An interview of the direct users of the forest ecosystem in Aborlan Guba System was conducted to determine
their socioeconomic characteristics and to examine and understand the role of Non-wood forest products (NWFP) in
their household economy.
The direct users of the forest were poor Indigenous Peoples and migrants from the Visayas region who were
dependent on the NWFP as their immediate source of income; this is to support their basic needs and the education
of their children. Harvesting practices by these local people were observed as non sustainable. If utilization practices
continue unregulated, these resources are projected to become in danger. This will also endanger the life of the direct
users, especially the Tagbanuas whose way of life is intimately connected with the Aborlan Guba System.
The local government unit of Aborlan and other organizations should help create employment opportunities for
the local people and help strengthen the community’s farming system practices to increase their income. The people
must be empowered to maximize their full potentials in exploring various livelihood opportunities without depleting
the forest resources.