Southern Mindanao Research Articles

Diversity and Status of Plants in Three Mountain Ecosystems in Southern Mindanao, Philippines

This paper presents the diversity and status of plants conservation initiatives in the three mountain ecosystems in Mindanao, Philippines. Representative specimen were pressed, dried, poisoned and mounted as herbarium vouchers. To determine the index of general diversity for trees, 20x20 m sampling plots were established per vegetation type, and in each sampling plot, a 5x5 m sub-plot was laid to determine the species diversity for pteridophytes. Transect walk and sampling plots in 3 mountain ecosystems revealed several vegetation types with Mt. Malindang having 9 types, Mt. Hamiguitan with 5 types and Mt. Kitanglad with 3 types. Species richness was highest in Mt. Malindang (1,164 spp.), followed by Mt. Hamiguitan (878 spp.) and the lowest in Mt. Kitanglad (661 spp.) Regardless of the mountain ecosystem and plant groups, the montane vegetation had high species richness and diversity values than the dipterocarp and mossy forests. Mt. Kitanglad had the highest number of threatened species (92 spp.) while Mt. Malindang and Mt. Hamiguitan had 34 and 35 threatened species each, respectively. As to endemism, it showed that Mt. Hamiguitan had high endemism (34 %) than Mt. Kitanglad (21%) and Mt, Malindang (16%). Furthermore, the three mountain ecosystems showed 64 species as new record in Mindanao and 21 species in the Philippines while two species of Nepenthes are new to science. Keywords - diversity, species richness, assessment, plants, conservation, protected areas, Mindanao

Redescriptions of Two Poorly Known Slender Skinks, Brachymeles bicolor and Brachymeles pathfinderi (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), from the Philippines

Brachymeles bicolor (Gray 1845), from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of Luzon Island, and Brachymeles pathfinderi Taylor 1925, from southern Mindanao Island, are among the most distinctive species in the genus, representing the largest species and one of only two known nonpentadactyl species with unequal digit numbers respectively. However, both species are inadequately diagnosed, based on a total of only five specimens. Here we provide brief taxonomic histories, discuss and clarify type localities, and redescribe each species using larger sample sizes and specimens well documented and collected during our recent biodiversity surveys. We include new information on morphological variation, distribution, ecology, and microhabitat.

Soil-transmitted helminth and other intestinal parasitic infections among school children in indigenous people communities in Davao del Norte, Philippines

A significant portion of the population in the Philippines consists of indigenous people (IP) groups, approximately 9% or 8.1 million. Data on the health status of these groups are very limited including the status of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections. Provision of such data will be of great importance in the formulation of policy on control and prevention of these diseases in this group. This study was conducted in selected villages/barangays in the municipalities of Carmen, Kapalong, San Isidro and Sto. Tomas in the Province of Davao del Norte in Southern Mindanao, Philippines. Parasitologic assessment was performed using Kato-Katz to qualify and quantify STH infections, while nutritional status assessment was based on hemoglobin determination and on nutritional status indicators, i.e., weight-for-age (WFA), height-for-age (HFA), and body mass index (BMI) for age derived from anthropometric measurements. A total of 572 school children participated in the survey, 264 (46.2%) of whom belonged to a specific IP group. Results showed that 34.1% of the school children had at least one STH infection while 5.9% had heavy intensity infections. Cumulative prevalence in IP school children was significantly higher than in non-IP children with rates at 39.0% and 29.9%, respectively (P=0.021). Overall prevalence of school children with below normal WFA was 29.9%, while prevalence of those with below normal HFA and BMI for age was 42.8% and 14.9%, respectively. Of those examined, 8.3% had below normal hemoglobin levels. There was no significant difference observed between the nutritional status parameters of IP and non-IP school children. The parasitologic parameters reported in this study signify the need to pay more attention to IP children who are at higher risk of morbidity due to helminth infections. Access of IP communities to quality health services, which include mass drug administration (MDA) and health education on a regular basis, must be ensured. Further studies to determine factors that contribute to the higher prevalence of STH among IP groups are recommended.

Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) on Coconut + Lanzones (Lansium domesticum Corr) Agro-ecosystem in Southern Mindanao, Philippines (1993 – 2007): with Emphasis on the Multi-Nutrient Coconut-Specific Mineral Fertilizer*. Part II. Influence on Le

A 15- year (1993-2007) long-term integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) study on coconut (‘Laguna’ tall variety) + lanzones fruit tree (‘Paete’ variety) agro-ecosystem was conducted using five fertilizer combinations (FCs) in a dominantly tropical wet climate growing zone (Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification, Kottek et al 2006) of Davao, Southern Mindanao, Philippines (07o05’N 125o37’E. One of the objectives of the study was to determine the response of this agro-ecosystem to the combined application of inorganic multinutrient fertilizer (MNF): N+P+K+Cl+S+B (14% N-5% P2O5-20% K2O, with 15.5% Cl, 4.5% S and 0.02% B) and organic fertilizer sources at different ratios by weight by tree (IF+OF at 1+0; 1+2; 2+4; 4+2 and 4+4) on: crop productivity; soil properties, and leaf nutrient levels of the agro-ecosystem.
 The influence of ISFM and MNF on yields and profitability of the agro-ecoystem coconut and lanzones fruit tree crop (Part I) had been presented earlier in the CORD J. (Magat et al 2009)
 Results as presented in the first part of the work report showed that the application of the multi-nutrient inorganic fertilizer even at its lowest rate for coconut (1 kg/tree/yr) produced a significant increase in annual nut and copra yield per ha from an average of 8,890 nuts or 1.6 tons to 3 - 4 tons after 2 years of fertilizer applications. The non-significant difference in nut and copra yields of fertilizer combinations (FCs) in almost all years showed that even with the application of FC-1 (1 kg of inorganic fertilizer), the lowest rate of the multi-nutrient fertilizer, even without organic fertilizer, an annual yield over 4 tons copra per ha (or over 17, 000 nuts per ha) was produced in most of years of production, seldom achieved in coconut farms in the country.
 The improvement of coconut yield and very productive lanzones fruiting stage in this cropping system may be attributed to the significant influence of fertilizer combinations on the crops’ leaf nutrient contents as N, P, K, Cl and B. The long term effect of organic fertilization contributed much to the improved or enhanced soil physical conditions as the soil bulk density. Soil chemical properties as soil acidity, organic carbon (C), organic matter, available phosphorus (P) and exchangeable potassium (K) were generally enhanced during the 15 years of coconut and lanzones cropping under ISFM with multi-nutrient fertilizer application.
 This long-term coconut + lanzones cropping agro-ecosystem proved to be a sustainable farming system. The proper integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) as a major component of the integrated crop management (ICM) using the PCA-formulated crop-specific-fertilizer multi-nutrient 14(N)-5(P2O5)-20(K2O)-15.5(Cl)-4.5(S)-0.02(B) even at the lowest rate of fertilization contributed to stable soils resulting to the total productivity of the coconut + lanzones fruit tree agro-ecosystem.

Changing Marine Exploitation During Late Pleistocene in Northern Wallacea: Shell Remains from Leang Sarru Rockshelter in Talaud Islands

The previous excavation by Tanudirjo and our recent excavation at Leang Sarru in the Talaud Islands, located between northern Sulawesi and southern Mindanao, reveal intermittent human colonization and marine exploitation in these remote islands as early as 35,000 to 32,000 B.P. The evidence indicates that humans migrated and colonized the northern part of Wallacea by ocean crossings of over 100 km, equivalent to the human migrations from southern Wallacea to Sahul, and Sahul to the Bismarck Archipelago during the late Pleistocene. The 14 C dates obtained from the marine shell samples collected during our excavation and the earlier excavation by Tanudirjo, along with other archaeological evidence enable us to conclude that the site was occupied during at least four main periods: (1) the earliest phase during 35,000 to 30,000 B.P. ; (2) the intensive occupation phase during 21,000 to 17,000 B.P. , partly corresponding with Last Glacial Maximum (LGM); (3) the early Holocene during 10,000 to 8000 B.P. ; and (4) during the "Metal Age" with some ceramic evidence not identified by 14 C dates. Such intermittent use of the site tentatively shows that humans in Wallacea might not have had the strategies and skills to sustain continuous colonization or habitation of remote islands like Talaud, having limited terrestrial resources during the late Pleistocene and even in the Holocene before the maturity of an agricultural system and knowledge as part of their subsistence strategies. We also discuss the past maritime exploitation and adaptation from the late Pleistocene to the early Holocene in the Talaud Islands.

Educating for Conviviality in Basic Education: The Philippine Context

Three major provisions of the present Philippine Constitution (1987) highlight Filipinos' high aspiration and priority for education. First, it is concretely enunciated in Art. XIV Section 5, "The state shall assign the highest budgetary priority to education"; then in Section 1, "The state shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all." Third, Section 3 lists down the objectives of schools as "to inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love for humanity, respect for human rights, duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency." Comparably, Education for conviviality is implicit in Art. II Declaration of Principles and State Policies Section 2 which states that, "The Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and humanity with all nations." Such provisions in the fundamental law serve as the legal bases and guiding principles for the education sector in planning and implementing its program. The Department of Education is the principal agency of the government responsible for education and manpower development. As embodied in Executive Order No. 117, s. 1987, the Department is primarily responsible for formulating, planning, implementing and coordinating the policies, plans, programs and projects in the areas of formal and non-formal education at the elementary and secondary levels, and non-formal. Equally the Department is mandated to supervise all educational institutions, both public and private; and provide for the complete, adequate and integrated system of education relevant to national development goals. At the Central Office of the Department are five service units namely: the Planning Service, Administrative Service, Human Resource Development Service and Technical Service. To assist the Secretary in initiating and formulating policies, standards and programs on curriculum development are the three bureaus: Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Alternative Learning System. Other offices include the Educational Development Project Implementing Task Force (EDPITAF) and the NationalEducatorsAcademyof the Philippines (NEAP). There is a pending legislation in Congress for the trifocalization of the education sector: Department of Basic Education for elementary and secondary education level, Commission of Higher Education (CHED) for colleges and universities and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for vocational-technical education. The Department has 17 Regional Offices: the Ilocos regions (I), the Cagayan Valley Region (II), the Central Luzon Region (III), the Southern Tagalog Region (IV), Bicol Region (V), Western Visayan Region (VI), Central Visayas Region (VII), Western Visayas Region (VIII), Western Mindanao Region (IX), Northern Mindanao Region (X), Southern Mindanao Region (XI), Central Mindanao Region (XII), the Caraga Region, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the National Capital Region (NCR), and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Commercial Production and Chemical/Physical Characterization of Natural and Nutritious Coconut Sap Food Products (Cocosap Juice and Cocosap Concentrate) at Tawan-tawan, Baguio District, Davao City, Southern Mindanao, Philippines

The processing of natural and nutritious coconut sap juice and coconut sap concentrate for commercial production was conducted by the members of the Samahang Magniniyugan ng Tawan-tawan (SMT) at Barangay Tawan-tawan, Baguio District, Davao City, Southern Mindanao, Philippines from February to May, 2007. The processing of coconut sap juice and concentrate involves simple, easy to follow procedures and few equipment are required. 
 Results of the chemical analysis revealed that coconut sap juice, an oyster-white liquid and coconut sap concentrate, a sticky, golden orange syrup has 84.3% and 25% moisture content; 0.24% and 0.94% crude protein; 18.99 and 63.79 mg/100 mg sodium (Na); 0.85 and 1.51 mg/100 g calcium (Ca) and 0.05 and 0.33 mg/100g iron (Fe), respectively indicating that these coconut sap food products are nutritious and good for one’s body. While physical (color) analysis showed that these products are pure and natural since no food coloring was detected. A partial budgeting analysis on the profitability of producing coconut sap juice and coconut sap concentrate over the traditional fermented toddy indicated an additional profit or net income of Php19,728.00 and Php21,402.00 per month, respectively (Php41= $). 
 The benefits derived from the commercialization of the technology on coconut sap food products by the adaptors were discussed. Factors for successful adoption and commercialization of coconut sap juice and concentrate were likewise recommended.

Maize planting time and arthropod abundance in southern Mindanao, Philippines. I. Population dynamics of insect pests

Monthly plantings conducted over 4 years in a rainfed triple maize cropping system in southern Mindanao, Philippines, revealed the Asian corn borer (ACB) Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) as the most important insect pest. Of minor importance and being restricted to one crop stage were rice seedling maggot Atherigona oryzae Malloch, thrips Thrips palmi Karny and Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall), corn leafhopper Cicadulina bimaculata (Evans), corn earworm Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), and corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch). Farmers escape damage from ACB, seedling maggot, and thrips by planting the first crop in April. Planting of the second crop should be shifted from August to September to avoid ACB damage. Pest damage was low during the third crop, thus planting time is not an important consideration. Additional information on ACB bionomics was revealed in the study. Mean egg mass size was 36 eggs (range 1 – 169). Oviposition was found to be positively correlated with cumulative rainfall over the previous 3 – 8 weeks indicating that females seek healthy crops. Most (70%) oviposition occurred over a 4-week period in the 39 crops studied as a single peak between late-whorl through mid-tasseling stages when developing larvae would be more assured of feeding on the more nutritious pollen. The strong attraction of maize at early tasseling along with heavy parasitism in older maize become population synchronizing agents in the year round cropping study area, although less perfect than winters in temperate regions. Yield loss in southern Mindanao ranged from 20 to 49% which was more closely correlated with larval tunnels than moth exit holes. Correlations were significant only when damage was related to yield loss but not yield.

Maize planting time and arthropod abundance in southern Mindanao, Philippines. II. Population dynamics of natural enemies

Beneficial arthropods were monitored in monthly plantings over 4 years in a rainfed, triple-maize cropping system in southern Mindanao, Philippines. Generalist predators and two egg parasitoids of the Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis (Guenée) (ACB) did not show significant differences in abundance with respect to calendar month of planting over 39 crops. Two species of Trichogramma (T. evanescens Westwood and T. chilonis Ishii) collectively parasitized 67% of ACB egg masses and 58% eggs over the study becoming more abundant as the crop aged. The closeness of the two parasitism rates suggests that to increase parasitoid efficacy, particularly early in the crop, the best strategy would be augmentation and to increase longevity of wasps by providing carbohydrate sources to extend their searching time. Unparasitized egg masses tended to be smaller showing they were more likely to be overlooked. The ratio between the two parasitoids was 56:44 in favour of the former. Trichogramma evanescens had been introduced 2 years earlier by a government project, whereas T. chilonis probably was introduced by sugarcane estates. Prior to their introduction there were no ACB egg parasitoids in the Philippines and both are firmly established as annual parasitism levels did not continue to rise during the study. Parasitoid activity caused significant reductions in neonate ACB larval numbers beginning 7 weeks after crop emergence in an average crop. Egg parasitism rates were positively and linearly correlated with ACB egg mass density. A quadratic regression model was established between mean egg parasitism rates and egg masses size with peak parasitism rates occurring at 25 eggs per mass. Collectively 32 species of generalist predators averaged 0.9 – 1.5 individuals per plant based on weekly samplings. If ants were excluded, the average dropped to 0.1 – 0.3 per plant. Ants, dominated by Solenopsis geminata (F.), fed on ACB eggs and larvae. Coccinellids as the next most numerous were represented by three species where Micraspis crocea (Mulsant) in particular tracked ACB egg masses and probably the corn leaf aphid Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) as well. Four species of orthropterans also tracked ACB egg masses. The third most abundant guild was 17 spiders with the oxyopid Oxyopes javanus Thorell and the araneid Araneus inustus (C.L. Koch) highly correlated with ACB egg mass densities. Other spiders targeted ACB moths and Atherigona oryzae Malloch adults. The predatory mirid Cyrtorhinus lividipennis Reuter probably targeted the corn leafhopper Cicadulina bimaculata (Evans) and possibly thrips Thrips palmi Karny and Megalurothrips usitatus (Bagnall). The lacewing Chrysopa sp. was abundant late in the crop when aphids were present on tassels.

Rice white stemborer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) in southern Mindanao, Philippines. II. Synchrony of planting and natural enemies

Although the rice white stemborer (WSB) Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) has been an epidemic pest in other locations in the Philippines and Indonesia, its population has remained at chronic pest levels in Koronadal, southern Mindanao, Philippines. Field studies were undertaken to determine the role of egg parasitoids and general predators in suppressing WSB numbers. The results revealed greater mortality levels on WSB than in any other location where beneficials have been assessed. Four hymenopteran parasitoids (Tetrasticus schoenobii Ferriere [Eulophidae], Telenomus rowani (Gahan) [Scelionidae], Telenomus dignus (Gahan), and Trichogramma japonicum Ashmead [Trichogrammatidae]) combined to parasitise 65% of eggs in the second 1990 – 1991 rice crop. Multiple parasitism occurred in 61% of parasitised egg masses. Egg predation averaged 44% principally by the tettigoniids Conocephalus longipennis (de Haan) and C. maculatus (Leth.). Generalist predators steadily built up over the rice crop. A contributing factor to the high success of natural enemies could be related to the special situation of two irrigation systems interspersed among each other. Communal systems fed by artesian wells resulted in asynchronous planting areas where farmers can plant five crops in 2 years juxtaposed to a larger river diversion system typified by highly synchronous double rice cropping. The heterogeneous habitat created by the two irrigation systems could favour the density-dependent T. schoenobii, the keystone parasitoid in the rice ecosystem, which acts as both a parasitoid and predator.

EXPLORING THE ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF TRUST BETWEEN VEGETABLE FARMERS AND THEIR PREFERRED TRADING PARTNERS IN SOUTHERN MINDANAO

EXPLORING THE ANTECEDENTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF TRUST BETWEEN VEGETABLE FARMERS AND THEIR PREFERRED TRADING PARTNERS IN SOUTHERN MINDANAO

Rice white stemborer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) in southern Mindanao, Philippines. I. Supplantation of yellow stemborer S. incertulas (Walker) and pest status

The rice white stemborer (WSB) Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) supplanted the closely related rice yellow stemborer (YSB) S. incertulas (Walker) in irrigated, double-rice culture in both Koronadal, South Cotabato, Philippines and Java, Indonesia. In Java, WSB became a serious pest but not in Koronadal where damage levels remained unchanged. The species shift and subsequent outbreaks are seen as independent events. The former occurred just after the El Niño droughts in 1982 – 1983 which suggests that climatic factors triggered the demise of YSB which does not aestivate. A contributing factor may have also been the crop failures from pest outbreaks that occurred during the same period creating long fallows which would have allowed WSB larvae selectively to survive. WSB larvae have been known to diapause for up to 10 – 12 months and consequently is able to survive climatically driven long fallows. Diapause is terminated by rainfall >10 mm after larvae have rested for a minimum of 4 months. Supportive evidence in favour of climate as the causal agent of change is that the distribution of WSB in Asia and Oceania overlaps that of the Intertropical Convergence Zone of the Southern Oscillation. YSB on the other hand is more adapted to a monsoon climate. It is also hypothesised that WSB, normally associated with single-crop, rainfed-rice culture, was able to adapt to double-cropped, irrigated culture due to the introduction of early maturing rices. From what is known about rice stemborer ecology, five cultural practices and natural events were postulated as the reasons keeping WSB densities in check in Koronadal: (1) medium maturing varieties to reduce the dry season fallow, (2) low inorganic N levels, (3) natural enemies, (4) destruction of crop residue harbouring larvae and pupae during land preparation, and (5) rainfall in the dry season causing suicide flights. Control strategies for areas where WSB is a pest should be based on: (1) reducing the fallow period by growing longer maturing varieties and (2) undertaking early ploughing for the wet season crop.

Geochemistry of Adakites from the Philippines: Constraints on Their Origins

We have identified in the Philippine Archipelago 230 samples of Late Miocene to Quaternary intermediate and evolved magmatic rocks or glasses, the compositions of which plot within the adakitic field defined by Defant and Drummond (1990) using Sr/Y ratios versus Y contents. These rocks belong to four different subductions, along the Manila Trench (Batan, Northern Luzon, Central Luzon), the Negros and Sulu Trenches (Negros and Western Mindano), the Cotobato Trench (Southern Mindanao) and the Philippine Trench (Eastern Mindanao). Lavas from Central Mindanao overlie the deep remnants of the Molucca Sea Plate, and were emplaced in a post-collision setting. All these samples show a significant depletion in Y and HREE with respect to their gnormalh calc-alkaline equivalents, suggesting that garnet was either a residual phase during partial melting or a fractionating mineral during differentiation or assimilation coupled with fractional crystallisation (AFC). However, only 19 samples out of our set (i.e., 8 %) display very high Sr/Y ratios (100-250). Our preferred model for the genesis of these gtypical adakitesh is ca. 20 % partial melting of subducted altered oceanic metabasalts converted to eclogite. This melting process could have been triggered by water from the underlying serpentinites. Most of the samples, termed gintermediate adakitesh, display major and trace element chemical features intermediate between those of the former group and those of normal calc-alkaline lavas. We show that magma mixing between slab-derived adakitic magmas and mafic mantle-derived melts accounts for most of the trends linking typical and intermediate adakites, although an additional contribution of mantle is required in some cases.

Prevalence of Infection with Fasciola gigantica and Its Relationship to Carcase and Liver Weights, and Fluke and Egg Counts in Slaughter Cattle and Buffaloes in Southern Mindanao, Philippines

[Extract] According to Tongson (1978), fasciolosis is the most widespread and most destructive parasitic disease of farm animals in the Philippines, with incidence rates of34.61-100% in endemic areas. In Cotabato province where rice is primarily produced, fasciolosis is considered to be common among cattle and buffaloes. This study was undertaken to describe the infection in these animals because published reports on fasciolosis in this area are lacking. The prevalence of infection and the relationship of infection to carcase and liver weights, and the number of mature and immature flukes and the faecal egg count were investigated. This information may assist in understanding the importance of the infection and the need to implement control. Differences in response to infection with Fasciola gigantica between cattle and buffaloes have been observed in previous studies (Ening Wiedosari, personal communication, 1997), where it was found that infected buffaloes did not show significant reduction in weight gain, whereas weight gain in infected Bali and Ongole cattle was significantly reduced. The fluke burden in buffaloes was also significantly lower than in Ongole cattle. Hence, responses to infection with F gigantica may vary among different breeds. This abattoir study was done to observe the responses of Philippine cattle and buffaloes to natural infection with F gigantica and to see whether these differ between species.

Landcare and Livelihoods: The Promotion and Adoption of Conservation Farming Systems in the Philippine Uplands

Slow adoption of conservation farming systems in the Philippine uplands is a major problem. To address this, the landcare approach, based on community landcare groups, is being piloted in several locations. The results of a study to evaluate the impact of the Landcare Program in Barangay Ned in Southern Mindanao are presented. The sustainable rural livelihoods approach was used as a framework for the evaluation. The study focused on two impacts, the adoption of conservation practices and the formation and development of landcare groups, drawing on four data sources—project reports, key informants, a questionnaire survey, and case studies of landcare groups. The Ned Landcare Program has been associated with rapid adoption of conservation farming practices and the rapid formation of landcare groups linked in an association. The main effect of the Program was to enhance human capital through practical, farmer-led training and extension, enabling farmers to incorporate soil conservation and agroforestry technologies in their farming systems, with desirable outcomes for livelihood security and environmental sustainability. The social capital formed, especially through the landcare association, was crucial to these outcomes. Ongoing partnerships with adequately resourced facilitating agencies were required to maintain the Landcare Program in the long term.

Separatism and Southeast Asia: The Islamic Factor in Southern Thailand, Mindanao, and Aceh

Separatism and Southeast Asia: The Islamic Factor in Southern Thailand, Mindanao, and Aceh

Separatism and Southeast Asia: The Islamic Factor in Southern Thailand, Mindanao, and Aceh

Islamic insurgent movements in southern Thailand, the southern Philippines and Aceh represent, arguably, the most visible signs of armed separatism in Southeast Asia today. The roots of ethnoreligious unrest in each of these regions stem from the same basic factors: insensitivity to local concerns, regional neglect, military repression and the contemporary force of militant Islam. The longevity of the movements that have arisen in southern Thailand, the southern Philippines and Aceh has largely been determined by the degree of popular support each has been able to call on as well as operational considerations such as external support and access to weaponry.

Stratigraphic Correlation of the Malusok Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits, Southern Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract: Two adjacent volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits, the Main Malusok and the Malusok Southeast, are delineated within Barangay Tabayo, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao, Philippines. These deposits comprise massive to semi‐massive sulfide lenses representing the down‐dip equivalent of oxidized gossans. The massive sulfides have a primary mineral assemblage of pyrite‐chalcopyrite‐sphalerite with significant amounts of supergene copper in the form of chal‐cocite. Owing to structural and metamorphic overprinting combined with intense alteration, primary textures are generally obliterated. Rock types are classified according to dominant mineral assemblages whereas the main lithologic units comprising the Malusok volcanic package are divided based on the position of each unit relative to the mineralized zone. The main lithologic units are designated as the hanging wall, the host, and the footwall sequences. In correlating the stratigraphy of the Main Malusok zone with that of the Malusok Southeast zone, a chlorite/epidote‐rich interval located at the base of the hanging wall sequence serves as a distinct stratigraphic marker from which all lithologies are referred to. Comparisons between the stratigraphy of the two areas show that massive to semi‐massive sulfide lenses are confined within a single stratigraphic interval representing the favorable horizon for the entire Malusok area. However, differences exist relative to style of mineralization and configuration of the altered interval between the Main Malusok and the Malusok Southeast VMS deposits. Based on characteristics exhibited by each individual deposit, it is inferred that the Main Malusok VMS deposit overlies a feeder zone whereas the Malusok Southeast sulfide lenses represent satellite deposits and transported blocks.

Infant and child mortality among indigenous and in-migrant populations of Southern Mindanao, the Philippines

Infant and child mortality among indigenous and in-migrant populations of Southern Mindanao, the Philippines

New Aethopyga Sunbirds (Aves: Nectariniidae) from the Island of Mindanao, Philippines

We describe a new species of sunbird, Aethopyga linaraborae, known from Mt. Mayo, Mt. Puting Bato, and Mt. Pasian, all part of an isolated range of mountains in eastern Mindanao, Philippines. It occurs commonly in mossy forest from about 1,200 m and above. We also describe a new subspecies of Apo Sunbird, Aethopyga boltoni tibolii, known from Mt. Busa and Mt. Matutum of southern Mindanao, where it is found in mossy forest above 1,000 m.