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Archives
October 1-31, 2007
Empowering upland communities through Dampalit watershed project
by Rita T. dela Cruz
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| Dampalit Falls |
How does one prevent environment degradation and still provide livelihood for the upland farmers and in the communities that depend heavily on forest-based resources?
For the case of the Makiling Forest Reserve (MFR), this is certainly no picnic in the park.
The forest reserve is a major source of livelihood for many landless farmers in the adjacent and nearby communities of Los Baños that they have become antagonistic to any government intervention.
Past records show that punitive actions such as arresting and imprisoning illegal MFR occupants proved ineffective along with resettlement endeavors. Forest occupants return gradually and continue to grow by the numbers.
So like the saying, “if you can't beat them, join them” the government, instead of imposing punitive actions to illegal occupants, upland farmers and communities were made partners in addressing the problems of environmental degradation and poverty in the area.
The key is to implement a participatory upland development program that is both pro-environment and pro-upland farmers.
Why a watershed project?
The Dampalit watershed of the MFR plays a crucial role in the communities surrounding it. The watershed is part the MFR's major watershed zones with an area of 690 hectares. Its water largely flow into the Laguna Lake where many fish ponds are located.
The Laguna Water District gets its water supply from the watershed distributed among its four major municipalities including Los Baños, Bay, Calauan, and Calamba and other nearby provinces. The headwater of the Dampalit Falls is also a popular tourist spot among the locals.
To ensure the productive and sustainable management of the watershed, a participatory upland development project is being implemented by the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Forestry and Natural Resources (UPLB-CFNR). This is in collaboration with a farmers' organization-Samahang Magsasaka sa Mataas na Lupa ng Lalakay sa Bundok Makiling, Inc. (SAMALUP) and the local government of Brgy. Lalakay.
The project is being implemented from April 2006 to 2008 with funding support from the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) in line with its drive to empower the farmers through participatory development programs.
In general, the two-year project hopes to address the problems of poverty and environmental degradation through participatory involvement of upland farmers making them partners of the government. Consequently, by tapping their active participation, the MFR's resources are being managed and protected in a sustainable basis and in harmony with the existing national forestry and environmental laws.
Specifically, the project has four objectives: 1) determine the current state and gather benchmark information on the resources, farming systems and socio-economic condition of the farmers; 2) provide knowledge and skills in designing, planning, and developing upland farming systems; 3) establish demonstration farms showcasing appropriate upland farming techniques in partnership with farmer groups; and 4) strengthen the capabilities of the farmers' organization in upland development.
Forging ties with farmers' org
SAMALUP, the farmers' organization involved in the project has a lot to say about how this watershed project's turn into a success.
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| SAMALUP founder and former president, Martin P. Onico briefs visitors on how their association was established 14 years ago. |
According to SAMALUP former President Martin P. Onico, he was happy that what he had envisioned more than a decade ago is slowly being realized now through this project. This, he revealed during the celebration of the Farmers' Day and 14th Founding Anniversary of SAMALUP on 14 October 2007, Brgy. Lalakay, Los Baños, Laguna.
“This project provided us adequate information, skills, and means of livelihood which enable us to go on our farming activities without compromising the forest,” Onico added.
Attending the activities were institutional representatives that are instrumental in the implementation of the project.
Lalakay Barangay Chairman Gaudencio P. Macatangay highlighted the importance of the project not only for the communities benefitting from the watershed but also its impact to the environment as a whole. He said that, through this project there is a great chance that the next generation would be able to enjoy clean and safe water. He added that, this participatory development project serves as a model for other nearby communities to adopt and follow.
Meanwhile, BAR Director Nicomedes P. Eleazar stressed that poverty need not immediately lead to environmental degradation. In a message read by Ms. Evelyn H. Juanillo, he emphasized that, upland farmers resort to natural resources misuse to survive. “They depend heavily on these forest resources for their basic needs and unless we teach them on the importance of sustainable development, there will come a time when the forest resource will no longer be there for the next generation to enjoy.”
He added that this watershed project is a great proof that upland farmers can co-exist in harmony with their marginal environments.
Los Baños Mayor Caesar P. Perez commended the people behind this project and hoped that the it will be emulated and replicated in other communities. He emphasized the importance of upland farmers' participation in this endeavor and hoped that their income-generating capability will soon improve.
Also present during the activity were UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, SAMALUP President Juanito S. Mercado, UPLB-CFNR Dean Ramon A. Razal, and MCME Director Portia G. Lapitan. 
October 2007 Articles:
:: Yap promotes abundant & nutritious agri food products
:: World Food Day highlights “Right to Food”
:: 72-kilogram squash aces as “Pinaka-BEST” People's Choice
:: BAR awards 16 outstanding researches in agri & fisheries
:: Locally-developed ND vaccine wins PSAS Award
:: BAR conducts bio-organic fertilizer orientation
:: Eleazar receives distinguished alumni award from UPLBAA
:: UPLB celebrates Loyalty Day; Velasco highlights DA support
:: Nutritious malunggay-based recipe wins 2007 Agri-Cookfest
:: Food company eyes the potential of malunggay for biofortification
:: Beverage from malunggay
:: BAR promotes nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals derived from food crops
:: BAR introduces potential product lines from Philippine oregano
:: A fresh look at siling labuyo
:: Operating the onion industry with OPREMS
:: Empowering upland communities through Dampalit watershed project
:: Agricultural Cooperatives: Catalyst for profitability and answer to globalization
:: DA adopts IPM scheme against Brontispa
:: DA implements program to abate use of chemical fertilizers
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