Bobby Alaman / Caryl Trisha Yapac - MUCEP
August 12, 2026 8:50 A.M.
61MU, DOST-PCAARRD Valuation Study Drives Policy Development for Payment for Ecosystem Services in MMRNP
Misamis University (MU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to research that creates meaningful societal impact through the publication of the study, "Valuing Water Ecosystem Services of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP): An Application of the Contingent Valuation Method," in the Scopus-indexed Philippine Journal of Science (PJS), published by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The publication is the result of a collaborative effort among researchers from Misamis University (Jersam C. Calago, Grace V. Villanueva, Bobby B. Alaman, Emmarie F. Mapiot, Joseph Glen J. Laput, and Dr. Haydee D. Villanueva); Clemson University, USA (Dr. Joan U. Ureta); University of the Philippines Visayas Tacloban College (UPVTC) (Dr. Richard B. Parilla); the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD) (Dr. Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio); and ES FOCUS LLC, USA (Dr. J. Carl C. Ureta
The study forms part of the DOST–PCAARRD-funded project, "Valuation of Forest Ecosystem Services of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP)," implemented in 2022. The project aims to generate scientific evidence that will support the sustainable management and conservation of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park by determining the economic value of its ecosystem services. Using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the research estimated the economic value of the park's water ecosystem services. It provided evidence-based recommendations for establishing a Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanism as a sustainable financing strategy for environmental protection and conservation.
The impact of the research extended beyond academic publication. Following a series of presentations to various stakeholders in Misamis Occidental in 2024, the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park Protected Area Management Board (MMRNP-PAMB) recognized the study's significance by supporting the development of a PES scheme. Through MMRNP-PAMB Resolution No. 14, Series of 2024, the Board created a Technical Working Committee (TWC) to formulate the PES Guidelines for Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park.
In compliance with the resolution, Misamis University and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Protected Area Management Office (DENR-PAMO) jointly organized a two-day workshop on the formulation of the PES Guidelines on July 6–7, 2024, at Costa del Sol, Oroquieta City. Members of the Technical Working Committee actively participated in the workshop. Subsequently, the committee conducted a series of technical meetings on November 20, 2024; December 2, 2024; May 14, 2025; and November 11, 2025, including an online meeting presided over by Director Grace V. Villanueva, during which Forester Bobby B. Alaman served as a researcher with the DENR-PAMO team. Following comprehensive review and deliberation, the committee finalized and endorsed the draft Provincial Ordinance on Payment for Ecosystem Services to the MMRNP-PAMB Executive Committee for onward endorsement to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Occidental.
Recognizing the importance of the research and its contributions to community extension, the MMRNP-PAMB officially adopted its findings through Resolution No. 50, Series of 2025, entitled "A Resolution Endorsing the Draft Ordinance for the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Misamis Occidental by All Water Users as a Sustainable Financing Mechanism for the Protection, Conservation, and Sustainable Management of Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park."
The research also served as one of the principal scientific references in drafting the proposed Provincial Payment for Ecosystem Services Ordinance of Misamis Occidental, which seeks to establish a long-term financing mechanism to protect, conserve, restore, and sustainably manage Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park.
An official communication from DENR-PAMO was subsequently transmitted to the Office of the Provincial Governor of Misamis Occidental, Hon. Henry S. Oaminal, requesting action on the proposed ordinance. The Provincial Government, through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) headed by For. Mercy P. Uy, conducted a technical review before endorsing the draft ordinance to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for legislative consideration.
The Committee on Natural Resources, Environment and Ecology of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, chaired by Hon. Eduardo Cebedo, subsequently convened a committee meeting to deliberate on the proposed ordinance. The meeting brought together representatives from local water districts, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Protected Area Management Office (DENR-PAMO), and Misamis University. Representing the University were Director Grace V. Villanueva, the project leader, and members of the research team, who served as resource persons by presenting the study's findings and providing technical inputs to support the proposed ordinance.
Misamis University expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Jan Harold D. Japay (MU-LABAN); Judge Cleo Marjo C. Cabanilla, former Dean of the College of Law; Atty. Anthony L. Awa; Mr. April Farel Relacion; and Dr. Karen Belina F. De Leon, President of Misamis University, for their invaluable contributions and unwavering support throughout the implementation of the research project.
Misamis University also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) Protected Area Management Board, DENR–Protected Area Management Office (DENR-PAMO), the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, the city and municipal local government units, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), the Subanen Indigenous Peoples, local water service providers, and all partner stakeholders whose collaboration made this initiative possible. The University likewise acknowledges the Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD) of the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST–PCAARRD) for its funding support.
This milestone demonstrates how university research can extend beyond scholarly publication to inform environmental governance and public policy. From its publication in a Scopus-indexed journal to its adoption by the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park Protected Area Management Board (MMRNP-PAMB) and its contribution to the development of a proposed provincial ordinance on Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), the project exemplifies Misamis University's commitment to research excellence, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. Through science-based innovation and strong multi-sectoral partnerships, Misamis University continues to generate knowledge that informs policy, benefits communities, safeguards vital natural resources, and advances the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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