Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
Plan International

Contractor:
PLAN International Calapan

Project Code: 172-680-004	Start Date: 01/04/1993	End Date: 31/03/1998
Commitment: £270,959	Status: Awaiting Confirmation of Completion	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
The poor management of natural resources which has occurred in the Philippines over recent years means the country could be heading for an environmental catastrophe. 75 percent of the country is critically eroded and 20 percent of the original forests remain. Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque are two of the islands most affected by environmental degradation. Most of the people are farmers and their incomes are among the lowest in the islands, below the total poverty level. This is largely due to soil exhaustion as a result of intensive farming methods, water erosion and deforestation. PLAN International aims to help the people of Oriental Mindoro and Marinduque take active steps to preserve and restore the environment. During the year 1992 - 1993 orientation sessions will be held to raise the farmers' awareness about environmental issues. Three tree nurseries will be set up and 9,000 seedlings will be planted on land particularly at risk from erosion. 43 hectares will be put under irrigation, two water impounding dams built and a major canal improved. Farmers will participate in training sessions encouraging the use of improved agricultural and water management techniques. These activities will continue over a further four years, and will be expanded each year so as to involve more people and a larger area.

Project Objectives:
To promote environmental awareness among the rural population and to attempt to mobilise people to practise appropriate techniques in order to enhance and preserve natural resources. Nurseries will be set up producing tree seedlings and grasses which will be planted in fields in order to reduce the rate of soil erosion. Forests and orchards will be replanted.

Intended Outputs:
Improved soil and water conservation techniques promoted. Retaining walls for river embankments and secondary irrigation canals built.

19 orientation sessions on the conservation of natural resources - forests, wildlife and marine life, organised. 9,000 tree seedlings purchased and planted in suitable areas, including half a hectare of mangrove plantation and two hectares of drought and pest-resistant hardwoods. Three municipal tree nurseries set up.

Financial assistance provided to enable community groups to build one irrigation unit, and to purchase three 12HP pumps with accessories, and two 10HP pumps with accessories, in order to irrigate 43 hectares of farmland. Help given to the community groups and the local government for the construction of two water impounding dams and 100 metres of a major drainage canal. The farmers will take part in training sessions aiming to support ecological rehabilitation and to raise their awareness of the effects of chemicals on the land.