The Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP) implemented a program called Focused Community Assistance Scheme (FOCAS) to the 5 poorest Provinces in southern Philippines. Agusan del Sur is one of the beneficiary provinces and identified 3 priority program areas—Agusan Marsh FOCAS, Indigenous People FOCAS and Micro-enterprise FOCAS. Each FOCAS has its NGO secretariat that facilitates project development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the PACAP funded projects.The Philippine Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (PhilDHRRA)- Mindanao was tapped by PACAP to be the contracting NGO secretariat for Agusan Marsh FOCAS. PhilDHRRA is managing and executing technical assistance, monitoring, evaluation, linkage building and promotion to the 8 operating projects directly funded and 2 co-funded by PACAP. The projects involve the conservation and rehabilitation of wetland ecosystems, resource-based livelihood projects, and operationalization of basic social services.

Since 2006, there were already different activities, significant developments, case experiences and project outputs that need to be shared to the different stakeholders. The creation of website will also be a tool for resource mobilization for the continuity of the program.

The  Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) is a protected area located in the Mindanao Biogeographic Zone.  It is located in the province of Agusan del Sur and covers an area of 110,069 hectares during flooding season or equivalent to 12.27 % of the province’s land area. It is characterized by a complex of terrestrial, wetland and freshwater ecosystem.

Harboring unique and pristine habitat types, is considered the most ecologically significant wetland of international importance, now  member of the Ramsar Convention, and the most viable site as a wetland protected areas in the Philippines.  It serves as a wintering ground for numerous species of migratory birds from northern Asia.

As the catch basin of the Agusan-Davao plain, it plays a major role in providing protection, ecological balance, livelihood, and other amenities to local communities.  However, its viability as a protected area is being threatened by several factors brought about by population pressure, development paradigm and issues insensitive to the fragile and unique life support system.  If not addressed,  these problems may lead to the permanent loss of unique species, habitats and ecosystems, rich indigenous culture and  communities of the Manobos.

AGUSAN MARSH FOCAS PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES

ISSUES AFFECTING AGUSAN MARSH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

AGUSAN MARSH FOCAS STRATEGY COMPONENTS

OUR APPROACH

The FOCAS Management Committee (FMC)

Posted under Uncategorized