CHAPTER 10 Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources

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1 CHAPTER 10 Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation of the Environment and Natural Resources The pursuit of inclusive growth entails not only the attainment of economic improvement and social inclusion. More than this, it also requires the protection and development of the environment and natural resources that provide the physical basis of the people's survival. Recognizing that widespread economic progress could at times threaten the natural environment, it is necessary to ensure that the natural environment is protected from human-induced threats, conserved whenever appropriate, and/or rehabilitated from the damages brought about by the pur suit of economic development. In the remaining plan period, the Central Visayas region will strive to attain inclusive growth that is anchored on sustained economic progress that is socially inclusive as well as protective of the natural environment. A. Assessment and Challenges Natural resources conserved, protected and rehabilitated National Greening Program The National Greening Program (NGP), which was launched by the Philippine Government in February 2011, is a forest rehabilitation program that seeks to grow 1.5 billion trees in 1.5 million hectares of land nationwide within a period of six years (i.e. from ). Aside from being a reforestation initiative, the NGP also aims to mitigate the effects of climate change; reduce poverty; and promote food security, land productivity, enivironmental stability and sustainability. For Central Visayas, the region seeks to reforest a total of 24,361 hectares. As of August 2013, approximately 51 per cent of the target area had already been planted (refer to table 10.1 below). Of the total area for reforestation, around 3,000 hectares have been allotted for non-government organizations such as water districts, the business sector, civil society and people organizations. 10-1

2 Table 10.1 Status of NGP, Central Visayas as of August 2013 Province Total Areas Planted ( Has.) Total Seedlings Planted Bohol 2,630 2,385,795 Cebu 4,797 2,694,106 Negros Oriental 4,921 2,707,222 Siquijor ,303 Total 12, ,800,426 Source: DENR 7 In terms of seedling production, the region already surpassed its target of 13,359,433 by 0.06 per cent as of August 2013, with the Province of Negros Oriental attaining 25 per cent more than its targeted seedling production. Table 10.2 Seedling Production Under NGP as of August 2013 Province Seedlings Produced Negros Oriental 5,731,476 Cebu 4,872,368 Bohol 3,291,967 Siquijor 37,000 Total 13,932,811 Source: DENR 7 August 2013 With the NGP providing socio-economic benefits at the same time protecting the natural environment, the challenge facing the region in the next three years is to ensure the high survival rate of the seedlings that have been produced and planted. River Basins The region has initiated several efforts to conserve, protect and rehabilitate river basins. Among these initiatives is the organization of the Central Cebu River Basins Management Council (CCRBMC) to pursue integrated water resource management for Central Cebu. The river basins of Central Cebu are crucial to the development of Metro Cebu and the region. Their sound management is necessary to ensure water sustainability for Metro Cebu, which serves as the development hub of Central Visayas. The CCRBMC is composed of 10-2

3 members from the religious, civil society, local government units, and regional line agencies, with the DENR and the Metro Cebu Water District serving as council secretariat. The CCRBMC, however, has yet to fully function as a coordinating body of river basin-related activities in the area. Protected Landscapes Central Visayas is home to protected landscape such as the Tanon Strait and the Danajon Double Barrier Reef. These unique landscapes serve as biodiversity sanctuaries. However, these sanctuaries have been threatened and pushed on the brink of irreversible destruction by unsustainable fishing methods and other damaging activities. To address these concerns, the environmental agencies together with th e LGUs and various stakeholders have forged par tnerships to conser ve, protect and rehabilitate these unique habitats. Environmental quality for a cleaner and healthier environment improved A i r Q u a l i t y The air quality of the Metro Cebu area was rated between fair and good in the monitoring period; thereby suggesting the presence of safe breathable air for the general public in Metropolitan Cebu. However, the monitoring report of the DENR Environmental Management Bureau also indicated mixed results in terms of the annual geometric mean values of the ambient air quality. For the period , the ambient air quality in areas covered by the Naga and the Mabolo Police stations failed the air quality standards set by the DENR-EMB (see Table 10.3). Ta b l e Ambient Air Quality Based on Annual Geometric Mean Result Monitoring Station Naga Station, TSP DENR Compound, TSP Annual Geometric Mean Result (ug/ncm) DENR Guideline Value (ug/ncm) Remarks Long Term (1 yr.) Annual Geometric Mean Result (ug/ncm) DENR Guideline Value (ug/ncm) Remarks Long Term (1 yr.) Failed Failed Pass Pass CBP Station, TSP Pass CBP Station, PM Pass Pass Mabolo Police Station, PM Failed Failed Source: DENR-EMB

4 U r b a n W a t e r B o d i e s The preservation of water bodies in the urban areas continues to be a challenge for the region. These urban water bodies consist of rivers and bay that traverse highly industrialized and densely populated areas in the region. The 2011 and 2012 data on water quality of the rivers and bay areas in the various cities in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol suggested the need for interventions for better urban water quality. The groundwater in the region is the most exploited source of water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. Most of the extractions are being done without water right permits, resulting in indiscriminate withdrawal and over extraction of water. With the rate of the development in the region, potable water supply shortage is inevitable. According to a World Bank study, the projected water demand in the region by 2025 would be around 2,226 million cubic meters per year (MCM/year) but the groundwater availability average in the same period would only be 879 MCM/year. This means that there will be a 60 per cent deficit in supply if the region will continue to rely heavily on groundwater source. On the other hand, the over extraction of groundwater has resulted in salt water intrusion along the coastal areas in the region. Most noticeable are the salt water intrusions in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue which extend up to 7 kilometers inland, according to the study conducted by Water Resources Center of the University of San Carlos. S o l i d W a s t e Solid waste management is also a major concern in Central Visayas. Most LGUs have yet to implement an effective ecological solid waste management system. Open dumpsites are still being practiced to accommodate various waste from households and industries. Only few LGus have operational material recover y facilities at the barangay level. Resilience of natural systems enhanced with improved adaptive capacities of human communities N a t u r a l h a z a r d s a n d c l i m a t e c h a n g e Central Visayas is highly susceptible to the effects of natural hazards and climate change. The region serves as host to active faults and volcanoes, which at times could generate destructive earthquake. Typhoons, although not often felt in the region, are usually damaging especially when tracks cross within the regional boundaries. 10-4

5 10-5 Table 10.4 Water Quality of Priority Rivers and Bay Areas Central Visayas Water Body DO BOD ph Total Coliform Fecal Coliform DO BOD ph Total Coliform Fecal Coliform Butuanon River Guadalupe River Luyang River Sapangdaku River Guindarohan River East Coast Mactan Maribojoc Bay Toledo-Balamban Coastal Waters Source: DENR-EMB

6 Earthquakes. Recently, the region was struck by destructive ear thquakes that resulted in the loss of lives and damage to property. On 15 October 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the Province of Bohol that also affected the neighboring provinces of Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The number of casualties reached more than 200 people; while the damage to proper ty and economic losses were estimated at around P1.2 billion. On 06 February 2012, a 6.9-magnitude ear thquake also struck the province of Negros Oriental, which resulted in several casualties. The estimated damages amounted to more than P250 million. Landslides and Tsunamis. Central Visayas is also vulnerable to other earthquake-induced hazards such as landslides and tsunamis. These hazards are considered threats to properties and lives because their effects are equally damaging. Areas that are susceptible to earthquake-induced landslide are usually located in steep slopes and in areas where geologic integrity have been compromised. Tsunamis on the other hand affect areas located in the coastlines. The possibility of a tsunami in Central Visayas, however, is low because of islands surrounding the region s provinces. Volcanoes. The region is host to two active volcanoes located in Negros Oriental which could cause catastrophes. Mt. Canlaon, which is considered as more active, has erupted 26 times, with its most recent eruption happening in The other volcano is Mt. Talinis, which is located near Dumaguete City. Volcanic hazards include among others, ash fall and flows of lava, pyroclastic and lahar. Storms. Typhoon Yolanda, which is one of the Philippines most destructive typhoons, devastated the northern area of the province of Cebu in 08 November It resulted in 78 casualties and adversely affected more than 610,000 individuals in the region. The total monetary value of the damage and losses caused by Yolanda amounted to P8.023 billion. In December 2011, Tropical Storm Sendong struck the southern part of the Negros Oriental, triggering flashfloods and landslides. The number of death recorded was 39; and the damage to property was estimated to have reached Php 1 billion. Floods. The occurrence of floods has become more frequent especially in major cities in the region. In 2011, two episodes of major floods happened in Cebu City and Mandaue City in Cebu Province. In 2013, other provinces like Negros Oriental and Bohol experienced major floods. Other hydro-meteorological hazards have also been observed in the region par ticularly rain induced landslides which usually occur in mountain barangays. 10-6

7 Effects of Climate Change. The Philippine Atmospheric (PAGASA) in its Climate Change in the Philippines report projected that Central Visayas would experience increases in seasonal temperature and rainfall patterns. Table 10.5 shows that for the period, the average seasonal temperature increases for Central Visayas would be within the range of 0.9 to 1.2 degrees Celsius; and for the period, the average seasonal temperature of the region is projected to increase by degree Celsius. With respect to the region s rainfall patterns, Table 10.6 shows that the dryer months of March-April-May are projected to have less rainfall; while the wet months could become wetter due to increas ed rainfall. The occurrence of extreme events in the region is projected to become more frequent. Table 10.7 shows the significant increase in the number of days that Central Visayas would have maximum temperature exceeding 35 degree Celsius. It also shows the projected decrease in the number of dry days. With respect to the number of days with rainfall exceeding 100mm, the region is projected to experience more of these extreme weather events due to climate change. With these extreme weather events likely to happen in the future, it is incumbent upon the region to be adequately prepared to adapt to the effects of climate change as well as reduce the risk of disaster due to natural hazards. Several government agencies have acted upon the need to reduce the effects of natural hazards. The DENR-Mines and Geoscience Bureau has completed mapping areas in the region that are susceptible to geologic and hydro-meteorological hazards. These maps are available in 1:50,000 scale. DENR-MGB is also preparing more detailed maps at 1:10,000 scale for priority areas. The PHIVOLCS, on the other hand, has completed hazard maps of Bohol Province under the READY Project. Other earthquake and volcanic related hazard maps are also available for the rest of the provinces. The PAGASA is also continually building its capacity to provide timely and relevant weather and climate information. To further harmonize all these efforts, the DOST launched project NOAH which aims to undertake disaster science research and development, advance the use of cutting edge technologies and recommend innovative information services in the government's disaster prevention and mitigation ef for ts. Based on the foregoing assessment of the progress in the development of its environment and natural resources, Central Visayas needs to give particular attention to the following challenges in the next three years: 10-7

8 10-8 Table 10.5 Seasonal Temperature Increases (in C) in 2020 and 2050: Medium- range Emission Scenario Central Visayas Provinces Province Obser ved Baseline ( ) Change in 2020 ( ) Change in 2050 ( ) DJF MAM JJA SON DJF MAM JJA SON DJF MAM JJA SON BOHOL CEBU NEGROS ORIENTAL AVERAGE Source: PAGASA 2011 Table 10.6 Seasonal Rainfall Change ( in %) in 2020 and 2050: Medium- range Emission Scenario Central Visayas Provinces Province Obser ved Baseline ( ) mm Change in 2020 ( ) Change in 2050 ( ) DJF MAM JJA SON DJF MAM JJA SON DJF MAM JJA SON BOHOL (7.1) (11.9) CEBU NEGROS ORIENTAL (4.9) (6.8) AVERAGE (3.7) (6. 07) Source: PAGASA 2011 Table 10.7 Frequency of Extreme Events in 2020 and 2050: Medium- Range Emission Scenario Central Visayas Provinces No. of Days w/ Tmax >35 C No. of Dry Days No. of Days w/ Rainfall >100mm Provinces OBS ( ) OBS OBS BOHOL CEBU NEGROS ORIENTAL *For Siquijor, use values of Dumaguete Source: PAGASA 2011

9 1. U n a v a i l a b i l i t y o f d a t a o n t h e s u r v i v a l r a t e o f s e e d l i n g s p l a n t e d u n d e r t h e N a t i o n a l G r e e n i n g P r o g r a m ( N G P ) While Central Visayas is on track in meeting its NGP target, focus should also be given to ensuring the survival of the seedlings that have been planted. 2. L i m i t e d i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e i m p a c t s o f t h e N a t i o n a l G r e e n i n g P r o g r a m ( N G P ) t o t h e e n v i r o n m e n t Aside from the physical target of reforestation, the NGP is also designed to provide employment through government partnership with local people s organizations and the marginalized sectors. In addition, the program seeks to promote poverty reduction, food security, land productivity, environmental stability and sustainability, and value formation. At present, the region cannot effectively assess the impacts of the NGP vis-à-vis these objectives because of the non-availability of data. 3. L i m i t e d c o v e r a g e o f a i r a n d w a t e r q u a l i t y m o n i t o r i n g i n t h e r e g i o n Monitoring activities for air and water quality are also conducted in Metro Cebu and urban areas only. To get a comprehensive picture of the quality of air and water in the region, quality monitoring should be done in strategic areas, including areas vulnerable to the negative ef fects of development. 4. G r o u n d w a t e r s o u r c e s a r e o v e r e x p l o i t e d f o r d o m e s t i c a n d i n d u s t r i a l u s e The region will be facing water crisis in the future if the current rate of groundwater use will not be abated and in the absence of alternative sustainable water source. With 90 per cent of its current water demand being supplied by ground water, Metro Cebu stands to be adversely affected by unsustainable ground water exploitation. 5. W e a k a d o p t i o n o f i n t e g r a t e d w a t e r r e s o u r c e s m a n a g e m e n t ( I W R M ) While IWRM is being pushed as an ideal strategy for managing water, only few institutions have fully implemented it. This is evidently demonstrated in the fragmented approach to the management of water resources in the region. 6. C r i t i c a l e n v i r o n m e n t a l a r e a s a r e n o t z o n e d Vulnerabilities of communities to natural hazards are further aggravated by their location in hazard prone areas. Settlements and development along rivers and steep slopes are most vulnerable to disasters. 10-9

10 7. L a c k o f r e c o g n i t i o n o f D R R / C C A i m p o r t a n c e Few institutions have recognized the importance of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) in the development planning processes. While several LGUs have attempted to fully integrate DRRM and CCA in their development plans, most of their attention is focused on disaster response rather than on prevention and mitigation, which is equally effective in managing disasters. Outright avoidance of disasters should be the primary concern of LGUs. 8. L a c k o f k n o w l e d g e o n D R R M a n d C C A i n t h e c o n t e x t o f t h e e n v i r o n m e n t The environment is equally vulnerable to the effects of disasters and climate change. Utmost attention should also be given to the life support systems as these are vital in enhancing the coping capability of communities. 9. O v e r l a p p i n g m a n d a t e s o f g o v e r n m e n t a g e n c i e s o n E N R m a n a g e m e n t The involvement of several players in ENR management has made environment governance difficult. ENR management is not a sole responsibility of DENR but a shared task of various government agencies (e.g. DA, BFAR, NWRB and LGUs). However, the involvement of various agencies often results in the duplication of initiatives, which could become counterproductive L a c k o f E N R a c c o u n t a b i l i t y i n L G U s Only a few LGUs have allocated budgetary suppor t for ENR activities, indicating the low priority that LGUs accorded to ENR. This is par ticularly true on transboundar y ENR which needs coordinated suppor t among several LGUs L a c k o f u p d a t e d, a c c u r a t e, a c c e s s i b l e a n d s c i e n c e b a s e d E N R d a t a b a s e It is imperative to have updated and accurate data for sound ENR management. Making the information accessible would draw the active participation of stakeholders. It is also necessary to conduct researches and studies to ensure that ENR management is responsive and evidence-based. B. Strategic Framework Given the state of play in the management of the region s environment and natural resources, the following development strategies and interventions shall be adopted or implemented by Central Visayas within the next three years: 10-10

11 1. E n s u r e t h e c o n s e r v a t i o n, p r o t e c t i o n a n d / o r r e h a b i l i t a t i o n o f n a t u r a l r e s o u r c e s The effective conservation, protection and/or rehabilitation of the region s environmental and natural resources requires the development of knowledge management to facilitate access and reporting of data. Towards this end, the region through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) needs to leverage on web-based technology in the provision and gathering of data that will make ENR-related information sharing timely and relevant. With the National Greening Program serving as an overarching strategy for ENR development, the region through DENR needs to conduct studies and researches on the impact of the NGP in conserving, protecting and rehabilitating the natural resources of the region. The impact studies are necessary to ensure the program s effectiveness and relevance. 2. P u r s u e t h e i m p r o v e m e n t o f e n v i r o n m e n t a l q u a l i t y f o r a c l e a n e r a n d h e a l t h i e r r e g i o n The region shall ensure the expansion of monitoring activities required for the clearer analysis of the state of air and water quality in the region. The analysis will be a significant input to program and project development, especially those with activities that are geared towards improving the quality of air and water in the region. The region shall also continue to support programs aimed at improving the quality of air and water, such as the Adopt-an-Estero and Linis Hangin programs of the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Expanding partnerships with other untapped, but potential partners, is one key factor towards the development, enhancement and/or sustainability of programs to improve air and water quality in the region. With the current of state of groundwater exploitation, the region needs to pursue the development of alternative water sources for domestic and industrial use. Groundwater is supposedly the last resort source of potable water because it is slow to recharge. The region should develop its surface water resources as well as rain water to effectively address the growing demand for water. Related to this, the region also needs to incorporate the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) in the development process to ensure not only the sound the utilization and conservation of water resources, but also the development of water resources that are resilient to climate change and disasters. 3. D e v e l o p t h e r e s i l i e n c e o f n a t u r a l s y s t e m s a n d i m p r o v e t h e a d a p t i v e c a p a c i t i e s o f h u m a n c o m m u n i t i e s The region through the government line agencies shall continue its provision of technical assistance to the LGUs in the zoning of environmentally critical areas. Technical assistance on the utilization of hazard maps, such as 10-11

12 those prepared by the DENR-MGB, DOST-PAGASA and PhiVolcs among others, shall be provided to ensure their proper application in the local development planning processes. Furthermore, appropriate incentives shall be provided to LGUs to ensure the mainstreaming of DRR and CCA in their respective development planning and decision-making processes. To better equip the LGUs in disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery and rehabilitation, DDR and CCA mainstreaming shall also provide for the capability building of the LGUs that would allow comprehensive understanding of the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in managing and responding to disaster-related crises and emergency situations. In addition, the capability building should be enhanced to include the role of the environment as a life suppor t system in coping with disasters and the ef fects of climate change. 4. P u r s u e c r o s s - c u t t i n g s t r a t e g i e s t o h a r m o n i z e s t a k e h o l d e r s E N R f u n c t i o n s a n d a c c o u n t a b i l i t y The region needs to harmonize and streamline the roles of government agencies with overlapping ENR mandates and functions to ensure effective and productive management of ENR. With some ENR functions being devolved to the LGUs, there is also a need to develop an incentive mechanism to motivate the LGUs take accountability for ENR management. In the implementation of ENR laws, the ENR agencies in the region need to actively forge partnerships with citizen s organizations, local communities, indigenous people groups (IPs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) for a more vigilant and participatory approach in developing, implementation and enforcement of ENR laws. With budgetary constraint affecting the sustainability of ENR management, the region needs to develop innovative financing mechanisms that will enhance the involvement of all stakeholders. The private and public partnership is a good strategy that could be considered in implementing ENR programs, activities and projects (PAPs). The private sector and public sector partnership would enhance sustainability and foster shared responsibility among stakeholders in the region in managing its environmental and natural resou rces. The effective management of the region s ENR requires the availability of reliable, accurate and timely data and information to support decision making. The region therefore needs to develop the knowledge management systems for ENR. Accordingly, the government agencies need to take advantage of internet services and applications that promote efficient data management and transparency

13 C. Major Programs, Activities, and Projects Chapter National Greening Program ( NGP) 2. Conduct of study on impact of NGP in conserving, protecting, and rehabilitating the natural res ources of Central Visayas 3. Adopt-an-Estero Program 4. Linis Hangin Program 5. Development of alternative water resources for domestic and industrial use 6. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) 7. Mainstreaming DRR/ CCA in Local Development Planning and Decisionmaking Processes D. Policy and Legislative Agenda 1. Harmonization and streamlining of roles of government agencies with overlapping ENR mandates 10-13