Rebirthing Philippine Forests

BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES
A species of dipterocarp tree, commonly named Apitong is a superb and high quality hard wood species for rainforestation (VSU-ViFARD File Photo).
developing rainforestation through the years as well as to the numerous advocates and implementers of rainforestation.
BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF VSUS RAINFORESTATION IMPLEMENTATION
REBIRTHING PHILIPPINE FORESTS
APRIL 2013 Prepared by the Visayas State University - Visca Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development (VSU-ViFARD) for the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE), under the Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) project.
DISCLAIMER This publication is made possible through the generous support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the case study writer and VSU-ViFARD, and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the United States government, or FPE.
MESSAGE FROM
DENR
In this emerging era of climate change, environment and natural resources (ENR) around the globe are threatened with destruction to an extent rarely seen in earths history. The mitigation of the pernicious effects of climate change compels government, particularly us in the DENR, to adapt an integrated approach to ENR planning and decision making. Constructive engagement, international partnerships, and collaboration with the different sectors of society are forged not only to brace up our limited resources, but more so to create an enabling policy environment that would enhance institutional and regulatory capacities. It is in this complicated and complex task of building partnerships with key stakeholders that we appreciate the role played by the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE). A catalyst for cooperation, the FPE blazes trails in efforts to promote and encourage international and local cooperation among NGOs, business groups, and communities towards developing good policies and effective programs on biodiversity and sustainable management. The case studies presented in this publication bear testament to FPEs leading role in facilitating collaborations for sustainable development. Without the foundations assistance and effort to involve key stakeholders cooperation, appropriate assessments regarding the current conditions and trends of eight key biodiversity areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao would not have been made. Our success, hence, in establishing reliable bases for developing goals and strategies for future biodiversity and sustainable management interventions in these areas can only be ensured with support from the Foundation for the Philippine Environment.
RAMON J. P. PAJE
DENR Secretary
MESSAGE FROM
USAID
The realization of our shared vision of broad-based and inclusive growth is greatly aided by enhancing environmental resilience and ensuring that the countrys bountiful natural resources and life-giving ecosystems services are sustainably managed while reducing the risk of disasters. The U.S. Government holds firm to its commitment to help the Government of the Philippines to achieve this goal. Expanding the network of environmental stakeholders and providing continued support to local governments and communities on proper natural resource management are crucial strategies to achieve this goal. With these in mind, our partnership with the Government of the Philippines has yielded a large network of partners that engages local communities and groups in biodiversity conservation and natural resource management. We have helped empower our partners to be more involved in decision-making leading to better management and protection of natural resources that they depend on. This publication captures the key strategies applied through the years that Upscaling Forest Restoration Project attempted to scale up in the last two years in eight key forest areas of the country. Eight case studies feature committed forest guard volunteers, lessons from science-based forest restoration efforts with indigenous peoples, and partnership building among government, communities, and the private sector to restore forest habitats and watersheds. This collection of stories is a testament to the hard work of our partners, led by the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, which collaboratively worked with local stakeholders to ensure that the approaches employed, milestones achieved, and lessons learned from our forest restoration efforts are carefully documented. It is our hope that knowledge sharing through publications like this will become a staple element in how we sustain our efforts in forest management. There is wisdom from the grassroots, as we have valuably learned through our initiatives, which have significant impact at the national level. I invite you to read these stories and share them with your network and other organizations working towards biodiversity conservation and environmental resilience.
GLORIA D. STEELE Mission Director, USAID/Philippines
MESSAGE FROM
FPE
FPEs twenty-one years of working with partners to save forests and sustain life have borne fruit. Eight (8) case studies documenting the progress and challenges in expanding forest governance in key biodiversity areas (KBAs) are now available to the public. The cases relate, among others, how our partner in Negros Occidental transformed a silent subsistence community to active forest protectors; how planting native tree species revived dying forests and earned income for farmers in Leyte; how synergistic partnerships among various agencies accelerated watershed rehabilitation in Davao City; and how the concept of social fencing in the provinces of Quezon and Laguna deepened the communities collective resolve and shared responsibility in guarding their forests for life. These are testaments of progress in FPEs conservation support. But the mission of the foundation is none more relevant than today, as scarcity of natural resources worsens hunger, climate change brings collateral damage to conservation investments, and unbridled population growth threatens the carrying capacity of our remaining forests. In almost all USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Project sites, our partners continue to face the challenges of poverty, unsustainable economic development, and fragmented or uncoordinated conservation initiatives. Notably, this is the first time in many years that our long-time partners in conservation took the initiative of assessing and documenting what strategies worked and what could still work to sustainably protect our forests in KBAs. This is a conscious attempt to create tools and platforms for knowledge access and sharing. All these interesting case studies constitute the second set of Kalikasan (Kaalamang Likas Yaman) Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development series, one of FPEs regular publications. The first set describes the results of resource and socioeconomic assessments in selected KBAs. This second set combines best practices and lessons learned in forest restoration efforts under the USAID-FPE Up-Scaling Project. All Kalikasan BCSD series are packed with knowledge from projects and field experiences. FPE does not stop at merely making beautiful publications, but endeavors to translate knowledge into action towards improving our work and contribution to BCSD. Allow me to congratulate our project partners, local government units in project sites an USAID for making the case studies of the Up-Scaling Project possible. We hope our readers distill the lessons to guide future actions for more effective forest restoration and hunger alleviation.
NESTOR R. CARBONERA
Chair and CEO
MESSAGE FROM
VSU-ViFARD
The Visayas State Universitys ongoing advocacy, not only for the protection of the remaining forest in the region, in particular, but also for the restoration of denuded forestland can be seen through the various environmental projects it has implemented starting in the early 1990s. To achieve sustainable reforestation, for instance, the ViSCA-GTZ Ecology Program experimented on the closed-canopy farming system and was successful in proving that one can still earn from high valued crops while maintaining the native tree species planted in his/her farm. Only a few, however, know this. By sharing the cases of successful adopters/implementers of rainforestation farming, it is hoped that more people will adopt this VSU-developed technology. May the successful adopters share their knowledge and expertise to their children and to other people in their community so that the trickling effect will help the government achieve its goal of greening the Philippines. As Executive Director of the ViSCA Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development Foundation, Incorporated (ViFARD, Inc.) which manages the funds for the project on Upscaling Forest Restoration Efforts in the Mt. Nacolod Key Biodiversity Area, I would like to congratulate the project leader and staff for coming up with this case book. This should be a book-to-read by VSU students of the course on ecology. This case book should, likewise, find its way into the libraries of state colleges and universities offering Ecology who, I am sure, are also pushing for sustainable environment. It is hoped that this case book will produce more champions of sustainable reforestation. Many believed that it is impossible to put together rainforestation farming and agriculture. We have disproved this belief. The case book simply tells the story.
WOLFREDA T. ALESNA, Ph.D.

Executive Director
The BCSD Knowledge Series of FPE

Kaalamang Likas Yaman or simply, KALIKASAN, is the publication series of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development (BCSD). Kaalaman is the Filipino term for knowledge while Likas Yaman is the term for nature or natural resources. Kaalamang Likas Yaman literally means knowledge of nature. As FPEs main thrust is BCSD in key biodiversity areas of the Philippines, this series is essential in presenting and promoting valuable theories, case studies, site assessments, best practices, and other learning materials. As Atty. Danny N. Valenzuela, FPE Chair and CEO (2010-2012), explains, That the work of the Foundation for the Philippine Environment on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development has gone a long way in the past twenty years cannot be overemphasized. In fact, it has become imperative for FPE to embark into an appropriate, meaningful and innovative knowledge management systems in order to preserve and properly utilize the significant learnings out of its various collaborations with partners in key biodiversity areas all over the country. As a major repository of the knowledge base of FPE and its partners, KALIKASAN will serve as a series of dynamic and enriching resource materials that will educate the readers, in particular those involved in the environmental protection of key biodiversity areas, and equip them with both theoretical and practical knowledge. Kaalamang Likas Yaman may also refer to the richness (yaman) of natural or intuitive knowledge (kaalamang likas). This is in recognition of the a priori knowledge of the local communities in FPE areas of operation and concern, especially among the grassroots communities and indigenous peoples, in environmental protection and conservation. KALIKASAN seeks to serve as a comprehensive BCSD reference and research source while tapping and augmenting the existing knowledge base of its partners, beneficiaries and communities. This is the legacy of the current FPE leadership to the next generation of Filipino environmentalists who will continue and further develop the current advocacies and endeavors of FPE and its partners.
KALIKASAN
USAID-FPE PROJECT
Up-Scaling Forest Restoration on Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas

For more than two decades, FPE has been at the forefront of biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in the Philippines. FPE operates as a catalyst for cooperation, fund facilitator, and grant maker in order to save species, conserve sites, and sustain communities. Capitalizing on previous and existing forest restoration initiatives of its local site partners, FPE, in partnership with USAID, implemented the Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) project from 2011 to 2013. This project seeks to address the decline of the Philippine forests by strengthening the protection of approximately 170,000 hectares of forest habitats and reforesting a total of 480 hectares within 8 sites in the bioregions of Cebu, Negros, Leyte (Eastern Visayas), Luzon and Mindanao. The project has also instituted mechanisms to sustain conservation efforts and continuously affect a macro-level of consciousness among stakeholders. FPE supports its partners on sites in drawing lessons from projects and sharing results of research and experiences. FPE considers the knowledge gathered and lessons learned by the forest resource managers peoples organizations (POs), indigenous peoples organization (IPOs), forest guards and wardens, and the communities themselves as one of its strategic assets in improving methodologies, practices and systems toward BCSD. In Leyte, the Visayas State University (VSU) developed the rainforestation (RF) technology that has been successfully implemented in the province and replicated by other conservation organizations. Through the USAID-FPE Up-Scaling project, VSU was able to increase the scope of its rainforestation sites, particularly in Mt. Nacolod. It was also able to implement the RF technology in partnership with peoples organizations, discovering realities about implementation that were different from the controlled environment in the academe. Through this case study, VSU-ViFARD attempts to document both the facilitating and constraining factors to improve RF implementation as the prime technology in rebirthing Philippine forests.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY CONTEXT What is Rainforestation? Milestones of Rainforestation ANALYSIS OF CONVERGENCE-BUILDING EFFORTS The Case of Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association The Case of Prof. Manual Posas: A Private RF Adopter The Case of Mr. Macario Romano: Farmer The Case of Can-ugkay Rainforestation: An LGU-supported Rainforestation The Case of PENAGMANNAKI The Case of Visayas State University as an Academic Implementer of RF: The PTFCF Silago Project More Lessons Learned A VISION FOR RAINFORESTATION MAPPING OUT FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS CONCLUSION REFERENCES 11 16 18 20 23 25 29 31 32 34 35 6 7 1 3 4 5
LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Mt. Nacolod Map Figure 2 Established RF sites in the Philippines Figure 3 Rainforestation Participatory Approach and Implementing Strategies LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Summary of the Different Rainforestation Cases Table 2 Summary of Rainforestation Milestones Table 3 RF Farm location and size in Pilar, Camotes, Cebu Table 4 List of RF Farms, Land Status and the Number of Hectares initiated in Negros Oriental Table 5 Number of Species per Taxa recorded in Liptong Woodlands 9 9 22 23 26 4 8 30
ACRONYMS
AFP BMYEP BTLNP CARFA CBFM CBL CIFOR CO CSVFA DENR ELTI ERDB FGD FMB FPE GTZ/GIZ ITEEM IUCN KBA KICCFA KUFA LGU LIP MC MOA MPSAP NGO NGP Armed Forces of the Philippines Marcos Youth Environment Protectionist Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park Can-ugkay Rainforestation Farmers Association Community-Based Forest Management Constitution and By-Laws Center for International Forestry Research Community Organizer Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Leadership and Training Initiative Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau Focus Group Discussion Forest Management Bureau Foundation for Philippine Environment German Organization for International Cooperation Institute of Tropical Ecology and Environmental Management The World Conservation Union Key Biodiversity Areas Katipunan, Imelda, Catmon Community Forestry Association Kilim Upland Farmers Association Local Government Unit Leyte Island Project Memorandum Circular Memorandum of Agreement Mt. Pangasugan Social Action Program Non-Government Organization National Greening Program
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REBIRTHING PHILIPPINE FORESTS: BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF VSUS RAINFORESTATION IMPLEMENTATION
NTFP PDRAtFA PENAGMANNAKI PFEC PFEN PLPEDA PNP PO PTFCF RF RFRI ROAD to 2020 SLSPU TARSIER TUFA USAID ViFARD VISCA VSU
Non-timber Forest Product Poblacion District II Rainforestation Farmers Association Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma nga Nanalipud ug Nagpasig-uli sa Kinaiyahan, Inc. Philippine Federation for Environmental Concerns Philippine Forestry Educational Network Puntana Livelihood Project and Environmental Development Association Philippine National Police Peoples Organization Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation Rainforestation Rain Forest Restoration Initiative Rainforest Organizations and Advocates to 2020 Southern Luzon State Polytechnic University Terrestrial and Aquatic Rehabilitation by Students Immersed in Environmental Restoration Tubod Farmers Association United States Agency for International Development VISCA Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development Visayas State College of Agriculture Visayas State University
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The concept of rainforestation came about due to several attempts to address the conflict of mans struggle to feed his family at the expense of the forest. In the 1990s, the Philippine-German Tropical Ecology Program was implemented at Leyte State University (now Visayas State University) to discover the elements of sustainability in traditional and conventional farming systems. By understanding natural and agro-ecosystems, the program sought to find innovative approaches to these kinds of farming systems in the Visayas. Hence, this approach puts together the elements of forest and food production systems based on the hypothesis that if the farming system is more sustainable, the closer it is in species composition to the original local rainforest. After two decades of implementation, rainforestation has shown its potential for creating relevant impacts towards the sustainable reforestation of Philippine forests. It has demonstrated that native tree species used in reforestation could result in habitat restoration, biodiversity protection, and the provision of a stable income to farmers. It is also socially and culturally viable resulting in the growing number of rainforestation adopters and advocates. The up-scaling project of FPE-USAID is a timely undertaking to address a need to fast-track rainforestation efforts, thereby meeting national goals such as the ROAD to 2020 and the National Greening Program. The different cases of rainforestation adopters in the last two decades illustrate that the success factors of the technology include the following: 1. Presence of the adopters personal vision and establishing rainforestation based on needs and preference; 2. Use of a family-based approach, provision of additional source of livelihood, access to resources and strong political will, creating local champions and provision of technical and financial assistance; 3. Strengthened and well-capacitated Peoples Organization (PO)/adopter through effective community organizing brought about by personal advocacy of the community organizer and continuous monitoring of implementers; and 4. The execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and the presence of CBFM as tenurial instrument of the PO, which solidified the adoption of the rainforestation strategy and provided sense of empowerment and ownership. On the other hand, experiences that showed RF implementation as being less likely to prosper and be sustained were caused by the following factors: 1. Inadequately capacitated adopters due to short-term project duration; 2. Poor management and leadership along with internal conflicts of the local organization i.e PO; and 3. Change in administration in the local government unit. Rainforestation can broaden its scope and benefits if: 1. It is being replicated by government institutions, the academe and other countries in Southeast Asia; 2. There is adjustment of rainforestation to cater to the needs of the adopter; 3. Continuous monitoring; 4. More native tree seedlings nurseries are established all over the country; and 5. More researchers and studies related to RF are conducted.
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INTRODUCTION
The Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) project by the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), seeks to address the decline of Philippine forests by enhancing existing forest restoration initiatives in eight key biodiversity areas (KBA), particularly those situated in the bioregions of Cebu, Negros, Leyte (Eastern Visayas), Luzon, and Mindanao. The Nacolod Mountain range in Leyte was chosen as one of the project sites in the Visayas region.
The Mt. Nacolod watershed forest reserve, as well as the other mountain ranges in Leyte are threatened with mining, massive logging, land conversion and settlements, and soil erosion in denuded slopes. Forest degradation and destruction are brought about by the overexploitation of forest timber and non-timber forest products, illegal timber and wildlife poaching, which are sources of livelihood by some upland communities. These are seen as emerging concerns, especially because the watersheds in the area are the main sources of water for the surrounding towns and are home to endangered wildlife species. Habitat destruction caused by slash-and-burn cultivation or kaingin carried out by residents both within and outside the communities also adds to the worsening state of the watershed and biodiversity in general. In most cases, it is highly destructive, causing tremendous soil erosion and landslides, particularly on steep slopes along the Philippine Fault. Different reforestation initiatives had been implemented in the Philippines since the colonial period. However, reforestation efforts were not able to catch up with rapid deforestation, while some were unsuccessfully implemented due to various factors (CIFOR 2006). Most reforestation initiatives in the Philippines use exotic or introduced tree species, because they are fast-growing and easily germinate. The species composition of the original forest that once covered the land prior to reforestation activities are rarely taken into account (Margraf and Milan, 1996). Rainforestation is a kind of reforestation that favors the use of indigenous tree species in forest restoration. Since its inception twenty years ago, a number of successful forest rehabilitation using RF had been recorded. As of year 2012, a total of 1,163 hectares of RF had been established all over the Philippines. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and a number of environment- related non-government organizations (NGO) such as the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE), HARIBON Foundation, Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF), and the Non-timber Forest Product-Task Force (NTFP-Task Force) and foreign organizations like the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GIZ) and the Environmental Leadership Training Initiative (ELTI), among others, have acknowledged that rainforestation is a promising forest rehabilitation technology. Members from the academe and other agencies nationwide such as the Philippine Federation for Environmental Concerns (PFEC) have also recognized the benefits of RF. The 1,163 hectares of established RF in the country are still a far cry from the targeted 1.5 million hectares to be reforested by 2016, as stated in Executive Order No. 26 or the National Greening Program of President Benigno Aquino, Jr. The program aims to plant agroforestry species for the production zones and indigenous/native/endemic species for protection zones and urban areas . This program is also backed-up by the Rainforest Organizations and Advocates (ROAD) to 2020 which is an environmental conservation movement committed to restore one million hectares of Philippine rainforests using native tree species by year 2020 (ROAD to 2020, http://www.haribon.org.ph/index.php/road-to-2020). The project of the FPE-USAID is a timely undertaking for rainforestation initiatives to scale up its efforts in forest rehabilitation, especially in documenting success stories and lessons learned in the implementation of the environmental projects. This case study aims to present rainforestation as a more promising and successful method in reforestation, compared to reforestation strategies that use exotic species, by documenting its development,the success stories and lessons learned by the different rainforestation adopters over the past 20 years.
METHODOLOGY
Information for this case study was gathered through interviews, focus group discussions (FGD), and secondary data collection. Since it was not possible to interview all key informants personally, because they live in the different parts of the country, the writer sent out questionnaires through email. Data was also gathered by reviewing reports of past and existing RF projects. To verify the data, the final draft of the case study was presented to RF experts, implementers, and key informants. After verification, the case study was submitted to the Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE). PAGE 5 |
Members of BSFA of Silago, Southern, Leyte constructing the growth chamber during their on-site RF training (VSU-ViFARD File Photo).
CONTEXT
What is Rainforestation?
Rainforestation (RF) is a method that utilizes native tree species to rehabilitate denuded forests. It was conceptualized in 1995 by Visayas State University (VSU), formerly Visayas State College of Agriculture, and the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GIZ). RF was developed based on the assumption that reforestation strategies in the humid tropics is increasingly more sustainable the closer it is in its species composition to the original local rainforest (Milan and Margraf, 1994). Since one group of its target beneficiaries are farmers, it has to incorporate farming systems to consider livelihood options. Through the years, the different needs and issues of forest restoration led to the creation of different typologies under rainforestation: production (plantation areas and agroecosystem areas), restoration/protection (landslide prone areas, critical watershed areas, habitat restoration areas, buffer zone areas, and river stabilization areas), and urban enhancement (eco-parks, roadside beautification areas and arboretums). These typologies were developed based on the purpose, biophysical suitability and need of the adopters/implementers. Today, rainforestation is used as a national strategy in (1) establishing biodiversity corridors in existing national parks, (2) certificates of ancestral domain claims or titles, and (3) the implementation of ROAD 2020. Visayas State University (VSU) envisions itself to be the premier university of science and technology in the Visayas. It aims for excellence in instruction, research, extension, and production. As the originator of RF, VSU possesses the bulk of information on theory and practice gathered through first-hand experiences of researchers and implementers for two decades. As a prime mover of environmental advocacies and endeavors, it highlights rainforestation as one of its flagship pieces of technology. Rainforestation has been adopted by different environmental advocates from different sectors the academe, NGOs, POs, LGUs, private individuals and local and international funding agencies.
Milestones of Rainforestation
In 1992, the early concept of Rainforestation Farming, otherwise known as Closed Canopy and High Diversity Forest Farming, was implemented. This production system is based on the hypothesis that the closer the structure of a tropical farming system is to a natural rainforest ecosystem, the more sustainable it is. For this reason, rainforestation started as a farming system that involves various methods to sustain human food production while simultaneously preserving biodiversity. The Tropical Ecology Program started a demonstration farm and nursery to test and start research on their hypothesis in 1992, by developing a research and model (demo) farm in ViSCA. Moreover, research fields were extended to volcanic and limestone soils for long-term trials, with partnerships with cooperating farms and land owners in 1994. Ten pioneer farmer cooperators and demo sites were established in Cienda, Marcos, Mailhi, Pomponan, Villa Solidaridad, Guadalupe, Punta and Patag, Baybay, Leyte and another in Catmon, Ormoc City. These cooperators were organized, received training and were provided with field manuals in the local language (Milan and Margraf 1994). These model farms utilized local species native to the area that can thrive well in different soil conditions. Monitoring and assessment of these pilot and demo sites started in 1996. Research on the impacts of rainforestation, silvicultural management, and socioeconomic and marketing strategies were also conducted. Interested clientele composed of scientists, researchers, environmental advocates, students, government officials, and other interested individuals and groups started coming to VSU for information on RF, which continues to this day in growing numbers. The period from 2002 to 2004 marked a significant leap for rainforestation. Government and non- government organizations (NGO) started recognizing RF as a sustainable strategy to forest restoration. The HARIBON Foundation forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with VSU. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) staff from Manila attended a rainforestation orientation and conducted a cross-visit in VSU. This initiated the DENR issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) 2004-06, adopting rainforestation as a reforestation strategy in denuded forestlands. The MC was signed by the then DENR Secretary E. Gozun. In 2004, representatives from VSU, HARIBON, DENR, FMB, ERDB, UPLB, and SLSPU gathered for a roundtable discussion to scale up rainforestation. The discussion resulted in the founding of the Rainforestation Restoration Initiatives (RFRI) and the formulation of the ROAD 2020. The increasing number of rainforestation adopters led to the National Consultation on rainforestation restoration, defining rainforestation typologies in 2005. The consultation was responsible for the evolution of RF from merely a farming system to a strategy that will fit various landscape types and needs of adopters, thus known as RF typologies. Experts, adopters and various stakeholders, NGOs, and GOs provided inputs during the consultation. Rainforestation training as requested by the HARIBON Foundation was also done in 2005. The training added to the number of RF advocates and was successfully replicated in the island of Negros. With the success of its replication in Negros in 2007, HARIBON requested VSU to facilitate a series of training and workshop in the Negros islands. The foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE) also requested trainings in Palawan and Mindoro. At the same time, EURONATUR and Daimler Chrysler and Landestiftung provided funds to conduct RF training in Guinsaugon, St. Bernard in Southern Leyte. A partnership with the local government of Pilar, Camotes also took place in 2008 which was an opportunity for RF to be tried in a mountainous island.
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In January 2009, a partnership between VSU and Environmental Leadership Training Initiative (ELTI) was forged through a MOA. It was followed by a series of National RF Trainers Training for Visayas and Mindanao in April, and for Luzon and Palawan participants in December. The last trainers training for mixed participants from different part of the country was in December of that year. This training paved a way for developing a core of local person/stakeholders as potential RF trainers all over the country. Details of their location can be accessed in the RF Information Portal website, www.rainforestation.ph. A conference on Mainstreaming Native Species-based Restoration in Manila was organized by ELTI and RFRI members in 2010. Although it was held in Manila, it was also webcasted in Cebu and Mindanao. The RFRI launching of the Rainforestation website www.rainforestation.ph also took place. In 2011, a training on RF for PASUs in Mindanao was conducted. Moreover, in April of 2011, trainings for Rainforestation research and monitoring as well as database management for PFEN members and other NGOs were held. Through the project funded by USAID, 777 farmers/POs in 8 Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) nationwide were also trained on rainforestation, including those at Mt. Nacolod watershed. In relation to the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) for 2012, training of POs and other stakeholders on establishment of native nurseries in different parts of the country was also conducted.
Rainforestation sites in the Philippines

As of February 2012, a total of 1,163 hectares of rainforestation sites was established throughout the Philippines as a result of all the RF trainings, cross-visits and seminars for various clienteles and stakeholders, in partnership with different organizations, groups and individuals.
Figure 1. Established RF sites (Source: ITEEM file)
ANALYSIS
The evolution of rainforestation as a strategy, and now as a technology, from a simple farming practice to the innovation of different typologies has undergone serious scrutiny from different fields and specializations. The rainforestation evolution is indebted to the different organizations and individuals who believed and gave RF technology a chance to become part of their environmental crusade, which later recognized this endeavors promising benefits. The following cases are just some of the many success stories of RF. The different cases below represent the different sectors who adopted the technology. Table 1. Summary of the Different RF cases
RF Project Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association (CSVFA) Classication Location Key Success Factors Family approach Passion and strong protection instrument advocacy of the Community Organizer (CO) CBFM Technical support and monitoring Technical knowledge with passion for the environment and agriculture Continuous monitoring Capability building and technical support that reconcile with farmers beliefs and practices RF Typology Watershed protection Restoration Production
PO with tenurial Baybay, Leyte instrument (CBFM)
Marcos RF Farm (Prof. Manuel Posas) Private/Individual Agronomist Baybay, Leyte
Production
Mailhi RF Farm (Mr. Macario Romano)
Private/Individual Farmer
Baybay, Leyte
Production Landslide protection
Table 2. Summary of Rainforestation Milestones
1992
Rainforestation Farming was conceptualized in LSU; - started as a Closed Canopy, High Diversity Farming Systems
1996-1999
10 pioneer farmer cooperators and demo sites were established; subsequently added with 18 more farmer adopters
1996 (to present)

Monitoring and assessment of the pilot and demo sites Conduct of research on impacts of rainforestation, silvicultural management and socio-economic and marketing studies Start of cross visits and orientation trainings of interested clientele
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Table 1. Summary of the Different RF cases (continuation)

RF Project Camotes Can-ugkay Rainforestation Classication LGU-supported project Location Pilar, Camotes, Cebu Key Success Factors Additional source of livelihood Political prerogative and personal advocacy Creating Rainforestation local champions Community organizing Establishment of Demonstration Sites Family-based initiatives Hiring reliable community organizers Presence and visibility of project implementers a well-developed project RF Typology Watershed protection Mangrove restoration
Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma nga Nanalipud ug Nagpasiguli sa Kinaiyahan Inc. (PENAGMANNA KI)
Federation of POs
Negros Oriental
Watershed protection Production Restoration
PTFCF funded Silago project
Academe led
Southern Leyte
Restoration in protected areas Production
2002- 2004
MOA signing between VSU and HARIBON RF orientation and cross visit of DENR staff from Manila Issuance of DENR MC 2004-06 signed by former Secretary E. Gozun.
2004
Rountable discussion on up-scaling Rainforestation Founding of RFRI (Rainforestation Restoration Initiatives) ROAD to 2020 campaign and initiative
2005
National consultation on Rainforest Restoration defining Rainforestation typologies Rainforestation training that led to the replication in the island of Negros
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THE CASE OF CIENDA-SAN VICENTE FARMERS ASSOCIATION

Location: Brgys. Cienda and Gabas, Baybay, Leyte RF Typology: Watershed Protection, Restoration and Production Background of Organization/How RF was adopted
The Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association (CSVFA) from Brgy. Cienda and Brgy. Gabas in Baybay, Leyte, was formalized in February 1996 through the support of the Leyte Island Rainforestation Project (LIP),under the ViSCA-GTZ Applied Ecology Program. The formalization of the PO was a requirement in their application for the Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) which was one of the strategies to ensure more sustainable rainforestation. Its main objective was to act as the lead group in the protection, preservation and rehabilitation of the natural resources within their community. The associations origin can be traced to an informal group that some farmers organized sometime between 1985 and 1987, primarily to protect the forest from uncontrolled illegal logging and slash and burn agriculture. This informal group became Kilim Upland Farmers Association (KUFA). In 1988, KUFAs activities were later chosen as a pilot project for the Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP) of the DENR. However, KUFA was not able to sustain its activities due to lack of government support. After its collapse, illegal logging activities in the watershed again surged. The Ormoc tragedy was a great contributor to KUFAs concerns for the environment. They feared that the continuous illegal activities in the environment might create another disaster. The KUFA officers turned to VSU (then ViSCA) for help. They personally made an appointment with the ViSCA- GTZ project leaders to help them in their forest restoration and other ecological concerns. Their meeting was timely since ViSCA-GTZ was also looking for a site for their rainforestation project. Since then, their partnership began. In December 6, 1996, 63 farmers were trained for rainforestation, although only 27 farmers pursued the RF establishment (Ceniza, Milan 2006). A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between the two parties to forge their partnership and to define each of the partys responsibilities. Members of CSVFA consequently also became peer trainers to farmers interested in learning about RF and in using their farms as demonstration sites for cross-visitors and trainees.
Table 2. Summary of Rainforestation milestones (continuation)
2007
RF orientation, hands-on training, and cross visits in Leyte of more participants coming from several sites in the country Negros Islands in partnership with HARIBON Palawan and Mindoro in partnership with FPE St. Bernard, Southern Leyte with EURONATUR and Daimler Chrysler and Landestiftung
2008
Partnership with LGU Pilar, Camotes, Cebu RF training and establishment of RF sites in Camarines Sur and Quezon Province, and Pilar, Camotes, Cebu
2009
MOA signing with ELTI Series of Trainers training from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and Palawan
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Description of RF site
Topography: Slightly rolling Total area of RF: 0.9707 hectare No. of species planted: 21 pioneer, 12 dipterocarp, 7 fruit trees Total # of trees planted: 6,817 The rainforestation area was previously cultivated and planted with upland rice and converted to coconut plantation. It was previously dominated by cogon and talahib (Saccharum spontaneum). In March 1996 during the RF establishment, fastgrowing indigenous tree species were planted following 2m x 2m spacing. After two years, dipterocarps were interplanted using 1m x 2m spacing. The fast growing trees served as nurse trees for the dipterocarps. The CSVFA members performed occasional pruning in their established RF site. RF had been replicated by the PO members in their privately-owned plots and had been beneficiaries of different environment-related project grants that enabled them to sustain and replicate RF.
2010
Conference on Mainstreaming Native Species-based Restoration Establishment of six native tree nurseries and POs in Silago, Southern Leyte, under the PTFCF Project
2011
RF training for RF PASUs of Mindanao areas Rainforestation Research and Monitoring Training Database management training of SUCs members of PFEN and other NGOs FPE-USAID training for the 8 KBA in the Philippines Rainforestation Forum in Bukidnon
2012
PA signing of ViFARD, VSU and USAID-FPE on the Up-Scaling Forest Restoration Efforts in Key Biodiversity Area - Mt. Nacolod, Southern Leyte Training of POs and other stakeholders on native tree nurseries in the implementation of the NGP Establishment of 60 hectares of restoration sites in Mt. Nacolod area under the USAID-FPE UpScaling Project
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The luscious growth of native tree species in a 15 year old CSVFA RF site (VSU-ViFARD File Photo).
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Key Success Factors

1. The Role of a Community Organizer The CSVFA started as one of the pilot RF projects of ViSCA. Mr. Marlito Bande, who was then assigned as a community development assistant in Cienda instrumental in the success of this pilot projects initiative. He was also one of the pioneer field researchers for rainforestation. With so many things to be done, Mr. Bande started with the restructuring and later on maintaining CSVFA as a Peoples Organization (PO). He prioritized strengthening the organization believing that a strong PO foundation with a legal structure can operate better. He also emphasized bayanihan and camaraderie among its members. He was also responsible for initiating the tree seedling livelihood project of the PO which greatly increased participation and the number of members from 27 to 107 active members. Mr. Bande is a strong advocate for the environment and won the hearts and trust of the people. In order to fully perform his job as a community organizer, he lived in Cienda throughout his term. Even with his meager allowance, he refused to accept high paying jobs offered to him locally and abroad. With his good intentions and personal relationships with the community, he was well-loved and respected even by the elders. With the respect and trust he gained from the community especially from their leaders, he was able to inject RF technology and instill in them support for RF to benefit Cienda and the neighboring barangays. 2. Family approach The family approach was also used in the implementation of RF in Cienda in order to avoid conflicts between family members during various phases of RF implementation (ie. doubting wives when husbands come home late after farm activities)and to discourage men from being drunk after farm work. It also developed cooperation between family members during establishment and maintenance of the RF. The men (husbands and older male sons) collect wildlings from the forest, prepare the land, and plant. The women (wives, daughters) and young boys did the potting and bagging of wildlings and prepared food during meals. 3. CBFM The CSVFA, aided by their community organizer (CO), applied for the Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) in 1997. However, CBFM was not yet introduced regionally when CSVFA applied for it. Nevertheless, after some delays and funding issues, the CSVFA was awarded their CBFM in 2000. Although the POs CBFM is just an offshoot of their adoption to RF, this tenurial instrument strengthened and empowered the PO in implementing environmental stewardship and other advocacies. This gave a sense of ownership among members and encouraged them to sustain their RF project.
Challenges met
The initial implementation of the project did not receive a warm welcome from the leaders of Cienda, who were not members of the association. This emanated from rumors that ViSCA may be using the CSVFA for their experiment, without giving benefits to the people in the community. The GTZ, with funds coming from Germany, was accused of using the project to implement survey for the leader finally agreed and was convinced. However, after a series of talks and presentation of the whole program plan, the leader finally agreed and was convinced. A general initial apprehension for RF adopters is the notion that dipterocarps are a slow growing species. Due to this, members of the association were doubtful of the outcome of the project.
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Mr. Renato Poliquit Farmer and CSVFA President, 2005-2010

A lot of people ask me what made me adopt rainforestation. I always tell them, it was the additional income from RF that appealed to me most. Just like other farmers, you will not be able to convince them to adopt a certain farming strategy if they are not convinced that it can provide food and money for their families. They will just tell you wala pa mo dinhi, buhi na mi (we knew how to survive even before you came). We were able to benefit financially from RF. We were able to get income from cash crops, tourism, from our seedlings and others. But in retrospect, I believe that more than the economic gains, we were able to benefit more socially. For the years that we had been implementing RF, each one of us (CSVFA members) matured in our understanding of the environment and of other people. Inspired by RF, we were awarded with our CBFM which empowered us to become defenders of our natural resources. We were not afraid to apprehend illegal poachers and hunters and we even stood up against big mining companies planning to set up in our area.
I believe that the hardest part in farming is the planting. A lot of people would easily cut trees. This is because they did not plant those trees. Once you plant a tree, you will develop the love you have for that tree. As it grows, you will feel the fulfillment of being a farmer or being a steward of the environment.
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Just last year, I harvested four Bagalunga (Melia dubia Cav.) that I planted and registered 15 years ago. I cried a bit when it was cut. But then I had to do it because my family needed the money. What Im saying is that, we should not just plant trees, we should also take care of them and learn to love them. Thats the definition of being real stewards of the environment. For sure, they (the forests) will also love us back. Have you seen our forest lately? Thanks to rainforestation, since a lot of us replicated it, it had since made our forests lush and green again. Because of rainforestation, we did not just become implementers, but also educators. We wanted to share our passion with other people. Hence, we became on-call trainers to other barangays and municipalities who teach about forest management. We were also invited to different conferences, trainings and workshops to talk about our organization, CBFM and rainforestation. I did not finish college, but professionals, scientists, students and even the media asked me about RF technology. Foreigners also thanked me for the lessons they learned from me every time they visit us here in our farm. I have never felt this intelligent and important before. We were constant contacts of national and international groups and associations because of rainforestation. But most of all, because RF encourages the family approach, RF gave us opportunities to have family bonding activities.
THE CASE OF PROF. MANUEL POSAS: A PRIVATE RF ADOPTER

Location: Brgy. Marcos, Baybay, Leyte RF Typology: Production Description of RF Site/How RF was Adopted Before RF, Professor Manuel Posas area was planted with bananas, cacao, cassava, Xanthosoma, upland rice and coconut. These previous crops did not thrive well because the area was being grazed by his neighbors carabaos. He thought that the only way to prevent his neighbors animals from grazing was if he planted trees. So in 1994, Prof. Posas attended a seminar on RF through ViSCAs extension program Mount Pangasugan Social Action Program (MPSAP). He volunteered his farm for rainforestation establishment, which was supposedly maintained by the Marcos Youth Environmental Protectionist (BMYEP), a youth organization of the MPSAP. However, when the youth organization became inactive, Prof. Posas had to take over in maintaining the farm as stated in the MOA. Prof. Posas modified the planting scheme to cater to his intended needs and purpose. He planted more fruit trees to gain more income from its harvest. He also planted pineapple and root crops such as yam and coco yam under the trees. During the early period of RF establishment, even with his busy schedule as a Professor in ViSCA, he would take time to visit his farm. He goes to his farm every Wednesday during lunch breaks to water his fruit trees, while the pioneer trees were watered every Saturday. The Marcos RF farm had been a usual destination of cross visit participants and other VSU visitors interested in RF. The frequent visits to his farm served as encouragement to Prof. Posas in maintaining and enriching his RF farm, while learning from the participants as well.
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Topography of RF Site: Slightly rolling Total Area of RF: 0.30 ha No.of species planted: 8 pioneer, 4 dipterocarp, 5 fruit trees Total no. of trees planted: 660 Key success factors
1. Technical support and monitoring from ViSCA/VSU ViSCA/VSU provided technical support through conducting trainings and workshops. He was also provided with planting materials and labor assistance to help him in the establishment of his RF farm. According to him, without the technical and material support from the project, he would have second thoughts in adopting RF. Technical assistance and trainings are key incentives for RF adopters. It also boosts morale and the adopters participation is encouraged. Mr. Posas considers the monitoring as encouragement to pursue his RF farm. He said that visits from RF experts helped him properly maintain his RF farm. It was also a venue to share his expertise as an agronomist. He was eager to share his experiences and learnings as his RF developed. 2. Technical knowledge with passion for the environment and agriculture As an agronomist, Prof. Posas used his technical expertise on maintaining and developing his farm. He said that his innate passion for agriculture and the environment are important factors in deciding and maintaining his RF farm. He could have been an ordinary professor in the academe, but his passion brought him to adopting RF and maintaining it. He added that maintaining his RF farm is a relief from stress he gets from the university.
Challenges met
According to Prof. Posas, his only challenge in maintaining his farm was the natural calamities (especially typhoons) that struck during the initial phase of the establishment. Some pests and diseases attacked some of the fruit trees but were manageable because he planted different species of dipterocarps and fruit trees. In this way, infestation was not so devastating to all trees planted, because of its floral diversity.
Manuel Posas, Agronomist

In 1996, when I decided to volunteer my farm as a rainforestation site, I only thought that it would keep away the carabaos and other animals from grazing my plot. It did. What I did not expect was the passion I developed in taking care of this farm. No matter how hectic my schedule was, I felt like the farm would pull me to it. When my trees grew, I did not have to do a lot of maintenance. I just go there to feel the fresh air and gaze at my trees and be grateful for them. It was a good idea that I chose to apply RF for production in my farm. My fruit trees are sources of my additional income. I had been harvesting some pineapple and ube since 1998 and started earning income from my fruit trees since 2000. The harvests and earnings had been increasing since then because the fruit trees also increased its production. I have harvested rambutan, marang, santol, and even durian and cacao. Every season for rambutan, my neighbors and officemates would start to place their orders in several kilos. I did not need to go far to sell my fruits. We would place the remaining harvests in front of our house and buyers would even look for more. I would earn additional income of up to P12,000 from the harvest of different fruit trees. I have the best of both worlds. Being a professor in the academe and a practising agronomist in my little farm. Because of RF, I also had become a little entrepreneur.
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THE CASE OF MR. MACARIO ROMANO: FARMER

Location: Brgy. Marcos, Baybay, Leyte RF Typology: Production Description of RF Site/How RF was adopted
Mr. Macario Romano or Nong Macky is a self-fulfilled farmer in Brgy. Mailhi, Baybay, Leyte. He supported his 5 children with income from the produce of his farm. He had also been an active Barangay Kagawad. He was a typical farmer who battled with a variety of farming problems everyday. One of his major problems was the occurrence of landslides and the presence of weeds in his slightly to moderately sloped farm. He was in constant search for new farming systems that would solve his problems and improve his farms conditions. Nong Macky learned about rainforestation in 1994 through Dr. Jose Magraf, Program Consultant of then ViSCA-GTZ Applied Tropical Ecology Program and Dr. Paciencia Milan. He was so eager to learn about the new farming strategy and decided to apply it in his farm. He was one of the pioneer adopters of rainforestation. Later on, the Mailhi farm was also used as a demonstration site for a project integrating abaca in existing rainforestation area. A total of 1000 pieces of suckers had been accommodated in the area. Today, a number of student and professional researchers conduct their studies in his RF farm which earns him additional income from fees, notwithstanding the awards and recognition he got for environmental initiatives.
Topography of RF site: Slightly to moderately rolling Total area of RF: 3.22 No.of species planted: 14 pioneer, 6 dipterocarp, 7 fruit trees Total no. of trees planted: 4,210 Key success factors
1. Capability building and technical support that reconcile with beneficiaries/farmers beliefs and practice Capability building through trainings and workshops strengthen skills and competency. It empowers farmers and gives them confidence that local knowledge and scientific knowledge can be merged. It is important, however, that capability building be reconciled with beliefs and practices of the farmers. During RF trainings, trainees see to it that cultural beliefs and practices are respected and integrated in implementation. As a farmer, Nong Macky is already well-equipped with knowledge in farming. During RF capability building, he was trained on how to properly collect wildlings of recommended species and on bagging, potting and nursery establishment. Along with the scientific way of establishing RF, Nong Macky continued his farming practices and beliefs. Aside from capability building, he received a lot of support from GTZ during the initial implementation, such as the provision of planting materials (native tree seedlings) to be planted in his farm. He was provided with polyethylene bags and fertilizers. GTZ also sent manual help to assist him in planting, repotting and transferring potted plants to the farm.
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2. Continuous monitoring from ViSCA/VSU Through project monitoring, regular visitation and recording activities were done at Nong Mackys farm. His RF farm was regularly visited and observed by Visca RF implementers especially during its initial phase in the establishment. The regular monitoring ensured the proper implementation and progress during and after establishment. It also provided lessons and field insights for Visca personnel that enriched their capability in handling RF sites. The mere presence of visitors and Visca RF experts was inspiring enough for Nong Macky to maintain his RF farm. Just like Prof. Posas RF farm, Nong Mackys RF site is a favorite stop-over during RF cross visits and hands-on training of advocates and RF trainees.
Challenge met
According to Nong Macky, people in his barangay and even some of his relatives discouraged him from adopting rainforestation. They urged him to plant exotic tree species such as Gmelina (Gmelina arborea) instead. They insisted that according to experts, they will become millionaires after 10 years if they plant these tree species. Nong Macky confessed that without the assistance of the GTZ project, he would have continued to plant Gmelina and not opt for rainforestation.
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Mr. Macario Romano, Farmer

We used to live in a small hut. But this is our house now. We have expanded it to as big as four times its original size. We used the harvested pioneer trees we planted for rainforestation. Some of the income from the harvested lumber were also used in the expansion. I decided to adopt RF because I wanted to prevent the landslide prevalent in my farms. As I showed my visitors, the landslide-prone areas has greatly reduced. This is because of the trees we have planted. But for me, what matters most is the future of my children and their children. It is true that in the beginning a lot of my neighbors were telling me that adopting RF was not a good investment because the trees to be planted are slow-growing. But look at these trees now, especially those lauan and narra they have already grown. I may not be the one who will benefit from it because I am already old, but I will always have something to leave my family these farms and the dipterocarps that I have planted for them. In a way, I have secured their future. It is like having time deposits from which my children can withdraw.
THE CASE OF PILAR CAN-UGKAY RF: AN LGU-SUPPORTED RAINFORESTATION

Location: Pilar, Camotes Typology: Watershed Protection Typology of RF Site: Hill Description of Implementer/How RF was adopted
Pilar, Camotes is one of the four municipalities/islands of the archipelago of Camotes, Cebu. Rainforestation in Pilar was initiated by its youth organization. Ms. Jihan Santiago, a native of Pilar and then president of TARSIER (Terrestrial and Aquatic Rehabilitation by Students Immersed in Environmental Restoration), a student-based organization from VSU, invited ITE and VSU to conduct a youth orientation on rainforestation in Camotes. Upon hearing this, Mr. Eufracio Dodong Maratas, then one of the councilors of Pilar, Camotes did not have second thoughts about adopting RF. He tapped Can-ugkay Rainforestation Farmers Association (CARFA), an existing PO in which he is also a member, to take the lead in the implementation. Right after the RF training with the youth, he scheduled another training for the PO members. He looked for interested land owners who were willing to lease their lands for the RF sites. The LGU of Pilar targeted converting 10 hectares of land to Rainforestation in their initial plan. Today, they have surpassed their target and are able to apply rainforestation to 12.5 hectares located in the different areas in Pilar, Camotes. Today, as an incumbent Vice Mayor of Pilar, Mr. Maratas continues to make rainforestation one of his project priorities.
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Key success factors

1. Additional source of livelihood One of the important factors that sustaining RF in Pilar is their alternative livelihood. According to Mr. Maratas, when they introduced RF as a restoration activity, they coupled it with the honeybee and seedling production. Although their alternative livelihood is not directly related to RF, it has sustained the interest of the PO members to continue their group activities, including RF. 2. Political prerogative and personal advocacy Political initiatives and programs are major driving forces in forest rehabilitation. The LGU is empowered by the Local Government Code (LGC) to enforce forestry laws and implement reforestation and related forestry projects with DENR and local communities (Local Government Code, 1991). Local Government Officials can pass municipal resolutions appropriating funds to finance reforestation projects. According to Mr. Maratas, being a government official provided him the access to financial and other material resources, manpower and travel allowances in implementing rainforestation. His platform as a government official includes environmental advocacy with rainforestation as the main initiative. He allocated funds for conducting trainings, nursery and RF establishment, cross visits/lakbay aral to environmental sites, and capability-building activities. He was also able to mobilize funds by applying for grants to support their environmental activities. As Mr. Maratas stated, I want my fellow Camotesians to be proud of their roots. I want them to be proud that they are natives of an island in Camotes. For me, Rainforestation has that same vision to bring back and be proud of what used to be here and erase the mentality that foreign knowledge and products are better than our local knowledge and produce. 3. Creating Rainforestation local champions In order to sustain RF, CARFA sees to it that the real essence of rainforestation is understood by its members. Other CARFA members who show interest in RF are sent to trainings and capability building activities , whenever there are opportunities. This is to develop local leaders or local champions who will be capable enough to handle CARFA activities including RF. Mr. Edgardo Salazar, a CARFA member, was one of the successful RF trainees who underwent the trainers training and workshop in VSU in 2009. He now serves as a RF trainer and consultant in Camotes for rainforestation activites. Frequent RF site visits in Leyte, mother tree identification and wildling collection in Silago Southern, Leyte are some of their activities conducted to expose their members to RF.
Challenges met
1. Topography, lack of biological studies Pilar, Camotes, is a highly cultivated island, leaving it with very few trees and more barren hills and mountains. Unfortunately, there are no studies conducted to document native tree species in the area. Moreover, there are no sources of wildlings and planting materials that can be collected and planted in the nursery and the RF sites. Hence, they still have to go to other areas in Leyte, Leyte to gather planting materials. The infertile soils in Pilar also add to the slow growth of trees and other plants that delay the process of reforestation activities. Camotes also suffers from unpredictable weather conditions.
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Table 3. RF Farm location and size in Pilar, Camotes

Farm Location Land Area Type of Ownership
Can-ugkay
2 Lots 1 ha and 1.5 has 4 has
Privately owned, run by PO
Banana Peak
Privately owned, run by PO
Dapdap Gabigabihan Kawit
2 has 3 has 1 hectare
Run by parents and teachers and students of Dapdap Elementary School Run by PO Privately owned
2. Land tenure complaints The children of some land owners who leased their lands for RF claimed that they did not give their permission to use the land and appealed that it be given back to them. Land disputes are usually settled with a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the land owner and RF implemeters, in this case, CARFA. The formulation and signing of a MOA is an important step in the RF establishment and will serve as reasonable tenure (mostly 25 to 50 years) for RF.
Benefits
1. Social and environmental awareness RF adopters in Pilar are most grateful for the environmental awareness that was brought about by their adoption to rainforestation. It has also instilled environmental appreciation among PO members, and inspired them to learn more about and value their island, physically and culturally. Moreover, a Rapid Biodiversity Survey (RBS) was conducted with the assistance of VSU to document existing flora and fauna species on the island. This provided them with the idea of the remaining rich resources they have and what needs to be saved and protected. The opportunity to travel locally and internationally to learn more about environment and culture benefitted the CARFA members including Mr. Maratas. 2. Environmental The 12 hectares with successfully established RF have now started to fill the once barren hilly lands. They now serve as RF demonstrations sites. Now that the trees have grown, they require lesser labor inputs and in due time will provide more social and environmental benefits/services.
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THE CASE OF PENAGMANNAKI (PEDERASYON SA NAGKAHIUSANG MGA MAG-UUMA NGA NANALIPUD UG NAGPASIG-ULI SA KINAIYAHAN INC.)
Location: Negros Oriental Typology: Watershed Protection, Production, Restoration, Riverbank Stabilization How RF was adopted
Moreover, the entire membership of the Federations of Mt. Talinis and Twin Lakes Peoples Organizations, in cooperation with the LGUs of Dauin, Bacong and Valencia, Negros Oriental, initiated a training and workshop on rainforestation with the assistance of VSU rainforestation experts, Mr. Marlito Bande and Mr. Tony Fernandez. Rainforestation has gone a long way since the other members of the federation adopted the technology in their own farms. The local governments of Bacong and Valencia also initiated similar activities encouraging other NGOs, students and the local Department of Education to adopt rainforestation.
Description of RF site
A total of 5 LGUs in Negros Oriental and a number of communities already adopted rainforestation (please see Table 6). Approximately, 392 hectares of rainforestation were implemented since its inception in 2005. Several other LGUs, individuals, industrial companies and NGOs also asked Mr. Vendiola and Mr. Carino for regular technical assistance in establishing similar initiatives in their areas (Carino and Vendiola, 2012).
Table 4. List of Rainforestation farms, land status with the number of hectares initiated in Negros Oriental
Name of Farm/Location of RF Baslay Rainforestation, Dauin Land Use Status Forest Land Area (ha) 75
Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Sibulan
Protected area
200
Lawigan Watershed, Bacong Mantiquil Rainforestation demo Farm, Siaton Liptong Woodlands, Bacong Watershed Rehabilitation Program, Valencia
Alienable and Disposable Forest Land Alienable and Disposable Forest Land TOTAL
5 10 2 100 392
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Key success factors

According to Mr. Paul Carino, the following are the factors and strategies that he and PENAGMANNAKI considered to be the success factors in their RF implementation. 1. Community Organizing Community organizing plays a vital role in establishing the RF farms. In order to establish a more sustainable implementation of the RF program, the community members of each barangay or sitio should be organized and capacitated based on sustainable management principles. They should have a wider understanding of the environment and have the proper awareness of how to take care of it. The tenets of RF should also be properly instructed so that they can implement it correctly. 2. Establishment of Demonstration Sites Demonstration sites serve as an avenue for learning about RF. It can also serve as proof of the technology and can showcase its benefits. In the case of PENAGMANNAKI, two demonstration sites were established through different initiatives in Liptong Woodlands, Bacong for a 2-hectare rainforestation farm and in the BTLNP, Sibulan with 4 hectares. These demonstration sites provided the learning experience for people in the academe, LGUs, research institutions, POs and other civil society organizations. Other communities were also challenged to duplicate the initiative after learning the economic benefits of the project. The establishment of these demonstration sites became an effective tool in advocating for biodiversity conservation at the grassroots level. On these demonstration sites, PENAGMANNAKI showcased a mixture of framework and climax tree species. This provided opportunities for forest succession to be short-circuited. Most of the dipterocarp trees planted performed so well in the open areas of the demonstration farm. After three years, most of the weeds were already shaded out. The framework species planted also served as food plants for many species of seed-dispersing animals like birds and fruit bats, allowing more seedlings to be produced in the ground cover. This initiative also provided opportunities as income generating where these seedlings were sold to other reforestation initiatives. Other understorey plants species such as palms, Araceae, tree ferns, Medinilla spp., heliconias and other epiphytes were also introduced in the third year of implementation. These plants allowed a better replica of the original forest that also provided opportunities for other wildlife species (e.g. insects, bats, birds, frogs, lizards and snakes) to feed on the nectars of its flowers, fruits, and prey recruited in the area. 3. Family-based initiatives Aside from the communities initiatives through communal farms and CBFM areas, family-initiated farms are also very effective in establishing RF farms within alienable and disposable areas or titled lands. A true sense of ownership can be achieved and management is far more effective through its personal initiatives. Direct benefits can also be compared, assessed, and quantified from its actual impacts.
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Benefits
1. Economic Benefits The PENAGMANNAKI members received additional income from their individual farms and their income as a federation through the demo farm. The farmers earned better from their cash crops, fruits, ornamental plants, and seedling productions. Each farmer involved in the implementation earned an additional net income of at least P20,000 a year from its produce. This excludes donations from tour guiding (bird watching) and from visitors during field visits to the demonstration sites in Liptong Woodlands and BTLNP. 2. Impacts to Biological Diversity A total of 256 different species of plants, 17 herpetofauna species, 35 avifauna and 17 mammalian fauna were recorded in Liptong Woodlands (Table 5). This area has been a target site for bird watching activities by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines. Many endemic birds and other wildlife species can be observed in the area. Mr. Vendiola was awarded in the 5th Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. Triennial Awards in the field of environmental conservation in the individual category. His prize was used to expand the nursery and in strengthening ties and partnership with the LGUs interested in the programme (Carino and Vendiola, 2012).
THE CASE OF VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY AS AN ACADEME IMPLEMENTER OF RF: THE PTFCF SILAGO PROJECT
Location: Silago, Southern Leyte Typology: Restoration in Protected Areas, Production Topography of RF Site: Hilly How RF was adopted
The Institute of Tropical Ecology (ITE) is presently implementing a project with the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation (PTFCF) entitled Forest Restoration and Biodiversity Protection of Lowland Dipterocarp Forest in Silago. The project was conceptualized due to the alarming forest destruction in one of the last remaining dipterocarp forests in the Philippines, making Silago a biodiversity hotspot. The sudden grave threat to the forests was brought about by the construction of the national highway crossing through the remaining residual and old growth lowland dipterocarp. This paved the way for the increase in population due to the influx of migrants from other municipalities. Silago was not just threatened by large but also small-scale forest exploitation. Moreover, the discovery of a new species of Gomphandra (a rare plant species considered vulnerable by IUCN Red List 2010) was sighted in Silago justifying the urgent need to protect and manage the area before they disappear. VSU proposed in introducing RF technology in Silago, in the hopes that it would help stop the ill effects of slash-and-burn cultivation, biodiversity loss and modifications of ecosystem functions. The project intended to: conduct environmental advocacy and capacity building of local stakeholders; conduct biophysical characterization and biodiversity inventory; design and implement sustainable livelihood options; and formulate a co-management agreement between PO, LGU, VSU, the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Environment and Natural
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Table 5 . Number of species per taxa recorded in Liptong Woodlands

Taxa Araceae Auraucariaceae Dipterocarpaceae Taxa Heliconiaceae Melastomataceae Orchidaceae Palmae Zingiberaceae Non-dipterocarps Fern & Fern Allies Herpetofauna Avifauna Mammalian Fauna Total number of species 10 1 19 1 15 7 10 10 8 156 15 17 35 16
Resources (DENR) on the establishment of a 50-hectare long-term ecological plo The project started with the usual project orientation to the different barangays involved in the project. The proposal was also presented to the mayor and the municipal officers. Prior to the project implementation, the study leaders and staff conducted a baseline data gathering to direct the projects objectives to the needs of the people and the environment. Four POs from six barangays were involved in the project. They are Puntana Livelihood Project and Environmental Development Association (PLPEDA) from Brgy. Puntana; Poblacion District II Rainforestation Farmers Association (PDRAFA) of Brgy. Poblacion, District II; Tubod Farmerss Assoiation (TUFA) of Brgy. Tubod; and Katipunan, Imelda, Catmon Farmers Association Community Forestry Association (KICCFA) from Brgys. Katipunan, Imelda and Catmon. Once the project was approved, community organizing also started. The project staff also worked out the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between VSU, LGU and ViFARD to make a strong foundation for the project.
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Establishment of RF site in Silago, Leyte (VSU-ViFARD File Photo)
Key success factors

1. Hiring of reliable Community Organizers. The community organizers were assigned to: establish rapport with the community and help them understand the project conduct a survey/index of household members in the community verify community assets and needs assist community members and project leaders in the implementation of the project participate in meetings or be visible in community activities make contacts with residents and disseminate project-related activities ensure report of data gathered from the field pertinent to the project The hiring community organizers provide the needed assistance to project leaders who are preoccupied with work from the university. They do a lot of leg work in the project site so that time spent by the project leaders in the project area is maximized. 2. The presence and visibility of project leaders usually create an impact on the participation of community members on the project. Local people usually have high regard for professionals outside the community. The project leaders frequent visits despite their busy schedule usually sustain interest in the project and increase participation during meetings, gatherings and project implementation. 3. A well-developed project description, plans/objectives and implementation strategies will also lead to more defined and more efficient project execution.
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Challenges met
As academics, implementers of the project are bound to carry on other duties such as teaching and other academic responsibilities, implementing research and extension activities, handling several administrative posts and actively participating in numerous university activities. Conflicting time among project leaders due to different class and meeting schedules can sometimes delay project activities. Moreover, the travel time from VSU to Silago would take almost 2 hours by private vehicle. Public transport schedules are also very limited. The Silago project was not easily implemented during its initial phase. Some barangay officials in the project sites objected to the proposed project, while their barangay captain was also hesitant. They protested the project during the project orientation. Their hostility to the project emanated from their previous experience with other project donors and funders. They said that previous environmental projects gave a lot of false hopes and promises to the local people. In the case of Silago, the influx of environmental projects right after they became a hotspot for environmental threats made them more skeptical about new projects even when intentions were genuine. This is because some projects, as claimed by the local people, are not transparent enough especially in terms of financial auditing and allocation. Some funders also did not undergo protocols and proper project orientation and local officials felt they had been bypassed. These claims made by the local people, however, made VSU project implementers more cautious. They used this knowledge as a leveling experience to win the hearts of the people in the community. The harsh terrain and impassable road to the project site during rainy days also delay its implementation. One of the challenges met by the project team in the implementation of a community-based project was harmonious coordination of all the other initiatives in the area, either by government or non- government agencies. Somehow, there has to be a leveling off or effective orientation of respective projects so that overlaps or conflicts can be avoided.
Benefits
1. Although this project is still in its implementation stage, the POs already benefitted from community organizing and the conduct of various trainings that capacitate and enhance environmental awareness among the local stakeholders. The trainings include paralegal training for Bantay Gubat members, assistance in the formulation and ratification of the POs Constitution and By-laws (CBL), and anti-mining advocacy. They were also assisted in the identification and implementation of suitable alternative livelihoods. The recommended option was based on suitability to the physical characteristics of the area, environment-friendliness, with marketability and required level of maintenance. 2. The establishment of a 50-hectare ecological monitoring plot was a big challenge to VSU project implementers, especially in the coordination of the involved units or agencies on specific roles and terms. However, the whole process provided an arena for scientific opportunities, as well as lessons learned and experience for the implementers who are also researchers/ scientists.
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MORE LESSONS LEARNED

For more than two decades of implementation, not all RF initiatives were successful. A number of them were either ineffective and/or failed. The following are the factors observed by adopters, implementers and advocates leading to failed RF implementation:
1. End of project withdrawal from the site without providing enough capability building.
Short-term projects that focused only in creating a PO and establishing a RF site usually end up breaking up PO members resulting to the discontinued RF implementation. Fast-tracked projects also result to poor or improper project implementation. The project is bound to be ineffective because its short duration is insufficient to inculcate the proper understanding and importance of RF environmentally, socially and economically among the beneficiaries. Apparently, those groups whose projects ended prematurely will never really be able to realize and experience the benefits of RF.
2. Poor management and leadership of a community organization.

Proper management is crucial to an organization and can cause the success or failure of RF implementation because RF adopters, especially the POs, always look for proper direction from their leaders. Local leaders of organizations and institutions should have the commitment to implement the project and create a rippling effect among its members.
3. Struggle within the implementing organization, i.e. Peoples Organization

As with any implementing body, the objectives of an organization, i.e. PO will not be realized if unity within the group is problematic. From RF implementers, this usually happens when financial matters or other issues remain unresolved. This results in distrust among members resulting in less project cooperation.
4. Change of governance.
A discontinued project due to a change in government leadership is a common occurrence in the Philippines, and so is with Rainforestation. There were instances when implementers established a good relationship with incumbent officials, that upon changing leadership in the next election, especially if the victors are from the other party, RF projects or do not get prioritized. Because of experiences like these, the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) became an important process in the implementing strategies. This will ensure the LGUs continuing support to the project.
5. Lack of monitoring.
The success of rainforestation does not end in the proper implementation of the training and workshop, capability building and the establishment of farms. A big indicator of its success is measured through proper monitoring and evaluation of the sites. Unfortunately, there are many established RF sites in the country that are not yet monitored. This would either result to loss of interest among the implementers and/or improper implementation. Monitoring skills should be developed and monitoring schemes should be set in place to get necessary and uniform data. Indicators should include environmental, social and economic effects of RF as well as the baseline data, which is equally important. However, what is needed is the sustained financial and commitment of the implementing institution or organization.
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Rainforestation Participatory Approach and Implementing Strategies This diagram1 is a technical model for rainforestation which had been developed through 20 years of experience in developing RF sites through participatory approach.
Environmental Advocacy and RF Orientation Facilitates in the inclusion of RF activities in the Annual Investment Plan Identification of designated office and contact persons Endorsement and commitment of support Identification of priority sites for Rainforestation establishment Recognition and accreditation of farmers association
Local Government Unit (LGU) Administrative support Policy and legal support Financial and material support Technical support Execution of MOA/MOU
Visayas State University (VSU) Rainforestation technology Technical support - Farm development - Farm maintenance - Nursery establishment Financial and material support Administrative support Execution of MOA/MOU
Community consultation and organizing Focus group discussion and RF orientation - farmer leaders - Barangay Council members - church leaders Barangay Council Meeting Barangay General Assembly meeting Environmental advocacy
Local Community Identification of potential rainforestation training participants Venue and food preparation Identification of proposed site Land claims settlement Labor and material support Formation and registration of farmers association Formulation of constitution and by-laws (CBL) Execution of MOA
Development of Rainforestation Site
RF orientation Identification of designated office and contact persons Delineation of support and proposed area for RF development
Local DENR Office (CENRO) Tenurial instrument issuance Tree registration Policy and legal support Administrative and technical support
Endorsement and commitment of support Identification of priority sites for Rainforestation establishment Recognition and accreditation of farmers association
Fig. 3. Rainforestation Participatory Approach and Implementing Strategies
1 Develop by Dr.Marlito Bande as adapted from RF Resourcee Manual, In Press
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Implementing Strategies
The following are the steps to implement rainforestation through a participatory approach as shown in the diagram: 1. Environmental advocacy and community organizing 2. Community consultation and orientation workshop 3. Training on Rainforestation 4. Application/Identification of Rainforestation Cooperators 5. Formation and registration of farmers association 6. Site identification, biophysical assessment and farm plan preparation 7. Formulation and signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and/or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
VISION FOR RAINFORESTATION

1. Rainforestation aims to restore Philippine forests using native trees, or trees that originally thrived in the area. The National Greening Project of the Philippine Government and ROAD to 2020 supplements the vision of rainforestation which is to restore one million hectares of Philippine rainforests using native tree species and to sustain provision of ecological goods and services by year 2020 through an informed and engaged public. Rainforestation is envisioned to be one of the better options for rural development and biodiversity conservation, through enhanced ecological services, biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. Ultimately, it is hoped to ensure social equity and poverty reduction of the most disadvantage sectors of the countrys populace. Successful implementation, however, needs political will, commitment and dedication of the adoptors, for its successful implementation. Collaboration and good partnerships among concerned agencies are essential for it to be widely promoted, agencies are limited in their capacities to reach out and extend to the target stakeholders. Hand in hand with one another, it is hoped that the Philippine forests will be reborn for the benefit of the greater world. 2. Rainforestation in the larger context: as a promising technology to mitigate climate change. Established rainforestation sites serve as carbon sinks to help mitigate climate change. According to Goltenboth (personal communication, 2012), a Professor from the University of Hohenheim in Germany, about 320 tons of carbon dioxide will be absorbed by a 1 hectare area with rainforestation under certain conditions: Tropical humid climate with average temperatures of 24-26 degree celsius and about 2,500 mm annual precipitation About 1,000 trees per hectare with a spacing of 2 x 2 meters and an annual growth in diameter of up tp 1.2 cm. Crops and other goods produced in a rainforestation farm can be considered to be not only organic products, but also ecological biodiversity products , because the rainforestation farming system supports rehabilitation of the environment and the given biodiversity.
The realization of making rainforestation a national strategy should not end in national policies, but in the adoption of the different sectors. Collaborative effort on the proper implementation, monitoring and assessment of rainforestation initiatives are necessary to effectively measure the impact of the technology.
2 Refer to RF Resource Manual for more details
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The chambering method is one of the trademarks of rainforestation technology, where the seedlings are ready for outplanting within 3 months, with low maintenance from farmers (USAID-FPE Project File Photo).
MAPPING OUT FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

1. RF Replication
a. Government institutions The DENR recognized RF as an innovative approach for the rehabilitation of degraded lands and effective not only in restoring the forest vegetation and biodiversity but also in improving soil quality and increasing farm adopters income. This led to the issuance of DENR Memorandum Circular 2004-06 which contains the guidelines in the integration of Rainforestation farming strategy in the development of open and denuded areas with protected areas and other appropriate forest lands. This development from the DENR, if strictly followed, is crucial in encouraging government institutions as well as other organizations to replicate RF and hasten establishment of RF in the different forests/areas in the Philippines. b. Academe/Schools Academic and research institutions promote science-based policies and programs, provide technical assistance and support, conduct project monitoring and evaluation, critique government policies and produce a new breed of people-oriented foresters and are responsive to the needs of people-oriented initiatives (CIFOR, 2006). These make the academe an important avenue for up-scaling Rainforestation. It is where future foresters and environmentalists are honed. It is important that students are educated on the importance of utilizing our own tree species in reforestation. Academes are also home to researchers and scientists with different specializations who can do studies on RF. Promotion of networking activities on RF by academic institutions would be very effective as a multiplier effect of the strategy.
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c. Region-wide adoption of the other parts of Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and China. There have been some initiatives reported on the replication of RF in other Southeast Asian countries. The transfer of knowledge about the Rainforestation Farming technology to other SEA regions with similar problem is underway. Local and international NGOs like Naturelife-International (Germany), Diakonie (Germany), Tianzi, (China), Wildlife Society (Sri Lanka), and an agency in Madagascar are working together in the implementation and local adaptation of RF. This is a welcome development and outputs of these activities are relevant information if the potential succes of the RF can be validated in other tropical countries.
2. Adjustment of RF to cater needs of adopter

Another crucial factor is the modification of the technology to suit the needs of the adopter. The adopter/farmer must have the choice of species that will be planted in their farms. They should also be recommended with methods and systems that are familiar to them. Species should be more diverse for more security to farmers and more mechanisms to avoid pest attacks. Therefore, different components such as soil analysis, topography, climatic conditions as well as cultural beliefs and practices should be considered in RF implementation.
3. Continuous monitoring
RF does not stop in planting or establishment. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of existing and to be established farms is also an important component in the success of RF implementation. Monitoring does not only sustain the interest of its implementers (eg. POs, NGOs, etc.) but allows them to record the different aspects of RF development which could be critical information for further scientific, technical and social studies.
4. Establishment of nurseries of native tree seedlings all over the country to provide for planting materials
With thousands of hectares that need to be reforested, the need to establish nurseries of native tree seedlings should also be fastpaced to have a ready supply of planting materials. This would entail the need for proper training by adopters on wildling collection and nursery establishment. In addition, production of quality seedlings is very significant if massive replanting or rehabilitation activities will be done.
5. More research, studies relating to rainforestation (Ceniza, 2011)

A vast of information on rainforestation is still needed to be studied and experimented on. Some research can focus on the following: a. Proper identification and phenological observation on the remaining indigenous mother trees between islands b. Species and site matching c. More in-depth research on the impacts of the different RF typologies d. Technical strategies in the implementation of RF (ie. Integration with fruit trees, other modified practices by the farmers) e. Perfecting the seedling recovery chamber f. Carbon dioxide sequestration of indigenous species g. Detailed and sustained economic studies of RF
PAGE 33 |
CONCLUSION
Past restoration efforts in the country have constraints because the focus is on the development of forestry and agroforestry systems using tree species that are introduced and selected for their fast growth and easy germination. The species composition of the original forest is rarely taken into account. Rainforestation is envisioned to be a paradigm shift from what has been practiced in forest restoration in the Philippines. In our pursuit for sustainable ecosystem management and the economic upliftment for our target clientele, this strategy was developed and introduced with the integration of sustainable food production, biodiversity protection, and balanced ecosystem functions. In more than twenty years of development and implementation of RF by VSU, it has proved its potential for creating most relevant impacts towards sustainable reforestation strategies. Bringing back the Philippine forests goes beyond just tree planting but should include wise decisions as to the species to be planted. In this way, effective environmental services that are delivered and sustained. There should also be a strong policy for country -wide promotion, so that involved agencies are very well-guided. In the implementation of this rainforestation strategy by an academic institution like VSU, experiences were varied and provided additional insights as to its benefits and constraints. The lessons learned provided good inputs to the implementers to propel a successful RF implementation. There are several factors recognized that could influence effective implementation, such as the strong political will and the personal advocacy of the adopter. Rainforestation proved to be a better alternative option for reforestation, however, there is still a lot to be done if we want to meet the ambitious objectives in rainforesting denuded forests of the Philippines.
34
REFERENCES
Ceniza, M.J.C., Milan, P.P., Asio, V.B., Napiza, M., Bande, M.M., Posas, D., and Mondal, H.L. 2004, Evaluation of Silvicultural Management, Ecological Changes and Market Study of Products of Existing Rainforestation Demonstration and Cooperators Farms: Terminal Report. 2004. Carino, A. and Vendiola, R. Rainforestation: A Community-based Forest Restoration Initiative in Negros Oriental, Philippines. 2012. Proceedings of the International Symposium on Reclamation, Rehabilitation and Restoration Towards a Greener Asia, L.H. Ang, W.M. Ho, C.T. Lee and H.C. Sim (Editors), 3-5 July 2011, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pp. 107-110. Ceniza, M.J.C., Milan, P.P. 2006. Collaborative Research Studis and Training. Financing agreement between GTZ-LIP and Leyte State University. Final report. Ceniza, M.J.C., 2011. Up-scaling Rainforestation as a Reforestation Strategy in the Philippines. Paper during the Mindanao Forum on Rainforestation, 2011. Kolb, Matthias. 2003. Silvicultural Analysis of Rainforestation Farming areas on Leyte Island, Philippines. Masters thesis, Goettingen University, Germany. Margraf, J. and Milan P.P. 1996. Ecology of Dipterocarp Forests and its Relevance for Island Rehabilitation in Leyte, Philippines. Singapore. Milan, P.P. and Margraf, J. 1994. Rainforestation Farming: An alternative to conventional concepts. Annals of Tropical Research. Special Issue on Tropical Ecology. National Greening Program. http://ngp.denr.gov.ph/faqs.php Noriel, P, Bande, M. & Pogosa, J. The Role of Academe in People Empowerment: The case of Cienda-San Vicente Farmers Association (CSVFA). Paper presented to Ugnayang Pang-aghamtao Conference. 2007. Unpublished. RF Resource Manual. In Press. RFRI. Rainforestation Information Portal. http://www.rainforestation.ph/ ROAD 2020. http://www.haribon.org.ph/index.php/road-to-2020. Rural Communities and Philippine Forests: Cases and Insights on Law and Natural Resources. 2004. Tanggol Kalikasan Center for International Environmental law. Edited by Atty. Ipat Luna et. al Schulte, A. 2003. Rainforestation farming: Option for rural development and biodiversity conservation in the humid tropics of Sountheast Asia. Volkmar Stiebitz, Congress Report GmBH. Shaker Verlag. Germany. The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR). 2006. One Century of Forest Rehabilitation in the Philippines: Approaches, outcomes and lessons. SMK Grafika Desa Putera, Jakarta, Indonesia. Edited by Chokkalingam et. al Velarde, GLM. Dissemination and Adoption of Rainforestation Farming: Some Cases in Leyte. 2007. Unpublished. Undergraduate thesis presented to the Department of Development Communication, Visca, Baybay, Leyte.
CASE STUDY WRITER

PIA LABASTILLA has a degree in Development Communication from Visayas State University and has worked in research, community development and in teaching for various institutes in the Visayas State University. She currently works as a Development Associate for Peace and Equity Foundation based in Quezon City and is a candidate for a Masters Degree in Cultural Anthropology at Ateneo de Manila University. Her background includes project management for natural resource management, community-based forest restoration and biodiversity protection, rainforestation area monitoring, and antimining advocacies.
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FPE MANAGEMENT TEAM

Godofredo T. Villapando, Jr. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Liza M. Vida OIC-MANAGER, PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT UNIT Fernando M. Ramirez MANAGER, LUZON REGIONAL UNIT Myrissa L. Tabao MANAGER, VISAYAS REGIONAL UNIT Armando C. Pacudan MANAGER, MINDANAO REGIONAL UNIT Mary Ann B. Leones MANAGER, INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT Jay Carmela C. Ciriaco MANAGER, FINANCE UNIT Doreen A. Erasga OFFICER, HUMAN RESOURCE UNIT Pearl C. Vivar OFFICER, GENERAL SERVICES UNIT
USAID-FPE PROJECT TEAM

Maria Felda S. Domingo NATIONAL PROJECT COORDINATOR Rosalie G. Pasibe LUZON REGIONAL COORDINATOR June Arthur P. Banagodos VISAYAS REGIONAL COORDINATOR Joseph Thaddeus R. Rabang MINDANAO REGIONAL COORDINATOR/ NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Cherylon A. Herzano NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (Sept 2011-June 2012) Michelle D. Alejado PARTNERSHIP BUILDING SPECIALIST Ma. Rhodora C. Veloso KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST (Feb-Sept 2012) Florence C. Baula KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Constancia S. Bacolod PROJECT ASSISTANT Carina Dacillo/ Charity Marces/ Anita T. Tungala BOOKKEEPER
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the United States federal government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. In the Philippines, assistance started since 1946 focusing on economic growth, democracy and governance, health, education, environment, energy and climate change, and humanitarian assistance. For environmental governance, USAID works in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Agriculture, and a wide range of stakeholders including civil society organizations, to improve governance of natural resources and conserve biodiversity. Know more about USAID Philippines at http://philippines.usaid.gov/
FPE is the first and largest grant-making organization for civil society environmental initiatives in the Philippines. Its support went primarily to protecting local conservation sites and strengthening community and grassroots-led environmental efforts in more than 65 critical sites through more than 1,300 projects grants. The establishment of FPE on January 15, 1992 was meant to abate the destruction of the countrys own natural resources. As many as 334 NGOs and grassroots organizations, along with 24 academic institutions, helped set its course through a process of nationwide consultations. Subsequently, Philippine and United States government agencies and NGOs raised the foundations initial $21.8-million endowment through an innovative debt-for-nature swap. Today, FPE remains committed in fulfilling its roles as a catalyst for cooperation, grant maker, and fund facilitator for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. For more information about FPE, visit www.fpe.ph
The ViSCA Foundation for Agricultural and Rural Development (ViFARD) is a non-stock, non-profit corporation, created due to the growing demands by both government and non-government agencies for various services towards acceleration of agricultural and rural development. In cooperation with several departments and research and training centers of the Visayas State University, the premier university of science and technology in the Visayas, ViFARD offers financial resources management for education, training and research; program, project implementation for income-generating establishments, marketing of agricultural products and technology, consultancy services for the design of development projects, feasibility studies, information campaigns and book publishing; research project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and appraisal; policy studies. For more information on VSU-ViFARD, email vifard09@yahoo.com
BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF VSUS RAINFORESTATION IMPLEMENTATION
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines

Rebirthing Philippine Forests

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BEST PRACTICES AND LESSONS LEARNED IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES

REBIRTHING PHILIPPINE FORESTS

GLORIA D. STEELE Mission Director, USAID/Philippines

WOLFREDA T. ALESNA, Ph.D.

The BCSD Knowledge Series of FPE

Up-Scaling Forest Restoration on Efforts in Key Biodiversity Areas

Rainforestation sites in the Philippines

Figure 1. Established RF sites (Source: ITEEM file)

PO with tenurial Baybay, Leyte instrument (CBFM)

Marcos RF Farm (Prof. Manuel Posas) Private/Individual Agronomist Baybay, Leyte

Mailhi RF Farm (Mr. Macario Romano)

Production Landslide protection

Table 2. Summary of Rainforestation Milestones

1996 (to present)

Table 1. Summary of the Different RF cases (continuation)

Watershed protection Production Restoration

PTFCF funded Silago project

Restoration in protected areas Production

THE CASE OF CIENDA-SAN VICENTE FARMERS ASSOCIATION

Table 2. Summary of Rainforestation milestones (continuation)

Key Success Factors

Mr. Renato Poliquit Farmer and CSVFA President, 2005-2010

THE CASE OF PROF. MANUEL POSAS: A PRIVATE RF ADOPTER

Manuel Posas, Agronomist

THE CASE OF MR. MACARIO ROMANO: FARMER

Mr. Macario Romano, Farmer

THE CASE OF PILAR CAN-UGKAY RF: AN LGU-SUPPORTED RAINFORESTATION

Key success factors

Table 3. RF Farm location and size in Pilar, Camotes

2 Lots 1 ha and 1.5 has 4 has

Privately owned, run by PO

Privately owned, run by PO

Dapdap Gabigabihan Kawit

2 has 3 has 1 hectare

Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Sibulan

Key success factors

Table 5 . Number of species per taxa recorded in Liptong Woodlands

Establishment of RF site in Silago, Leyte (VSU-ViFARD File Photo)

Key success factors

MORE LESSONS LEARNED

2. Poor management and leadership of a community organization.

3. Struggle within the implementing organization, i.e. Peoples Organization

Development of Rainforestation Site

Fig. 3. Rainforestation Participatory Approach and Implementing Strategies

1 Develop by Dr.Marlito Bande as adapted from RF Resourcee Manual, In Press

VISION FOR RAINFORESTATION

2 Refer to RF Resource Manual for more details

MAPPING OUT FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

2. Adjustment of RF to cater needs of adopter

5. More research, studies relating to rainforestation (Ceniza, 2011)

CASE STUDY WRITER

FPE MANAGEMENT TEAM

USAID-FPE PROJECT TEAM

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines

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