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Trees, Forests and People 2 (2020) 100041
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Trees, Forests and People
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/tfp
Review Article
Living with endangered species: Collection of tree ferns in the
forest-reserve of Marilog district, Southern Philippines
Raquelyn J. Dadang
a , b , ∗
, Novy Grace B. Casinillo
a
, Fulgent P. Coritico
a , d
,
Luzviminda T. Simborio
a , c
, Victor B. Amoroso
a , d
a
Center for Biodiversity Research and Extension in Mindanao, Central Mindanao University, Musuan, Bukidnon 8710, Philippines
b
Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines
c
Department of Microbiology, Parasitology, Pathology and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines
d
Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Musuan, Bukidnon, Philippines
Keywords:
Weed
Ecological-balance
Uses
Perceptions
Realizations
Scaly tree ferns are locally known as Anonotong in Southern Philippines and considered as endangered species.
Its collection is prohibited, but along the highway of Marilog District, Davao City, its trading is very obvious.
Hence, the study was conducted to assess the inhabitants’ relationship with tree ferns. The study described the
collection, uses, economic contribution, and people’s traditional perceptions of the plant. The study is descriptive
using a combination of survey, Focus Group Discussion, and Key Informant Interview. It has been found out that
Anonotong or Anotong is a plant less-valued by the locals. They consider it a weed that compromised the growth of
cultivated plants, hence locals uproot them. The increase in population, cultivation of more farms, the entrance
of tourists, construction of roads, and over-collection are the factors that led to the dwindling of tree ferns. Its
trunks and handicraft products are sold at low prices. Aside from being a good source of income, plant parts are
also extracted for medicinal purposes and for household utility. The plant is an endangered species that need
to be conserved. However, majority of the local people do not value them, are not aware of their conservation
status, and many do not understand why its collection is prohibited by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR). Hence, the conduct of awareness campaigns to the locals is found necessary and that
local ordinance should be enforced by the Local Government Units and the DENR regarding the protection and
conservation of this endangered plant.
Introduction
The members of the Cyatheaceae are commonly known as “scaly
tree fern ” characterized by the presence of scales on their trunks and
fronds. There are about ca. 600 species worldwide ( Conant et al., 1995 )
occurring mainly in the wet tropics and southern temperate regions
( Lehnert et al., 2013 ; Smith et al., 2006 ) with the greatest species di-
versity in tropical areas of America and Malesia ( Conant et al., 1995 ).
Tree ferns (Cyatheaceae) are considered threatened due to habitat
destruction, exploitation for cultivation and as substratum or growing
medium for orchids and other plants ( Kholia and Joshi, 2010 ). Majority
of the tree ferns are listed on the appendix II of CITES (Convention of In-
ternational Trade on Endangered Species), in which the species are not
necessarily threatened with extinction, but its trade must be controlled
in order to avoid utilization incompatible with their survival. Destruc-
tion of its natural habitat as caused by human activities, which has been
rampant in the past ve decades, has been found to be alarming. This
∗ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: giging_dadang@yahoo.com (R.J. Dadang).
destruction may have been caused by indiscriminate extraction, human
activities, disturbances like occurrence of forest re, and climate change
( Pimm and Raven, 2000 ).
The islands of New Guinea and Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia) as well
as the Philippines are part of the Malesian region. They are considered
the main center of diversity of the family Cyatheaceae in the Asian re-
gion, with 250 species distributed in dierent islands and many species
being island endemics ( Coritico, 2014 ).
In the Philippines, there is a total of 40 accepted species of scaly
tree ferns and about 26 spp. or (65%) are endemic to the country
( Holttum, 1963 ). Mindanao and Luzon Islands have the highest species
richness with 20 species each ( Coritico et al., 2017 ). Majority of the
species are found in the mountain ecosystems at high elevations with
a relatively high humidity. Cyatheaceae is one the families with most
number of threatened species in the country. There are 29 threatened
scaly tree ferns in the Philippines. Of these, 5 spp. are Critically Endan-
gered, 12 are Endangered and 12 spp. are Vulnerable ( DAO, 2017 ).The
remaining scaly tree ferns in Marilog district are usually found inside
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2020.100041
Received 9 June 2020; Received in revised form 22 September 2020; Accepted 23 September 2020
Available online 28 September 2020
2666-7193/© 2020 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ )
R.J. Dadang, N.G.B. Casinillo, F.P. Coritico et al. Trees, Forests and People 2 (2020) 100041
the forest patches and few individuals along the roadside. The species
found along the roadside is Sphaeropteris glauca (Blume) R.M. Tryon .
This species can grow with full exposure to the sun and are very abun-
dant in the clearings and open places in the forest and in association
with S. lepifera . However, majority of the species are found inside the
forest of Marilog District.
Tree ferns has been observed to be abundant before, but with the
passage of time, it has continued to dwindle. According to Whitten
et al. (1996) , there are many reasons behind the threat of extinction
of ferns, including tree ferns, but basically, it is closely related to socio-
economic life of the population and institutional management of forest
areas and species conservation. Many communities are extracting tree
ferns as main source of livelihood or for supplemental income, others
do for decorative purposes. The plant contributes in improving the lives
of the locals. However, Srivastava (2007) emphasized it is never moral
to tolerate extraction of natural resources just because it gives liveli-
hood to people. Hence, understanding how people live to conserve gene
diversity while addressing the socioeconomic concerns of humanity is
important, as this will develop behaviors and initiatives that will pro-
mote the growth and enhancement of tree ferns ( Iskandar, 2012 and
Permana, 2010 ).
Tree ferns have been a part of many Filipino communities, and they
have been categorized as an endangered species based on DAO, 2017-
11. With the endangered conservation status of tree ferns, it is impor-
tant to study them, how they are being used, conserved or exploited by
people. According to Praptosuwiryo et al. (2011) , there are a number
of researches on behaviors and practices about natural resources, but
not many focuses on tree ferns. Hence, this study in Marilog District of
Davao City, Southern Philippines was conducted. It has been observed
that along the highway of Marilog District, selling of tree fern trunks,
which collection is prohibited, is very obvious. The study aimed to assess
the inhabitants’ relationship with tree ferns, digging into their extrac-
tion behaviors, the utility of the plant, its socio-economic contribution,
and the inhabitants’ traditional perceptions about the plant and their
realizations.
Methodology
Locale of the study
The study was conducted in Marilog District, Davao City, particu-
larly, in Datu Salumay, Baganihan, and Marahan Proper (Fig. 1) . The
villages were purposively chosen to represent the district. The locale is
considered as a Forest Reserve because it is rich in biodiversity with
high mountain ranges, favorable climate, several types of vegetation
and habitats. With a total land area of 63,800 hectares, Marilog district
is bounded northeast by Davao City, south by Kitaotao, Bukidnon and
east by Arakan, North Cotabato. Located in an upland area (over 1000
masl) with 11,102 hectares of forest cover, it has cool and breezy cli-
mate. It is blessed with evenly distributed rainfall and it is virtually a
typhoon- free area as it is protected by mountainous borders and forests
fragments. ( Davao City Comprehensive Land Use Plan, 2013 ). A portion
of the aforementioned barangays is along the national highway of Davao
City, stretching to the high mountains.
The place is rich in natural resources. Along the highway, selling of
plants and tree ferns is very visible. The situation captured the attention
of the researchers. Humans may have altered the biological composition
of the communities; hence this study was conducted.
Entry protocol
The research was conducted observing research ethics. It sought a
Gratuitous Permit from the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (No. XI-2017–11), and a Memorandum of Agreement was
signed between Central Mindanao University and the Local Government
Units (LGUs) of Datu Salumay, Baganihan, and Marahan Proper, Marilog
District. Likewise, a Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and an Institutional
Ethics Review Committee (IERC) Permit were also sought before the
conduct of the study.
Methods
The study is descriptive using a combination of survey and Focus
Group Discussion (FGD) among Anonotong collectors. Likewise, a Key
Informant Interview (KII) among the barangay ocials and leaders of
the Indigenous Peoples (IP) was faciliated, to elucidate and validate the
information gathered from the collectors.
The survey had 45 respondents who were chosen through purposive
sampling. They were personally interviewed using a self-formulated and
peer-reviewed questionnaire which had ve parts: Biographical Infor-
mation, Uses of Tree Ferns, Collection and Perceptions, Selling, and Re-
alizations Concerning Exploitation of Tree Ferns. On the other hand, the
FGD had 7 participants who were identied by the barangay ocials.
They were those who have adequate knowledge about how tree ferns
are utilized in the area. The discussion revolved around the collection,
utility, and issues concerning tree ferns. Observing ethical standards,
the interviewers explained to the respondents the nature and purpose of
the study conducted and assured them that their identity would be kept
anonymous. They were asked to participate, but were also made aware
of their right not to answer questions which they believe were oending
and discriminatory.
In general, the research produced quantitative and qualitative data.
The former were analyzed through frequency count and percentages,
and the latter were analyzed through thematic analysis. The qualitative
data were categorized in matrix form to identify discernible patterns
and were revised based on emerging themes. To come up with an anal-
ysis, SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) method
was used. As a rule, the results of the study were presented back to the
community for validation.
Results and discussion
Tree ferns of several species are endangered based on DAO 2017 -11.
This may mean that their habitat is widely destroyed and their utility is
abused. Hence, this study on people’s relationship with tree ferns was
conducted in Marilog District, Davao City, Southern Philippines. Pre-
sented below are the inhabitants’ extraction behaviors, utility of the tree
ferns, people’s traditional perceptions on the plant, and the inhabitants’
realizations on their relationship with the plant.
The respondents biographical data
Most of the respondents are on their late forties (38%). They are
mostly female (51%) and married (96%). Most of them (56%) are farm-
ers and ower vendors (24%). Most of the locals (44%) have a monthly
income of 1000.00 - 3000.00 ($19.59 – 58.78) only. This means that
the locals are poor. The income is not enough to sustain a family. Only
very few (7%) have a monthly income of 10,000.00 ($195.94) and
above. There are those who have other sources of income aside from
farming ( Table 1 ) like running a sari-sari store, selling ornamental plants
or working as care-takers on rest-houses and mountain resorts owned by
prominent personalities.
The minimal income of the locals often compels them to utilize the
available resources for possible income. One of which is collecting and
selling of Anonotong .
Uses of tree ferns
The locals of Marilog district found tree ferns to have many uses.
They serve as medicine to some locals (26%), others use it as household
implements (35%), fertilizers (60%), and handicraft (84%). Likewise,
the locals (58%) consider tree ferns to be essential in ecological balance
( Fig. 2 ).
R.J. Dadang, N.G.B. Casinillo, F.P. Coritico et al. Trees, Forests and People 2 (2020) 100041
Fig. 1. Map of Marilog District, Davao City,
Philippines.
Fig. 2. Uses of Tree Ferns, Marilog District,
Davao City, Philippines.
Handicraft and growing medium for other plants
Handicraft products made from Anonotong are popular in Marilog
District, Davao City, Philippines. In Southeast Asia, vases and other
handicraft products made from tree fern stems are sold on local mar-
kets and roadside mainly to tourists ( de Winter and Amoroso, 2003 ). Its
roots and trunks are carved and fashioned into an anito , vases or pots
for orchids ( Fig. 3 ). Anito is a human-shaped carving resembling that of
a deity or spirits. Deities are considered by the tribe to be their source of
protection, guidance and blessings. They are the source of abundance,
protecting the community from drought, hunger, and pestilence. The
practice of worshipping the anitos was popular during the pre-colonial
times. This was before the country was occupied by the Spaniards in
1521–1898. However, the belief in spirits is still observed by some locals
in Marilog District, Davao City. The carved anito made from Anonotong ,
however, is not being worshipped now, but is just a symbol of a rich
cultural heritage.
Likewise, vases, slabs, pulverized roots and trunks, and pots made
from Anonotong are also saleable. These are especially made for orchids
and other epiphytes. The locals found orchids to thrive more on dried
tree fern trunks or on sliced slabs.
Fig. 3. Products made from Anonotong , Marilog District, Davao City, Philip-
pines. (A) Anito, (B) Orchid stand, (C) Orchid pots.
R.J. Dadang, N.G.B. Casinillo, F.P. Coritico et al. Trees, Forests and People 2 (2020) 100041
Table 1
Resident’s Biographical Data.
Variable Frequency Percentage
Age
15–25 6 13
26–35 7 16
36–45 15 33
46–55 17 38
Sex
Male 22 48
Female 23 51
Civil Status
Single 2 4
Married 43 96
Occupation
Farme r 25 56
Flower Vendor 11 24
Construction Wor ker 3 7
Caretaker 4 9
Others 2 4
Monthly Income
1000.00 -
3000.00 ($19.59–58.78) 20 44
3001.00 - 6000.00 ($58.90–117.76) 13 29
6001.00 - 10,000.00 ($117.78–195.94) 9 20
10,001.00 and above ($196.29 and above) 3 7
Medicine
Several tree ferns have been explored to have contained antiviral
and medicinal uses. They contain toxic and therapeutic properties. The
young fronds maybe boiled, and the liquid is found to help mothers
shorten the period of labor and gain fast recovery after giving birth.
The plant is also a good treatment for headache, sores and diarrhea.
( Large and Braggins, 2004 ). Likewise, the residents of Marilog Dis-
trict, Davao City have this local knowledge of using the wild plant as
a cure to local swellings, stomach-ache, diarrhea, skin diseases, and
even for breast cancer. They lightly pound the plant and use its juice
to cure the illness. The potential medical uses of compounds from tree
ferns have been suggested by recent studies. The leaf extracts of Cy-
athea gigantea, a common tree fern in South India, has shown anti-
inammatory activity ( Madhukiran and Ganga Rao, 2011 ), hepatopro-
tective eects ( Madhukiran et al., 2012 ), and free radical scavenging
activity ( Madhukiran et al., 2012 ). C. gigantea was also found active
against both selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms. It
also provides the basis for future study to validate the possible use
against multidrug resistant organisms ( Nath et al., 2019 ).
Household uses
Zamora and Co (1986) have reported that the trunks of tree ferns
are hard and durable, hence could be used as house posts. The scle-
renchyma tissue of most tree ferns is hard and durable and provides
mechanical strength when the trunks are used as posts ( de Winter and
Amoroso, 2003 ). Likewise, in Marilog Disrtrict, Davao City, Anonotong
trunks are used by some as construction materials. However, according
to the respondents, they are easily rotten and are not long-lasting com-
pared to hard wood. Some also use dried Anonotong for rewood. The
plant is also transformed into a charcoal by some considering that most
households in the place use rewood in cooking with the absence of gas
and electric stoves. In the place, only those belonging to the middle class
have these cooking appliances.
Fertilizers
The farmer-respondents have noticed that the rotten leaves of the
uprooted Anonotong could fertilize the soil. They said their cultivated
plants like corn, root-crops and vegetables grew healthier when sprin-
kled with rotten tree fern leaves. After uprooting Anonotong from their
farms, they left it still for few days to make it rot. The rotten leaves
are broadcasted to the farm. However, there are no literatures that may
support this claim.
Fig. 4. Collection of Tree Ferns, Marilog District, Davao City, Philippines.
Ecosystem balance
The respondents felt the importance of tree ferns in the environment.
While they said that the plant is harmful to their cultivated plants like
corn, root-crops, and vegetables, the plant is signicant in ecosystem
balance. They mentioned about “kontrol sa pagdahili sa yuta ”(soil ero-
sion control), “pabugnaw sa palibot ”(climate regulation), and “kontrol
sa hugaw ug abog ”(carbon sequestration). “Pareha sila sa kahoy “(They
are like trees). Tree ferns are not trees, they are ferns, but they have
tree-like habit. Hence, they function like trees.
Tree ferns are very important components of the ecosystem. They
can represent more than 50% of basal area and more than 20% of
forest biomass but they have been largely overlooked ( Brock et al.,
2018 ). Tree ferns obtained the high Species Importance Value (SIV) in
the established 2-hectare permanent plots in dierent mountain ecosys-
tems in Mindanao viz., Mt. Apo, Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Malindang
( Amoroso et al., 2016 ; Marin et al., 2015 ). The removal of these species
from the community will greatly aect the physical and biological struc-
ture of the community ( Amoroso et al., 2011 ).
Collection of Anonotong
Most of the respondents (47%) collected Anonotong from their own
farmland, some (33%) collected in nearby surrounding areas, and only
few (20%) collect them from the forest ( Fig. 4 ).
Farmland
Most locals in Marilog are farmers. Except for the owners of huge
plantations, an ordinary farmer cultivates an average of 0.5 − 1 hectare
farm which are planted with mais (corn; Zea mays ) vegetables like say-
oti (chayote; Sechium edule ), lipolyo (cabbage; Brassica oleracea ), and
rootcrops like camote (sweet potato; Ipomea batatas ), binggala (cassava;
Manihot esculenta ), and other local vegetables and rootcrops that are
deemed vital for ordinary Filipinos’ tables. As farmers, they always
wanted a good harvest, hence they get rid of any weeds competing with
their crops and this include Anonotong . For the farmers, Anonotong are
of lesser value compared to their crops, hence they uproot them.
Surrounding areas and forest
Likewise, some respondents (33%) collect Anonotong from the sur-
rounding areas, while 20% collect from the forest. There are those who
consider collecting of tree ferns a “sideline ”or alternative livelihood.
There are buyers of Anonotong trunks and its nished products. The
plants are used as construction materials, rewood or are transformed
into a charcoal. Others are used as owers stands, or are sculpted into
a vase, anito , and other forms of decorations. With the bourgeoning of
hotels in Davao City and neighboring places, the demand of Anonotong
has become high, making its extraction attractive to the locals. The plant
served as stands of dierent varieties of orchids, decorated in plazas or
in hotel grounds. The inhabitants recalled that there were even foreign-
ers coming to the place to buy Anonotong trunks. These foreigners were
believed to be business partners of hotel owners in the Philippines. Fil-
ipinos are ornamental plant lovers. They cultivate ornamental gardens,
R.J. Dadang, N.G.B. Casinillo, F.P. Coritico et al. Trees, Forests and People 2 (2020) 100041
and their houses are decorated with hanging or potted plants. This cul-
ture cuts across socio-economic landscape ( Naranja, 2007 ). Likewise,
the bourgeoning of hotels and restaurants call for the demand of orna-
mental plants, and this love for beauty and exquisiteness makes orna-
mental plant industry a protable business ( Garcia, 2013 ). Along with
the demand of ornamental plants comes the demand of Anonotong . Or-
chids, one of the most expensive owers in the Philippines because of
its status symbol, thrive best when grown in Anonotong stands.
Tools used
In harvesting Anonotong , the local collectors/gatherers used simple
tools. Most (55.56%) use machete, locally called as “sundang ”. Machete
is a large knife with a wide blade. They are made from iron blades with
wooden handles. Some (17.78%) used saw, a tool with tough blade,
wire, or chain with a hard tooth edge. Others use rod (6.67%) and bo-
los (4.45). The former is made of a metal bar with a single curved end
and attened points. The latter is a large cutting tool commonly used
by Filipinos in clearing vegetation. It is a steel blade with a native hard-
wood handle.
Most local residents (66.67%) harvest or uproot the whole plant.
These were the collectors who were selling tree ferns for decorative
purposes. These also include the farmers who considered the plant as
a weed. They had to uproot the plant because it hampers the growth of
their cultivated plants. Others (31.11%) only harvest the stems or stalks.
There were those who use tree ferns as sources of medicines. Collection
depends on the demand of Anonotong . When the demand is low, they
collect once a month, but when the demand is high, they collect once a
week with an average of 10–20 trunks.
Findings show two major reasons behind the rampant extraction of
Anonotong in Marilog District. One is because the wild plant is consid-
ered valueless, or less valuable than cultivated plants like corn, rice,
root-crops and vegetables. Farmers had to uproot them because they
are unwanted weeds that only hamper the cultivated plants. Second, the
demand of Anonotong for decorative purposes attracted the collectors to
harvest more. The demand is coming from hotels and restaurants, and
private houses owned by the middle class who consider orchid plants as
a status symbol.
Selling of tree ferns
Out of the local residents who collected Anonotong , only 70% of them
engaged on selling the plant. Others just use the plant as charcoal, fer-
tilizers, construction materials, or as medicines. To most (70%), the tree
fern collection is only an alternative income. In the locality, they call it
as “side-line ”. While for some (30%), the activity is considered the main
source of livelihood. Some of the tree ferns are transformed into handi-
crafts like “anito ”, and vases. However, raw tree ferns were found to be
more saleable. They are used as ower stands. The demand among ho-
tels and restaurants in neighboring cities, and among the middle class
was high. However, prices were to a bare minimum. Collectors only
had an income of 1000.00- 2000.00 ($19.62 – 39.24) per month, and
at most 4000.00 ($78.47) per month when demand was high. Most of
the buyers come from neighboring cities like Davao and Cagayan De Oro
City in Mindanao Island. There are also buyers from far-away places like
Bacolod City and Cebu City.
Prices of Anonotong products
Though the demand of Anonotong is relatively high, the selling price
of the wild plant and its nished products has remained low ( Table 2 ).
The respondents could not give a clear explanation why prices are low,
they simply say it is the price dictated by the buyers and the market. Us-
ing SWOT (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis,
the following reasons were seen as the factors contributing to the low
prices of tree ferns:
1 Relatively abundant supply - Tree ferns were found to be abundant
in Marilog District, Davao City. The local inhabitants attested to
Table 2
Prices of Anonotong Product.
Product Size Price ( ) Price ($) $1 = 50.98
Orchid Stand S 25.00 0.49
M 50.00 0.98
L 100.00 – 500.00 1.96 –9.81
Flower Vase S 50.00 0.98
M 75.00 1.47
L 100.00 – 150.00 1.96 –2.94
Carvings S 150.00 2.94
M 300.00 – 400.00 5.88 –7.85
L 500.00 9.81
Chopped Roots (per sack) – 30.00 – 100.00 0.59 –1.96
150.00 – 400.00 2.94 –7.85
Slabs – 100.00 1.96
Note: S - small; M - medium; L - large.
this. Although, with the passage of time, the resource has experi-
enced a decline in abundance because of indiscriminate extraction.
Anonotong were cut and sculpted into an anito, vases, and other dec-
orations. Some were used as orchid stands. Others were extracting
Anonoton g for medicinal purposes, and for household implements.
2 Number of collectors - Collecting of Anonotong in Marilog District is
very obvious. In fact, during the conduct of the study, there were
Anonotong trunks, vases, and anitos displayed along the streets and
in the stores. There are many Anonotong collectors.
3 Absence of good markets - Buyers of Anonotong are mostly local clients
only coming from neighboring places like Davao City, Bukidnon, and
Cagayan de Oro City. It could not have national or global circulation
because its extraction and distribution are illegal. Hence, collectors
cannot demand for a higher price.
4 Fair price - The prices of Anonotong are perceived to be fair. Anonotong
is not cultivated, it does not even demand a capital. They are just
extracted or uprooted from the mountains, clis, or from the farms.
All it needs is labor and time. Hence, its buying price is seen to be
just fair.
Factors causing the decline of Anonotong , and realizations
Only 40% of the respondents are aware of the declining status of
Anonotong in their place. They see the wild plant to be more abundant
before. It thrived everywhere. According to the respondents, the follow-
ing were the causes of the decline:
Over-collection and Exploitation
The massive collection of tree ferns led to its decline. The plants
were collected for economic purposes. The respondents also cited
the increase of population, cultivation of more farms, and entrance of
tourists to have contributed to the declining status of Anonotong . As
presented earlier, farmers are uprooting Anonotong because they are
harmful to the cultivated plants. As population increases, the number
of farmers increases too. This also means more and more Anonotong
were uprooted. Likewise, some tourists are said to have uprooted tree
ferns too. They bring home with them the entire trunk or the chopped
pieces. They use it as ower or orchid stands. Some tourists also took
young plants as souvenirs because they are lovely decorative plants
when grown in pots. Although mortality rate maybe high because the
plant is exposed to stressors like distant travels and dierent climatic
conditions.
Infrastructure Projects
The Philippine government is pushing its way to physical develop-
ment dubbed as “Build- Build- Build Program ”, an enhancement of
the “Matuwid na Daan ”program of the previous administration. It
is believed that the construction of roads and bridges among oth-
ers will usher the country to development and reduce the country’s
R.J. Dadang, N.G.B. Casinillo, F.P. Coritico et al. Trees, Forests and People 2 (2020) 100041
poverty. The program is very sound, yet at a certain point it calls for
the uprooting of some plants and trees including Anonotong .
Realizations
During the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), the respondents said they
are very sorry of the decline of tree ferns. “Karon, nanghinayang mi sa
mga niaging tuig nga gipangputol lang ang mga Anonotong kay daghan
man diay siya ug gamit ”(Now, we regret, it is because we realize that
Anonotong has many uses). They have realized that this wild plant
must have to be propagated because it has many uses.
On the other hand, a huge percentage of the respondents (60%) have
not noticed the decline of tree ferns. They do not believe it has become
scarce. They said there are still many Anonotong in the farms and in the
forest. For them, it is just as abundant as before. But only few are engag-
ing on it for livelihood because its extraction is prohibited. Unlike before
when trading of tree fern before was massive, only few are engaging on
it now because its collection is prohibited.
In the community of Marilog, Davao City, Southern Philippines, 78%
are aware of the prohibition on collection of tree ferns, while 22%
are not. The local ocials together with the Indigenous leaders initi-
ated the prohibition on the collection of Anonotong . It is because they
have noticed its rampant collection. The national government’s policies
through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
just came later. Such prohibition however is interpreted by the locals
as not a total restriction. Residents may collect but should ask a permit
from the DENR. "Dapat muagi sa ug DENR kung magkuha" (One should
pass the DENR if he/she collects), said one respondent. Most (62%) obe-
diently follow the prohibitions as set by DENR. They had encountered
no problems regarding the prohibition. While 38% had been warned
by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of-
cers and the tribal government because they had violated the law by
continuously collect Anonotong without proper permits.
Some residents, however, are wondering why collection of Anono-
tong is prohibited. "Wala mi kasabot kon ngano gibawal na sya, nga sagbot
ra man na" (We do not understand why collecting of Anonotong is prohib-
ited. It is only a weed). This statement implies that tree fern is perceived
by the locals to be valueless. Primarily because, this wild plant hampers
the growth of cultivated plants. This also implies that the residents lack
awareness concerning endangered species.
Conclusion
Anonotong is a plant considered by the locals of Marilog District,
Davao City, Southern Philippines as value-less. They consider the en-
dangered species a weed that compromised the growth of cultivated
plants, hence locals uproot them. The increase in population, cultiva-
tion of more farms, entrance of tourists, construction of roads, and over-
collection were the factors thfat led to the dwindling of Anonoton g. Tree
ferns are extracted for economic purposes, but its selling price has re-
mained low. Aside from being a source of income, Anonotong plants are
also extracted for medicinal purposes and for household utility. The lo-
cals also consider the ecological importance of the plant. It is also per-
ceived to be a potent source of fertilizers. Anonoton g is an endangered
species that need to be conserved. However, majority of the people do
not value them, are not aware of their conservation status, and many do
not understand why its collection is prohibited by the Department of En-
vironment and Natural Resources (DENR). Hence, awareness campaign
to the locals is necessary.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing nancial
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to inuence
the work reported in this paper.
Acknowledgment
The authors would like to thank the Commission on Higher Edu-
cation (CHED) K to 12 Transition Program for funding this research
under the DARE TO (Discovery-Applied Research and Extension for
Trans/Inter-disciplinary Opportunities) Program. Likewise, the authors
would like to express their gratitude to the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) for the issuance of Gratuitous Permit;
Central Mindanao University administrations for the logistics. The o-
cials of Barangay Baganihan, Barangay Datu Salumay, Marahan Proper
and to the Matigsalug-Manobo Tribal Council of Elders Davao Incor-
porated (MAMATRIPCEDI) for allowing the researchers to conduct the
study; the local researchers for accompanying the team in the collection
of data, and to the respondents of this research project for their honest
and most valued answers.
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