2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 11
Available Online: 10 May 2026
Author/s:
Salvidar, John Paul D.*
Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (Pasacao Campus), Philippines (johnpaul.salvidar@cbsua.edu.ph)
Clemente, Ma. Arabelle P.
Lustre, Angie C.
Sibulo, Eliza Grace D.
Inaldo, Patrick James A.
Estacion, John Michael D.
Felezmiño, Jasper Ian U.
Nolasco, Michael N.
Abstract:
Mangrove ecosystems provide vital ecological services such as coastal protection, habitat provision, and livelihood support; however, these services remain undervalued due to the absence of economic valuation. This study assessed the willingness to pay (WTP) of residents for mangrove conservation in Zone 6, Sta. Rosa Del Sur, Pasacao, Camarines Sur using the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM). A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews from 40 purposively selected respondents aged 18 years and above. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that respondents were predominantly female, young adults, married, and low-income earners, with many engaged in small-scale livelihoods such as sari-sari store operations. Among the ecological services identified, coastal protection was the most recognized, while water quality improvement was the least recognized. Regression analysis showed that awareness of multiple ecological functions significantly influenced respondents’ willingness to pay. In contrast, socio-demographic variables were not statistically significant predictors of WTP. Results further indicated that the majority of respondents were willing to contribute financially to mangrove conservation, with an average WTP of ₱378.125 per household annually. These findings suggest strong community support for mangrove protection despite economic limitations, highlighting the importance of environmental awareness in shaping conservation behavior. The study provides empirical evidence that may inform conservation planning, policy formulation, and future valuation studies of mangrove ecosystems in the Bicol Region.
Keywords: contingent valuation method, ecological services, mangrove, multiple regression, willingness to pay
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26191
Cite this article:
Salvidar, J. P. D., Clemente, M. A. P., Lustre, A. C., Sibulo, E. G. D., Inaldo, P. J. A., Estacion, J. M. D., Felezmiño, J. I. U., & Nolasco, M. N. (2026). Assessment of willingness to pay for the ecological services of mangroves at Sta. Rosa Del Sur, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(11), 269-284. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26191
* Corresponding Author