SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AFFECTING THE LOBO WATERSHED IN LOBO, BATANGAS
MARIE ABBIE GAIL L. DELA CUEVA
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF ENRM 290 (SPECIAL PROBLEM)
First Semester AY 2007-2008
ACCEPTANCE SHEET
This Spécial Problem report entitled "SOCIOrECONOMIC ACTIVITIES AFFECTING LOBO WATERSHED IN LOBO, BATANGAS" prepared by MARIE ABBIE GAIL L. DELA CUEVA in partial fiilfillment of the requirements of ENRM 290 (Spécial Problem), is hereby accepted.
ARTURO S.A. CASTILLO Research Adviser
Date signed
CERENILLA A. CRUZ
Program Chair, MS in Environment and Natural Resources Management
Date Signed
MA. FE V. MENDOZA
Dean, Faculty of Management and Development Studies UP Open University
Date signed
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ABSTRACT
DELA CUEVA, MARIE ABBIE GAIL L., University of the Philippines Open University Los Bancs, October 2007. Socioeconomic Activities Affecting the Lobe
Watershed in Lobe, Batangas.
Research Superviser: Arturo S.A. Castillo
This research study was intended to identify the socioeconomic activities
affecting the Lobo Watershed in Lobo, Batangas, as well as to détermine the availability of policies formulated and implemented that are geared towards the protection and management of Lobo Watershed.
P^icipatpry approaçhes were employed in this study to obtain the neçessary information needed. Supplemental research on additional information as well as research
on policy instruments specifîcally Sanguniang Bayan resolutions and ordinances relevant
to the environment were also undertaken.
The results of the study reveal that the socioeconomic factors affecting Lobo watershed are the unsustainable utilization and exploitation of watershed resources, such
as mining, kaingin, quarrying, and the unsound practices and attitudes of the people on
their environment. These factors are further compounded by the lack of policy instruments that will help protect and manage the watershed, and the lack of knowledge of both the residents and the local govemment about the environment and environmental
management. Moreover, the lack of livelihood opportunities in the area is also one of the
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apparent problems that are needed to be addressed in order to uplift the living conditions
of the residents.
This research study assumed that the problem of dégradation can be solved by
strengthening policy implementation and provision of alternative iivelihood. These stratégies can further uplift the people from poverty as well as help restore the Lobo Watershed's integrity which will, in tum, provide for sustainable resources for ail
conununities depending on the watershed.
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