A comparative assessment on the perceived value of Sukol river mangrove ecosystem by the local policymakers and residents of Bongabong, oriental Mindoro, Philippines utilizing multi criteria evaluation

Mangroves provide numerous ecosystem services for the coastal communities that surround them. They are utilized in different commercial and household usage. However, despite of mangrove contributions through their ecosystem services provision, exploitation of these tree species increase in a rapid manner. The study used the Multi Criteria Evaluation as an approach to weigh the perceived value of the individuals living near the study site regarding the use of mangroves for them. The respondents of the study were composed of two groups, the Administration level and Community level; the second group were consisted of the community people near the study site. These groups of individuals were convened for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in order to acquire data. Among these attributes the highest valued was the Habitat, with 98% -Very High value for the Administration level and 95% – Very High value for the Community level. Meanwhile, the lowest rating among the attributes for the Administration and Community level is the Wood Products, 84% -High value, and 89% -High value. The findings of the study provide essential discussions that describe the important role of mangroves in the coastal ecosystem, and there is a need of conservation.