Executive Summary

Table of Contents

Introduction

About Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape

Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape is a 15,600 hectares protected landscape which covers four
municipalities namely, Polomolok, Tupi, and Tampakan in the province of South Cotabato and
Malungon in the province of Sarangani. It was established as a protected landscape in 1995 through
the Presidential Proclamation No. 552 which was issued on March 20, 1995 by President Fidel V.
Ramos, titled “Establishing the Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape the parcel of Land of the Public
Domain situated within the Municipalities of Tupi, Tampakan, Polomolok, Province of South Cotabato
and the Municipality of Malungon, Province of Sarangani.”

The establishment of MMPL provided hope for the protection and conservation of its natural
resources. Its ecosystem services from the lush forest and pristine rivers are highly utilized by locals
and neighboring provinces. In fact, it is estimated that 25% of the water requirements of the whole
SOCSARGEN Region comes from MMPL, making it a major watershed in the area. It is also home to a
wide variety of flora and fauna which is composed of 110 plant species and 57 animal species. It is
believed to be one of the nesting areas of the critically endangered national bird, the Philippine eagle
(Pithecophaga jeffryi), as well as rare endemic bird species such as the Mindanao Lorikeet
(Trichoglossus johnstoniae), Mindanao Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba criniger), and the Mindanao
Broadbill (Eurylaimus steerii). The endemic Philippine Tarsier (Carlito syrichta), the world’s smallest
primate, is also sighted in MMPL.

At the heart of MMPL is Mt. Matutum, an active volcanic mountain with an elevation of 2,286 meters
above the sea level. Its shape is symmetrically conical similar to the more famous Mt. Mayon, which
serves as a prominent landmark in the SOCSARGEN Region. Mt. Matutum’s steep inclines, lush forest
and the rewarding 360-degree view at the peak, makes it one of the favorite climbing destinations in
the area and is considered as an outstanding challenge to mountaineers and nature lovers.

The existence of these important fauna and fish species is, however, threatened
by the degradation of Ligawasan Marsh. The original flora in the area had been largely
altered due to considerable human encroachment and land use conversion for
agricultural purposes. Field observations also confirm that swamp forest sites, which
provide important habitat to birds and other animal species, have been degraded and
are no longer intact.
374. Degradation of Ligawasan Marsh is brought about by both on-site and off-site
threats. On-site threats consist of subsistence-based destructive resource utilization
(e.g. illegal fishing, illegal cutting of wetland swamp forest, collecting wildlife and eggs,
indiscriminate bird hunting, and conversion of habitats to agricultural lands), poor
environmental practices (e.g. dumping of wastes in the river causing pollution,
unregulated use of inorganic fertilizer and chemicals, weak enforcement of
environmental laws, uncoordinated policies of government agencies, and introduction of
exotic fish species), and incompatible infrastructure project (i.e. cut-off channel in
Pagalungan). Off-site threats to Ligawasan Marsh consist of slash-and-burn farming in
the upland watershed, conversion of mangrove area in Cotabato City, excessive use of
chemicals by commercial plantations, poisonous tailings from mining operations,
dumping of wastes (plastic and non-degradable materials) in the river, and lack of
clearing of debris in rivers and waterways.

Mt. Matutum as Blaan Tribe’s Ecological and Cultural Heritage

Mt. Matutum or Bulul Amtutung is the most sacred mountain of the Blaan tribe, a major non-Islamic
indigenous peoples group that lives in the provinces surrounding Mt. Matutum. Bulul Amtutung is a
place that is highly revered and respected by the Blaan tribe because it is considered as the “navel of
the Earth”.

Problems encountered

MMPL’s Ecotourism Potential

How ecotourism can help solve problem

Paraiso di Amtutung Ecopark and Wildlife Sanctuary

History and Rationale

Paraiso di Amtutung is a proposed xxxx hectare ecotourism site at the foot of Mt. Matutum in Purok
Ulo Landan, Barangay Landan, Polomolok. It is included in MMPL’s multi-use zone or “areas for
settlement, traditional and/or sustainable land use including agriculture, agroforestry, and other
income generating or livelihood activities are allowed…” (NIPAS Act of 1992). The land is under the
care of the Tony Samling, a Blaan who has been officially recognized as steward of the area since the
70’s.

Since the stewardship was established, Tony had been in close coordination with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to protect and conserve the piece of land under his care.
He planted fruit trees, coffee trees, bamboos, and other native species to help in DENR’s reforestation
effort. In fact, to this day, only the area of Tony remains heavily forested and free from any
destructive activities such as illegal logging, kaingin, and mono-cropping. Rare birds and mammals
freely visits his area and benefits from his hard work, care, and respect to their sacred Bulul
Amtutung. These attracts nature lovers and enthusiasts to visit Tony’s place even before the
establishment of Paraiso di Amtutung.

In 2018, the late environmental activist and DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, personally visited Tony
Samling and his family in Purok Ulo Landan, to explore the potentials of the area for ecotourism. Gina
Lopez was in awe of the beauty and serenity of the place, especially with its magnificent view of Mt.
Matutum. “It is as if I can almost embrace this wonderful creation of God!” referring to the close
proximity of Mt. Matutum to Samling’s area. Lopez also learned that Samling is cultivating forest-
grown Arabica coffee which also feeds the civets that produces the most expensive coffee in the
world. Lopez was enthralled by how gifted and bountiful the place was that she suggested to develop
it as an ecotourism site that conserves the richness of Mt. Matutum and educates the tourists and the
local community of its ecological and cultural significance to the Blaan tribe.

The Samling family was greatly inspired by Lopez’ vision for the place and in 2020, during the
nationwide lockdown, started to invest their personal resources to further enhance the area. Paraiso
di Amtutung had its soft opening to nature enthusiasts in July 2020 with two all-bamboo viewdeck
and 4 bamboo cottages. Since then, it had attracted at least 500 visitors weekly-- all of them were
drawn to Mt. Matutum’s mystic presence and how simple acts of caring for mother nature can reward
us with immeasurable grace and bounty.

Paraiso di Amtutung’s Vision Statement

Paraiso di Amtutung recognizes that one of the main reasons of environmental degradation in the
area is the limited sources of income of the community members and their limited knowledge on the
importance of conserving the forests and biodiversity in Mt. Matutum. Paraiso di Amtutung believes
that tribal community members are the first line of defense of MMPL in the area and they must be
provided with proper conservation knowledge and alternative income sources so they will not fully
rely on MMPL’s ecosystem services for living which usually results to unsustainable over-utilization. If
the tourism experience is managed with proper community participation and control, it can lead to
greater appreciation by a community of its own culture, the same culture which visitors increasingly
seek to learn about and admire.
With these issues in our hearts and mind, Paraiso di Amtutung’s vision states that:

Paraiso di Amtutung as a model of sustainable ecotourism in protected landscapes in the

Philippines and globally recognized for its rich biodiversity and unique Blaan culture, offering
unique visitor experiences based upon tribal community empowerment and strong partnerships
between MMPL management and all tourism stakeholders.

Paraiso di Amtutung’s Goals

GOALS
I. Align with MMPL objectives and management
plans ensure that resource conservation is the
number 1 priority. PROTECT from destruction
II. Leverage cultural and spiritual assets and
values in interpretation plans to engender
respect and responsible use.
III. Promote a sustainable business model that
engages and benefits the local community,
reduces over-utilization of natural resources and
delivers conservation benefits.
IV. Increase awareness among all tourism
stakeholders in the value and benefits of
conserving MMPL, its cultural heritage, and
biodiversity
V. Enhance protection and conservation of Mt.
Matutum wildlife
ACTIVITIES
Close coordination and cooperation with PAMB
to ensure that Paraiso di Amtutung ‘s Ecotourism
and Site Development Plan aligns with MMPL
objectives and management plans
The history and traditions of the Blaan tribe with
respect to Mt. Matutum will be highlighted in
visitor interpretation materials and product
development
Provide ecotourism-related employment and
livelihood activities to local communities and
prioritize them for a locally-sustained tourism
supply chain
Provide a venue for awareness raising among all
tourism stakeholders especially the local
community and visitors
Support MMPL efforts in protecting MMPL
biodiversity by actively participating in
reforestation of native trees in critical wildlife
corridors that will improve wildlife habitat and
serve as a releasing area for rescued and
rehabilitated wildlife

Proposed Ecotourism Products and Services

Paraiso di Amtutung as Eco-Park and Wildlife Sanctuary

As an Eco-park and wildlife sanctuary, Tony and his family envision Paraiso di Amtutung as a venue for
outdoor recreation and nature experience that will bring family and friends together. It is a refuge for
nature enthusiasts and the general public outside the hustles of a busy city life. It aims to bring
visitors closer to nature and make them feel in awe of the beauty of God’s creation. It aims to foster
visitor interaction with nature with the hopes that these kinds of exposure will inspire them to help in
protecting and conserving the beauty and bounty of this sacred mountain.

Currently, 4 open bamboo cottages and a camping area are set to accommodate the initial arrival of
visitors during its soft-opening in July 2020. Two bamboo viewdecks were also installed to give visitors
an unobstructed view of Mt. Matutum and the verdant forest on its foot. The area is also landscaped
with native trees and flowers to bring the nature and forest closer to visitors without the need to
actually go into the jungle.

More low-impact facilities were conceptualized to make Paraiso di Amtutung a one-of-a-kind nature
experience for the visitors. Please refer to page X for the proposed low-impact facilities/structures.
Dlag Blaan: Living Museum of Blaan Flora

In line with its goals of leveraging Blaan cultural assets and values and enhancing the protection and
conservation of Mt. Matutum flora and wildlife, Paraiso di Amtutung plans to establish a Blaan Forest
(Dlag Blaan) that features plant species that are significant to the Blaan tribe and their way of living
prior to modernization. Each species will be labeled with its Blaan name, common name, scientific
name, and traditional use.

This nature attraction is intended for visitors who wish to be closer to nature, walking underneath
forest canopy while also learning the Blaan tribe’s close relationship with the Earth. Jungle trail
walkways with written interpretations shall be established so visitors can take a self-guided tour
within the Dlag Blaan limits. If visitors are lucky enough, they may also encounter wildlife of Mt.
Matutum. Details on possible wildlife that may be encountered and do’s and dont’s during such
encounters will also be posted on the trails.

Kafi Amtutung: Traditional Arabica and Civet Coffee Harvesting and Production Exposure Trip

Tony and his family also source their income from organic Arabica beans grown at the foot of Mt.
Matutum. Kafi Amtutung or Mt. Matutum Coffee is a proposed seasonal attraction dedicated to
coffee enthusiasts who want to learn the journey of their favorite cup of coffee-- from beans to cup.

Visitors will have a guided tour at the natural coffee plantation where they can see actual coffee trees
and learn about how to grow coffee trees, how to harvest coffee cherries, and how to process the
harvested coffee to the final product that they enjoy drinking. Depending on the season, visitors may
also take part in the harvesting through coffee picking from Arabica trees or if lucky enough, from
civet droppings since Tony’s area is also known for wild civet coffee. A kilogram of freshly picked
cherries may be exchanged for roasted beans at the Souvenir Hub for 100g.

Jump-off Point for Mt. Matutum (Ulo Landan Entry)

Due to its close proximity to Mt. Matutum, Paraiso di Amtutung is also proposed as one of the entry
points for Mt. Matutum. In fact, as an initiative of Gina Lopez’ I LOVE Foundation, 10 tour guides from
Ulo Landan underwent a 3-day Mountain Guideship training with UP Mountaineers in February 2019.
The Barangay Council of Landan has prepared a Resolution regarding this matter, to be submitted to
the Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB) for consideration.

With comfort room facilities, waste management facilities, camping grounds, cottages, food and
beverage stores, Paraiso di Amtutung is a perfect place for mountaineers to sleep the night before
they ascend Mt. Matutum or to rest and refresh after their descent.

Paraiso di Amtutung Cafe and Souvenir Hub

To further showcase the Blaan products and the arabica and civet coffee products, Paraiso di
Amtutung plans to establish a Cafe and Souvenir Hub. It aims to provide visitors with easy access to
food and souvenirs within Paraiso di Amtutung since there are no nearby sari-sari stores or shops that
could cater the needs of the visitors. The cafe will serve traditional and contemporary food that would
suit the taste of any age group and visitor personality, while the Souvenir Hub will feature Blaan
handicrafts and coffee products.

Proposed Low-Impact Structures

Paraiso di Amtutung is created with nature in mind, consistent with our vision and goals. All structures
proposed below follow the following low-impact construction principles:
 Build with and not against nature to ensure very low land disturbance
 Produce low carbon footprint during construction
 Establish structures that are safe and stable but made of natural materials
 Ensure that architectural designs are energy- and water-efficient
Site Map

Multi-purpose Hall
http://studiowna.com/portfolio-item/bamboo-hall-bali-countryside/

Cafe and Souvenir Hub

http://earnalife.blogspot.com/2008/07/project-bamboo-cafe-monaragala.html

Watchtower
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/69/5d/b6/695db6ad14edf65a20456dc26e1041da.jpg

Butterfly Garden
https://makiling.center/mbg-soft-launched-its-new-theme-garden-the-butterfly-garden/

Dlag Blaan and Kafi Amtutung Trails

https://www.pic-bois.com/produits/signalisation-information-commune/les-panneaux-d-information-
28.html

https://info.plantsmap.com/journal/news-updates/plants-maps-new-tools-make-it-easy-to-order-
our-signs-and-tags-with-just-a-few-clicks/

Closed Cottages
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/nov/23/winter-sun-getaways-readers-tips-algarve-
thailand-caribbean#img-11

Potential Tourism Threats and Mitigation Plan (page 35 videa.ca)

https://www.facebook.com/lamesaecoparkofficial/

https://www.townofhardwick.com/PDF/ecotoursim.pdf

http://www.lampipark.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/ecotourism-plan.pdf

http://videa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/An-Introduction-to-Ecotourism-planning.pdf

https://faspselib.denr.gov.ph/sites/default/files//Publication%20Files/Proposed%20Ligawasan
%20Marsh%20Protected%20Ara%20v2.pdf