Comprehensive Development and Management Plan

COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN of the

PROPOSED ECOTOURISM INFRASTRUCTURES in Brgy. Mahagnao, Burauen, Leyte

Local Government Unit of Burauen, Leyte Mayor Juanito E. Renomeron Proponent

1. Introduction: An intact and functioning ecosystem provides irreplaceable services. Ecosystems are essential to life. Mountains, in particular, help regulate the climate, produce oxygen, and

act as water filters and sources of food and resources. In the Philippines, many of our

mountains have been designated as terrestrial protected areas through the National

Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) act of 1992, which encompasses outstandingly remarkable areas and biologically important public lands and ancestral

domains that are habitats of rare and endangered species of plants and animals, biogeographic zones and related ecosystems, whether terrestrial wetlands or marine, all of which shall be designated as "protected areas" (Rule 2, DAO 2008-26).

Burauen is a first class landlocked municipality in the province of Leyte with a land area

of 265.33 km2 which constitutes 4.20% of Leyte’s total land area (Philatlas, 2019). Due

to the unique geographical and biological features in the place, 340.82 hectares (3.40

km2) of Burauen was reserved and established as protected area.

The Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP) was declared as Natural Park through the

Presidential Proclamation No. 1157 dated February 3, 1998. A lot of unique flora and fauna is found in the area. The most prominent feature of the natural park is its scenic grandeur of andesitic volcano and the adjoining three (3) lakes namely: Lake Mahagnao,

Lake Malagsum, and Lake Matigbao. Most of the canopy trees found in the area are

Dipterocarps. It is dominated by Shorea species that serves as “backbone” for forest ecosystem.

Burauen Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism (BEST), an initiative of the Local

Government Unit of Burauen plans to develop eco-friendly infrastructures that will boost the tourism activity in the area.

2. Objectives:

The proposed development aims to strengthen the tourism sector in the Municipality of

Burauen, Leyte. The project will provide economic growth in Barangay Mahagnao by

providing livelihood and employment to the local residents. The increase in tourist influx will congruently increase the profit by all stakeholders in the value chain such as

the transportation sector (trisikad drivers, motorcycle drivers, tricycle drivers), food

sector (carenderias, sari-sari stores and other food stores), government (taxes) and

other private business operators (home-stay, resort owners, etc.). 3. Area Description:

3.1. Location and Accessibility The proposed ecotourism development is located in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP), Barangay Mahagnao, Burauen, Province of Leyte. It is approximately located 42 kilometers from Tacloban City and 18 kilometers from the town proper of Burauen, Leyte.

This site!

This site!

Figure 1. Location Map of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park

Burauen is a landlocked 1st class municipality located in the central part of

Leyte. It is bounded to the north by Dagami and Tabon-tabon, on the east by Julita, west by Albuera and Ormoc city and south by Lapaz.

Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park lies strategically between two important

economic growth centers: Tacloban City, which is the major business center of

Eastern Visayas; and Ormoc City, the gateway tourist service center of Cebu

City. The park is accessible through the use of private vehicles, or motorcycles that can be hired from the town proper. (Burauen Terminal). Average travel

time from the town proper to MVNP is around 25 minutes. 3.2. History of the Area

In the year 1928, the Municipal Council of Burauen passed a resolution creating

Mahagnao as a barrio including the sitio So-ongon, Uwak, Logsongan and

Mombong. The municipal mayor of Burauen appointed Pio Trenchera as the

barrio lieutenant. Mr. Trenchera was ambitious, energetic, wise and industrious. This unique personality which he possessed made him as a good

leader until he voluntarily resigned because of his old age. He was then

succeeded by Mr. Gregorio Tismo, his son in-law, another man of good

personality. Mr. Tismo headed the people of the barrio peacefully until the

Japanese occupation of the country which led him to resign because of harsh treatment to the people made by the Japanese soldiers, who often times

patrolled the barrio. The barrio was totally evacuated during the dark days,

until such time the Americans liberated the Philippines, Mr. Tismo was again appointed by the municipal mayor of Burauen as lieutenant. After serving two

years he resigned because of his old age. Pio Sevillano succeeded him but unluckily was again succeeded by Mr. Joaquin Casdan because of some political reasons. After four years of Joaquin’s leadership, he was again succeeded by Severo Paza, the incumbent barrio lieutenant.

In the later part of the Spanish occupation, General Mojica and his revolutionary army arrived in Leyte to subdue the Spanish garrison in the island. General Mojica organized his army in the mountains of Burauen and La Paz. He

happened to discover the volcano full of Sulphur, formerly known as

“asuprehan” volcano in the province of Leyte and the two beautiful lakes at the

top of the mountain now known as Lake Danao, with abundance of fish and Lake Malagsom (sour water).

The discovery of the Sulphur deposit and the panoramic beauties of these two lakes made this particular place known throughout the Philippines.

A law was passed by the Philippine Assembly of 1938 creating a portion of the territory of Mahagnao including the beautiful volcano, two beautiful lakes often

times called as the Osmeña National Park. Aside from the sulphuric deposit in

this place, the visiting organizers found out that other mineral deposits can be excavated in various places in Mahagnao. Applications of big mining companies and corporations for excavation of these mineral resources are waiting for the approval from the government.

In the year 1940, the population of Mahagnao was nearly 700. The government opened public schools, appointing Mr. Consorcio Cartel, the first teacher to take

the position with an enrollment of 87 grade one children. Unluckily this school was closed because of the Japanese invasion and was reopened 1948.

During the World War, the USAFFE prepared their line of defense in Leyte. Mahagnao was chosen as the place for their regimental command post because

of its strategic position. Unfortunately, the main forces of the USAFFE surrendered but some of the soldiers headed by Capt. Erfe continued their

guerilla warfare, making Mahagnao as their General Headquarters. The people of this barrio had never submitted to the yoke of the brutal Japanese soldiers.

In the later part of 1944, the Japanese patrolled Mahagnao, massacred people

which caused the death of Pio Trenchera, the well-known spiritual head of the barrio and his family.

Pio Trenchera, his wife, a daughter and two sons were brutally killed by the invaders, because they never revealed the secrets of the Filipino guerillas, and especially his two sons who were officers in the Filipino Guerilla Organization.

The people of this barrio did not stay idle during the dark days of the World War. Women and children worked in the fields while their men were fighting the enemies.

The present occupation of the populace of the barrio are farming, fishing, and lumbering. Their important products are tobacco and abaca. 3.3. Topography Generally, Burauen has a mountainous and rolling terrain. The upland and

lowland areas of Burauen are composed of mountain ranges, secondary and wetland forests that contain a diverse number of plant and animal species,

rivers in which Burauen is drained by two major river systems, namely: Daguitan and Marabong rivers, falls, lakes, hot spring and even a potentially

active volcano which can be found in the Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, with elevation ranging from 370-840 meters above sea level.

This site!

Figure 2. Topographic Map of Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park

3.4. Climate and Rainfall The Philippines has tropical oriented climate with two pronounced seasons: the

wet and dry seasons compared to temperate countries which have four seasons. The dry season occurs from December to May while the wet season occurs from June to November.

Locally, the Philippine climate has been classified into four (4), in accordance to

the distribution of rainfall over certain regions in the country. Type 1 Climate

prevails in the area with short dry season from the month of April to August

and a pronounced maximum rainfall from November to January. On the average, the months of February to March and September to October have about 160 mm of rainfall. 3.5. Geology and Soils The geology of Leyte Island was formed from different geologic time scales. It

consists of a number of Pliocene-Quaternary volcanic cones, generally andesitic

in nature, a schist body, an igneous complex with serpentinized materials of

probable Cretaceous to Oligocene age; the sedimentary sequence equivalent to that of Samar Island during early Miocene to Pleistocene epochs; and Quaternary volcanic. The island is further characterized by isolated dormant

volcanic centers, some of which still display minor solfataric emissions and are seemingly aligned along the Philippine Fault.

Figure 3. (A) Geologic Map of Leyte Island (adapted from MGB 2004); (B) Lithological Map of Leyte (adapted from BSWM, 2014)

The municipality of Burauen has 4 types of geologic formation. The oldest is the

Oligocene to Miocene period formed between 33.9 million to 5.3 million years

ago which is located at the center part of Burauen. With regards to its physiography, the area is characterized by flat to gently sloping ground in the

east, gradually rising towards two mountains. Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park was also formed from the Oligocene to Miocene period (sedimentary and

metamorphic rocks). The proposed ecotourism infrastructures are located within the MVNP area.

Based on the soil map (Figure 3B), Burauen has around 4 soil types: Clay, Clay

loam, rough mountainous land, and silt loam. The proposed ecotourism

infrastructure in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park, which is located in the

southern part of Burauen, has 2 dominant soil types: clay and clay loam. These types of soil are dense and usually contain a good deal of plant nutrients and

support most types of plant species. Also, considering the soil type, site improvement and construction of infrastructures will be easier.

3.6. Hazard Map The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) has

already completed its flooding, landslide and volcanic hazard map in the vicinity of Burauen. It is important to determine the hazard prone areas to ensure the safety of local and foreign tourists.

B

A C Figure 4. (A) Flood Prone Map of Burauen (B) Landslide Prone Map of Burauen (C) Volcanic Hazard Map of Burauen

Based on Figures 4A and 4B, the proposed development in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park has low susceptibility to flooding and landslide because rivers do

not drain near the site. However, the area could be affected by heavy rainfalls caused by typhoons or isolated thunderstorms which can lead to high susceptibility for landslides since there are a lot of sloping areas in MVNP. Frequent heavy rainfall may trigger landslides.

The last recorded eruption for Mahagnao Volcano was in 1895. Since then, no

eruptions or volcanic activities are observed except for the sulfuric vents. Based on Figure 4C, Brgy. Mahagnao, which Mahagnao Volcano is located, has high

susceptibility to lahar deposits and heavy ash falls. 3.7. Terrestrial Ecosystem Profile

The Philippines is one of the 18 mega-biodiverse countries of the world,

containing two-thirds of the earth’s biodiversity and between 70% to 80% of

the world’s plant and animal species. According to Food and Agricultue Organization of United Nations (FAO-UN), the country has a total of 7.2 million

hectares of forest ecosystems, comprising approximately 24% of the total land

area. Globally, the Philippines ranks fifth in the number of plant species and

maintains 5% of the world’s flora. Species endemism is very high, covering at least 25 genera of plants and 49% of terrestrial wildlife. For avifauna, the country ranks fourth in bird endemism.

3.7.1. Materials and Methods

Sampling sites for baseline information were established on each trail as well as on the proposed sites for ecotourism facilities. locations and proposed sites for infrastructures.

Figure 5 shows the trail

Figure 5. Trail locations and proposed sites for infrastructures

3.7.1.1. Trail Resources and Monitoring Assessment The team used Trail Resources Assessment and Monitoring (TRAM) method to assess and gather data along the trail. This method is a simplified process

for conducting inventory of attractions, geophysical resources, and biodiversity.

A 20m x 20m (400 m2 per plot) plots were established along the trail with an

interval of 100 meters. All canopy trees and understory species inside the plot were recorded. Trees were individually counted and measured (tree

girth) to get the tree relative density, relative frequency, and relative dominance.

3.7.1.2. Data Analyses 3.7.1.2.1. Diameter at Breast Height and Stand Basal Area Tree girth was measured using a tailor’s tape. Tree Diameter was computed following this formula;

Girth (cm) / 2.54 (convert to inches) Girth (inches) / 3.142 (pi) = Tree diameter

Tree diameter was then used to calculate for tree basal area following this formula:

Tree diameter / 0.005454 (forester’s constant) = Tree basal area

3.7.1.2.2. Relative Density Density is calculated as the total number of individuals of a species.

Relative density is calculated by dividing the density by the sum of the densities of all species, multiplied by 100 (to obtain a percentage). 3.7.1.2.3. Relative Frequency

Frequency is calculated as the number of plots where a species is

observed divided by the total number of survey plots. Relative frequency is calculated by dividing the frequency by the sum of the frequencies of all species, multiplied by 100 (to obtain a percentage). 3.7.1.2.4. Relative Dominance

Dominance is calculated as the total basal area of a species. Relative

dominance is calculated by dividing the dominance by the sum of the dominance of all species, multiplied by 100 (to obtain a percentage). 3.7.1.2.5. Importance Value

The importance value is calculated as the sum from the relative density, relative frequency, and relative dominance. The importance value ranges between 0 and 300.

3.7.1.3. Tree Identification Trees were identified using a guidebook, The Rex Living Library of Native Trees, and Co’s digital flora of the Philippines.

3.7.1.4. Statistical Treatment

Importance value (summation of relative density, relative frequency, and relative dominance) was calculated using Microsoft Office – Excel.

Diversity indices (Species Accumulation Curve, Shannon diversity index, Simpson’s index

and Pielou’s evenness) were calculated using

Paleontological Statistical Tool (PAST ver. 3.26)

3.7.1.5. Bird Observations Observational records were aimed to maximize species discovery,

especially for threatened species. A particular effort was made to visit the full range of the forest. The established DENR two-kilometer transect that

bisected the interior of forest fragments was followed. Point count

stations were also visited in patches of native vegetation and strategic locations within and outside the MVNP area. Effort was made to revisit the

same sites for observations. Birds seen and heard within range of transects were recorded, and ecological notes were made for all

threatened species, including habitat type, elevation, sex, details of

foraging, associations with others birds, etc. A total of 18 observation hours were spent on bird observations on the following dates: 11 January

2018; 25-28 May 2019 and 9-11 July 2019.

3.7.2. Terrestrial Survey

Dendrology: Dendrology is the study of woody plants; typically trees but there are other plants such as shrubs and vines that bear similarities to trees so they are studied as well. In MVNP, at least 24 tree families, 41 tree genus, and 51 tree species were recorded.

Table 1. List of tree species recorded in MVNP, Burauen, Leyte. TAXON

LOCAL NAME

Anacardiaceae Buchanania sp. Anonaceae Canangaodorata Apocynaceae Alstoniascholaris Wrightiapubescens Strombosiaphilippinensis Araliaceae Polysciasnodosa Burseraceae Canariumluzonicum Calophyllaceae Callopphyllumblancoi Cannabaceae Tremaorientalis Casuarinaceae Casuarinaequisetifolia Combretaceae Terminaliacatappa

TAXON

LOCAL NAME

Lamiaceae Balingasag

Clerodendrumbrachyanthum

Ilang-ilang

Premnaodorata

Dita

Laneti

Tamayuan Malapapaya Mili-pili

Gmelinaarborea Viticipremnaphilippinensis Lauraceae Litseaglutinosa Litseamicrantha Lythraceae Lagerstroemia speciosa Melastomaceae Memecylonlanceolatum Meliaceae

Bitanghol

Chisochetoncumingianus

Anabiong

Toonacilata

Sandoricumkoetjape Moraceae

Aguho

Artocarpusblancoi

Talisay

Artocarpusheterophyllus

Artocarpuscumingianus

Hamindang Gemelina Adgaw

Lingo-lingo Sukab

Yawyaw Banaba Malatambis Balukanad Santol

Lanipga Atipolo Tugop

Jackfruit

Dilleniaceae Dilleniaphilippinensis Dipterocarpaceae Shoreacontorta Shoreapalosapis Shoreapolysperma Shorea sp. Euphorbiaceae Alchornea sp. Endospermumpeltatum Homolanthus sp. Fabaceae Bauhinia sp. Ficusbenjamina Ficus sp. Albizziafalcataria Erythrinaovalifolia Falcatariamoluccana Ficus nota Ficus sp. Leucaenaleucocephala Pterocarpusindicus

Artocarpusnitidus Catmon

Myricaeae

White Lauan

Myrtaceae

Mayapis

Tanguile

Morella javanica Eugenia sp. Psidiumguajava

Mangasoro

Phyllanthaceae

Burubalanti

Rubiaceae

Bay-ang Balanti Diis

Flueggeaflexuosa Canthiumgynochtodes Mussaendaanisophylla Urticaceae Leucosykecapitellata

Hanggakitan

Kubi Hindang Malaigang Bayabas Anislag Bagonsalak Buy-on

Anagasi

Hawili Acacia Anii

Falcata Tubog Tubog

Ipil-ipil Narra

Results showed that Fabaceae had the highest species (10 species) count

among tree families recorded in MVNP. It is likely because Fabaceae ranks 3rd

as the largest plant family (up to 400 genera and 1000 species) under

angiosperms. Plants under this family are mostly herbs. Trees under Fabaceae are usually found in both temperate and tropical areas.

MVNP is known as a low dipterocarp forest, Shorea species are frequently seen in the area. Dipterocarpaceae comprises 16 genera and roughly 700 species.

Tree species can be found throughout the tropical regions of the world, especially Southeast Asia. Dipterocarps are largely arborescent, ranging in size from intermediate shrubs to towering, emergent canopy trees.

Ecologically, dipterocarps are important in the forest. They serve as the

“backbone of the forest ecosystem”. Tree density and biomass are relatively evident. Also, dipterocarps provide food, habitat to animals, and even good timber.

Relative Tree Density among Stations Figure 1 shows that Tanguile trail had the highest relative tree density (28.96

%) while Lake Malagsum appeared to be the least (14.14 %). This could be

attributed to the number of tree species present in each area. This trend shows

a directly proportional relationship between relative tree density and tree species (see Table 4, Margalef’s Species Richness)

Relative Tree Density (%)

35 28.96

30 25 20

21.21

18.52

17.17 14.14

15 10 5 0

Calor Hot Spring

Tanguile Trail

Lake Mahagnao

Lake Malagsum

Lake Matigbao

Figure 6. Relative tree density (%) among stations. However, One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that there are no

significant differences (p-value = 0.44, α=0.05) in relative tree density among the stations.

Tree Frequency Among Stations Results showed that there are 12 tree species recorded present on at least 3 stations. Shorea contorta commonly known as white lauan, appeared in all

stations. S. contorta belongs to dipterocarp family, a group of important timber

trees that dominate the lowland rainforests of Asia. It is endemic in the

Philippines, where it occurs on the islands of Babuyanes, Luzon, Polillo, Marinduque, Masbate, Samar, Leyte, Negros, Sibuyan, Mindanao, Polaui, and Basilan.

Table 2. Tree Frequency among Stations. Trees

Lake

Lake

Lake

Tanguile

Calor Hot

Mahagnao

Malagsum

Matigbao

Trail

Spring

●

●

●

●

Canarium luzonicum Clerodendrum brachyanthum

●

●

●

Erythrina ovalifolia

●

Falcata sp.

●

●

●

Gmelina arborea

●

●

● ●

●

●

Litsea micrantha

●

●

●

Memecylon lanceolatum

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

Shorea contorta

●

Shorea polysperma

●

Strombosia philippinensis

●

Trema orientalis

●

Wrightia pubescens

●

●

●

● ●

● ●

S. contorta or commonly known as White lauan has brown to nearly black bark,

although it can look gray when exposed to bright sunlight. The upper part of the

trunk may have distinct longitudinal ridges. It has a thin, leathery texture leaves

and can measure up to 29 centimeters long and 11 centimeters wide. Also, it

has fairly large and showy flowers, to attract insects, and the fruit is a single-

seeded nut enclosed within a winged case. Tree height is up to 50 m and trunk diameter is up to 182 cm.

●

Importance Value Importance value is a measure of how dominant a species is in a given forest. MVNP is classified as a low dipterocarp forest thus, Shorea trees are expected to

dominate in the area.

Table 3. Top 5 dominant tree species inside MVNP. Tree species

Importance Value

Shorea polysperma Shorea contorta Ficus sp. Strombosia philippinensis Memecylon lanceolatum

(%) 56.69 48.58 37.16 30.13 26.67

Shorea polysperma (56.69 %) or locally known as Tanguile and Shorea contorta (48.58 %), locally known as white lauan recorded to be the most dominant in the area. Both are under family Dipterocarpaceae, and serve as “backbone” of the forest. These trees should be protected otherwise, forest will slowly die. Ecological indices

Indices of diversity (H’ and d) and evenness (J’) were calculated using the formulae as outlined by Heip et al. (1998):

Tree diversity was calculated using the Shannon diversity index. It determines the proportion of the number of individuals of a single tree species with respect

to the total number of individual trees within a plot. Results showed that Tanguile trail had the highest diversity (H’=3.15) among the stations. Also, Simpson’s Dominance (D) also shows that there is a dominant species (D=0.95) in Tanguile trail—probably under family Dipterocarpaceae.

Table 4. Indices of Diversity and Evenness. Margalef's

Simpson's

Species

Dominance

Richness (d)

(D)

Calor Hot Spring

4.99

Lake Mahagnao

6.17

Station

Tanguile Trail

Lake Malagsum Lake Matigbao

6.38 2.96 3.07

Shannon

Pielou's

Diversity (H')

Evenness (J')

0.91

2.68

0.88

0.93

2.98

0.88

0.95 0.88 0.86

3.15 2.20 2.18

0.93 0.96 0.91

Species richness was calculated using Margalef’s species richness index. It

determines the impact of the number of the species on the total number of

individuals found. Results revealed that Tanguile Trail had the highest species richness (d=6.38)—this is congruent with relative tree density (see Figure 6). Evenness was calculated using Pielou’s evenness index. It evaluates the distribution of individuals for each tree species found in the sites. Results revealed that MVNP (ranging J=0.88 to 0.96) have almost the same number of tree individuals with respect to species. Species Accumulation Curve Species accumulation curve (SAC) or other known as species discovery curve

(SDC) is a graph that records the cumulative number of species recorded in an

environment. This functions for the cumulative effort expended searching for

individual species.

35 R² = 0.8518

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

Figure 7. Species accumulation curve.

Figure 7 shows that the line almost reached plateau. Hence, most of the tree

species present in MVNP were identified and recorded. Also, efforts in sampling were adequate. Coefficient of determination (R2=0.85) revealed that mean

number of species is mostly equal. Ornithology:

A total of 110 birds species were recorded in MVNP. Of this, 54 were endemic and nine were threatened (see Appendix 1). Of the threatened birds, two were Endangered and seven were Vulnerable (Table 5). The most frequently

encountered threatened species was the Philippine Duck followed by the

Northern Silvery Kingfisher and Mindanao Tarictic hornbill. We did not

encounter the Mindanao Bleeding-heart Pigeon, Southern Rufous hornbill, and the Philippine Eagle in the area. Interviews with the locals revealed that the

Philippine Eagle was not observed recently, The last recorded sightings of a pair was sometime in 2008.

Table 5. List of threatened bird species in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park from 2018 – 2019.

Species Name Philippine Duck

Philippine Eagle

Southern Philippine hawk Eagle

Mindanao Bleeding-heart pigeon Mindanao Tarictic hornbill Southern Rufous hornbill Rufous-lored Kingfisher

Northern Silvery Kingfisher Azure-breasted Pitta

IUCN Status

Habitat

Vulnerable

Wetland

Critically Endangered

Lowland forest

Vulnerable

Lowland forest

Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable

Lowland forest Lowland forest

Lowland forest Lowland forest Wetland

Lowland forest

Species of Conservation Interest Eight of the 12 threatened forest birds of Eastern Visayas were recorded during the sampling. A number of species that were expected to occur in the area were not encountered during sampling. Sampling was constrained due to heavy rains

brought about by an approaching tropical depression in eastern Samar at the

time of the survey.

Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi)– reported in the central Burauen

mountains (Taylor et al., 2015) and by the local people in Burauen. The last

reported sightings of the species was in 2008 where a pair of Philippine eagles were sighted by the Philippine Eagle watch team of DENR Region 8. The pair

was observed soaring above the forests on a number of occasions. The team had searched for a nest but had not been able to locate one. No recent sightings of the species had been reported in Burauen.

Giant Scops Owl (Otus gurneyi)– Two individuals (one was about 200 meters

away and a faint response in a separate direction) responded to a playback of

the Philippine eagle owl call played around 19hrs30 in the foothillls of the

mountains beside Lake Malagsum. Effort was made to search for the species but we were not able to locate the individual.

Everett’s scops owl (Otus everetti)– One individual responded to a call played at

around 20hrs00 in the surrounding forested areas of Lake Malagsum.

Northern Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx melanurus samarensis)– one

individual was observed feeding for fish along the stream along the roadside in Mahagnao Lake in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park.

Northern Silvery Kingfisher (Alcedo sp.)– distributed to the islands of Bohol,

Samar and Leyte. Three individuals were observed in different locations in Lake

Malagsum last 9 July 2019. Another individual was observed perching on an

overhang branch close to the surface of the lake last 10 July 2019. Nest was reported by locals along the banks of the lake on the months of April and May.

Southern Rufous Hornbill (Buceros mindanensis semigaleatus) – Known only on the islands of Samar, Leyte and Bohol. A nestling was sold for Php3,000 to a local in Burauen last 7 July 2019. The nestling was reportedly poached in the

forests close to Mt. Pangasugan. We did not encounter the species within the MVNP.

Samar hornbill (Penelopides affinis samarensis) – The subspecies samarensis is known to occur on the islands of Samar, Biliran, Calicoan, Leyte and Bohol. One individual was heard calling in the forested areas in Lake Malagsum last 10 July

2019. In addition, two individuals were heard calling in a forest fragment in Lake Mahagnao in MVNP last 11 July 2019.

Visayan Broadbill (Sarcophanops samarensis)– known only on the islands of Samar, Leyte and Bohol. Locals were familiar with the species and reported its

presence in the remaining forests around Lake Malagsum. We did not encounter the species during field sampling.

New Island Records A total of nine new records were added for Leyte Island. This includes Little

Grebe, Yellow Bittern, Philippine Duck, Zebra Dove, Grass Owl, Giant Scops Owl, Rufous Paradise Flycatcher, Java sparrow and Scaly-breasted Munia (Table 6). Table 6. Summary of observations on new bird records for Leyte Island Species Name

Little Grebe

Observations

Three individuals were first observed last 11 January

2018 in Lake Malagsum. A pair was observed in May

2019 and two nesting pairs were observed last 8-11 July Philippine Duck

2019 in Lake Malagsum.

Reported by DENR Region 8 personnel in several localities in Leyte Island. More than 200+ individuals

were counted in Carigara Bay last 8 January 2018. More

than a thousand individuals were observed on 11

January 2018 in Lake Malagsum and about 2,200+ Yellow Bittern

individuals were counted last May 2019.

Two individuals were observed in separate localities within the grassy sections of Lake Malagsum last 11

January 2018. The species was again observed in several Zebra Dove

occasions last May and July 2019.

Three individuals were observed along the unpaved road before reaching Lake Mahagnao. At least two individuals

were seen perching on a wire along the streets of Grass Owl Giant Scops owl

Barangay proper in Mahagnao last 8 July 2018.

One individual was seen flying in an agricultural clearing close to Lake Mahagnao on 10 July 2019

One individual responded to call played in Lake

Rufous Paradise Flycatcher

Java Sparrow Scaly-breasted Munia

Malagsum early evening on July 11, 2019.

One individual was observed in a badly degraded forests in Lake Malagsum.

One individual was observed perching on a tree along the banks of Lake Danao. The bird moved to join two other individuals as it flew to cross the other side of the lake.

At least three individuals were observed on the grassy

sections around Lake Mahagnao and Lake Malagsum last July 2019

Lake Hydrobiology Hydrobiology is primarily an ecological science. It is defined as the study of water populations (aquatic fauna), their interrelations with habitat and

significance for the transform of energy (food chain), and the biological productivity of the ocean and inland waters such as lakes and ponds.

In Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park (MVNP), only three stations were assessed

namely; Lake Mahagnao, LakeMalagsum, and Calor Hot Spring. Water bodies in MVNP were mainly freshwater, which means that the water contains less than 500 parts per million (ppm) dissolved common salt and Sodium Chloride

(NaCl).

Table 7. Physico-chemical Parameters of Lake Mahagnao, Lake Malagsum, and Calor Hot Spring

Average

Average

Average

Average

Average

Temperatur

Dissolved Oxygen

Conductivity

Salinity

water

e (˚C)

(DO mg/L)

(C-uS/cm)

(PPT)

acidity (pH)

Lake Mahagnao

24.42

31.12

372.45

0.18

8.26

Calor Hot Spring

43.6

4.06

1604.83

0.51

7.89

Station

Lake Malagsum

23.73

1.86

38.47

0.02

Lake Mahagnao recorded to have the highest average dissolved oxygen (31.12

mg/L). On the other hand, Lake Malagsum and Calor Hot Spring have a very low

dissolved oxygen concentration (1.86 mg/L and 4.06 mg/L, respectively). As

per Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-MGB), the minimum requirement of dissolved

oxygen in Freshwaters, water body classification B, is at least 5 mg/L(DAO

2016-08). As such, aquatic organisms in Lake Malagsum and Calor Hot Spring may experience hypoxia (low oxygen level). Primary reason why there is low number of organisms observed in both areas.

Locals are claiming that due to the sour taste (acidic) of water in Lake Malagsum, leads to low biodiversity. But, results showed that the water in Lake

Malagsum is basic (8.27 pH). Average conductivity shows that Lake

Malagsum(38.47uS/cm) is the least among the stations. Thus, essential elements (macronutrients and micronutrients) in the area are relatively low

compared to other stations—low essential elements support low number of

organisms, resulting to low biodiversity.

Calor Hot Spring had the highest average temperature (43.6 ˚C) among the stations. The area was also observed to have a pool where cold and warm water meets. It is notable that the spring recorded relatively highest in conductivity. This is probably due to high Iron (Fe) concentration in the area. In addition,

Iron (Fe) dregs were evidently seen attached on rocks and sulfur gas (Sulfur dioxide, SO2) was also distinctly reeked.

8.27

Plankton Identification Plankton are the diverse collection of micro-organisms that live in a large a body of water (oceans, rivers, and lakes) that are unable to swim and sometimes called “drifters”. There are two types of plankton; phytoplankton and zooplankton.

Phytoplankton are microalgae. They are aquatic plants that serve as primary producer acting as food to small and large aquatic organisms. Zooplanktons on

the other hand, are micro-aquatic animals that serve as primary consumer.

Zooplankton will consume phytoplankton, small fishes will feed on

zooplankton, and will then be consumed by large fishes, completing the food chain.

Table 8. List of Plankton species recorded in Lake Mahagnao and Lake Malagsum

Plankton Actinastrum sp. Ankistrodesmus sp. Copepod Cylindrotheca sp. Gomophosphaeria sp. Navicula sp. Pediastrum sp. Peridinium sp. Phacus sp.

Lake

Lake

Mahagnao

Malagsum

● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ●

Results showed that Lake Mahagnao recorded more plankton species (at least 8

species) than Lake Malagsum (at least 5 species). Most species recorded were phytoplankton consisting of diatoms and dinoflagellates. Zooplankton such as copepod were also observed in both stations.

In general both lakes recorded to have more phytoplankton than zooplankton.

Thus, eutrophication (influx of nutrients such as organic matter) should be prevented and/or controlled in both lakes, especially in Lake Mahagnao as community resides adjacent to the lake.

3.8. Demographics and Community Description The Municipality of Burauen is a 1st class municipality in the Province of Leyte,

Philippines. Buruaen is politically subdivided into 77 barangays. Based on the

population data gathered from the 2015 census of the Philippines Statistics Authority, Burauen has a total of 52, 732 individuals with a density of 200

individuals per square kilometer. Moreover, barangay Mahagnao has 7 zones/purok with a total of 498 individuals and 127 households.

The Local Government Unit of Burauen has been consulting with industry experts

on how to develop the town's eco-tourism sites in a sustainable manner to carry

out the Burauen Eco-tourism and Sustainable Tourism (BEST) project. With

extensive promotion and backing of experts, Burauen is off to a good start in its goal to market and cement the town's status as the spring capital of Leyte.

Without a doubt, the proposed ecotourism infrastuructures in Brgy. Mahagnao will add to the tourism industry of Burauen. Since it falls inside a protected area,

ecotourism is the recommended strategy to conserve and protect the remaining forest and terrestrial resources in the area. 3.9. Infrastructure and Utilities The proposed ecotourism project will cover a total area of 5,380.80 sq. meters

including information center with parking area, visitor center, 6 floating pavilions

with foot-path, bird hide, public art, calor graded trail and other natural trails.

Figure 8. Perspective drawing of information center

Figure 9. Perspective drawing of visitor center

Figure 10. Perspective drawing of floating pavillions

Figure 11. Perspective drawing of bird hide

Figure 12. Perspective drawing of public art

Figure 8 is a perspective drawing of the information centre. It will measure approximately 11m x 9.9 m and will be made up of eco-friendly materials. This is

where the visitors will register and pay for the necessary fees. Adjacent to the

information center is a non-concrete parking area. The parking area will measure

approximately 50m x 20m catering enough space for the transport service of the

visitors.

Figures 9and 10 is a perspective drawing of visitor center and 6 floating pavilions,

It will measure approximately 240 sq. meters and 18 sq. meters (per floating

pavilion), respectively. The proposed location for the visitor center is near Mahagnao Lake wherein souvenir items made by the community will be displayed for sale. Also, floating pavilions will be situated in Mahagnao Lake. Pavilions will be made from a light open structure or tent-like providing shelter in the middle of

the lake. It will offer visitors the chance to understand about lake geology, biology, and biodiversity through interpretation and narratives of the local natural and cultural history.

Figure 11 is a perspective drawing of Bird Hide and will measure approximately

4m x 3.75m. This is an elevated viewing platform adjacent to a tall tree purposely hiding it from the birds. It will be placed near Malagsum Lake where hundreds of Philippine duck resides and stop-over for migratory birds.

Figure 12 is a perspective drawing of the public art, a sculptured image of

Philippine duck. It will measure approximately 15 sq. meters. The public art presents the most dominant (in numbers) bird in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park.

It is also a way to remind the visitors to protect and conserve the Philippine duck

because of its decreasing population. According to Internatonal Union of for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Phillipine duck falls under threatened

category. As such, there is a need to protect and preserve the species.

Old trails will be retraced and improved by installing signages on strategic locations within the trails. An eco-friendly signages will be designed to assist and

inform the visitors. Proposed trails will be Tanguile trail (980m x 1.2m), Vulcan

trail (760m x 1.2m), Matigbao trail (830m x 1.2m), and Calor graded trail (678.3m x 1.2m).

Once all necessary government permits and clearances are secured, the construction will commence.

3.9.1. MVNP Strict Protection and Multipurpose Use Zones Figure 13 shows the land zonation within MVNP. The land zonation was assessed

and established by DENR-CENRO, Palo – Region VIII through the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO).

Figure 13. Existing land zonation in MVNP. Referring to figures 5 and 13, all ecotourism facilities will be constructed on the Multipurpose Use Zones. This is to observe and support the mitigation efforts in

protecting and conserving the nature. Selecting on the tainted areas to minimize the possible impact construction may contribute. 3.10. Environmental Information The applied area falls inside the protected area, the Mahagnao Volcano Natural

Park (MVNP) pursuant to P.P. 184 last August 27, 1937. Baseline assessments for

trees and associated fauna revealed that the area has moderate to high biodiversity. In general, the area is categorized as a low dipterocarp forest.

Notable tree species such as Shorea polysperma and S. contorta are common in the area. On the other hand, MVNP is a haven for migrating birds. Protection and preservation of the area is needed.

4. Development Plan 4.1 General Strategy Tourist Management: •

To effectively manage the volume of visitors coming in the place as well as

occupying the eco-tourism infrastructures, a carrying capacity study will be conducted to set the maximum limit number of visitors that the •

infrastructures and the area can hold.

Park rangers and life safety personnel shall be assigned on duty for a daily basis. To ensure the safety of guests, activity on lakes such as kayaking shall be closed at night time preferably at 6:00 PM. For night trekking,

•

visitors should have at least 3 local guides for a group of 5.

The management shall practice leave no trace approach. This includes no

touching of any form of wildlife, no taking of wildlife or other natural resources, no damaging of natural resources, and no animal feeding.

Solid Waste Management: •

Waste segregation will be enforced in the park as well as on the ecotourism infrastructures. Sufficient trash bins separating the recyclables from the residuals will be placed in strategic areas of the park and the

infrastructures. The management shall ensure that residual solid waste •

will be collected by the responsible party for appropriate final disposal.

A material recovery facility will be installed within the park premises

wherein recyclables will be further sorted. The park management will tap

the local scrap buyers for disposal of the recyclable materials. Most of the recyclable wastes brought by visitors in the area are plastic bottles, glass

bottles and cans from soft drinks and other beverages. Plastics from food

wrappers will also be segregated and will be delivered to a known

recycler (industry who uses plastics as raw materials for certain •

products).

A no-smoking policy shall be strictly enforced within the park premises including on other infrastructures. A designated smoking area with

disposal bins will be allocated away from where the visitors are •

concentrated and park amenities were children are present.

No organic waste such as kitchen wastes will be disposed to the lake to

prevent fish feeding in the area. A mini-compost such as the Takakura

•

method will be practiced in the park facility.

Sufficient signage(s) will be installed within the premises to inform all

visitors of the proper solid waste management system being implemented in the park.

Liquid Waste Management: •

All forms of liquid waste will go to a waste treatment facility before disposing the liquid to a water body.

Infrastructure Management: •

Since the area falls under a protected area. All infrastructures are

proposed to be placed in the Multiple-use Zone, pre-identified by DENR-

•

•

PAMO.

Infrastructures will be placed away from the mountain foot as a precautionary measure for possible landslide.

Regular inspection of the infrastructures will be conducted to maintain a good condition of the structure and safety of the visitors.

Lake and Terrestrial Resources Management: •

The management will employ new or support existing park rangers to guard the park. The park rangers shall likewise ensure that illegal cutting

•

of trees and illegal animal poaching in the area will be prevented.

Conduct monitoring activities to check if the lake and terrestrial resources are not negatively affected by the ecotourism activity.

Alternative Livelihood Development: •

During the operational phase, the management shall hire local community

members to meet the man-power requirements of the ecotourism facility. Included on the needed work force are park staff and maintenance, tour-

guides, security, house-keeping, labor and other services needed by the visitors.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation •

An annual monitoring of the trees, birds, and other fauna will be conducted to

monitor if the presence of the eco-tourism facility and influx of visitors has

•

•

negatively impacted the lake and terrestrial resources.

Water quality monitoring shall be conducted annually to monitor the impacts of the construction on the physico-chemical properties of lake. Compliance monitoring of ECC Conditions.

6. Appendices Appendix 1. List of birds observed in Mahagnao Volcano Natural Park in Burauen, Leyte from 2018 to 2019. Note that names with * means Vulnerable; ** means Endangered. SPECIES NAME Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Philippine Duck Anas luzonica* Wondering Whistling Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Barred Rail Hypotaenidia torquatus Slaty-breasted rail Gallirallus striatus White-browed Crake Amaurornis cinerea White-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Little Egret Egretta garzetta Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis Red Junglefowl Gallus gallus Philippine hawk Eagle Nisaeutus pinskeri**

Besra Accipiter Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus Philippine Serpent Eagle Spilornis holospilus Pink-necked green pigeon Treron vernans Short-billed brown dove Phapitreron brevirostris Amethysts brown dove Phapitreron amythestina Yellow-breasted fruit dove Ramphiculus occipitalis Black-chinned fruit dove Ramphiculus leclancheri Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon Ducula poliocephala Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea

LOCAL NAME Manurok Gamao Gamao Tikling Manhak

ABUNDANCE 14 Jan 25-28 9-11 2018 May July 2019 2019 4 1 2 122 2,190 1,600 22 29 1

Tikling; kiyaw Tarak Talabong Talabong

2

Lapay Ihalas na manok Banog na tunkayan; Yoling Sikop Banog

2

Punay Moko

1 3 1

3

2 1 1 1 2

2 2

4 1 2 3 1

4 1 3 1

*

6

San’e

3

2

Agum’om

2

Kokok San’e

1

1

2 1

2 3 1 1

Philippine Cuckoo dove Macropygia phasianella Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis Zebra dove Streptopelia striata Island collared dove Streptopelia bitorquata Grey-capped Emerald dove Chalcophaps indica Philippine hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx pectoralis Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus Rusty-breasted cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris Common Koel Eudynamys scolopacea Philippine Coucal Centropus viridis Lesser Coucal Centropus bengalensis Guaibero Bolbopsittacus lunulatus Blue-naped parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis Blue-crowned Racquet-tail Prioniturus discurus Colasisi Loriculus philippensis Northern Silvery Kingfisher Alcedo argentata* Philippine dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx melanurus White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Rufous-lored Kingfisher Halcyon winchelli* White-collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris Philippine Glossy Swiftlet Collocalia esulenta Pygmy Swiftlet Collocalia troglodytes Mindanao Tarictic hornbill Penelopides samarensis* Hooded Pitta Pitta sordida Azure-breasted Pitta Pitta steerii* Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Philippine trogon Harpactes ardens Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Whiskered tree swift Hemiprocne comata Blue-throated bee-eater Merops viridis Blue-tailed bee-eater Merops philippinus Large-billed crow Corvus macrorynchus Stripe-headed Rhabdornis Rhabdornis

Kepot huwaw

1

Tukmo

Manatad

* 1

*

1

1 1

Sagoksok

3

* *

Kanawihan

1

Sidutik

Uwak-uwak Kuligot Karangak Cusi Benti

2

Benti

Saliksik Tikarol Balinsasaya w Balinsasaya w Talusi

1

*

2 2 + +

* * *

Ababacwa Ababacwa Bali’ara

Uwak

1

1 2 1 1 2 2 1 6 2 1 5 1 6 1 1 2 2 1 4 1 6

2 2 1 7 1 1

17 13 2 2

mystacalis Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata Pechora Pipit Anthis gustavi White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus Brown Shirke Lanius cristatus Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach Grey Wagtail Java Sparrow Padda oryzivora White-bellied Munia Lonchura leucogastra Black-headed Munia Lonchira malacca Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata Grass Owl Tyto capensis Mindanao Lowland scops owl Philippine Eagle Owl Bubo philippensis Luzon hawk owl Ninox luzonica Philippine Frogmouth Batrachostomus septimus Philippine Nightjar Caprimulgus manillensis Philippine Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopus maculatus White-bellied Woodpecker Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala Olive-backed Flowerpecker Prionichilus olivaceus Bicolored Flowerpecker Dicaeum bicolor Red-keeled flowerpecker Dicaeum australe Orange-bellied Flowerpecker Dicaeum trigonostigma Pygmy Flowerpecker Dicaeum pygmaeum Purple-throated Sunbird Nectarinia sperata Metallic-winged Sunbird Aethpopyga pulcherrima Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis Naked-faced Spiderhunter Aracnothera clarae Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis Black-naped Oriole Oriolus chinensis Yellow-vented bulbul Pycnonotus goaivier Yellow-wattled bulbul Pycnonotus

Niyot siyot Get-get

Tambabaras Tambabaras Niyot siyot

2

Maya pula

6

Maya itom

Kulago Bukaw Tagam

Balalatok Balalatok Pokpok

1

1

Wakwak

Tagkaro

1 1 4

1 1 5 2

2 2 6 1 1 1 2 1

1 1 1 4 1

1

4

5

4

1 8

2 4

1

4 1

Karad;Tamu muso Kukuyaw Pago

2 1 2

2

1 3 2 *

4

8 2 2 1 6 3

1 4 13 1

urosticus Philippine Bulbul Hypsipetes philippinus Yellowish bulbul Hypsipetes everetti

-

Striated Grassbird Megalurus palustris Tawny Grassbird Megalurus timoriensis Yellow-bellied Whistler Pachycephala philippinensis Philippine tailorbird Orthotomus cataneiceps Yellow-breasted Tailorbird Orthotomus samarensis Sulphur-billed nuthatch Sitta oenochlamys Elegant tit Pardaliparus elegans Yellowish White-eye Everett’s White-eye Zosterops everetti Mangrove Blue Flycatcher Cyornis rufigastra Philippine Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis Philippine Pied Fantail Rhipidura javanica Citrine Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa helianthea Rufous Paradise Flycatcher Tersiphone cinnamomea Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea Short-tailed Drongo Dicrurus hottentotus Glossy Starling Aplonis panayensis Coleto Sarcops calvus Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus Total number of observation hours Total number of species

Tagbaya Tagbaya bukid Tepraw Tepraw

2

1 1 2

Tirit Tirit

Damya Damya

*

2 5

Pitik birik

2 * * 1 *

23 1 2 1 1 6 9 1 3

12 1 4 2 1

Uwak-uwak Galansiyang Eling Maya china 110

2 10+ 2 34

1

4 * * * 10 58

3 5 12 7

18 65