Community Participation and Willingness to Pay for Water Conservation and Development in Sipalay City River Watershed, Philippines

Aim: This study assessed the influence of socioeconomic factors on community members' willingness to pay (WTP) and participation in watershed conservation in Sipalay City, Philippines, to inform sustainable local watershed management initiatives.Methodology: A mixed-method cross-sectional design was employed.Quantitative data were collected from 210 household heads across seven barangays using a structured questionnaire, while qualitative data were obtained from 21 key informants from government agencies and NGOs.Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, binary logistic regression, and non-parametric tests (Spearman's rank correlation, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and chi-square tests).Results: Education level and marital status were significant predictors of both WTP and community participation.Despite limited economic capacity, residents exhibited voluntary engagement in conservation efforts.The findings suggest that targeted community education, economic support mechanisms, and multi-sectoral collaboration can enhance participation in watershed protection. Conclusion:The study underscores the critical role of socioeconomic factors in shaping community-driven watershed conservation.Tailored local governance policies that integrate economic incentives and participatory strategies are recommended to strengthen sustainable watershed management in rural settings.