The performance of community organisers in promotion of community forestry in Leyte Province, Phillipines

A study was conducted to assess the role and effectiveness of community organisers in supporting the development of people’s organisations in achieving community-based forest management objectives in Leyte Province Philippines. Community organisers were found to be effective in forming people’s organisations (POs), motivating people to participate in voluntary activities organised by POs and encouraging cohesiveness among PO members. Community organisers manage to raise the level of environmental awareness and knowledge of members of people’s organisations, develop leadership interest and skills, create various livelihood opportunities and provide direction and facilitate the establishment of large tree plantations. However, the short duration of community organisers’ contracts (typically two years) is insufficient to establish mature and cohesive POs prepared to assume management on their own, including the management of tree plantations. Further, lack of training and funding support, low wages, delayed payment of salaries and limited time to work with people’s organisations, as well as the pressure to produce tangible outputs such the establishment of large tree plantations, prevents them from placing greater emphasis on the development and empowerment of the people.

Adoption and maintenance of contour bunds and hedgerows in a dynamic environment - Experience in the Philippine uplands

The widespread adoption of soil conservation technologies by farmers (notably contour hedgerows) observed in Guba, Cebu City, Philippines, is not often observed elsewhere In the country. Adoption of these technologies was because of the interaction of such phenomena as site-specific factors, appropriate extension systems, and technologies. However, lack of hedgerow maintenance, decreasing hedgerow quality, and disappearance of hedgerows raised concerns about sustainability. The dynamic nature of upland farming systems suggests the need for a location-specific farming system development framework, which provides farmers with ongoing extension for continual promotion of appropriate conservation practices.

Prison in city walls, Manila, PI

Insurrectos in the cells of the big wall receiving visits from friends.

Dr. and Mrs. Paul C. Freer in Philippines

On verso: Greetings from the other side of the world -- Manila

CEG after a morning of cave digging

Loay, Bohol, Philippines

Joe reviewing the Guard of Honor at Siasi -- Philippine Scouts from several Islands in the Sulu Sea

On verso: In reviewing the Guard of Honor at Siasi - Philippine Scouts from several Islands in the Sulu Sea - Children sang us songs with the refrain: "Oh the first Governor of Siasi; Was Captain ... from Tennessee! " Where was Ralston and Uncle Harley? Unfortunately I have no pictures of either!

Philippine Governor William Howard Taft at unidentified event

On verso: Joseph Ralston Hayden and ?

Ambassador Homer Ferguson and Philippines President Ramon Magsaysay visit U.S. aircraft carrier Shangri-La

Ferguson second from left, Magsaysay third from left. On verso: USS Shangri-La CVA-38