MARAMAG, Bukidnon—The fieldwork phase of the Impact Evaluation Study (IES) on the Integrated Natural Resources and Environmental Management Project (INREMP) concluded with a culmination meeting held at Central Mindanao University (CMU) in Maramag, Bukidnon, on October 2

The study is implemented by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev)-10, in partnership with CMU. It aims to generate evidence-based data to guide future policies and programs on natural resource management, rural livelihood development, and the participation of women and indigenous peoples in upland communities.

During the meeting, field supervisors presented updates, including the validation of 399 geotagged points across the Muleta Watershed and the completion of all targeted household interviews. Field teams operated in areas with limited accessibility, rough terrain, and security risks. Coordination with local government units and community organizations supported the completion of the fieldwork.

Stories gathered during the data collection phase documented INREMP-related activities, including watershed rehabilitation, reforestation, cacao processing, vinegar production, eco-tourism services, and cooperative-based marketing. Beneficiaries also described their involvement in livelihood and community programs under Project Component 2 of INREMP.

“The results of this study go beyond numbers. They provide evidence to strengthen programs that protect our forests, support our farmers, and uplift indigenous communities,” said Rosann S. Dime, chief economic development specialist of DEPDev-10’s Monitoring and Evaluation Division.

Professor Raquel O. Salingay, director of the CMU Extension Office and team leader of the CMU evaluation team, acknowledged the work of field teams and the inter-agency collaboration. “The project not only sharpened our research skills but also built stronger connections with our government partners and the communities we serve. Collaboration like this ensures that our findings translate into meaningful and lasting change,” she said.

The meeting also generated recommendations to improve survey tools and ensure consistency in field data collection. These updates contributed to the integration of vegetation cover analysis, household income assessments, and socioeconomic baselines into the study’s final report.

The final report is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and will be submitted to the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC)-10 and relevant national agencies. Findings will be used to inform future decisions related to watershed management, livelihood initiatives, and support for women and indigenous peoples in the region.

As Northern Mindanao advances toward its vision of a climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable regional economy, the results of the IES will inform future policy directions and investment decisions in watershed management, livelihood enhancement, and the empowerment of women and indigenous peoples. (DEPDev-10/PIA-10)