ABSTRACT

Watersheds are a critical aspect of the economy and the environment in the Philippines. Approximately 18 to 20 million people inhabit the uplands of many watersheds and depend on their resources for survival. It is estimated that no less than 1.5 million hectares of agricultural lands presently derive irrigation water from these watersheds. However, despite their tremendous value, it has been observed that many watersheds are now in varying stages of deterioration (Cruz et al, 2000), largely due to population stresses. This could potentially serve to increase the vulnerability of their inhabitants to the impacts of future climate change and could have important implications for the viability of the economy and the environment that depend on them.