38 INTRODUCTION A communication resource map takes its root from the typical resource mapping being used in and agro-ecological studies. It basically follows the same concept and principles of the latter except that the focus of the investigation in the former is on communication resources and elements. Resource mapping pertains to a method for collating and plotting information on the occurrence, distribution, access, and use of resources within the economic and cultural domain of a specific community (Rambaldi et al. 1998). Also called “sketch mapping”, it helps stakeholders in picturing resources and features on a given base and in graphically manifesting the significance of these resources (IAPAD 2009). Rambaldi et al. (1998) further explains that resource mapping allows community members to identify, locate, and classify resource occurrence, distribution, use, tenure, and access. Critical locations such as areas known for illegal fishing, pollution, and siltation, among others are identified and mapped. The composition of the map reflects the perception and vision of community members about the resources and features they have been portraying. The map also provides an insight into the existing relation between community members and their resources in the community. The resource map is an essential input for planning and monitoring and evaluation purposes. As a PRA tool, resource mapping can be Communication Resource Mapping for Coastal Resources Management of Barangay Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas, Philippines Thaddeus P. Lawas 1 , Maria Stella C. Tirol 2 , Virginia R. Cardenas 3 and Serlie B. Jamias 4 ABSTRACT Resource Mapping, a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) tool, was expanded into a communication resource map to gather information regarding the communication needs of the stakeholders of the marine protected area of Barangay Malabrigo, Lobo, Batangas. The communication resource map pointed out existing communication resources and proposed communication needs of the stakeholders to promote environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihood. While stakeholders were able to share issues and concerns on their coastal resources, they were also able to plan ahead their suggested communication solution from the communication resource map to a proposed communication plan. Further, this study was able to analyze and describe the stakeholders’ assessment of their participation in and attitude towards communication resource mapping, its perceived advantages or limitations/constraints, and degree of relevance and usefulness of the communication resource map that they used in identification of their communication needs. Stakeholders perceived communication resource mapping as a new information dissemination tool to address coastal resources management problems in the barangay. Key words: Communication Resource Mapping, Participatory Rural Appraisal Tool and Coastal Resources management Journal of Environmental Science and Management 12(2): 38-56 (December 2009) ISSN 0119-1144 1 University Research Associate I, School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Email address: tplawas@gmail.com 2 Assistant Professor, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Email address: teyscdc@yahoo.com 3 Professor, College of Public Affairs, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Email address: vcard@laguna.net 4 Associate Professor, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna, Email address: sirliej@yahoo.com