable

coffee production.

August 29,

2019

Apo Reefs Natural Park;

Agusan Marsh Wildlife

Sanctuary

SA 4

Training of enumerators and conduct of the ranger and community

perception survey in Apo Reefs Natural Park. A total of 21 rangers and

590 community members were surveyed.

July 31-

August 29,

2019

SA 4 Training of enumerators and conduct of the ranger perception survey in

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 132 rangers were surveyed.

September

5-25, 2019

PLANS FOR NEXT QUARTER

SA 1: Behavior Change Communication

Theory of Change Result: Foundational Knowledge Improved

• Design additional materials for the Dalaw Turo (teaching caravan) for the review of the BMB-

CEPA team.

• Schedule and design a workshop that will train Dalaw Turo facilitators how to use the Protect

Wildlife designed tools.

• Assist the Communications team facilitate the Zoohackathon activity

Theory of Change Result: Improved institutional and private sector attitudes toward

conservation

• Initiate the development of a suite of marketing materials that courier businesses can display as

part of their commitment to CWT. Exploratory meeting with LBC is scheduled.

• Initiate meeting with Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) to

explore the display of Wild and Alive collaterals for Clark Airport.


• Explore collaboration with Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, a retail coffee brand that champions

environmental sustainability as part of its corporate social responsibility. SA 1 and SA 2 are

working to create in-store, digital and on-site activations with the brand in time for World

Wildlife Day in 2020.

• Launch the “Connected to the Wild” traveling exhibit with The Mind Museum in December

2019 at the museum grounds in Bonifacio Global City.

Theory of Change Result: Improved community attitudes toward conservation

• Finalize the KAP survey design and implement in selected communities Sarangani Bay.

SA 2: Conservation Financing

Theory of Change Result: Available financing arrangements are identified and realigned to

support conservation

• Continue discussions with selected members of the League of Corporate Foundations and

secure agreements on the use of CSR funding to support Protect Wildlife initiatives. Potential

partners are UCPB-CIIF, Metrobank and BDO Foundation.

• Collaborate with ACDI/VOCA’s PhilCAFE project to integrate conservation-related topics into

its coffee production manual.

• Discuss with BMB-WRD for the environmental content for Smart Communications’ School in a

Bag project

Theory of Change Result: Opportunities for new conservation financing arrangements

identified and designed with partners

• Refine PES training modules for non-water business enterprises.

Theory of Change Result: Government and CSOs initiate and implement financing

arrangements

• Continue to coordinate with LWR, FSSI, Abraham Holdings, RD Foundation, Alcantara

Foundation and Sunlight Foods Corporation on the implementation of joint activities in activity

sites.

• Design, test and apply a tool for the assessment of capacities of assisted people’s organizations.

Develop a capability building program for these assisted organizations.

• Develop fundable proposals and facilitate technical assistance on livelihood and social enterprises

that can be supported under the W-GDP Initiative.

• Establish partnerships with existing organizations or programs to provide training and technical

support to improve farming and processing systems, and post-harvest technologies of

smallholder producers in production zones of protected and conservation areas and forestlands:

▪ Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority for abaca production technologies in

communities in Sarangani and South Cotabato.


▪ Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization on processing systems,

technologies, training support for cacao and coffee production, among others

▪ Philippine Rural Development Program for value chain development and capability building

for abaca, cacao, coffee and seaweeds farmers.

SA 3: Conservation and Governance

Theory of Change Result: Increased capacity of relevant government agencies, protected

area management boards and CSOs in integrated resource planning and management

• Coordinate technical support to FMB on agreed joint activities (i.e., NGP tenure models, drone

image analysis, Carbon Accounting and Verification System, carbon off-setting policy, tree

canopy data processing, forest and grassland fire control and management training, and forestry

extension training for new NGP-focused extension officers).

• Facilitate the finalization by the FMB-BMB TWG of the framework on harmonization of

strategies and data, and implementation of the piloting activity plans covering Bohol, Aurora,

Marinduque and Negros Oriental.

• Prepare the design and initiate arrangements for the cross-visit of DENR, LGUs and partners to

Vietnam. Areas of interest are perennial cropping systems and ecotourism in conservation and

production areas.

• Start the development of the PA Academy curriculum and pilot training designs

• Support the DENR TWG in finalizing the DENR Administrative Order on integrating

biodiversity in large-scale mining operation. The policy adopts the science of progressive

ecological restoration in actual mining sites with future designation as a protection and

conservation area.

• Continue to assist field teams in ongoing zoning, FLUP and PA management planning activities

and training on integrated conservation and management.

• Start the development of protected area and FLUP training guides.

Theory of Change Result: PAMB formulates improved policies for better protected area

management

• Assist finalize the design of the Mindanao PAMB Network Conference and Protect Wildlife’s

support to its conduct.

• Continue the collaboration with BIOFIN in coordinating BSAP workshops and technical support

(i.e., writers) to the drafting of the plans for identified provinces and cities

• Facilitate discussions among DENR agencies on the assessment of the capacity-building needs of

BARMM employees and officials, and plans for the turn-over of the management of protected

areas.

TOC Result: PAMB recommends management models to serve as basis for DENR policies

and support

• Support the piloting of Wildlife Insights in selected protected areas in Palawan


• Develop the methodology for carrying capacity studies in protected areas based on the pilot

study in Sta. Cruz Islands.

SA 4: Conservation Research

Theory of Change Result: Assessments completed

• Inventory enforcement information and species-focused studies that are available from PCSDS

and BMB-WRD to prepare for the commencement of the CAPTURED study in early 2020.

• Conduct a desk review of available studies on flagship species adopted by assisted protected

areas.

Theory of Change Result: Capacity of partner colleges and universities to leverage funds,

do research and curriculum development, and disseminate research results increased

• Facilitate technical support to ongoing and proposed curriculum enhancement and development

activities of partner colleges and universities, including Mindanao State University in GenSan and

the Pampanga State Agricultural University. Monitor the delivery of STTA technical assistance

and the approval, adoption and use of the products ((syllabi, teaching tools and materials and

laboratory exercises) by partner colleges and universities.

• Support the rollout of the Environmental Law and Protection (ELP) syllabus in Mindanao (Davao

City). Collaborate with the PSCCJPI in ascertaining and documenting the adoption of the

syllabus by its member colleges and universities that attended previous rollout workshops.

• Finalize research proposals in coordination with research proponents and site teams and submit

for USAID approval. Facilitate the mobilization of the teams, the procurement of needed

equipment and provision of logistics support once they are approved. Targeted for the quarter

are:

▪ Sulu hornbill research in Malum watershed of Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi by the Philippine

Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc.

▪ Tarsier distribution, home range and habitat assessment in Mount Matutum Protected

Landscape by University of the Philippines-Institute of Biology

▪ Blue-naped parrot population and habitat study in Mount Mantalingahan Protected

Landscape

▪ Fuelwood supply and demand study in Nueva Ecija and Pampanga by the Pampanga State

Agricultural University

• Continue to provide support and monitor the progress of student researches. Before the end of

a quarter, a status check will be made on all the research awards to make sure that award

conditions are being met and that all studies will be completed before June 2020.

• Continue to facilitate support and monitor the progress of researches being undertaken by

universities and research organizations. Organize a meeting with each of the research teams in

order to be apprised on the status of each, initial findings and lessons, implementation concerns,

and plans for the presentation and publication of the studies.

• For completed or nearly completed studies, including student researches, identify opportunities

or organize activities where results can be presented and used for policy formulation or


program development. Researches that have been completed or are expected to be completed

within the quarter are the sandfish study, ranger and community perception study, pangolin

study, and the coastal resource assessment of Eleven Islands.

• Identify research studies that will be appropriate for presentation in conferences or fora that are

co-funded or supported by Protect Wildlife.

SA 5: Wildlife Law Enforcement

Theory of Change Result: National and local enforcement capacity improved

• Design and implement two specialized trainings for DENR and allied law enforcement agencies:

(a) development of a multi-agency pool of regional trainers for environmental law enforcement;

and (b) countering cyber trading and money laundering to address online illegal wildlife trade.

• Conduct regulatory capacity building on Identifying Wildlife Products and Derivatives (Focusing

on Reptile Skins) and Techniques on Monitoring of Breeding Facilities. This training will be

facilitated by the DENR in partnership with CITES Switzerland.

• Facilitate technical and logistical support for the conduct of the fisheries and aquatic wildlife law

enforcement summit.

• Support the improvement of DENR’s wildlife rescue centers with the procurement of much

needed equipment for the National Wildlife Rescue and Research Center and for selected

WRCs in activity sites. Procure the services of an engineer-architect to prepare the physical

development and investment plan for the National Wildlife Rescue and Research Center.

• Assist the DENR in developing its program for its Enforcement Bureau.

• Complete the policy paper on wildlife forensics to serve as input to the proposed amended

Wildlife Act.

• Conduct an assessment of the existing data holdings and data management systems of DENR-

BMB wildlife rescue centers and present recommendations.

Theory of Change Result: Institutionalization of training programs at the national level to

provide continuing support to regional field teams

• Assist the NALECC SCENR in providing its initial support activities for the development of the

Wildlife Forensics Center.

• Initiate the development process for the adoption by the DENR HRDS of the courses on

wildlife crime scene forensics investigation course and the intelligence and investigation course

as part of the core curriculum for DENR enforcers.

• Initiate the development or updating of the training design for forestry law enforcement in

support of the FMB.


Theory of Change Result: National and local coordination mechanisms for enforcement

strengthened

• Provide technical support to the development of the Integrated Enforcement Manual of

Operations

• Facilitate partnership between UPIB and PCSDS in generating spatial and genetic data from the

DNA of confiscated wildlife and wildlife products

PALAWAN


• Advancing conservation agriculture and agroforestry in southern Palawan

• Flagship species ordinances of Quezon and Bataraza

• Support to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Advancing Farm-Level Conservation Agriculture and Agroforestry

The zoning plan for the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape and the FLUPs of five LGUs in

southern Palawan shows a total of 81,787 hectares, outside of the strict protection zone and other

conservation areas that can potentially be developed as productions areas. Within these areas are about

17,000 households which are currently engaged in subsistence and small-scale farming. Crops commonly

grown are upland rice, banana, root crops, and coconuts. It is not uncommon to find farmers who

continue to practice slash-and-burn agriculture (uma or kaingin).

There is huge potential to make these production areas in the protected area, forestlands and ancestral

domains more productive and provide upland households a more reliable source of income. One of the

strategies that the activity adopted was to directly invest in the development of some of these areas

through agroforestry. The idea was to procure and distribute quality seeds and seedlings of high-value

vegetables and fruit trees to farmers who are committed to plant and nurture them in farm lots and

home gardens that are within the defined production areas. Agroforestry will not only improve the

productivity of the farmers but also the permanent tree cover of upland production areas.

The high level of interest shown by some upland communities on previous initiatives to introduce

improved varieties of agricultural crops, such as cassava and purple yam, provided added encouragement

for the activity to jumpstart a sustainable agriculture and agroforestry program for the production zones

of the Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape and forestlands.

In collaboration with five municipalities in southern Palawan, the DENR-PAMO, and PCSDS, an

orientation on conservation agriculture, agroforestry and fuelwood was held in May 2019 for members

of five people’s organizations. This was followed by a series of consultations that finally covered 44

upland barangays. During these activities, farmer-participants were asked to identify the types of high

value vegetables and short, medium and long-term species for agroforestry, fuelwood production and

enrichment planting that they would be interested to grow. The final species selection however was not


based solely on farmer preferences.

Considered as well was the agro-climatic

suitability of the area and potential

markets.

The fruit tree species that were finally

selected included durian, mangosteen,

rambutan, lanzones, avocado, pomelo,

and jackfruit. Through the community

consultations, 700 households located

across 44 barangays committed to take

part in the program. It is estimated that

about 2,500 hectares of production lands

will be placed under effective and

productive management.

This quarter, the team focused on

preparing not only the farmer recipients

but also those who are to provide

extension support to them. Technical

staff from the LGUs, DENR and PCSDS, extension staff from the agricultural offices of LGUs, and some

barangay officials went through a training of trainers course that included lectures on conservation

agriculture and agroforestry, and demonstrations on contour line planting, site preparation and farm

planning, planting techniques, and post-planting maintenance. The trainers then trained the participating

households. A total of 697 community members composed of 504 men and 193 women from the

municipalities of Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Quezon, Rizal and Sofronio Espanola were trained.

In addition to the local trainers, a quality control sampling team was formed from among the staff

members of the LGUs, DENR, and PCSDS. This select team was trained on seedling acceptance

sampling. Working closely with Protect Wildlife’s procurement staff, the quality control sampling team

made sure that the seedlings that were bought and transported from certified nurseries outside Palawan

meet set quality standards before these are distributed to farmers. Throughout the procurement

process, the quality of the seedlings was always emphasized.

On 30 September 2019, the first shipment of 24,000 durian seedlings arrived in Puerto Princesa City and

those that passed quality control were distributed to the farmers in southern Palawan. The procurement

and distribution of the other seedlings and the expansion of planting sites will be continued in the next

planting season in 2020.

This initiative, which focused on the development of production areas, reinforces the adopted zoning

regime for the protected area and for forestlands. It aims to provide economic benefits to upland

communities, including indigenous communities. This will improve their food sources and provide stable

and regular incomes, and may therefore reduce poaching of wildlife species. It will also improve the land

cover of upland areas, including some critical watersheds that are sources of irrigation and domestic

water. While this activity is only able to cover a small percentage of the entire production zone in the

Assisted communities in southern Palawan, including

upland indigenous families, received their seedlings of durian

as part of Protect Wildlife’s agroforestry program that aims

to contribute to better livelihood opportunities for locals

and improved management of forests and forestlands.


protected area and forestlands, it provides a model which partner

LGUs, DENR and PCSDS can continue beyond Protect Wildlife’s

engagement.

Flagship Species Ordinance

In compliance with the Palawan provincial government’s 2018

ordinance that prescribes guidelines for the selection and

declaration of flagship species of each municipality, the

municipalities of Quezon and Bataraza have approved their

respective flagship species ordinances.

Quezon’s municipal ordinance declared the Philippine Megapode

(Megapodius cumingii) or Tabon Bird as the municipality’s flagship

species. The Tabon Bird qualifies to the selection criteria and

characteristics of a flagship species as stipulated in the guidelines.

The Tabon Bird does not only promote the significance of this bird

and its habitat but also its connection with the culture and history

of Quezon. The famous and historic Tabon caves complex in

Quezon was named after this bird. The Tabon caves complex is the

site where possibly the oldest Homo sapiens fossil and the famous

“manunggul jar” were discovered by American anthropologist Dr.

Robert Fox.

According to IUCN, the Tabon Bird’s population trend is

decreasing, but the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to

approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend

criterion. For these reasons the species is evaluated as “Least

Concern.” The species is known to occur in the Philippines,

Indonesia and Malaysia. In Quezon, though further research needs

to be undertaken, there are sightings of Tabon Birds in the islands

and islets. Though it is not being traded illegally, the survival of its

hatchlings in the wild is low due to human consumption,

disturbance of nesting sites, mangrove conversion, and informal

settlements in the shoreline.

To help ensure the effective implementation of the ordinance, the

office of the Mayor created the Tabon Bird Implementing Team

composed of the MENRO, MAO, PCSDS, DENR, the Quezon LGU

representative to the Mount Mantalingahan PAMB, the Philippine

National Police, deputized WEO, the Department of Education, the

Palawan State University and the Western Philippines University. A

fund of ₱300,000 was appropriated for the initial implementation of

the ordinance. Thereafter, an annual appropriation shall be

allocated for the implementation of the species action plan.

Philippine megapode

(Megapodius cumingii),

locally known as Tabon bird

Nicobar pigeon

(Coelonas nicobarica),

locally known as Siete Colores


Similarly, the municipality of Bataraza has adopted the Nicobar Pigeon (Coelonas nicobarica), locally

known as “Siete Colores” as its flagship species. The bird is known to inhabit the Ursula Island Game

Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. The IUCN believes that Nicobar Pigeon population is declining, the biggest

threats being habitat destruction and hunting for food and pet trade.

Bataraza entrusts the preparation of the species conservation action plan to the Office of the Municipal

Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the municipality’s Environmentally Critical

Areas Network board and the interim management board of Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird

Sanctuary. To further strengthen the legal status of the Ursula Island as conservation area, the LGU will

support the declaration of Ursula Island as a protected area under the category of wildlife sanctuary

pursuant to the ENIPAS Act or as critical habitat under the wildlife conservation and protection act. The

Nicobar Pigeon will also be incorporated in the municipal seal.

As embodied in these municipal ordinances, the next step for both municipalities is to formulate an

action plan in consultation with key stakeholders. Environmental education and awareness, behavior

change campaigns, research, habitat management and other concerns will be key components of the

action plan.

The municipalities of Brooke’s Point, Sofronio Espanola, Rizal and Aborlan have yet to approve their

draft ordinances on their adopted flagship species.

Assistance to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park

Towards the end of Year 3, Protect Wildlife agreed to respond to a request from Puerto Princesa City

to extend technical assistance to its ongoing effort to update the management plan of the Puerto

Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park (PPSRNP). The PPSRNP was thus added to the protected

areas in Palawan to be assisted by Protect Wildlife in Year 4.

PPSRNP is a unique mountain-to-sea ecosystem that was declared as a national park in 1971. From an

area of 3,901 hectares, the national park’s coverage was expanded to 22,202 hectares in 1999. The

park’s key natural feature is the 8.2 km-long underground river that flows directly to the sea and is

considered one of the world’s extraordinary cave systems with its magnificent rock formations. The

park was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 because of its high biodiversity and

outstanding universal value. It is an important watershed that provides water for domestic and

agricultural uses and is the source of the water that flows into the famous underground river. It is also

the home of two indigenous groups, the Tagbanuas and Batak.

The park has also earned other distinctions and has been named as National Geological Site (2003), the

New Seven Wonders of Nature (2011) and the fifth Wetland of International Importance or Ramsar

Site in the Philippines (2012)

Threats to the park include population increase, uncontrolled tourism and commercial development,

inappropriate land-use, including the headwaters of Cabayugan and Babuyan watersheds which are

outside the park boundaries, and deforestation. Pursuant to a memorandum of agreement with the

DENR in 1992, the park is managed by the city government of Puerto Princesa.


Unfortunately, the existing management plan of the park is outdated and needs to be improved to better

respond to current challenges and realities.

Two assessment activities were immediately undertaken by Protect Wildlife, the first was a review of

the PPSRNP’s cave management and maintenance plans and tourism operations. This task was

performed by a cave management expert, Dr. George Veni of the US National Cave and Karst Research

Institute.

The on-site technical assessment covered the underground river and four other caves within the natural

park. The study involved actual visits to the caves, discussions with staff, review of materials, observation

of tourism operations and interviews with visitors to the park. Some of the major and more immediate

recommendations presented are the following:

• Allocate funds for research.

• Study the carrying capacity of the cave; it should give primary consideration to the disturbance

of tourism on bats and birds inside the cave.

• Diversify attractions and provide longer tours to enhance visitor experience.

• Improve the environmental messaging for the public.

• Test the fungus observed on the floor of two caves as these could be health risks.

• Put in place measures for safety and emergencies.

These will ensure that the World Heritage status of the cave is maintained.

The second assessment pertained to the PES opportunities in the PPSRNP, in response to a PAMB

resolution requesting for assistance in PES development. The PAMB subsequently issued a resolution

creating a PES TWG composed of key park staff and representatives from DENR, PCSDS, City ENRO,

City Planning and Development Office and the Environmental Legal Assistance Center. The TWG is

tasked to work with Protect Wildlife and provide the data needed for the initial steps in PES

development, particularly the valuation of ecosystems services and cost and revenue analysis.

The assessment was designed to identify the ecosystem goods and services that PPSRNP provides, the

corresponding service users, and current public and private sector initiatives to manage, conserve and

protect the park. It highlighted the recreational value of the PPSRNP, and the benefits directly enjoyed

by visitors and tourists, tourism-dependent enterprises, and local communities. Other tangible goods

and services identified during the assessment were fresh water from Mount Bloomfield, food, raw

materials and non-timber products such as almaciga and honey. Most importantly, the PPSRNP is the

habitat of diverse terrestrial, aquatic and marine flora and fauna which serves as the natural habitat that

supports the tourism industry and other associated economic enterprises in Puerto Princesa City.

The contribution of tourists to the management of PPSRNP comes in the form of tourism fees. Since

2008, the park has been self-sustaining. In 2018, its net income was around ₱20 million. Park

management is not inclined to increase the entrance fees until better infrastructure facilities are put up

to systematize park operations. However, tourism-dependent enterprises in the park are currently

limited to their contribution in the form of patrolling and tree planting activities. Since these enterprises

are earning from the recreational services provided by the park, they should be able to contribute more

for the park’s protection and maintenance.


The assessment showed mixed results with respect to community-based tourism activities. There are

some community organizations that are barely able to support their tourism operations. A more

equitable distribution of benefits across community-based tourism initiatives need to be looked into.

The result of this assessment will be discussed with PPSRNP management and selected enterprises in a

follow-up session in November 2019. The next steps in the PES are a series of activities that include the

conduct of valuation and cost and revenue analysis for the enterprises, valuation of ecosystem goods and

services using cost-based approach, willingness-to-pay assessments, negotiations, and signing of PES

agreements. In addition to PES, other technical assistance activities that are lined up for PPSRNP are

enforcement training and BCC campaigns.

OTHER PALAWAN-BASED ACTIVITIES

FOCAL

AREA/PARTNER SA ACTIVITY DATE

Mount Mantalingahan

Protected Landscape

and adjoining

forestlands

SA 3

Development of a 3D map of the Malambunga Watershed,

the major source of water of Rizal, by students from the

UP Department of Geography, in partnership with LGU

Rizal and Jose P. Rizal National High School. The 3D map

serves as a learning material for watershed and watershed

management for students.

July 1-5, 2019

Cross-

cutting

Tree planting in Mambalot-Filantropia watershed, a critical

watershed in LGU Brooke’s Point, as part of the Arbor

Day celebration of the LGU.

July 15, 2019

SA 3

Visioning and strategy setting workshop of the Mount

Mantalingahan Protected Landscape TWG for the updating

of the management plan

August 13-14, 2019

SA 3 PAMB orientation on the ENIPAS Law and its IRR for Mt.

Mantalingahan Protected Landscape August 22-23, 2019

SA 3 Comprehensive Land and Water Use Planning (CLWSP)

Workshop: Sectoral data analysis for LGU Bataraza September 16-20, 2019

SA 3

Validation of actual land and resource uses with the Punta

Baja ancestral domain as input to the preparation of the

Punta Baja ADSDPP

September 26-27, 2019

Victoria-Anepahan

Mountain Range

SA 4

Traditional entrance ceremony in Barangay Napsan, Puerto

Princesa City for the pangolin ground survey and

installation of camera traps. Barangay Napsan is the last

study plot for both methods.

July 1, 2019

SA 4

Pangolin ground survey and camera trapping in Barangay

Napsan; installation and retrieval of camera traps

July 1-10, 2019

(ground survey)

August 15-25, 2019

(camera traps)

Cleopatra’s Needle

Critical Habitat SA 3

Stakeholders’ forum, which was attended by

representatives of the barangays, City Government of

Puerto Princesa, national government agencies, CSOs, and

academe

August 13, 2019

El Nido SA 3

Training-workshop for the updating and harmonization of

the land classification data of various government agencies

and available spatial data of LGU El Nido, for the updating

of the El Nido FLUP and CLUP

August 5-8, 2019


FOCAL


SA 3

Training-workshop for the analysis of current land and

resource uses in alienable and disposable (A&D) lands,

forestlands, protected areas, and municipal waters, for the

updating of the El Nido CLUP


Palawan-wide

SA 5

Meeting with PCSDS by forensic expert, George Phocas

(former Regional Attaché for Southeast Asia of the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service) to assess the forensics capabilities

and needs of PCSDS. .

July 23, 2019

SA 4

Palawan Research Symposium (international), which

Protect Wildlife co-funded. The Western Philippine

University presented the USAID-funded research on the

growth and survival of laboratory-produced sandfish at

different culture stages.

July 25-26, 2019

Cross-

cutting

Complementation planning workshop with PCSDS to

prepare a joint work plan for Protect Wildlife’s Year 4 July 30-31, 2019

SA 5

Enforcement operations coaching and mentoring on

intelligence and investigation for the PCSDS enforcement

team, including a BRAIN systems workshop on Module 2

(Sharing Hub, Intelligence, Enforcement, Litigation and

Database) and Module 3.

August 5-8, 2019

Cross-

cutting

Palawan Marine Protected Area Summit 2019. Protect

Wildlife made a presentation on jurisdiction and law

enforcement in marine and coastal areas in Palawan. August 19-20, 2019

SA 4

Presentation of the PCSDS-Protect Wildlife pangolin study

design and status in a workshop organized by the

Zoological Society of London’s Safeguarding the Philippine

Pangolin Program.

September 5-6, 2019

SA 1

PCSDS provincial communications planning workshop to

assist PCSDS and LGUs develop a communication plan for

the next 5 years.


SA 5 Enforcement planning with Palawan protected area

managers

September 30-October 1,

2019



Theory of Change Result: Foundational knowledge improved

• Support C4C trainees in southern Palawan to refine their mini-BCCs to support compliance

with the zoning in approved FLUPs.

• Assist PCSDS in developing biodiversity conservation messages for the Biodiversity Resource

Center, a facility that will serve as an environmental education hub highlighting the value of

biodiversity in Palawan and the threats it faces, such as wildlife crimes. Facilitate the provision of

information and communication equipment and materials to the Center.

• Assist in the enhancement of conservation messages for the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and

Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa City



• Assist LGU Quezon in the development of a conservation action plan for the Tabon bird, which

the LGU has adopted as its flagship species.

Theory of Change Result: Improved institutional and private sector attitudes toward

conservation

• With SA 5, assist PCSDS in developing and launching a wild and alive campaign in Puerto

Princesa’s airport, seaport and bus and public vehicle terminals.

• Support a PES campaign for Rizal that targets the water users.


Theory of Change Result: Available conservation financing arrangements are identified and

realigned to support conservation

• Review the implementation status of El Nido’s ordinance on its ecotourism development fund

and recommend schemes and arrangements that will allow efficient collection of fees, timely

reporting and re-investment of part of the funds in conservation activities.

Theory of Change Result: Government and CSOs implement financing arrangements

• Assist LGUs of Narra, Taytay and San Vicente enact ordinances or issue resolutions that

formally adopt the PES scheme for their waterworks systems. Mentor the LGUs in the

development of business plans for their waterworks systems, and adopt ring-fencing and PES

fund management guidelines that include re-investment of PES revenues in conservation

activities.

• Provide technical support on cost and revenue analysis and cost-based resource valuation of

ecosystem services for specific ecosystem-linked enterprises in Puerto Princesa Subterranean

River National Park. Carry out the relevant PES modules to guide the enterprises and the PAMB

in developing the PES scheme for the park.

Theory of Change Result: Existing and new funds established for investments supporting

biodiversity conservation

• Monitor PES revenue generation and utilization of past and new PES initiatives

• Facilitate implementation of the three-year work and financial plan for PES re-investment in

Tigaplan watershed and other critical watersheds in Brooke’s Point. Document the process of

implementation.

• Facilitate the completion, approval and implementation of the three-year work and financial plan

for PES revenue re-investment in Malambunga watershed in Rizal. Document the process of

implementation.


Theory of Change Result: Improved value chains for livelihoods and enterprises generates

revenues

• Assess potential expansion areas for purple yam production in Brooke’s Point, Quezon and Rizal

for livelihood support by Sunlight Foods Corporation. Replicate the training on ube seedling

production and planting in these expansion sites.

• Assess the feasibility of supplying assisted cassava farmers in southern Palawan with appropriate

technology for the chipping and drying of cassava for the local market.

• Assess the level of development of assisted people’s organizations and social enterprises and

develop a capability building program for PO strengthening and enterprise management.

• Conduct training for LGU extension workers and farmers on conservation farming and

sustainable vegetable production for target recipients of vegetable seeds. Distribute vegetable

seeds to farmer cooperators.

Theory of Change Result: Social, economic and environmental benefits from communities,

revenue for LGUs and profit/goodwill for private sector generated

• Monitor the number of farmer-households benefitted by the supported enterprises and other

assistance to increase farm production and start to document benefit flows.


Theory of Change Result: Increased capacity of relevant government agencies, LGUs,

PAMBs and CSOs in integrated resource planning and management

• Facilitate the completion of the zone-based management plan of Mount Mantalingahan Protected

Landscape

• Facilitate the completion of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, with clear

financing arrangements and enforcement arrangements. Continue to provide assistance to the El

Nido TWG in completing the succeeding modules on FLUP cum CLUP.

• Facilitate the preparation and completion of the management plan for Cleopatra’s Needle

Critical Habitat.

Theory of Change Result: LGUs co-lead with DENR in conservation and enforcement

efforts

• With CENROs and PCSDS, facilitate the formulation of a unified enforcement plan for the

Mount Mantalingahan, El Nido and Cleopatra’s Needle management plan. Provide assistance in

the development and adoption of enforcement coordination protocols and an enforcement

operations plan that will serve as a guide to all enforcement units and agencies operating in the

protected area and forest lands in coordination of enforcement operations and reporting of

wildlife and environmental crimes.

• Assist PAMOs develop a database that will capture enforcement actions within the protected

area and allow their analysis in aid of enforcement planning.


Theory of Change Result: Professional development of WEOs, enforcement groups and

LGU zoning officers is supported

• Train additional LGU-based and community WEOs in southern and northern Palawan and

facilitate the deputation of trained WEOs by PCSDS.

• In collaboration with PENRO and PCSDS, provide mentoring and networking support to

improve the enforcement practices and systems of WEOs.


Theory of Change Result: Capacity of universities to leverage funds, do research and

curriculum development, and disseminate research results increased

• Complete data collection, analysis and report writing for the Philippine pangolin research by

Katala Foundation.

• Complete the enhanced Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Bachelor of Science

in Marine Biology curricula, syllabi and teaching materials for partner universities for submission

to the respective academic councils or board of regents.

• Complete the teaching materials and training of faculty for the Environmental Law and

Protection course offering of Palawan State University.

Theory of Change Result: Science-based information for policy-makers, program designers

and enforcement agencies

• Present the pangolin research results to the PCSD Environment and Natural Resources

Committee. With PCSDS, organize forum and discussions with the LGUs that cover Victoria-

Anepahan mountain range and with other organizations undertaking similar pangolin studies for

the formulation of a pangolin conservation and communication support program for Victoria-

Anepahan and for the entire Palawan.


Theory of Change Result: National and local law enforcement capacity improved

• Continue support in the development of BRAIN system for PCSDS.

• Follow up on the flagship species ordinances of southern and northern Palawan municipalities

and orient them on the formulation of conservation action plans for their flagship species.

• Finalize and propose the adoption of the law enforcement protocols for Mount Mantalingahan

Protected Landscape

• With SA 1, support the establishment of an evidence museum and the PCSDS Biodiversity

Resource Center.

• Support consultative meetings and workshops organized by the PCSDS and the provincial

government toward the operationalization of PalaWEN.


Theory of Change Result: Local enforcement improved

• Assist field units of national enforcement agencies and southern Palawan LGUs organize and

analyze data on enforcement actions for use in internal assessment of enforcement performance

and effects of technical assistance, and in planning enforcement operations.

ZAMBOANGA CITY-SULU ARCHIPELAGO


• Finalization of the Zamboanga City FLUP

• Commencement of Malum Watershed Management plan

• Full swing implementation of three research projects in Zamboanga City and Tawi-Tawi

Finalization of Zamboanga City FLUP and Watershed Management Plans

This quarter, Protect Wildlife continued to guide the TWG in finalizing the projected land use and land

cover of Zamboanga City’s forestlands at the end of the FLUP plan. This will determine the investments

that will be needed to bring about the desired forest cover. Through a series of workshops, the TWG

also carefully reviewed the chapters of the draft FLUP, particularly on infrastructure to ensure that these

support, rather than threaten, conservation efforts in critical watersheds.

The FLUP document is now ready to be finalized and be subjected to technical review by the DENR

Region 9 FLUP technical review committee in November 2019.

The priority investments contained in the draft FLUP were considered in the Executive Legislative

Agenda Formulation Workshop of the City LGU. The draft FLUP was also presented to the City

Development Council, which endorsed it to the Sangguniang Panlungsod for approval and for integration

into the city’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

Parallel to the completion of the FLUP was the finalization of the management plans for the Ayala and

Manicahan watersheds, and the mangrove areas in Barangays Mampang and Talon-talon. These

management plans will be the basis for the issuance of community tenure instruments in the forestlands

and will facilitate the implementation of the FLUP. For mangrove areas, the TWG decided to upgrade

the coverage of the management framework plan to include the Central Mangrove Forests which

extends to five barangays. Like the FLUP, the draft watershed management plans and central mangrove

forest framework plan are under review by the respective TWGs.

Planning the Management of Malum Watershed

The Malum watershed is cited as the most ecologically and economically important watershed in Tawi-

Tawi mainland. The area is spread over approximately 7,451 hectares, straddling both the Panglima

Sugala and Languyan municipalities. It is composed of five sub-watersheds that are mostly covered with

secondary growth dipterocarp forest. The watershed is an important source of water for Panglima

Sugala, with a rich terrestrial biodiversity. It is the habitat of endemic species of birds, particularly the


Sulu Hornbill (Anthracoceros montani), locally called tawsi, of which the few remaining individuals were

seen in the upper section of the largest sub-watershed within Panglima Sugala.

In view of these, there have been efforts to formulate a management and development plan for the

watershed for which a Technical Working Group was created in 2018. More recently, the CENRO-

ARMM delineated a proposed 3,607-hectare biodiversity and wildlife sanctuary area nestled between

two watersheds. Other than the fact that a large part of the watershed is alienable and disposable

(A&D) land, there is hardly any information on hand that could be used as a good basis in preparing

watershed management plans.

Protect Wildlife is assisting Panglima Sugala and the BARMM in preparing the Malum watershed

management plan, focusing on three watersheds that are within the jurisdiction of Panglima Sugala. The

initial challenge was to generate important planning information from key informants from the

communities. To address this, Protect Wildlife embarked on a hands-on training for TWG members on

the techniques of community mapping. The team provided guidance to the TWG members in actual

community mapping with the participation of key community stakeholders. Through the exercise, a set

of thematic maps were produced including a validated land use map for each of the barangays within the

three watersheds.

During the exercise, the stakeholders were also asked to identify the benefits they derive from the

natural resource in the area and the problems and issues encountered by the community in relation to

natural resource and actual land use. This provided the entry point for educating the stakeholders about

the concept of watersheds, the water cycle and ecosystems services.

A next step would be generating a consensus on the planning area that will be based both on biophysical

features and some political considerations. The Sulu Hornbill study that is expected to commence next

quarter will be useful to validate the extent of the Sulu Hornbill habitat that will need to be placed under

protection and conservation.

Research Activities in Zamboanga City and Tawi-Tawi

Three major research studies are current ongoing in Zamboanga City and Tawi-Tawi. They are a

combination of terrestrial and coastal and marine studies, two of which will have significant impacts on

the livelihoods of coastal communities.

Coastal Resource Assessment of Eleven Islands. The Eleven Islands is a cluster of islands and islets

that belong to Barangays Panubigan and Dita of Zamboanga City. In addition to its rich fisheries

resources, the Eleven Islands is increasingly being recognized for its raw natural beauty. The Zamboanga

City government has thus decided to classify Eleven Islands as an eco-tourism growth area. The city

LGU however admits that current information remains insufficient to put in place effective and

sustainable coastal resource management and eco-tourism programs. Lacking are assessments on the

status of fishery resources and the coastal habitats in these islands, the need for management and

conservation of critical coastal resources, and the potential impacts on these resources of plans of the

city to promote Eleven Islands as an eco-tourism destination.


The Zamboanga State College of Marine

Sciences and Technology has been tasked

to lead this assessment, which is organized

into three components: biophysical

(habitats, water quality and bathymetry),

fisheries and aquaculture, and

sociocultural and economic. With a team

of about 10 faculty members and 2 city

LGU staff, the assessment commenced in

July 2019. It started with community

consultations in the two barangays and

ocular visits to establish suitable sampling

sites and stations. The consultations were led

by the research team and participated in by

barangay officials, representatives from the

Office of the City Agriculture Office, City

Tourism office, and DENR Region 9. The

Barangay officials highlighted the urgency of

declaring the Eleven Islands as a marine

protected area to address concerns related to

illegal fishing, unregulated seaweed farming and tourism.

Before the team could be fully mobilized, several training and orientation sessions had to be held to

equip the sub-study leaders, research assistants, laboratory aides and data enumerators with the skills

needed for the upcoming data gathering activity. The training sessions included lectures, demonstrations

and hands-on application of the assessment methods and data handling relevant to each of the

components. The Fisheries and Aquaculture team had a special training from BFAR on fisheries stock

assessment methods.

At the end of this quarter, all assessments activities were in full swing. Data collection activities are

expected to be completed in early November.

Seaweed Study in Tawi-Tawi. Tawi-Tawi is a major seaweed producer and is said to contribute

about 85% of the total seaweeds export of the country. Nine of the 11 Tawi-Tawi municipalities

produce seaweeds. It is estimated that about 5,200 households depend on the seaweeds industry in

Tawi-Tawi. Available data indicate that seaweed production in Tawi-Tawi has been declining. The decline

in attributed to a number of factors, among them the occurrence of the “ice-ice” disease. This is

exacerbated by the declining quality of seedling material. Low-quality seedling materials result in low

plant growth, low biomass, and low quality of carrageenan. Low-quality planting materials are also more

prone to diseases such as “ice-ice”.

Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO) was at

one time successful in the use of micro-propagation technologies to produce quality seaweed planting

materials in its seaweed cultivars laboratory. It however it lost its collection of micro-propagules and

sporelings in 2016. Protect Wildlife is providing it the opportunity to rebuild its collection and enable it

Underwater survey by the team from Zamboanga

State College of Marine Sciences and Technology

provides data on marine and coastal biodiversity and

habitats that can be found in Eleven Islands in

Zamboanga City.


to provide the much-needed support to the seaweed industry of Tawi-Tawi. Its designation by the

BFAR-BARMM as the Seaweeds Center of BARMM strengthens its position to lead the research and

technology development on seaweeds in the region.

In June 2019, the MSU-TCTO team started the collection of seaweed cultivars from a barangay in LGU

Panglima Sugala, which is a major seaweed producer in the province. Last July, the team proceeded to

collect seaweed cultivars from another barangays in Panglima Sugala. Four varieties of seaweeds were

collected, namely: Kappaphycus alvarezii var. Tambalang brown, Tambalang red, and Tambalang green,

and Kappaphycus striatus var. Katunay green. Aside from these target seaweed cultivars, an additional

variety of Kappaphycus striatus locally known as Subul-Subul black was collected in one of the sitios.

From these collections, branch cultures were prepared and maintained in preparation for

micropropagules production. The growth of branch cultures is monitored every week. They are cleaned

and culture media are replaced every week.

Seaweed samples collected in Barangay Tondon, Panglima Sugala by the research team from Mindanao State University-Tawi-

Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography

The micro-propagation of the collected seaweed samples will be performed after determining the

growth rate of the seaweed branch cultures and the rheological characteristics of the carrageenan.

Seaweed samples with the highest or better growth performance and/or better carrageenan quality will

be chosen for micro-propagation. Currently, results showed that the seaweeds K. striatus var Katunay

are candidates for micro-propagation as they are exhibiting high growth rate. Growth performance will


be monitored for a period of two months following the protocol established by Dr. Jumelita Romero, a

seaweed expert that the Protect Wildlife engaged to mentor the MSU-TCTO team.

As of end of September 2019, the seaweed research team is maintaining 685 jars of seaweed branch

cultures collected from Barangays Boan and Tondon, Panglima Sugala. Collection of seaweed samples

from the third study site, will soon commence. The MSU-TCTO team will also be soon preparing for

the outplanting of the cultivars in a land-based nursery within the MSU campus.

Philippine Eagle Study in Pasonanca Natural Park. The Pasonanca Natural Park in Zamboanga

City is one of the last remaining intact lowland dipterocarp forests within Mindanao Island. The park has

approximately 12,107 ha of secondary and old growth dipterocarp forests. It is at the same time a Key

Biodiversity Area (KBA) and an Important Bird Area (IBA PH112), having at least 142 species of birds

(CI, Haribon, DENR 2008; Paguntalan et. Al. on 2011).

The park is one of the only few eagle habitats within the Zamboanga Peninsula. The heavily guarded and

protected park might be serving as a “source population” of young eagles that eventually re-colonize

“unprotected” territories elsewhere along the forest corridor. While evidence of eagle existence has

been observed, a nest has yet to be found inside the park.

The objective of the research is to delineate at least two eagle nesting sites within the park and do

behavioral observations of the resident eagles and their young. The PEF is to work with partners (i.e.

DENR, PAMO, Zamboanga City LGU, ZCWD, and researchers from the academe) in developing an

eagle education and conservation program for Pasonanca Natural Park.

From August 20 to 22, 2019, the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) team conducted inception meetings

with partners in Zamboanga City. They met with the PENRO Zamboanga Sibugay, Pasonanca Protected

Area Management Office (PAMO), Zamboanga City Water District, and the Barangay Captain of

Barangay Pasonanca, to formally kick start the Philippine eagle research and conservation project

through a presentation of the research plans and timeline of activities.

The team also met with the Watershed Management team of ZCWD at their Banwang BMS station in

Sitio Canucutan, Barangay Upper Pasonanca. The planning session included the identification of

participants from the ZCWD to the proposed 12-day field reconnaissance that includes determining the

general mode of operating. It was agreed that all personnel identified as guides or porters will come

from the pool of security guards of the park who are under the supervision of the ZCWD. By limiting

guides and porter work to the water district guards, public knowledge of confidential information (e.g.

eagle location, trails, etc.) will be avoided.

The team also met with the following partners: Universidad de Zamboanga, Ateneo de Zamboanga

University, Western Mindanao State University, and the Office of City Environment and Natural

Resources (OCENR) of Zamboanga City LGU. Discussions included how each institution can provide

assistance on the activity and how this collaboration would greatly benefit their competence in

biodiversity conservation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PEF and partners is being

drafted to seal the partnership.


After the inception meetings, a two-week

expedition, from 21 August to 1

September 2019, was conducted by a

composite team of researchers within the

Pasonanca Natural Park to identify

suitable Philippine Eagle survey sites

within the park. The team members were

from the PEF, the DENR Region 9, and

the Zamboanga City Water District

(ZCWD). The reconnaissance surveys

were done in four identified Biodiversity

Monitoring System (BMS) sites within the

park where sightings, encounters, and

evidence of eagle presence (i.e. feather

molts) have been recorded. Several

observation posts or vantage points were

successfully identified during the

expedition.

To build local capacities for Philippine Eagle field research and conservation within the Zamboanga

peninsula, a three-day workshop on Raptor Field Research and Management Techniques Focusing on the

Great Philippine Eagle was held, 16 to 18 September 2019 in Zamboanga City.

This activity was attended by more than 30 participants from a mix of Zamboanga City Water District

forest guards, local government units (DENR PENRO, CENRO, PAMO, OCENR and City Veterinarian’s

Office) and academe researchers. The training course was designed as a capacity-building exercise for

PEF’s research partners within the peninsula.

Using an experiential learning approach, participants were trained through a combination of lectures,

hands-on participation and actual field survey at the Upper Pasonanca area. Course topics included basic

biology and ecology of Philippine Eagles; raptor identification and nest survey techniques; diet and

breeding behavior research techniques, trapping and tagging of eagles; and basic telemetry data analyses,

among others.

A series of six-week expeditions to search for nest trees and do telemetry studies of residents eagles

that may be found is now scheduled.

Philippine Eagle Foundation taught practical skills on

raptor field research and management techniques to

partners in Zamboanga City, as part of the USAID-funded

research on the Philippine eagle in Pasonanca Natural Park


OTHER ZAMBOANGA CITY-SULU ARCHIPELAGO-BASED ACTIVITIES

FOCAL AREA/

PARTNER SA ACTIVITY DATE

Great and Little

Sta. Cruz Islands

Protect Landscape

and Seascape

SA 2,

SA 3 and

SA 4

Workshop to address funding gaps and research and extension support

needs in the updated management plan of the Sta. Cruz Islands protected

area. Participants represented the academe, DENR, PAMO, OCENR,

OCA and CSOs.

July 17-19,

2019

SA 2,

SA 3 and

SA 5

Sta. Cruz Islands PAMB meeting where several resolutions were issued:

(a) approval of the Operations Manual for the protected area, with

enforcement protocols; (b) endorsement to the Zamboanga City Mayor

the implementation of the increase in entrance fee to Santa Cruz Islands

from P20 to P100, and (c) approval of the tripartite MOU on the

management and utilization of the DENR Biodiversity Learning Center

located in Little Sta. Cruz Island by the ZSCMST and LGU Zamboanga

City.

August 8,

2019

SA 3

Reconnaissance of Sta. Cruz Islands and interviews with stakeholders

(community leaders, boat operators, women community member, PAMO,

OCENR and City Tourism Office, private tour operator) for the carrying

capacity study of four eco-tourism sites in the protected area: beach area

(with marine turtle nesting sites), mangrove trekking areas, lagoon and

dive sites.

September

16-18, 2019

Pasonanca Natural

Park

SA 2,

SA 3 and

SA 4

Workshop to address funding gaps and research and extension support

needs in the updated management plan of the Pasonanca Natural Park.

Participants represented the academe, DENR, PAMO, OCENR, OCA

Zamboanga City Water District and CSOs.

Zamboanga City

SA 3

Executive-Legislative Agenda Formulation Workshop of the City

Government of Zamboanga. The Protect Wildlife recommended the

inclusion of the funding needs of priority investments identified in the

Zamboanga City FLUP and the management plans of Pasonanca Natural

Park and Sta. Cruz Islands protected area.

July 24-26,

2019

SA 3

Consultation-workshop for the preparation of a Provincial/City BSAP for

Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City. The activity was attended by

representatives from DENR Region 9, Zamboanga City LGU, DENR-BMB,

and the academe.

August 1-2

2019

SA 3

Orientation-seminar on “Enhancing capacities of PAMBs and Protected

Area Managers on ENIPAS (RA 11038) and its IRR (DAO 2019-05) for

Pasonanca Natural Park and Sta. Cruz Islands Protected Landscape and

Seascape.” This is a joint activity of DENR Region 9 and LGU-Zamboanga

City.

August 8,

2019

SA 3

and SA 5

Public hearing on the Environment Code of Zamboanga City. Provisions

on mangrove forestlands, local conservation areas, and sustainable

conservation financing, including PES, were proposed by Protect Wildlife

for inclusion in the draft code.

September

5-6, 2019

Tawi-Tawi /

BARMM

Cross-

cutting

Orientation on the Status of the Management of Protected Areas

organized by the DENR Region 9 and the Ministry of Environment,

Natural Resources & Energy (MENRE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous

Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

July 3-4,

2019

Cross-

cutting

Protect Wildlife participated in Mindanao State University’s Golden Jubilee

Science and Trade Fair, which featured protected species indicated in the

Wildlife Act, particularly, sea turtles, marine mammals, sharks and rays,

and the Sulu hornbill.

July 31-

August 2,

2019


FOCAL AREA/

PARTNER SA ACTIVITY DATE

SA 3

Meeting between DENR Region 9 and LGU officials of Turtle Islands to

orient the latter on the ENIPAS Act, Wildlife Conservation Act, and the

Management Plan of the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary. DENR Region 9

Director Krisma Rodriguez presided the meeting.

August 13,

2019

SA 3

Community mapping workshop with members of the TWG for the

validation of land uses within the Malum Watershed in Panglima Sugala,

Tawi-Tawi. This is part of the formulation of the Malum watershed plan.

September

11-13, 2019

Cross-

cutting

Meeting between Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) Secretary

Manuel Piñol and local chief executives and the Governor of Tawi-Tawi.

Protect Wildlife helped in briefing the secretary and LGU chief executives

on the Turtle Islands Wildlife Sanctuary and the ecotourism project

funded by TIEZA.

September

18, 2019

Cross-

cutting

Presentation by Dr. Filemon Romero on “Environmental Investments in

Securing Bio-cultural Diversity of Tawi-Tawi: Model for Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” with focus on the technical

assistance of Protect Wildlife to the province, at the 8th Annual

Conference on Environmental Science that was hosted by Mindanao State

University- Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography.

September

19, 2019

Isabela City SA 3

Courtesy call on the new Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin Hataman

to apprise her on the DENR and Protect Wildlife-assisted FLUP activity in

Isabela City.

July 30,

2019

Zamboanga State

College on Marine

Science and

Technology

SA 4

Formal handover of reference books, laptops, printer, wet suits and

booties to ZSCMST for the research activity in Eleven Islands. College

President Jaime Jalon received the materials (second set provided to the

college) on behalf of the research team.

September

17, 2019

SA 4

Workshop with ZSCMST school administrators and faculty members for

the continuing enhancement of the Marine Biology, Fisheries, and

Environmental Science courses. The activity included the testing of

teaching materials in a classroom setting.

September

17-19, 2019

SA 4

Meeting between Protect Wildlife and ZSCMST research team to review

progress of research activities and research methods, discuss

implementation concerns and plan next steps.

September

20, 2019

Philippine Eagle

Foundation SA 4

Formal handover of bird observation gear and other equipment to the PEF

for use in their expedition to the Pasonanca Natural Park.

September

17, 2019




• Design and complete a qualitative KAP survey for Pasonanca Natural Park.


• Relaunch the Protect Our Paradise campaign for Santa Cruz Islands.

• Launch a BCC campaign in Pasonanca Natural Park and install BCC billboards and signages

together with eco-trekking directional markers and infographics


• Develop a local Wild and Alive campaign for Turtle Islands, including a flipchart on marine turtle

species.

• Set up the Tawi-Tawi cascade of Wild and Alive Campaign at Zamboanga seaport and Bongao

airport and seaport and other strategic areas in Bongao.


Theory of Change Result: Existing and new funds established for investments supporting

biodiversity conservation

• Monitor and analyze IPAF and PES revenues generated and utilized in the two protected areas

and in Bud Bongao Forest Park

Theory of Change Result: Partners initiate and implement financing arrangements

• Asses the organizational development level of the MASEPLA and SISBA and recommend suitable

organizational strengthening and management training for them.



protected area management boards and CSOs in integrated resource planning and

management

• Facilitate the completion of the FLUP of Zamboanga City and its endorsement to the

Sangguniang Panglunsod and DENR Region 9 for approval.

• Finalize the management plan for Bud Bongao Forest Park and submit to the Sanguniang Bayan

for approval and budget allocation

• Complete all data and map analysis for the FLUP of Isabela City.

• Complete the assessment and mapping of the Malum Watershed in Panglima Sugala LGU

• Complete the draft of the Ayala Manicahan watershed management plans and the framework

plan for the central mangrove forestlands of Zamboanga City

• Provide orientation and guidance in preparing the BSAP for Zamboanga City and Zamboanga

Sibugay


efforts

• Start the installation of buoys to demarcate and protect the coral reefs in Santa Cruz Islands

• Facilitate discussions between DENR Region 9 and Zamboanga City LGU and identification of

priority actions with respect to their co-management agreement for the Ayala and Manicahan

Watersheds, the activation of watershed management councils, and policy and strategies for

tenure issuance considering property rights issues in these two watersheds.


Theory of Change Result: PAMB formulates improved policies for better protected area

management

• Assist PAMB craft policies for the delineation and demarcation of the boundaries of

protection/conservation areas in the Pasonanca Natural Park

• Complete the carrying capacity study of Sta. Cruz Islands and present to the PAMB for

consideration.

• Support the preparations and holding of the Mindanao PAMB Network Summit in Zamboanga

City.




• Complete the research projects on coastal resource assessment for marine protected area

establishment in Eleven Islands in Zamboanga City

• Continue to provide logistics support to Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of

Technology and Oceanography for their seaweeds research, and to the Philippine Eagle

Foundation for their expeditions to the Pasonanca Natural Park.

• Assist the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. in the mobilization of their

research team and provide logistics support to their research activities in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-

Tawi.

• Organize a workshop for the preparation of instructional materials for the Bachelor of Science

in Environmental Science program of the Western Mindanao State University.

• Monitor the progress of the ZSCMST in completing the syllabus and teaching tools and materials

for their Marine Biology program.

• Conduct training of faculty and development of teaching tools and materials on the

Environmental Law and Protection subjects of the BS Criminology courses of five partner

colleges and universities in Zamboanga and Sulu Archipelago (WMSU, UZ, SCC, TRAC and

MIT)

• Confirm interest of Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and

Oceanography and/or BFAR ARMM or NFRDI on updating their assessment data on the

Napoleon wrasse. Also confirm interest of the MSU-TCTO in conducting a mangrove

assessment in Simalak.

Theory of Change Result: Science-based information for policy-makers, program designers

and enforcement agencies produced

• Initiate discussions with the Tourism Office and Agriculture Office of Zamboanga City LGU on

the presentation of the results of the coastal resource assessment done by ZSCMST.



Theory of Change Result: National and local enforcement capacities to detect, inspect and

prosecute improved

• Develop and carry out a sustainable capacity building program for the Composite Fisheries Law

Enforcement Team and the Zamboanga City Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Task Force, including

Office of the City Agriculturist and Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources as

coordinating centers for enforcement reports, database and holding of quarterly meetings.

• Conduct of a refresher course for the Pasonanca Forest Guards for the renewal of their

deputation as Wildlife Enforcement Officers

• Organize the signing of Tawi-Tawi Anti-Wildlife Trafficking Task Force covenant.

• Conduct enforcement coaching and flagship species orientation in Panglima Sugala.

Theory of Change Result: Local enforcement improved

• Finalize the Manual of Operations for the PAMBs of Pasonanca Natural Park and Santa Cruz

Islands.

• Finalize enforcement protocol of Pasonanca Natural Park and CFLET of Zamboanga City

• Coach and mentor the PAMO of Santa Cruz Islands and Bantay Kalikasan members to improve

operations and enforcement practices in Santa Cruz Islands, including simulation exercises.

GENSAN-SARANGANI-SOUTH COTABATO (REGION 12)

HIGHLIGHT FOR THE QUARTER

• Payment for Ecosystem Services-Roll-out in Sarangani Bay and South Cotabato

Payment for Ecosystem Services Roll-Out

Since Year 3, Protect Wildlife’s PES activities in Region 12 has focused on enterprises that are

dependent on the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape for various ecosystem goods and services. To

date, more than 70 enterprise have been reached and have indicated interest to be involved in the

process. These consist of water districts, LGU-managed water system, rural waterworks associations

(RWSAs), resorts, industrial plantations, and agri-industries. The experience in Mount Matutum

provided the opportunity to test and refine both the process and the tools that the activity has

developed, from it PES work in its other sites, operationalize a PES system.

This quarter, 31 new Water Utilities have signified their interest and willingness to participate in the

modular training for PES establishment while ten other enterprises from the previous batches of assisted

enterprises have reached the negotiated stage and are reviewing the proposed Memorandum of

Agreement (MOA) with the DENR 12, Mount Matutum PAMB and local government units. These MOAs

are expected to be signed in the next quarter by the parties involved.


Encouraged by these results, the PAMB of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape issued a resolution

enjoining enterprises and businesses that depend on ecosystems goods and services from Mount

Matutum to enter into PES agreements with DENR and LGUs. The interest that these enterprises has

shown is far beyond the expectation of the MMPL-PAMB, who in 2012 issued a resolution for the

collection of PES but was not successful.

The success in piloting PES in Mt. Matutum has created interest from the DENR, and the South

Cotabato and Sarangani Provinces to help rollout out the PES technical assistance. Before the quarter

ended, Protect Wildlife carried out an initial PES assessment in Sarangani Bay in collaboration with the

Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape PAMO and Sarangani Provincial Environment Office. The results of

the assessment show the potential of generating PES revenues from those who are dependent on the

resources of the bay, among them the operators of fishpond (milkfish and shrimps), floating cages,

recreation areas and resorts. Follow-on activities to the assessment will be implemented next quarter.

In South Cotabato, there is interest from the Provincial Environmental Management Office to lead PES

implementation in the Allah Valley Protected Landscape.

OTHER GENSAN-SARANGANI-SOUTH COTABATO-BASED ACTIVITIES

FOCAL


Sarangani Bay Protected

Seascape

SA 3

Training on Integrated Conservation and Development for

community members of coastal barangays of Sarangani

province and Gen. Santos City, in partnership with the

Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape PAMO and LGUs.

July 15-19, 2019

(Kiamba);

July 22-26, 2019 (Glan)

August 12-14, 2019

(Maitum); August 14-

16, 2019 (Maasim);

August 19-23, 2019

(Malapatan and Alabel

and GenSan City);

September 16-20,

2019 (Glan, Malapatan,

and Alabel – Part 2);

September 23-27,

2019 (Kiamba Part2)

SA 5

Enforcement Operations Protocol and Manual of Operations

Workshop for Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. The

activity was attended by DENR Region 12, DA-BFAR,

Philippine Coast Guard, and officials of coastal barangays

along Sarangani Bay.

August 13-15, 2019

SA 5 Orientation for the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape and

member LGUs on the adoption of flagship species September 18, 2019

SA 1

Writeshop of C4C graduates to prepare BCC campaign

proposals for Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. The C4C

graduates are from Sarangani Province, Sarangani Bay PAMO,

and staff of RD Foundation and CLAFI.

August 20-23, 2019

SA 1

International Coastal Clean-up in General Santos City. The

activity set up its Perya para sa Konserbasyon games in

Veranza Mall, Lagao, General Santos City.

September 23-27,

2019


SA 1 Participation at the Raptors Festival in Sarangani Province.

The festival will continue until October 5, 2019. September 27, 2019

SA 2

PES assessment in Sarangani Bay. The Municipal ENROs,

Planning Office, Economic and Enterprise Office, Tourism

Office, and representatives from the Sarangani Bay Protected

Seascape-PAMO and local PENRO of Sarangani Province

attended the activity.

September 10-12,

2019

Mt. Matutum Protected

Landscape

SA 1

Youth for Environment in Schools Organizations Yes-O

camp for students in schools surrounding Mount Matutum

held in Polomolok, South Cotabato. The campers were

engaged in environmental awareness activities and

materials—activity book, song, logo, and puppet script—with

conservation messages.

September 20-22,

2019

SA 1

C4C support to the Flom’lok Annual Festival in LGU

Polomolok, South Cotabato. Protect Wildlife sponsored and

installed two environmental campaign billboards at the

entrance and exit of the festival area.


SA 3

Writeshop (Part 1) for the drafting of the Management Plan

of Mount Matutum Protected Landscape by the MMPL-

TWG.

August 13-14, 2019

SA 3

Presentation to the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape

PAMB of updates on the protected area management plan

and PES. The PAMB issued a resolution creating a PAMB-

TWG on PES.

August 20, 2019

SA 2

Meeting with the Mount Matutum Integrated Conservation

and Development (MICADEV) Cluster of the Coalition of

Social Development Organizations (CSDO) in South

Cotabato on FSSI financing and technical assistance from

Protect Wildlife

August 13, 2019

SA 4 FGD and Collection of species of folklore medicinal plants in

Barangay Miasong, Tupi, South Cotabato

August 15-17,2019

SA 5 Orientation for the Mount Matutum Protected Landscape

and member LGUs on the adoption of flagship species September 18, 2019

Sarangani Province

SA 2

Support to the Philippine Rural Development Project’s

(PRDP) Package of Technology training for 6 clusters of

abaca farmers in Sarangani Province (3 Batches)

September 10-18,

2019

SA 2

3rd Abaca Stakeholders Forum held in Kiamba, Sarangani in

partnership with DA-PRDP, PhilFIDA, Sarangani PLGU, and

the Maligang Upland Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative

(UMFMPC). Protect Wildlife co-funded the activity, which

was attended by 145 participants, 91 of which came from

abaca farmers’ groups from Sarangani and South Cotabato.

September 26,2019

South Cotabato

Province

SA 3

Participatory validation of land uses in forest lands of LGUs

in South Cotabato which are being assisted in preparing their

forest land use plans.

July 23, 2019 (Norala);

August 7-9, 2019

(Banga);

August 19-23, 2019

(T’boli)

SA 3 Orientation on the localization of the PBSAP in South

Cotabato, in partnership with BMB and BioFIN. August 22-23, 2019

SA 3

GIS Training (Part 1) for FLUP in South Cotabato. The

training was attended by representatives of five LGUs, DENR

Region 12, PENRO South Cotabato, CENRO-Banga, MSU



interns on GIS, and CADT holders (indigenous peoples) of

T’boli.

SA 3

Coaching of community and LGU representatives of

forestland municipalities of Tantangan, Banga, Surallah, T’boli,

and Koronadal City on mapping and land use data finalization.

September 30-

October 4, 2019

SA 5

Capacity building for forestry, wildlife, and environmental law

enforcement for LGU ENROs and staff of South Cotabato

PLGU.

August 5-9, 2019

Region 12/Mindanao

SA 3

Technical conference of the Conservation and Development

Division (CDD) of DENR Region 12. Protect Wildlife

activities in Region 12 were discussed particularly the

direction and activities for Mt. Busa and Allah Valley

Protected Landscape.

September 9, 2019

SA 5

Seminar on Prosecution of Environmental Cases for

Mindanao Prosecutors. Twenty-five prosecutors attended

the training

September 16-20,

2019




• Continue development of prototypes, including a toolbox of activities and other job aids, to help

SA teams, field staff and partners to effectively deliver conservation concepts and messages and

achieve learning objectives during training and community events.

• Conduct KAP survey or formative research in Sarangani Bay specific to marine turtle.

Theory of Change Result: Improved community attitudes towards conservation

• Continue mentoring C4C graduates in Sarangani Province and General Santos City on the

development and implementation of their BCCs on marine turtles and other marine mammals in

Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape.



realigned to support conservation

• Complete the analysis of public and private funding sources and funding gaps for the preparation

of the investment plan chapter of protected area management plans.



• Assess ecosystems goods and services of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape and the users of

such. Assess PES opportunities from among these users.


• Identify and pursue discussions with private and public organizations that can provide funding

support to conservation initiatives.

• Assist Mount Mantalingahan PAMB issue a resolution on PES for users of water emanating from

the protected area.

Theory of Change Result: Government and CSOs implement financing arrangements

• Implement PES orientation and training to enterprises and local governments in the Sarangani

Bay Protected Seascape that are interested in PES.

• Assist the South Cotabato PEMO-led PES-TWG in carrying out initial PES activities in the

province using the Protect Wildlife training modules.

• Continue to assist the enterprises in the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape that are currently

being assisted on PES to complete their Cost and Revenue Analysis and advance to PES

negotiations, PES MOA drafting and finalization, and formal MOA signing. Follow up on the

MOAs with the RWSAs of GenSan and water districts.

• Continue to work with Conrado Ladislawa Alcantara Foundation, Inc. and RD Foundation, Inc.

in the implementation of joint activities set out in the conservation partnership work plans.

Theory of Change Result: Improved value chains for livelihoods and enterprises generates

revenues

• Map and analyze existing commodities and enterprises across Mount Matutum protected

Landscape, Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Allah Valley Protected Landscape and Mount Busa

local conservation area. Conduct value chain analysis on smallholder perennial crops and tree

farms in production zones of protected areas and forestlands. Identify value chain improvements

for selected commodities.

• Assess the current organization development level and financial health of assisted people’s

organizations. Based on the assessment, provide necessary technical assistance on institution

building/capacity and enterprise development and management. Assist people’s organizations

improve the viability and sustainability of their enterprises and link with markets and relevant

resource organizations.

• Provide technical assistance to community organizations in the development of livelihood

proposals. Facilitate submission of such proposals to the Foundation for a Sustainable Society,

Inc. or to other funding partners.

Theory of Change Result: Social, economic and environmental benefits from communities,

revenue for LGUs and profit/goodwill for private sector generated

• Monitor the number of farmer-households benefitted by the supported enterprises and start to

document benefit flows.



Theory of Change Result: Willing LGUs and other stakeholders in the conservation area

identified

• Facilitate orientation/stakeholders consultation for the creation of Mt. Busa (Sarangani Province

side) Local Conservation Area;

Theory of Change Result: Increased capacity of relevant government agencies, protected

area management boards and CSOs in integrated resource planning and management

• Conduct a workshop-review for the finalization of the draft management plan for Mount

Matutum Protected Landscape and facilitate the approval by the PAMB of the management

zoning with allowed and disallowed land and resource uses, the management strategies and

investment plan.

• Conduct a workshop-review for the finalization of the draft management plan for Sarangani Bay

Protected Seascape and facilitate the approval by the PAMB of the management zoning with

allowed and disallowed land and resource uses, the management strategies and investment plan.

• Conduct Integrated Conservation and Development training (Part 2) for community members

for the integration of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape to the Barangay Development Plans

of coastal barangays along Sarangani Bay.

• Assist the Allah Valley TWG finalize the zoning of the protected areas and endorse to the

PAMB for approval, prior to the crafting of the management plan.

• Start the gathering of socio-cultural and economic data and the validation of land uses for the

characterization of the Mount Busa Local Conservation Area.

• Facilitate the validation of the map of protection and conservation area in the pilot BSAP

province (South Cotabato) in DENR12. Organize provincial consultative workshops for the

preparation of a BSAP for the province.

• Conduct mapping and field validation, and initiate management zoning activities for Mt. Busa and

Allah Valley Protected Landscape (Municipality of Lake Sebu and Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat)

• Finalize the data analysis (biophysical, demographic, social, economic and infrastructure, and

policies) for the FLUPs of LGUs that cover Mount Matutum and other LGUs in South Cotabato

that have started the FLUP process. Initiate TWG discussions on forest land zones and sub-

zones.

Theory of Change: LGUs co-lead with DENR in conservation and enforcement efforts

• In cooperation with DENR12, conduct a law enforcement training for Municipal Environment

and Natural Resources Officers and selected community members.

• Assess the marine turtle nesting sites and turtle handling practices of communities along

Sarangani Bay. Design and implement a capability building activity on marine turtle conservation

and hatchery establishment and management for Sarangani Bay.


Theory of Change: Professional development of WEOs, enforcement groups and LGU

zoning officers is supported

• Conduct training on law enforcement for staff of partner municipal LGUs in South Cotabato and

Sarangani. Secure the deputation of LGU staff as WEOs by DENR Region 12.

• Conduct training on law enforcement for the Barangay Captains in Mount Matutum Protected

Landscape, Allah Valley Protected Landscape and Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape. Secure the

deputation of the trainees as WEOs.


Theory of Change: Capacity of partner colleges and universities to leverage funds, do

research and curriculum development, and disseminate research results increased

• Continue to provide coordination and logistical support to the MSU GenSan research team as

they close out their research activities in Mount Matutum Protected Landscape. Hold a meeting

with the research team to check on their progress on the deliverables. Jointly plan next steps

including the university’s support to the continued operation of the herbarium and the

dissemination of research results and products.

• Support mobilization activities of the tarsier study team from the University of the Philippines

Institute of Biology and local partners, such as the application for the necessary permits from

the PAMB and IP community in the protected area, and the recruitment of field guides and

assistants.

• Facilitate support to initial activities of the Mindanao State University - GenSan for the

enhancement of their syllabus and teaching tools and materials for their Marine Biology course.


Theory of Change Result: Needs understood

• Complete the report on the violations assessment in Region 12 and present findings and

recommendations to DENR Region 12 and PAMBs.


• Organize enforcement groups under the PAMO for each protected area and initiate the

development of enforcement protocol and operations plan for each of the protected areas.

• Orient PAMBs and LGUs on the policies on flagship species and facilitate adoption of flagship

species at the protected area and LGU levels. Assist LGUs craft ordinances for the adoption of

flagship species and the provide guidance in the development of conservation action plans for

the chosen flagship species.


Rich in both ecological and historical importance, Aurora Memorial National Park—straddling the mountainous

boundary of Aurora and Nueva Ecija provinces—is one of the remaining bastions of intact forests and iconic wildlife, such as

the Philippine Eagle, in Central Sierra Madre.

REGION 3


The activities prioritized are:

• Updating the Management Plan of Aurora Memorial National Park through enhanced protected

area training modules

• Assistance to DENR Region 3 in the localization of Philippine Eagle Integrated Conservation Plan

Updating the Management Plan of Aurora Memorial National Park

Protect Wildlife continues to support the updating of the management plan of Aurora Memorial

National Park (AMNP) following the enhanced training modules developed. It becomes very much

important to complete the management plan considering that AMNP is a key biodiversity area where

Philippine eagle and other endemic flora and fauna can be found. Likewise, it is the main source of water

for irrigation and domestic uses and a potential ecotourism destination. Moreover, an updated and

implementable plan is needed as the PAMB and other stakeholders are seeking to place the 6,516.36

hectare park into protected status as this was not included in the ENIPAS. The remarkable


determination of the stakeholders is

shown in their attendance and

participation in all the activities needed to

complete the management plan.

In partnership with DENR regional office

and PENRO-Aurora, Protect Wildlife

conducted the activities crucial to the

completion of the management plan:

• AMNP Management Zoning. On

July 30 to 31, 2019 the Technical

Working Group of the Protected

Area Management Board met to

determine the allowed and disallowed

land and resource uses in the identified

management zones of the AMNP. There

were 13 TWG members coming from

DENR, LGUs, CSOs, IPs, and NCIP who

participated in the workshop. Resolution

to recommend approval of the

management zones to PAMB was

deferred with the agreement to validate the management zones in the field.

• Field validation of Management Zones. The team, together with PAMO staff and concerned

BLGU officials conducted ground validation of areas proposed to be part of multiple use zones in

the barangays of Labi, Bongabon, Villa Aurora, Maria Aurora and Diteki, San Luis last August 7-9,

2019. Data collected served as reference in the finalization of management zones of AMNP.

• TWG meeting to pass resolution endorsing for PAMB’s approval of the recommended

management zones and allowed and disallowed land and resource uses in the protected area. The

meeting was conducted on September 3, 2019 to present anew the recommended management

zones including the allowed and disallowed activities in each management zone. As the data were

already validated and the TWG has painstakingly discussed the management zones and activities to

be undertaken based on the ground and legal framework, the TWG members passed a resolution

recommending to PAMB the validated management zones as well as the allowed and disallowed land

and resource uses in these zones.

• BCC and Social Marketing workshop for AMNP and Mount Mingan. Nineteen selected

PAMB members, women leaders, SB members, LGU and DENR staff participated in the BCC and

Social Marketing Workshop was conducted last August 28-30, 2019 in Baler, Aurora. A concept

model and Theory of Change on their particular protected and conservation areas were developed.

Both areas share the species which they would like to protect, which is the Philippine Eagle,

although they admitted that there are other fauna which they need to protect such as the wild pig,

deer and monitor lizard.

• Training for AMNP Communities on Integrated Conservation and Development.

Attended by 38 representatives from barangays covered by the AMNP and four (4) PASu Staff, the

training was conducted on September 4 to 6, 2019 in Baler, Aurora. The participants were able to

Protect Wildlife facilitated discussions on zoning and

land and resource uses inside Aurora Memorial National

Park, which will feed into the process of updating the

management plan for the protected area.


understand the laws on land and resource use; pertinent laws relative to AMNP, such as the NIPAS

and Wildlife Acts. The concept of ICD was introduced and examples of ICD practices and

experiences were provided through videos, narratives and pictures. The participants were able to

formulate barangay level action plans on ICD. After each session, the community members were

asked on their learnings and they said that they learned about the allowed and disallowed activities

in the AMNP within the purview of the law and different ways of protecting and conserving the

biodiversity. Likewise, they appreciated knowing other people within the AMNP and they would like

to develop relationship and strengthen cooperation towards balanced use of the AMNP.

• Workshop on the Finalization of AMNP Logframe and Preparation of 5-Year Work and

Financial Plan. This activity was conducted on September 16-18, 2019 in San Fernando, Pampanga

with 22 TWG members (DENR, LGU, academe and NCIP) and staff from PENRO, CENRO. The

outputs were refinement of the logframe for the AMNP—coming up with management focus and

identifying activities, schedules and budgets for the identified activities, and possible revenue and

resources to sustain activities and further development of AMNP.

Assistance in the Localization of the Philippine Eagle Integrated Conservation Plan

Mount Mingan is also a focus of support of Protect Wildlife in Region 3. The mountain is part of the

Central Sierra Madre which traverses the provinces of Aurora, Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. Considered to

be important due to its megadiversity, Mt. Mingan is also the home of the Philippine eagle and other

wildlife species. Aside from the rich fauna and flora, the CSM, provides water for irrigating large tract of

agricultural lands and supplies water utilities.

The Philippine Eagle Integrated Conservation Plan was developed to save the raptors from extinction.

Furthermore, there were two nest trees of the Philippine eagle which were discovered in the

municipalities of Gabaldon and Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

The local government unit of Gabaldon declared a part of Mount Mingan within its municipal territory as

a wildlife critical habitat. However, a large portion of the mountain extending to the AMNP totaling

approximately 59,500 hectares is still unprotected which will endanger the habitat of Philippine eagle.

Workshop for Central Sierra Madre Mountains’ Philippine Eagles Integrated Conservation

Plan. On July 17 to 18, 2019, Protect Wildlife supported the conduct of the workshop attended by 39

staffs/representatives from the DENR, LGUs, government agency, and IP community. The outputs of the

workshops are the following:

• Prevailing issues/concerns, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. – workshop group

identified the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of PEICP;

• Contributions of stakeholders to the implementation of PEICP 2015-2020;

• Action plan on immediate local actions needed and institutional roles for the Central Sierra

Madre Mountains’ Philippine Eagles Integrated Conservation Plan; and

• Draft MOU for a unified enforcement plan to secure Mt. Mingan and to work together for the

establishment of Mount Mingan as critical habitat for Philippine eagle.


OTHER REGION 3-BASED ACTIVITIES

FOCAL


Aurora Province

SA 3

Meeting with Aurora Governor Gerardo Noveras to

discuss the status and interest of the Aurora Bamboo

Industry Development Council in crafting the province’s

bamboo industry road map.

August 8, 2019

SA 3

Aurora Bamboo Industry Development Council meeting

presided by Aurora Governor Gerardo Noveras. This

was attended by representatives of provincial offices,

academe, banks, and the business sectors attended the

meeting. Main agenda was the review and discussion of

the draft outline of Aurora bamboo industry roadmap.

The meeting was followed by a site visit to Integrated

Social Forestry areas in Maria Aurora to assess existing

bamboo plantations.


Bataan Province

SA 2

Inventory and assessment of users of ecosystem goods

and services of Bagac and Mariveles watersheds.

Meetings with municipal mayors were held to orient

them on PES and discuss activity schedules

July 23-25, 2019

SA 2

Orientation on PES for PENRO Bataan, CENRO Bagac

and LGUs Mariveles and Bagac, in collaboration with

FMB.

August 29-30, 2019

Region 3

SA 4

Capability Training Workshop for the Incorporation of a

Criminology Elective Course on Environmental Laws,

Protection and Investigation (ELPI), in collaboration with

the Philippine Society of Criminologists and Criminal

Justice Professionals, Inc. (PSCCJPI)

August 6-9, 2019

SA 1

Meeting with LIPAD (Luzon International Premiere

Airport Development) Corp. representatives regarding

the planned CWT campaign at Clark International

Airport

September 19, 2019

SA 5

Orientation-meeting of the Regional Anti-illegal Logging

Task Force. Task Force members were briefed on

Protect Wildlife objectives, strategic approaches, and

activities in the region.

September 27, 2019

Pampanga State

Agricultural

University

SA 4

Meeting with Dr. Honorio M. Soriano, Jr., President of

Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), and staff

about fuelwood supply and demand study in Pampanga

and Nueva Ecija and enhancement of research and

curriculum development in the B.S. Agroforestry

syllabus.

August 20, 2019




Theory of Change Result: Improved community, institutional and private sector attitude

toward conservation

• Develop and implement a Wild and Alive campaign that focuses on possible entry and exit

points in the region of illegally trafficked wildlife and wildlife products. The campaign will cover

Clark international airport, Subic port, and public transportation hubs.

• Assist training participants develop their BCC campaigns for the Aurora Memorial National Park

and Mount Mingan.



realigned to support activities

• Explore opportunities for private sector support for conservation initiatives in Region 3.



• Conduct orientation and action planning workshop on PES for water use for LGUs of Bagac and

Mariveles, Bataan Natural Park PAMB, and the Authority for the Freeport Area of Bataan

management as well as different users of ecosystem goods and services from the Bataan Natural

Park and Mariveles Watershed.

• Implement the modular PES training modules and provide guidance to LGUs and private

enterprises in doing the cost and revenue analysis of their enterprises.

• Assist PAMB of the Aurora Memorial National Park refine guidelines for the utilization of user

fees/IPAF/ PES.


Theory of Change Result: Increased understanding of barriers to participation of men and

women in conservation area management

• Conduct stakeholder/gender analysis in Aurora Memorial National Park and use the results to

form part of the protected area management plan and BCC campaigns within the park.


PAMBs and CSOs in integrated resource planning and management

• Conduct a writeshop for the finalization of the draft of the Aurora Memorial National Park

management plan.


• Assist field consultations in relation to the initiative of DENR-FMB and DENR-BMB to

harmonize land use data of Aurora.

• Support DENR Region 3 in preparing the BSAP of Aurora

• Facilitate the finalization of the MOU between DENR Region 12 and concerned LGUs to jointly

work for the establishment of Mount Mingan as a critical habitat of the Philippine eagle.

• Support DENR Region 3 in the formulating a Philippine Eagle Integrated Conservation Plan for

the Sierra Madre Mountains

• Provide advice to DENR Region 3 on issuance of tenure instruments in NGP areas, with

livelihood assistance.


efforts

• Assist LGUs in crafting flagship species ordinances to address on-site species conservation

needs.

• In partnership with CENRO Bagac, conduct an information, education and communications

campaign on marine turtle conservation in support of the celebration of the Morong Pawikan

Festival

• Organize the collection of needed data on bamboo supply and demand, markets and products

for use in the formulation of the Aurora Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap. With DENR

PENRO Aurora, provide technical advice to Aurora Province in resuscitating the Aurora

Bamboo Industry Development Council

Theory of Change Result: Professional development of WEOs, enforcement groups and

LGU zoning officers is supported

• Train and facilitate deputation of LGU-based and community WEOs in Aurora Memorial

National Park, Mount Mingan and other hotspot areas in the region.

Theory of Change Result: PAMB formulated improved policies for better protected area

management

• Assist Aurora Memorial National Park PAMB in formulating its Manual of Operations.




• Provide guidance to Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) in the design and

implementation of a Fuelwood Supply and Demand study in the provinces of Pampanga and

Nueva Ecija.

• Support Pampanga State Agricultural University in the enhancement of the syllabus of its

Agroforestry program.



Theory of Change Result: Needs understood

• Complete the report on the violations assessment for Region 3


• Conduct an environmental law enforcement planning workshop for Region 3.

• Train members of the Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (RAILTF) on the Wildlife Act and

CWT and facilitate the development of appropriate enforcement protocols.


MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

This section provides highlights and summaries of the financial performance, human resources, and

operational activities resulting from various key actions by the management team.

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

The COP, DCOP, Finance and Operations Director and the Field Managers continued to lead,

coordinate and manage the day-to-day operations and implementation activities of Protect Wildlife. DAI

Headquarters continued to provide backstop administrative, finance, and technical support and guidance

on implementation concerns.

HIGHLIGHTS

1. Protect Wildlife staffing continued to grow as the implementation of various activities continued

to roll on. Following are the changes during the first quarter:

• The Chief of Party, Mr. Ernesto Guiang, opted to retire from the activity effective

September 30, 2019. He will continue to work with Protect Wildlife as Senior Technical

Advisor providing much needed technical assistance to SA 2, SA 3 and SA 4. He will be

replaced by the current Deputy Chief of Party, Rebecca R. Paz upon approval of USAID.

• the current Program Manager based in Bethesda, Maryland was proposed to

replace the DCOP position, still pending USAID approval as of the end of the first quarter.

• Additional three staff separated from the activity during the quarter. These are the Database

Manager, Finance Officer-Manila, and the Finance Administrator-Zamboanga. These vacant

positions were also filled-up during quarter.

• Recruitment for the quarter include thirteen (13) professionals bringing the total onboard

staff to one hundred twenty (120) as at the end of the quarter. These are:

POSITIONS ASSIGNMENTS

LTTAs - replacements

Chief of Party

Manila Database Manager

Finance Officer

Social Marketing Associate

Finance Administrator Zamboanga City

LTTA – new position Finance Officer Manila

STTAs

Marine Turtle and Wildlife

Specialist GenSan

Editor

Manila

Ecotourism Development

Specialist

BSAP Technical Facilitator and

Writer (2)

Cave Management Advisor

Sr. Mobile and Web Developer


2. Twenty-four (24) more professionals are being recruited to augment the skills and capacities of

the team in the areas of organizational development, behavioral change campaigns, policy

development, environmental law enforcement, program, database management, research,

monitoring, knowledge management, communications, liaison, and curriculum and materials

development. Once hired, the total number of staff will increase to 146.

A summary of Protect Wildlife staff by type (administrative or technical) and location is

presented in Table 4.

TABLE 4: SUMMARY OF TECHNICAL AND SUPPORT STAFF BY LOCATION AS OF

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

CATEGORIES TOTAL

STAFF TYPE LOCATION

Technical Support Manila Palawan Zamboanga/

Tawi-Tawi GenSan

Nueva

Ecija

No. of staff on board 120 88 32 68 19 11 16 6

No. of staff resigned

within the quarter -4 -2 -2 -3 -1

No. of staff hired

within the quarter 4 1

3 3 1

No. of staff for

recruitment 26 26 0 20 4 1 1

Total Staff 146* 113 33 88 23 11 17 7

* 77 LTTAs and 69 STTAs

3. During the first quarter, the activity continued to engage the following home office staff to

provide continuing support on IT, TAMIS and FAS systems.

• – provided remote support on IT/server, IBM Notes and

TAMIS crashes repairs and maintenance.

• – continuous refinement and upgrading of various TAMIS modules, including

deletion and inclusion of users.

• – provided continuous remote support on the use of the field accounting

system.

4. In support of various activities, following are the major procurements during the first quarter:

TABLE 5: BREAKDOWN OF MAJOR PROCUREMENTS DURING THE QUARTER

DESCRIPTION TOTAL (US$)

DATE OF

PURCHASE

ORDER

Training of Communities on Integrated Conservation & Development in Ayala &

Manicahan Watershed & Mampang & Talon2 Mangrove Areas 26-Sep-19

PA Mod 3b: Part 2. Training of Communities on Integrated Conservation and

Development in Sarangani Protected Seascape Batch 4. Maitum and Maasim 20-Sep-19


Development in Sarangani Protected Seascape Batch 3. Kiamba 20-Sep-19



DATE OF

PURCHASE

ORDER

Inventory and Scientific Validation of Folklore Claimed Medicinal Plants in Mt.

Matutum 15-Sep-19


Development in Sarangani Protected Seascape Batch 2. Alabel, Malapatan, GSC) 14-Sep-19


Development in Sarangani Protected Seascape Batch 1. GLAN 14-Sep-19

Seminar on Environmental Cases for Prosecutors of Green Courts (Mindanao) 12-Sep-19

Workshop on the Finalization of AMNP Logframe and Preparation of 5-Year Work

and Financial Plan 10-Sep-19

Enhancing Seaweed Production and Quality in Tawi-Tawi Using Laboratory-

Generated Cultivars 9-Sep-19

Training-workshop on analysis of current land and resource uses in alienable and

disposable (A&D) lands, forestlands, protected areas, and municipal waters of LGU-

El Nido

6-Sep-19

FLUP Mod 2b.2: Digitizing of Actual Land Uses and other Outputs of the Field

Validation and Finalization of FLUPs maps of Non PA LGUs 5-Sep-19

Advances Training on Enforcement and Investigation for Violations of Laws and

Regulations on Wildlife, Fisheries and Protected Areas 4-Sep-19

Training of AMNP communities on Integrated Conservation and Development 29-Aug-19

WildALERT Reporting Process Workshop 27-Aug-19

Additional Laptop and Software 23-Aug-19

Participatory Coastal Resources Assessment (PCRA) for the Establishment of

Marine Protected Areas in the Eleven (11) Islands of Zamboanga City 22-Aug-19

Inventory and Scientific Validation of Folklore Claimed Medicinal Plants in Mt.

Matutum 19-Aug-19

PA Mod 3b: Training of Communities on Integrated Conservation and Development

in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape 16-Aug-19







PES Module 2B.1: Cost and Revenue Analysis of Enterprises Using the Ecosystems

Goods and Services in Protected Areas and Forest Lands in Region 12, Batch 4 13-Aug-19

Enforcement Operations Protocol/Manual of Operations Workshop for SBPS 9-Aug-19

Capacity Building for Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement for

Local Government Environment and Natural Resources Officers and Staff of the

Provincial Government of South Cotabato

4-Aug-19

Workshop to Roll-out ELP Syllabus to HEIs Offering BS Criminology 2-Aug-19

Research and Conservation of Philippine Eagles within the Zamboanga Peninsula 2-Aug-19

The Mind Museum Connected To The Wild Traveling Exhibit 25-Jul-19

Enhancing Seaweed Production and Quality in Tawi-Tawi Using Laboratory-

Generated Cultivars 24-Jul-19

PES Module 3.1: Negotiation on Establishing Payment for Ecosystem Services in

Protected Areas and Forest Lands for Users of Water in Region 12, Batch 1 23-Jul-19


in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape 22-Jul-19



DATE OF

PURCHASE

ORDER


in Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape 12-Jul-19

Pause and Reflect Workshop on TOC Year 3 Reflection & Year 4 TOC Adjustment

and Quarterly Meeting/Annual Report Preparation 8-Jul-19

Pause and Reflect Workshop on TOC Year 3 Reflection & Year 4 TOC Adjustment

and Quarterly Meeting/Annual Report Preparation 8-Jul-19

Pause and Reflect: YR 4 Theory of Change Workshop 3-Jul-19

Conference on Wildlife Forensics as a Tool to Combat Wildlife Trafficking 3-Jul-19

Participatory Coastal Resources Assessment (PCRA) for the Establishment of

Marine Protected Areas in the Eleven (11) Islands of Zamboanga City 2-Jul-19

SECURITY ASSESSMENT

The security situation in the Philippines over the past quarter has remained consistent, very complex and

multifaceted. However, there were no incidents having been reported that would indicate deliberate

targeting of the Protect Wildlife staff and operation.

For the quarter in review, a total of 320 security incidents were monitored in the Country. Of these, 44

incidents transpired in Protect Wildlife area of operation such as increase in arrests, undetermined

shooting incidents, shooting with law enforcement and firefights between AFP against BIFF, ASG and

NPA.

Security Incidents Recorded in Protect Wildlife Areas

Region 12 (South-Central Mindanao) 17 incidents

Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) 16 incidents

BARMM 5 incidents

Security incidents trend from July to August went down but went up again on September due to intensified

law enforcement operation of security forces against BIFF in Maguindanao, ASG in Basilan and Sulu, Maute

and ISIS inspired group in Lanao del Sur and NPA in CARAGA and North Cotabato including Sarangani

area.

The Security Plan was revised and updated to include additional site, i.e., Region 3. This will be presented

to the new COP/DCOP for their review and approval. Once approved, the Security Manager will also roll

out the Security Plan in all site offices. It will strengthen current protocols and reporting system between

the field offices and Manila office. Staff who travels to high-risk/conflict areas, including inter-islands, will

now be required to follow certain protocols and reporting procedures to ensure that they will not put

into precarious situations. Security assessment of field offices and other covered areas will be conducted

periodically to improve current security management.



• Continue to recruit additional long term staff and short-term consultants. Once onboard,

provide a comprehensive orientation to new staff on policies and procedures, including training

on various TAMIS modules, i.e. travel, procurement and human resources.

• Orient new staff on Ethics, Anti-Harassment and Anti-Human Trafficking policies.

• Train/re-train staff on enhancements of TAMIS, as necessary.

• Continue to monitor timely liquidations of cash advances.

• Conduct reconciliation of assets with financial records.

• Continue to provide operational support as the PW team implement various activities in all

location.

• Begin inventorying and boxing financial records from 2016 and bring them to the warehouse for

safekeeping.

• Continue to monitor security situation in all activity areas.


PAST AND PROJECTED EXPENDITURES

protect wildlife quarterly progress report 10 ...the activity opened its site office in palayan...

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