Uploaded on 2016-07-11 by Jason B. Santos

Module 8: Ecosystems Services – The case of Tanay Municipality, Province of Rizal, Philippines The Tanay Municipality in the Philippines is approximately 40 kilometers from the urban center of Metro Manila and is just an hour and a half drive. The pictures attached, shows the essential ecosystem services that ecosystems provide. The ecosystem in Tanay, Rizal is Retreat Park and Facility – locally called the Tanay EPIC PARC; in the mountains of Tanay. It is mainly used as a retreat and camping area for spiritual development mostly of the city dwellers. I. Provisioning Services The park provides food for human and animal consumption. Agriculture based services are housed in the park by the owners of the facility. Due to the abundance of trees and plants both wild and exotic, wood raw materials are present including herbs are present in the area. Also attached, is the picture of the water provision from this park. Water springs are abundant in this locality as water provision. II. Regulating Services As noticed in the photos, the park is filled with trees and plants. Thus, the ecosystem provides regulation for air and soil quality. The tree canopies provide shade and defense from rain and also filter the air. The creeks and natural canals acts as buffers for water run-off and soak-up flood water going to the low lying areas. With this ecosystem pollution is reduced in the surrounding environment and nearby cities and municipalities. III. Habitat or Supporting Services The Tanay EPIC PARC ecosystem provides habitats for species and maintains genetic diversity. The area is documented as a bird sanctuary by professional birdwatching clubs in the Philippines; with a sighting of 80 plus species of birds. IV. Cultural Services Being a camping and retreat center, it caters the cultural aspect of the ecosystem. The roofing at the bottom of the photo is the sleeping quarters. Aside from providing camping services, it is also a tourist center for bird watching. It acts as an eco-tourism site as the different bird watching clubs gather for recreation and education. Truly the Tanay EPIC PARC is an ecosystem in Tanay worth preserving and nurturing for the rural and urban benefit. It is a sanctuary and a haven for nature, giving credit to its name – EPIC PARC; Ecological Playground, Integrated Commune for Prayer, Adventure, Recreation and Culture.