Author(s)

Elizabeth T. Carig^1*, Joel G. Carig², Arvin P. Vallesteros³

¹College of Agriculture, Forestry and Engineering, Quirino State University, Diffun, Philippines.
²Friends of the Environment for Development and Sustainability, Inc., Bayombong, Philippines.
³College of Forestry, Nueva Vizcaya State University, Bayombong, Philippines.

This study employed the Contingent Valuation Method to assess the willingness to pay of water users, as a source of financing for the sustainable development of Barobbob Watershed. The WTP study was conducted among 345 waters users in 19 barangays in the municipalities of Solano and Bayombong. Uncensored data revealed that 63.8% (58.84% for the adjusted) of the respondents revealed willingness to pay for improved watershed management. The mean WTP amount, estimated through a logit model, Turnbull Distributor-Free Estimator and Lower Bound Estimate, is found to be PhP39.35, PhP27.80 and PhP25.90/month/household, respectively. Respondents WTP is influenced by bid amount, age, membership in environmental organization, experience with water-related problems, civil status, house ownership, and awareness on the concept of watershed. Respondents were willing to pay because they wanted a sustainable water supply for the present and future generations. A payment scheme is possible and it could provide a sustainable flow of fund, however, the willingness percentages still needed to be increased. Community education and public awareness (CEPA) campaign is necessary to enhance the water users’ knowledge and understand about the importance and values of watersheds. Ultimately, WTP percentage and WTP amounts would increase.

Willingness to Pay, Payment for Watershed Services, Watershed Management, Logit Model, Barobbob Watershed

Carig, E. , Carig, J. and Vallesteros, A. (2016) Assessment of Willingness to Pay as a Source of Financing for the Sustainable Development of Barobbob Watershed in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 4, 38-45. doi: 10.4236/gep.2016.43004.