2026 IJRSE – Volume 15 Issue 10
Divine Word College of San Jose Special Issue
Available Online: 29 April 2026
Author/s:
Jacob, Shermain V.*
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (shermainvj@gmail.com)
Valera, Jason S.
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (jason_dwcsj101920@yahoo.com)
Galay-Limos, Jenny A.
Divine Word College of San Jose, Philippines (jennygalay05@gmail.com)
Abstract:
Small lakes such as Tabtaban Lake in the municipality of Sablayan have received limited attention in research. Existing studies often focus on larger freshwater bodies or well-known ecotourism destinations, leaving smaller lakes less explored. This study aimed to examine the socioeconomic value of Tabtaban Lake to the local community. The findings are expected to provide community-based evidence that can support the development of local policies, livelihood programs, ecotourism initiatives, and sustainable management plans in Sablayan. This study employed an exploratory sequential design, where qualitative data were first collected and analyzed, followed by quantitative data collection and analysis. The research instrument was designed for the households of Sitio Tabtaban. In addition, the water quality of Tabtaban Lake was assessed using a quantitative, descriptive, and observational (non-experimental) research design, along with descriptive site characterization, to evaluate its physicochemical parameters. The study found that most respondents live in households of 4–6 members, earn a monthly income of ₱10,001–₱20,000, and depend mainly on fishing as their primary source of income. Most have resided in Sablayan for over 20 years and live within one kilometer of Tabtaban Lake. The key characteristics of a lake’s systems, including fish diversity, aquatic plants, invasive species, and water quality, were rated as very high. Tabtaban Lake also showed a very high socioeconomic value in terms of livelihood, food security, recreational tourism, and irrigation. Significant differences were observed based on monthly income, primary source of livelihood, and proximity to the lake. Fish diversity significantly influenced the lake’s socioeconomic value. Based on these findings, a socioeconomic development plan was proposed to promote the sustainable use and management initiatives of Tabtaban Lake for the long-term benefit of the local community.
Keywords: socioeconomic value, ecotourism potential, livelihood sustainability, sustainable lake management, Tabtaban Lake
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26713
Cite this article:
Jacob, S. V., Valera, J. S., & Galay-Limos, J. A. (2026). Socioeconomic value of Tabtaban lake for the local community of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 15(10), 209-232. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2026.26713
* Corresponding Author