IJTH International Journal of Tourism and Hospitality 2709-9768 SvedbergOpen ijth-1-2-004 10.51483/IJTH.1.2.2021.34-41 Research Paper Balancing-up ecotourism in labangan channel Philippines: a mangrove rehabilitation program CañetLena N. 1 * De lunaMaria Cecilia E. 2 PulumbaritCatehrine B. 3 1Bulacan State University, City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines. E-mail: lena.canet@bulsu.edu.ph 2Bulacan State University, City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines. E-mail: mariacecilia.deluna@bulsu.edu.ph 3Bulacan State University, City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines. E-mail: catherine.pulumbarit@bulsu.edu.ph *Corresponding author: Lena N. Cañet, Bulacan State University, City of Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines., E-mail: lena.canet@bulsu.edu.ph 04 2021 1 2 34 41 Abstract

The mangrove species present in Labangan Channel, based on FRI – Forest Resource Index, were categorized low, medium and high. The species includes; Api-api/Avicenia which has a high index with more than 6 species, Sonneratia-Alba/Pagatpat, also high index, Rhizophora Mucronata (Bakawan) and Rhizophoria Apiculata (Bakawan) has a medium index with 2-5 species, a low index of Rhizophora Stylosa (Bakawan) which has less than 2 species and Sasa/Nypa Fruiticano having a high index with more than 6 species. These are the mangrove species feasible for planting and rehabilitation along the Labangan Channel. It is found out that the primary reason for mangrove degeneration along the Labangan Channel going to the island of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan is oil pollution. Other reasons for mangrove degeneration includes; conversion to ponds, climate change and other pollutions carried by the river. It is believed that mangrove affects the livelihood of the residents/fisher folk of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan. 66% of the respondents said that it is where fish lay eggs which is their main source of income and 78% of the respondents are aware of the significance of mangrove in their community. Aside from being sanctuary to fishes and defensive zones against storm and high tides, it is one of their scenic attraction. It has also been found out that not so long ago, the island of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan has a beach named “Aroma Beach” which vanished due to negligence and carelessness of the residents. Also, the island possesses a “Parola” or lighthouse but had not been paid much attention and is now nonfunctional. The present study was an attempt to conduct a mangrove rehabilitation program, propose possible mangrove based income generating project and eventually create an ecotourism destination.

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