Abstract
The Palawan Corridor is home to a diverse and remarkable biological diversity. The highest peak in the province, Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL), is a Protected Area and is considered sacred by the indigenous Pala’wan people. Its watershed provides the necessities of the community in terms of agriculture, drinking water, and livelihood. Although MMPL is protected by laws and regulations, it nonetheless suffers a threat to the environment because of its abundance of biodiversity and natural resources. This research provides solutions to community problems such as environmental issues, land use and delineation issues, institutional and governance issues, and socio-economic challenges. Design Thinking was employed in this research to explore the biodiversity conservation status to formulate research-based stakeholders’ inclusive local policies. The participants were chosen based on inclusion criteria. Data was collected by immersing the researcher in the community. Focus groups were held along with interviews of informants, direct observations within the community, and mountain hikes to view their field were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data collected. The three resolutions and one local ordinance formulated were evaluated and analyzed statistically using mean scores. Based on the criteria, statistical analysis showed that the formulated local policies were Above Average. This indicates that the formulated policies are sustainable, relevant, feasible, and politically viable. The findings prove that the formulated policies in line with Science Education intended for MMPL are helpful, hence, these were submitted to the Protected Area Management Board for utilization.
Author Information
Glenda Cruz, Western Philippines University, Philippines
Peter Ernie Paris, West Visayas State University, Philippines
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