Abstract— Little is known about the effects of habitat fragmentation on the patterns of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity of species in the remaining tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This is particularly evident in Cebu, a Philippine island that has a long history of deforestation and has lost nearly all of its forest cover. To begin filling this gap, data from 13 microsatellite loci developed for Tetrastigma loheri (Vitaceae), a common vine species in Philippine forests, were used to study patterns of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity for the four largest of the remaining forest areas in Cebu. Evidence of relatively high levels of inbreeding was found in all four areas, despite no evidence of low genetic diversity. The four areas are genetically differentiated, suggesting low genetic connectivity. The presence of inbreeding and low genetic connectivity in a commonly encountered species such as T. loheri in Cebu suggests that the impact of habitat fragmentation is likely greater on rare plant species with more restricted distributions in Cebu. Conservation recommendations for the remaining forest areas in Cebu include the establishment of steppingstone corridors between nearby areas to improve the movement of pollinators and seed dispersers among them.

This research highlights the aspects of resiliency among business establishments in the Visayas regions that were directly affected by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. This study employs a descriptive method to characterize resiliency factors among various businesses. A survey questionnaire was utilized to gather relevant data from the 106 business proprietors and managers. Multivariate analysis via exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the underlying factors. In the context of the post-disaster recovery of businesses in the Visayas regions, the exploratory analysis yielded five dimensions. Based on the finding, five causal factors are significant in developing a post-disaster resiliency and recovery framework among various business types. Any business is considered resilient against any form of disaster if it has complete control of its institutional affairs and plans ahead guided by its philosophy. Futuristic planning is also necessary as it imbibes in its operational philosophy the value of foresight. Besides, every business needs to strengthen its linkages outside its operations. Hence, a resilient business considers the value of information exchange and dissemination. Thus, a business is said to be sustainable if it maintains a sound and working framework to improve an adaptive capacity for any calamity or disaster.

Cinnamons are popularly known as spice and flavoring to many foods. In the Philippines, laurel leaves (Cinnamomum mindanaense) are commonly used as spice to many Filipino dishes. In Cebu, C. minadanaense abundantly grows in San Antonio, Boljoon, where the community harvests and trades leaves for decades. An inventory of C. mindanaense was made to establish baseline data on the number of trees per diameter classes. A survey on knowledge, harvesting and marketing of C. mindanaense was also conducted. Trees by diameter class were mapped using ArcMap 10.5. A total of 5332 trees were inventoried and grouped into five diameter classes namely 10cm and below, 11-20cm, 21-30cm, 31-40cm and above 40cm. Results show that trees are generally small and growing on limestone areas both within Alienable and Disposable lands and timberland areas. Ninety-two percent or 4918 trees have diameter of 20cm or less. Leaves are harvested mostly by cutting all branches especially during dry season. Harvesting is generally made once a year. Over mature leaves tend to reduce quality due to disease and insect damage. Cut branches are sundried for 3 days then leaves are removed and traded to middlemen in the village at P10-15 per kilo or in Cebu City at P20-25/kg. Average harvest of farmers is 8 sacks per year with 20-25kg/sack. Income derived from cinnamons is only secondary. Development of products from the branches left or from the dried laurel leaves may be explored to enhance community livelihood and increase economic potential of the species.

This study recognized the importance of water in life. As such, 241 households from 25 spring water communities in Argao, Cebu were interviewed. The interview looked into the utilization of spring waters, waste generation and disposal, as well as, their perceptions on water and waste management. Results showed that households used spring waters for drinking, cooking, washing and bathing. Eight (8) springs have existing piping system that transports water to other sitios. Nine (9) springs support rice farms. Kitchen waste, glass bottles, paper, garden waste (lawn trimmings), plastic bags, broken glasses, hard plastics, cartons/boxes, metals and pet wastes, comprised the top 10 wastes generated by households and the disposal varies with waste types. It was noted that the respondents’ perceptions were significantly correlated with the level of education. Moreover, analyses showed that the respondents’ belief were in conflict with their practices.