Effect of gender on the implementation of National Integrated Protected Areas System in Western Visayas [Philippines]

Gender roles and equity have great impact on the effective performance of an organization. To determine the presence of gender prejudice and satisfaction of members of the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) with regards to the implementation of NIPAS, Lerio (ERDS-DENR 6) probed on gender equity issues from 2004 to 2005. Gender prejudices took the form of laughing at the opposite sex when giving suggestions and not working hard in performing duties as PAMB member. Ten gender prejudices were identified in relation to the PAMB members participation in planing, decision making, NIPAS evaluation, and controlling function. These prejudices were rated bad or fair with the two earlier mentioned forms of prejudice rating as bad. Satisfaction level, on the other hand, measured fair for the remaining eight prejudices identified, which included members having equally favorable relationship with one another, and both sexes enjoying conversations on matters affecting NIPAS protection and management. NIPAS is an act passed in 1992, which involves the DENR, the local government units, and the citizens of the country to protect and preserve certain areas that are of ecological and environmental importance. The NIPAS is implemented nationwide specifically in areas identified as protected. In this study, NIPAS implementation on Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park in Negros Occidental was given focus. Participation in planning, decision making, NIPAS evaluation, and controlling function were not significantly related to gender. Gender prejudices and satisfaction were significantly influenced by NIPAS on the PAMB subject. The worst gender prejudices and lowest satisfaction level were shown by those working in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park and by members living in Negros Occidental. Most of the members had lower income and owned less property with greater number of children compared with some members with the children and are well off. PAMB members with higher property assets had significantly lower level of gender prejudices and higher satisfaction than those owning less property. Females had significantly worse gender prejudices and lower level of satisfaction. This was due to having lesser property owned and lower income as compared with the males. Better situation of members resulted in lesser degree of gender prejudices and a higher level of satisfaction as PAMB members, thus greater effectiveness in performing their roles and functions. The study showed that PAMB-Regio 6 members participation in planning, decision making, NIPAS evaluation, and controlling function was poor but this was not due to gender issues but more on lack of motivations. The researchers recommend that the DENR, as lead agency, find means to motivate these PAMB members, regardless of gender. To eliminate [possible gender prejudices, it is recommended that DENR's Seminar on Gender Equity give greater emphasis to PAMB members living in Negros Occidental and in Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.