Author

Christy B. Baggas-Lammawin*
Forest Technician I/Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, Junction, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, Philippines
Purok 7, Pinococ, Pinukpuk, Kalinga, Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation of the Tree Replacement Project in the Province of Kalinga under Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01, series of 2014, focusing on implementation status, strengths and best practices, issues and challenges, and the development of an action plan. A concurrent mixed-methods design was employed, combining documentary analysis, survey data, and qualitative interviews or focus group discussions. Quantitative data were drawn from agency records and analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. Findings showed that the project achieved full compliance in 2023, when 19,500 replacement seedlings were planted for 315 trees cut, but compliance declined to 48.50% in 2024 and 20.00% in 2025. Qualitative findings identified inter-agency coordination, nursery capacity, and early planning as strengths, while weak monitoring, inconsistent documentation, funding constraints, and operational delays emerged as major challenges. The study found that implementation gaps were primarily process-related rather than capacity-related. It concludes that project success should be assessed not only by the number of seedlings planted, but also by survival, maintenance, site suitability, and long-term ecological outcomes. An action plan was proposed to strengthen coordination, monitoring, documentation, and post-planting management.

Keywords: Tree Replacement Program, concurrent mixed-methods, thematic analysis, implementation assessment, inter-agency coordination, environmental management.

*Corresponding author/ Email: christylammawin@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0502941

Recommended citation:
Baggas-Lammawin, C. B. (2026). The implementation of the tree replacement project in the province of Kalinga: Basis for action plan development. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 792-808. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0502941

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