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Article History

Received: 7 July 2025

Accepted: 25 September 2025

First Online: 21 October 2025

Declarations

:

: The ethical approval for this study was granted during an official meeting of the Center for Research in Environmental Management and Eco-Governance (CRÈME), in collaboration with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR) Region XIII and in partnership with collaborators from Clusters 1, 3, and 4 of the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor (EMBC) on April 11, 2024. The meeting informed the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) about the survey's objectives, scope, and methodology. After a thorough discussion, all stakeholders present expressed their agreement and support for the conduct of the survey. This study was conducted in adherence to ethical research principles, ensuring that participation is voluntary, confidential, and free from coercion. All participants were informed of the survey's purpose and provided informed consent before participation. Personal data collected shall be handled with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for the intended research purposes in accordance with the Philippines’ Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173). Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Participation was voluntary, and respondents were assured of confidentiality and anonymity.

: Not applicable.

: The authors declare no competing interests.