Author
Adviser
One of the most prevalent environmental issues in the Philippines is soil erosion, which affects more than half of the nation's geographical area. Residents' livelihoods are seriously threatened, especially those of farmers. The study identified areas of the Pampanga River Basin that are susceptible to soil erosion using the Revised Universal Loss Equation (RUSLE) model. The amount of soil erosion and soil loss within the basin was calculated using Geographical Information System (GIS). According to the study, less than 5 tons ha-1 yr-1, or 88.2% of the Pampanga River basin, are considered to be at low risk to soil erosion. Zambales, one of the provinces within the basin, had the highest rate of moderate to severe soil erosion, which affected around 30.7% of the province's total area. Overall, areas in higher elevations with steep slopes coupled with strong rainfall events were more likely to have higher soil erosion. Moreover, a spatially fragmented pattern of soil erosion was observed in the basin. Land resource management is deemed necessary for these areas. Field measurements and validation of soil erosion rates in the Pampanga River basin could be the subject of future study.