SCENERI Project Gains Ground in Polillo Island Through Fieldwork and Strong Stakeholder Engagement

Polillo Island, Quezon - November 11-14, 2025. The SCENERI Project - formally known as Safeguarding the Conservation & Ecosystem Network for the Resilient Inhabitants of Polillo - continues to progress as Tanggol Kalikasan (TK) completed a productive three-day field mission across Polillo Island. Funded by Forest Foundation Philippines, the mission strengthened partnerships with local stakeholders and advanced data gathering and site assessments in key Local Conservation Areas (LCAs).

Strengthening Local Coordination

The mission began with courtesy visits to the Office of the Mayor and the Municipal Administrator at the Polillo Municipal Hall, reinforcing the project's close coordination with the local government. Discussions proceeded at the SLSU-IEG Campus with Director Ethel Quesea, who affirmed the institution's support and initiated steps for issuing a Special Order as an annex to the existing Memorandum of Understanding.

The TK team also met with the Barangay Chairman of Sibulan to formally introduce the project and secure clearance for drone flights to update imagery of the LCA within the barangay.

Orientation and Training Needs Assessment

On the second day, TK facilitated the SCENERI Project Orientation and Training Needs Assessment (TNA) for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) at the Municipal Hall Annex. Municipal Administrator Engr. Cristina Bosque opened the activity with a message underscoring the project's value to environmental stewardship and community development.

The session brought together around 60 participants from a broad group of stakeholders, including Management Council members, Barangay Captains, Bantay Kalikasan volunteers, representatives from people's organizations, the MENRO Office, MDRRMO, local cooperatives, academic institutions, and farmers from LCA-covered barangays such as Atulayan, Banadero, Pamatdan, Sibulan, Pinaglubayan, Taluong, Tamulaya, and Languyin. Attendees from non-LCA barangays - including Poblacion, Bislian, and Anawan - also joined the discussions.

The orientation detailed the project's goals, clarified the Management Council's responsibilities, and presented upcoming activities for the next quarters, including Consensus Building, Action Planning, and consultations for the Manual of Operations. The team also outlined the P6-million budget for 2025-2027, emphasizing its allocation for trainings, technical expertise, and the establishment of two nurseries. An open forum allowed participants to seek clarifications and share insights.

While the orientation took place, TK staff member Estacio S. Lim Jr., supported by Bantay Kalikasan guides, conducted field documentation and drone mapping across LCA barangays. In the afternoon, site validation continued at the Salipsip-Taluong Watershed, focusing on ecological conditions and conservation challenges in the area.

The final day featured a trek to Mt. Malulod, joined by MENRO personnel and Bantay Kalikasan volunteers. The team documented a diverse array of wildlife - including endemic bird species, mammals, reptiles, and insects - providing valuable data for conservation planning. Limited access to the summit prompted the use of drone equipment to capture aerial images of the upper mountain and surrounding kaingin areas. The group safely concluded the trek by midday.

The successful field mission marks another significant step in the SCENERI Project's rollout. With strengthened partnerships, expanded ecological data, and active community involvement, the initiative continues to advance its goals of enhancing environmental governance, protecting LCAs, and fostering community resilience across Polillo Island.

TK staff member Mr. Estacio S. Lim Jr., accompanied by Bantay Kalikasan guides, conducted field documentation and drone mapping across LCA barangays. In the afternoon, the team visited the Salipsip - Taluong Watershed for additional site validation.