Author : Soriano, Marissa M.

Summary : The Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) Project in Isabela was evaluated primarily to determine the efficiency of its implementation. Specifically, the study evaluated the following: 1) the overall operations and management of the ANR project; 2) the extent of ANR accomplishment in terms of establishment rate of woody vegetative cover, area planted with acceptable survival rate and species composition of ANR treated area; 3) problems encountered in the implementation of the ANR; 4) profile and extent of involment of both the project staff and the project contractors; and 5) costs involved in its implementation, maintenance, and protection. Primary and secondary data were used in the study. The project was the unit if analysis used. Respondents of the study were the project staff and the contractors. Based on the findings of the study, the implementation of the ANR project was in accordance with procedures and standards of the Philippined Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Implementation and management of the project were influenced by the following problems: bio-physical problems such as drought, adverse site conditions, management problems including delay in fund releases, and critical peace and order condition of the project area. The project provided employment to the community, thereby improving its standard of living. ANR effectively in reduced the cost of reforestation by as much as 53 percent compared to the cost of any three-year upland reforestation projects. An improvement on the performance of plantations was noted with the application of ANR in terms of stand density, species diversity, and height and canopy development.