2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 2
Available Online: 12 February 2026
Author/s:
Barbosa, Ferni Martin C.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Main Campus), Philippines (fernimartin.barbosa@cbsua.edu.ph)
Mondido, Irene B.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Main Campus), Philippines (bronoffocial@gmail.com)
Batanes, Kaye C.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Main Campus), Philippines (klcollada@gmail.com)
Pempollo, Jobelle Q.
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Main Campus), Philippines (jobellepempollo@gmail.com)
Abstract:
Mangrove communities have an essential role in coastal areas because they provide various ecosystem services and support local communities’ livelihoods. However, most mangroves are threatened due to deforestation, land use change, and climate change. Siruma, in the province of Camarines Sur, has experienced such degradation mangrove mainly due to anthropogenic activities and threats. Efforts to rehabilitate degraded mangrove ecosystems in Siruma started since 2008 through the initiatives of the Institute of Social Order (ISO), Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP) and the LGU Siruma. The study aims to assess three aspects which include the ecological state of mangrove ecosystems, the conservation activities and community involvement and the issues and challenges encountered. The research was conducted through presentation-based interviews and focus group discussions and site visits. The Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area (SMLCA) was established to protect the 197 hectares of mangrove forest covering the Barangays Poblacion, Pamintan- Bantillan, Bagong Sirang, Bahao and Boboan. The primary conservation activities of the project involve reforestation and environmental monitoring. The initiative enables local people to take responsibility for their environment while creating job possibilities and developing ecotourism activities. The research found multiple major problems which included the presence of IUUs, illegal mangrove cutting and safety risks which affected local officers and members of Peoples Organizations, absence of permanent staff positions for MENRO personnel, land tenure disputes, coastal pollution and limited scientific researches. The recommendations focus in increasing the enforcement activities, environmental protection and providing assistance to LGU Siruma and its local communities.
Keywords: Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area, mangrove ecosystem, community-led conservation, mangrove rehabilitation, Forest Foundation of the Philippines, Institute of Social Order (ISO)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26014
Cite this article:
Barbosa, F. M. C., Mondido, I. B., Batanes, K. C., & Pempollo, J. Q. (2026). Community and conservation: A case study of Siruma Mangrove Local Conservation Area (SMLCA), Siruma, Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(2), 63-79. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26014
* Corresponding Author