A Survey of Understory Vegetation in the Biocultural Landscape of Mount Makiling, Luzon Island, Philippines: Implications for Sustainable Management

Abstract

Mount Makiling is known to be one of the megadiverse tropical rainforests and dormant volcanoes in the Philippines. As one of the ASEAN heritage parks, Mount Makiling showcases its biocultural landscapes that provide numerous ecosystem goods and services, especially to its nearby communities. Located at the foothills of Mount Makiling are several scientific institutions including UPLB, IRRI, PCAARRD, DOST Region IV, and Boy Scout of the Philippines. This isolated and mystical mountain is an important watershed that shelters numerous species of flora and fauna which are very popular for hikers, birdwatchers, and campers alike. Aside from its mega biodiversity, Mount Makiling abounds in natural resources like flatrocks, mud springs, hotsprings, and natural spring water. Mount Makiling has provided an environment for the development of different vegetation types and floral species that have several economic uses such as food, medicinal, source of raw materials, construction, and ornamental. More so, it has been serving as the living laboratory of natural science courses of the University of the Philippines system since the 1960s. A vegetation survey was conducted to present and analyze the richness and diversity of understory species along the Northeastern slopes of Mount Makiling. The mountain is also a habitat for a number of host plants and a diversity in bee forage for the Philippine giant honey bees. As the integrity of the great biodiversity of Mount Makiling is threatened by the activities of its biocultural landscape across history, institutions and activities within Mount Makiling were discussed to determine their potential impacts on the sustainable management of such forest reserve. The UPLB administration, in collaboration with the surrounding local government units of Los Baños, Calamba City, Sto. Tomas City, and Bay, should uphold the implementation of the existing Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) management plan to safeguard the future of the species in Mount Makiling and ensure sustainable ecology and economy for both present and future generations.