Author

Vichel Grace S. Serrato-Balisi*
Administrative Aide VI/Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Junction, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, Philippines
Purok Datu, Bulanao Norte, Tabuk City, Kalinga, Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed community participation in the implementation of the Landscape and Wildlife Indicators (LAWIN) Forest and Biodiversity Protection System in the municipalities of Pinukpuk and Balbalan, Kalinga. Specifically, it examined participation in planning and decision-making, monitoring and reporting, community engagement and support activities, and perceived support for participation, as well as the experiences and challenges encountered by community members. The study employed a descriptive-qualitative research design, utilizing interviews, observations, and document analysis to gather rich data from community members, Indigenous Peoples, Barangay Officials, and LAWIN patrollers. The qualitative findings revealed several key themes influencing participation: spatial challenges, including unfamiliarity with forest areas and difficulty in navigation; environmental and weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, fog, and water scarcity; technological limitations, including device malfunctions, battery depletion, and uneven technical competence; community engagement and support, emphasizing cooperation, guidance, and coordination among Indigenous Peoples and local officials; and forest threats and environmental risks, such as kaingin, illegal logging, hunting, and general environmental degradation. These findings indicate that while community participation is active and contributes significantly to forest protection, operational efficiency and sustainability are constrained by environmental, technological, and capacity-related factors. Based on these results, the study recommends targeted interventions including capacity-building programs for navigation and safety, digital literacy and technological support, strengthened collaboration and participatory governance, environmental awareness campaigns, and sustainable livelihood initiatives to mitigate harmful practices. Enhancing these areas is critical to improving the effectiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of LAWIN implementation, ultimately supporting the protection of forest and biodiversity resources in the study areas.

Keywords: LAWIN, community participation, forest protection, Indigenous Peoples, technological support, environmental threats, Kalinga.

*Corresponding author/ Email: serratovichel22@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0502940

Recommended citation:
Serrato-Balisi, V. G. S. (2026). Community participation in the implementation of Landscape and Wildlife Indicator (LAWIN) as forest and biodiversity protection system. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 773-791. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0502940

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