In tropical and subtropical countries, the awareness on the importance of bamboos to the environment and economy is increasing and so is the demand for spatial bamboo information. However, mapping bamboos especially those naturally grown has been challenging, as these grasses are often mixed with other land-use and land-cover (LULC). In this study, we used Sentinel 1 and Sentinel 2 remote sensing (RS) images, and their vegetation indices to accurately map the bamboos of Iloilo province in the Philippines using:(1) pixel-based method that mapped bamboos and other LULC at 10 m resolution, and (2) fractional cover method that mapped bamboo cover at 100 m resolution (% ha −1 ). A random forest model was trained for each method and then validated per hectare basis using a 50:50 training-validation ratio of a stratified random sample. The fractional cover method showed 0.34 higher Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and 5.10% lower Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) than the pixel-based method. Further validation within upland and lowland sites also favoured the fractional cover method, but the results of the two methods were closer in the upland site (bamboo plantation). Errors at 10 m resolution especially in the lowlands were mostly commission errors, likely because of the spectral similarity and proximity between bamboos and > 14 vegetations. Averaging the RS inputs into 100 m resulted in at most 12% separation of reflectance values among bamboos, forests, and other vegetations. Using the bamboo cover map, a total of 14,795 (± 1,283) ha bamboos and 7.45 (± 4.20) million harvestable culms (poles) were estimated for the whole province, where 54% come from the lowland. We suggest using the fractional cover method for nationwide baselining of bamboo resources.

Abstract—Medinilla (Melastomataceae) is a large paleotropical genus with the Philippines as one of its greatest centers of diversity. However, exceptionally few species are recorded from Palawan. Notes on the Medinilla species of Palawan and an identification key are provided. Ten species are recorded, double the previous number. Two species are newly described: Medinilla simplicymosa and Medinilla ultramaficola. The Medinilla of Palawan remain poorly understood.

Calauit island is one of the islands in the Calamian Group of Islands in northern Palawan. The island is truly blessed with bountiful mangrove resources which provide the Tagbanuas enormous economic and ecological importance. Not known to many, Calauit island became the exit point of typhoon Yolanda causing tremendous damage to mangrove area. The study assessed the extent of damage and the recovery potential of Calauit mangrove forests from the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda. Ten sampling quadrats were established in areas where trees were observed to be 100% defoliated. Individual trees (≥ 1cm diameter) inside each quadrat were measured and evaluated based on the assessment matrix developed in this study. Results of our assessment revealed serious damage of mangroves in Calauit island. About 60% of the mangrove forests was severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Eight months after the typhoon, 21% of the trees have fully-recovered crown (all branches were able to develop leaves), 70% are still defoliated and 22% were already dead. Four of the 10 quadrats showed high potential for recovery as evidenced by a lot of seedlings (≥ 25 seedlings) to serve as new regenerations. Conversely, there are four quadrats without any seedling recorded. Three monitoring plots were established for continuous monitoring of the recovery of the mangrove ecosystems. A course of actions was recommended to facilitate the recovery of mangroves in Caluit island, and to bring back the economic benefits from the forest.

Following the international protocol for establishment of permanent plots, a two-hectare permanent biodiversity monitoring area (PBMA) was established inside Makiling Forest Reserve. Results of the intensive 100% inventory revealed that the PBMA holds tremendous tree diversity. A total of 155 tree species were identified. Of these, 148 are indigenous to the Philippines with 47 endemics (30% endemism). The most abundant native species in the PBMA is Magabuyo (Celtis luzonica) with 2,287 individuals, followed by Balobo (Diplodiscus paniculatus), Tinaang pantai (Drypetes maquilingensis), and Apanang (Mallotus cumingii). The average diameter for all trees inside the plot is 14.28 cm. More than 90% of the individual trees fall under the category poles and saplings while large trees account to only 0.6%. Twenty-nine (29) species are listed under either the Philippine Red List (Fernando et al. 2008) or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . Noteworthy among the list are the six critically endangered (CR) premium timber species including Makaasim (Syzygium nitidum), Kamagong (Diospyros discolor), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Bagtikan (Parashorea malaanonan), Guijo (Shorea guiso), and White lauan (Shorea contorta). The geodatabase that includes an interactive map developed in this study is of critical importance for future research activities in the area.

A new species, Helicia danlagunzadii, from the mossy forest of the Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape (MMPL) in southern Palawan, Philippines is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from the other known species of Helicia in the Philippines because of its ramiflorous flowering, very short inflorescences (less than 4 cm), and yellow color. Helicia danlagunzadii is the sixth species of the genus recorded in the Philippines. Following the assessment criteria of IUCN, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered.