THE PSU RUBBER AND ABACA PLANTATION PROJECT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECOLOGICAL ENHANCEMENT OF ITS ADJOINING BARANGAYS IN RIZAL, PALAWAN

Abstract

This paper highlights the rubber and abaca plantation’s contribution to the ecological enhancement of its adjoining barangays in Rizal, Palawan, namely Bgy Candawaga and Bgy Calusian particularly on species richness and plant diversity of the plantation area, the buffer zones and the farm-to-market road leading to the plantation. Data were gathered using transect walk, quadrat sampling and observation method. It also verified the results of an earlier study that compared the perceived ecological condition of the adjoining communities before and after the establishment of the Project in terms of instances of soil erosion, frequency of slash-and-burn farming (swidden agriculture), cases of illegal logging, and diversity. Respondents believed that these four areas have improved with the establishment of the plantation. Study results revealed that species richness and plant diversity in the areas along the FMR were highest, followed by those in the buffer zones. The rubber plantation was understandably lowest in species richness and plant diversity. But as perceived by the indigenous people respondents, the plantation had attracted more animal that prefer trees as habitats.