The research was undertaken to study the effect of the implementation of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), particularly on the creation of the Ancestral Domain (AD) of the Kalanguya-lkalahans on the aspects of governance and empowerment as anchored on biophysical and social factors. Data were gathered through the use of structured questionnaire, direct observation and interview of key informants and from secondary sources. Multiple regression and correlation was used in the analysis of the data gathered from the selected barangays in two municipalities of Nueva Vizcaya, namely: Aritao and Santa Fe where the Ancestral Domain of the Kalanguya-Ikalahan is located.

The Ancestral Domain of the Kalanguya-Ikalahans is found in the rolling to mountainous areas with elevations of 260 to 1,717 meters above sea level. It has five types of soil series: the Umingan, Guimbalaon, Sibul, Annam, and Luisiana. The area is utilized for primary and secondary forest as well as for upland cultivation. Its organic matter, phosphorous and potassium contents are very low while its saturation is high to very high. It has a warm to cool climate but with unpredictable weather conditions.

The beneficiaries of the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title have an average age of 50.03 years, predominated by the Kalanguya-Ikalahan tribe and mostly farmers with an average of five household members. They were mostly married, affiliated with various Christian sects, with low educational qualifications, and members of various tribal organizations.

The extent of CADT implementation, particularly in terms of services rendered, mechanics of implementation, performance of personnel assigned to the ancestral domain and institutional development in the tribal community are significantly correlated with the level of awareness of the beneficiaries on their rights and responsibilities to the Ancestral Domain.

The level of awareness of the beneficiaries on their rights and responsibilities' significantly correlated with the level of effectiveness of the CADT as an empowerment mechanism in the ancestral domain.

The effectiveness of CADT as empowerment mechanism significantly correlated with the level of awareness of the beneficiaries on the effectiveness of CADT as tool for empowerment in the Ancestral Domain. The higher the perceived level of effectiveness of the CADT as an empowerment mechanism, it will create an interactive effect that will also enhance the CADT as a tool for empowerment.

Thesis (Master of Science in Forestry - Forest Resource Management)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references