Conference:
Abstract: "The paper focuses on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as an alternative source of income and livelihood for the people of San Mariano, Isabela, a town in the Sierra Madre mountains. NTFPs abound and many are locally used as edible, medicinal, or nonedible products from plants and animals.
"The utilization system for rattan and buho (Schizostachium lumampao), two major NTFPs, was analyzed, including cut regulations, area allocation, actors, activities, processing steps, pricing structures, and related information. The socio-economic profile of NTFP gatherers in the areas was also investigated, such as demographic information, property ownership, agricultural activities, income derived form different sources, and details pertaining to utilization of NTFPs.
"Some recommendations include: (1) the strict implementation of the rattan management system and the establishment of one for buho; (2) standardization of prices; (3) study and revision of the 25 m. minimum harvestable length for rattan; (4) physical establishment of rattan blocks; (5) properly planned gathering of NTFPs; (6) strict monitoring; and (7) giving priority to sustainability as a consideration in policy decisions on NTFP utilization."
(and from the Author's Introduction p. 1):
"The forests in the Sierra Madra Mountains are major sources of income for the subsistence of many households within the uplands. They are the sources of sawlogs, fuelwood, and other products in various forms. Non-timber forest products (NTFPs), more commonly called "minor forest products' in the past, abound in these mountains. Because of the great demand for NTFPs as raw materials for handicrafts (basketry, wood carvings, & wooven items) and furniture, and because of the recent restrictions in logging, exploitation pressures on them are becoming strong.
"In the forest areas, the very survival of the people is inextricably tied to the productivity of these areas (Briones, 1989). Their dependency ends when the forest resources are depleted (Ramirez, 1988). It is therefore necessary to come up with policies so that forest utilization can be rationalized and be managed on the sustainable basis."