For. Mae Belen L. Putian, University Extension Specialist II
A team from the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME) conducted farm profiling and river assessment activity in the Cambantoc River, a vital waterway within the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR).
Leading the initiative were For. Leonardo D. Barua, Head of the Social Forestry Division (SFD), and For. Marlo M. Caña, University Research Associate II from the Forest Watershed Division (FWD). The team was composed of Foresters Mae Belen L. Putian, Karla Jane P. Gonzalvo, Mary Anne Abadillos, and Michelle Angela T. Rafols; Forest Technicians Nick M. Manlisis and Yaser B. De Chavez; and Special Police Corporal Maricris F. Sityar.
The activity is part of the project implementation titled Scaling-up the Participatory-based Natural Resources Management in Four Watersheds of Mount Makiling Forest Reserve & Mount Bulalo. It aimed to generate updated spatial and biophysical information about the Cambantoc Watershed, focusing on the midstream and downstream sections of the river.
The team utilized drone technology to map and profile existing agricultural areas within the watershed. This geospatial approach enables a more accurate assessment of land use patterns, potential sources of erosion or sedimentation, and the interface between farming activities and river health.
Concurrently, the river assessment component evaluated the physical condition and ecological status of Cambantoc River. This includes observations on water flow, riverbank stability, and potential indicators of environmental stress such as siltation, pollution, and vegetation loss.
The data gathered will support MCME’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable watershed management and inform future planning and conservation strategies in the area. The integration of social forestry perspectives with watershed management highlights MCME’s commitment to balancing ecological protection with community-based resource use.
