The present study was an attempt to conduct a mangrove rehabilitation program, propose possible mangrove based income generating project and eventually create an eco-tourism destination.The researcher selected 100 respondents which composed of; 50 resident and fisher folks of Tibaguin Hagonoy Bulacan, Philippines and 50 Government Employees such as the Administrators and staffs of DENR, DAR, DOT and Local Government of Hagonoy, Bulacan.The mangrove species present in Labangan Channel, based on FRI – Forest Resource Index, were categorized low, medium and high. The species includes; Api-api/Avicenia which has a high index with more than 6 species, Sonneratia-Alba/Pagatpat, also high index, Rhizophora Mucronata(Bakawan) and Rhizophoria Apiculata (Bakawan) has a medium index with 2-5 species, a low index of Rhizophora Stylosa(Bakawan) which has less than 2 species and Sasa/Nypa Fruiticano having a high index with more than 6 species. These are the mangrove species feasible for planting and rehabilitation along the Labangan Channel.It is found out that the primary reason for mangrove degeneration along the Labangan Channel going to the island of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan is oil pollution. Other reasons for mangrove degeneration includes; conversion to ponds, climate change and other pollutions carried by the river.The community profile of Bulacan with regards to the number of fisherfolks had revealed that Hagonoy has the highest number of fisherfolks with 49% followed by 26% which is shared by other municipalities, 11% Malolos, 8% Bulakan and 6% Paombong.Majority of the resident / fisherfolk respondents ages 36-40. The oldest respondents are 61 above while the youngest respondents are 21-25 years of age. While government employee respondents, 17 or 34% of the ages 46-50, 13 or 26% ages 36-40, 10 or 20% ages 31-35, 5 or 10% ages 26-30, 2 or 4% ages 41-45, also 2 or 4% ages 51-55 and none ages from 21-25 and 61 above. There were only 3 or 6% of the resident/fisherfolk respondents who have graduated from college while 20 or 40% had finished their elementary education and 17 or 34% were able to study in the elementary level but had not graduated. The data revealed that most of the respondents does not have enough education to get better jobs so they stayed in the island and concentrated in fishing. Majority or 66% of the respondents are fishermen and 14% of the respondents are fish dryer and 1% is boat maker, which is all related to fishing. While other respondents are sari-sari store owners, mother leader, laundry washer, junk dealer and hairdresser who are wives of the fishermen.It is believed that mangrove affects the livelihood of the residents/fisherfolk of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan. 66% of the respondents said that it is where fish lay eggs which is their main source of income and 78% of the respondents are aware of the significance of mangrove in their community. Aside from being sanctuary to fishes and defensive zones against storm and high tides, it is one of their scenic attraction.It has also been found out that not so long ago, the island of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan has a beach named “Aroma Beach” which vanished due to negligence and carelessness of the residents. Also, the island possesses a “Parola” or lighthouse but had not been paid much attention and is now non-functional. The primary reason for mangrove degeneration along Labangan Channel going to the island of Tibaguin, Hagonoy, Bulacan is due to oil pollution. It is assumed that since motorized pump boat is the only means of public transportation going to the island. Oil spills from these boats smother mangrove roots and suffocate the trees.In view of the preceeding findings, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Although there have been numerous undertakings for mangrove rehabilitation along Labangan Channel going to the island of Tibgauin, Hagonoy, Bulacan, monitoring had also been a problem. (2) Mangrove species like Rhizophora Mucronata and Rhizophora Apiculata are particularly ideal for mangrove planting as they are both fast growing and lucrative. (3) Most of the residents who have not finished a higher education remains in the island and their primary source of income is fishing, and others related to fishing such as drying fish and making boats. Those who have had finished their college degree leaves the island and look for better opportunities in Manila and other areas and some abroad, and (4) Tibaguin island is a good ecotourism destination for having the widely accepted element of ecotourism such as undisturbed and under-visited areas, natural beauty, cultural and historical importance of the place
