IMPACTS OF GROWING POPULATION IN
MT. MATUTUM PROTECTED LANDSCAPE

ROLANDO T. VISAYA & JOCIEL M. TECSON
Students ERM - 216

Submitted to:

MARIE ANTONETTE S. PAŇA, MSc ERM
ERM 216 – DYNAMICS OF POPULATION, RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENT

University of Southeastern Philippines, Obrero, Davao City

ERM 216– DYNAMICS OF POPULATION, RESOURCE AND ENVIRONMENT
ROLANDO T. VISAYA, JOCIEL M. TECSON

TERM PAPER

I. Executive Summary
Increasing population is contributing serious environmental threat on all component of the natural environment particularly on Mt.
Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL). Impact of man’s activities on all component of the natural environment on MMPL particularly the effect of increasing population, resource exploitation, and industrial advancement.
Matutum is one of the vital ecosystems that significantly fuels the economy of the SOCSKSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat-SaranganiGeneral Santos City) growth corridor of Southeastern Mindanao and of
Region XII. Its forest resource provides invaluable benefits from various wood based products for both domestic and export consumption. The plant and animal species found in the forests offer vast potentials as renewable sources of food, fiber, medicine and materials for industrial uses while its natural features provide aesthetics and recreation. It is an important watershed serving as headwater and catchment of several major drainages in the area. It supplies 25 percent of the water requirement of
SOCSKSARGEN1 for drinking water, irrigation, agricultural and industrial water needs.
In adherence to Republic Act 7586 otherwise known as the National
Integrated Protected Area Systems (NIPAS) Act of 1992, and in order to meet the concern of continuing environmental degradation and serious destruction of forest resources, Mt. Matutum was declared as a protected

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So. Cotabato Provincial Development Framework Plan, 2010 - 2016

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landscape on March 20, 1995 pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No.
552 issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos.
Presidential Proclamation 552 aims for the

protection

and

conservation of the diverse biological resources in the area and to pursue sustainable development that address the social and economic needs of the local

communities

without

causing

adverse

impacts

to

the

environment. The Protected Landscape has to be managed and developed in accordance to the goals and rules prescribed in the NIPAS Act, putting the same under the jurisdiction of the Protected Area Management Board
(PAMB) of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL).
However, after over two decades since its declaration as protected area, much has still to be done as there are still gaps on the management strategies employed by PAMB-MMPL is being challenged by the presence of occupants, both tenured and non-tenured, and the growing populations and migrants inside the protected area.
II. Introduction
Background of the Study
Protected areas are essential for biodiversity conservation. They are the cornerstones of virtually all national and international conservation strategies, set aside to maintain functioning natural ecosystems, to act as refuges for species and to maintain ecological processes that cannot

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survive in most intensely managed landscapes. Protected areas act as benchmarks against which we understand human interactions with the natural world. Today they are often the only hope we have of stopping many threatened or endemic species from becoming extinct.2
Mount Matutum as a protected area is a vital ecosystem that fuels the economy of SOCSARGEN (South Cotabato-Sarangani-General Santos
City) growth corridor of Southeastern Mindanao. The plant and animal species found in the forests offer vast potentials as renewable sources of food, fiber, medicine and materials for industrial and aesthetics. Its’ natural features provide recreation as well as cultural experiences (PAMB
2005). It is an important watershed serving as headwater and catchment of several major drainages in the area. It supplies 25 percent of the water requirement of SOCSARGEN for drinking water, irrigation, agricultural and industrial water needs.3
However, there is already a growing concern of environmental degradation and serious destruction of the forest resources either due to natural calamities or manmade activities affecting biodiversity and the socio- economic condition of the people in MMPL.4
To meet the challenge of arresting degradation appropriate management approaches and interventions were implemented. The Mt.

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Guidelines for Applying Ecotourism Development Plan
South Cotabato Provincial Framework and Development Plan, 2010 - 2016
4
Mt. Matutum Management Plan 2012 - 2017
3

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Matutum Integrated Conservation and Development (MICADEV) project was conceptualized. It was as an offshoot of the technical conference of representatives coming from the local governments of Polomolok, Tupi,
Tampakan in South Cotabato, and Malungon in Sarangani, and the representatives of the two provinces. Among the active players in the formation of MICADEV are the Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) working in SOCSARGEN areas (PAMB 2005).
NGOs working for MICADEV are Mahintana Foundation Inc., for the area of Polomolok; South Cotabato Foundation Inc., (SCFI) for Tupi;
Samahang Magsasaka ng Timog Kutabato (SAMATIKU) for Tampakan, and
Maguindanaon Development Foundation Inc. (MDFI) for Malungon,
Sarangani.5
Mr. Martiniano L. Magdolot, Executive Director of Mahintana
Foundation Inc., in his unpublished report entitled “Resource mobilization for forest protection: The Mt. Matutum experience detailed MICADEV interventions for Mt. Matutum as follows: biological resource profiling; socioeconomic survey, inventory of local development plans, community natural resource development planning, and indicative planning (PAMB,
2005); social and community preparations, sustainable livelihoods projects, conservation projects, networking and resource mobilizations, among others. Magdolot narrates that the Coalition of Social Development

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Mt. Matutum Protected Area Management Plan, 2012-2017

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Organizations in South Cotabato (CSDO-SC) adopted Mt. Matutum as one of its major geographic clusters.6
The MICADEV project opens the door for several funding agencies extending assistance for the conservation of Mt. Matutum Protected
Landscape (MMPL). A number of development projects are implemented in
Mt. Matutum, including the Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone
Management Project (SMICZMP)7.
The major development intervention covering the MMPL areas is the
MICADEV, launched in 1995 through the initial support of the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE). By 1999, the Philippine-Australian
Community Assistance Program (PACAP) supported the MICADEV Project with its area-focused approach (AFA). Covering 14 barangays of MMPL within the Municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi, Tampakan in South Cotabato and Malungon in Sarangani Province, its beneficiaries are primarily the upland farmers in the protected area. Its main focus is the environmental rehabilitation and protection of the 15,600-ha MMPL towards attaining the vision of having a “premier watershed that is able to provide a better quality of life for the people of SOCSARGEN.”
The MICADEV project is recognized as one of the pioneering “multisectoral initiative towards environmental protection and restoration”

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Rapid Site Assessment of Mt. Matutum, p4, Ateneo de Davao University 2011
SMICZMP is DENR project funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) under load agreement No. PH-194 amounting Php 1,219 million with Philippine counterpart at Php305 million from
2000 - 2007.
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(Mendoza, 1999: 14). It is a test case where lessons can be drawn for other protected areas declared under the NIPAS Law. Major stakeholders involved are the LGUs at the municipal and barangay levels (M/BLGUs), government agencies (DENR, National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples), Indigenous People (IP) and non-IP community members, and other private groups.8
Prior to MICADEV, the Local Government of Tupi had already launched its “tourism program” dubbed as “Amyak Matutum.” Amyak is a native word of Climb. (Tupi tourism brochure 1991). The jump off point for mountain climbers is at Sitio Glandang, Kablon in Tupi which is situated at around 1,000 meters above sea level. At that time, there were only few settlements in the area, however, timber poaching was already observed and conversion of forest land has started to flourish. Matutum was then a
“forest reserve”, until it was declared as a protected landscape in 1995.
Amyak Maleh program, however, was designed purely for trekkers and thrill seeker. There was no environmental component in it. As a result, the peak of Mt. Matutum was filled with garbage. Unregulated cutting of pygmy trees at the peak for camping space, collections of flora and fauna are rampant9. In 1999, the concerned government employee associations of the local governments of Tupi, Polomolok, and Gen. Santos City

8
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Rapid Site Assessment of Mt. Matutum – 2011, ADDU School of Arts & Sciences, page 72
PAMB MMPL IEC Committee Plan 2000

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conducted a clean-up drive. Several kilos of garbage were retrieved from
Matutum’s peak. The issue was brought to the attention of PAMB. The group of public sector unions around SOCSARGEN had recommended limiting the number of participants every climb to 50 persons. Likewise, the concept of requiring each climber to plant at least one indigenous tree was introduced. The group’s recommendation was adopted by PAMB.
Thus, in 2000, PAMB in coordination with the Municipal Tourism Council of Tupi renamed Amyak Matutum to “ Amyak Maleh Matutum,” which means “Climb and Plant in Matutum” (Complan Pamb IEC Committee
2000).
In support to the climb and plant program, the Tupi National High
School (TNHS), had their students plant trees as a requirements for graduation. Thus, hundreds of graduating high schools students had been mobilized and planted trees at the denuded areas at the foot of the protected landscape, particularly at the jump off point of the Amyak Maleh
Matutum trail (PAMB IEC Comm. 2000). However, the tree growing activities of the Tupi National High School were put to naught as there are claimants in the area. With the growing number of population in Sitio
Glandang in Kablon and to accommodate children of school age, the same area is now converted into a school site.
The coming in of industrial plantation in 2005 had added pressure to the protected area. Some of the occupants who have tenurial

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instruments opted to lease their areas to

Dole

Stanfilco

for

Avocado Plantation. This poses a huge challenge to Mt. Matutum as conservation and a protected
Figure 1 Dole Stanfilco Avocado Plantation within MMPL

landscape.

The

presence

of

industrial plantation inside the restoration zone of Mt. Matutum resulted to a substantial increase in population due to migration, as the company ushered in the hiring of skilled workers.

III. Literature Review
The globe is now inhabited by 6 billion people, twice as many as in
196010. Understanding the effects this population growth has on the environment will be paramount in developing policies that will mitigate the negative environmental effects (Hunter). Human population is growing like never before. We are now adding one billion people to the planet every 12 years. That's about 220,000 per day. The list of problems this is causing, or at least complicating, is a long one. It includes shortages of all our resources, war

and

social

conflict,

limits

on

personal

overcrowding and the health and survival of other species.11

10
11

8

Environmental impacts of Population Dynamics, preface
Effects of overpopulation on environment

freedom,

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Many people (including national leaders) worry that population growth depletes resources and can trigger social or economic catastrophe if it is not contained. As discussed, most of the projected population growth during this century will take place in developing nations. These countries have faced many challenges in recent decades, including low levels of education, poor health standards, poverty, scarce housing, natural resource depletion, wars, and economic and political domination by other countries.12. Population growth is generally regarded as the single most important force driving increases in agricultural demand13.Apart from population growth,

migration

can

also

affect

and

threatened

environmental conservation within protected area. Research from many locations has shown that deforestation and land degradation may occur in destination areas due to the land use patterns of new migrants14.
Another source of environmental stress is the persistence of poverty in the country. Poverty has always remained a critical social problem that calls to be addressed. Philippines latest poverty line for 2014 marks a monthly per capita income of 10,534 pesos a year. In rural areas, poor farmers tend to live in the most marginal, fragile environments where they may be forced to sacrifice long-term sustainability for short-term survival, overexploiting croplands, pastures, and forests (UNFPA 2001).

12 12

Unit 5: Human Population Dynamics, Section 5, Population Growth and Environment
Population and Development, United Nation Concise report
14
Migration and Environment, p10, Vol 69 No. 1, June 2014,
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IV. Methodology
Data gathering on the documentation of the impacts of population growth on Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) was done in two stages. First is the review of secondary data available from government and nongovernment offices. The government offices visited include the
DENR in South Cotabato and the Protected Area Superintendent of Mt.
Matutum Protected Landscpae
(MMPL);

the

National

Commision

on

Indigenous

Peoples (NCIP), the LGUs of the
Municipality
Provincial

of

Tupi,

the

Environment

and

Management Office (PEMO) of
South Cotabato. The NGOs comprise Mahintana

Figure 2 Focus Group Discussion with PASU Jamel Tawantawan of MMPL with PB Osting Tilo of Brgy. Kablon along with other
Barangay Officials, March 23, 2016.

Foundation

Inc.,

and

Endangered

Species

International (ESI), and the Coalition of Social Development Organization in South Cotabato (CSDO-SC).
The second stage was, from the results of the field verification of data validated through key informants such as the personnel of the Mt.
Matutum

Protected

Area

Superintendent

Office,

Department

of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Barangay Local
Government Units (BLGUs) of Barangay of Kablon and the community
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leaders at the project site in Sitio Glandang, Kablon. Inter personal communication with the stakeholders was conducted for data validation.
A gathering of selected key informants who are knowledgeable of the history of the community, issues affecting them as a group, the management of their resources, and those who are familiar with the activity, were undertaken.
On March 23, 2016, individual Interviews, mostly informal, were done with select key informants from the communities, government offices and even member/s of people’s organization in the area. This activity was undertaken with the cordial support of Protected Area Superintendent
(PASU) Jamel A. Tiburon, and the Barangay Council of Kablon to include the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs) of
Tampakan and Polomolok. These were helpful in verifying claims of another person or group on the impact of the population growth and presence of an industrial plantation inside the lanscape.
V. Study
Presidential Proclamation No. 552 issued by then President Fidel V.
Ramos aimed for the protection and conservation of the diverse biological resources and to pursue sustainable development that address the social and economic needs of the local communities without causing adverse impacts to the environment. The Protected Landscape has to be managed and developed in accordance to the goals and rules prescribed in the
NIPAS Act, putting the same under the jurisdiction of the Protected Area
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Management Board (PAMB). However, after two decades, the goal of protecting and rehabilitating Mt. Matutum has yet to be achieved. Given the existing conditions such as population growth, weak enforcement, the intrusion of industrial plantation inside the PA due to dubious land titles issued to occupants. It is also observable that most of those who had acquired titles are the wealthy and influential. The goal for a genuine protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Matutum still poses a huge challenge.

Figure 3 Topographic Map of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape

Another factor that affects the conversion of forest land into agricultural use is the population growth. In 2007 census, the population of the Province of South Cotabato was about 767,755 while Sarangani
Province had 475,514 only. Both provinces and its population play an

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important role as stake holders to the various resources of Mt. Matutum.
It should be noted that in terms of population living in the area, eighty nine percent falls within the jurisdiction of South Cotabato, covering the municipalities of Polomolok with a population of 137,82, Tupi- 53,440 and
Tampakan- 33,011. In the Province of Sarangani, only the municipality of
Malungon is in the MMPL, with a population of 95,993.15
An increasing population trend was noted and affirmed by the annual population growth rates per municipality. Based on the 2000 census, Tupi has the highest growth rate at 2.95 percent while Malungon despite its growing population has a slower growth rate at 0.172 percent
(which is a precipitous decline from its 1995 growth rate of 9.14 percent).
This indicator primarily shows that most of the municipalities in MMPL have projected increase in population as their population growth rates are more than 2 percent (RSA-ADDU, 2011)16.
Settlements
Another constraint is settlements within the Protected Landscape.
MMPL records will show that settlements within the MMPL zoned areas, more than half (85 percent) were identified living within the multiple use zone, and around 5 percent in the buffer zone. Around 67 percent of the respondents declared that they are the owners of the lot where their

15
16

MMPL Management Plan 2012 – 2017 p50.
Rapid Resource Appraisal, Ateneo de Davao University – 2011.

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houses stand. The greater percentage of these (33 percent) reported that they inherited the land from their parents or forefathers while almost a fifth of them (19 percent) hold deeds of sale as their proof of ownership.
Further, some respondents possess Certificate of Stewardship Contracts
(CSCs) (8 percent), particularly in Polomolok (21 percent), and Malungon
(20 percent). Of remarkable percentage (6 percent) are those who are claiming rights over their lands even without documents (MFI17, as cited by RSA-ADDU, 2011).
Migration:
Most of the inhabitants in MMPL have been living in the area since birth except in Tampakan where there are more migrants than original settlers. Migrants account for 36% of the inhabitants. Forty three percent
43% of which comes from different parts of Mindanao. It is noted that 23% of the migrants begun to settle in the area between 1981 and 1990. From
1991 to 2000, a migration rate of 7% was noted while those who have settled from 2001 up to the present comprise only around 3%. The bulk of them can be found in Malungon with 30% and Polomolok with 22%.
Overall, there is a decrease in migration rate compared to the data in the
1995 MMPL Socio-Economic Study where the population in Tupi (93%),

17

Mahintana Foundation Inc.

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Polomolok (90%), Tampakan (84%) and Malungon (80%) are comprised of migrants.18 Ethnic Origin
The B’laans and Tagakaolo’s are the two major groups of Indigenous
Peoples living within the MMPL. The B’laans comprised 50 percent of the total population and well distributed in Tupi (62%), Malungon (48%) and
Polomolok (38%).The Tagakaolo tribe are mostly residing in Malungon.
Besides the IPs, Cebuano migrants abound in Tampakan especially in
Barangay Lampitak where 100 percent of its population is Cebuanos. The
Ilonggo migrant’s comprised 26percent, of the total population of
Polomolok aside from the Ilocanos, Maguindanaons, Maranaos and
Aklanons. In all areas, the average household size is five (5), which showed a slight increase compared in 1995 data which is four (4). As to the degree of extended families, the existence of 2 or more families in one household is a rare condition and is only observed in Tampakan areas.
No major conflicts between and among the different IP groups existed. Each group recognized the territorial claims of another with the chieftain or datu called in to settle disputes when these occurred.
Intermarriages also happened between clans extending the social networks and support. Most interact with one another for cooperative

18

MMPL Protected Area Management Plan 2012 – 2017, p 60

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efforts in economic-based activities as facilitated by various assisting institutions, especially NGOs.
Religious Affiliation
The dominant religion of the population living within the MMPL barangays is Roman Catholic. The rest of the population is thinly distributed among other religions, such as Pentecostal, Seventh Day
Adventists, Alliance, and Aglipay). This shows the diversity in faith and worship of the population, which does not present any major conflict in these areas. Each religion is respected in terms of its beliefs and practices.
A number of the indigenous peoples (IP) have also been Christianized or converted into another religion. Some, however, continue to practice their old, cultural traditions and beliefs, despite their conversion to another faith. Political Affiliations
The Barangay Captains are mostly allied with the incumbent mayors. Affiliations are mostly defined by who has been visible to and also visibly helping the community in terms of infrastructure projects, such as improving roads. These barangays are mostly in the hinterlands and transportation is a big issue.
Households within the Protected Landscape

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Tupi holds more than half (56%) of the 1725 households residing in the MMPL, followed by Polomolok at 21 percent(365) households,
Tampakan at 12 percent (198) and Malungon at 11 percent (197)(MFI,
2003; PAMB, 2005). In addition, it was also observed that gender wise there were more males in the population than females. In the 1995 MMPL socio-economic study, the actual household population was 1,592 with an average household size of four (4). An 8% increase in the population was observed from 1995 up to 2003.
Housing Conditions
Almost all houses in the community were built and owned by the settlers. Seventy percent (70%) of these houses are made of light materials thus classified as makeshift and temporary. Residents opted to have such kind of houses due to the critical peace and order conditions in some of the areas more specifically in Malungon where 92% of its residents live in temporary houses (RSA-ADDU, 2011). Appliances, an indicator of a household’s economic condition, are owned by three-fourths (75 percent) of the respondents. These are the radio (29 percent), cassette recorder (18 percent), and TV set (17 percent). Wood (84 percent) is still the main fuel for cooking of most households in all study areas.
Overall, there were no changes in the housing conditions of the families in the protected area. The scenario of temporary or makeshift houses still exists. The choice to improve is dependent on the family

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members’ conviction, considering the unstable peace and order conditions in some parts of the MMPL, particularly in Malungon (MFI19, 2003, RSAADDU, 2011).

VI. Analysis
Despite the declaration of Mt. Matutum as a protected area, wanton forest destruction remain unabated. Conversion of forest land into agricultural has been a major threat to the integrity of the landscape. The coming in of industrial plantation in Sitio Glandang, Kablon in 2005 has added pressure and has threatened against the reforestation effort in the protected area. Some of the occupants, most were beneficiaries of the governments Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Management
Project (SMICZMP), who have tenurial instruments such as, land titles and
Certificate of Land Ownership Awards (CLOA), opted to lease their areas to Dole Stanfilco for avocado plantation. This development has harmed the conservation effort for Mt. Matutum. The areas which are supposed to be covered for reforestation had been converted into agri-industrial use.
Denudation of Forest Cover
Various studies revealed decline of forest cover in Mt. Matutum as presented in Table 1.0. Namocatcat et al. (1995) noted that South Cotabato has a minimal forest cover below the 1,000-m elevation and that the
19

Mahintana Foundation Inc. (MFI)

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remaining primary forest is confined to the upper slopes of Mt. Matutum.
The report further indicated that the remaining closed - open canopy in
MMPL is estimated at 27 percent of the total forest area (15,600 ha) while denuded areas-cogonals constitute 52 percent.
Denudation was attributed to timber poaching, land conversion, migration and settlements, lack of coordination and lack of participation and economic opportunities for the settlers. These activities are widespread in MMPL causing

different levels of destruction affecting the

economic and ecological services of the landscape.
Table 1.0 Loss of forest Cover
Year and Source

Area(ha)

1964 (PP293)

14,008

1992(LBII)

3,200

1995 Natural Resource Management

2,500

Program-DENR
Source: RSA-ADDU, 2011
Loss of Biodiversity
The flora and fauna of MMPL is continually experiencing loss of its endemic biodiversity due to unregulated hunting of wildlife and gathering of flora. Overhunting has particularly reduced the population of bats, wild pigs, mountain deer, and other mammals in the area. Timber poaching,

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charcoal making and the unabated harvesting /gathering have caused the decline of non-timber products such as rattan and other flora such as the black & red palms in Glandang, orchids, pitcher plants and ferns.
Swidden farming in the area has changed the nature of the Matutum forest landscape into a predominantly shrub and grassland landscape today. SMICZMP (2003) stated that the type and quantity of trees and wildlife found in the landscape has been greatly diminished due to continuing kaingin and other illegal activities. This Project further cited that changes in the environment has resulted in the loss of tree species like lawaan, igem, narra, nato, nabul and indang and wildlife like wild pig, deer, monkey, and different types of birds (RSA-ADDU,2011).
In Linan, Tupi, illegal acquisition and selling of endangered species such tarsiers, eagle and lemur for economic purposes had been reported.
These Tarsiers are also forest inhabitants of Malungon; however, at present, no sightings have been reported in the area.
Socio-Economic Issues
Among the socio economic issues besetting Mt. Matutum Protected
Landscape (MMPL) are the conflict in land uses, agriculture and forestry use, tenurial issues among others:

Agriculture use

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The forest is bounded by grassland and agricultural lands. Around
30.28 percent (4,723.68 has.) within the MMPL are agricultural lands planted to coffee, corn, coconut, banana and pineapple and other high valued crops by small scale farmers and large agro-industrial plantations.
These plantations heavily depend on the ecological services of Mt.
Matutum as their main source of water for irrigation.
The landscape is under constant threat from small agricultural farmers living within the protected area and the large agricultural plantations that need more land to expand their plantations. Contractual arrangements in agriculture has led to the conversion of farms into pineapple plantations near the buffer zones of the MMPL (Digal, 2007).
This poses further pressures on the farmers within the MMPL, given their limited economic opportunities at the moment. This contract growership has been reported in Barangays Kablon, Miasong and Acmonan of Tupi and also in Polomolok and Malungon. In Tampakan, cash crops are planted to areas within 18 to 30 % & above slope. It is estimated that almost 50% of the protected landscape is used for agriculture.
Forestry areas and uses
Forests classified as old growth, mossy, and secondary are the major types of vegetation present in Mt. Matutum (Namocatcat et al., 1995).
Mossy forests that are located at elevations greater than 1,200 meters

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masl20 are not suitable for commercial harvest, but these serve as a habitat for indigenous flora and fauna which are endemic to the area. Forest areas possess certain aesthetic values which if destroyed can never be replaced.
The forest resource has a major role to play in providing fresh water to downstream communities to support household, agricultural and industrial activities. As a watershed it is estimated that MMPL supplies at least 25% of the fresh water requirements of the adjoining municipalities up to the City of General Santos. The limited area of the landscape is threatened with the expansion of agricultural plantation even encroaching in strict protection zone. A balance should be reached between the need for agricultural lands that can be used for sustainable agriculture and land that should be devoted for protection forest and production forest which can also produce the required water needed for agriculture.
Tenurial Issues
Various land tenurial instruments have been issued by various
Government agencies involving portions of lands within MMPL. Figure 1 shows areas in MMPL granted with different tenurial instruments. The issuance of such has created conflicts between occupants and or claimants due to overlapping claims. It has created conflicts between the use of land as well as jurisdictional conflicts among issuing government agencies. The validity and legality of such instruments have been a

20

Meters above sea level (MASL)

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frequent agenda in various PAMB meetings which remains unresolved. All these issuances relate to the sustainable management of the MMPL .Some of these tenurial instruments are as follows:
Certificate of Stewardship Contracts
As part of its social forestry program the DENR has issued
Stewardship Contracts to claimants in the area. These contracts are valid for 25 years and renewable for another 25 years. The contracts are supposed to be non-negotiable instruments and will be invalidated if it will be sold to others. In spite of this restriction land speculators have been buying and selling the certificates. The original awardees after selling would move to other areas where he can start farming again. This practice of buying and selling certificates has been reported in Sitio Glandang in
Barangay Kablon, Tupi.
Presence of legal/Illegal titled lands within the landscape
Proliferation of alleged legal/illegal land titles claiming portions of
MMPL is happening in the area. Under the law it is prohibited to issue land titles on forest lands. However, some land claimants were able to acquire land titles within the landscape. Whether these are legitimate titles or not PAMB has to address this issue and come up with a program that will put these things to rest.
Community Based Forest Management Agreement

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The Community Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) Program of DENR provides land tenure for communities residing within forest lands. The CBFMA gives the holders rights for the use and produce of the land for twenty five years and renewable for another twenty five years but not absolute ownership. Prior to the proclamation of MMPL, CBFMA has been issued by the DENR to a People’s Organization located in Miasong,
Tupi. The issuance has been surrounded with controversy which until now remains unresolved. Another CBFMA was issued in Sitio Glandang,
Barangay Kablon in Tupi, which was facilitated by the Upland
Development Program (UDP). To date, there are peoples’ organizations
(POs) who have applied for tenurial instruments with the DENR XII, whose applications are pending in the said office.
Protected Area Community Based Resource Management Agreement
(PACBRMA)
The DENR has also a tenurial instrument called PACBRMA which can be used in managing certain portions of MMPL.No instrument of this kind has been issued yet in the area.Issuance of such may also create additional conflicts among residents of MMPL.
Ancestral Domain Claims
Under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act, the B’laan and Tagakaolo tribes who have been occupying Mt. Matutum since time immemorial have the right to file and acquire Ancestral Land Title covering lands that are

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traditionally theirs. Although there is no ancestral land title issued yet, there is already an existing Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADC) issued covering portions of the landscape in the Malungon area. This might create conflict among the present occupants against claimants since they have already developed and established settlements and livelihood in the areas.

124 ° 59'

125 °00'

125 °1'

125 °2'

125 °3'

125 °4'

125 ° 5'

125 °6'

Location Map

125 °7'

6°26 '

6° 26 '

Tampakan
6° 25 '

6°25 '

6° 24 '

6°24 '

6° 23 '

M T . M AT U TU M
PR OT EC ED LA N DS CA PE

6°23 '

T
$

LAND TENURE MAP
MT. MA TUTUM P RO TE CTE D L AN DS CA PE

Malungon

Tupi

6° 22 '

6°22 '

T
$

6°21 '

6° 21 '

Ma p Lege nd :

T
$ Mt. Peak
TENURE AREA
CA DC
CB FM
Munic ipal B oundaries
Buffer Z one

6°20 '

6° 20 '

Polomolok
6° 19 '

6°19 '

6° 18 '

6°18 '

Map Pro je ction U TM Zo ne 51
Shp eroid Cla rk 186 6

N

1
W
S

6°17 '

6° 17 '
124 °59'

125 °00'

125 °1'

125 °2'

125 ° 3'

125 °4'

125 °5'

125 °6'

0

1

2

E

Kilo me ters
SCA L E: 1: 100 ,00 0

125 °7'

Figure 4 Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape Land Tenure Map

Squatting/Undocumented land claims
Occupants who do not have any document to show ownership of land being occupied and considered squatters have filed claims to the land .This

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will create conflict when the rightful claimants will apply for any tenurial instrument that will provide them land ownership.
The B’laans of MATUTUM
B’laans are the original inhabitants of Mt. Matutum. Though animists, their way of life is guided and dictated by nature.
Their supreme being is Me’lu or
Malu which they believed that created them

environment.

and

their

They

also

believed on specialized gods
Figure 5 The Blaans of Mt. Matutum

and goddesses called D’watas

that guard the trees, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, mountains, animals, wind, skies, and everything. They believe that the environment is home to mystical beings that everything must begin from seeking permission through a ritual called “dem’su or dam’su” (cleansing of environment) before they start touching it, whether for clearing, planting, and hunting, festivities, tribal conference, decision making, curing of the sick and burying their dead(Ferrer 2008).21

21

Unpublished manuscript of of Butch Ferrer, 2008 re: Blaans in Southern Mindanao. Ferrer is a cultural worker and former President of South Cotabato Culture and Arts Foundation, Inc. (SCCAFI).

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With the coming-in of migrants and increasing influx of settlers,
B’laans were pushed deeper into the forested and mountainous areas.
“Kaingin” (slash and burn) was their means of acquiring back their lands which they lost during the process of resettlements by selling or trading it with goods to the settlers. Through time the forested lands of Mt. Matutum were slowly converted into agricultural use. The settlers continue to buy lands from the natives and commissioned the latter to cut and clear the areas paving the way for them to do agriculture. Wildlife loss and habitat destruction are now becoming imminent.
Though most of their indigenous practices are slowly vanishing due to strong intrusion and influences of western and modern technologies,
B’laans still value their heritage, however, there is now a need to push in revaluing of their culture and instill their sense of pride. Given the opportunities, the B’laans could still save Mt. Matutum, their paradise.
VII. Conclusions and Recommendations
Looking at the gathered data above, it can be summarized that the area is already occupied by migrants. A large portion of lands which is supposedly under the Protected Landscape is already devoted to agriculture. Let us take a look of the issues and discuss possible recommendations address the same:
Poor enforcement of environmental laws:

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This is the backbone of the conservation of Mt. Matutum, however, while we have the laws in place, the implementation is weak. The Protected
Area Superintendent (PASU) of Mt. Matutum who is supposed to implement the law and regulations approved by PAMB lacks the manpower and the resources. It is therefore suggested to download some of the responsibilities to the barangay. In the case of Linan, where the tarsier village is situated, and true to all barangays, the Barangay Government should passed and approved an ordinance creating the community based law enforcement committee, stipulating its functions and responsibilities in the management of their natural resources. Under the ordinance, the barangay would be empowered to hear environmental violations committed within their jurisdiction. The barangay could also impose allowable fines and penalties to culprits. If the case will not be resolved in the barangay level, the same shall be elevated to the DENR level.22
Cultural biases:
The cultural biases against the IPs had developed a negative impact overtime. This loses their cultural identity... to the point that many – especially among young generation, would no longer be proud of their tribe and their culture23. According to Myrna Garcia24, of the National
Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) based in the Municipality of

22

Linan Brgy. Kgd. interview, 2016
Butch Ferrer interview, 2012
24
NCIP Cultural Office head covering the 1st District of South Cotabato
23

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Polomolok of which Tupi is under her jurisdiction, though not declared as ancestral domain, the law clearly defines that the land occupied by the IPs since time immemorial is considered to be one.
The Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of Indigenous People’s
Rights Act (IPRA), ancestral domains refers to areas to include, but not limited to, ancestral lands, forests, pasturelands, residential lands, agricultural lands, hunting grounds, burial grounds, worship areas, bodies of water, mineral and other natural resources, and lands which may no longer be exclusively occupied by the indigenous groups but from which they traditionally had access to for their subsistence and traditional activities, particularly the home ranges of indigenous peoples who are still nomadic and/or shifting cultivators.

Ancestral domain also includes

inland waters, coastal areas and natural resources therein. The aforementioned should be held under a claim of ownership, occupied or possessed by the indigenous groups, by themselves or through their ancestors, communally

or

individually

since

time

immemorial,

continuously to the present (Rule II, Section 1.a; Rule III, Part I, Section 2)
Ancestral lands refer to lands occupied, possessed and utilized by the individuals, families and clans who are members of the indigenous groups, including residential lots, rice terraces or paddies, private forests, swidden farms and tree lots. These have been occupied, possessed and utilized since time immemorial by themselves or through their ancestors,

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under claims of individuals or traditional group, continuously up to the present (Rule II, Section 3b). Ancestral lands and domain shall include the concepts of territories which cover not only the physical environment but the total environment including the spiritual and cultural bonds to the areas which the indigenous groups possess, occupy and use and to which they have claims of ownership (Rule III, Part I, Section 2).
In reality, however, the Indigenous People in Mt. Matutum are slowly being driven away from their domain. The intrusion of industries inside the landscape and the massive selling of lands are almost uncontrollable.
Land speculators, especially the moneyed ones are now investing inside the supposedly “ancestral lands” of the B’laans.

The IPs are now left

nothing to manage and protect, unless, the government will be wielding its power to retrieve back the lands which are now devoted to agriculture.
We are suggesting that the IPs should be empowered to regain back their dignity and pride as Indigenous People (IPs). As original inhabitants and guardians of Mt. Matutum - they should be equipped with sufficient knowledge on environmental laws. Their arts and crafts should be enhanced – for them to benefits of the emerging cultural tourism opportunities. The B’laans of Mt. Matutum should be capacitated by preserving their cultural heritage for them to be proud of. Key to mobilize the Indigenous People (IPs) of taking the lead in the protection and rehabilitation of Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) is to bring

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back their dignity and pride by revaluing their cultural heritage as B’laans and instil their pride of place (Mt. Matutum) that their forefathers once called paradise, and where their Gods and Goddesses abode.
ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS
Records will tell that there are non-tenured migrants occupying the protected area. This would be critical to the conservation and rehabilitation efforts. Hence, the law should be strictly implemented. In that way we would be able to regain back the integrity of the landscape.
Displaced occupants who are dependent on the resources within the landscape should be given preference on the provisions of livelihood assistance and other support.
BIODIVERSITY CORRIDOR
The establishment of the Biodiversity Corridor around Mt. Matutum
Protected Landscape (MMPL) has included the “Tarsier Village” in Linan and the School in the Forest in Kablon as eco-tourism conservation project models must be intensified to showcase a new approach towards biodiversity and eco-tourism development.
INTENSIFY INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION
It would be of help for the stakeholders to initiate a massive information and

communication

program.

A

multi-sectoral

communication team is suggested to be created to plan and take the lead in the campaign towards sustainable conservation programs and projects

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to include responsible parenthood. The following communication materials and tools are recommended:


Billboards – A huge billboard should be installed at strategic areas to create awareness on the emerging eco-cultural tourism destination cum conservation of Mt. Matutum and the do’s and don’ts in protected area. This should also be installed along the national highway at the entry and exit points to serve as teasers to passing inbound and outbound travelers;



Leaflets/Flyers – Leaflets and or flyers containing basic information about Mt. Matutum should be produced and ready for distribution to the target markets, guests and tourists indicating the basic information about the sanctuary, the do’s and don’ts within the tarsier sanctuary. This would be of great help in the promotion of
Mt. Matutum as a destination.



Posters

–

to

Communication

augment
(IEC)

the

Information,

materials,

production

Education, of posters

and are recommended.


Visitors Information Center – An information center where visiting tourists can get primary information should be established.



Audio Visual materials – Compact discs (CDs) should be made available on line, shown on cable tv, film showing at the airports, and the likes. CDs should also be distributed to libraries, information centers, and to government and private information officers for the latter to also help in disseminating information on the importance of Mt. Matutum as a watershed.

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

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Website and Social Networking Sites –Social networking sites such as facebook and tweeter should also be tapped as tools to promote and support eco-conservation activities and eco-tourism.



Events – Annual events are encouraged to be institutionalized. It is worth celebrating the milestones of the project during events and celebrations. “T’mana tu di Linan” a native words for “Let’s walk to
Linan” was first held in April 2010 to celebrate Earth Day. This is an eco-walk event where participants have to walk 12 kilometers from the town proper to the forest of Linan, plant trees, and have fun of visiting falls, natural sites among others. Amyak Maleh is another important environmental events celebrated every March 20 of each year.



Spokespersons – Looking for artists as spokespersons need a huge budget. Hence, it is suggested to tap local endorsers like local beauty queens title holders e.g. Diwata ng Matutum and other similar environmental pageant. They too could be a good endorsers.



Social Mobilization – McKee (1992) defined social mobilization as
“the process of bringing together all feasible and practical intersectoral and social allies to raise people’s awareness of the demand for a particular program, to assist in the delivery of resources and services, and to strengthen community participation and selfreliance.25” To ensure sustainability a good social marketing and mobilization plan should be drafted. With that, all stakeholders will be guided and will be involved in supporting the program.
 Focus Group Discussion – A regular communication through forum, meetings, and conferences among the members of the

25

Intro to Social Marketing and Social Mobilization, p12, UPOU, DEVCOM 208 Module

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community and that of the community based eco-tourism management committee or the law enforcement committee should be done to thresh out problems that may arise. Harmonization of rules, policies, projects and activities are necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation.
The problems, recommendations and the communication tools earlier discussed with suggested strategies are necessary to further advance the development and sustainability of Mt. Matutum conservation and rehabilitation program.

As

emphasized

by

experts

on

tourism

development, the success of a Community Based initiated projects is essentially dependent on leadership and organization26. The heart of all of these, however, is Communication. Proper use of communication tools and strategies will help ensure success.

VIII. References


The Environmental Implications of Population Dynamics, Lori M.
Hunter
Guidelines for Applying Protected Area Management (IUCN), Nigel
Dudley
Migration and the Environment, 2014, Vol. 69 No.1
Human Population Dynamics, Sec. 5, Population Growth and
Environment
Presidential Proclamation No. 552
Republic Act 7586, National Integrated Protected Area System Act
DENR Administrative Order No. 2008 - 26
So. Cotabato Provincial Development Framework Plan, 2010 – 2016
Mt. Matutum Management Plan
Rapid Site Assessment of Mt. Matutum (2011) Ateneo de Davao
School of Arts & Sciences
Unpublished Manuscript, Butch Ferrer, Koronadal 2008
Matutum Protected Area Management Plan 2005
Matutum Communication Plan 2000
Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA)

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26

Linan Tourism Development Plan, 2000

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