Diagnostic analysis of Mt. Arayat National Park

Date

1996

Abstract

The study aimed to do a diagnostic analysis of Mt. Arayat National Park by studying how its present conditions were brought about by the patterns of interaction among the users, the physical and technical characteristics of the Park, and the decision-making arrangements that govern its use and management. Primary and secondary data were secured by using a triangulation method which combines personal interviews, secondary data, and personal ocular inspection and verification. Results of the study show that Mt. Arayat National Park is a degraded resource with remaining forest cover of only 21 percent, severely depleted wildlife and water supply, vast fire-prone open lands consisting of cogon, "talahib", patches of reforestation species, bare rocks and eroded stream banks. Destructive human activities have been going on unabated by the Government's laxity in enforcing Park's Laws. Patterns of interaction among the users which include kaingineros, charcoal makers, loggers, fuelwood gatherers, cogon gatherers, and hunters/trappers, are characterized by non- cooperation and limited cooperation leading to a mutually destructive competition over increasingly scarce park resources regardless of an optimal and sustainable rate of use. Reciprocity among different groups of users is almost non-existent. The nature of the Park as being fire-prone and the inappropriate technologies being utilized by the users directly cause negative consequences to the Park's integrity. Decision-making arrangements (programs and policies) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR proved to be incongruent with the Park's urgent problems. Millions of pesos are spent on contract reforestation with dismal results mainly because of the perennial problem of forest fires with raze the open lands annually and yet, the agency has yet to formulate and implement a comprehensive fire management program. Likewise, Park's intrusion and exploitation could have been minimized had the agency developed an effective monitoring and communication system. The establishment of an integrated social forestry model site project seemed to have reversed the trend of degradation within the ISF area but has also contributed to the increase of Park occupancy from 573 in 1989 (the year of its establishment) to 762 in 1994, an increase of about 33%. Ironically, the DENR is tasked to get rid of park occupants as prescribed by law. Recommendations of the study include the strict enforcement of Park laws as stipulated in the NIPAS Act of 1992, the rechanneling of resources from unsuccessful contract reforestation to effective fire management and monitoring system, the awarding of certificates of stewardship contracts or CSCs with certain agreements or provisions, and the establishment of the area as a National Park and its subsequent re-establishment as a Protected Landscape.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

Master of Science in Environmental Science

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 1996 E8 D38

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