PWG tackles integration of research studies

The Philippine Working Group (PWG) of the BRP had its first meeting for the year on 30 January 2004 in Diliman, Quezon City.

Dr. Perry Ong, JPC and PWG Chair presided over the meeting. After giving a brief background of the BRP, he discussed the role of the PWG, which is to serve as advisory body to the JPC, especially on strengthening the national perspective and the larger role of BRP in biodiversity conservation programmes in the region. The PWG members can also serve as resource persons providing technical assistance to BRP researchers. They may also be invited as facilitators in BRP workshops and other activities.

Dr. Ong also identified some issues and concerns confronting BRP researchers with regard to the analysis of their research results. Foremost is the integration of research results of on-going projects using the landscape approach. To address this concern, Dr. Ong proposed to adopt the pressure-response model for a biodiversity conservation framework, which is to be presented to the group of BRP researchers for discussion during the 5th Quarterly Researchers' Planning Meeting in February 2004.

After the thorough discussion on the issue of integration of research results, the Coordinator of the BRP National Support Secretariat (NSS) gave an update of the status of on-going research projects. Ensuing discussions focused on additional researchable areas and other support activities deemed necessary to strengthen current research activities.

The members of the PWG are: Dr. Porfirio M. Aliño (Marine Biology, UP Diliman), Ms. Ruth Grace Ambal [Field Biology, Wildlife Conservation Society of the Philippines (WCSP)], Mr. Danilo S. Balete (Field Biology, WCSP), Dr. Rowena R. Boquiren (Social Science, UP Baguio), Dr. Nicomedes Briones [Resource Economics, UPLB-School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)], Mr. Carlo C. Custodio [Protected Areas Management, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB), Dr. Levita A. Duhaylungsod (Anthropology, UPLB), Dr. Victor P. Gapud (Entomology, UPLB), Dr. Arnulfo G. Garcia (Agriculture, SEARCA), Dr. William Sm. Gruezo (Plant Systematics, UPLB), Dr. Vincent V. Hilomen (Marine Biology, UPLB), Dr. Daniel A. Lagunzad (Plant Ecology, UP Diliman), Dr. Nerlita M. Manalili (Enterprise Development, SEARCA), and Dr. Maripaz L. Perez (Policy Studies, Department of Science and Technology).