On 24-28 July 2023, the UPLB-INREM through the DOST PCAARRD-funded project “Assessment of Payment for Water Ecosystem Initiatives towards the Development of a Philippine PES Protocol” Project Team successfully conducted a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) and a site visit to the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape. 

At the outset of the activity, the team made several courtesy visits to relevant stakeholders of the protected landscape, including the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) and the Municipalities of Tampakan, Polomolok, Tupi, and Malungon. This initiative served to strengthen the connections among the involved institutions.

The primary focus of the initiative centers around the facilitation of FGDs, which involves the active participation of diverse stakeholders within the protected area. These stakeholders include PAMO, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and Sarangani, Municipal and select Barangay Local Government Units of Tampakan, Polomolok, Tupi, and Malungon, Dole Philippines, Mahintana Foundation Inc., as well as Polomolok and Tupi Water Districts. During this activity, the team gained an in-depth perspective of the scientific, economic, and institutional aspects of the PES-like initiative implemented at the site which was not captured by the reviewed related literature.

Within the duration of the activity, the team had the privilege to visit Pumping Station 11 of Polomolok Water District. This particular pumping station boasts a reservoir that has a remarkable capacity to hold up to 1,500 cubic meters of water, which is then distributed to five (5) to six (6) barangays. Moreover, the station is linked to two other pumping stations, thereby augmenting its capacity. It is also noteworthy that the station employs automated chlorination and is equipped with a generator to ensure an uninterrupted water supply. (Sheerah Louise C. Tasico and Joylyn Bon Yu)