10 Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Hundred Islands National Park, Alaminos, Pangasinan
Photo by: Annbee G. Tiangson
10 Conservation,
Protection &
Rehabilitation of
the Environment
& Natural
Resources
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 303
Conservation, Protection
& Rehabilitation of the Environment
& Natural Resources
The country is widely acknowledged as having an outstanding endowment of natural
resources, which could provide essential ecosystem services to the population.
Demands arising from development and utilization activities, population expansion,
poor environmental protection, and external factors such as climate change,
however, have placed the country’s environment and natural resources under grave
threat. For the medium-term, an environment that is healthy, ecologically balanced,
sustainably productive, climate change resilient, and one that provides for present
and future generations of Filipinos is envisioned. This vision will be pursued through
an integrated and community-based ecosystems approach to environment and
natural resources management, precautionary approach to environment and natural
resources, sound environmental impact assessment (EIA) and cost-benefit analysis
(CBA). These, then, are all anchored on the principles of shared responsibility,
good governance, participation, social and environmental justice, intergenerational
space and gender equity, with people at the core of conservation, protection and
rehabilitation, and developmental initiatives.
Assessment Luyang, Sapangdaku, Cagayan de
Oro and Balili) are already within
State of the Environment standard and BOD levels of rivers
and Natural Resources have improved. However, waterways
in major urban centers, especially
The degraded state of the country’s esteros, are unfit for human activity,
environment and natural resources is felt despite recent clean-up efforts.
most intensely by the poor, especially The cost of medical treatment and
the rural communities given that they loss of income from water-borne
depend on these resources for their diseases total PhP6.7 billion per year,
primary source of living. On the other according to a WB report (2007). At
hand, poverty frequently aggravates least six rivers in the NCR, Region 3
environmental stress as the marginalized and Region 4-A fail in terms of both
population presses upon limited resources, dissolved oxygen (DO) and Biological
such as unregulated activities and upland Oxygen Demand, namely: the
cultivation. Parañaque, San Juan, Marikina, Pasig,
Meycauayan, and Ylang-Ylang rivers.
Major urban centers are polluted… The Supreme Court in December
2008 issued a continuing mandamus
With regard to water pollution, the for the government to clean up the
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) waterways, especially those emptying
levels of 10 rivers (Bocaue, Anayan, into Manila Bay, in order to improve
Malaguit, Paniqui, Calapan, Iloilo,
304 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016the water quality in the bay to “SB only 70 percent is collected. For the
level”. 1 whole country, only half of the garbage
generated is collected. Uncollected
In Metro Manila, up to 58 percent garbage ends up mostly in rivers, esteros,
of groundwater has been found to be and other water bodies, clogging the
contaminated with coliform.2 drainage system and leading to floods
and the pollution of major water bodies.
The problems posed by hazardous
wastes are also beginning to be a Water is becoming scarcer…
priority concern due to the increasing
number of large companies that The country is endowed with abundant
generate wastes considered hazardous water resources. It experiences an average
to health and the environment. annual rainfall of 2,400 mm. and has 421
Like most developing countries, river basins, of which 20 are major river
the Philippines still has inadequate basins ranging from 990 to 25,000 sq. km.
equipment and technical expertise to The country’s watersheds and aquifers, if
deal with these wastes despite steps to fully functional, could supply 146 billion
define the regulatory and enforcement cubic meters (BCM) of water annually The Philippines generates
responsibilities of various government for domestic, industrial and agricultural 30,000 tons of garbage per day.
agencies. Currently, the Philippines uses. Total water availability is estimated Metro Manila alone produces
has no large-scale treatment and at 126 BCM per year from surface water 8,000 tons per day, of which only
disposal facilities for hazardous such as rivers or streams, and an estimated 70 percent is collected.
wastes. 20 BCM per year groundwater potential
(NWRB 1998).
…solid waste remains a major
source of pollutants Although water is still abundant in
certain areas, the country faces the
Uncontrolled dumping of raw sewage threat of emerging water scarcity. Lack
in coastal areas, particularly those that of urban planning, indiscriminate
are thickly populated or used heavily urban development, lack of investment
by tourists, contributes to dangerous in water, problems of water resource
water contamination levels. The lack management, and the impact of climate
of point-source and nonpoint-source change threaten water security and
pollution controls are the main factors sustainability. Deforestation and lack
that contribute to the degradation of of effective management of forest and
water quality in the Philippines. freshwater ecosystems have led to the
further deterioration of watersheds,
The problem of solid waste limiting aquifer recharge and increases
disposal is most serious in urban water runoff and soil erosion. Around
centers, particularly Metro Manila, 267 watersheds with a total area of 10.6
because of high population density, million hectares have been identified as
high consumption rates, and the needing immediate rehabilitation. These
concentration of packaged goods, and priority watersheds support national
packaging materials, some of which irrigation systems and are the major
are toxic and nonbiodegradable.3 The source of domestic water supply. Storage
Philippines generates 30,000 tons of and distribution of water to deficient areas
garbage per day. Metro Manila alone and proper water-resources management
produces 8,000 tons per day, of which are also areas of concern.
1
SB-areas regularly used by the public for bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.
2
European Commission (EC), Country Environmental Profile, 2005.
3
DENR, National State of Brown Environment, 2009.
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 305Figure 10.1 Philippine Forest Cover, 1934-2003
The quality of land resources
has deteriorated steadily Source: World Bank (2009) and Forest Management Bureau (2010)
because of erosion, pollution
and land conversion. Twenty- Increasing water demand has resulted in
one percent of the country’s a number of regions and at least nine key …quality of farm land is
agricultural lands and 36 urban centers experiencing water stress deteriorating and forested
percent of nonagricultural lands (NWRB 1998). These include Metro lands are shrinking
are moderately or severely Manila, Metro Cebu, Davao, Baguio,
eroded. Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Angeles, Iloilo, The quality of land resources has
and Zamboanga. These highly urbanized deteriorated steadily because
cities rely mostly on groundwater for of erosion, pollution and land
water supply, resulting in uncontrolled conversion. Twenty-one percent of
withdrawal from groundwater aquifers the country’s agricultural lands and 36
in recent years. Rapid and uncontrolled percent of nonagricultural lands are
urban development has reduced aquifer moderately or severely eroded.4 Soil
recharge and has eventually resulted in erosion has affected the productivity
the decline of groundwater levels as well of land, limited the rehabilitation
as saltwater intrusion. or restoration of degraded lands,
lowered the quality of surface water,
The 2010 Philippines’ MDG Progress and modified hydrologic conditions
Report shows the proportion of the by changing land resources and
Philippine population with access to land management. Moreover, the
safe water has risen at a moderate rate, changing weather patterns have
increasing from 73.8 percent in 1991 brought about prolonged droughts
to 81.4 percent in 2008. If the trend and excessive rains. Farmers have
continues, the 2015 target (86.9%) may to endure lower yields and lower
be attainable. These favorable results, income from farming.
however, hide the fact that almost one
in five (or 15.73 million) persons is Of the country’s total land area of
still unable to access safe water despite 30 million hectares, 47 percent (14
abundant water resources. million hectares) has been classified
as alienable and disposable (A&D)
4
ADB, Country Environmental Analysis: Philippines, 2009
306 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016lands while 15.9 million hectares The country’s unique biodiversity
(52%) are classified as forestlands. is under severe pressure…
Some 2.7 million hectares of total
classified forestlands have been either The Philippines is rich in biological and
established or considered as protected genetic resources or biodiversity and is
areas, making up a total of 238 one of the 18 megadiverse countries in
protected areas. Of the 15.9 million the world. The majority of plant and
hectares of forestland, only 6.43 animal species in the country are unique
million hectares or 41 percent were and cannot be found anywhere else. The
still forested in 2003, a significant country’s species are among the world’s
decline from the 17 million hectares top 10 in terms of endemism. Given
recorded in the 1930s.5 Figure 10.1 the land density and the density of both
shows the decline in forest cover flora and fauna, the Philippines may even
from 1934 to 2003. be considered to be the world’s most
megadiverse country.
An analysis of satellite-based maps
elaborated by the EU’s Joint Research The country’s forests and coastal and
Centre ( JRC) in 2007 revealed that marine ecosystems, inland water bodies, Located within the Coral
possibly, only 19 percent of the wetlands and caves are also home to Triangle, at the center of high
country’s land area remains forested. a wide variety of flora and fauna. The marine diversity, the country’s
wetlands are home to one of the largest vast, rich and diverse coastal
The main threats to Philippine assemblies of microorganisms, reptiles, and marine resources are
forests come from the collection of amphibians, fish, birds, and mammals that composed of coral reefs,
fuel wood, settlements in forestlands, live within or near waters. Over 1,500 sea grass beds, mangrove
conversion to agricultural uses, caves have been recorded in the country and beach forests, fisheries,
kaingin and forest fires, and illegal since 1994 with a significant number invertebrates, seaweeds, marine
logging. There are approximately yet to be discovered and mapped. These mammals and many others.
20 million people living in upland caves are considered unique, natural and
watershed areas, half of whom are nonrenewable resources with important
dependent on shifting cultivation scientific, economic, educational, cultural,
for their livelihood6. Inequitable historical and aesthetic values.
land distribution, insecure tenure
and rural poverty are often cited as Biodiversity in the Philippines, however,
causes of deforestation and forest is also among the most endangered in
degradation in the Philippines, linked the world. As of 2008, 221 species of
to increases in rural populations fauna and 526 species of flora have been
both as a result of high fertility included in the list of threatened species.
and in-migration7. Deforestation The continually increasing demands for
has made many poor communities food, energy, and other goods, coupled
more vulnerable to natural calamities with the pressures exerted by rapid
such as of typhoons, flash floods and development and economic growth,
landslides8. have put much stress on the country’s
natural environment resulting in the
destabilization of ecosystems, destruction
of natural habitats and an alarming rate
of biodiversity loss. The introduction of
invasive alien species (IAS) has threatened
biodiversity and destabilized ecosystems.
5
DENR-FMB estimate based on 2003 satellite images
6
Cruz and Zosa-Feranil, 1998.
7
Kummer, 1992; Liche, 1997.
8
EC CEP, 2009
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 307…coastal and marine resources Bay in Luzon, Palawan, Cuyo Islands,
are under threat the Cebu-Bohol-Siquijor area,
Zamboanga, and Davao. About half of
The Philippines has one of the world’s the country’s seagrass beds have been
longest coastlines, a total of 36,289 lost due to coastline development and
kilometers. The country’s marine blast fishing. The mapping of seagrass
jurisdiction extends up to 200 nautical bed distribution remains limited, and
miles from the baseline (Exclusive the management of seagrass resources
Economic Zone) and up to the limits of has not received priority.
the continental margin where it extends
beyond 200 miles (Extended Continental Mangroves protect the coast from
Shelf ). Located within the Coral waves, tidal currents, and typhoons
Triangle, at the center of high marine and provide habitats, shelter, breeding
diversity, the country’s vast, rich and sites, and food sources to various
diverse coastal and marine resources are groups of fish and other coastal
composed of coral reefs, sea grass beds, wildlife. The ecological functions
mangrove and beach forests, fisheries, of mangroves as land builder and
invertebrates, seaweeds, marine mammals coastline stabilizer are also widely
and many others. About 60 percent of the known. Mangrove cover, however, has
total Philippine population live in the declined from 450,000 hectares in
coastal zones and depend on these coastal 1918 to only about 140,000 hectares in
resources for livelihoods. 2008.11 The development of mangrove
swamps into aquaculture ponds, salt
Some unsustainable human activities, beds, reclamation areas and other
however, cause great stress to coastal and agricultural activities has extensively
marine resources. Coastal development degraded this resource. A total of
and climate change impacts such as 62,834 hectares of mangrove forest
sea-level rise and increasing sea-surface area were issued Fishpond Lease
temperature add to the stress on these Agreements (FLAs) between 1973
resources. Sedimentation in coastal areas and 2002. Logging concessionaires
due to unsustainable land use in upland generally have not left behind mother
areas continues to threaten coastal trees to replenish the area, and several
ecosystems. The productivity of the cases of illegal logging cutting occur
country’s coral reefs, mangrove forests, even in protected reserves.
sea grass, and algal beds and fisheries
is declining at an alarming rate. Of the … mineral resource
27,000 sq km. of coral reef, over 70 development is delivering
percent are of poor or fair quality and only mixed results
five percent are in excellent condition.9
The Philippine reefs may already be in a The mining industry in the
steady state of decline from 5 percent to Philippines has rebounded due to
3 percent to less than 1 percent (Nanola the promotion and revitalization of
et. al., 2004). The country’s coral reefs responsible mining and recognition of
are considered to be one of the highly the industry’s possible contribution in
threatened reef areas in the world.10 inducing economic growth, attracting
investments and reducing poverty in
Major distributions of seagrass beds in the countryside. Challenges remain
the Philippines are found in Bolinao on the emerging framework of
9
Gomez et. al., 1994.
10
Burke et al., 2002
11
WB, 2009
308 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016responsible mining specifically on Data show that the share of mining in
corporate accountability, voluntary GDP and employment is increasing
compliance among companies and and there are considerable potentials.
giving of due recognition to local However, target investments and excise
autonomy and indigenous peoples’ tax from mining in 2004-2010 have not
rights. been fully achieved due to the financial
crisis, among others. In addition, an
Of the country’s 30 million hectares assessment report of a mining project
of land area, 9 million hectares (30%) has indicated that the fair share of the
is considered as having high mineral government from mining has not been
potential. Only 2.7 percent of this achieved due to the existing incentive
high-potential area is covered by mechanism.13 Issues have been also raised
mining permits or contracts and only on sharing of the mining industry with
0.32 percent is in the development or regard to foreign companies as well as the
operating stage. The mining industry’s undesirable environmental conditions
potential as a driver of economic which the Filipino communities will
growth has led to the revitalization have to deal with.
of the sector in the last six years.12
As a result, investments in priority In separate researches, it was found that
mineral exploration, development and mining permits or contracts were within
processing projects from 2006-2009 half the number of titled and claimed
have reached US$2.2 billion, and the ancestral domains.
production of gold, copper, and nickel
has also increased. Nickel production A number of mining projects, however,
increased by 651 percent, buoyed have been alleged to have caused
by favorable prices, while copper environmental degradations, physical
production rose by 141 percent in the displacement of indigenous peoples,
same period. The value of mineral and cultural dislocations. In 2005, a
production increased by 46.34 percent European Union (EU)-commissioned
from PhP72.5 billion in 2006 to study reported that legal and illegal
PhP106.1 billion in 2009. Mining mining operations posed serious threat
contributed 1.3 percent to GDP, to the forest and to local rivers because of
or a gross value added of PhP97.1 forest clearing and the release of toxins.14
billion in 2009 (at current prices). Metallic mine waste generated from 1990
With the expected operation of five to 1999 amounted to 131 million metric
metallic mines and one cement plant, tons (MT), while mine tailings were
output value is projected to increase about 136 million MT.15 Many of these
by 30 percent to PhP138.5 billion in concerns stem from the failure of many
2010. For the period 2006 to 2009, small and large-scale mining companies
employment in mining and quarrying to adhere to stringent, globally-defined
increased from 141,000 to 166,000 standards for responsible mining.
(0.50 %), while taxes, fees and royalties
from the minerals industry rose by Ensuring the equitable and just
93.7 percent, from PhP6.39 billion in distribution of benefits from extracted
2006 to PhP12.38 billion in 2009. mineral resources remains to be a
challenge.
12
DENR-MGB, Mining Industry Statistics, 2011
13
DENR, Assessment of the Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project, 2006.
14
EU, Commission Country Environment Profile, 2005
15
EU, Commission Country Environment Profile, 2005
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 309Currently, there is no standard resource earthquakes with Magnitude 6 or
and environment valuation. There is a more and when the associated ground
need to have a cost-benefit analysis and shaking is at Intensity 6 or higher. The
standard parameters that will consider country has 300 volcanoes, of which
The country’s vulnerability all relevant values (including nonmarket 22 are active.
to natural hazards cost the values).
government an average of The country also lies along the
PhP15 billion annually in direct Extreme vulnerability to typhoon belt of the Western North
damages, or more than 0.5 environmental hazards and Pacific where 66 percent of tropical
percent of GDP. The indirect climate-related risks… cyclones originate. About 20 tropical
and secondary impact of cyclones enter the Philippine Area of
disasters further increases this Owing to its location and natural Responsibility (PAR) every year, of
cost. attributes, the country is prone or which seven to nine make a landfall.
vulnerable to natural hazards such as Tropical cyclone season is from
tropical cyclones, floods, earthquakes May to December; peak months are
and volcanic eruptions. Active faults and July to September with an average
trenches line the country (Figure 10.2). of three or more occurrences. Their
The longest of these, the Philippine Fault, movements follow a northwesterly
is one of the major active faults in the direction, frequently hitting northern
world. On the average, the Philippine Luzon and provinces in the eastern
Institute of Volcanology and Seismology seaboard (Figure 10.3). Mindanao is
(PHIVOLCS) records 20 earthquake usually spared from being directly hit
occurrences every day, but damage by majority of the typhoons that cross
is normally caused by shallow-focus the country.
Figure 10.2 Distribution of Active Faults Figure 10.3 Frequency of Tropical Cyclones in the
and Trenches Philippines, 1948-2006
Source: PHIVOLCS Source: PAGASA
310 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016Table 10.1 Top 20 Provinces Susceptible to Floods Table 10.2 Top 20 Provinces Susceptible to Landslides
Provinces Rank Area Rank Provinces Estimated Area
Susceptible to Susceptible to
Flooding (%) Landslide (%)
Pampanga 1 79.5 1 Benguet 90.3
Nueva Ecija 2 51.2 2 Mountain Province 87.1
Pangasinan 3 48.1 3 Nueva Vizcaya 86.7
Tarlac 4 47.1 4 Kalinga/Apayao 84.7
Maguindanao 5 42.5 5 Southern Leyte 82.6
Bulacan 6 39.9 6 Abra 82.1
Metro Manila 7 33.2 7 Marinduque 78.6
Cotabato (North Cotabato) 8 30.1 8 Cebu 77.6
Oriental Mindoro 9 28.7 9 Catanduanes 77.4
Ilocos Norte 10 27.9 10 Ifugao 77.3
Iloilo 11 26.7 11 Antique 74.5
La Union 12 26.3 12 La Union 74.4
Cagayan 13 25.5 13 Quirino 72.9
Sultan Kudarat 14 24.4 14 Batanes 71.5
Ilocos Sur 15 23.4 15 Bukidnon 70.9
Bataan 16 23.1 16 Davao Oriental 70.1
Leyte 17 20.8 17 Samar (Western Samar) 68.9
Davao Del Norte/Compostela Valley 18 20.2 18 Aurora 67.9
Compostela Valley/Davao Del Norte 19 20.2 19 Ilocos Sur 67.4
Camarines Sur 20 19.2 20 Sarangani 67.0
Source: DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), 2010. Source: DENR-MGB, 2011
Data from the DENR-Mines and and communities, disasters have also
Geosciences Bureau (MGB) show that derailed social and economic development.
in eight provinces, at least 30 percent A WB 2005 study reported that the
of provincial land area are susceptible country’s vulnerability to natural hazards
to floods (Table 10.1). The same report cost the government an average of PhP15
shows 68 provinces are more susceptible billion annually in direct damages, or more
to rain-induced landslides, affecting at than 0.5 percent of GDP.16 The indirect and
least one-third of the total land area of secondary impact of disasters has further
each province (Table 10.1). increased this cost. This was surpassed in
2009 when typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng
Aside from the direct impact of natural inflicted damage equivalent to 2.7 percent
disasters on human lives, their properties, of GDP.17
16
WB, Natural Disaster Risk Management in the Philippines: Enhancing Poverty Alleviation through Disaster
Reduction, 2005.
17
WB, Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng Post-Disaster Needs Assessment, 2009.
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 311Table 10.3 Hazard Susceptibility of Selected Provinces by Poverty Incidence
Province/Region 2006 Pov. Inc Susceptibility to hazards Typhoon
(% of area) frequency
% Rank Flood RIL
Tawi-Tawi 78.9 1 0.8 5.7 1 in 50 yrs
Zamboanga Del Norte 63.0 2 3.2 50.1 1 in 50 yrs
Maguindanao 62.0 3 42.5 23 1 in 50 yrs
Apayao 57.5 4 7.2 84.7 4 in 3 yrs
Surigao Del Norte 53.2 5 9.8 35 1 in 1 yr
Lanao Del Sur 52.5 6 7.6 41.4 1 in 30 yrs
Northern Samar 52.2 7 14.9 49.6 4 in 3 yrs
Masbate 51.0 8 5.7 28.8 1 in 1 yr
Abra 50.1 9 7.6 82.1 4 in 3 yrs
Misamis Occidental 48.8 10 3.5 50 1 in 30 yrs
Agusan Del Sur 48.7 11 15.3 51.4 1 in 10 yrs
Oriental Mindoro 47.1 12 28.7 54.6 1 in 1 yr
Sulu 46.5 13 no data 10.4 1 in 50 yrs
Occidental Mindoro 46.5 13 18.3 63.5 1 in 1 yr
Kalinga 45.8 15 7.2 84.7 2 in 1 yr
Surigao Del Sur 45.4 16 11.1 48.3 1 in 3 yrs
Mountain Province 45.0 17 0.8 87.1 2 in 1 yr
Sarangani 44.8 18 5.3 67 1 in 50 yrs
Lanao Del Norte 44.1 19 11.7 54.9 1 in 30 yrs
Negros Oriental 43.7 20 5.6 51 1 in 3 yrs
Sorsogon 43.5 21 13.7 47 4 in 3 yrs
Antique 43.0 22 13.6 74.5 1 in 2 yrs
Eastern Samar 42.7 23 8.5 62.1 4 in 3 yrs
Aklan 42.6 24 18.3 66.5 1 in 2 yrs
Romblon 41.9 25 10.7 58 1 in 1 yr
Camarines Sur 41.2 26 19.2 38 1 in 1 yr
Davao Oriental 40.8 27 7.9 70.1 1 in 30 yrs
Palawan 40.8 27 10.3 43.7 1 in 3 yrs
Marinduque 40.8 27 10.6 78.6 1 in 1 yr
Sultan Kudarat 40.7 30 24.4 52.1 1 in 50 yrs
Leyte 40.5 31 20.8 49.5 1 in 1 yr
Samar 40.2 32 6.2 68.9 1 in 1 yr
Sources: NSO, NSCB, MGB, PAGASA, UNDP
312 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016The degradation of the environment with maximum temperature in excess of
aggravates the impacts of disasters 35oC is expected to increase in all parts
and climate change. Deforestation of the country within the said period.19
increases the chances of landslides.The Projected seasonal mean temperatures
risk of drought and poor availability in the Philippines are expected to rise
of water are aggravated by the loss by about 0.5oC to 0.9oC for 2020 and
of forest cover.18 Depleted mangrove 1.2oC to 2.0oC by 2050. Extreme rainfall
reserves deprive coastal communities is also projected to increase in Luzon
of natural protection from storm and Visayas, while a decreasing trend is
surges. Uncontrolled urban growth projected in Mindanao.
coupled with poor land use planning
results in encroachment on protected
forests or danger zones like riverbanks. Challenges
Together with shortfalls in basic
services such as proper waste disposal Policy Responses
and decent housing, these result in
clogged waterways and increased In line with RA 9003 or the Ecological
flood risk. Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, The degradation of the
technical assistance was provided to 1,325 environment aggravates the
Of the 32 provinces with poverty LGUs for the closure and rehabilitation impacts of disasters and
incidence of at least 40 percent, 16 are of open or controlled dumps, while climate change. Deforestation
hit by typhoons at least once a year technical assistance for the establishment increases the chances of
(Table 10.3). Provinces in extreme of sanitary landfills was extended to landslides. The risk of drought
Northern Luzon (Apayao, Abra, 236 LGUs. Despite closure orders and and poor availability of water
Kalinga, and Mt. Province) and on technical assistance, there were still 838 are aggravated by the loss
the eastern seaboard (Surigao del open dumpsites and 396 controlled of forest cover. Depleted
Norte, Northern Samar, Masbate, disposable facilities that need to be mangrove reserves deprives
Agusan del Sur, and Surigao del Sur), closed or rehabilitated. Only 338 of 1,610 coastal communities of
where typhoons are more frequent, cities and municipalities (20.9%) have natural protection from storm
are among the 20 poorest provinces. completed their solid waste management surges. Uncontrolled urban
plans. In Metro Manila, only eight out growth coupled with poor land
Climate change has exacerbated of 17 cities and municipalities have use planning results in the
these hazards. In the last six decades, complete plans. encroachment on protected
the annual mean temperature has forests or danger zones like
increased by about 0.57oC. Extreme Hazardous wastes have been an increasing riverbanks. Together with
events and severe climatic anomalies concern because of the increasing number shortfalls in basic services such
have been recorded, such as heat waves, of transnational companies that generate as proper waste disposal and
intense rains and floods, droughts, and hazardous wastes. A core inventory of decent housing, these result
an increasing frequency of typhoons 38,000 legally allowable substances under in clogged waterways and
and tropical storms. The Department the Philippine Inventory of Chemicals increased flood risk.
of Science and Technology- and Chemical Substances (PICCS) has
Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical been prepared. The Toxic Substances and
and Astronomical Services Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control
Administration (DOST-PAGASA) Act of 1990 (RA 6969) already bans the
scenarios for 2020 to 2050 project consumption, storage or transport of toxic
widespread warming in most parts of or nuclear waste into or within the country.
the country, with longer hot days and However, the country lacks adequate
shorter cold days. The number of days
18
OCD-NDCC, Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction of the Philippines: Strategic National Action Plan
(2009-2019)
19
MDGF-1656, PAGASA GCM Scenarios, 2010
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 313equipment and technical expertise to Mines in Western Samar included the
deal with these wastes, although steps are implementation of interim structural
being taken to define the regulatory and measures, phytoremediation and
enforcement responsibilities of various revegetation of disturbed areas. Rapid
government agencies. risk assessment of other abandoned
and inactive mines has also been
With respect to mining, several conducted by the following companies:
environmental safeguards and social Basay Mining Corp (Negros Oriental);
development programs have been Thanksgiving Mine-Benguet
installed in mining projects, including Exploration, Inc. (Benguet); Black
the 97 Environmental Protection and Mountain (Benguet); Consolidated
Enhancement Program (EPEP), 23 Mines, Inc. (Marinduque); Palawan
Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Quicksilver Mines (Palawan); Western
Decommissioning Program (FMR/DP), Mine Corp (Benguet); and Dizon
387 Social Development Management Mines (Zambales).
Program (SDMP) and IEC Campaigns.
Mining companies have committed While some case studies20 present
A cost-benefit analysis is to inculcate the following in their examples of economic valuation of the
required that considers all environmental and social programs: environment and natural resources,
relevant (including nonmarket) other sectors contest the validity of the
values pertinent to the project. a. the implementation of some 400 parameters used. Issues of transparency
While some case studies approved five-year SDMPs for the have also cropped up, with some
present examples of economic host and neighboring communities sectors and support groups pointing to
valuation of the environment amounting to PhP1.89 billion difficulties in accessing information on
and natural resources, other benefitting over 700 barangays mining contracts.
sectors contest the validity of nationwide;
the parameters used. As for forest lands, approximately
b. the implementation of environmental 78,000 hectares were reforested during
management and protection activities the period 2004-2010 although this
through the EPEP amounting to only 60 percent of the total target of
PhP25 billion and for mine closure 130,000 hectares. More than 14 million
through the FMR/DP worth PhP600 hectares of untenured forestlands have
million; been protected. As of end of 2009, 41
of the 78 target provinces for forest
c. a mining forest program with 79 boundary delineation21 have completed
participating companies reforesting boundary surveys. Seventeen of these
or afforesting 10,319 hectares of mine are ready for legislation. A total of
affected and nonmining disturbed areas 336 municipalities were also covered
with 9.3 million seedlings; and by public land survey (partial cadastre
only) while 770,835 hectares were
d. payment of royalties to indigenous covered by patents issued from 2004
peoples of at least PhP330 million to 2010. As of 2010, both government
between 2007-2009. and nongovernment sectors reforested
a total of 1,958,928 hectares22. The
The assessment and rehabilitation of government, through projects of
abandoned or inactive mines have also the DENR, contributed a total of
been started. The rehabilitation of Bagacay 1,368,645 hectares or 70 percent,
20
Galang, Angelina P., The Philippine Environment in the Ecozoic Age, 2009.
21
The delineation of forestland boundary is the first and an important step in the management of the country’s forest
areas. Section 4, Article 12 of the Constitution provides that the congress, shall, as soon as possible, determine by law
the specific limits of forest lands and national parks marking clearly their boundaries on the ground.
22
DENR-Forest and Management Bureau
314 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016while the nongovernment sector Table 10.4 Forest Tenurial Instruments Implemented
accomplished 590,283 hectares or 30 No. LTI Type Number/a Area (has)
percent. As of 2010, approximately
11.6 million hectares of forestlands 1 Timber License Agreement 4 252,510
were covered by some form of 2 Integrated Forest Management Agreement 145 1,017,654
community forest management
under various government programs 3 Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement 1,822 36,941
(Table 10.4). Despite the rise in the 4 Agroforestry Farm Lease Agreements 17 4,776
distributed number of these tenurial
instruments, few protected areas have 5 Tree Farm Lease Agreement 88 9,742
been declared, while deforestation 6 Forestland Grazing Management Agreement 364 97,019
continues.23
7 Special Land Use Permit 198 2,063
Biodiversity conservation and 8 Special Land Use Lease Agreement 18 98
protection measures have been taken
in the form of cave and wetland 9 Forest Land Use Agreements for Tourism Purposes 31 967
management, proclamation of 10 Special Forest Land Use Agreement 11 2,580
protected areas and critical habitats,
and establishment of protected 11 Community-Based Forest Management Program
areas and zones. An Updated CBFM Agreement 1,790 1,633,892
Other CBFM Tenure 3,314 3,200,024
National Wetlands Action Plan for
the Philippines (NWAPP) to be 12 Approved CADT and CALT 414 4,276,639
implemented from 2011-2016 has
been prepared. RA 9072, otherwise 13 PACBRMA 58 22,240
known as the National Caves and 14 Areas under Management Arrangements
Cave Resources Management and Philippine National Oil Corporation 266,326
Protection Act of 2001, provides National Power Corporation 337,721
the backbone for managing and National Irrigation Administration 153 22,243
Co-Management Agreement with LGUs 485,536
protecting caves in the country. The
DENR Memorandum Circular TOTAL 8,427 11,668,974
2007-04 or the Procedure in Cave
Classification has been issued to (Footnotes)
/a Accumulated from the start of the implementation of each tenurial instrument.
assess the status and values associated Source: DENR- Forest Management Bureau (2010)
with a particular cave and assign its
most beneficial use. A Cave Strategic
Action Plan has been developed with (NIPAS) Act in 1992, covering 3.53
cave stakeholders for implementation million hectares. Terrestrial areas cover
within the period 2011-2016 to 2.16 million hectares or 7.2 percent of
guide the priority actions on cave the land area, and marine areas cover
management and conservation. 1.371 million hectares or 0.69 percent of
the total sea area of the country. Of these,
Biodiversity protection has been 13 protected areas covering 894,262.16
expanded and intensified. A total hectares have been established through
of 111 protected areas (terrestrial specific laws, namely: (a)Batanes
and marine) have been proclaimed Protected Seascape, (b) Northern
since the passage of the National Sierra Madre in Isabela, (c) Bangan
Integrated Protected Areas System Hill National Park in Isabela, (d) Mts.
23
Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), The Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) and
United Nations Development Program (UNDP). Citizen’s Roadmap for Poverty REduction and Achieving the
MDGs, Recommendations for the 2010-2016 MTPDP, and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment.
Philippine Environmental Situation 2001-2009.
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 315Box 10.1 Women and the Environment and Natural Resources
Women, especially the poor, are most vulnerable to changing
environmental conditions and economic shifts. The roles of women in the
management of the environment and natural resources management have
not been duly recognized. Women’s initiatives that include establishment
of women-managed areas illustrate women’s enhanced role in effective
implementation of coastal resources management. Yet, women are
still less recognized particularly in existing policies. One of the critical
challenges is the implementation of the Magna Carta of Women (RA
9710), of which an increase in the number of women participating in
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils and other bodies
are mandated. In terms of access to productive resources, women enjoy
less benefits than their male counterparts. There is differential access
among men and women to forest resources. DENR data in 2002/2003
show that women beneficiaries make up only 30 percent of the total holder
The Philippines passed the of community-based forest management agreements (CBFMAs).
Climate Change Act of 2009 Source: Philippine Council for Women and Women Network of Aksyon Klima, 2010
(RA 9729) to incorporate
climate change in government
policy formulation and establish
the framework strategy for Banahaw-San Cristobal in Quezon and management as a national strategy to
climate change. The National Laguna, (e) Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan, ensure the sustainable development
Framework Strategy on Climate (f ) Mt. Kanlaon and Sagay in Central of the country’s coastal and marine
Change was formulated in Visayas, (h) Mt. Malindang, Misamis; resources. The protection of the
2010 to ensure and strengthen (i) Mt. Mimbilisan, Misamis, (j) Mt. whale shark has been intensified with
the adaptation of the country’s Apo, Davao, (k) Mt. Hamiguitan Range, the issuance of AO 282 (March 16,
natural ecosystems and human Davao, (l) Mt. Kitanglad, Bukidnon. 2010), providing for the following
communities to climate change, There are also protected areas outside added protection for whale sharks:
charting a cleaner development the NIPAS such as those proclaimed by mapping of their migratory pathways,
path for the country in the LGUs and People’s Organizations (PO). mandatory rescue, intensified
process. This is reinforced by Unfortunately, most of these protected investigation and prosecution, and
the enactment of RA 10121, areas do not have sufficient budgets, staff provision of rewards. EO 797, on
the Philippine Disaster Risk or capacity for effective self-management. the other hand, adopts the Coral
Reduction and Management Act Triangle National Plan of Action,
of 2010. The operating policies and strategies which contributes to the attainment
for these laws are provided in various of the goals and targets agreed by the
issuances. EO 578 established six Coral Triangle countries under
the national policy for protecting, the Regional Plan of Action. During
conserving and sustainably utilizing the Ministerial Meeting held in the
biological diversity. It also revitalized Solomon Islands in December 2009,
the management of rich fishing grounds the six countries officially recognized
like the Sulu-Celebes Seas and Verde the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion
Island Passage, which are considered as the First Priority Seascape under
the center of marine shore fish diversity the Coral Triangle Initiative-Regional
in the world. The Philippines has signed Plan of Action.
an agreement with Indonesia, Malaysia,
Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands These initiatives have contributed
and Timor Leste on the protection to the protection and conservation
and sustainable management of the of threatened species and their
Coral Triangle. Through EO 533, the habitats. Among others, the tamaraw
government adopted integrated coastal population in the wild has increased
316 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016from 187 in 2001 to 314 heads a national strategy. Small MPAs are
in 2010. In 1999, only about 20 unlikely to provide protection for larger,
cockatoos were observed in the more mobile species25 and contribute
wild; at present about 239 cockatoos little to regional conservation objectives.
have been recorded in Raza Island, Smaller MPAs must therefore be scaled
Palawan alone. To date, 48 new up to become MPA networks and made
species of plants and animals have resilient to climate change by developing
been discovered in the Philippines, or redesigning them into “climate-smart”
including new species of bats, birds MPAs.
rodents, frogs, and rafflesia (world’s
largest flower). The new species Effective and sustained enforcement
were discovered in the mountains of fishery and relevant environmental
of Cagayan, Camiguin, Cordilleras, laws have also been a major challenge.
Quezon, Palawan, Mindoro, among There are notable achievements in
other places. community-based law enforcement by
local Bantay-Dagat groups and networks
Various actions have been taken to in Verde Island Passage and in the
address threats to coastal resources. Visayas, working as composite teams in
Several initiatives led to the cooperation with enforcement agencies
establishment of marine protected and LGUs. Still there is an urgent need
areas (MPAs) covering around 22,540 to strengthen, expand, replicate, and
sq km. Of more than 1300 existing sustain these successful interventions.
and proposed MPAs, however, only
10-15 percent are effective. Many As long as coastal resources continue
MPAs are either unmanaged or to be threatened by both human-
nonfunctioning. Sixty percent are induced and natural disasters, the poor,
located in the Visayas Seas region, particularly women, who are dependent
in the most heavily-fished waters in on these ecosystems for their subsistence
the country. It is estimated that 4.9 will likewise be further disadvantaged
percent of coastal municipal waters (Box 10.1).
are protected as MPAs, but only 0.5
percent are within no-take areas. One To deal with disasters and extreme events,
study shows that marine corridors are the country has adopted legislation
also not well represented by the current and policy dealing with DRRM and
MPAs.24 Four of the nine identified CCA. Since the signing of the United
corridors (namely, Babuyan Corridor, Nations Framework Convention on
Mindoro-Calavite Tablas Triangle, Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992,
Balabac Strait Corridor, Sibutu the country has passed several laws
Passage-Sulu Archipelago Corridor, and localized various international
Ticao Pass-San Bernardino Strait- environmental commitments. Its policy
Samar Sea Corridor, Panay Gulf responses have evolved from approaches
Guimaras Strait Corridor, Philippine focusing on greenhouse gas emissions
Sea Corridor and Tapiantana to one that integrates mitigation and
Corridor) have designated no MPAs. adaptation in practically all sectors. Its
This implies that the development of policy and institutional reforms are
MPAs has largely been dominated by implemented through broad-based
local initiatives rather than through platforms on sustainable development
24
Weeks, R; Russ, GT; Alcala, AC; White, AT. Effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines for
Biodiversity Conservation. Conservation Biology, Volume 24 Issue 2 p. 531-540. April 2010
25
Sale, PF, et al, 2005. Critical science gaps impede use of no-take fishery reserves. Trends in Ecology & Evolution
20:74-80.
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 317Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction
Box 10.2 Environmental Education and Management Act of 2010.
In 2008, the Philippines enacted RA 9512 or the “National Environmental The National Disaster Risk
Awareness and Education Act of 2008”. This legislation concretized Reduction and Management Council
the country’s support to the United Nations Decade of Education for (formerly NDCC) has been given
Sustainable Development (2005-2014) and the ASEAN Environmental the mandate to protect the wellbeing
Education Action Plan for Sustainable Development (2008-2012). This of people and safeguard the national
law has reiterated the policy of the State to protect and advance the economy and environment through
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with more concrete financial investment
the rhythm and harmony of nature. The law has further recognized in DRR. This paradigm shift is also
the vital role of the youth in nation building, and the role of education in consonance with the country’s
to foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress and international commitment to the
provide total human liberation and development. Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA)
of 2005, which seeks to build the
In the DENR, the Environmental Education and Information Division resilience of nations and communities
(EEID) and the 16 Regional Environmental Education and Information in the face of disasters. The National
Sections of the EMB has been the agency’s lead arm in creating DRRM Framework and Plan
environmental awareness. It has spearheaded year-round environmental utilizes the multihazard approach in
events from World Water Day (March 22) and Philippine Water Week managing the impact of natural and
(third week of March), International Earth Day (April 22), Philippine human-induced disasters. It calls for
Earth Month (April), World Environment Day (June 5), Philippine building the disaster resilience of
Environment Month (June), National Clean Up Month, and National communities and institutionalizing
Ozone Protection (September), International Ozone Day (September arrangements and measures for
16), International Coastal Clean Up Weekend (third weekend of reducing disaster risks, and enhancing
September), National Clean Air Month, and National Environmental disaster-preparedness and response
Awareness Month (November), Global Warming and Climate Change capabilities at all levels. Since DRR
Consciousness Week (November 19-24). is closely linked to poverty alleviation
and development, it is necessary to
EEID’s activities which include distribution of IEC materials, recyclables link it firmly to development planning
collection, tree planting and environmental exhibits have contributed to at all levels.
the increasing awareness of Filipinos in caring for the environment and
natural resources of the country. Before the passage of RA 10121,
Source: DENR-EMB, 2009 the government already initiated the
development of a long-term master
plan for disaster mitigation known as
the Strategic National Action Plan
such as multisector national plans and on DRR or SNAP. This document
strategies, and special environmental proactively serves as a road map for
management agenda. The Philippines the next 10 years and was formulated
passed the Climate Change Act of through as inclusive participatory
2009 (RA 9729) to incorporate climate process of all stakeholders. SNAP was
change in government policy formulation approved on June 17, 2010 through
and establish the framework strategy EO 888 (Adopting the SNAP on
for climate change. The National DRR). EO 888 explicitly adopts
Framework Strategy on Climate Change the 18 priority programs/projects
was formulated in 2010 to ensure on DRR and identified agencies
and strengthen the adaptation of the with primary responsibility. The
country’s natural ecosystems and human consistency of SNAP with RA 10121
communities to climate change, charting however still has to be reviewed and
a cleaner development path for the reevaluated.
country in the process. This is reinforced
by the enactment of RA 10121, the
318 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016The GAA allocates specific amounts
annually (PhP5 billion in 2011) for
the calamity fund, for use in aid, Box 10.3 Devolution of ENR Functions
relief and rehabilitation services to
communities or areas affected by man- The Local Government Code of 1991 placed LGUs at the forefront
made and natural calamities, repair of environment and natural resources management. According to the
and reconstruction of permanent League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), the following ENR
structures, including other capital functions were devolved to LGUs in 2005:
expenditures for disaster operation,
and rehabilitation activities, although a. Regulation of environmental impacts of SMEs under Kalakalan
it has a special provision allowing 20 Law;
its use for predisaster activities. On
the other hand, Section 22 of the b. Regulation of fishing in municipal waters;
Philippine DRRM Act of 2010 (RA
10121) also enumerates permissible c. Regulation of minor mineral extraction like small-scale mining and
uses of the annual calamity fund, certain scales of quarrying and sand and gravel gathering;
generally allowing support for a
wider range of activities. There is a d. Regulation of nuisance and pollution under the Clean Air Act;
need to reconcile differences and
arrive at a common interpretation of e. Solid waste management under the Ecological Solid Waste
what DRR measures can be charged Management Act; and
against the calamity fund. Moreover,
a big financing gap exists between the f. Antismoke belching program.
annual budget reserve of government
for calamities (average of PhP2 billion Likewise, the Code assigns municipalities the task of establishing a
a year) and the damage typically solid waste disposal system or environmental management system
incurred in times of disasters. and services or facilities related to general hygiene and sanitation.
Meanwhile, provinces are tasked to enforce forestry laws limited to
Risk transfer mechanisms such as community-based forestry projects, pollution control law, small-scale
microinsurance/finance, although mining law, and other laws on the protection of the environment; and
available, need to be made more minihydro electric projects for local purposes.
accessible. Health insurance is also Source: WB Country Environmental Analysis, 2009
being made more widely accessible,
but the uptake by poor rural
communities, which are the most
affected in terms of disaster, remains
low.26 in the development of their disaster
risk management programs, their local
The government has initiated various climate change action plans and in the
programs and projects to provide formulation of their land use plans.
more up-to-date scientific and Vulnerability assessments, adaptation
technical information and data scales tools and downscaling climate change
to be used in decision making. The scenarios and projections are being
DENR- Ecosystems Research and developed to equip decision makers and
Development Bureau (ERDB) has planners on how to adapt to climate
completed vulnerability assessments change and disasters. IEC campaign
of 43 priority watersheds nationwide materials and knowledge management
with the aim of highlighting areas products are also being created to increase
vulnerable to soil erosion, landslide, public awareness of climate change, its
biodiversity loss, and forest fire. Such impacts and attendant risks, and DRR.
information is critical for LGUs
26
SNC
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 319Institutional Issues in the implementation of various laws
such as the Mining Act, NIPAS Act,
Despite government efforts at IPRA and the LGC, among others.
sustainably managing the country’s These conflicts, overlaps, or divergent
environment and natural resources, interpretations have led to the delay
environmental degradation continues. or suspension of some projects.
The plethora of laws and policies, as well
as the established agencies to manage, Government capacity for
protect, and preserve the country’s resource management is
environment and natural resources have wanting
not sufficed or worked effectively enough
to address the threats to ecological Overlapping jurisdictions. Due to
integrity. Institutional issues need to be the large number of players in the
addressed to ensure the sustainability of environment and natural resources
the country’s fragile environment and sector, governance issues are
natural resources. Policies, programs and inevitable. In some instances, conflicts
existing institutional arrangements must arise between national and local
For CCA, putting in place be revisited in order to move forward governments in terms of the protection
adaptation measures also and deliver the promise of sustainable and utilization of natural resources.
requires financial resources. development. This is apparent when LGUs initiate
The Philippines continues to the reversion of abandoned fishponds,
uphold the UNFCCC principle Implementation is confused while it is the DENR who should lead
of common and differentiated by overlapping and conflicting the process, following the Philippine
responsibilities to hold on to policies Fisheries Code of 1998 and several
the agreement that Annex I joint administrative orders. Another
countries will extend financial There is a need to review and harmonize concern is the national-local conflicts
assistance over and above the a number of conflicting and overlapping in mining projects, specifically when
level of development assistance. policies. A case of policy conflict is LGUs pass local legislation rejecting
Developed countries are that between forest protection laws, on or opposing the entry or expansion
required under the Convention the one hand, and the Agriculture and of large-scale mining projects. This
to provide new and additional Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA), contravenes the DOJ opinion that
resources, either through on the other. AFMA encourages local ordinances cannot undo a law
bilateral, multilateral or regional agriculture expansion into the uplands and should not run counter to national
funding mechanisms, to meet including forestlands through the policy; DENR memoranda also
the agreed costs of developing creation of Strategic Agriculture and order its regional offices to continue
countries in complying with their Fisheries Development Zone (SAFDZs) implementing their mandate.27
obligations as well. The country, that promote the production of high
however, cannot be dependent value crops such as coconut, pineapple To ensure compliance in incorporating
on these funds. and sugarcane. While there is a need to CCA and DRRM management in
improve the income of upland farmers, the development process, the roles of
the identification of suitable upland agencies and their respective mandates
areas for commercial high-value crop as provided by law must converge and
production should be given priority and synchronize. The Climate Change
closely undertaken together with DENR Act and the Philippine DRRM
to avoid onsite and offsite negative Act of 2010 are significant strides
externalities. The NIPAS Act is also in to include climate change and
conflict with the Fishery Code on the DRR management in the planning
municipal water income of municipalities process. Sectoral plans, including the
within protected areas, as well as the LGC Environment and Natural Resources
on the matter of the jurisdiction of LGUs Framework Plan, must be updated to
within protected areas. Conflicts also exist include these concerns.
27
DOJ Opinion No. 8, Series of 2005
320 Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016Technical expertise. Environment consolidation of data/information to
and natural resources management deliver quality and timely statistics
requires a skilled and competent in spatial and digital form. (Box 10.2
workforce to implement professional summarizes current government efforts
standards of operation in on environmental education.)
environment, but technical experts
and trained personnel at the national Enforcement of environmental
and local levels are in short supply. laws and policies is inadequate
Some implementing agencies
have the capacity to implement Full and effective implementation
provisions of environment and of environmental laws, policies and
natural resources laws requiring the programs continues to be a challenge.
application of new and sophisticated Governance issues, including corruption,
technologies (e.g., highly technical are among the reasons for low compliance
LAMTM technologies – geographic in these laws. The incomplete devolution
information system (GIS), global of mandates to LGUs has also hampered
positioning system (GPS), valuation, their full implementation (see Box 10.3
databases and online connectivity of for devolved functions). A DILG-
information systems). Still others, commissioned study in 200528 called
however, particularly LGUs, still the state of environment and natural
have to develop the competence to resource devolution “partial and at worst,
implement their mandated tasks and minuscule and insignificant”. Devolved
to properly assume environment and functions were mainly peripheral,
natural resources functions. unattractive to private investors, and were
costly to perform. Among these functions
Information systems. Integrated, were watershed regulation, greenbelt
updated and quality information and treepark development, farmer-level
for ENR and climate change is integrated social forestry, and small-
necessary for planning, management scale mining, all of which do not attract
and decision making. The lack of significant investments from the private
a participatory and science-based sector or are limited to certain LGUs.
baseline data creates discrepancies The control of smoke-belching vehicles,
that can cause uncertainty and lead the management of solid wastes, and
to serious errors in carrying out the coastal zone regulation and protection are
policy and planning functions of devolved functions requiring substantial
ENR stakeholders. investments from LGUs. In 2007,
ADB also commissioned a study on the
A better system for gathering, devolution of DENR functions, to help
processing, storing, and sharing identify responsibilities in the Integrated
information needs to be put in place. Coastal Resources Management Project
The DENR is currently implementing (ICRMP). The study pointed out the
the Information Systems Strategic institutional weaknesses in most of the
Plan (ISSP) which aims to provide a 206 Protected Area Management Boards
coherent, integrated and decentralized (PAMBs) revealed by a 2003 UNDP
set of data to every office, making study. Of these PAMBs, only five were
information to stakeholders available fully constituted boards backed by specific
anytime. ISSP also aims to develop laws; the rest became interim boards.29
information systems that will address
the integration, collaboration and
28
DILG/ADB, 2005. Local Government Financing and Budget Reform.
29
ADB, Country Environmental Analysis, 2008.
Conservation, Protection & Rehabilitation of the Environment & Natural Resources 321You can also read
