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Kaingineros' Perceptions of and Attitudes towards Forest Conservation in Mt. Makiling, Laguna, Philipines.
Dissertation Abstract:
The primary objective of the study was to find out how the kaingineros perceived and what their attitudes were towards forest conservations.
Included in the investigation were 24 barrios surrounding Mt. Makiling in Bay, Los Banos and Calamba in Laguna and Sto. Tomas in Batangas. Data were gathered through personal interviews of 186 randomly selected kainginero-respondents. Frequency counts, percentages and Pearson’s product-moment formula were used in data analysis.
Socio-demographic findings revealed that the respondents had an average of 47.8 years, 87% were married, 95% had an average of dependents, about 80% had no formal schooling, had occupied their kaingin areas for an average of 18 years, 50% had other sources of income, and 63% had an average annual income below P2,200. The most important information sources were the radio and the barrio captain. Less than 50% were aware of forest guards in Mt. Makiling.
The majority of the respondents had high perceptions of the natural characteristics and values of forests, the consequences of forest destruction,a nd the nature and objectives of forest conservation, but only 11% entertained favorable attitudes towards forest protection.
Value orientations of the kaingineros were primarily directed towards themselves and their families and only remotely towards public welfare. About 68% aspired for a college education for their children, while 13% desired at least high school completion for them. Legacy goals were in the form of land, permanent house and work animals.
Although perceived as a difficult job, kaingin-making was considered profitable by the majority of the respondents. Only 36% knew some alternatives means of livelihood, and only 25% expressed the desire to change their occupation. If given the choice. 44% would opt for lowland farming.
Some 68% of the respondents felt that kaingin prohibition was justified, and the majority believed in the consistency of the kaingin law enforcement. However, most of them were opposed to forcible resettlement and punishment of kaingineros without trial. The majority were in favor of the idea having a joint research to solve the kaingin problem by representatives of both the government and the kainginero group.