TOURISTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE BOHOL TARSIER CONSERVATION CENTER

A QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
Senior High School Technical Vocational Livelihood
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
March 2018

In Partial Fulfilment of
The Requirements for the Subject
PRACTICAL RESEARCH II
Bambe, Mary Joy D.
Onga, Dianne V.
Payag, Rhona Christine O.
Solito, Julina L.
Tosloc, Gemaima L.

ABSTRACT

The main objective of the study aimed to determine the Environmental Issues of the Bohol
Tarsier Conservation Centre. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: the physical
condition of the tarsier and the customary regulations followed by the conservation centre. The study
was conducted at Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation located at Barangay Villa Aurora, Bilar,
Bohol. The researchers’ made use of descriptive method of research employing the quota sampling
technique with an aid of questionnaire. There were 30 respondents in the study. The data gathered
were tallied, analyzed, and interpreted. The result of the study revealed that the physical conditions
of the tarsier and the customary regulation are ethically followed by the conservation centre. It was
found out that most of the respondents agree to the statements which deals with the physical
condition of the tarsier and the customary regulations were maintained by the conservation centre
as mandated by DENR. The respondents were also asked on their feedback, suggestions, and
recommendations about the conservation centre.
The researchers recommended that the Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation must give
instruction briefly to the guest or tourist for them to be aware what are the dos and don’ts before
going inside the Conservation area. They must impose strictly the “No touching and No Talking”
policy inside the Conservation of the Tarsier for them to be free from constant stress. They must
have ample amount of space for the tarsier to move around freely. And lastly, they must have
adequate parking area to prevent air pollution that might harm the tarsier.

KEYWORDS

Tarsier, Environment, Establishment, Physical Condition, Customary Regulation

I.INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Around the world, ecosystem are increasingly subjected to the negative effects of human
population growth and its expanding ecological footprint. It could be argued that living organisms
have long been subject to a myriad of evolutionary pressures arising from the environment and are
consequently well adapted to respond to such pressures. However, the current pace of
environmental change is unprecedented and it is unknown whether capacity of species to adapt to
such changes and counteract their harmful and often combined effects may be exceeded.
The researchers outline the importance of having a healthy environment for tarsier and knowing
their environmental condition as what the Department of Tourism adheres to promote. Be in the
form of habitat loss or alteration, the introduction of invasive species, pathogen spill-over,
accumulation of president pollutants, climate change or stratospheric ozone depletion, global
environmental change has altered physical and biological systems and in becoming of increasing
concern for well-being and survival of many species.
Environmental change has negatively affected most biological systems on our planet and in
becoming of increasing concern for the well-being and survival of many species. However, tarsier
may pose additional pressure and stresses as base on their lifetime cycle that they are nocturnal,
wild animal which is active only at night time and might seriously affect their population and viability
and persistence.
In the town of Bilar, one of the local destination is the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. Local
guides and staff in the place explains each cycle of tarsiers, giving facts and trivia about the tarsier.
The tarsier is a major tourist attraction of Bohol.
According to Philippine Tarsier Foundation reports there are just a few hundred animals left in
the wild on the island. The province of Bohol establishes a Conservation Center for an endangered
animal (Tarsier) managed by Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation.
In the future more research needs to be carried out to find out the population sizes of each of
the tarsiers and to implement effective conservation efforts. Agreement needs to be reached over
the naming and organization of the species and groups of tarsiers to enable proper conservation to
take place. Strong field efforts need to be conducted to stop habitat loss and cutting down of forests
and to minimize disturbance to these animals. All species should be protected from illegal hunting
and capture.
Conservation education and awareness are essential to protect the tarsier and most areas
occupied by tarsier lack educational programs about the environment and biodiversity. The impacts
of chemical use for agriculture should be assessed on tarsier populations and other organisms.
Without these efforts some tarsiers could be lost completely from the wild in this century.
Environmental issue in our society had impacted a deep problem in our environment, especially
by the animals. We encounter global warming, ozone layer depletion, climate change, water
pollution and air pollution which are the biggest issue in our society that affects the natural habitat
of the animals. Environmental issues like these ignited and motivated the researchers’ as being the
Grade 12 Tourism students of Bilar National High School.
The main aim of this research is to determine the Tourists’ Perception of the Bohol Tarsier at
the Conservation Center in terms of the physical condition of the Tarsier and the Customary
Regulation follows by the Management.

II. PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the real state of the tarsier at Bohol Tarsier Conservation Centre
located at Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the tourists’ perception of the Bohol tarsier conservation center in terms of:
1.1 physical condition of the tarsier; and
1.2 customary regulation of the tarsier conservation center?
 Significance of the study

This study will be beneficial to the following, if the findings of the study will be utilized:
Bohol Tarsier Conservation Area. They will be guided on what areas to improve and to gain
more satisfied tourists. They can also get an idea on what to add on their establishment to ensure
that their guest must not have and just an enjoyable and comfortable trip but also an informative
one.
Tourists. Future tourists would be more satisfied if the owners and managers improved the
areas that are lacking. There will be a tendency that they will visit the destination more often if they
are satisfied the facilities.
Future Researchers. They can use this research as guide for their future studies about
comparing tourist attractions in terms of the effectiveness in satisfying and handling tourists.

Review of Related Studies

The Philippine Tarsier is a difficult species to maintain a captivity and little success has been
gained in maintaining colonies of this endangered primate. Although several births have occurred in
captivity, few infants have survived to maturity. Any institution wishing to obtain Philippine Tarsiers
must ensure that they have a facility which provides appropriate temperatures and humidity levels.
Provision of adequate amounts of live prey items is a critical factor in ensuring the survival of tarsiers
held in captivity.
According to Brown, R.M. et al., (2014), on their study Conservation Genetics of the Philippine
Tarsier: Cryptic Genetic Variation Restructures Conservation Priorities for an Island Archipelago
Primate, the establishment of conservation priorities for primates is a particular concern in the island
archipelagos of Southeast Asia, where rates of habitat destruction are among the highest in the
world. Conservation programs require knowledge of taxonomic diversity to ensure success. The
Philippine tarsier is a flagship species that promotes environmental awareness and a thriving
ecotourism economy in the Philippines. However, assessment of its conservation status has been
impeded by taxonomic uncertainty, a paucity of field studies, and a lack of vouchered specimens
and genetic samples available for study in biodiversity repositories.
The distribution of Philippine tarsier genetic diversity is neither congruent with expectations
based on bio geographical patterns documented in other Philippine vertebrates, nor does it agree
with the most recent Philippine tarsier taxonomic arrangement. Conservation of this flagship species
necessitates establishment of protected areas and targeted conservation programs within the range
of each genetically distinct variant of the Philippine tarsier.
Biodiversity-rich tropical forests are being degraded worldwide, and the pace of forest
destruction is exceptionally rapid in insular Southeast Asia. With only 4-8% of its original forest
remaining, the Philippines has been designated as both a global conservation biodiversity hotspot
and a Mega diverse nation – a distinction shared only with Madagascar. Within this archipelago, the
Philippine tarsier, a small endemic nocturnal primate, has been enlisted as a flagship species for an
emerging societal conservation movement and an expanding ecotourism industry.
Traditionally, taxonomy and conservation have been inextricably linked and most conservation
strategies have targeted formally named taxonomic units: species or subspecies. Although most
conservation efforts have targeted these taxonomic entitles, conserving finer-grained genetic
diversity across a species’ range is essential to preserving metapopulational dynamics, preserving
inbreeding depression, avoiding population collapses, and ultimately ensuring against extinction.
Unique evolutionary lineages or genetically defined “ Evolutionary Significant Units’’ are appropriate
targets of conservation programs aimed at preserving genetic diversity among and within species;
targeting empirically defined distinct evolutionary lineages has the added benefit of potentially
removing the subjectivity sometimes associated with traditional taxonomy.
 Despite being the focus of a disproportionate number of intensely focused studies, multiple
lines of evidence suggest that numerous primate taxa await discovery and formal taxonomic
description. For example, between the 1975 and 1999 nocturnal primate species diversity grew
worldwide by 2.85-fold increase, and has since climbed by an additional 1.69-fold increase. Unique
among nocturnal primates, tarsiers are found only in insular Southeast Asia. Ten species are
recognized currently, with several new taxa recently proposed through bioacoustics analysis and
molecular data. The Philippine tarsier has been the focus of recent attempts to understand
morphological variation, clarify taxonomy, and establish the conservation status of populations;
these efforts have met with limited success and left unanswered the questions of appropriate targets
for conservation action.
In the Philippines, may morphologically indistinguishable yet genetically differentiated ‘’cryptic’’
species have recently been discovered, suggesting that the distributed Philippine tarsier might also
harbour hidden evolutionary lineages (unrecognized species, genetic variants, putative taxa, etc.),
which may be unprotected and not incorporated into current conservation planning.

Research Paradigm
THEORIES LEGAL BASES
*Environmental Issues in Animal *Republic Act No. 9147 also known
Health Agriculture (Charles W. as Wildlife Resources Conservation
Abdalla & Jennifer L. Lawton) and Protection Act
*Effects of Environmental Change *Republic Act No. &586 also known
on Wildlife Health (Karina Acedo- as National Integrated Protected
Whitehouse & Amanda L. J. Duffus) Areas Systems (NIPAS) Act

RESPONDENTS Foreign
Local tourists tourists

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION OF THE TARSIER AT BOHOL

TARSIER CONSERVATION CENTER

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study focus on the environmental condition of the tarsier at Bohol Tarsier Conservation
Centre, at Barangay Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol. The researchers randomly selected tourists both local
and foreign. The study was conducted last October 2018 up to the first week of March 2019. The
study focused on the environmental condition of the tarsier in their wilderness area at Bohol tarsier
conservation centre. The researchers wanted to find out the tourists’ perception of the physical
condition of the tarsier and the customary regulation followed by the Bohol Tarsier Permittees
Corporation.

III.METHOD

Design and Procedure

To achieve the objective of the study, the researchers made used of descriptive method of research
employing the quota sampling technique with an aid of questionnaire.
 Locale and Respondent

The study was conducted at the Bohol Tarsier Conservation Centre, located at Barangay Villa
Aurora, Bilar, Bohol. They were 30 randomly selected participants in the study both from local and
foreign tourist, guest, and costumers at Bohol Tarsier Conservation Centre.

Instrument and Measures

Researchers used of researcher-made survey sheets questionnaire as data gathering

instrument. The questionnaire was in a form of checklist wherein participants were made to reflect
their personal insights on the different items with corresponding weight equivalent of 4,3,2,1.
To check the validity and reliability, the questionnaire was presented to the Practical Research II
Teacher, Research Adviser and Statistician.
The researchers secured the permission of the School Principal of Bilar National High School to
conduct the study. After securing the needed consent, the researchers personally conducted to their
respondents.

Statistical Treatment

The weighted mean was employed to determine the perception of the respondents towards the
physical condition of the tarsier and the standard regulation followed by Bohol Tarsier Conservation
Centre.

The questionnaire was in a form of checklist wherein participants were made to reflect their
personal insights on the different items with corresponding weight equivalent of 4,3,2,1, to the
different description used towards the physical condition of the tarsier and the customary regulation
followed by the Conservation Centre:

Scale Range Description Interpretation

4 4 – 4.99 Strongly Agree Means that the respondents has a positive perception
towards the statement.
3 3 – 3.99 Agree Means that the respondents plainly agrees to the
statement.
2 2 – 2.99 Disagree Means that the respondents plainly disagrees to the
statement.
1 1 – 1.99 Strongly Disagree Means that the respondents has a negative perception
towards the statement.
 IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1A. Analyzed Data of Bilar Tarsier Conservation Center Based on the categories.
N=30
A. The Physical condition of the tarsier. Weighted Description
mean
1. The tarsier in the Conversation Centre is healthy. 3.6 Agree
2. The cage of the tarsier in the Conversation Centre is enough for 3.2 Agree
them to move around.
3. The tarsier in the Conversation Centre is resting on daytime. 3.3 Agree
4. The tarsier have visible high walls to keep them. 3.07 Agree
5. The tarsier is free from touching and noise that will cause them to 2.7 Disagree
constant stress.
6. The tarsier have ample territorial space that are not close to one 3.2 Agree
another.
7. The tarsier have net enclosure to keep them from predators. 3.07 Agree
General Average: 3.16 Agree

Table 1.A presents the analysed data of the respondents about the physical condition of the
tarsier. The findings showed that the respondents agree to the perception of the health of the tarsier
at Bohol Tarsier Conservation Centre. The result of the statements were as follows from top three
highest mean to lowest mean: Statement No. 4 “The tarsier have visible high walls to keep them” with
the weighted mean of 3.07, and statement no.7 “The tarsier have net enclosure to keep them from
predators” with the weighted mean of 3.07, both were interpreted as Agree, as well as statement no.1
“The tarsier in the Conversation Centre is healthy with the weighted mean of 3.06. While statement
no.5 “The tarsier is free from touching and noise that will cause them to constant stress” with the
weighted mean of 2.7. It signifies that one of the physical condition that causes the Tarsier to constant
stress were the noises and touches of the guest or the tourist in the Conservation Center. The overall
weighted mean of 3.16 interpreted as “Agree”. Generally the physical condition of the Tarsier in the
Conservation Center was good and they have an ample space and walls to move around, free from
predators, as well as can also rest on daytime.

Table 1B. Analyzed Data of Bilar Tarsier Conservation Center Based on the categories.
N=30
A. The Customary Regulation of the tarsier. Weighted
mean Description
1. The Conservation Centre have enough facilities and equipment. 3.03 Agree
2. There are garbage cans present in the Conservation Centre. 3.17 Agree
3. The Conservation Centre observe cleanliness. 3.2 Agree
4. The Conservation Centre maintains the wilderness that 3.1 Agree
surrounds the tarsier.
5. The Conservation Centre issued appropriate signage installed 3.13 Agree
in strategic places inside the Centre.
6. The Conservation Centre has adequate measures taken to 3.03 Agree
ensure enough the integrity and security of the tarsier.
7. The Conservation Centre is suitable for the food source of the 3.03 Agree
tarsier.
 8. The Conservation Centre develop educational information for 3.1 Agree
the tourist.
9. The local residents has cooperation and participation in 3 Agree
achieving the purposes of the Conservation Centre.
10. The Conservation Centre envision and implement awareness 3 Agree
and income generating projects for the benefits of the local
people in the area.
General Average: 3.079 Agree

Table 1.B shows analysed data of the customary regulation of the tarsier at Bohol Tarsier
Conservation Centre. The findings showed that most the respondents have a positive review about the
customary regulation at the Conservation Centre because most of the respondents agree to the
statements given. The following statements were as follows on the top three highest mean to lowest
mean. Statement no. 2 “There are garbage cans present in the Conservation Centre” with the weighted
mean of 3.17, statement no.5 “The Conservation Centre issued appropriate signage installed in
strategic places inside the Centre” with the weighted mean of 3.13, and statement no. 7, 6 & 1 were
both have the weighted mean of 3.03 were equally interpreted as “Agree”. The overall weighted mean
of 3.079 interpreted as “Agree”. It implies that the Customary Regulation of the Tarsier were enough,
present, adequate, and maintains its wilderness that suitable for the Conservation of the Tarsier.

V. CONCLUSIONS

Based from the findings, the following conclusions are deemed reasonable:

1. It was found out that the Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation followed the standard
regulation mandated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
and the Department of Tourism (DOT).
2. The current condition of the Tarsier in the Conservation Centre was good and maintain
its ample amount of space for them to move around in the area which were away from the
predators.
3. It was revealed that the respondents mostly agrees that the Conservation Centre followed
ethical guidelines in establishing a business especially by preserving and safeguarding
endangered animals/ species.

VI. RECOMMENDATIONS

1. The Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation must give instruction briefly to the guest or
tourist for them to be aware what are the dos and don’ts before going inside the
Conservation area.
2. The Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation must impose strictly the “No touching and No
Talking” policy inside the Conservation of the Tarsier for them to be free from constant
stress.
3. The Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation must have ample amount of space for the
tarsier to move around freely.
4. The Bohol Tarsier Permittees Corporation must have adequate parking area to prevent
air pollution that might harm the tarsier.
VII. REFERENCES

Accessed last February, 2019 from DENR Administrative Order No.48 Pursuant to the
provisions of act no.2590 as amended, article IV of P.D. 1152, section of executive order no. 192

Accessed last February, 2018 from Republic act no.9147: Retrieved from
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2001/ra-9147-2001.html

Accessed last January, 2019, Retrieved from http://www. Frontiers in. Org/research-
topics/6496/environmental-impacts- on- animal-health-and behavior

Accessed last January, 2019, Retrieved from www.choicesmagazine.org/2006-

3/animal/2006-3-11html.Sedac.ceisin.columbia.edu/entri/texts/denr.prot.cons.birds.mamma.html
 APPENDIX A

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division of Bohol

District of Bilar

BILAR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Senior High School

March 2, 2019

Mrs. Maria Lileth P. Calacat

Principal II

Bilar National High School

Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol

We, the students of Grade 12-Tourism of Bilar National High School are having a research study entitled
‘’ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF THE TARSIER IN BOHOL TARSIER CONSERVATION CENTER’’. This research is in partial
fulfillment for our Practical Research 2 subject.

We are humbly asking your full permission for us to to conduct survey/assessment outside the campus specifically in the
tourist spots in Bilar. We would acknowledge and thank your full permission.

Very truly yours,

Mary Joy D. Bambe

Dianne V. Onga

Rhona Christine O. Payag

Julina L. Solito

Gemaima L. Tosloc

Noted by:

REY MARVIN LAMBUS

Practical Research Teacher

Approved

MARIA LILETH P. CALACAT

Principal II
 APENDIX B

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
District of Bilar
BILAR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

March 2, 2019

Municipal Mayor
Municipality of Bilar
Bilar, Bohol
Dear Mr. Norman D. Palacio:

Good day!

We, the students of Grade-12 Tourism of Bilar national High School are having a research study entitled
“ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF THE TARSIER IN BOHOL TARSIER CONSERVATION CENTER”. This research study is
in fulfillment for our Practical Research 2 subject.

We are humbly asking for your full permission to allow us to conduct a study and survey on our
neighboring town. We will acknowledge and thank your full permission.

Sincerely yours,

BAMBE, MARY JOY D.

ONGA, DIANNE V.
PAYAG, RHONA CHRISTINE O.
SOLITO, JULINA L.
TOSLOC, GEMAIMA L.

Noted by: Approved by:

Mr. Rey Marvin H. Lambus HON.NORMAN D. PALACIO

Practical Research II Instructor Mayor, Municipality of Bilar
 APPENDIX B

Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Division of Bohol

District of Bilar

BILAR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Senior High School

March 2, 2019

Dear Respondents,

We undersigned Grade 12-Tourism students of Bilar National High School are doing research study entitled
‘’ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES OF THE TARSIER IN BOHOL TARSIER CONSERVATION CENTER’’ as a
requirement for our Practical Research 2 Subject.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Very truly yours,

BAMBE, MARY JOY D.
ONGA, DIANNE V.
PAYAG, RHONA CHRISTINE O.
SOLITO, JULINA L.
TOSLOC, GEMAIMA L.

Noted by:

REY MARVIN LAMBUS

Practical Research Teacher

 APENDIX C
QUESTIONNAIRE
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

Dear Respondents,
Good day!
We the researchers from Bilar National High School would like to conduct a study about the Environmental
Issues of the Tarsier in Bohol Tarsier Conservation Centre. Please help us accomplish our research study by
answering this questionnaire. Please note that there are no right or wrong answers for this questionnaire.
However, please answer carefully with all honesty. Do not skip an entry or statement. Please read and follow
the instructions carefully. Rest assured that ALL information gathered from this form will be kept highly
confidential.
Thank you!
--------------------------------
General Instruction: The following statements are the physical condition and the standard regulation of the
tarsier in the conservation centre. Please put check (/) on the box that corresponds your answer.

PART I. RESPONDENT’S PROFILE

Code Name (Optional): ________________________________________

Instructions: To identify the different physical condition of the tarsier in the conservation centre, please
respond to each of the following statements by placing a check mark (/) on the column of your choice.
Strongly Agree Disagree Strongly
Agree Disagree
A. The physical condition of the tarsier.

4 3 2 1

The tarsier in the Conversation Centre is healthy.

The cage of the tarsier in the Conversation Centre
is enough for them to move around.
The tarsier in the Conversation Centre is resting on
daytime.
The tarsier have visible high walls to keep them.
The tarsier is free from touching and noise that will
cause them to constant stress.
The tarsier have ample territorial space that are not
close to one another.
The tarsier have net enclosure to keep them from
predators.

B. The standard regulation of the tarsier. 4 3 2 1

The Conservation Centre have enough facilities and equipment.
There are garbage cans present in the Conservation Centre.
The Conservation Centre observe cleanliness.
The Conservation Centre maintains the wilderness that surrounds the
tarsier.
The Conservation Centre issued appropriate signage installed in strategic
places inside the Centre.
The Conservation Centre has adequate measures taken to ensure enough
the integrity and security of the tarsier.
The Conservation Centre is suitable for the food source of the tarsier.
The Conservation Centre develop educational information for the tourist.
The local residents has cooperation and participation in achieving the
purposes of the Conservation Centre.
The Conservation Centre envision and implement awareness and income
generating projects for the benefits of the local people in the area.

PART II. Give your feedback, suggestions, or recommendations to the Conservation Centre.
--
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

RESEARCHER’S BIODATA
Personal Background
Name: Mary Joy D. Bambe
Address: Dagohoy, Bilar, Bohol
Birthdate: March 28, 2000
Parents: Teburcio C. Bambe
Josiphine D. Bambe
Educational Background
Elementary: Dagohoy Elementary School
Junior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
Senior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol

Personal Background
Name: Dianne V. Onga
Address: Poblacion, Bilar, Bohol
Birthdate: October 30, 2000
Parents: Ambrosio A. Onga
Luz V. Onga
Educational Background
Elementary: Bilar Central Elementary School
Junior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
Senior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol

Personal Background
Name: Rhona Christine O. Payag
Address: Cansumbol, Bilar, Bohol
Birthdate: June 16, 2000
Parents: Raul P. Payag
 Annie O. Payag
Educational Background
Elementary: Campagao Elementary School
Junior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
Senior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol

Personal Background
Name: Julina L. Solito
Address: Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
Birthdate: July 18, 1998
Parents: Narciso M. Solito
Dolorosa L. Solito
Educational Background
Elementary: Yanaya Elementary School
Junior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
Senior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol

Personal Background
Name: Gemaima L. Tosloc
Address: Villa Aurora, Bilar, Bohol
Birthdate: May 13, 2001
Parents: Maximiano S. Tosloc
Marina L. Tosloc
Educational Background
Elementary: Bilar Central Elementary School
Junior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol
Senior High School: Bilar National High School
Yanaya, Bilar, Bohol