Philippines - Tourism in the Philippines

A.   Location

The Agusan Freshwater swamp forest is situated in Agusan Del Sur, within the barangays of San Francisco, Bunawan, De Ruela, Loreto, and Lopaz. It is the largest and least disturbed  freshwater wetlands in the Philippines. It is the only area in the Philippines where swamp forest and peat swamp forest are found. It holds the largest remaining population of Crocodylus porusus and Crocodylus mindorensis. Freshwater swamp and marshes are well represented in the Philippines and most are found on the extensive flood plains.

B.    Climate

The climate in Agusan del Sur where the freshwater swamp forest is located is classified under the Type 1 of the Coronas and it is described as with well pronounced rainy season. The rainy season in the place is usually from October to March and the place regularly receives a monthly rainfall of about 4,268 mm.

C.    Flora and Fauna

The place is declared as a terrestrial sanctuary for crocodiles. It holds the largest remaining population of Crocodylus porusus and Crocodylus mindorensis. It also harbours birds such as the purple and grey heron, kingfisher, and lots of migratory birds that are swamp dwelling.

The plants in the locality are of variation, they are plants described with adaptations such as buoyancy in water and the development of vascular bundles.

D.   Settlers

The settlers in the place are the Manobo people which are indigenous people that traditionally utilize the  wetland areas or the wetland products. Their main source of livelihood is fishing. Their resource management methods  should be studied to determine whether they provide approaches which can be utilized by more recent settlers in the wetland areas. An example is provided by the Agusan Marsh area where recent settlers are failing to benefit from the many resources of the wetland. Studies of the resource management strategies of the local Manobo people could suggest ways in which the new settlers can sustainably benefit from wetland resources.

E.    Importance

The  marsh serve sediment retention functions and natural filter for flood contaminants. It regulates water and increase water supply by adding to the water table or aquifer recharge. It serves as a habitat for wildlife and of course the resource base for the Manobo settlers.

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