The UPLB VALUES Lab

20/08/2025

🌿 Webinar Alert!
Join us on 01 September 2025 (Monday) | 3:00–5:00 PM for the third session of our webinar series on institutionalizing Payment for Water Ecosystem Services (P-WES) in the Philippines.

This session will explore the Economics of P-WES, featuring insights from leading experts in the field. Don’t miss this chance to deepen your understanding and contribute to sustainable water resource management!

✅ Register now: bit.ly/PWES0901
📜 E-certificates will be provided to participants who attend the full session.

18/06/2025

𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐁 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐄𝐒 𝐋𝐚𝐛 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧

Dr. Canesio D. Predo and Dr. Asa Jose U. Sajise of the UPLB VALUES Lab served as resource persons in the Resource Accounting and Ecosystem Services Valuation Training held on June 10–11, 2025 at Hue Hotel, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The training was organized under the SEAWORTH Project (Seascapes and Marine Ecosystem Services Accounting/Valuation in West-Offshore Palawan), led by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development in partnership with the University of Sydney and Geoscience Australia.

Aimed at building technical capacity in ecosystem accounting and valuation, the activity supports inclusive and sustainable marine resource management. It also contributes to the localization of the PENCAS Law and to advancing the Philippines' commitment to a thriving blue economy through scalable and replicable natural capital accounting practices.

Photos by: Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

11/06/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 / 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟑 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐛, 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐩𝐢 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The third and final day of the training commenced with a recap session led by participants from the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, followed by a morning energizer facilitated by Partido State University.

The last day was devoted to Module 3: Introduction to Natural Resources Assessment and Valuation, facilitated by Dr. Cristino L. Tiburan, Jr. His lecture focused on the role of Geomatics in natural resource assessment and introduced the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) Model. During the morning session, key topics covered included Annual Water Yield, Seasonal Water Yield, and Carbon Sequestration.

In the afternoon, an energizer was conducted by participants from Catanduanes State University. Then, Dr. Tiburan resumed the session with a hands-on exercise on Sediment Retention. Dr. Canesio D. Predo concluded Module 3 on the discussion on Valuation of InVEST Model Outputs.

Following the technical sessions, each team presented their project proposals, showcasing the application of the concepts learned throughout the training. The resource persons provided insights and comments to further improve their proposal and encourage them to submit to DOST-PCAARRD for potential funding.

Afterwards, this was followed by the administration of a post-training quiz and evaluation form. The awarding of certificates of participation was held after. Then, Ms. Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio delivered the closing message, and selected participants from each team shared their insights and reflections on the training experience. The program was formally concluded with closing remarks of Dr. Margaret M. Calderon.

11/06/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 / 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐛, 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐩𝐢 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The second day of the training opened with a recap session facilitated by participants from the City Government of Legazpi and the City Government of Ligao. This was followed by a morning energizer activity led by participants from Bicol University – Main Campus and Daraga Campus.

The training resumed with Dr. Asa Jose U. Sajise leading Module 2: Data Analytics. In this session, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of STATA, a statistical software widely used for data analysis. Dr. Sajise guided them through basic data manipulation techniques and regression commands, equipping them with essential tools for analyzing ecosystem valuation data.

In the afternoon, another energizer was conducted, this time by participants from Bicol University – Tabaco Campus and Guinobatan Campus. Then the module continued by Dr. Sajise with hands-on exercises and walkthroughs involving the Travel Cost Method, Hedonic Pricing, Contingent Valuation Method, and Productivity Change.

11/06/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 / 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟏 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐮𝐛, 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐁𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐩𝐢 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐚𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓.

The UPLB VALUES Lab successfully conducted the Training on Valuation, Spatial Analysis, and Data Analytics of Ecosystem Services from May 26 to 28, 2025, at the Activity Hub, Student Union Center, Bicol University, Legazpi City, Albay. The event was made possible through the support of the Satellite Socio-Economics Research and Data Analytics Center – Bicol and Bicol University.

The training was attended by 28 participants representing various state universities across Bicol Region and as far as the Central Luzon Region, as well as local government units (LGUs) within Albay Province.

The training program commenced with Dr. Canesio D. Predo, Project Leader of the UPLB VALUES Lab, delivering his opening remarks. This was followed by a warm welcoming remarks from Dr. Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III, President of Bicol University, and Dr. Lester M. Narvaez, Director of the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (BCAARRD), which was represented by Associate Professor Erwin E. Torres.

Forester Nel Angela R. Orenciana then introduced the resource persons and the eight participating teams, which came from the following institutions:
(1) Bicol University – Main Campus,
(2) Bicol University – Daraga Campus,
(3) Bicol University – Tabaco Campus,
(4) Bicol University – Guinobatan Campus together with the City Government of Ligao,
(5) Partido State University,
(6) Catanduanes State University,
(7) Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, and
(8)City Government of Legazpi – Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources.

Dr. Canesio D. Predo then provided an orientation on the training mechanics and house rules to ensure that all participants were well-informed and prepared. Following the opening program, Dr. Margaret M. Calderon led the discussion on Module 1: Valuation Methods, introducing participants to the Total Economic Value (TEV) Framework, its relevance to policy and decision-making, and both market-based and cost-based approaches.

In the afternoon, an energizer was first facilitated by the UPLB VALUES Lab. Then, Ms. Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio presented the DOST-PCAARRD proposal template and guided participants through the proposal submission process. She also addressed questions and clarified various concerns. The session then returned to Module 1 with Dr. Canesio D. Predo discussing revealed preference approaches, including the travel cost method and hedonic pricing. The day concluded with a lecture led by Dr. Asa Jose U. Sajise on stated preference approaches, focusing on the contingent valuation method and choice modeling.

After the Day 1 training sessions, the UPLB VALUES Lab project team paid a formal courtesy visit to President Baby Boy Benjamin D. Nebres III at his office, providing an opportunity for a brief exchange of insights and appreciation for the Bicol University’s endeavors.

22/05/2025

14/05/2025

14/05/2025

[DEADLINE IS EXTENDED]

Calling all researchers from SUCs, HEIs, R&D Consortia members, LGUs, and DENR offices in Bicol and nearby places. The UPLB VALUES Lab will be conducting a Training on Valuation, Spatial Analysis, and Data Analytics of Ecosystem Services on May 26-28, 2025 in Bicol Region.

Grab this opportunity to learn and enhance your skills in the training courses offered. SLOTS ARE LIMITED, so form your group and sign up now!

Registration form: https://tinyurl.com/VALUESLab-BicolTraining
Deadline of application: 16 May 2025
Notification of acceptance: 17 May 2025

Registration is for free!

For more information, scan the QR code below or click the registration link.

06/05/2025

The training series continues — The UPLB VALUES LAB takes it to Bicol!

Calling all researchers from SUCs, HEIs, R&D Consortia members, LGUs, and DENR offices in Bicol and nearby places. The UPLB VALUES Lab will be conducting a Training on Valuation, Spatial Analysis, and Data Analytics of Ecosystem Services on May 26-28, 2025 in Bicol Region.

Grab this opportunity to learn and enhance your skills in the training courses offered. SLOTS ARE LIMITED, so form your group and sign up now!

Registration form: https://tinyurl.com/VALUESLab-BicolTraining

Deadline of application: 13 May 2025
Notification of acceptance: 15 May 2025

Registration is for free!

For more information, scan the QR code below or click the registration link.

05/05/2025

𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐎𝐒 / 𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟑 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐨𝐧 "𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭-𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬", 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐥, 𝐂𝐅𝐍𝐑-𝐔𝐏𝐋𝐁, 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟖-𝟑𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The third and final day of the training began with a recap led by participants from the Visayas, followed by a morning energizer facilitated by the Luzon participants. The day continued with the presentation of group outputs for Module 4, after which Dr. Aileen V. Lapitan facilitated an open discussion focused on each group's output. She then proceeded with the discussion of Module 5: Applying CBA to Policy Decision-Making. This session featured an engaging and interactive practical exercise—a role-playing activity in which participants assumed the roles of various stakeholders involved in a policy proposal related to cost-benefit analysis.

In the afternoon, Mindanao participants facilitated the energizer. Then afterwards, the participants prepared and presented their final group outputs. Dr. Lapitan once again facilitated an open deliberation, encouraging constructive feedback and insights from both presenters and fellow participants. The session resulted in a fruitful exchange of ideas and a deeper understanding of the practical application of CBA in policy making.

Following the presentations and discussions, participants completed a post-training evaluation form and a post-test quiz. This was followed by the awarding of certificates to all participants, as well as to the resource persons and representatives from the collaborating institutions—DIP Lab and the supporting agency SERD-PCAARRD. Selected participants were also given the opportunity to share feedback about their training experience.

Ms. Gemmalyn M. Trespalacio delivered a closing message on behalf of Dr. Ernesto O. Brown, Director of SERD-PCAARRD, and it was followed by another closing remarks from Dr. Maria Angeles O. Catelo as part of The UPLB VALUES Lab marking the end of a productive and enriching training.



📸 Photos captured by: Ian Carlo Perilla (DIP Lab)