FINAL REPORTfaspselib.denr.gov.ph/sites/default/files...Minsupala Foundation Maguindanaoan Foundation Executive Summary 1. The Ligawasan Marsh Management Plan has three sections, namely

WETLAND BIODIVERSITY COMPONENT

For Ligawasan Marsh Project

FFIINNAALL RREEPPOORRTT

and

PPRROOCCEESSSS DDOOCCUUMMEENNTTAATTIIOONN

The Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study

A Project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) supported with a grant from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and the

World Bank, with supervision of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

PROPOSED LIGAWASAN MARSH PROTECTED AREA

MANAGEMENT PLAN Volume I

Description, Evaluation and Prescription

December 2004

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WETLAND BIODIVERSITY COMPONENT FOR LIGAWASAN MARSH PROJECT Winrock International

and Winrock Philippines

• SUSTEC • Minsupala Foundation • Maguindanaoan Foundation

PREFACE

The Ligawasan Marsh (LM) Development Master Plan (1999-2025), formulated by Region XII of NEDA (National Economic and Development Agency) in 1998, recommended the inclusion of Ligawasan as a protected area (PA) under the National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS). However, there were not enough scientific bases to support the recommendation.

The Government, with the support of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF)-

World Bank / United Nations Development Programme, has now undertaken two studies: (i) the Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) Study, completed in 2001, and (ii) the Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, completed in 2004, which gathered the required scientific information. These studies have also completed the required stakeholder consultations at national, provincial, municipal, barangay, and sitio levels. There was a strong consensus among the stakeholders that LM should be proclaimed as a PA under the NIPAS Act.

The outputs of the Wetland Biodiversity Study include three documents

contained in three volumes: Volume I : Long-term Management Plan (the Plan) for the whole LM

complex. The Plan, which covers 21 municipalities and one city, is based on the results of PASA and Wetland Biodiversity Component;

Volume II : Medium-term Investment Program for the LM proper. The

Program, which covers 10 priority municipalities located in the LM proper, is basically a five-year time slice of the Management Plan; and

Volume III : Project Brief. It is actually the Investment Program transformed

into the GEF format.

The Plan lays out the detailed management activities aimed at providing direction for conserving and protecting the biodiversity and natural resources of the LM complex.

The Plan contains the Description, Evaluation, and Management Prescriptions. The description presents the physical, biological, demographic and socieconomic characteristics of the proposed PA. The evaluation presents the assessment presented in the description, and also the threats, constraints, and conflicts in managing the PA. The management prescriptions detail the different management strategies and specific actions required.

The Plan is designed so that it will have a positive impact on the environment, it will ensure the sustainability of biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the people in the marsh, and it will also reduce the poverty of the inhabitants there. The community will be empowered to help them effectively implement the proposed conservation programs, which they helped formulate and developed. The capacity of local government units, NGOs, private sector enterprises, and other stakeholders will also be strengthened so that they can provide effective partnership with the local communities in the long-term conservation of the marsh.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page Preface i Table of Contents ii Acknowledgment iii Abbreviations iv List of Appendices v List of Annexes vi List of Tables vii

Executive Summary 1 Chapter 1 Introduction 3

A. Justification and Purpose 3 B. Legislative Authority for Management 4

Chapter 2 Description 5

A. Legal and Policy Framework 5 B. Geographic Location and Accessibility 7 C. Physical Geography 7 D. Biology 10 E. Socio-Economic Profile 23 F. Assessment of Management and Interventions 31

Chapter 3 Evaluation 34

A. Asset Value 34 B. Threats and Proposed Actions 35 C. Conflicts and Proposed Actions 39 D. Constraints and Proposed Actions 40 E. Vision 41 F. Goals and Objectives 41

Chapter 4 Management Prescriptions 43

A. Prescription I Ecosystem Management and Protection 43 1. Habitat Restoration 43 2. Management Zoning System 44 3. Two-Step Process towards Declaring LM as a PA 45 4. Law Enforcement 46 5. Off-Site and On-Site Research 47

B. Prescription II Institutional Development and Capacity Building 49 1. Establish a Ligawasan Marsh Steering Committee 49 2. Empower the Community and Training of LGUs, GAs, 49 and NGOs 3. Environmental Education and Awareness Program 50 4. Special Literacy Program 51 5. Sustainable Financing 51

C. Prescription III Support for Environment-friendly Livelihood Activities 52 D. Prescription IV Support for Environment-friendly Small Rural Infrastructure 53 E. Prescription V Monitoring and Evaluation System for Wetland 55 Biodiversity Conservation and Socioeconomic Upliftment

APPENDICES 57 ANNEXES 92 BIBLIOGRAPHY 125

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We wish to acknowledge the great contributions and heartfelt support extended to the team of consultants by many people and institutions in Ligawasan Marsh during the conduct of the Wetland Biodiversity Study and the formulation of the Ligawasan Marsh Management Plan and the Investment Program.

We gratefully acknowledge the full support from the following: � The more than 4,200 key stakeholders (farmers, fisherfolks, women,

youth leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, teachers, and businessmen) from ten municipalities in the Ligawasan Marsh Proper; and

� The Honorable Mayors and their Municipal Planning and Development

Officers (MPDO) and numerous barangay chairmen and members We are also very grateful for the full unstinting support we received from the following Government officials and partners: � Mr. Jim Sampulna, DENR RED � Secretary Emblawa Kabuntalan, Al Haj, DENR – ARMM � Director Romeo A. Manzan, DENR-PAWB, ARMM � Mr. Ali M. Hadjinasser, DENR Region XII-PAWB Our appreciation is also extended to the following DENR officials for their expert advice: � Assistant Secretary Rafael E. Camat, Jr., DENR - FASPO � Ms. Ma. Lourdes Ferrer, Chief, Project Evaluation Division, FASPO,

DENR, Ms. Socorro Mallare and Ms. Josephine Q. Natividad, � Ms. Theresa Mundita S. Lim, Director, PAWB � Ms. Norma Molinyawe, Chief, Biodiversity Division, PAWB, and Ms.

Teresita Blastique � Ms. Marlene Mendoza and Mr. Carlo Custodio , PAWB We also commend the special participation and support extended by the following World Bank and UNDP officials: � Mr. Gilbert Braganza, World Bank, Manila Office � Ms. Angelita Cunanan, GEF National Coordinator, UNDP � Ms. Clarissa Arida and Ms. Jennifer Navarro, UNDP

To the entire community of Ligawasan Marsh, for welcoming us during the

conduct of the socioeconomic surveys, the information drive, and barangay consultations, we gratefully acknowledge your kind support. Thank you.

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ABBREVIATIONS

AFP Armed Forces of the Philippines

ARMM Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao

CRB Cotabato River Basin

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

FASPO Foreign Assistance and Special Projects Office

GEF Global Environment Facility

GPS Global Positioning System

IEC Information, Education and Communications

IP Indigenous People

IPRA Indigenous People’s Rights Act

LGU Local Government Unit

LM Ligawasan Marsh

M & E Monitoring and Evaluation

MILF Moro Islamic Liberation Front

MPN Most Probable Number

NEDA National Economic and Development Agency

NIPAS National Integrated Protected Area System

NGO nongovernmental organization

OSY out-of-school youth

PA Protected Area

PAMB Protected Area Management Board

PAWB Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau

PASA Protected Area Suitability Assessment

PMO Project Management Office

PMU Project Management Unit

PO People’s Organization

OSY Out-of-School-Youth

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

WB World Bank

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LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix No. Page 1. Age Distribution of Household Heads/Respondents 57

per Municipality

2. Distribution of Household Heads/Respondents by 60 Size of Household Number

3. Distribution of Household Heads/Respondents 62 According to Religious Affiliation

4. Highest Educational Attainment of Household 65 Heads/Respondents per Municipality

5. Ethnic Origin of Household Heads/Respondents per 68 Municipality

6. Fishing Methods Employed by the Respondents 71 7. Types of Livestock and Poultry Raised and 72

Estimated Population per Species

8. Methods Employed in Raising Livestock and Poultry 81 9. Types of Handicraft Produced by the Respondents 80 10. Other Sources of Income by the Respondents 83 11. Estimated Annual Household Income 89

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LIST OF ANNEXES

Annex No. Title Page

1 Map 1. Administrative Boundary of North Cotabato, 92 Maguidanao, and Sultan Kudarat

2 Map 2. Topographic Map 93

3 Map 3. Soil Map 94

4 Map 4. Climate Map 95

5 Map 5. Habitat Classification Map 96

6 List of Plant Species Found in the Ligawasan Marsh 97

Complex

7 List of Fauna in the Ligawasan Marsh 102

8 List of Migratory Birds in the Ligawasan Marsh 107

9 List of Endemic Birds in the Ligawasan Marsh 108

10 List of Mammals in the Ligawasan Marsh 109

11 Map 6. Land Use/ Land Cover (PRA) Map 110

12 Map 7. Land Use/ Land Cover Map (Satellite Imagery during 111 Dry Season)

13 Map 8. Proposed Protected Area Map 112

14 Technical Description of the Proposed Ligawasan Marsh 113

Protected Area

15 Summary of Development Projects and Environmental Issues 116 per Municipality

16 Threat Analysis Matrix 120

17 Map 9. Threats Map 124

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LIST OF TABLES IN THE MAIN TEXT

Table No. Title Page

1 List of Major Legislations Relevant to the Conservation and 5 Management of the Resources of Ligawasan Marsh

2 List of Endemic Species in the Ligawasan Marsh Complex 13 3 List of Some Endemic, Near Threatened and Vulnerable 19

Species in 16 Survey Sites 4 List of Some Migratory Species of Birds Recorded in 20

Ligawasan Marsh after Three (3) Field Surveys in May-June, September and November-December 2004

5 List of Species of Molluscs and Crustaceans, including 21

their local and common names, origin and distribution in the Ligawasan Marsh Complex

6 List of Species of Plankton and Distribution in the 22

Ligawasan Marsh Complex 7 Population of Municipalities within Ligawasan Marsh as 23

of May 2000 Census 8 Comparative Estimates of Land Cover/ Land Use During 25

Dry and Wet Season 9 Land Use/ Land Cover Trend in Percent (1988 – 2001) 27 10 Inventory of Related Programs and Projects of Ten 32

Ligawasan Marsh Municipalities

12 Five Proposed Management Zones, Criteria, and Allowable 44 and Non-Allowable Activities 13 Thirteen Steps to Get Legislative Approval for Declaring the 45 Ligawasan as a Protected Area under NIPAS and Status of

Preparation

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Executive Summary

1. The Ligawasan Marsh Management Plan has three sections, namely description, evaluation and prescriptions. The first section presents the physical, biological, demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the proposed Protected Area (PA). The second evaluates the data presented in the description section while the third and last section details the different management strategies identified. The plan is prepared to provide the overall direction for the management, development and conservation of the natural and cultural resources within the Ligawasan Marsh thereby ensuring continuous benefits from such resources by the local communities. 2. The objective of the Management Plan is to provide the overall direction for the management, development, and conservation of the natural and cultural resources within the Ligawasan Marsh, thereby ensuring that local communities would continue to benefit from such resources on a long term basis. The Plan is also formulated so that communities and stakeholders will share responsibility in the management of the area. The Plan depends on operationalizing a management framework delineating appropriate and viable management zones for various parts of the marsh. 3. The Ligawasan Marsh is one of the largest wetlands in the Philippines comprising about ten percent of the Mindanao River Basin. It is a conglomeration of three marshes: the Ligawasan proper, the Libungan, and the Ebpanan. It is located in the three provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. It has been identified as a distinct and unique region among 15 biogeographic regions of the Philippines. 4. Based on the results of this study, Wetland Biodiversity Study of DENR (2004), the Marsh is known to support 201 plant species belonging to 159 genera in 68 families, 206 terrestrial vertebrate species, under the classes Aves, Mammalia, Reptilia, Amphibia, 31 aquatic vertebrates and 17 invertebrates. Ligawasan Marsh is a globally important bird area, where at least 170 bird species belonging to 47 families have been recorded to frequent or are considered resident of the area. Of this, 39 species are endemic, 13 threatened, and at least 37 are migratory species. It is also considered as the last stronghold for the endemic and endangered Philippine crocodile. 5. The original flora in the area have been largely altered due to considerable human encroachment and land use conversion for agricultural, residential, commercial and industrial uses. Land conversion is also the number one threat for the sustainability of the marsh. Other threats that have been identified are illegal logging, rapid increase in population, water pollution, solid waste, wildlife gathering and illegal fishing. 6. Ligawasan Marsh and its surrounding areas are rich agricultural and fishing grounds, contributing at least two hundred sixteen million pesos (P 216,000,000.00) worth of rice, corn and fish to the local economy annually. Aside from its rich biodiversity, Ligawasan Marsh is also rich in cultural history and tradition being the site of the earliest Muslim settlements in Mindanao. It is predominantly inhabited by Maguindanaons, who are historically referred to as the “People of the Flooded Plains”. They were already living near the mouth of Pulangi or Mindanao River and in





the plains along its upper tributaries in what is now called the Municipality of Datu Piang, long before the arrival of Shariff Kabungsuan in 1475. 7. Five management prescriptions have been recommended for implementation to sustainably manage the protected area. These are: (i) Ecosystem Management and Protection, (ii) Institution Development and Capacity Building, (III) Support for Environment-friendly Livelihood Activities, (IV) Support for Environment-friendly Rural Infrastructure, and (v) Monitoring and Evaluation. 8. This management plan is intended to serve as a working document for whoever will be tasked to manage the Ligawasan Marsh. The five management prescriptions are in no way intended to be final but rather only to serve as a guide for future managers for conservation of Ligawasan and could be subject to modifications by the stakeholders of the Marsh if they so desire.





CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

A. Justification and Purpose

9. The Ligawasan Marsh is one of the largest wetlands in the Philippines comprising about ten percent of the Mindanao River Basin. The Ligawasan Marsh Complex is a conglomeration of three marshes: the Ligawasan proper, the Libungan, and the Ebpanan. It is located in three provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

10. The Ligawasan Marsh supports a significant variety of wild flora and fauna and has been identified as a distinct and unique region among 15 biogeographic regions of the Philippines. The Ligawasan Marsh Development Master Plan for 1999-2025, formulated by Region XII Office of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in 1998, recommends the inclusion of the Marsh as a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) pursuant to Republic Act 7586. 11. To support the establishment of the Ligawasan Marsh as a protected area, DENR conducted two studies to compile scientific information on the biodiversity of the marsh: (i) the Protected Area Suitability Assessment (PASA) (March – September 2001), and (ii) the Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh (March – December 2004). The PASA study confirmed the need to include the Ligawasan Marsh as part of the NIPAS under the category of Natural Biotic Area to sustainably manage the natural resources therein as well as the biological and cultural diversity of Central Mindanao. Further assessment and required stakeholder consultations were successfully undertaken under the Wetland Biodiversity Study which confirmed the interest of stakeholders to proclaim the Ligawasan Marsh as a protected area under NIPAS as a natural biotic area. As a natural biotic area, the protected area is set aside to allow the way for life of societies living in harmony with the environment to adapt to modern technology at their own pace.

12. It should be emphasized that the site is not independent of adjacent ecosystems and that on-site management plan should be in consonance within a broad scale environmental planning including river basin and coastal as well as watershed management. 13. This Management Plan, which covers the Ligawasan Marsh complex, has three sections namely Description, Evaluation and Prescriptions. The first section presents the physical, biological, demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the proposed Protected Area. The second evaluates the data presented in the Description section while the last section details the different management strategies identified. The plan is presented to ensure that communities and stakeholders will share responsibility in the management of the area thereby continue to benefit from the resources that abound in the proposed protected area. 14. The Management Plan, which covers the Ligawasan March Complex, is so designed that it will have positive impact on the environment and will contribute to the sustainability of biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the people in the marsh. The communities will be strengthened to develop their capacity to take charge of the





implementation of biodiversity conservation program, which they helped formulate and developed. B. Management Authority 15. Except for Forestry Administrative Order No. 19 dated January 19, 1941 which proclaims approximately 50,000 ha of the Ligawasan Marsh as a Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary, there is no specific law that puts the Marsh under a protected area status. Currently since the area has been a traditional source of livelihood by the people of the Marsh, resource extraction has been on an open access basis. Consultation with stakeholders however revealed that there is a strong desire to put the marsh on a protected area status in order to sustainably manage its resources and the people’s cultural heritage in the area.





CHAPTER 2

DESCRIPTION A. Legal and Policy Framework 16. Major laws were enacted in the 1990s that move towards integrated management of resources. These include the Local Government Code, NIPAS Act, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), and the Wildlife Act that focused on the decentralization of control and recognition of the rights of the local communities and/or indigenous people’s to manage the resources or actively participate in the decision-making process. Each of these laws can be used as a basis for setting the policy direction for the conservation and management of the resources of the Ligawasan Marsh. Table 1. List of Major Legislations Relevant to the Conservation and Management of the Resources of Ligawasan Marsh Law/Policies Title RA 7160 Local Government Code of the Philippines RA 7161 Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines RA 7586 National Integrated Protected Area System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 RA 7942 The Philippine Mining Act RA 8041 National Water Crisis Act of 1995 RA 8371 Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 RA 8435 Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 RA 8550 The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 RA 9003 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 RA 9147 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act RA 9275 Clean Water Act of the Philippines PD 705 Revising Presidential Decree 389, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code

of the Philippines PD825 Providing Penalty for Improper Disposal of Garbage and other Forms of

Uncleanliness and for Other Purposes PD856 Sanitation Code of the Philippines PD984 National Pollution Control Decree of 1976 PD1067 The Water Resources Code PD1152 The Philippine Environmental Code PD1586 Philippine Environmental Impact Assessment Act Note: RA-Republic Act; PD-Presidential Decree Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.

1. Local Government Code 17. Under the Local Government Code (RA 7160), Local Government Units (LGUs) are given the authority to manage the country’s natural resources, the jurisdiction of which previously exercised exclusively by different national government agencies. They can issue local ordinances for the protection and conservation of natural resources within its territorial jurisdiction consistent with national policies. This will strengthen immediate protection of the area while waiting for national legislation declaring Ligawasan Marsh under the NIPAS. The LGUs also have the responsibility over extension and on-site research services and facilities related to agriculture and fishery activities, including water and soil resource utilization and conservation projects and enforcement of fishery laws in municipal waters—such as conservation of mangroves. Implementation of community-based forestry projects which include integrated social forestry programs and similar projects like management and control of communal forests, establishment of tree parks, greenbelts, and similar forest development projects. It should however be noted that in cases of Proclaimed





Protected areas, the Protected Area Management Boards (PAMB) have jurisdiction over this areas. 18. One drawback with this type of arrangement is that the LGUs can only manage resources within their respective jurisdictions and do not take into consideration the need for a holistic approach in the management of the interconnection of the various component ecosystems. To be effective, environmental management programs must manage ecosystems that seldom correspond to political boundaries, such as the case of Ligawasan Marsh, making it imperative that local governments jointly manage common resources.

2. National Integrated Protected Area System Act 19. To protect the last remaining representatives of Philippine habitats and ecosystems the Philippine Government enacted the NIPAS Act (RA 7586). The NIPAS Act provides for the establishment and declaration of identified portions of land and water that are considered to have unique physical and biological significance as protected areas. It also provides the framework for a decentralized, community-based resource management strategy and participatory management of natural resources through the PAMB. 20. The law provides for eight possible categories of protected areas that can be established such as: a) strict nature reserve; b) natural park; c) natural monument; d) wildlife sanctuary; e) protected landscapes and seascapes; f) resource reserve; g) natural biotic areas; and h) other categories established by law, conventions or international agreements which the Philippine Government is signatory. 21. The establishment of the Ligawasan marsh as a protected area under the NIPAS Act, which could take longer compared to the provisions of the Local Government Code, has certain distinct advantages. One of which is its ability to transcend political boundaries of local government units. Second it will be more stable in the sense it will not be easy for local politicians to remove the park compared to a local ordinance, and it is given a higher level of importance since the area is considered of national interest.

3. Indigenous People’s Right Act 22. Republic Act 8371, the IPRA, protects the rights of the indigenous people (IP) to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions and institutions. Rights include titles to ancestral domains, covering not only the physical environment but also the spiritual and cultural bonds associated with it. Similarly, the Act confers duties on IPs to help maintain ecological balance (but there is a bias on traditional practices) and restore damage areas, but it also protects the right of IPs in excluding others from exploiting natural resources within their domains. 23. There is available information that the original settlers of Ligawasan Marsh do not want to be referred to as IPs and that the Marsh be referred to as “Homeland of the Bangsa Moro” rather than “Ancestral Domain”. Whether the provisions of this law will be subscribed to by the Muslim communities needs further consultations with the stakeholders.





4. Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act 24. In early 2001, Republic Act No. 9147 otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act” was enacted. This new law aims to conserve wildlife resources through regulated sustainable use and establishment of critical habitats for threatened species. 25. Under this legislation, habitats of threatened species outside the protected areas under the NIPAS Act (RA 7586) maybe set aside by the DENR Secretary in coordination with LGUs. Such designation shall be made on the basis of the best scientific data taking into consideration species endemicity and/or richness, presence of man-made pressures and threats to the survival of wildlife living in the area, among others. The critical habitats shall be managed in partnership with the concerned local government units and other stakeholders. The survival of the threatened species shall be given paramount importance in the designated critical habitat’s management and shall be protected from any form of exploitation or destruction which may be detrimental to the species’ survival. 26. Considering the four major options described above, it was agreed by the stakeholders that the conservation and protection of Ligawasan will be according to the protected area system. The advantages under the NIPAS Act are: (i) there will be permanency of the land classification of the area; (ii) it provides participation of the local communities and stakeholders in the management of the area through the PAMB; (iii) provides sustainability of funding through the Integrated Protected Area Fund (IPAF); (iv) provides protection of rights of the local communities over the resources of the area; and (v) provides for integrated management and protection of the ecosystem and their resources beyond political boundaries.

B. Geographic Location and Accessibility 27. The Marsh is located within the three provinces of Maguindanao, Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat (see Annex 1 - Map 1). In the province of Maguindanao, it is located in the following municipalities: Buluan, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntolan, Pagalungan, Pagagawan, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, S. K. Pendatun and Talitay while in North Cotabato, in the following municipalities: Aleosan, Kabacan, Libungan, Matalam, Midsayap, M’lang, Pigcawayan, Pikit and Tulunan. In Sultan Kudarat, the only municipality included is Lambayong. The area is readily accessible by land and water from the West through Cotabato City. Three kilometers from the city are the boundaries of Ebpanan and Libungan Marshes. South eastern boundaries of the Marsh can be accessed through the circumferential road in S.K.Pendatun and S.S.Barongis. Through the eastern approach is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from General Santos via Koronadal or alternatively a two-hour drive from Davao City through Kidapawan, North Cotabato reaching the boundaries of Kabacan, M’lang, and Tulunan.

C. Physical Geography

1. Topography 28. Ligawasan Marsh is basically a flood plain within the wetland ecosystem of the vast and rich Cotabato River Basin (CRB). A large part of the Ligawasan Marsh area falls on a 0-3% slope which is level to nearly level terrain. There are also occasional patches with greater than three percent slope (see Annex 2 - Map 2).





29. Due to its level to nearly level slope, a large part of the Ligawasan Marsh area falls on “no apparent erosion” category. The elevation of Ligawasan Marsh is from 10-30 meters above sea level.

2. Geology and Soils

30. Generally, the parent material of the soil in LM is derived from coral limestone. The water is loaded with sediments (limestone material) carried through the erosion process. Through the waterways draining into the marsh, soil residues are deposited (siltation) on the flood plains (alluvial soils). The soils in the marsh are characterized by hydrosols, clay loam, and clay soils. The hydrosols are found at the western and eastern ends of the Marsh where severe wetness and poor drainage prevail. Clay loam soil occurs in Timaga, Balut and Kabacan. The clay soils are spread all over Faraon, Kudarangan, and Tamontaka (see Annex 3 - Map 3). 31. In the Ligawasan Marsh proper, the soil pH is within the standard neutral pH value for soil. Organic matter content (2.5%) and CEC (29.88 meq/199g air dried soil) are relatively low in LM proper while soils in Ebpanan and Libungan marshes are higher. In addition, NP content is medium to high and K content is sufficient in all the marshes. In general, nutrient status of the soils in the three marshes is sufficient and within the normal quality of soils.

3. Climate and Precipitation

32. A closer examination of the rainfall distribution in the general vicinity of the marsh shows its lower half which is approximately 176,053 ha and comprising part of Kabuntalan, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Talayan, Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, and Sultan sa Baronguis areas as having a dry climate (Type 3 or dry zone) marked by one to three months of dry season. The upper half, comprising the municipalities in the province of Cotabato except Pagalungan and SKP of Maguindanao province belongs to Type 4 or moist climate covering about 215,716 ha. The ratio of runoff to precipitation is lowest during the months of January to April while the heavy runoff occurs from the months of July to October particularly in the northwestern part of CRB. 33. The total annual rainfall in CRB is between 2,120 to 2,501 mm with a deviation from the mean total in the order of 21%. The relative humidity in the area is high (86.4%). The mean annual temperature range is from a minimum of 24.7◦C to a maximum of 33.7◦C.

4. Hydrology

34. The Mindanao River is the principal drainage way of CRB which traverses the Ligawasan Marsh (see Annex 4 - Map 4). It is formed by the confluence of three major tributaries: Pulangi River, Ala-a River, and Maganoy River. Pulangi River derives from Bukidnon and joined by smaller Kabacan, Maridagao, and Malitubog Rivers in the north and Libungan River merging in Kabuntalan. In the south is the Ala-a River being supported by Kabulnan River before merging with the Maganoy River down to the town of Datu Piang to empty into the Mindanao River. The river continues down until it reaches Kabuntalan to the northwest where it splits into another tributary river to the left, the Tamontaka River, before it exits to the right, passing through the Quirino Bridge in Cotabato City. Buluan River at the southeastern portion is the main outlet of Lake Buluan. It flows directly into Ligawasan Marsh proper and traverses through to Cugcumen River, merging with





Paidu Pulangi River, which runs on into the Mindanao River passing through Datu Piang to Kabuntalan where it splits at Barangay Tumaginting. 35. Other relatively small rivers flowing from the mountain in the eastern part of LM proper are M’lang, Malasila, Alep and Kapingkong Rivers. They all drain directly into LM proper. The other smaller rivers flowing into the three marshes are Brar and Tambunan Rivers. The Kulangan cut-off channel at the Tunggol bridge drains directly into LM proper bringing with it heavy siltation. Only two major rivers: Pulangi and Buluan Rivers, traverse through LM proper. 36. The quantity and quality of water in the marsh complex is a direct function of the state of CRB. The gradual siltation of large portions of the marsh complex could be traced to the accelerated erosion of degraded watershed. As of 1995, there are five legally-declared watershed reserves in CRB covering 217,807 ha, namely:

• Muleta-Manupali Watershed Forest Reserve (61,500 ha) in Lantapan, Pangantukan, Bukidnon;

• Sebu Watershed Forest Reserve (4,900 ha) in Banga, Kiamba South Cotabato;

• Ala-a River Watershed Forest Reserve (92,450 ha) in Uslan, Banga, Surallah, Kiamba, South Cotabato;

• Libungan River Watershed Forest Reserve (52,820 ha) in Libungan, Almada, Cotabato; and

• Kidapawan Watershed Reservation in Kidapawan, Cotabato.

5. Water Quality 37. The pH values of the water from the eight rivers ranges from 6.16 to 7.63 which is within the pH 6.5–8.5 normal or standard value in accordance with the DENR AO No. 34. In terms of the Total Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms Most Probable Number (MPN)/100ml, the results of the analysis of the water samples indicate generally values greater than 1,600 MPN/100 ml which is much lower than the Class C water category. The BOD of the water flowing into the Ligawasan Marsh ranges from 0–0.76 ppm which is within the normal status of a good water quality. Total Dissolved Solid values were generally high in the rivers in the Ligawasan Marsh proper and in the Libungan Marsh 38. Sediments (sand, silt and clay) have direct and extreme physical impacts on streams and rivers and eventually contribute to eutrophication. Sediments entering waterways is through erosion processes. Along with the sediment loads carried out, are the soil nutrients—an input (a major factor) in eutrophication process on the growth of phytoplankton. 39. Sediment entering waterways in large amounts has an array of impacts. Sand, silt, clay, and humus are quickly separated by the agitation of flowing water and are carried at different rates. Clay and organic particles are carried in suspension, making the water muddy (turbidity) and reducing light penetration and photosynthesis. As this material settles, it coats everything and continues to block photosynthesis. It also kills the animal organisms by clogging their gills and feeding structures. Eggs of fish and other aquatic organisms are particularly vulnerable to being smothered by sediment. Equally destructive is the bedload, the sand and silt, which is not readily carried in suspension but is gradually washed along the bottom.





D. Biology

1. Wetland Habitat Classification for Ligawasan Marsh 40. The habitat classification scheme as proposed by the RAMSAR Convention is adopted with modifications. This classification is not just based on the plant component but also on major physical properties of the site, ecological successional phases as well as the degree of human impact on the site.

2. Marsh Habitats

41. These are naturally occurring habitat types in wetlands. Several definitions of types and subtypes have been presented elsewhere. For this study, this natural habitat type is characterized by the presence of an assemblage of obligate and facultative hydrophytes (see Annex 5 - Map 5). 42. Freshwater Swamp Forest Habitat. This formation is regularly inundated with mineral-rich freshwaters from rivers and streams. Water levels fluctuate thus allowing periodic drying of the soil surface. Whitmore (1984b) cited two areas of this formation in the Philippines namely, the middle Agusan valley and west of Pagalungan, Mindanao. This forest formation must have been extensive once as evidenced by the extant disparate patches found in the study sites. The floristic composition of this type in the Philippines also has never been studied (Fernando, 1998). The canopy reaches up to 20 meters tall characteristically with Terminalia copelandii or Lanipao as an emergent tree species. The dominant canopy tree species found in the Ligawasan Marsh is Barringtonia racemosa Merr. (locally referred to as “tupak”). In other assemblages, Barringtonia acutangula ssp. acutangula abound. Other woody species include Nauclea orientalis (Bangkal) and Syzygium cf. bordenii Merr. (Malaruhat puti). Tall shrubs and small trees measuring no more than 10 cm such as Premna odorata, P. serratifolia, Securinega virosa, Clerodendrum sp. and Antidesma spp. occupy the lower stratum of the forest. Prominently outstanding in this layer is the bangkal-like tree architecture of Mitragyna diversifolia. Scandent shrubs such as Combretum sp., Stenochlaena palustris (diliman) and viny plants (i.e. Tetrastigma harmandii ,Quisqualis indica ) grow on the branches of the lower canopy. In more open areas along banks of running waters are Dolichandrone spathacea, a medium-size tree characterized by long dark-colored fruits and Pongamia pinnata, a leguminous tree. On drier soils, especially in land formation referred as “talitay”, Lepisanthes fruticosa, Syzygium bordeni and Antidesma spp. gain advantage and are abundant. The ground vegetation is dominated by grasses and aroids. Palms, represented largely by Metroxylon sagu, are usually found bordering waterways, which at times co-occur with the swamp forest type. Small stands of sagu are occasionally found even in areas presently cultivated for crops, indicating that the species must have been a dominant component of this formation. Examples of this type are found in Payan, Ebpanan, S.K.Pendatun, M’Lang, Tulunan and Kabacan. Along water banks subjected to minimal disturbances, successional phases of this type are observed. 43. Herbaceous Swamp Habitat. This habitat forms transitional vegetation composed mostly of herbaceous life form. It characteristically consists of different species categorized as: rooted (grasses, sedges, graminoids and others), emergent (Nymphaea odorata, water lily, Nelumbo nucifera, lotus, Ceratopteris thalictroides, Typha angustifolia, cattails and Nymphoides indica) and floaters (Eichhornia crassipes, water hyacinth and its close relative Monochoria vaginalis, Pistia stratioides and Lemna pauciflora,). Floaters usually aggregate along considerable





stretches of the banks. The major grasses that usually form extensive clumps include Leersia hexandra, Arundo donax, Phragmites sp., Panicum spp., Echinochloa crus-galli, Rhynchyletrum repens and Brachiaria mutica. Scirpus grossus is the major sedge species in the marsh proper. Other sedge species include Fimbristylis dichotoma, Cyperus iria, Fuirena umbellata, Cyperus brevifolius and Cyperus imbricatus. Most of these species occur in large patches. Vines such as Ipomoea spp, Merremia sp., other members of the family Convolvulaceae and several legumes also grow well in this habitat. This type is observed in portions of Ebpanan, Libungan, S.K.Pendatun, Pagalungan and the Ligawasan Marsh proper in general. 44. Shrub Swamp Habitat. This specialized habitat is typically a transitional stage in the ecological succession of swamps. Large areas exist on land mass formed through siltation subsequently colonized by shrubby plant species, such as Sesbania cannabina. A few individuals of small trees such as those found in the swamp forest occasionally occur. Tetrastigma, Ipomoea and leguminous vines twine around these woody plants. Extensive areas of shrub swamp habitat are also typically found at the confluence of major river systems and their tributaries. Although herbaceous plants readily colonize land masses that are formed from soil deposition, they may eventually be replaced by shrubs. This type is well-developed in Sultan Sa Barongis.

3. Artificial Habitats

45. Artificial habitats are those areas subjected to and maintained as part of human activities (i.e. agriculture, built-up areas etc.). 46. Ricefield Habitat. The two subtypes of ricefield habitats found in the Ligawasan Marsh include: (a) ricefields with bunds located adjacent to herbaceous swamp and freshwater forest swamp habitats, and (b) ricefields without bunds in the interior of the marsh, which are planted to lowland rice varieties as flood water recedes. The associated weeds include Sphenoclea zeylanica, Commelina benghalensis, Murdannia nodiflora and Ludwigia spp. among others. 47. Dryland Agriculture Habitat. This habitat type refers to areas that have been exposed after floodwaters receded thus freeing vast tracts of land for three dominant food crops: maize (Zea mays), upland rice (Oryza sativa), and cassava (Manihot esculenta). Additional economically important plants, such as sesame and summer vegetables are interplanted along with the main crops. The original successional vegetation is mainly characterized by Sesbania cannabina. Large areas of this type are removed (i.e. slash and burn) especially at the start of the dry season, contributing significantly to soil erosion. Farm boundaries are planted to bangkal (Nauclea orientalis), cooking banana (Musa sapientum), and bamboo (Bambusa spp).

4. Open Water Habitats 48. Still Open Water Habitat. In this habitat type, scattered floaters such as Pistia stratioides and Eichhornia crassipes are found. Local human communities use this area for fishing and transportation. Along the periphery of the open water habitat are land areas temporarily converted to other uses by the fisherfolk. There are also some small land masses (islands) formed by the accumulation of dead organic matter (necromass), which are subject to colonization by weedy plants. The dynamics (i.e. ecological succession) of these small islands depend on proximity to river channels, availability of plant propagules, rate of siltation, size and depth of necromass, and hydrological processes among others. The colonization of these





areas by plant propagules is influenced by proximity to land masses and effective dispersal mechanism. 49. Running Open Water Habitat. Running open water habitat are the bodies of water that persist during summer to connect different deep portions of the marsh downstream. This habitat also includes rivers and tributaries that are not necessarily inundated by floodwaters. The movement of this body of water is unidirectional. It serves as passage of the people, often aboard motorized banca. Herbs, few small trees, rice and vegetable planted by nearby communities are found along the banks.

5. Floristic Composition 50. Based on the latest survey, there are 201 plant species reportedly present in the marsh and in its immediate vicinity belonging to 159 genera in 68 plant families. A listing of these species is found in Annex 6. In the same table, their common names and corresponding Maguindanaoan names (based on interviews) as well as species endemism are indicated. Most of these species are found in other marsh areas as well as in waterlogged agricultural fields in the country. Typical composition of marshes includes sedges, grasses, legumes and aquatic hydrophytes such as water lily, water hyacinth, water cabbage and cattails. The forested areas are dominated by bangkal (Nauclea orientalis) and putat (Barringtonia racemosa).

5.1 Conservation Status of Species 51. Using the 2001 IUCN Red Data enumeration for plants, there are no species listed in any conservation status category described in the internationally accepted ratings. There are no endangered, threatened, rare or vulnerable species in the area. This is true at least for those specimens that have been identified to the species level. 52. Comparing the present species list with the article of Tan, Rojo and Fernando in the journal Yushania on the conservation status of Philippine plant species, there are no species that are of immediate conservation concern. However, based on field experience, the Terminalia copelandii, an endemic, although once an abundant species in the remaining swamp forests of the country, is now subjected to pressures leading to probable local extinction. A reassessment of the status of this species in the Red data list therefore is imperative.

5.2 Endemism 53. There is a relatively low endemism of plants in the study site. Twelve species, out of the 201 (6%) listed, are endemic to the Philippines. There are neither species nor genera that are local endemics (i.e., confined to the Ligawasan Area). Most of the 12 species are upland species that were included in the sample to represent associated upland vegetation. Securinega virosa, Lepisanthes fruticosa, Syzygium cf. bordenii, and Terminalia copelandii are found in the swamp forest. The two newly collected tree and lianous specimens of Combretum, the shrubby Clerodendrum and parasitic Scurrula have to be identified to the species level to assess their conservation status and endemism. The endemic species are listed in Table 2.





Table 2. List of Endemic Species in the Ligawasan Marsh Complex Arecaceae Areca caliso e Kalido Kalido Arecaceae Caryota cumingii e Pula Pugahan Anacardiaceae Dracontomelon dao e Makao Dao Arecaceae Daemonorops mollis e Tanigib Ditaan Euphorbiaceae Securinega virosa (Roxb. Ex Willd) Baill. e

Rubiaceae Pertusadina multifolia (Havil.) RidselPandanaceae Sararanga philippinensis e malapandan Malapandan Sapindaceae Lepisanthes fruticosa e

Myrtaceae Syzygium cf. bordenii e Lumban malaruhat puti Urticaceae Gonostegia hirta e

Anacardiaceae Mangifera philippinensis e Paho Paho Combretaceae Terminalia copelandii e Lipao Lanipao Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004. 54. Despite the relatively wide distribution of plant species found in the site (non-endemics) and low number of species that are in the Red Data list, the unique assemblage in a wide expanse of area makes the Ligawasan Complex botanically and ecologically important. The various habitats, largely dependent on the dominant plant life form and major physio-chemical factors, offer complex sets of resources and conditions that determine distribution and abundance of fauna and microorganisms.

6. Fauna of the Ligawasan Marsh 55. Annex 7 shows the list of 206 terrestrial vertebrate species, under the classes Aves, Mammalia, Reptilia and Amphibia, which were recorded from 16 locations or study sites.

6.1 Birds 56. Birds have a total of 170 species from 47 families. Thirty seven (37) are migratory species (Annex 8). The number of endemic birds recorded was 39 species (Annex 9), a great majority of which are forest dependent species recorded from patches of swamp forests (e.g. Spizaetus philippensis, one of only three endemic raptors in the Philippines; G allicolumba criniger, the endangered Mindanao Bleeding Heart; the endemic Bolbopsittacus lunulatus Guiabero and Loriculus philippensis, Colasisi; the vulnerable endemic forest kingfishers Alcedo argentata, Ceyx melanurus and Ceyx erithacus; the Sunbirds, Spider Hunters, Flowerpeckers, Leaf-warblers, Babblers, Flycatchers, Whistlers and Tailorbirds like Aethopyga primigenius, Aethopyga pulcherrima, Arachnothera clarae, Dicaeum nigrilore, Dicaeum anthonyi, Dicaeum aeruginosum,. Phylloscopus olivaceus, Macronous striaticeps, Ortho tom us nigriceps, Ficedula basilanica, Pachycephala philippensis, etc.) The marsh-dependent Tachybaptus ruficollis cotabato an endemic race of Grebe and Anas luzonica, the only endemic Philippine Duck are the only non-forest dependent endemic bird species in Ligawasan. The Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea a marsh bird which has been recorded only in Ligawasan Marsh in the Philippines was also recorded during the survey. Table 3 lists some endemic species with their habitat preferences. The significant number of endemic species which are forest-dependent highlights the importance of the remaining swamp forest habitats for the biodiversity of Ligawasan Marsh.





Upper Row left to right: Barringtonia acutangula, Antidesma sp. (fruits), Pongamia pinnata Lower row: Barringtonia racemosa (fruits), Barringtonia racemosa (flowers) and Antidesma sp (flowers)





Clockwise from top left: Polygonum, Eichhornia crassipes, Nymphoides, Nelumbo, Nymphoides, Nymhaea





Upper : Open fields with several species of low-lying grasses and forbs Middle : Open area lined with trees establishing property boundaries Lower : A flock of migratory birds





Clockwise from top left : Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea, immature), Nyticorax nyticorax, Ardea purpurea mature, White-browed Crake (Porzania cineria), Darter (Anningha melanogaster), Purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)





Most of the resident bird species are common in the open swamp habitats or marshy grasslands (e.g. Ardea purpurea and Ardeola speciosa) or even in the cultivated rice fields (e.g. Bubulcus ibis, Butorides striatus, Egretta garzetta, Egretta intermedia and Egretta alba). These species have both resident and migrant populations. Table 4 shows the migratory species and their associated habitats. 57. A total of 13 threatened bird species were recorded for the Ligawasan Marsh e.g. Gorsachius goisagi Japanese Night Heron (Vulnerable), the endemics like Anas luzonica (Vulnerable), Spizaetus philippensis (Vulnerable), the Gallicolumba criniger (Endangered), Alcedo argentata (Vulnerable), Ceyx melanurus (Vulnerable), Ficedula basilanica (Vulnerable), etc.

6.2 Mammals 58. There are 14 species of mammals identified with three endemic species, i.e., Ptenochirus minor Lesser Musky Fruit Bat, Ptenochirus jagori Musky Fruit Bat and Sus philippensis Philippine Warty Pig (Annex 10). Nine species are volant species comprising the fruit bats (Megachiropterans) e.g. P. jagori, P. minor, Cynopterus brachyotis, Rousettus amplexicaudatus, Macroglossus minim us, Eonyceris spalaea, and the insectivorous bats (Microchiropterans) e.g. Hipposideros diadema and Myotis sp..

6.3 Reptiles 59. There are 13 species of reptiles accounted, with one threatened endemic, i.e. the Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis. The Ligawasan Marsh is considered as one of the last strongholds of this endemic crocodile in the country, where the more widespread and larger species Crocodylus porosus is also known to occur.

6.4 Amphibians 60. Nine species of Amphibians including one endemic species Kaloula conjuncta, were recorded from Ligawasan. The marsh is also considered also as one of the most important habitats for the Philippine amphibians. When the peace and order situation of the area would allow it, the survey on amphibians should be a priority activity.





Table 3 List of Some Endemic, Near Threatened and Vulnerable Species in 16 Survey Sites.

Conservation Species Name Common Name Local Name

Status Endemism Habitat

Aethopyga primigenius Grey-hooded Near Swamp Sunbird K’nti (K-nti) Near threatened Endemic Forest

Aethopyga pulcherrima Metallic-winged Non Threatened Swamp Sunbird Kenti Species (NTS) Endemic Forest

Swamp Aethopyga shelleyi Lovely Sunbird K’nti (K-nti) NTS Endemic Forest

Swamp Alcedo argentata Silvery Kingfisher Kasing-sing NTS Endemic Forest Amaurornis olivaceus Plain Bush-hen Near Swampl

Tugling NTS Endemic Forest Anas luzonica Philippine Duck Wawaling Vulnerable Endemic Marsh Arachnothera clarae Naked-faced Swamp

Spiderhunter Sulit NTS Endemic Forest Gallicolumba criniger Mindanao

Bleeding Heart Punalada Endangered Endemic Forest

Phapitreron leucotis White-eared Limoken

Brown Dove or Tegol NTS Endemic Forest Ptilinopus occipitalis Yellow-breasted Limoken

Fruit Dove or Tegol NTS Endemic Forest Bolbopsittacus lunulatus Guaiabero Swamp

Kalopindo NTS Endemic Forest Loriculus philippensis Phil Hanging Swamp

Parakeet Colasisi NTS Endemic Forest Centropus melanops Black-faced Shrub

Coucal Sagusok NTS Endemic /Forest Shrub

Centropus viridis Philippine Coucal Sagusok NTS Endemic IForest Collocalia troglodytes

Pygmy swiftlet Kalugay NTS Endemic Open area Little Slaty

Ficedula basilanica Flycatcher N/A Vulnerable Endemic Forest Dicaeum aeruginosum Striped Swamp

Flowerpecker Btig (B-tig) NTS Endemic Forest Flame-crowned Swamp

Dicaeum anthonyi Flowerpecker N/A Near threatened Endemic Forest Red-keeled Swamp

Dicaeum australe Flowerpecker N/A NTS Endemic Forest Bi-colored Swamp

Dicaeum bicolor Flowerpecker N/A NTS Endemic Forest Dicaeum hypoleucum Buzzing

Flowerpecker Upa-na-bai NTS Endemic Forest Olive-capped

Dicaeum nigrilore Flowepecker N/A NTS Endemic Forest Dicaeum pygmaeum Pygmy Swamp

Flowerpecker Kmes-sa-bai NTS Endemic. Forest Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.





Table 4. List of Migratory Species of Birds Recorded in Ligawasan Marsh After three Field Surveys in May-June, September and November-December 2004.

SCIENTIFIC COMMON NAME LOCAL CONSERVATION HABITAT NAME NAME STATUS

Podiceps ruficollis Black—necked Grebe Balisuk NTS Swamp Ardea sumatrana Great-billed Heron B’gok (B-gok) NTS Swamp Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret Talong NTS Swamp/rice field Egretta garzetta Little Egret Talong NTS Swamp/rice field Egretta alba Great Egret Talong NTS Swamp/rice field Butorides striatus Little Heron Bigua NTS Swamp Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Talong NTS Swamp/rice field

Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron Mamawa-sa-kuden NTS Swamp, forest

Nycticorax caledonicus Rufous Night Heron Bigua NTS Swamp, forest

Ixobrychus eurhytmus Schrenk's Bittern Tayabpis-sa-bagombong NTS Swamp

Anas crecca Great Winged Teal Itik NTS Swamp Pandion haliaetus Osprey Banog Open field

swamp forest Circus melanoleucos Pied Harrier Kuligi NTS Open field

Swamp forest Pernis ptilorhynchus Oriental Honey Buzzard Banog NTS Open field

Swamp forest Gallinula chloropus Common Moorhen T’lek (T-lek) NTS Swamp Charadrius dubius Little-ringed Plover Tla-tla NTS Swamp Recurvirostra avosetta Pied Avocet N/A NTS Swamp Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt N/A NTS Swamp Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank N/A NTS Swamp Tringa glareola Wood sandpiper N/A NTS Swamp Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint N/A NTS Swamp Sterna hirundo Common Tern Tulalang NTS Swamp Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern Tulalang NTS Swamp Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern Tulalang NTS Swamp Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher Kasiang-siang NTS Forest Halcyon coromanda Ruddy Kingfisher Kasiang-siang NTS Forest Monticola solitarius Bluerock Thrush Kasiang-siang NTS Forest or open field Locustella fasciolata Gray's Grasshopper Warbler Kasiang-siang NTS Open Grassland Locustella lanceolata Lanceolated Warbler Kasiang-siang NTS Open Grassland Locustella ochotensis Middendorf's Grasshopper Open Grassland

Warbler Tuliok NTS Grassland Muscicapa griseisticta Grey-streaked Bonga NTS Forest

Flycatcher Motacilia cinerea Grey Wagtail N/A NTS Open field Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail N/A NTS Open field Anthus hodgsoni Olive Tree Pipit Bayako NTS Open field Lanius cristatus Brown Shrike Kendas NTS Forest/ grassland Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.





7. Fish and Aquatic Biodiversity

7.1 Fishes

61. Of the 30 species collected from the three sites, 20 or 65% of them are native and 11 or 35% are introduced. Libungan Marsh has the most number of species, of the 27 species noted, five species are marine forms known to be able to enter a few kilometers upstream of the river mouth. Of the 22 collected and noted from Ebpanan Marsh, three are predominantly marine forms. Only 18 species were collected from Ligawasan Marsh, all of which are known to live in freshwater habitats only. 62. Libungan Marsh and Ebpanan Marsh are on the downstream area of Cotobato River. High tides and low inland water levels are very good conditions by which saltwater could enter several kilometers upstream. During such occasions, marine and estuarine euryhaline fish species (trevallys, glassfishes, etc) and other biota may be able to reach far inland. As a consequence, Ebpanan and Libungan Marsh, as occasional ecotones, exhibit edge effects such as having higher species counts than Ligawasan Marsh. On the other hand, there were species, like Puntius binotatus and Clarias nieuhoffi in Ligawasan Marsh that were so far not collected nor noted from the two other marshes. Presumably, they could not tolerate the occasional intrusion of saltwater. Herre (1924) reported seven species of the genus Puntius. It is believed that only two species have remained extant among which is the Puntius binotatus. It is present in Agusan River and its tributaries as well as in Agusan Marsh. As it is native to Southeast Asia, from Thailand to Indonesia and the Philippines, it may well be fairly distributed in the whole of Mindanao.

7.2 Mollusks and Crustaceans Biodiversity 63. Fourteen (14) species of mollusks have been noted in the marsh (see Table 5). The thiarids are the most diverse, as expected in most tropical freshwater habitats. There are no notable species. All the mollusks found are widely distributed in the Philippines. 64. Table 5 shows a list of the three native species of crustaceans gathered from Ligawasan Marsh. It is highly probable that these species also exist in the two other marshes. Table 5. List of Species of Mollusks and Crustaceans including their Local and Common Names, Origin and Distribution in the Ligawasan Marsh Complex

Local CommonFamily Species name Name Origin LlBUNGAN EBPANAN LlGAWASAN

A. MOLLUSCS VIVIPARIIDAE Vivipara costata Suso Native present present present

Pomacea Golden Apple AMPULLARIIDAE Canaliculata Kuhol Snail Introduced present present present

Neritina NERITINIDAE coromandeliana native present present absent

Septaria parcel/ana native present present present

L YMNAEIDAE Radix auadrasi native present present present melanoides

THIARIIDAE Perrimosa native present present present Thiara scabra native present present present Stenomelania Juncea native present present present





Tarebia granifera native present present present Indoplanorbis

PLANORBIDAE Exustus native present present present Physastra Hungerfordiana native present present present Corbicula

CYRENIDAE Manillensis native present present present Solentellina

TELLINIDAE Elonaata present present present Cristaria Dlicata absent absent present

B.CRUSTACEANS Caridina Brachvdactvla Macrobrachium mammilodactvlus Macrobrachium Scabriculum

Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.

7.3 Plankton Diversity 65. The marshes are relatively depauperate. Only about a dozen plankton genera were collected and identified (Table 6). Only about four species of phytoplankton were collected and identified from Ebpanan marsh and the adjacent Cotobato River. As Libungan Marsh is just nearby and would be continuous with Ebpanan during the floods, it is assumed that Libungan would also have similar species of plankton as Ebpanan. Not only are the plankton species depauperate, they are also so rare that the average density is about 20 individuals per liter of water. Table 6. List of Species of Plankton and Distribution in the Ligawasan Marsh Complex

--

DIVISION GENUS EBPANAN LlGAWASAN Phytoplankton Chlorophyta

Spirogyra RARE RARE Cyanophyta

Microcystis RARE MANY Rare to abundant depending on site Lynbva RARE Oscillatoria RARE

Chrvsophvta Navicula RARE FEW Fragilaria FEW Cymbella RARE FEW Amohora FEW Aulacoseira FEW Svnedra FEW

Zooplankton

Brachionus RARE RARE Copepod RARE RARE

Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.





8. Productivity of the Marshes 66. With the paucity of phytoplankton, it is assumed that primary and secondary (zooplankton) productivity is generally low, though probably increasing a little in the more lentic areas of the marsh during the dry season. Lotic systems such as the Cotobato River and the portions of the marshes where the main river channel flows are expected to contain very few plankton species both in diversity and abundance values. With a low primary and zooplankton productivity, this becomes a deterring factor for the nourishment of the fishes. Given the available data, it appears that fish productivity is dependent on the energy pathways: a) living submerged plant as a base resource, b) preying on aquatic invertebrates, and c) detrivory. 67. Fish aquaculture appears, for now, not to be a good alternative livelihood option. Maintaining traditional methods will probably have a lesser negative impact than introducing high-energy subsidy aquaculture on the aquatic environment. E. Socio-Economic Profile

1. Demography

68. As of the May 2000 census of the National Statistics Office, the total population in all the 21 Municipalities and one city covering Ligawasan Marsh is around 1,094,170. Table 7 shows relevant population statistics (as of May 2000) per municipality. Table 7. Population of Municipalities within Ligawasan Marsh as of May 2000 census of the National Statistics Office

PROVINCE/ MUNICIPALITY POPULATION As of May 2000

A. Maguindanao 1. Kabuntalan 23,137 2. D.O. Sinsuat 71,569 3. Talayan 33,129 4. Talitay 17,026 5. Datu Piang 67,303 6. S.K. Pendatun 28,374 7. S.S. Barongis 34,709 8. Datu Paglas 20,014 9. Pagalungan 25,908 10. Pagagawan 27,010 11. Buluan 51,098 12. Cotabato City 150,450

Sub-Total 549,727 B. North Cotabato 13. Pigkawayan 51,008 14. Midsayap 105,760 15. Aleosan 26,164 16. Pikit 68,455 17. Kabacan 61,818 18. Matalam 60,135 19. M'lang 78,170 20. Tulunan 41,741

Sub-Total 493,251 C. Sultan Kudarat 21. Lambayong 51,192

GRAND TOTAL 1,094,170 Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.





69. Out of the 7,230 interviewed, about 27.2% of the households have been living in the marshland before 1960 and 25.3% in the period of 1961 to 1970. One may conclude, therefore, that majority (52.5%) of the households interviewed has been living in the marshland during the last 30 to 40 years. The rest of the households settled in the marshland from 1971-1980 (24.2%) while almost 15% came to the Ligawasan Marsh only in the 1990s or even more recently. These findings tend to suggest that there was a significant movement of people towards the Ligawasan Marsh area during the last 30 years, possibly in search of land to cultivate. 70. Age of Household-Respondents (Appendix, Table 1). Results of the survey show that majority of the household-respondents fall within the 26 to 30 years old and 46 to 50 years old age bracket. Respondents falling under 26 to 30, 31 to 35, 36 to 40, 41 to 45, and 46 to 50 age categories made up 13.8%, 17.1%, 15.0%, 13.3%, and 10.9% of the sample, respectively, for a total of 59.9%. One can, therefore, conclude that areas covered by the survey have a relatively young population. One reason, for this according to key informants, is the tendency among Muslims to marry at a young age. 71. Household Size (Appendix, Table 2). Of the 3,797 households surveyed, 1,173 or 30.9% had a household size of three to four members while nine hundred eighty four (984) respondents had a household size of five to six members. It can be inferred from this data that majority of the households surveyed (56.8%) have a household size of three to six. Less than 10% of the households had a household size of nine to ten and above. These findings tend to conform to studies which show the contraction of household size in the Philippines due to economic hardship. This trend also applies to the areas surveyed considering the economic hardship prevailing in these areas and not to mention the relatively young population that comprise the Ligawasan Marsh communities. 72. Pagalungan has the highest number of households (37.7%) with a household size of three to four followed by the Kabacan with 36.9%. M’lang and Kabacan had the highest number of respondents with a household size of five to six with 31.5% and 28.6%, respectively. S. K. Pendatun accounted for the highest number of respondents with a household size seven to eight with 28.1%. 73. Religious Affiliation (Appendix, Table 3). Eight religious affiliations were represented by the respondents, namely, Islam, Roman Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Seventh Day Adventist, Aglipay, Iglesia ni Kristo, and Methodist. Islam was the predominant religion of the respondents especially in the Municipalities of Paglat, Sultan sa Barongis, and Datu Montawal, where 100% of the household heads interviewed were followers of Islam. Roman Catholics were noted in the Municipalities of Tulunan, M’lang, and Kabacan who comprised 28.4%, 13.5%, and 4.8% of the sample, respectively. The presence of Roman Catholics and other Christians in the survey area is basically due to migration earlier of Ilocanos, Ilonggos, Cebuanos, and other ethnic groups to the Provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato. 74. Educational Attainment (Appendix, Table 4). The study noted the low level of education of household-respondents across municipalities. On the average, less than two percent of the respondents had a college degree, less than four percent reached college level, less than seven percent finished and reached high school, less than six percent finished elementary, and less than 35% reached elementary level. It also appears that almost one-third of the household heads interviewed have no formal schooling. About 10% of the respondents took up Arabic studies.





75. Low educational attainment of the respondents is not a surprise considering the physical location of Ligawasan Marsh communities. Schools are usually found in the town proper and urban centers which are sometimes several kilometers away from the marsh. Access between the Ligawasan Marsh communities and the town proper becomes a problem during the rainy season due to floods. Moreover, poverty in the Ligawasan Marsh area exerts a lot of pressure to children to drop out of school so that they help earn additional income for the family. Of the nine municipalities, S.K. Pendatun had the highest number of respondents who were college graduates with 15, followed by Sultan sa Barongis with 12, Pikit with ten while Paglat and Datu Montawal had only one each. Pikit had the highest number of respondents who finished high school with 67 and reached college with 35 and while Datu Montawal had the lowest number of respondents who finished high school with only three. 76. Ethnic Origin (Appendix, Table 5). Five (5) ethnic groups were noted among the respondents namely, Maguindanaoan, Ilonggo, Cebuano, Ilocano, and Igorot. On the average, over 90% of the respondents were Maguindanaoan, over one-fifth were Ilonggo, less than two percent were Cebuano, less than 10% were Ilocano, while Igorot made up a very small minority. 77. In each of the survey area, respondents of Maguindanaoan descent comprised a dominant majority. Tulunan has the smallest majority of respondents with Maguindanaoan descent at 62.1% while in Pagalunagn, all the respondents were Maguindanaoans. Respondents with Ilonggo descent were found in Tulunan and Malang while those with Cebuano descent were found in the Tulunan, Datu Montawal, and Pikit.

2. Land Use

Land use of the municipalities within the Marsh 78. Using remote sensing and Geographic Information System, vegetation cover mapping of Ligawasan Marsh showed, the following landcover/land uses: water bodies, forest, agriculture, brushland/shrubland, open/grassland, and built-up areas. (Table 8) Table 8. Comparative Estimates of Landcover/Landuse during Dry & Wet season

Seasonal Change (hectare) Landcover/landuse dry season % of Total Wet Season % of Total Increase

dry seasonIncrease

wet seasonWetlands 30,971 6 38,286 8 - 7,315 Mangrove 1,100 1,100 Flowing 1,331 2,141 Standing 25,340 35,045 Forest 7,481 2 7,616 2 - 135 closed canopy 826 826 Open canopy 6,655 6,790 Agriculture 151,999 31 240,865 49 - 88,866 Open/grassland 222,103 46 11,479 2 210,624 Brushland/shrubland 72,334 15 186,209 38 - 113,875 Built up areas 2,641 1 3,074 1 432.7 TOTAL 487529 487529 Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004.





79. Water bodies include rivers, creeks, swamp area, marshes, mangrove area (i.e. along the bay area). Two general categories for wet areas were used, namely, standing water (e.g. lakes and ponds) and flowing water (e.g. rivers and creeks). The dry season image showed shallow areas of the marsh which when viewed during the wet season were fully under water (see Annex 11 - Map 6). Satellite image for the wet season showed more water bodies compared to the dry season, an increase of about 7,315 ha.

80. The satellite imagery also showed the presence of about 826 ha of closed canopy forest. Patches of open canopy forest, however, can be seen. These are located in-between the two main rivers draining to the bay. Patches of open canopy forest are also apparent in small occurrences in the Ligawasan Marsh area. Closed canopy forest exhibits 50%-100% canopy cover while open canopy forest exhibits up to 50% canopy cover. It should be noted that open canopy cover includes a mixture of shrubs, grasses, and remnant mature trees and coconut plantation. 81. Land subjected to agriculture is mostly to the north of Libungan Marsh and to the north, east and south of Ligawasan Proper while few patches occur south of Ebpanan Marsh. Based on field visits to the area, this is composed of mixed agricrops of corn, rice, green leafy vegetables, and grasses. Canopy cover is low (less than 10%) with no developed vegetation communities. Areas are dry and bare due to crops harvested. 82. It is interesting to note that the declared Bird Sanctuary has remained relatively intact over the years. However, no apparent advanced vegetational development can be found in the area. 83. Brushland/shrublands show canopy cover between 10% and 50%. Canopies are developing and partially open and composed of a mixture of mostly dense grasses and trees. 84. Open grasslands are bare soil and grasses (mostly dry grasses) including eroded areas. About 45 % of the area registered as open/grassland during the dry season while only two percent registered as such during the wet season. 85. The built-up area is a mixture of residential, commercial and industrial areas. Mainly roads, building structures, galvanized iron houses such as in the Cotabato City area. One percent of the total study site is built-up. 86. Classification of satellite image for Ligawasan Marsh present interesting observations and is summarized as follows:

• During the dry season, there are fewer wetlands than during the wet season (a difference of about 7,300 ha). This is expected owing to more moisture during the wet season.

• The marsh areas are more spread out and in fragments. The decrease in size is apparent during the dry season where traces of the ‘natural’ boundaries of the marshland can be observed.

• Agriculture is higher during the wet season than during the dry season. • Open/grassland areas tend to increase considerably during the dry

season. • Brushlands/shrublands increased by 149% during the wet season. This

may be due to the spectral response of green vegetation.





2.1 Land Use/ Land Cover Trend

87. A classified satellite image from 1988 was compared with the classified satellite image from 2001 (PASA Study) covering an approximate area of 202,000 ha of Ligawasan Marsh (Annex 12-Map 7). Table 9. Land Use/ Land Cover Trend in Percent (1988 – 2001)

Land use/cover 2001 ��

Land use/cover 1988 Built-up Mainly Agri

Brush/ Shrub

Wet Lands

Open Canopy Forest

Closed Canopy Forest

Built-up 71 23 5 1 - - Mainly Agriculture 1 63 29 6 - 1 Mainly Agriculture w/ Brush - 100 - - - - Lake 78 1 21 - - - Siltation Pattern in Lake - - - 100 - - Mangrove Vegetation - - - 100 - - Marshy Area and Swamp - 30 27 38 5 - Fishponds derived from Mangrove - 1 - 99 - - Open Canopy Forest - - - - 100 - Other Plantations - 92 5 3 - - Grassland - 4 96 - - -

Source: Wetland Biodiversity Component for Ligawasan Marsh Study, 2004. 88. In 1988, there were approximately 877 ha of built-up areas. Table 9 shows, 71% or more than 620 ha also registered as built-up in the 2001 satellite image. Most of the remaining lands were converted into agriculture (23%) with some apparently being abandoned and registered as brushland/shrubland (5%). However, looking at the 2001 column on built-up, 78% of the areas that were classified as lake in 1988 have now been captured by the 2001 satellite image as built-up area. This represents more than 3,300 ha of the river boundaries and adjacent sites that have now been converted into settlement areas.

89. Other major land use/land cover categories have corresponded well between 1988 and 2001, specifically agriculture, wetlands, and especially the open canopy forest. However, out of the almost 140,000 ha estimated as mainly agricultural in 1988, around 760 hectares registered as closed canopy forest in 2001. The most recent field visit to the area indicates that these are actually herbaceous swamp forests. Under the same estimate, more than 41,000 ha registered as brushland/shrubland, more than 8,000 ha registered as wetlands while almost 900 ha registered as built-up. What was reportedly the area with an open canopy in 1988 apparently has remained the same. In all, the built-up areas multiplied more than five times (about 5,000 ha) during the period 1988 to 2001. It is also interesting to note that in 1988, the marshy area and swamp was estimated at 42,500 ha. In 2001, the area decreased by about 16,900 ha to around 25,600 ha. These could be attributed to increased anthropogenic activities in the area.

3. Proposed Protected Area [see Annex 13 - Map 8]

90. The proposed criteria in the delineation of the Ligawasan Marsh protected area is listed below:

1. 30m elevation (based on the historical map of the area, this

corresponds to the upper limit of the marsh)





2. administrative boundary specifically the barangays facing the marsh (for administration purposes)

3. circumferential road (development is usually associated with accessibility in terms of facilitating interventions; physical boundary is a useful delineation)

4. presence of varied habitats 5. the bird sanctuary 6. river system (it is a convenient natural boundary)

91. The proposed protected area has an estimated area of 215,489 ha (in PASA, the proposal was an area covering about 281,567 ha). Annex 14 lists the technical description in longitude and latitude. This description is initial in nature and should be simplified and updated based on ground features (i.e. natural boundaries and landmarks).

4. Income and Livelihood 92. Results of the survey showed that farming, livestock/poultry production, and fishing are the three major sources of livelihood of the people in the marshland. Overall, 80.4% of the households rely on farming for subsistence while 46.2% and 44.5% were engaged in fishing and livestock/poultry raising. It can also be inferred from the results of the survey that the households had multiple sources of income. That is, aside from farming, they are also involved in other livelihood activities, such as fishing, livestock/poultry raising, wildlife gathering, handicraft-making, and the like. 93. It must be noted that a big portion of the marshland is submerged under water for almost six months, from the later part of June to the early part of December. Having multiple sources of income is, therefore, one coping mechanism of the people in order to survive during this period when farming is not possible. This also explains why fishing registered the highest number of respondents, next to farming, as this is the most feasible livelihood activity when most of the marshland communities are submerged under water. 94. Rice, corn, cassava, and vegetables are the major food crops planted by the household-respondents. The predominance of rice and corn cultivation in the area is confirmed by the number of respondents who are involved in this economic activity. Some 95.09% of the respondents were found to be rice farmers while 56.06% of them are corn farmers. 95. Rice is planted, either in ricefields adjacent to herbaceous swamp and freshwater forest swamp or in ricefields found in the interior of the marsh. It is usually planted in these areas as flood water recedes. Planting of rice may start as early as November or as late as June depending on how fast the flood water recedes. Harvesting may start as early as February if planted in November or as late as October if planted in June. Most farmers, however, plant rice during the January-February period when flood water has already subsided. The total area of land planted to rice by the household-respondents is estimated at 3,956 ha with a total production of 191,540 sacks of palay.

96. Corn, cassava, and vegetables are planted in areas that have been exposed after flood water had receded. Planting of corn may start as early as October but most farmers start planting during the months of March and April. Estimated total area plante

Documents

FINAL REPORTfaspselib.denr.gov.ph/sites/default/files...Minsupala Foundation Maguindanaoan Foundation Executive Summary 1. The Ligawasan Marsh Management Plan has three sections, namely