SYLVATROP

Editorial Staff

For. Mayumi Quintos-Natividad Anne Gelli L. Nuñez

Editor-in-Chief Printing Coordinator

Adreana Santos-Remo Marilou C. Villones
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Liberty E. Asis Eduardo M. Tolentino
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Carmela Kris A. Armilla
Editorial Assistant/Layout Editor

January – June 2020 Vol. 30 No. 1

SYLVATROP, The Technical Journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources is

published by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through
the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), College, Laguna. It is an
ISI-accredited journal listed in Clarivate Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) Master
Journal List.

For contributions or inquiries, address it to The Editor-in-Chief at the following address:

SYLVATROP, The Technical Journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, DENR
Tel. No. (049) 557-1758 Fax: (049) 536-2850
E-mail address: [email protected]
Website: sylvatrop.denr.gov.

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Cover Photo: The cover photo shows the upstream Gaong River in Mt. Guiting-
guiting, Sibuyan Island showing the dominance of mangkono
(Xanthostemon verdugonianus), covering almost 90% of the area.

Photo Credit: Pastor L. Malabrigo Jr.

Cover Layout: Anne Gelli L. Nuñez

 MESSAGE OF THE SECRETARY

Research is a key element of holistic

development, in as much as research and development
efforts fill knowledge gaps in the formulation of
programs and policies.

As such, it is vital that developing countries

like the Philippines invest in research to strengthen its
social, institutional, and environmental resiliency in
the midst of global tragedies brought about by climate
change.

In this regard, Sylvatrop, the DENR's official

technical journal, remains a dedicated channel for building and promoting scientific
knowledge on ecosystems and natural resources. Sylvatrop's latest issue highlights
valuable studies on four key topics: climate change resiliency in agroforestry
communities; carrying capacities; endangered Philippine tree species; and carbon
sequestration rates of Mindanao tree plantations—all of which align with the DENR's
aim to sustainably address multi-sectoral challenges brought about by climate change.

I applaud the women and men behind Sylvatrop for their relentless efforts
to share substantial knowledge on environmental issues and improved mitigation
strategies through each peer-reviewed article.

May Sylvatrop, its contributing authors, editors, and Board members continue
to excel in providing reliable knowledge and information for sustainable and inclusive
national progress.

Mabuhay!

ROY A. CIMATU
DENR Secretary
 PREFACE

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic that has brought unprecedented multi-sectoral

challenges worldwide, the Sylvatrop, DENR’s technical environmental journal, continues to
contribute to knowledge exchange and their practical applications in the conservation and
protection of biodiversity and human lives. There are four articles in this issue and each one
is geared towards addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation.

The first article in this issue updated the inventory of ironwood trees in the
Philippines, guidedby the categories and criteria set by the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Thissubstantiated the existing inventory on ironwood tree
species to aid future botanical explorations.

The second study investigated the resiliency of Community-Based Forest

Management (CBFM)communities in Laguna against the effects of climate change by
analyzing their sources of income andtheir community relationships. This revealed the
association between the strength of resiliency andCBFM membership.

On the other hand, the third article analyzed the carbon sequestration rates and
carbondensities of fast-growing tree species in Mindanao. This would provide a scientific
foundation for climatechange mitigation programs.

Finally, the fourth article examined the bioremediation potential of mycorrhizal

inoculated Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings in mined-out areas. The
results of this study may bea basis for establishing programs addressing general environmental
degradation.

As fear thrives in uncertainty due to the pandemic, let us be reassured that

protecting and conserving our precious biodiversity ripples out into a healthy balance of
our ecosystems, which eventually redounds to a healthy human population. This is why
the Sylvatrop Journal remains steadfast in its duty as a forum of knowledge and information
exchange for policymakers, scientists, researchers, and the public with the end view on
contributing towards a healthier environment and people.

MAYUMI QUINTOS-NATIVIDAD
Editor-in-Chief
Sylvatrop, The Technical Journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources 30 (1) : 1-21

Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood

(Xanthostemon spp. Myrtaceae)
Pastor L. Malabrigo Jr.
Chair/Associate Professor
Department of Forest Biological Sciences
College of Forestry and Natural Resources
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

Curator for Trees

Museum of Natural History
UPLB
College, Los Baños, Laguna
Email address: [email protected]

Roniño C. Gibe
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Energy Development Corporation
Quezon City, Manila

The Philippines has 5 unique and endemic species of the genus

Xanthostemon, collectively known as ironwood trees, listed in the
Philippine Red List as either critically endangered or endangered.
Exploration revealed several undocumented populations of ironwood
species. Results of the inventory also showed extreme abundance and
dominance of the species in their area of occurrence. Following the
categories and criteria set by the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN), X. bracteatus, X. philippinensis and X. verdugonianus
were assessed as vulnerable (VU), X. fruticosus was categorized as
endangered (EN) while X. speciosus was assessed as near threatened
(NT). In addition, the paper presents an updated species profile for each
ironwood species. The enormous number of new populations recorded
revealed the lack of botanical explorations done in the past. Assessment
of conservation status necessitates purposive survey of the species being
assessed since most criteria cannot be reliably obtained unless plant
inventory is conducted.

Keywords: endemic, ironwood, Xanthostemon

2 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

MEMBERS OF THE GENUS XANTHOSTEMON ARE COLLECTIVELY CALLED

ironwood trees because of their wood’s exceptional hardness. The Philippines
has five unique species of the genus (Malabrigo et al. 2016), all of which are
endemic and listed in the Philippine Red List as either critically endangered or
endangered (Malabrigo et al. 2016, DENR AO 2017-11). Based on available
literature (Merrill 1923-26; Rojo 1998), each ironwood species has very
narrow range of distribution, which strongly influenced their threatened
conservation status. However, the 7-year exploration of the Energy Development
Corporation (EDC) through its BINHI Tree for the Future project revealed several
undocumented populations of ironwood species. The inventory efforts of BINHI
in natural populations also showed extreme abundance and dominance of the
species in their area of occurrence. The objective of this paper is to assess the
conservation status of the Philippine ironwood trees based on the criteria set
by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Moreover, the
paper also aims to provide an updated species profile for each ironwood species,
including basic taxonomic accounts and information on the different categories
of IUCN, to serve as baseline reference for future red listing assessments, both
local and global.

Taxonomy and ecology of Philippine Ironwood

Xanthostemon is a genus of trees and shrubs, constituting part of the

large myrtle plant family Myrtaceae. The genus comprises approximately 48
species that are naturally distributed in Australia, New Caledonia, Solomon
Islands, and Malesia, including the Philippines (Wilson 1990; Wilson & Co
1998). In the Philippines, there are five Xanthostemon species that are considered
the hardest timber trees (Malabrigo 2017; Malabrigo et al. 2017). All 5 species
were collectively known to only 1 common name—mangkono. All Philippine
ironwood trees are endemic to the country and available literature illustrates the
very narrow distribution of each species. Except for mangkono (Xanthostemon
verdugonianus), the rest of the ironwood trees were known to occur only in 1
or 2 provinces. Palawan mangkono (X. speciosus) is Palawan endemic, Sierra
madre mangkono (X. fruticosus) is only found in the province of Isabela, while
X. bracteatus and X. philippinensis were known to occur only in Samar and
Camarines Norte.

Philippine ironwood species are almost exclusively distributed in forests

over ultramafic rocks with soil rich in heavy metals (Fernando et al. 2008). For
the past few decades, these forests had been exploited mainly for mining and
quarrying. There are 50 metallic mines (8 gold mines, 4 copper mines, 30 nickel
mines, 3 chromite mines and 5 iron mine) operating in the country covering
about 1,000,000 ha (MGB 2018); not including the small-scale mining industries
not registered in the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 3

Some of the mineral production sharing agreements overlapped with the

natural populations of the Philippine ironwood such as those in the municipality of
Dinapigue, Isabela (natural population of X. fruticosus); municipalities of Southern
Palawan (Puerto Princesa, Narra, Quezon, and Bataraza) (natural populations
X. speciosus); municipalities of Paracale and Panganiban in Camarines Norte
(natural populations X. bracteatus and X. philippinensis) and a big portion of
Surigao del Norte including the islands of Dinagat and Bucas Grande (natural
populations X. verdugonianus). The restricted range of distribution combined with
the continuous threat to natural populations easily put the Philippine ironwood
species under the Philippines’ threatened plants list.

In May 2017, an updated list was issued by DENR through Administrative

order (DAO) No. 2017-11 titled “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine
Plants and their Categories”. In this DAO, categories were reduced to 4 (CR
- Critically endangered; EN – Endangered; VU – Vulnerable; OTS – Other
threatened species). These enumerated species names and further stated that
all native species not listed under the 4 categories should be categorized as
‘Other Wildlife Species’ (OWS), which aggregates to 10,000 species (including
Bryophytes and Pteridophytes). It should be noted that in both administrative
orders, taxa categorized as OWS are considered non-threatened.

The updated Philippine Red List includes 347 species, with 58

critically endangered (CR), 47 endangered (EN), 159 vulnerable (VU), and 83
other threatened species (OTS). All the Philippine ironwood trees are included
in the Philippine Red List. However, the threat category for X. fruticosus and
X. speciosus changed from 2007 to 2017 (Table 1). X. fruticosus was elevated
from endangered (EN) to critically endangered (CR), while X. speciosus was
downgraded from endangered (EN) to vulnerable (VU). The changes in the
category of threatened species could have been caused by increased taxonomic
knowledge, further intensive botanic surveys, or the increasing threats to the plant
diversity. However, without an assessment criteria for both of the threatened lists,
it could be difficult to determine the specific reasons for the changes.

Table 1 Comparison of conservation status of Philippine ironwood trees under

DAO 2007-01 and DAO 2017-11

Scientific name DAO 2007-01 DAO 2017-11

Xanthostemon bracteatus CR CR

Xanthostemon fruticosus EN CR
4 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Table 1 Continued

Scientific name DAO 2007-01 DAO 2017-11

Xanthostemon
CR CR
philippinensis

Xanthostemon speciosus EN VU

Xanthostemon
EN EN
verdugonianus

Materials and methods

The IUCN Red List

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is recognized as the most

comprehensive and objective global approach for evaluating the conservation
status of plant and animal species on earth (IUCN 2017) with defined categories
and criteria (Table 2). Each species conservation status is accompanied by criteria
explaining their categorization. For example, Vatica maritima has the IUCN
assessment Endangered A1cd, which means it has a population reduction of more
than 70% (A1) due to a decline in area of occupancy and extent of occurrence
(c), and the level of exploitation (d). Furthermore, the IUCN has the NE (not
evaluated) and DD (data deficient) categories to emphasize insufficient data.

Accordingly, the PPCC or the Philippine Plant Conservation Committee

used threat categories prescribed in Republic Act 9147 and implementing rules
guided by the 1994 IUCN Categories and Criteria. The threatened categories (CR,
EN and VU) of IUCN and Philippine Red List are identical. The OTS category of
Philippine Red List could be interpreted as the near threatened (NT) category of
IUCN. With this premise, a national assessment for endemic species would be
good as its global assessment.

As the Philippine Red List did not use the IUCN criteria in the assessment
of the conservation status of our Philippine plants, the IUCN could not adopt the
assessment. The Philippine Red List assessment only shows category (i.e. Hopea
quisumbingiana = CR) without any criterion to explain the conservation status
of a species.
Table 2 Summary of IUCN’s criteria used to evaluate a taxon’s threatened category (after IUCN 2017-3)
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood
5
6 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe
Table 2 Continued
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 7

The most updated Red List of the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN 2017-3) includes 141 Philippine endemic trees out of the more
than 1,500 total endemic trees in the country. Of the 5 endemic Philippine
ironwood species, only X. verdugonianus was assessed.

Following the criteria and categories set by the IUCN for the global
Red Listing, the conservation status of the 5 Philippine ironwood species were
assessed. The forest lost/gain information from each area of occurrence was
used as a proxy measure of population size reduction for each species. The
increase or decrease in the forests cover was estimated using the global forest
watch interactive map (https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map). The extent of
occurrence (EOO) and area of occurrence (AOO) of each species were estimated
based on the recorded populations and geo-tagged sampling points during the
actual inventory, using the GeoCAT online application (http://geocat.kew.org/
editor). The number of matured individuals was derived from BINHI’s inventory
data and population estimates. BINHI is the nationwide greening program of the
Energy Development Corporation (EDC).

For the tree inventory, the team adopted 3 general methodologies; 100%
inventory for species with contiguous and small area (< 5 ha) of distribution (i.e.
X. philippinensis in Baler, Aurora and X. bracteatus in Manito, Albay), transect
or quadrat method for species widely distributed in a specific area, depending
on its configuration. The 5 cm dbh limit (instead of the usual 10 cm dbh limit for
trees) was set since Xanthostemon spp. are known to produce flowers and fruits
at an earlier stage with smaller diameter. Aside from the actual counting in areas
sampled, the team also made some population estimates based on the general
reconnaissance of the area combined with the local knowledge on species extent
and distribution. For all the sites sampled, majority of the trees were measured
and geotagged. However, trees located in unsafe terrain were just counted. For
clustered individuals growing closely to each other, only 1 GPS reading was
taken to save time and cover more areas of inventory.
8 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Results and discussion

Taxonomic account on Philippine ironwood trees

Xanthostemon bracteatus Merr.

Xanthostemon bracteatus was described by Merrill in 1917 from the

type specimen (For. Bur. 26500) collected by De Mesa and Magistrado from
a low hill (30 masl) in Paracale, Camarines Norte, with no particular locality.
According to the original publication of the species (Merrill 1917), it was known
in the type locality as diridcalin and in Samar island, where it was also recorded,
as bagoadlau. Currently, the official common name being adopted is mapilig
(Rojo 1998). Nonetheless, the species can be easily distinguished from the
rest of the Philippine ironwood through its distinct white flowers (Fig. 1). The
fruits of mapilig are probably the smallest (1 cm diameter) among the native
Xanthostemon. The very tiny seeds inside the capsular fruits are recalcitrant and
have a viability that lasts only a few days (Malabrigo et al. 2017).

Figure 1 Habit, flowers and fruits of mapilig (Xanthostemon bracteatus).

a) Large mapilig tree leaning towards Ulot River, in Paranas, Western
Samar, b) Fruiting twig from a mother tree in Inang Maharang,
Nagotgot, Manito, Albay, c) Flowering twig from a matured tree in
Llorente, Eastern Samar
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 9

Xanthostemon philippinensis Merr.

Xanthostemon philippinensis was described in the same publication

with X. bracteatus (Merrill 1917), from the same area in Paracale, Camarines
Norte, from a type specimen (For. Bur. 24812) collected by the same collector
in almost equal altitude (40 masl). The species was then, locally known as
canacanala. However, the species is now commonly known as bagoadlau. The
name bagoadlau is also used by the Samareños to refer to X. bracteatus (Merrill
1917). Looking at the floral morphology of the 2 species, bagoadlau is a more
appropriate name for X. philippinensis because of its yellow distinct discs and
stamens (Malabrigo et al. 2016). In Visayan speaking places, bagoadlau literally
means new sun. It is the only yellow-flowered Xanthostemon in the Philippines,
but it resembles the widely cultivated golden penda (X. chrysanthus) from
Queensland, Australia, except that its discs are larger and the stamens are longer.
Bagoadlau also has the largest fruits (> 2 cm diameter) among the Philippine
ironwood trees (Fig. 2).

Figure 2 Habit, fruits and flowers of bagoadlau (Xanthostemon philippinensis).

a) Bagoadlau tree showing its large buttress and reddish bark in Sitio
Diguisit, Baler, Aurora, b) Fruiting twig with dehisced capsules from
a mother tree in Sitio Pag-asa, Baler, Aurora, c) Flowering/fruiting
twig with yellow stamens from a mature tree in Sitio Dikasalarin,
Baler, Aurora
10 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Xanthostemon fruticosus Peter G. Wilson & Co

Xanthostemon fruticosus was the last species of ironwood published

from the Philippines (Wilson & Co 1998). The type specimen (Co 3583) was
collected from a coastal ultramafic scrub in Aubarede Peninsula, Divilacan,
Isabela. The type locality is in the northeasternmost part of Sierra Madre mountain
range, hence, the common name Sierra Madre mangkono. It is important to note,
though, that the species is locally known in the area as pulapol (Malabrigo et
al. 2017). It is 1 of the 3 Philippine ironwood species that exhibit red flowers,
however, it can be distinguished from the 2 others by its long (> 2cm) pedicels
(Fig. 3). The species was observed to produce flowers at a very young age and, at
a height of less than 1 meter (Malabrigo et al. 2016, Wilson & Co 1998); hence,
the epithet fruticosus which means bushy or shrubby.

Figure 3 Habit, fruits and flowers of Sierra Madre mangkono (Xanthostemon

fruticosus). a) Natural stand of Sierra Madre mangkono dominating
the lowland ultramafic forest of Dinapigue, Isabela, b) Fruiting
twig showing the distinct long pedicels/stalks and c) Flowering twig
showing the numerous deep red stamens from a matured tree in Sitio
Difugen, Brgy. Villarobles, Palanan, Isabela
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 11

Xanthostemon speciosus Merr.

Xanthostemon speciosus was the first ironwood species published by

Merrill as a budding taxonomist assigned by the United States Department of
Agriculture to conduct botanical work in the Philippines. The type specimen was
Merrill’s 682nd collection. It was given the common name Palawan mangkono,
most likely because of its restricted distribution in the province of Palawan,
including the Calamianes group of islands. Yet, the species is well-known as
bungan in mainland Palawan and in Busuanga, while recognized as palo de yero
to the rest of Calamianes. It is another Xanthostemon species with red flowers
but can be differentiated from the rest with its large fruits characterized by a cup-
shaped calyx (Fig. 4).

Figure 4 Habit, fruits and flowers of Palawan mangkono (Xanthostemon

speciosus). a) Mature Palawan mangkono tree on top of a savannah-
like hill in Brgy. Osmeña, Culion island , b) Fruiting twig with large
fruits with persistent cup-shaped calyx in Brgy. Urduja, Narra,
Palawan, c) Flowering twig showing the numerous clustered florets
with numerous stamens from a matured tree in Brgy. Cheey,
Busuanga
12 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Xanthostemon verdugonianus Naves

Xanthostemon verdugonianus or mangkono was introduced to

the science world in 1880. It was the first ironwood tree documented in the
Philippines and the most commonly known. Mangkono produces red flowers
with numerous stamens that appear as a head inflorescence (Fig. 5). Similar with
X. fruticosus and X. speciosus, this species produces flowers and fruits at a very
young age (<1 year old) at few centimeters above the ground.

Figure 5 Habit, fruits and flowers of mangkono (Xanthostemon

verdugonianus). a) A mangkono tree in the lowland ultramafic forest
of Brgy. Taclobo, San Fernando, Sibuyan island, b) Fruiting twig with
small capsules about to shed seeds from a mother tree along the
Gaong River of Mt. Guiting-guiting, c) Flowering twig of mangkono
from the clonal nursery of DENR Caraga in Bislig, Surigao del Sur

New population records

Prior to the BINHI Tree for the Future (BINHI TFTF) project of the Energy
Development Corporation, the known distribution of the Philippine ironwood
was limited. BINHI discovered new populations for many of the Philippine
ironwood trees (Table 3). Furthermore, the abundance and dominance of the
ironwood trees in their area of occurrence was a novel discovery.
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 13

For instance, X. bracteatus and X. philippinensis which were previously

known to occur only in Samar and Camarines Norte were recorded in 12 other
provinces.

New populations of X. bracteatus were documented in Aurora, Nueva

Ecija, Albay, Catanduanes, Leyte, Dinagat, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental and
Compostela Valley. BINHI’s exploration also documented the dominance of
X. bracteatus in almost all river systems of Eastern Samar, and Western Samar.

Table 3 Previous known distribution (islands/provinces) of Philippine ironwood

trees and the new population records based on the inventory of
BINHI
Scientific name Previous known New population records
distribution prior from BINHI
to BINHI
Xanthostemon Camarines Norte, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Albay,
bracteatus Merr. Samar Catanduanes, Leyte, Dinagat,
Surigao del Sur, Davao
Oriental, Compostela Valley
Xanthostemon Isabela None
fruticosus Peter G.
Wilson & Co
Xanthostemon Camarines Norte, Isabela, Aurora, Surigao del
philippinensis Merr. Samar Sur
Xanthostemon Palawan None
speciosus Merr.
Xanthostemon Sibuyan, Leyte, Eastern Samar, Western
verdugonianus Naves Homonhon, Samar
Dinagat, Hinatuan,
Bucas Grande,
Siargao and
Mindanao

New populations of X. philippinensis were documented in northeastern

Luzon, in Isabela and Aurora (Fig. 6). It was also discovered that the mangkono
(X. verdugonianus) shop in the municipality of Lianga, Surigao del Sur, is using
wood of bagoadlau (X. philippinensis) and not mangkono. Those previously
recorded mangkono populations in the municipalities of Lianga and Bislig
were found to be X. philippinensis rather than X. verdugonianus, after the
documentation of its flowers and fruits in March 2014, 4 months after typhoon
Yolanda (Haiyan). The first discovery of X. philippinensis in the Arboretum of
Baler, Aurora also coincided with the flowering of the trees (Fig. 7) on November
2015, 2 months after typhoon Lando devastated Aurora province.
14 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Incidentally, the mass flowering of X. bracteatus in Manito, Albay (Fig. 8)

was first documented in September 2014, barely 2 months after typhoon Glenda
shattered the province of Albay. The mass flowering was probably a reaction to
the stress brought by the typhoon—an adaptive mechanism common for many
plants to make sure that their generation would persist after induced mechanical
stress (Chehab et al. 2009). For X. verdugonianus, additional population was
recorded in Eastern Samar and Western Samar. In the municipality of Magdiwang
in Sibuyan island, both sides of the Gaong river were lined with a 10 km stretch
of small yet flowering mangkono trees (Fig. 9). On the other side of the island
at the municipality of San Fernando, BINHI discovered a very old stand of
X. verdugonianus where more than 100 large mangkono trees (with average
diameter of 88.6 cm) were measured and tagged with the help of the staff of
Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park. Around 15 individuals with a diameter of more
than 100 cm were documented (Fig. 10). In the ultramafic forests of Dinagat,
Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, thousands of profusely
flowering mangkono saplings and small trees were dominating the areas.

No new populations of X. fruticosus and X. speciosus were recorded.

However, surveys of existing populations of the species revealed the dominance
of the species in their areas of occurrence. In the ultramafic forest of Dinapigue,
Isabela, around 50% of the trees were X. fruticosus, locally known as “palak-
palak”. Sampling inventory of a 10-ha ultramafic forest in Barangay Bucal Norte
in Dinapigue recorded a count of 2,840 and a conservative estimate of 12,000
matured individuals.

The Palawan mangkono (X. speciosus) dominated the whole province of

Palawan, except in Coron Island. In the mainland, a number of large populations
were documented in the municipalities of Bataraza, Narra, Quezon, Puerto
Princesa, Roxas and El Nido, including Snake Island and Pangulasian Island.
In the Calamianes group of islands, a savannah-like forest with scattered trees,
almost exclusively under a single species X. speciosus, was the most dominant
vegetation type. BINHI’s inventory in the islands of Busuanga, Calauit, Apo,
Uson, Dinanglet, and Culion documented 6,420 individuals with an estimate of
108,000 in the Calamianes group of islands.
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 15

Figure 6 Map showing the new population records for X. bracteatus,

X. philippinensis and X. verdugonianus as a result of 7-year
exploration of BINHI
16 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Figure 7 The first flowering Bagoadlau (Xanthostemon philippinensis)

documented in Baler, Aurora in November 2015: a) the Bagoadlau
tree with yellow flowers (photo by M. Milan), b) the branch of
Bagoadlau with flower buds, c) the flower and its cluster of stamens
(photo by M. Milan)

Figure 8 The first flowering mapilig (Xanthostemon bracteatus) documented in

Manito, Albay in September 2014: a) the leafless canopy with white
inflorescence (photo by M. Pedregosa), b) fruiting twig with small
diameter fruits, c) flowering twig with white unopened flowers
 Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood

Figure 9 The Gaong River in Mt. Guiting-guiting, Sibuyan Island showing the dominance of mangkono
(Xanthostemon verdugonianus) in the area: a) the river’s upstream portion with X. verdugonianus trees
covering almost 90% of the area, b) small diameter mangkono trees on the rocky river, c) a mangkono
tree showing the root system, suggesting strong anchorage
17
18 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Figure 10 The old mangkono (Xanthostemon verdugonianus) stand in

Brgy. Taclobo, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island: a) a portion of the
stand showing the large reddish brown trunks of mangkono, b) one
of the tallest (25 m) mangkono trees documented, c) one of the
largest diameter (130 cm) trees surveyed

Global and national assessment

Following the results of the nationwide inventory, including the discovery

of new populations of Xanthostemon spp., a red listing assessment adopting the
categories and criteria of the IUCN is hereby recommended (Table 4). Since all
the Philippine ironwood trees are endemic to the country, the assessment would
be good for both global and national scheme.
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 19

X. bracteatus was assessed as vulnerable (VU C2a(i)) because the estimated

number of individuals is less than 10,000 and each of the subpopulation has
fewer than 1,000 individuals. X. fruticosus was categorized as endangered (EN
B1ab(ii, iii)) because it has an extent of occurrence (EOO) of less than 5,000 km2,
being restricted to only three locations in a single province in the Philippines
and there is projected decline in area of occupancy and quality of habitat.
X. philippinensis was assessed as vulnerable (VU C1) because the total number
of matured individuals is less than 10,000 and there is a projected continuing
decline in the number of matured individuals by at least 10% in 3 generations
due to continuous mining operations in its areas of occurrence as well as illegal
poaching and kaingin activities. X. speciosus was assessed as near threatened
(NT B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii)) because even if it is very abundant in Palawan, its extent
of occurrence is only about 22,000 km2 and the estimated area of occurrence is
only 2,300 km2. Near threatened category in IUCN can be interpreted as other
threatened species (OTS) for the Philippine Red List. Lastly, X. verdugonianus
was assessed as vulnerable (VU A2acd) because it has an area of occupancy less
than 2,000 km2 with fragmented populations, and there is still continuing decline
in the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy because mining and illegal
poaching still occur in the country (Table 4).

Table 4 Recommended categories of Philippine ironwood trees showing also the

previous categories from International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN 2017-3) and the Philippine Red List (DAO 2017-11)
Scientific Name Common IUCN DAO Recommended
Name (2017-3) 2017-11 Category

Xanthostemon
bracteatus Merr. Mapilig NE CR VU C2a(i)

Xanthostemon
Sierra Madre
fruticosus Peter G. NE CR EN B1ab(ii, iii)
Mangkono
Wilson & Co
Xanthostemon
Bagoadlau NE CR VU C1
philippinensis Merr.
Xanthostemon Palawan NE VU NT B1ab(iii)+
speciosus Merr. Mangkono 2ab(iii)

Xanthostemon Mangkono VU A1d EN VU A2acd

verdugonianus
Naves
Note: NE – Not evaluated; VU – Vulnerable; CR – Critically endangered; EN – Endangered; OTS – Other
threatened species (Philippine Red List); NT – Near threatened (IUCN Red List)
20 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe

Conclusion
This study on the Philippine threatened trees has generated significant
volume of important information that could aid in the improvement of the
management and conservation of premium native trees. Moreover, the study
has shown that the knowledge on Philippine trees is limited due to the lack of
publications from past botanical explorations; in addition, this reveals the need
to conduct more plant surveys to determine the true conservation status of our
native trees. Red listing assessment, global or national, necessitates purposive
survey of the species being assessed since most criteria (i.e. population reduction,
extent of occurrence, area of occurrence, and number of matured individuals)
cannot be reliably obtained unless plant survey/inventory is conducted.

Acknowledgement
The authors would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources particularly to the Biodiversity
Management Bureau for the continuous partnership through the memorandum
of agreement for the Adopt-a-Wildlife Species program with Energy Development
Corporation. The authors are also grateful to the Ecosystems Research and
Development Bureau, including their field offices for their invaluable assistance
during the team’s field explorations. Same appreciation goes to the Protected
Areas staff and all the local guides who assisted the team in the search and rescue
efforts of our premium threatened trees. Lastly, the authors would like to thank
For. Gerald T. Eduarte for the assistance in mapping the distribution range of
each species, and For. Adriane B. Tobias for the assistance in the layouting of the
photos and figures.
Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood 21

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[DENR] Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order

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01_200.pdf

Fernando ES, Suh MH, Lee J, Lee DK. 2008. Forest formations of the Philippines.
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BINHI biodiversity park. En Dev Corp.

Malabrigo, PL. 2017. BINHI tree for the future: Debunking the reasons not to
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22 P. Malabrigo and R. Gibe
Sylvatrop, The Technical Journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources 30 (1) : 23-45

Assessment of farmers’ climate change

resiliency in selected Community-Based
Forest Management areas in Laguna,
Philippines
Engelbert R. Lalican, PhD
Senior Science Research Specialist
Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development
Paseo de Valmayor, Economic Garden
College, Los Baños, Laguna
Email address: [email protected]

The study assessed the farmers’ resiliency to climate change in selected

Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) sites in Laguna. The analysis
was limited only to socio-economic characteristics, agroforestry system’s
supporting services, and regulating services as these have an immediate effect
on farmer’s resiliency and socio-economic productivity. Stratified random
sampling was used for household sampling in CBFM sites. Furthermore,
direct on-site measurement for ecosystems services and interview schedule
were used in evaluating the factors used for the analysis. Farmers’ resiliency
was determined through “resiliency scoring”. Results of the analysis revealed
that PO members in Liliw, Laguna have moderate to high degree of resiliency
to climate change while all non-PO members have moderate resiliency to
climate change. In Sta. Maria, Laguna, all members of the PO have high
degree of resiliency to climate change while all the non-PO members have
moderate degree of resiliency to climate change. All farmer respondents
would adapt with the effect of climate change by looking for other sources
of income, government support, and adopting other farming techniques.
There is a strong association between the membership status (member or
non-member) and the intensity of resiliency (highly or moderately) of the
respondents.

Keywords: Climate change, resiliency scoring, Community-Based Forest Management,

agroforestry systems
24 E. Lalican

IN THE PHILIPPINES, AGROFORESTRY AS A FOREST MANAGEMENT

strategy has been promoted through Community-Based Forest Management
(CBFM) in response to climate change and watershed and forest degradation.
CBFM has aided in the conservation of natural forests and biodiversity (Lasco and
Pulhin 2006). Moreover, the incorporation of trees in farms and landscapes has
improved soil and water conservation and carbon sequestration (Lasco and Pulhin
2006). However, a comprehensive research that assesses the total environmental
impact of CBFM projects, as well as the national impact of the whole CBFM
program, is still lacking (Lasco and Pulhin 2006).

The upland agroforestry system is highly vulnerable to climate change.

Moreover, climate change has negatively affected food supply, altered cropping
seasons, increased the incidence of pests and diseases, and forced farmers to
adapt with meager resources (PAFERN 2009).

In 2002, Walker, et. al., defined ecosystem resilience as the capacity

of an ecosystem to tolerate disturbance without collapsing into a qualitatively
different state that is controlled by a different set of processes. A resilient ecosystem
should rebuild itself when necessary. Moreover, Walker, et. al. (2002) described
resilience in social systems as the added capacity of humans to anticipate and plan
for the future. In addition, social resilience is the ability of human communities
to withstand and recover from stresses, such as environmental change or social,
economic or political upheaval (Ministry of Environment [date unknown]).

Liliw is a fourth class municipality located in the southern extremity of

the province of Laguna. It has a total land area of 5,680.65 ha and is politically
subdivided into 33 barangays (Liliw, Laguna 2009). The total land area of the
barangays in the urban center is 23.32 ha with agricultural land areas in the north
and south. Liliw is elevated 400 to 800 masl with undulating topography. About
76.4% of its total land area (4,339.52 ha) is devoted to agricultural production
(Office of the Municipal Mayor [date unknown]).

Liliw Upland Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LUFAMCO) is the

people’s organization in the study site. The cooperative was organized in 2002
with 47 farmers from Nagcarlan and Liliw, Laguna (DENR-CALABARZON 2012).
The farms are located within the CBFMA area, but none of them live within the
area (DENR-CALABARZON 2012). The farmers made huts that served as shelter
within their farms.
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 25

Sta. Maria is also a fourth class municipality located in the northernmost

part of the province of Laguna. It is the third largest town in Laguna with 12,600
has of land area. The Parang ng Buho Upland Farmers Association (PNBUFA)
of Brgy. Parang ng Buho was awarded with the Community-Based Forest
Management Agreement (CBFMA) in Sta. Maria, Laguna.

The organization is composed of 17 farmers who live adjacent to the farm.

The CBFMA land awarded to the PO has a total area of 330.64 ha comprising of
254 ha of agroforestry/cultivated farms, 50 ha of grassland, 24.21 ha of forestland,
and 2.43 ha of residential land. It has a rolling slope and elevation of 300 to 400
masl.

This study focused on the assessment of farmers’ climate change

resiliency with regards to their agroforestry practices in CBFM sites awarded to
LUFAMCO in Barangay Ilayang Sungi, Luquin and Novaliches in Liliw, Laguna,
and PNBUFA in Brgy. Parang ng Buho in Sta. Maria, Laguna.

This study aimed to address information gaps on ecosystem services

provided by agroforestry systems. The assessment of the ecosystem services in
agroforestry systems can aid in determining the important issues and concerns
in the upland CBFM areas. Moreover, this study can contribute to policy
amendments, formulation, and recommendation regarding the implementation
of agroforestry practices in CBFM sites to maximize community climate change
resilience.

Materials and methods

Respondents

The respondents are composed of farmers whose farms are located within
CBFMA areas in Liliw and Sta. Maria, Laguna. The CBFM areas awarded to the
Liliw Upland Farmers Marketing Cooperative (LUFAMCO) in Barangay Luquin,
Ilayang Sungi and Novaliches, Liliw, Laguna and Parang ng Buho Upland Farmers
Farmers Association (PNBUFA) in Brgy. Parang ng Buho, Sta. Maria, Laguna were
selected for the study (Fig. 1). The criteria used for the selection of the study
sites were accessibility, difference in elevations, similar climatic type, length of
operation (at least 10 years), willingness of the farmers to participate in the study,
and differences in agroforestry practices. Moreover, unstable peace and order
conditions in other CBFM sites in conducting and facilitating the monitoring and
measurements of data as well as limited resources (financial, human/labor, and
time) were considered.
26 E. Lalican

Figure 1 Schematic map representing the location of Liliw Upland Farmers

Marketing Cooperative (LUFAMCO) in Liliw, Laguna and Parang ng
Buho Upland Farmers Association (PNBUFA) in Sta. Maria, Laguna

Farms of both members and non-members of the CBFM were surveyed

and described. Since most of the socio-economic indicators to be estimated were
in the form of proportions, Cochran (1963:75) formula was used to determine
the minimum number of representative samples. Using a 95% confidence
level, precision level, and p=0.99, the computation recommended minimum
samples of 35 out of 51 total member households and 69 out of 250 non-member
households for inclusion in the study (Table 1).

Table 1 The minimum and actual number of samples for the study
Members Non-members
CBFM site Minimum Actual Minimum Actual
samples samples Samples samples
Liliw 24 28 44 45
Sta. Maria 11 14 25 35
Total 35 42 69 80
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 27

Site characterization

Liliw, Laguna

In Liliw, Laguna, the farmers practiced boundary/border-planting type of

agrisilvicultural system. Nair (1989) classified this type of agroforestry practice as
“shelterbelts and windbreaks, and live hedges”. The main crops (local agricultural
crops) are planted inside the farm bounded by a combination of tall-growing
spreading types of forest trees, shrubs and some fruit trees (Fig. 2). The forest
trees and fruit trees were planted in the borders while some were within the
farmlands. Since most of the farms are located in wind-prone areas, the trees serve
as windbreak/shelterbelts and at the same time serves as sources of fuelwood.

Figure 2 Mixed agricultural crops (vegetables) planted inside the farm of PO

member-farmer in Liliw, Laguna. On the time of survey, the farms
are planted with tomatoes, bitter gourd, ginger among others (a);
the boundaries are composed of fruit trees mixed with kakawate,
coconut, narra and mahogany (b)

However, there are differences in agroforestry practices between the

members and the non-members of the People’s Organization (PO). Majority of
the members of the PO planted forest trees and fruit trees along the farm boundary
while the farm boundaries of non-members were composed mostly of naturally
grown shrubs and grasses like cogon (Imperata cylindrica), talong punay (Datura
metel), and kakawate (Gliricidia sepium).

Most of the forest trees and fruit trees planted by members of PO were
provided by the DENR as part of the CBFM and forest rehabilitation program.
Non-members of the PO believed that planting of fruit trees and forest trees could
hinder the growth and development of agricultural crops, their main crop.
28 E. Lalican

The PO members planted fruit trees, like nangka (Artocarpus

heterophyllus), marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus), lanzones (Lansium
domesticum), rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), guyabano (Annona muricata),
plantation crops like coffee (Coffea arabica), cacao (Theobroma cacao), and forest
trees like mahogany (Swietenia mahogany), narra (Pterocarpus indicus), ipil-ipil
(Leucaena leucocephala), and bitaog (Calophyllum inophyllum) that served
as shelterbelts and windbreaks for main crops, and boundaries to other farms.
The boundaries also included some shrubs like murado (Pseuderanthemum
atropurpureum), talong punay (Datura metel), kalamansi (Citrofortunella
microcarpa), kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) and hauili (Ficus septica). Murado (P.
atropurpureum) and talong punay (D. metel) were planted along the boundaries
as farm markers. The boundary also included some palms and bamboos that
were beneficial to the farmers. Several farmers planted kakawate (G. sepium)
arranged within the farm to serve as live trellis for black pepper (P. nigrum) and
soil enhancement within the farm (Fig. 3).

Figure 3 Bamboo and kakawate (Gliricidia sepium) trellis used by farmers in

growing tomatoes (a); live kakawate trellis used for tomato, black
pepper and bitter gourd and other climbing agricultural crops (b)

The farmers plant the main crops/agricultural crops at the onset of rainy
season. The vegetables planted usually depended on the crops planted by majority
of the farmers within the CBFM area. These included eggplant, tomato, beans,
bitter gourd, sweet potato, squash, chinese cabbage, broccoli, and mustard.
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 29

Sta. Maria, Laguna

In Sta. Maria, Laguna, farmers practiced “multi-layer, multistory tree

garden” of agrisilvicultural systems (Fig. 4). The farms had multipurpose trees, fruit
trees, and common agricultural crops. Some trees were scattered haphazardly,
while some were arranged systematically on bunds, terraces or plot/field
boundaries (Nair 1989). All trees are said to be multipurpose; some, however,
are more multipurpose than others (Nair 1993).

The main crops (fruit trees) were planted inside the farm in combination
with other types of forest trees. The main crops, mostly rambutan (Nephelium
lappaceum), dalanghita (Citrus reticulata), lanzones (Lansium domesticum),
bignai pugo (Antidesma pentandrum), santol (Sandoricum koetjape), nangka
(Artocarpus heterophyllus), coffee (Coffea arabica), caimito (Chrysophyllum
cainito), and coconut (Cocos nucifera) were scattered or mixed sparsely within
the farm in combination with agricultural crops like cassava (Manihot esculenta),
black pepper (Piper nigrum), camote (Ipomea batatas), luyang dilaw (Curcuma
longa), banana (Musa paradisiaca), and papaya (Carica papaya). The main
agricultural crops were planted in combination with forest trees like mahogany
(Swietenia macrophylla) and kakawate (Gliricidia sepium), and other naturally
occurring Ficus species like hauili (Ficus septica) and tibig (Ficus nota).

Figure 4 Multi-layer, multistory tree garden agrisilvicultural systems in Sta

Maria, Laguna. The farm was intercropped with banana, durian,
rambutan, lanzones, papaya and agricultural crops
30 E. Lalican

Soil chemical and physical properties

Soil sampling was conducted to determine the soil physical and chemical
properties. For each agroforestry system, soils were collected using soil auger in
4 cardinal directions (north, east, south and west) to a depth of 15 cm for both
CBFMA sites.

One kilogram of composite soil sample from each CBFMA site was
brought to the Analytical Services Laboratory of Soils and Agro-ecosystems
Division, Agricultural Systems Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the
Philippines Los Baños for soil chemical and physical properties analysis. The soil
properties analyzed were soil pH using electrometric method, organic matter
(OM) using Walkey-Black method, available Nitrogen using Kjeldahl method,
available Phosphorus (P) using Bray method, Exchangeable Potassium (K) using
ammonium acetate method, and soil bulk density using core method. The results
of soil chemical and physical analyses will determine if the available nutrient of
the soil can sustain the necessary nutrient requirements needed by the crops.

Soil erosion measurement

Soil erosion was determined using modified erosion bar (Ramirez 1988
as cited by Visco 1997). Six erosion plots were installed for both CBFM sites; 2 on
upslope, 2 on midslope, and 2 on the downslope areas. The erosion plots were
installed for representative agroforestry systems of members and non-members
of the CBFM based on elevation. The level of the washed soil was computed
by determining the difference of the topsoil level of each point in the plot. The
data was converted into its equivalent weight unit (tons/ha) using the procedures
adopted by Visco (1997) as follows:

Volume plot = (depth of soil wash) x (length of plot) x (width of plot)

The volume of the solid particles in the washed soil was converted to
its equivalent weight per hectare based on the size distribution of the soil in
the experimental plots using the conversion figures formulated by Range and
Management Division of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
(FORI 1986 as cited by Visco 1997): (1 cu. m. of sand = 1,497 kilograms; 1 cu.
m. of silt = 1,046 kilograms; 1 cu. m. of clay = 483 kilograms).
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 31

Agrobiodiversity analysis

A reconnaissance survey of the study sites was conducted prior to the

actual biodiversity assessment. The reconnaissance survey showed that the area
was delineated based on the results of the characterization. Three representative
farms for both PO members and non-members were chosen based on elevation.

Quadrat method was used to determine species diversity at farm level.

Counting the number of tree species and number of individuals under each
species in each representative agroforesty system was conducted in 10m x 10m
quadrat for each farm. A total of 12 quadrats were established for both CBFM sites.
Six quadrats per site were established representing 2 quadrats per elevation (high,
middle, and lower elevation) of the study sites. Each elevation was represented
by 3 farms from members and 3 farms from non-members for each site.
Agrobiodiversity analysis was determined using the Shannon’s index of diversity
(H), Shannon’s index of evenness (E), and Simpson’s index of dominance (D).
Other information regarding the biophysical environment was gathered through
key informant interviews and secondary data. Farmer’s perceived changes in the
environment (soil erosion, incidence of pests, land productivity, etc.) from the
time of CBFM implementation and agroforestry adoption were identified.

Carbon stock inventory

Direct on-site measurement was used for carbon stock inventory. This
included field sampling and laboratory measurements of total C in the biomass
and soil. The method included the measurement of aboveground biomass (trees
and herbaceous vegetation/agricultural crops), litter fall/crop residue, below
ground (roots) and soil C in each representative agroforestry system for both
CBFM sites.

For tree species, the trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH)
measuring > 5cm at 1.3 meters above the ground in the quadrat was used to
get its biomass. Tree biomass of individual trees were determined using the
allometric equation developed by Brown (1997) as cited by Lasco, et al. (2006).
A default value of 45% was used to determine the carbon stored in tree biomass
(Lasco and Pulhin 2009), which is the average carbon content of plant tissue
samples from different areas in the Philippines. The same default value was used
for herbaceous plant/agricultural crops and ground litter. For herbaceous plants/
agricultural crops (plants with <5cm in diameter), the method described by
McDicken (1997) as cited by Lasco, et al (2006) was used. The biomass density
for herbaceous plants/agricultural crops and ground litter were calculated using
the formula:

Total Dry Weight (kg/m2) = Total Fresh Weight (kg) x Subsample Dry Weight (g)
Subsample Fresh Weight (g) x Area of Frame (m2)
32 E. Lalican

To determine root biomass, a root:shoot ratio in tropical forests with a

value of 0.10 (10%) was used. The estimate was the reasonable approach derived
from the lowest above-ground:below-ground biomass ratios based on actual
inventory data of above-ground biomass (MacDicken 1997).

For soil carbon stock of each agroforestry system, organic matter (OM)
content of the soil was analyzed using clod or core method. The percent carbon
was calculated by dividing the result of OM analysis with the constant value of
1.724.

Soil C density (tC/ha) = Bulk Density (g/cm3) x % Carbon x soil depth (cm)x100

The total Carbon stock in the CBFM agroforestry farm was calculated
using the following formula:

Farmers’ resiliency scoring

Norström et. al. (2014) mentioned that ecological, economic, and social
systems are increasingly viewed as interlinked and inseparable social-ecological
systems. Ecosystem’s supporting services (soil fertility and agrobiodiversity) and
regulating services (soil erosion and carbon sequestration) as well as the socio-
economic status of the respondents were used in the analysis as these have an
immediate effect on farmer’s resiliency and farmer’s socio-economic productivity.
Gall (2013) stated that these systems can be used in determining resiliency.

The indicators for social resiliency were categorized into socio-economic

factors, biodiversity factors, soil property factors, and carbon stock factors. The
result of the assessment for socio-economic characteristics, particularly the
farmers’ income, was used as an indicator for socio-economic factor (economic
system) to determine social resiliency.
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 33

In addition, material input (the measurement for initial investment

needed to establish agroforestry system), consistency of income (the potential of
the agroforestry system to generate consistent income), risk of pest and diseases
problems (the vulnerability of an agroforestry system to crop losses associated
with pest and diseases), dependency of production on crop (the share of the
production value generated from the most prevalent crop in comparison to the
value of production on one agroforestry parcel), and return of labor (the income
earned for each day of labor invested in the production of a specific crop) were
considered as indicators of socio-economic factors to determine social resiliency.
The biodiversity factor, which represents the agrobiodiversity of the agroforestry
system, and soil property factor, such as soil erosion, soil chemical, and physical
property of the agroforestry system, were also included in determining social
resiliency. Meanwhile, carbon stock factor is the amount of carbon stored in
agroforestry system.

In determining social resiliency, participatory weighing and ranking

was used. The weight was determined to capture the contribution of the chosen
ecosystem service to the farmer’s resiliency. The participatory ranking and
weighing procedure was developed in consultation with a local resource person,
key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with the farmers. The
participation of farmers builds trust, provides the opportunity to deliberate shared
understanding, and meet the needs to mobilize and self-organize (Lebel et al.
2006). Participation forms the foundation for self-organizing around innovative
solutions or after crises (Lebel et al. 2006).

In the study, each factor was given a corresponding weight or resiliency

score in percentage—25% for the socio-economic factor, 35% for the biodiversity
factor, 30% for soil property factor and 10% for carbon stock factor. Moreover,
each parameter used for every factor was given corresponding weight—high (H)
= 45%, medium/moderate (M) =35% and low (L) = 20%. To determine the
farmers’ resiliency rating, the derived values for each parameter were multiplied
to its corresponding percentage. The results were coded and reclassified as highly
resilient (80-100%), moderately resilient (51 to 79%), and low resilient (below
50%). The values for the classification were derived from previous studies that
facilitated the determination of farmer resiliency (Table 2).
34 E. Lalican

Table 2 The summary of factors and their corresponding inputs to determine

farmer resiliency
For Socio-economic Factors: (25%)
a. Material Input (20%)
The indicator measures the initial investment needed to establish agroforestry
system (Weidner et. al 2011).
• If the material input for agroforestry system is low. (L)
• If there is medium amount of material input required for agroforestry system.
(M)
• If there is high amount of material input required for agroforestry system (H)
b. Consistency of Income (20%)
The indicator gives the potential of the agroforestry system to generate consistent
income (Weidner, et. al, 2011).
• If the farmer can harvest at least one or two crops per month. (H)
• If the farmer can harvest at least one crop four times per year. (M)
• If the farmer can harvest at least one crop per year. (L)
c. Farmer’s Income (20%)
(Based on the First semester per Capita Poverty threshold and Poverty Incidence
among Families in Region IV-A wherein every family should have a monthly
salary of at least P9,601.00 divided by 22 working days)
• If the farmer can earn at least P500 per day. (H)
• If the farmer can earn P436 – P499 per day. (M)
• If the farmer can earn below P435 per day. (L)
d. Risk of Pest and Diseases Problems (15%)
The indicator measures the vulnerability of an agroforestry system to crop losses
associated with pest and diseases (Weidner et. al 2011).
• No infections or infections appear in previous years but are easy to handle.
(H)
• Infections occur every year but pesticides are needed to secure the harvest.
(M)
• If the risk of pest and diseases severely occurs in certain season of the year. (L)
e. Dependency of Production on Crop (10%)
The indicator measures the share of the production value generated from
the most prevalent crop in comparison to the value of production on one
agroforestry parcel (Weidner et. al 2011).
• If the farmer depends on more than 4 crops for his total yearly production. (H)
• If the farmer depends on at least 3 crops for his total yearly production. (M)
• If the farmer depends on at least 2 crops for his total yearly production. (L)

Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 35

Table 2 Continued
f. Return of Labor (15%)
The indicator describes the income earned for each day of labor invested in the
production of a specific crop (Weidner et. al 2011).
• P 450.00 and above (H)
• P 300.00 to P 449.00 (M)
• P 299.00 and below (L)
For Agrobiodiversity Factor: (35%)
The species diversity was analyzed using the Modified Fernando Biodiversity
Scaling System (Fernando, 1998 as cited by Palis et. al 2011). However, the
relative values for high and very high diversity index and the low and very low
diversity index, will be combined relative to the classification.
Floral biodiversity (100%)
• High to Very High (3.0 – 4.0) (H)
• Moderate (2.5 – 2.99) (M)
• Low to Very Low (2.49 and below) (L)
For Soil Property Factor: (30%)
a. Soil Erosion Rate (US Soil Conservation Service as cited by Nair, 1993) (50%)
• If soil erosion rate is <10 t/ha/yr. (H)
• If soil erosion rate is 10 – 11.2 t/ha/yr. (M)
• If soil erosion rate is >11.2 t/ha/yr. (L)
b. Soil Bulk Density (Rachman, 1997 as cited by Barcellano, 2005) (8%)
• Soil bulk density is < 1.05 g/cc (H)
• Soil bulk density is 1.06-1.35 g/cc (M)
• Soil bulk density is >1.36 g/cc (L)
c. Soil Organic Matter (Legada, 1998 and CSR FAO Staff, 1983 as cited by
Barcellano, 2005) (10%)
• If Organic Matter is > 8.5%. (H)
• If Organic Matter is 3.5-8.5% (M)
• If Organic Matter is <3.5% (L)
d. Soil pH
(Legada, 1998 and CSR FAO Staff, 1983 as cited by Barcellano, 2005) (8%)
• If soil pH is 5.6-6.6. (H)
• If soil pH is 6.0-7.5 or 4.5-5.5 (M)
• If soil pH is >7.5 or <4.5 (L)
36 E. Lalican

Table 2 Continued
e. Soil N Content
(Legada, 1998 and CSR FAO Staff, 1983 as cited by Barcellano, 2005) (8%)
• If Nitrogen content is > 0.75% (H)
• If Nitrogen content is 0.21%-0.75% (M)
• If Nitrogen content is < 0.21% (L)
f. Soil P Content
(Legada, 1998 and CSR FAO Staff, 1983 as cited by Barcellano, 2005) (8%)
• If Phosphorous content is > 35.0% (H)
• If Phosphorous content is 15.0%-35.0% (M)
• If Phosphorous content is < 15.0% (L)
g. Soil K Content
(Legada, 1998 and CSR FAO Staff, 1983 as cited by Barcellano, 2005) (8%)
• If Potassium content is >1.0%. (H)
• If Potassium content is 0.40%-1.0% (M)
• If Potassium content is <0.40% (L)
For Carbon Stock Factor: (10%)
(Albrecht and Kandji, 2003 as cited by Labata, et. al, 2012)
• If carbon stock is above 111 Mg/ha (H)
• If carbon stock is 80-110 Mg/ha (M)
• If carbon stock is below 79 Mg/ha (L)

Statistical analysis

The analysis of the survey data was processed using Minitab version
17. This software generated tables and analysis for the socio-economic data. In
addition, socio-economic information from the different sites were assessed using
Independent Samples t-test or Two-Sample t-test. Descriptive statistics such as
frequency counts, means, weighted means and percentage ranking were also
used in the analysis.
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 37

Results and discussion

Farmer’s resiliency to climate change

Liliw, Laguna

Analysis of farmer’s socio-economic factors shows that 5 member-farmers

said that their material inputs were low, 12 said that they had medium amount,
and 11 expressed that they had high amount of inputs. Nine member-farmers said
that they could harvest at least 1 or 2 crops per month, 15 harvested at least 1
crop every 3 months in a year, and 4 expressed that they could harvest at least 1
crop a year. Eight member-farmers claimed that for each day they earned at least
PhP 500.00 per day, 14 earned between PhP 436.00 to PhP 499.00 per day, and
6 earned below PhP 435.00. On the occurrence of pest and diseases, 3 members
said that although infections occurred in the previous years, it was easily handled,
while 25 members said that infections occurred yearly and pesticides were used
to address them. Twelve members had produced more than 4 crops in a year, 9
produced at least 3 crops yearly, and 7 produced at least 2 crops in a year. On the
income earned for each day of labor, 6 members earned PhP 450.00 and above,
21 earned PhP 300.00 to PhP 449.00, and only 1 member earned less than PhP
299.00 per day. It may be deduced that as a way to adapt to climate change, the
member farmers did not depend solely on farming for income.

Out of the 45 non-member farmers, only 8 farmers said they had medium
amount of material inputs and 37 stated they had high amount. Majority (41
farmers) said that they were able to harvest at least 1 crop 4 times a year, 2 farmers
each could harvest at least 1 or 2 crops per month and at least 1 crop a year. Only
1 farmer said that he earned at least PhP 500.00 per day, 14 earned between
PhP 436.00 to PhP 499.00 per day, and most of them (30) had an income of PhP
435.00 below each day. On the occurrence of pest and diseases, majority (43
farmers) claimed that infections occurred yearly and used pesticides, while only 2
said that it severely occurred in their farms in certain seasons of the year. Twelve
members produced more than 4 crops in a year, 29 produced at least 3 crops
annually, and only 4 among them produced at least 2 crops yearly. Twenty-two
non-member farmers earned an income of PhP 300.00 to PhP 449.00 for each
day of labor, and 23 farmers earned less than PhP 299.00 per day.

These farmers had income from farming and non-farming activities

throughout the year. By diversifying their income, they adapted to climate
change. However, some farmers planted at least 1 other crop at the same time,
thus the big supply of crops in the markets commanded low prices, and in turn,
low income. Moreover, pests and diseases occasionally caused low or negative
income.
38 E. Lalican

The analysis of biodiversity factors showed a diversity index of 2.58,

which means that the farms were moderately diverse or moderately resilient. All
non-member farmers showed low diversity with a diversity index of 1.98.

Results from the analysis of soil property factors showed that the farms of
all 28 member-farmers had an erosion rate of <10 t/ha/yr, bulk density of <1.05
g/cc, soil pH of 5.3, and Phosphorous content of 12.10%. Moreover, the farms
had a soil organic matter of 5.70%, Nitrogen content of 0.33%, and Potassium
content of 0.77%. The farms of all the 45 non-member farmers in Liliw, Laguna
had erosion rate of <10 t/ha/yr, bulk density of <1.05 g/cc, and soil pH of 5.47,
while the soil organic matter of all the non-member farms was 5.89%, Nitrogen
content of 0.37%, Phosphorous content of 6.80%, and Potassium content of
0.98%.

Carbon stock factors analysis shows that the farms of all 28 member-
farmers had carbon stock of below 79 Mg/ha because the crops planted are still
in juvenile stage, as evidenced by the smaller diameters of the forest tree species
found in the area. The farms of all the 45 non-member farmers in Liliw, Laguna
likewise had a carbon stock of below 79 Mg/ha. Similarly, this was due to the
forest tree species in the juvenile stage. Table 3 below shows the summary of
the factors that greatly affected the resiliency of the members and non-member
farmers and their farms in Liliw, Laguna.

Table 3 Summary of the factors that greatly affect the resiliency of the
respondents and their farms in Liliw, Laguna
Liliw
Member Non-member
Resiliency
of respondents
Total number
Low resilient

Low resilient

factors
Moderately

Moderately
resilient

resilient

resilient

resilient
Highly

Highly
Total

Total

Socio-economic 0 12 16 28 1 41 3 45 73
factors
Biodiversity 0 28 0 28 45 0 0 45 73
factors
Soil property 0 0 28 28 0 0 45 45 73
factors
Carbon stock 28 0 0 28 45 0 0 45 73
factors
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 39

Table 4 shows the degree of resiliency of the members and non-member

farmers in Liliw, Laguna. It shows that 16 member-farmers were moderately
resilient to climate change and 12 were highly resilient, taking into consideration
the socio-economic, biodiversity, soil property, and carbon stock factors. All the
non-member farmers (45) were moderately resilient.

Table 4 Degree of resiliency of the members and non-member farmers in Liliw,

Laguna
Resiliency value Member Degree of Non- Degree of
resiliency member resiliency
0-50% 0 0

51-79% 16 Moderately 45 Moderately

Resilient Resilient
80-100% 12 Highly Resilient 0
Total 28 45

Sta. Maria, Laguna

The analysis of the farmers’ socio-economic factors showed that all 14

member-farmers in Sta. Maria, Laguna had low material inputs in their farms,
could harvest 1 or 2 crops per month, earned at least PhP 500.00 per day, had
treatable or no farm infections, and produced more than 4 crops per year. Most
of their farm inputs were provided by DENR and other government agencies like
the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO).
Moreover, the income from farm labor was more than PhP 450.00 per day. Their
income from farming and non-farming activities was consistent throughout the
year.

The results demonstrated that majority (33) of the non-member farmers

had low material inputs; only 2 had high input. Eleven farmers said that they
could harvest at least 1 or 2 crops per month, 23 (majority) were able to harvest at
least 1 crop every 3 months in a year, and only 1 claimed that they could harvest
at least 1 crop yearly. One non-member farmer shared that he earned at least PhP
500.00 per day, 5 earned between PhP 436.00 to PhP 499.00 per day, and most
(29) of them earned PhP 435.00 and below each day.
40 E. Lalican

On the occurrence of pest and diseases, 11 farmers stated that manageable

infections occurred in the previous years, 19 used pesticides for the infections,
and 5 said pests and diseases damaged crops only in 1 season. Majority (32) non-
member farmers said that they produced more than 4 crops in a year, 2 produced
at least 3 crops yearly, and only 1 among them produced at least 2 crops in a
year. On daily income, 1 farmer earned PhP 450.00 and above, 9 earned PhP
300.00 to PhP 449.00, and most of them (25) earned less than PhP 299.00 per
day. These farmers had other sources of income, while others earned solely from
their farm annually. In addition, others were supported by their relatives working
abroad.

The results of the analysis of biodiversity factors showed that the farms
of all 14 member-farmers in Sta. Maria, Laguna were moderately diverse, with a
diversity index of 2.72. It also showed that farms of all non-members (35) had
low diversity, with a diversity index of 1.86.

Results of the soil property factor analysis revealed that all 14 member-
farmers said that their soil erosion rate was <10 t/ha/yr and soil bulk density of
<1.05 g/cc. The soil organic matter was 4.72%, soil pH of 4.77, Nitrogen content
of 0.22%, Potassium content of 0.42%, and Phosphorous content of 2.03%. For
all the 35 non-member farmers, farms’ soil erosion rate and bulk density were
<10 t/ha/yr and <1.05 g/cc, respectively. Their soil organic matter was 4.63%,
soil pH was 4.8, Nitrogen content was 0.24%, Phosphorous content was 2.83%,
and Potassium content of 0.55%.

The carbon stock factor analysis revealed that the farms of all 14 member-
farmers in Sta. Maria, Laguna had a carbon stock below 79 Mg/ha because the
annual and perennial crops planted were still young. The farms of all the 35
non-member farmers had a carbon stock of below 79 Mg/ha, similarly due to the
juvenility of the crops.

Table 5 represents the summary of the factors that greatly affected

the resiliency of the member farmers, non-member farmers, and their farms in
Sta. Maria, Laguna. Table 5 reveals that all (14) member-farmers of Sta. Maria,
Laguna were highly resilient, while all the non-member farmers were moderately
resilient to climate change.
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 41

Table 5 Summary of the factors that greatly affected the resiliency of the
respondents and their farms in Sta. Maria, Laguna
Sta. Maria
Member Non-member
Resiliency
factors

Total number of
Highly resilient

Highly resilient
Low resilient

Low resilient

respondents
Moderately

Moderately
resilient

resilient
Total

Total
Socio- 0 0 14 14 0 33 2 35 49
economic
factors
Biodiversity 0 14 0 14 35 0 0 35 49
factors
Soil 0 0 14 14 0 0 35 35 49
property
factors
Carbon 14 0 0 14 35 0 0 35 49
stock
factors

Table 6 Degree of resiliency of the members and non-member farmers in Sta.

Maria, Laguna
Resiliency Member Degree of Non- Degree of
value resiliency member resiliency
0-50% 0 0

51-79% 0 35 Moderately
resilient
80-100% 14 Highly resilient 0
Total 14 35
42 E. Lalican

Results showed that although the farmers from both sites could have
low resilience in some factors, this could be compensated by other factors where
they were moderately or highly resilient. All farmer respondents adapted with
the effect of climate change by seeking other sources of income, government
support, and adopting other farming techniques. However, all non-members
from both sites were only moderately resilient, in contrast to the highly resilient
member majority. The survey results revealed that there is a relationship between
the membership status (member or non-member) and the intensity of resiliency
(highly or moderately) of the respondents. For member-farmers, their high
resiliency could have been influenced by the assistance of government agencies,
credit lending from cooperatives, and trainings on climate change adaptation.

On soil chemical characteristics for Liliw, Laguna, the OM, N, P, and K

content of the soil slightly increased after the duration of the study. This could be
attributed to the agroforestry practices and planting of vegetable/annual crops. In
turn, as the soil fertility increased, this could positively impact the socio-economic
well-being of the farmers.

In Sta. Maria, Laguna site, however, a slight decrease in OM, N, P and

K was observed. This could have been due to the absence of other planted crops
during the duration of the study. However, the soil pH of both sites had slightly
decreased, which indicated good soil conditions for planting.

On soil physical characteristics, the soil loss was not significant in

Liliw, Laguna site as vegetable crops/annual crops were planted during the
measurements; these crops aid in water absorption. Similarly, this occurred in the
Sta. Maria farms of member-farmers. However, the soil loss for non-members was
significant, as their farms had less perennial and annual crops. Soil loss affects the
socio-economic well-being of the farmers, as soil fertility degrades.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The study was conducted to assess the ecosystem services of agroforestry
systems in CBFM sites in Liliw and Sta. Maria, Laguna. Results of the analysis
revealed that PO members in Liliw, Laguna have moderate to high degree of
resiliency to climate change, while all non-PO members have moderate resiliency
to climate change. In Sta. Maria, Laguna, all members of the PO have high degree
of resiliency to climate change, while all the non-PO members have moderate
degree of resiliency to climate change. All farmer respondents adapted with
climate change by exhausting other sources of income, government support, and
adopting other farming techniques. Farmers’ climate change resiliency is greatly
influenced by agroforestry systems components and their interactions.
Assessment of farmer’s climate change resiliency 43

For farmer resiliency, diversification of perennials and cash crops in the

agroforestry systems should be encouraged through intercropping and inclusion
of local breeds of poultry and livestock. This could increase potential benefits
from the system. As upland farmers diversify the agroforestry crops, particularly
tree crops, they can be assured of multiple products for food security, in addition
to the ecosystem services like carbon sequestration, climate amelioration, soil
and water conservation, and increased nutrient cycling. In addition, appropriate
assistance from the government should be extended like trainings and capacity
building; access to market, appropriate and affordable machineries and post-
harvest technologies; access to capital and empowered cooperative; and
sustainable programs/projects which are necessary to convince the PO member-
farmers as well as the non-member farmers that indeed the government is serious
in helping them improve their present condition and empower them to be an
important asset in safeguarding our upland resources. And lastly, participation
and consultation of community in the conceptualization, implementation
and development of any community-based program. For the program to be
sustainable, the beneficiaries must have a sense of ownership of the program and
not just someone else’s plan for them.

The author recommends that thorough and in-depth research, such as

valuation studies, should be conducted to support the findings to fully determine
the extent of the ecosystem services provided by agroforestry systems by putting
values to the same.

Acknowledgement
The author would like to thank the Community-based Forest Management
Agreement (CBFMA) holders of Sta. Maria and Liliw, Laguna, the Parang ng Buho
Upland Farmers Association (PNBUFA) and Liliw Upland Farmers Marketing
Cooperative (LUFAMCO), for the information and cooperation during the
conduct of this study. Special thanks to DOST-ASTHRDP, DOST-PCAARRD and
SEARCA for the grant provided in accomplishing the study.

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Estimation of the carbon sequestration

rates and carbon densities of
fast-growing tree plantations in Mindanao,
Philippines
Nelson Levi M. Lantican
Science Research Analyst
ERDB-DENR
Email address: lml212001yahoo.com

Manolito U. Sy
Supervising Science Research Specialist (Ret)

This study formulated accurate and reliable estimations of carbon

sequestration rates and carbon densities of fast-growing tree species in
Mindanao. Species used include , bagras (Eucalyptus deglupta Blume),
falcata (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen), mahogany (Swietenia
macrophylla King), mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.) and yemane
(Gmelina arborea Roxb.). Two hundred fourteen permanent sampling
plots (PSPs) were established in private and government tree plantations
aged 1, 4, and 7 years old across the 5 regions in Mindanao. The carbon
(C) sequestration rates, the carbon densities, and their carbon dioxide
(CO2) equivalent were determined using available allometric equations
for the 5 tree species. Results showed that falcata had the highest
predicted mean tree carbon sequestration rate of 15.339 kg/tree/yr and
mean carbon dioxide equivalent of 56.293 kg/tree/yr from age 1 to 9
years. Mangium followed with 10.326 kg C/tree/yr and 37.897 kg CO2/
tree/yr. For bagras, 5.700 kg C/tree/yr equal to 17.756 kg CO2/tree/yr..
On the other hand, a mahogany tree in a plantation that grows up to
8 years has a rate of 4.152 kg C/tree/yr equivalent to 15.237 kg CO2/
tree/yr. Yemane, for its part, had a rate of 4.221 kgC/tree/yr equivalent
to 15.6 kg CO2/tree/yr. The mean carbon density of the established
plantations of 5 species in Mindanao had an overall carbon density
of 7.364 tons/ha/year translating to 27.027 tons/ha/year of carbon
dioxide. It is suggested that similar research be conducted on Philippine
native trees and agroforestry species that are cognizant for their carbon
sequestration potentials in mitigating climate change.

Keywords: Carbon sequestration rates, carbon density

48 N. Lantican and M. Sy

CLIMATE CHANGE CONTINUES TO BE A GLOBAL ISSUE. IT IS THE RESULT

of increased concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere
particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) which has the largest volume and by far the
largest contributor to man-made enhanced greenhouse effect (IPCC 2007).

Planting of trees to sequester atmospheric carbon has been considered as

the most cost-effective, long-lasting and significant strategy to address the problem
of global warming. Trees absorb CO2 in the atmosphere during photosynthesis
wherein oxygen is released and carbon is stored in their biomass such as roots,
stems, foliage and trunk.

Physiologically, the faster the tree grows, the faster the carbon is
sequestered from the environment. In the Philippines, examples of fast-growing
forest tree species which absorb large amounts of CO2 include bagras (Eucalyptus
deglupta Blume), falcata (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen), mahogany
(Swietenia macrophylla King), mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.), and yemane
(Gmelina arborea Roxb.). These species are commonly-used in forest plantations,
reforestation and agroforestry in the country. Moreover, these species have been
studied previously by ERDB (2008) to determine carbon sequestration potentials
and to develop tree biomass prediction equations.

Philippine forests, just like other tropical forests, have the greatest
potential to sequester carbon primarily through the establishment of forest
plantations and conservation of existing forests as carbon “sink”. Currently, one of
the main thrusts of the Philippine government is the National Greening Program
(NGP) which seeks to plant 1,500,000,000 seedlings in 1,500,000 hectares of
public lands from 2010 to 2016. One of its primary goals is to pursue sustainable
development thru climate change mitigation.

However, research on carbon densities and sequestration rates of forest

plantations are relatively new in the Philippines. Initial estimates of carbon
sequestration are mainly based on secondary information and expert judgment.
Although a number of recent studies have attempted to quantify carbon densities
and sequestration rates of some forest plantation species, there is a need for more
accurate and reliable estimation based on periodic measurements of permanent
monitoring plots. Hence, this study aimed to formulate accurate and reliable
estimations of carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities of fast-growing
tree species in Mindanao.
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 49

Biomass estimation and computation of carbon sequestration

Equations relating biomass to tree diameter or height have been developed

for some fast-growing tropical tree species (Kanazawa et al. 1981, Fownes and
Harrington 1991, Macale-Macandog and Delgado 2002). The allometric equation
generally used is Y = a D b , where Y is biomass (kg) and D is diameter (cm), and
a and b are determined by linear regression of log-transformed Y and D.

In 1997, FAO (Brown 1997) issued a primer on estimating biomass and

biomass change of tropical forests which provided a power equation for predicting
aboveground wood biomass of forest trees using diameter at breast height as the
only predictor available: W = exp {-2.134 + 2.530*Ln(DBH)}. Because of the
absence of local tree biomass models for various forest tree species, this equation
has been extensively used in the country to estimate biomass of forest trees and
eventually the carbon stock of forest stands both in the natural and plantation
forests, although it was intended for moist tropical forests (Hairiah et al. 2001).

Meanwhile, several studies have been conducted to assess and quantify

the carbon stocks of various forest ecosystems including tree plantations and
agroforestry systems in the Philippines (Kawahara et al. 1981, Zamora 1999,
Castro 2000, Racelis 2000, Lasco et al. 2001a and 2001b, Lasco et al. 2002a and
2002b, Lasco et al. 2004, Camacho et al. 2009).

Description of the five selected fast-growing species

Bagras (Eucalyptus deglupta Blume)

Reyes (1938) described bagras as one of the largest and tallest trees in
the Philippines. It reaches a height of 30 to 40 meters (m) and a diameter of
200 centimeters (cm). The tree usually has a long, clear and cylindrical bole. In
the Philippines, natural stands of the species are found in Mindanao (Agusan,
Cotabato, and Zamboanga).

Bagras is easily distinguishable in the field due to its amazingly colored

trunk. Patches of lime green, dark green, red, orange, brown and burgundy
characterize the bark as the layers peel off. The wood of bagras is used locally for
timber, veneer, plywood, particleboard, hardboard, wood-wool board, and pulp
and paper.
50 N. Lantican and M. Sy

Falcata (Paraserianthes falcataria (L.) Nielsen)

Falcata or Moluccan sau is a large leguminous nitrogen-fixing tree with

a spreading large crown. It reaches a height of more than 40 m and a diameter of
80 cm. The wood of falcata is light, soft, and weak. In the Philippines, it is used
for the manufacture of pulp, core veneer, particleboard, packing cases, boxes,
matches, chop sticks, and light furniture.

Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King)

Mahogany is among the top priority species recommended for

reforestation in all national regions, except Region 6 (PCARRD 1982). Mahogany
wood is well known in the international market. Its principal uses include boat
building (decking and planking), furniture and cabinets, piano cases, interior
finish, millworks, patterns, exterior use, musical and scientific instruments,
turnery and sculpture, veneer and plywood, and gun stocks (Kribs 1959).

Mangium (Acacia mangium Willd.)

Mangium, a member of the family Fabaceae, is a tree that can reach a

height of 30 m and a diameter of up to 50 cm, although some were observed to
have reached 90 cm in diameter. The form of the tree is generally good. The bole
is usually straight and unbranched up to half the height of the tree but considerable
variation among provenances has been reported (MacDicken 1994).

Because of its rapid growth and ability to grow in poor soils, mangium
is widely used as a plantation tree crop throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Moreover, the species can out-compete the vigorous and tenacious cogon grass
(Imperata), a common weed in many forestation areas (Vietmayer 1996). The
mangium wood is suitable for lumber, veneer, plywood, furniture, particleboard,
pulp and paper.

Yemane (Gmelina arborea Roxb.)

Yemane is a deciduous tree species belonging to the family Verbenaceae

The form of the trees varies greatly with growing conditions (Esteban 1979). On
reasonably good sites and well-thinned plantations, yemane is characterized by a
long, clear and straight bole with minimum taper and a dome-like crown.

Yemane exhibits very high growth rates on good sites. The predicted
yields of the species for an average site and a spacing of 2 x 3 m have been
reported to be 102, 189, and 233 cu m, respectively for ages 3, 6 and 9 years
(PCARRD 1986). The rotation age of yemane in the Philippines is 7 to 12 years,
depending on the intended use. The wood of yemane is used in the Philippines
for furniture, veneer, plywood, pulp, paper, and general construction work
(PCARRD 1986).
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 51
52 N. Lantican and M. Sy

Materials and methods

Study sites

The study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in 1, 4, and 7 year-old

plantations of the nominated forest tree species in 17 provinces of regions 9, 10,
11, 12 and 13 (Fig.1) in Mindanao. Sites selected represent climatic types 2, 3,
and 4 of the Modified Corona’s Classification.

The forest plantations in the Philippines are concentrated in Mindanao,

especially in Caraga region which is considered as the timber corridor of the
Philippines. Hence, this project was focused in Mindanao. The observation plots
(permanent sampling plots) were all established in Mindanao due to the presence
of adequate plantations of the 5 subject tree species; although, not all of the
desired ages were available at the time of plot establishment.

Data collection

Coordination was conducted with DENR Regional Research Services

(ERDS), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (PENRO), and the
Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENRO).

Leveling-off workshops and hands-on trainings on the standard procedure/

methodology (e.g., identification of project sites, establishment of permanent
sample plots, data gathering, encoding of data on prepared templates, analysis
of data, development of prediction equations, estimation of carbon sequestration
rates and carbon densities, preparation of IEC materials, and report writing) to
be followed in the implementation of the project were conducted for those who
are involved in the data collection. The study was implemented following the
sequence of activities and procedures (Fig. 2).

Permanent sample plot establishment (PSPs)

Forest plantations of the nominated species with ages 1, 4, and 7 years

old were identified for the establishment of PSPs. At plot establishment, the
average DBH and TH of all the trees within each plot were measured. To capture
variability within the plantation, the study sites were stratified with regard to site
quality and variability of tree sizes, e.g., poor, average, and good areas/strata;
PSPs were established in each stratum. This was done to cover a wide range of
diameter and height classes in the analyses.
 Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities

Figure 1 Map showing the location of the Permanent Sampling Plots (PSPs) in Mindanao
53
54 N. Lantican and M. Sy

Figure 2 Flowchart used in the study to estimate carbon sequestration rates

and densities of the forest plantations in Mindanao

A sample plot measuring 7 trees x 7 trees (or encompassing at the most

49 trees) was established in each productivity class and each age class within
a plantation or a total of 3 sample plots sampled across the 5 regions using a
stratified design based on site productivity and stand age.

On each plot, diameter at breast height (DBH in cm) at 1.3 m from

the ground in centimeters and total height (TH) in meters of all trees inside the
plot were measured initially at establishment and remeasured every 6 months,
thereafter 2 years using a diameter tape and calibrated pole, respectively. The
tree data and site information were recorded in field data forms and printed for
each sample plot established.

Aboveground biomass calculation

Aboveground biomass (expressed as ovendry kg per tree) was calculated

for each tree in the PSPs using the allometric equations developed by ERDB
(2008). The total biomass estimates for all the plots were averaged within the
plantation. The value was then converted to biomass tons per hectare.
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 55

Biomass, as defined in this study, is the total mass of living organic matter
in trees expressed as ovendry weight in kg per tree or ovendry tons per hectare.
Estimates were restricted to the total aboveground portion of the trees or to tree
components, such as tree trunks, branches and foliage.

Table 1 shows the ERDB-developed prediction equations using allometric

models for estimating the fresh and ovendry weights (W) in kg of the whole tree
and component parts using easily measured variables such as diameter at breast
height (DBH) in cm and total height (TH) in meters for bagras, falcata, mahogany,
mangium and yemane. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated a high
degree of linear association between the predictor variables (DBH and TH) and
total tree or component weights.

The biomass prediction equations allow direct estimation of tree biomass

using easily measured variables such as diameter and total height without going
through destructive sampling. The biomass equations are species-specific and are
applicable only to trees of a certain size range.

Results and discussion

Profile of the study sites

A total of 214 permanent sample plots were established in 58 forest

plantations of the 5 species in regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. The plantations
considered in the study covered at least 0.5 ha. These were situated in elevations
at 3-612 masl with densities of 229-4889 TPH and soil depth of 5cm - 20 cm. The
average DBH of the trees ranged from 0.9 cm - 28.6 cm and total height of 0.8
m - 24.6 m (Table 3).

Carbon sequestration rates and densities estimation

After determining the tree aboveground biomass, the carbon stored in

each tree (expressed as tons C per tree) was determined by multiplying the total
dry mass per tree with a conversion factor that represents the average carbon
content (%) of the different forest tree species. That is, C = % C * B where C is
the carbon content by mass and B is the ovendry biomass and % C is the carbon
content in percent (ERDB 2008) as shown in Table 2. The carbon sequestration
rates as well as the carbon density per study site of each forest plantation species
was then determined on a per hectare basis.
 56
Table 1 Regression coefficients of the allometric model (LogW=b0 + b1*LogDBH + b2*Log TH) developed for the
component fresh and ovendry weights of the 5 species
Regression coefficients Standard
Species Tree biomass R2
b 0’ b1 b2 Error

Bagras Fresh -0.6943 1.9525 0.5651 0.850 0.0189

Ovendry
-1.2938 2.4352 0.3031 0.961 0.0214

Falcata Fresh -0.9836 1.8036 0.8702 0.966 0.1479

Ovendry
1-.5724 1.7021 1.2236 0.950 0.0250

Mahogany Fresh -1.1710 2.3230 0.4453 0.974 0.0082

Ovendry
-1.5712 2.2398 0.6580 0.976 0.0078

Mangium Fresh -0.7547 2.3826 0.0923 0.978 0.0050

Ovendry -1.0965 2.3601 0.1741 0.979 0.0049

Yemane Fresh -0.4716 1.3553 0.9117 0.901 0.0374

Ovendry
-0.9231 1.3172 1.0224 0.894 0.0420
N. Lantican and M. Sy
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 57

Table 2 Total carbon (%) in the different tree parts of the 5 species

Total Carbon (%) in the different tree parts

Species
Whole tree Bole Leaves Branches

Bagras 48.80 45.82 51.50 48.60

Falcata 48.20 48.10 48.50 48.00

Mahogany 47.20 47.29 48.13 46.08

Mangium 49.37 49.45 49.88 48.69

Yemane 44.73 44.79 44.91 44.48

Carbon sequestration rates

Carbon sequestration is the process of trees capturing carbon from the

atmosphere through photosynthesis and storing it in biomass such as trunks,
branches, foliage, and roots. The sequestration potential of trees may vary in
terms of species, size, age, and location (Kawahara et al. 1981). Rapidly growing
trees absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide. In terms of size, the higher the
biomass accumulation, the greater is the potential to sequester carbon. In terms of
age, mature trees grow less rapidly and thus have a lower intake of CO2. If trees
grow on to an over mature state, the rate of sequestration tends to be negative
because biomass material is breaking down faster than it is accumulating. The
carbon content in biomass is continuously locked during the tree’s lifetime.

Based on the growth data from the different ages of the 5 forest tree
species and the prediction equations developed in the study (Table 4), the average
annual carbon sequestration rates and the carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent for
each species were determined (Table 5).
 58
Table 3 General description of the forest plantations in Mindanao by species
Species Total no. No. of Climatic Range
of project PSPs Type
sites Soil
Elevation Density DBH Total
Age (yr) depth
(masl) (no./ha) (cm) height (m)
(cm)

1, 4 1.6-
Bagras 2 11 II, III 123-229 332-625 5-15 1.8-17.2
&7 15.8
1.0-
Falcata 19 67 II, III, IV 3-451 1,4 & 7 229-2500 5-20 1.2-24.6
28.6
0.9-
Mahogany 21 82 II, III, IV 9-506 1,4 & 7 332-4889 4-20 0.8-18.2
23.4
1.2-
Mangium 8 25 II, III, IV 4-597 1,4 & 7 522-2000 4-20 1.1-22.1
25.0
5.0-
Yemane 8 29 II, III, IV 5-612 1,4 & 7 469-2500 6-20 4.8-18.4
19.6

Total 58 214
Note: Climatic Types
Type II – No dry season with pronounced maximum rain period
Type III – No pronounced maximum rain period with short dry season
Type IV – Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year
N. Lantican and M. Sy
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 59

Table 4 Prediction equations for the tree carbon sequestration rates of the 5
species
Species Prediction equation R2 value
Bagras
Y=0.0639x2.4571 0.8627
(n=11)
Falcata
Y=0.3073x2+0.637x+2.4328 0.9552
(n=67)
Mahogany
Y=1.316x-1.888 0.9550
(n=82)
Mangium
Y=-0.0729x2+3..8466-5.1247 0.9471
(n=25)
Yemane
Y=2.4537x0.3422 0.8625
(n=29)
where Y is the carbon sequestration rate (kg/tree/yr) and x is age in years

Based on the periodic measurements conducted for a period of two years,

the carbon sequestration rates and their carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent were
determined using available allometric equations for the five tree species (ERDB
2008). Generally, as a tree or plantation stand ages, its carbon sequestration rate
increases. Consequently, the actual carbon dioxide equivalent also increases.

Falcata or Moluccan sau has the highest mean annual tree carbon
sequestration rate of 15.339 kg/tree and mean annual CO2 equivalent of 56.293
(Table 5) from age one to nine years. This could be attributed to the fact that this
tree species grew the fastest and exhibited the highest biomass compared to the
other tree species during the study period. Mangium followed with mean annual
tree carbon sequestration rate of 10.555 kg/tree and mean CO2 equivalent of
38.735 kg/tree.

For bagras, the predicted mean annual carbon sequestration rate was
4.840 kg/tree equal to 17.756 kg/tree CO2. On the other hand, a mahogany tree
in a plantation that grows up to eight years has a predicted mean annual carbon
sequestration rate of 4.152 kg equivalent to 15.237 kg CO2. Yemane had a carbon
sequestration rate of 4.221 kg/tree/yr equivalent to 15.493 kg CO2.
 60
Table 5 Average carbon sequestration rates and CO2 equivalent of the 5 tree species based on growth data from age
1 to 9 years
Species Actual tree carbon Actual CO2 Predicted tree carbon Predicted CO2
sequestration rate* equivalent** (kg/tree/ sequestration rate (kg/ equivalent (kg/tree/yr)
per year (kg/tree/yr) yr) tree/yr)

Bagras 5.681 20.850 4.840 17.756

Falcata 15.349 56.331 15.339 56.293

Mahogany 4.035 14.808 4.152 15.237

Mangium 10.326 37.897 10.555 38.735

Yemane 4.241 15.564 4.221 15.493

Mean 7.926 29.090 7.821 28.703

*Amount of carbon stored per tree per year or tree carbon mean annual increment
**CO2 sequestered from the atmosphere per tree per year computed using a conversion ratio of 1 kg of carbon is equal to 3.67 kg
of CO2
N. Lantican and M. Sy
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 61

Generally, as the tree grows or gets older in all 5 species, the carbon
sequestration rate increases as manifested by the increase of the biomass of
the tree. Lasco (1998) also highlighted in his study that the higher the biomass
accumulation, the greater is the potential to sequester carbon. This is manifested
by falcata in this study which produced the highest accumulation of biomass,
hence the highest carbon sequestration rates.

Carbon densities

Carbon density can be defined as the amount of carbon per unit area for
a given ecosystem or vegetation type based on climatic conditions, topography,
vegetative cover and the amount of soils and maturity of vegetative stands.
Carbon density is generally reported as tons carbon per hectare.

The comparative average carbon densities and the respective CO2

equivalent of the 5 tree species studied are shown in Table 6 and Fig. 3. The
carbon densities of the 5 species averaged 7.364 tons/ha/yr. This means that, on
the average, the 5 plantation species can accumulate 7,364 kilograms per hectare
of carbon in their biomass annually.

Table 6 Comparative mean annual carbon densities and CO2 equivalent of the
5 tree species.
Carbon densities (tons/ha/ CO2 equivalent (tons/ha/
Species
year) year)
Bagras 1.842 6.761
Falcata 15.339 56.294
Mahogany 5.982 21.956
Mangium 6.929 25.428
Yemane 4.542 16.669
Mean 7.364 27.027

On a per hectare basis, the mean annual increment of the amount of

carbon being sequestered by the plantations also increase on the average at
27.027 tons/ha CO2 per year (Table 6). According to Myers and Goreau (1991),
tropical tree plantations of pine and eucalyptus can sequester from the atmosphere
an average of 10 tons of carbon per hectare per year which is equivalent to
an average of 36.63 tons carbon dioxide per hectare per year. The five species
studied can sequester lesser amount of carbon dioxide compared to pines and
62 N. Lantican and M. Sy

eucaplytus. As the carbon densities of the plantation increases through the years,
the equivalent amount of CO2 sequestered also increases until maturity.

Figure 3 Comparative carbon densities of the 5 species

Conclusion and Recommendation

Generally, a tree’s CO2 sequestration rate increases as it matures or
when growth (usually manifested by height and diameter increments) becomes
insignificant or nil. The CO2 sequestration rates differed among the species
although all of the 5 species showed the same trend of increasing rate as each
tree or plantation stand matured. Consequently, the carbon component of the
tree also increased as it aged.

Carbon density seemed to be proportionate with the rate of carbon

sequestration, that is, the more trees grown per unit area the greater would be its
capability to seize CO2 from the atmosphere and store carbon. This was clearly
exemplified by falcata or Moluccan sau which manifested a mean annual carbon
density of 17.527 tons/ha/yr equivalent to 64.323 tons/ha/yr and a sequestration
rate of 15.339 kg/tree/yr corresponding to 56.294 kg/tree/yr CO2.

Extended observations on the sequestration rates of the plantation

species should be undertaken to determine the age or maturity point the rate
would begin to peak and slow down. Correspondingly, the amount of carbon
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities 63

dioxide (CO2) captured should be computed per age until maturity. A similar
study could be extended to other tree species to be cognizant of their carbon
sequestration potentials.

Acknowledgment
The study was funded by the Ecosystems Research and Development
Bureau (ERDB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
from 2011 to 2013. This would have not been possible without the initiative
and/or support of the following personalities and entities. The authors wish to
ackownledge and show great appreciation to the ERDB management for the
support, financial and otherwise; the Regional Technical Directors for Research,
other technical and non-technical staff of the five DENR regions who served as
field counterparts in the implementation of the project; the tree farmers in all the
five regions in Mindanao who allowed the establishment of permanent sampling
plots within their tree farms for growth monitoring during the three-year research
period; the DENR offices: Office of the Regional Executive Director, Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Community Environment
and Natural Resources Office for extending their hands during field visits and
plot remeasurements; the entire Forest Ecosystem and Research Division (FERD)
family for standing by and assisting throughout the project duration; and above
all the authors has the most most profound thanks to the Almighty God for His
constant guidance.

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66 N. Lantican and M. Sy
Sylvatrop, The Technical Journal of Philippine Ecosystems and Natural Resources 30 (1) : 67-93

Biomass and carbon accumulation

potentials of Mycorrhizal Inoculated
Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla
seedlings in mined-out areas
Nelly S. Aggangan, PhD
Scientist I
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH)
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Email address: [email protected]

Elenita L. Racelis, PhD

University Extension Specialist II
Training Center for Tropical Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability (TREES)
College of Forestry and Natural Resources, UPLB

Iris Ashley C. Algabre

University Research Associate I
National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (BIOTECH), UPLB

Bioremediation has a great potential in reducing environmental degradation.

This is also a strategy used in mitigating climate change through carbon
sequestration. This study assessed the biomass and carbon accumulation
of Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla as influenced by commercial
mycorrhizal inoculants. Seedlings were inoculated with mycorrhizal
inoculants produced locally or obtained abroad, grown in a screenhouse
for 6 months and planted in a mined-out area in Mogpog, Marinduque. The
total plant biomass after 27 months in the field was computed using the
allometric equation by Martinez-Yrizar et al. (1992). Results showed that
A. mangium inoculated with Mycogroe (local inoculant) has the highest
total biomass of 33.65 t ha-1 with equivalent C of 15.14 t ha-1 and CO2 of
55.52 t ha-1. This is 121.46% increase relative to its control counterpart with
biomass content of 15.19 t ha-1, C of 6.84 t ha-1 and CO2 of 25.07 t ha-1.

Keywords: Biofertilizers, biomass density, climate change

68 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

On the other hand, Mykos30 (abroad) inoculated E. urophylla has a biomass

build-up of 11.05 t ha-1, C and CO2 density of 4.97 t ha-1 and 18.23 t ha-
1
, respectively. The uninoculated E. urophylla counterpart, had a biomass
density of 5.30 t ha-1 with 2.38 t ha-1 of C and 8.74 t ha-1 of CO2 stored. The
value showed 108% increase in total biomass and stored carbon, relative to
the uninoculated ones. These findings suggest that accumulation of biomass
and the ability of trees to sequester atmospheric carbon in degraded areas
are enhanced by mycorrhizal inoculation.

THE RISE IN CONCENTRATION OF CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2), A HEAT-

trapping gas, is attributed to fossil fuel emissions, land-use changes, and forest
clearance or deforestation. Deforestation is the permanent destruction of forests to
make the land available for other uses (Oladipo 2015). In the tropics, deforestation
is responsible for the release of approximately 2 billion tonnes of carbon into the
atmosphere per year (Houghton 2005) and this account for an estimated 25%
of the anthropogenic carbon emissions worldwide (Asdrasko 1990 as cited by
Oladipo 2015). This suggests that concentration increase of atmospheric CO2 due
to deforestation promotes global warming. Activities like illegal logging, forest fire,
agriculture, urbanization, flood, and mining accelerate the rate of deforestation
up to 0.5% per year (Sukiman and Heriyanto 2016). The mining industry may
have a significant contribution in global economic development in terms of key
commodities and job opportunities (Walser 2002). However, the mining industry
is accountable for the large-scale destruction of our natural resources (Dash and
Gupta 2011). In the span of 70 years, the Philippines’ mining activities and illegal
logging caused an 82% decline of the forest cover, from 17 million hectares to
3 million hectares (Docena 2010 as cited by Chakravarty et al. 2012). Currently,
the country has more than 300 ha of abandoned mined-out areas and most have
not been rehabilitated successfully.

As negative mining consequences increase, the urgent rehabilitation

of mined-out areas must be addressed. According to Dash and Gupta (2011),
strategies to rebuild the soil organic matter, nutrients, and vegetation cover of
the affected area should be prioritized to accelerate the natural recovery process.
Trees have the power to restore the fertility of mine soils by increasing the soil
organic matter, biological nitrogen fixation, uptake of nutrients; it can also increase
water infiltration and storage (Mensah 2015). In this study, Acacia mangium and
Eucalyptus urophylla were chosen to rehabilitate the three-decade barren and
mined-out area in Mogpog, Marinduque. These tree species, though exotic or
introduced, were chosen for their rapid growth traits, capability of surviving
extreme environmental conditions, and potential for future carbon sequestration
initiatives (Zhang et al. 2012).
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 69

In the Philippines, the use of native or indigenous species in reforestation

programs is preferred for biodiversity and conservation purposes. However, in
this study, exotic species were used due to the limited number of local species.
In addition, the study site had been severely damaged and barren for a long
period of time that the use of exotic fast-growing pioneer species was necessary
to first transform the site into a more suitable place for indigenous species to
grow (Lovejoy 1985). Several studies showed that both species are suitable for
reforestation programs (Novriyanti et al. 2012, Zhang et al. 2012).

Direct planting of these trees is one alternative, although reforestation of

stressed environments is challenging due to the deficient nutrient level and high
concentration of heavy metals in the soil (Karthikeyan and Krishnakumar 2012). In
this context, the relationship between plants and beneficial microorganisms was
taken into consideration, since soil microorganisms create symbiotic associations
with plant roots (rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi, actinomycetes, diazotrophic
bacteria) that significantly alter the nutrient cycling and soil structure, encourage
plant growth, and biological control of pathogens (Perry et al. 1989, Hart et
al. 1994 as cited by Chanway 1997). According to the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO), most of these organisms are naturally present in the soil,
however, if there is a need to increase their population, inoculation and other
agricultural management techniques can be done to enhance their abundance
and activities.

In an ecological point of view, biomass is defined as the mass or total

weight of all the living things per unit of environmental area (Brown 1997). It can
be measured in terms of the total dry weight of an organism where water is not
included because it is not organic and does not contain energy. Information on
the biomass of different ecosystems provides estimation of carbon pools in the
vegetation (Micosa-Tandug 2012). Higher accumulated biomass means greater
carbon sequestration potential of trees. Forests mitigate climate change and its
productivity highly depend on the amount of CO2 stored and sequestered from
the atmosphere, thus, reducing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere.

Thus, this study aimed to evaluate plant growth and estimate biomass
accumulation and carbon storage of 2 fast growing tree species—Acacia mangium
and Eucalyptus urophylla—planted in a mined-out area in Mogpog, Marinduque
as influenced by different mycorrhizal inoculants, produced and commercially
available locally or abroad.
70 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Materials and methods

Experimental design

Two concurrent experiments (one for A. mangium and one for E.

urophylla) were established following a Randomized Complete Block Design
(RCBD). There were 4 blocks and 5 seedlings in a row per treatment per block
with spacing of 2m x 2m. There were a total of 360 seedlings (180 seedlings per
tree species). All parameters used all the experimental seedlings except for the
mycorrhizal root colonization, total and root dry weights—these were obtained
from the excavated plants 27 months after field planting.

Study site

The study was conducted in a 2-ha field, a part of the overall 32-ha
abandoned copper (Cu) mine tailing site geographically (N13029’54”W and
S121052’12”E) located in Barangay Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque (Fig. 1). It
was unattended since 1996 by the Consolidated Mines, Inc. (CMI) after extracting
copper (Cu) and gold (Au) from the ore.

It is situated on a plateau-like hill at an elevation of 60 masl, with an

average rainfall of 2005 mm and an average temperature of 27.3 °C. Unfortunately,
the mine wastes dump site is surrounded by local communities and ecosystems
(e.g. mangrove, agricultural, river and marine). Exposure to hazardous substances
found in wastes pose serious health and safety problems. The site was carefully
chosen by the team and the Barangay Capayang Local Government Unit (LGU)
and the LGU of the Municipality of Mogpog as the most unproductive part of
the area, barren for more than 3 decades (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). Patches of Acacia
auriculiformis, Saccharum spontaneum, Pityrogram macalomelanos, Muntingia
calabura and Trema orientalis, and different species of ferns were present in the
adjacent areas but not inside the chosen experimental site (Fig. 4).

The initial soil analyses of the 2-ha plot are shown in Table 1. The results
showed that the soil is acidic (pH 4.6±0.25, 1:1 soil water) with low organic
matter content (0.34±0.14%), total N (0.22±0.02%) available Bray P (75.5±62
ppm) and low in exchangeable K (0.12±0.08 me/100 g soil), Ca (6.78±2.45
me/100 g soil), Mg (3.48±1.13 me/100 g soil), and CEC is 18.53±3.52 me/100
g soil. It contained Cu (100 mg/kg soil), Pb, Cd, Fe and Zn, although only Cu
exceeded the maximum allowable limit of 36 mg/kg soil (Table 2).
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 71

Figure 1 Location map of the municipality of Mogpog in the province of

Marinduque, Philippines generated in Google Earth

Figure 2 Overview of the open pit mining done by the Consolidated Mines
Inc. in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque in November 2006
according to Google Earth; the 2-ha experimental site is enclosed in
circle
72 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Figure 3 Overview of the open pit mine in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog,

Marinduque, on November 2016 (Google Earth), including the 2-ha
experimental site enclosed in circle; field trials were done in June
2016

Figure 4 Close up of the soil in the experiment site in the mined-out or mine
tailing area in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 73

Table 1 Chemical properties of soil in the mined-out area

Properties
pH (1:1, soil:water) 4.6±0.25
CEC 18.53±3.52 me/100 g soil
Organic matter 0.34±0.14%
Total N 0.22±0.02%
Available P 75.5±62 ppm
Exchangeable K 0.12±0.08 me/100 g soil
Ca 6.78±2.45 me/100 g soil
Mg 3.48±1.13 me/100 g soil
Cu 100 mg/kg soil

Table 2 Dutch standards for soil contamination assessment, in terms of total

concentration of heavy metals in soils
Element Target value Intervention value* (mg kg-1 soil)
(mg kg-1 soil)
Arsenic 29 55
Barium 200 635
Cadmium 0.8 12
Chromium 100 380
Cobalt 20 240
Copper 36 190
Mercury 0.3 10
Lead 85 530
Molybdenum 10 200
Nickel 35 210
Zinc 140 720
*Intervention value. This indicates serious contamination of soils where remediation is necessary.

Notes:
For heavy metals, the target and intervention values are dependent on the clay/silt and organic
matter content of the soils. Standard soil values must be modified by the formula:
Lb = Is [(A + B% clay/silt + C% organic matter)]/(A + 25 B + 10 C)
Where lb = intervention values for a particular soil.
Is = Intervention values for a standard soil (10% organic matter and 25% clay)
74 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Preparation and inoculation of seedlings

A. mangium and E. urophylla are tropical species commonly used for

reforestation programs (Novriyanti et al. 2012). Both have been known for their
rapid growth traits, good wood quality, and capability to colonize degraded areas
such as grasslands and mining sites (Zhang et al. 2012). Seeds of A. mangium
were obtained from plus trees in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur while seeds of E.
urophylla were obtained from the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau
(ERDB)-Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Los Baños,
Laguna. Respectively, these seeds were collected from their seed production area
in Mindoro.

Seeds of A. mangium and E. urophylla were surface sterilized and sown

in germination trays filled with oven sterilized sand. Both species were raised
in a screenhouse and were inoculated with different mycorrhizal inoculants 3
weeks after germination. Local inoculants were produced at BIOTECH-UPLB
(MYKOVAM® and Mycogroe) while the imported inoculants coded as MRT,
India, Malaysia, USAPed, Mycos30, and EU were brought into the laboratory
for testing. Of the 9 inoculants used, 7 contained arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
(AMF), Mycogroe contained ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECMF), while Mykos30 had
both AMF and ECMF. Inoculation was done during pricking of pre-germinated
seedlings following the recommended rates on the respective labels.

Local or native tree species indigenous to the Philippines were more

preferred and recommended by the DENR for the National Greening Program.
However, most indigenous reforestation species have a slower growth rate and
their tolerance to heavy metals are not yet known. Thus, this project aimed to
immediately produce vegetative cover of the mine waste dumpsite to prevent or
minimize the effect of heavy metal pollution in the communities, agricultural, water
and marine ecosystems and most importantly, to the people around the vicinities
of the mine waste dumpsite such as the students and teachers attending the
elementary and secondary schools constructed just below these sites. Prolonged
exposure to these wastes could put the students and teachers at risk of cancer
and other diseases. The fast growing and heavy metal tolerant A. mangium and
E. urophylla could significantly alleviate this risk. These fast-growing tree species
could be the first step in rehabilitating the three-decade barren area. Enrichment
planting can be done after the soil has been improved and replenished with the
required nutrients to support the normal growth of native tree species. It should
be noted that narra (Pterocarpus indicus), the Philippines’ national tree, was also
planted (at the same time) in the field site which determined the effectiveness of
different plant growth promoting local mycorrhizal inoculants with or without
nitrogen fixing bacteria (Aggangan et al. 2019).
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 75

Establishment of field experiments

After 6 months in the screenhouse, the treated seedlings were transported

to a mine tailing site in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque. On June 2016,
seedlings were planted in the field during which the following protocols were
implemented: 1) Each seedling was planted in 1 cubic foot hole and applied
with 500 g lime and 1 kg vermicast; 2) Vermicast and lime were mixed with the
excavated mine tailing soil before back filling the planting hole; 3) Five grams of
complete fertilizer (NPK) and 500 g vermicast were applied per seedling 1 month
after field planting.

Vermicast is a great alternative for chemical fertilizer as it has high

nutrient levels, water holding capacity, and is an excellent soil ameliorating
agent (Singh et al. 2016). The vermicast used in the study was obtained from
Kahariam Realty and Farms Inc. located at Brgy. Adya, Lipa, City, Batangas. It
has an organic matter concentration of 36%, CN Ratio-15:1, nitrogen-1.89%,
phosphorus (P2O5)-2.49%, potassium (K2O)-1.40% and other micronutrients.

Measured attributes

Attributes of A. mangium and E. urophylla were gathered once every

quarter. Total height was measured 1 inch above the soil surface to the tip of the
main stem using a meter stick, while the stem diameter was similarly measured 1
inch above the soil surface using a Vernier caliper (Fig. 5).

Figure 5 Actual measurement of height and stem diameter of field planted

experimental seedlings
76 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Initial height and stem diameter of both species measured 1 month after
field planting are shown in Table 3. Final measurements were done along with
the excavation of random representative plant samples 27 months after field
planting. Leaf, branch, stem, and root samples obtained from the site were rinsed
with water to remove soil or dirt, then they were air dried and weighed. The
specimens were oven dried at 60 °C for 3 days and were measured using an
analytical weighing balance to determine the partitioned dry weight.

Table 3 Initial height and stem diameter of A. mangium and E. urophylla 1

month after field planting in a mined-out area in Brgy. Capayang,
Mogpog, Marinduque N=20
Acacia mangium Eucalyptus urophylla
Treatment
Initial Initial stem Initial Initial stem
height (cm) diameter (cm) height (cm) diameter (cm)

Control 102.67ab* 1.25ans 94.31ab* 0.87b*

Mykovam 121.67a 1.33a 93.67ab 0.97ab
Malaysia 108.11ab 1.29a 90.47b 0.86b
India 110.86ab 1.33a 106.00a 0.90ab
USA Ped 105.63ab 1.29a 91.75b 0.96ab
Mykos30 105.75ab 1.32a 100.25ab 0.96ab
Mycogroe 111.50ab 1.34a 106.17a 0.94ab
EU 89.58b 1.27a 99.42ab 0.89b
MRT 109.78ab 1.36a 101.17ab 1.86a
ns, * = not significant and significant at p<0.05, respectively. Means in a column that have the
same letters are not significantly different using LSD at p<0.05.

Root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi

The root colonization by mycorrhizal fungi was assessed using the root
samples of excavated (control, inoculated with Mycogroe or USA PED) and
treated plants 27 months after field planting. A subsample of fine roots (0.1 g
fresh weight) was cut into 2-3 mm length and fixed in 50% ethanol. The roots
were placed in individual test tubes with 10% KOH (w/w), cleared in a water
bath at 75 oC, stained with 0.05% trypan blue in lactic acid:glycerol:water (1:1:1)
solution, and finally destained with lactic acid:glycerol:water solution (Brundrett
et al. 1996).
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 77

Heavily pigmented roots were bleached with 3% hydrogen peroxide and

2% hydrogen chloride solution for 5 minutes before staining. The rate of infection
was evaluated through the gridline intersect method (Giovannetti and Mosse
1980). Root colonization by AM fungi on all root fragments that crossed the grid
lines (15 lines which correspond to 15 field views) were counted. The presence of
hyphae, arbuscules, spores, and vesicles were scored as AM mycorrhiza infected
roots. The rate of AM root colonization was expressed as percentage of total
number of infected roots over the total number of roots counted.

For the root colonization by ECM fungi, all short root tips that crossed
the grid lines (15 lines) were counted and ECM infection was scored on dark
blue colored short root tips. The rate of ECM root colonization was expressed as
percentage of the total number of infected short root tips over the total number
of short root tips counted.

Estimation of tree biomass and carbon stored

Biomass was estimated through allometric equation that relates the

diameter of the tree. The biomass value is used to determine the trees’ stored
carbon (Labata et al. 2012). Allometry is a non-destructive method of estimating
the biomass of trees, tree component, and stands (MacDickens 1997 as cited
by Ilyas 2013). Height and stem diameter were the attributes of both tree
species, measured once every 3 months using a meter stick and Vernier caliper,
respectively. The diameter was later converted to its basal area (BA) equivalent
using the equation: BA (m2) = (D/ 200)2 × π where π = 3.14159 where
D = diameter in cm. By using the following allometric equation developed by
Martinez-Yrizar et al. (1992), the biomass of trees in tropical dry region was
calculated.
For trees with stem diameter that ranges 3-30 cm:
TB =10^{-0.535+log10 (BA)} R2 = 0.94

Where:
TB = biomass per tree in kilograms (kg/tree)
BA = basal area in cm2

The total tree biomass (TTB) in tons was calculated as the sum of tree and
root biomass (Heriansyah et al. 2007 as cited in Ilyas 2013). To determine the
root biomass, a formula developed by Pearson et al. (2007) was used. It is based
on the calculated TB of individual tree.

Root biomass (RB) in kg = exp (-1.0587 + 0.8836 x ln (TB))

78 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Biomass conversion to carbon stock

To determine the carbon stock of the species in the area, a default value
of 45% for trees was assumed. According to Lasco and Pulhin (2000) as cited by
Labata et al. (2012) and Racelis et al. (2017), carbon stock is the average carbon
content of wood samples growing in secondary forests from the different parts of
the Philippines.

TTB (ton) = (TB + RB) kg × 1 ton/ 1000 kg

Total tree biomass (TTB) was computed using the formula below:
TTB (ton/ha) = TTB (ton)/ area of the plot (m2) × 10, 000 m2/ ha

The amount of total carbon stored (TCTB) and CO2 content in the wood
biomass was derived using the formula below:

TCTB = TTB × % C content

Total CO2 = C stored × 44/12

Statistical analyses

All data collected were analyzed using the one-way Analysis of Variance
(ANOVA) of RCBD and treatment means were compared using LSD at p<0.05.
All analyses were performed with MSTATC computer program of the Michigan
State University (MSU 1996).

Results and discussion

Plant height, stem diameter and survival

A. mangium seedlings inoculated with local EM inoculant Mycogroe

had the highest height and stem diameter increments amongst the treatments 27
months after field planting (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). Mycogroe inoculated A. mangium
gave the highest height increment followed by imported AM inoculant EU with
119% and 75% increases in height respectively, relative to the uninoculated ones
(75.11 cm) (Fig. 6). However, height increments due to AM inoculant EU was
comparable with the uninoculated control plants and the rest of the inoculants
(Fig. 6).

Mycogroe inoculated A. mangium gave a 70% increase in stem diameter

followed by those inoculated with the imported AM inoculant from India (46%)
and MRT (41%) relative to its control counterpart (3.97 cm) (Fig. 7).
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 79

On the other hand, E. urophylla seedlings inoculated with an imported

AM inoculant MRT had the highest height increment (Fig. 6) 27 months after field
planting. MRT and Mykos30 were the only AM inoculants that promoted height
of E. urophylla. Height increments of plants inoculated with the other mycorrhizal
inoculants were comparable with their uninoculated control counterpart (Fig.
6). AM imported Mykos30 inoculated plants had the highest stem diameter
increment. Although, this stem diameter increment was not as significant as those
inoculated with imported inoculant MRT and the local inoculant Mycogroe (Fig.
7). The lowest stem diameter increment was observed in the untreated control E.
urophylla seedlings.

Figure 6 Height increment of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla (B), 27 months

after field planting in a mine tailing area in Mogpog, Marinduque
as affected by inoculation with local and imported mycorrhizal
inoculants N=20
80 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Figure 7 Stem diameter increment of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla (B),

27 months after field planting in a mine tailing area in Mogpog,
Marinduque as affected by inoculation with local and imported
mycorrhizal inoculants N=20

The general appearance of A. mangium and E. urophylla is shown in Fig.

8. Some of the inoculation treatments stimulated vigorous growth while others
were stunted, especially the uninoculated control counterpart. For plants that
grew vigorously, fruit bodies of ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus (puffballs)
were seen in the rhizosphere in both A. mangium and E. urophylla. Fig. 8 shows
the 2 ha land which was previously barren, but now supports a young vegetative
forest stand planted with P. indicus, A. mangium and E. urophylla, 27 months
after planting. A. mangium outgrew E. urophylla and P. indicus with big green
intact leaves and with thick dried leaves on the soil surface.
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 81

Figure 8 An overview of the 2-ha experiment site (circle) and the actual
set-up (rectangle) in a mined-out area in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog,
Marinduque (A) and a close up of the vigorous growth of A.
mangium (B) and E. urophylla (C) treated with local and imported
mycorrhizal inoculants 27 months after field planting
82 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Soil microorganisms are known as essential elements in the ecosystem.

They create symbiotic associations with plant roots (rhizobia, mycorrhizal fungi,
actinomycetes, diazotrophic bacteria) that significantly alter the nutrient cycling
and soil structure, encourage plant growth, and biological control of pathogens
(Perry et al. 1989, Hart et al. 1994 as cited by Chanway 1997). The results showed
an increase in height and stem diameter of both A. mangium and E. urophylla
planted in a mined-out area after 27 months. This implies plant growth was
enhanced due to mycorrhizal inoculation. However, not all of the mycorrhizal
inoculants significantly promoted greater height and stem diameter for both
species. Mycogroe, the local mycorrhizal inoculant containing ectomycorrhizal
fungi, stimulated the biggest stem diameter in both A. mangium and E. urophylla.
This implies that the fungi in this local inoculant Mycogroe performed better than
the imported counterpart because they are native in the Philippines. Moreover,
the spores in the Mycogroe were taken from fruit bodies collected in mine tailing
areas in Toledo, Cebu and Mogpog, Marinduque. This should be considered in
choosing indigenous tree species that will replace A. mangium and E. urophylla;
the chosen tree species should be symbiont of ectomycorrhizal fungi.

A. mangium is a legume species that received special attention in

agroforestry and rehabilitation work, mainly because of its nitrogen-fixing ability
and capacity for mycorrhizal association (Haselwandter and Bowen 1996). Most
legumes can form AM, although some can form both AM and EM in the same
root system. In this case, A. mangium seedlings were successfully colonized by
EM inoculant Mycogroe, which had the highest increment in both height and
stem diameter (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). Similar results were obtained in Malaysia where
A. mangium on a degraded ex-tin mining area showed better plant growth when
inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi (Azizah et al. 1994 as cited by Jeyanny et al.
2011). Furthermore, this species is wildly used because of its low implementation
cost and high capacity for adaptation to poor, degraded, or contaminated soil
(Bento et al. 2012). In this study, mycorrhizal inoculated A. mangium grew
healthy with green leaves, with an average height (the tallest however were 3
to 4 meters) of more than 1 meter and a survival rate of 95%, 27 months after
planting. It can also tolerate a wide range of soil type and prefer warm humid
conditions (Turnbull 1986 as cited by Novriyanti et al. 2012).

Eucalyptus species are known to dominantly have EM but may also have
AM fungi. In contrast, E. urophylla is a non-leguminous species. Its growth is
stimulated in warm temperatures; thus, this species can survive diverse subtropical
conditions. The results showed that all treatments exhibited a positive effect on
the plant growth of E. urophylla (Fig. 6 and Fig. 7) with seedling survival rate
persisted at 97%, 27 months after field planting.
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 83

Root colonization

Figure 9 Mycorrhizal root colonization in the rhizosphere of A. mangium (A)

and E. urophylla (B) seedlings inoculated with imported and local
mycorrhizal inoculants 27 months after field planting N=3

Mycorrhiza inoculated plants had significantly higher percentage of root

colonization as compared to the uninoculated ones (Fig. 9). The relationship
between plants and mycorrhizal fungi transpires when the fungus colonizes
the host plant’s roots. This beneficial symbiosis is usually associated with
increased nutrient uptake, plant growth and higher resistance to environmental
stresses (Sadhana 2014). According to Nafrahdi et al. (2014) as cited by Mishra
(2015), mycorrhizal fungi also act as a barrier that prevents heavy metals from
transferring to plant shoots. Thus, essential for the survival of plants and a primary
requirement for successful remediation in degraded areas like the mine tailings in
Mogpog, Marinduque.
84 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Total dry weight

The total plant dry weight and total root dry weight of excavated A.
mangium and E. urophylla 27 months after field planting are shown in Fig. 10
and Fig. 11, respectively. A. mangium inoculated plants gave a significantly
higher dry weight than the uninoculated plants. No significant difference was
found between the effect of local and imported mycorrhizal inoculants on the
total plant and root dry weight of both plants.

Figure 10 Total plant dry weight of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla (B)
inoculated with local and imported mycorrhizal inoculants 27
months (September 2018) after field planting in a mine tailing area
in Barangay Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque N=3
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 85

Figure 11 Total root dry weight of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla (B)
inoculated with local and imported mycorrhizal inoculants 27
months (September 2018) after field planting in a mine tailing area
in Barangay Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque N=3
86 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Accumulated biomass, carbon and CO2

Fig. 12 to 14 show the total biomass, carbon stored, and the equivalent
CO2 from the atmosphere. These data are based on the stem diameter of A.
mangium and E. urophylla, 27 months after field planting. A. mangium plants
treated with local EM inoculant Mycogroe had the highest accumulated total
biomass of 33.65 t ha-1 with equivalent C of 15.14 t ha-1 and CO2 of 55.52 t ha-1.

This is 121% increase relative to its control counterpart with biomass

content of 15.19 t ha-1, C of 6.84 t ha-1 and CO2 of 25.07 t ha-1. On the other
hand, Mykos30 performed well in E. urophylla with a biomass build-up of 11.05
t ha-1, C and CO2 density of 4.97 t ha-1 and 18.23 t ha-1, respectively. For the
uninoculated E. urophylla, it has an average biomass density of 5.30 t ha-1 with
2.38 t ha-1 of C stored and 8.74 t ha-1 of CO2. The value showed a 108% increase
in total biomass and stored carbon, relative to the uninoculated ones.

The results demonstrated that both plant species inoculated with

mycorrhizae provided higher height and stem diameter increments which
consequently increased the accumulated biomass. Sukiman and Heriyanto
(2016) conducted a similar study in Indonesia wherein vesicular-arbuscular
mycorrhizae were inoculated into 8 forest tree species. The outcome of the
carbon stock experiment confirmed that mycorrhizae improved the total biomass
which directly increased the stored carbon of plants.

Most of the studies on carbon sequestration potential of tree species

focused on plantation or natural stand without any treatments or interventions
applied. However, the study revealed that these media both helped hasten the
growth of trees planted and enhanced its survival rate in a poor site condition.
The overview of the open pit mining in Brgy. Capayang, Mogpog, Marinduque,
in 2017 generated through Google Earth showed the noticeable improvement
in the forest cover of the area (Fig. 3) and a young forest plantation as shown
in Fig. 8. Solís-Domínguez et al. (2011) conducted a study wherein arbuscular
mycorrhizal inoculants enhanced plant growth of mesquite seeds in a lead/zinc
mine tailings. This supports the idea that bioremediation, the use of plants and
their associated microorganisms to degrade heavy metal contaminants present
in mined-out areas, has a great potential in mitigating climate change through
carbon sequestration.
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 87

Figure 12 Total biomass of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla (B), 27 months

after field planting in a mine tailing area in Mogpog, Marinduque
as affected by inoculation with local and imported mycorrhizal
inoculants N=20
88 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

Figure 13 Carbon stored of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla (B), 27 months

after field planting in a mine tailing area in Mogpog, Marinduque
as affected by inoculation with local and imported mycorrhizal
inoculants N=20
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 89

Figure 14 Accumulated carbon dioxide of A. mangium (A) and E. urophylla

(B), 27 months after field planting in a mine tailing area in Mogpog,
Marinduque as affected by inoculation with local and imported
mycorrhizal inoculants. N=20
90 N. Aggangan, E. Racelis, I. Algabre

According to Karthikeyan and Krishnakumar (2012), the introduction

of beneficial microbes along with suitable tree species in mined-out areas is
important for a more effective rehabilitation. In this study, exotic A. mangium
and E. urophylla were chosen because both species have rapid growth traits
and capable of surviving extreme environments, which means that these species
could be beneficial for future carbon sequestration initiatives (Zhang et al. 2012).
In addition, these species are already known to be suitable for reforestation
activities.

Although the use of native or indigenous species in reforestation

programs is beneficial for biodiversity and conservation and is generally preferred
in the Philippines, local species are limited. Moreover, the study site was severely
damaged and had been barren for a long period of time that the use of exotic fast-
growing pioneer species was necessary to first transform it into a more suitable
place for indigenous species to grow (Lovejoy 1985). Several studies have shown
that both species are suitable for reforestation programs (Novriyanti et al. 2012).
In fact, a study conducted by Zhang et al. (2012) showed that both A. mangium
and E. urophylla are well suited for plantation or afforestation in Pearl River Delta
in South China.

Between the 2 species, A. mangium was superior over E. urophylla in

terms of total biomass accumulation and CO2 stored. With regards to this, the
accumulation of biomass, carbon content, and CO2 absorption were identified
according to the type of species. Moreover, this demonstrates that the use of mixed
species in the rehabilitation of mined-out areas could be more effective than
monoculture. The strategy of using mixed species inoculated with mycorrhiza
could contribute more in mitigating climate change as they sequester carbon
more sustainably (Men+sah 2015).

Conclusion and recommendations

The study demonstrated the significant contribution of mycorrhizal

inoculation using either commercial or native inoculant in enhancing biomass
build-up and carbon density of A. mangium and E. urophylla planted in Mogpog,
Marinduque. Thus, the introduction of plants inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi
is a beneficial technology to aid the rehabilitation of degraded areas. Adoption
of the bioremediation technology should be implemented to measure the overall
biomass and to fully complete the rehabilitation of the 32-hectare mined-out
area. Moreover, it is highly recommended that similar experiments should be
conducted in other mined out areas in the Philippines.
Biomass and carbon accumulation potential of mycorrhizal inoculated seedlings 91

Acknowledgment
This project was funded by the National Research Council of the
Philippines-Department of Science and Technology. The authors acknowledge
the following collaborators for their support throughout the three years
implementation of this project: Municipal LGU headed by Hon. Senen Livelo
and Hon. Augusto Leo Livelo, National Police Force and 4Ps of Mogpog,
Marinduque; LGU officials and residents of Barangay Capayang, Mogpog,
Marinduque; Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Boac (DENR),
Department of Science and Technology, Boac and the Marinduque Council for
Environmental Concern (MACEC).

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 LIST OF REVIEWERS

Red List assessment of Philippine Ironwood (Xanthostemon spp. Myrtaceae)

Dr. William SM. Gruezo Dr. Inocencio E. Buot Jr.

Professor 12 Professor of Botany/Ecology
Institute of Biological Sciences Institute of Biological Sciences
University of the Philippines Los Baños College of Arts and Sciences
(UPLB) School of Environmental Science and
Management (SESAM)
UPLB

Professor of Ecology and Biodiversity

Conservation
Faculty of Management and
Development Studies
University of the Philippines
Open University (UPOU)

Assessment of farmers’ climate change resiliency in selected Community-

Based Forest Management areas in Laguna, Philippines

Dr. Feliciano M. Calora Jr. Dr. Kristoffer B. Berse

President Director for Research
Benguet State University and Creative Work
Resilience Institute
University of the Philippines

Assistant Professor
National College of Public
Administration and Governance
University of the Philippines
Estimation of the carbon sequestration rates and carbon densities of
fast-growing tree plantations in Mindanao, Philippines

Dr. Edwin A. Combalicer Dr. Leuvina M. Tandug

Assistant Professor 6 Former Chief Science Research
Associate Dean Specialist and
Institute of Renewable Natural Resources ERDB Assistant Director
College of Forestry and Natural Resources
UPLB

Biomass and carbon accumulation potentials of Mycorrhizal Inoculated

Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings planted in mined-out
areas

Dr. Leonardo M. Florece Dr. Leuvina M. Tandug

Professor Former ERDB OIC Assistant Director
School of Environmental Science (retired)
and Management (SESAM)
UPLB
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