2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 1
Available Online: 10 January 2026
Author/s:
Ela-Avellana, Joseph Clarence
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Josephclarence.ela-avellana@cbsua.edu.ph)
Bañaria, Reynaldo Jr.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Reynaldo.bañariajr@cbsua.edu.ph)
Pandes, Jake
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (jake.pandes@cbsua.edu.ph)
Pante, Eugene
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Eugene.pante@cbsua.edu.ph)
Moron, Bernyl M.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (Bernyl.moron@cbsua.edu.ph)
Parato, Marites
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (marites.parato@cbsua.edu.ph)
Espiritu, Joseph Benedict
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pili Campus), Philippines (jb.esperitu@cbsua.edu.ph)
Abstract:
Forests are vital ecosystems that support biodiversity, regulate climate, and provide essential ecological services to local communities. This study, From Ridge to Reef: Environmental Assessment Covering Forest Area in Barangay Matalangtalang, Aroroy, Masbate, aimed to assess the structure, composition, and ecological condition of a forest ecosystem amid increasing anthropogenic pressures, particularly mining activities and land-use changes. Vegetation analysis was conducted using random sampling, quadrat sampling, and nested plot techniques across three 10 × 10 m plots. A total of sixteen tree species belonging to eight families were recorded, with Moraceae, particularly Ficus species, emerging as the most ecologically significant group due to high frequency and distribution. Biometric measurements, including Diameter at Breast Height (DBH), basal area, and tree height, revealed the presence of large native canopy species such as Artocarpus blancoi (Tipolo) and Pandanus simplex (Karagumoy), indicating a semi-mature forest with ongoing regeneration. Species distribution patterns reflected both clustered dominance and widespread occurrence, typical of secondary forest systems undergoing recovery. In addition, a community Awareness, Attitude, and Practices (AAP) survey highlighted local perceptions of forest ecosystem services, emphasizing provisioning, regulating, and cultural values. Overall, the findings suggest that the forest ecosystem in Barangay Matalangtalang remains functionally diverse and ecologically stable despite evident disturbances. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring, conservation of native species, and community-based management to ensure long-term forest sustainability and environmental resilience.
Keywords: forest ecosystem, vegetation analysis, biodiversity assessment, community awareness, Aroroy Masbate
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26005
Cite this article:
Ela-Avellana, J. C., Bañaria, R. J., Pandes, J., Pante, E., Moron, B. M., Parato, M., & Espiritu, J. B. (2026). From ridge to reef: Environmental assessment covering forest area in Barangay Mantalang Talang, Aroroy, Masbate. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(1), 99-106. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26005
* Corresponding Author