02939    a2200253   450000500170000008200250001710000270004224501810006926400550025030000470030550400410035252019490039352600070234265000470234965000250239665000190242170000250244070000320246570000280249770000290252594200120255499900170256695201020258320260715140229.0  aTH 378.242 L784 20251 aEsparar, Kyne Ervie G.  aLived experiences of bantay gubat: a narrative inquiry / cKyne Ervie G. Esparar, Rubymae C. Baguna, Nueva Diana Rose L. Rivero, Shaena Rose S. Roquero, Beverly Charise S. Yson 1aSibalom, Antique : bUniversity of Antique, c2025  axii, 109 pages : billustrations ; c28 cm  aIncludes bibliographical references.  aAbstract

The Bantay Gubat (Forest Guards) serve as primary stewards of protected areas, tasked with patrolling, deterring illegal activities, and safeguarding wildlife and natural resources. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences and challenges of eight Bantay Gubat members in Sibalom Natural Park (SNP), Sibalom, Antique. Utilizing a narrative inquiry framework, iata were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using Braur and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis. Participants were selected through purposive sampling based on their tenure and involvement in SNP operations. Findings revealed that these guards serve as frontline stewards who continuously balance environmental law enforcement and ecotourism management. Their roles are multidimensional, ranging from voluntary forest protection to broader environmental stewardship. The study also identified key institutional challenges, including inconsistent government support, the lack of standardized compensation, and limited opportunities for professional development, Despite these constraints, the Bantay Gubat employ various strategies to sustain their efforts, including close coordination with local authorities, participation in institutional training, and community-based support. The study concludes that the sustainability of Bantay Gubat operations depends on the collective efforts of environmental enforcers, local communities, and supporting institutions. However,inadequate financial, safety, and welfare provisions continue to pose challenges to their long-term effectiveness. The study recommends strengthening institutional support through improved welfare provisions, continuous capacity- building programs, and enhanced collaboration among relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of Bantay Gubat operations and the conservation of Sibalom Natural Park.

Keywords: Bantay Gubat, Sibalom Natural Park, Narrative Inquiry  aTH  aHigher EducationvTheses and dissertations  aForest conservation   aForest rangers1 aBaguna, Rubymae C.. 1 aRivero, Nueva Diana Rose L.1 aRoquero, Shaena Rose S.1 aYson, Beverly Charise S.  2ddccTH  c41696d41696  00102ddc4070aSBbSBd2026-07-15l0oTH 378.242 L784 2025pTH 2475r2026-07-15w2026-07-15yTH