Authors: Niko O. Artizona, Jeralen Compacion, Kiara R. Lapuhapo, Liezel Mae Aranador, Bryan L. Bitantos
Environmental Science Department, College of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Mindanao State University - Buug Campus, Datu Panas, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines.
Email: bryan.bitantos@msubuug.edu.ph
ABSTRACT
Maragang is a lake located within Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape. The opening of the lake for tourism on year 2012 has attracted thousands of tourists from different places to visit the area. Barangay Limas in the municipality of Tigbao is the recieving barangay going to the
lake. No available information exists on the socio-economic impact of the lake on the people of Brgy Limas. Through this information gap,
future management and development plans on Barangay Limas could lead to unsuitable future management measures. This study was done to
determine the socio-economic impact of the lake on the people of Brgy. Limas, Tigbao, Zamboanga de Sur. The result of this study would
serve as reference for policy formulation in the barangay and municipal local government unit development plans and the updating of the
development plan of the lake. The research design is descriptive using a case study approach employing different methods like survey, key
informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observation and secondary data gathering. The data gathering was done on January 14
to February 14, 2018. The lake has affected positively the socio-economic condition of the residents in Barangay Limas which include, availability of employment, access to health, opportunity to meet other people, condition of road networks, availability of water, sufficiency of
electricity, peace and order, price of lots, price of agricultural lands, care of the environment, solid waste management, decrease of gambling
activity, lessening of prostitution, and decrease on the use of illegal drugs. Attitude toward tourists visit in the lake among the residents is
“very happy” from the start of the lake development to the present. Regular assessment on the impact of the lake on the socio-economic condition on the people of the area should be undertaken to determine its positive and negative impacts towards sustainable development.
Keywords: Lake Maragang, Mt. Timolan Protected Landscape, protected area, socio-economic impact, Zamboanga del Sur