The annual economic value of primary bioresources in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is estimated at ₱42.7 million

09 Feb 2026

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) in the Philippines is a vital protected area that supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna with significant economic value. However, despite extensive research conducted in the area, the monetary worth of its biodiversity remains largely underestimated. This study employs a combination of key informant interviews and focus group discussions with local and Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities living near MMRNP. Through value chain analysis and resource rent calculation, the research aimed to determine the economic value of MMRNP’s bioresources and promote their sustainable and equitable management.

The study identified and prioritized nine economically important bioresources that are commonly collected, utilized, and traded by local communities. These include five plant species: Dendrocnide sp. (Alingatong), Calamus sp. (Rattan), Cinnamomum mercadoi (Kalingag), Agathis philippinensis (Almaciga), and Gymnostoma sumatranum (Maribuhok), and four animal species: Limnonectes sp. (Bakbak), Apis sp. (Putyukan), Apis cerana (Ligwan), and Sus philippensis (Wild pig). The estimated annual economic value of these bioresources within MMRNP is PhP 42,708,861.20.

Given their potential contribution to the local economy, the development of enabling policies to protect these bioresources is essential to prevent the negative impacts of overexploitation on both economic growth and community development. It is strongly recommended that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) implement joint and closely coordinated monitoring. This collaborative approach will foster transparency, consensus-building, and the sustainable management of these invaluable resources for the benefit of both present and future generations.

By putting a financial value on the park’s resources, the study helps policymakers understand that protecting nature is not just an environmental concern but also a smart economic choice. Moreover, the findings can help local communities explore eco-friendly income sources, like ecotourism, sustainable farming, and biodiversity-based businesses, rather than resorting to activities that harm the environment. On the other hand, the government and concerned organizations can use this study to justify more funding for conservation programs, ensuring long-term protection of the park’s biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The study shows that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand, helping decision-makers find ways to use natural resources without destroying them. This research reinforces the idea that nature isn’t just a cost, i.e., it’s an asset. If managed properly, protected areas like Mt. Malindang can benefit both people and the planet, creating a win-win situation for conservation and sustainable development.

Authors: Grace V. Villanueva (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University | Graduate School, Misamis University), Jersam C. Calago (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University |  Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Misamis University), Bobby B. Alaman (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University | Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Misamis University), Joseph Glenn Laput (College of Business and Management, Misamis University), Emmarie F. Mapi-ot (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University), Richard B. Parilla (Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines-Tacloban College), Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio (Department of Science and Technology, SERD, PCAARRD, Los Baños), Joan U. Ureta (Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Clemson University) and J. Carl Ureta (Research and Development, ESFocus LLC, Charleston, South Carolina)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1155/ijfr/5591210

The annual economic value of primary bioresources in Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park is estimated at ₱42.7 million

Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP) in the Philippines is a vital protected area that supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna with significant economic value. However, despite extensive research conducted in the area, the monetary worth of its biodiversity remains largely underestimated. This study employs a combination of key informant interviews and focus group discussions with local and Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities living near MMRNP. Through value chain analysis and resource rent calculation, the research aimed to determine the economic value of MMRNP’s bioresources and promote their sustainable and equitable management.

The study identified and prioritized nine economically important bioresources that are commonly collected, utilized, and traded by local communities. These include five plant species: Dendrocnide sp. (Alingatong), Calamus sp. (Rattan), Cinnamomum mercadoi (Kalingag), Agathis philippinensis (Almaciga), and Gymnostoma sumatranum (Maribuhok), and four animal species: Limnonectes sp. (Bakbak), Apis sp. (Putyukan), Apis cerana (Ligwan), and Sus philippensis (Wild pig). The estimated annual economic value of these bioresources within MMRNP is PhP 42,708,861.20.

Given their potential contribution to the local economy, the development of enabling policies to protect these bioresources is essential to prevent the negative impacts of overexploitation on both economic growth and community development. It is strongly recommended that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs), and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) implement joint and closely coordinated monitoring. This collaborative approach will foster transparency, consensus-building, and the sustainable management of these invaluable resources for the benefit of both present and future generations.

By putting a financial value on the park’s resources, the study helps policymakers understand that protecting nature is not just an environmental concern but also a smart economic choice. Moreover, the findings can help local communities explore eco-friendly income sources, like ecotourism, sustainable farming, and biodiversity-based businesses, rather than resorting to activities that harm the environment. On the other hand, the government and concerned organizations can use this study to justify more funding for conservation programs, ensuring long-term protection of the park’s biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The study shows that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand, helping decision-makers find ways to use natural resources without destroying them. This research reinforces the idea that nature isn’t just a cost, i.e., it’s an asset. If managed properly, protected areas like Mt. Malindang can benefit both people and the planet, creating a win-win situation for conservation and sustainable development.

Authors: Grace V. Villanueva (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University | Graduate School, Misamis University), Jersam C. Calago (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University |  Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Misamis University), Bobby B. Alaman (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University | Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Misamis University), Joseph Glenn Laput (College of Business and Management, Misamis University), Emmarie F. Mapi-ot (Misamis University Community Extension Program, Misamis University), Richard B. Parilla (Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of the Philippines-Tacloban College), Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio (Department of Science and Technology, SERD, PCAARRD, Los Baños), Joan U. Ureta (Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences, Clemson University) and J. Carl Ureta (Research and Development, ESFocus LLC, Charleston, South Carolina)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1155/ijfr/5591210