Analysis of human and Philippine teak forest interaction in the lasang-baybay landscape along Verde Island Passage Marine Corridor, Batangas Province, Philippines

Abstract

This study determined the local ecological knowledge (LEK) on the uses of plants in the Philippine teak forest (PTF) landscape and proposed a framework for conservation practitioners reconciling anthropogenic change drivers and ecological values of the PTF. Using techniques in participatory resource appraisal (PRA), facilitated focused group discussion (FGD), and key informant interviews (KIIs), the information on LEK on the plant uses were gathered among the villagers in the lasang (satoyama) and baybay (satoumi) in Batangas City and the municipality of Lobo, Batangas Province. Results show that the local community in the study site had a good perception of the multiple ecological functions of the Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis) forest. The PTF is integral in the lives of the local community as a component wood source for the construction of their dwellings and shelters of domestic farm animals. Cultivated plants in the agroecosystems were observed as best alternatives to sustain the harvesting of some indigenous plants such as Vitex parviflora and T. philippinensis for the livelihood and material culture of the local population. Since the old times, molave (V. parviflora) trees have been used to build houses of the century-old dwellings in the localities, suggesting that the species had been dwindling its abundance in the wild. This could also explain the reason for the.