Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve Validation of Demarcation
The validation of the demarcation survey with the map of the Buhisan Watershed was conducted in February and March 2009 together with Central Command, Philippine Army FSSU and 7 RCDG together with MCWD, CUSW, and DENR7.
MCWD Demarcates the Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve
MCWD is signatory to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 7 (DENR 7) , Cebu City Government, Cebu Uniting for Sustainable Water (CUSW) and the Philippine Business for Social Progress for the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for environment. Hence, a member of the Business and Environment Cluster for MDG.
As part of its tasks under the MOA, is the demarcation and delineation of the Buhisan Watershed Forest Reserve. To note that Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve (BWFR) is the home of one the MCWD water infrastructures the Buhisan Dam which supplies Metro Cebu of its freshwater needs. MCWD allocated 1.6 Million for the demarcation of and delineation of the BWFR, which is a fundamental task of the Government to protect its forests. Demarcation and delineation of forest boundaries is provided by a Congressional Act.
Apart from the demarcation and delineation tasks for Buhisan Watershed which MCWD assisted is the Study on the Effects of Vegetation to Soil Erosion and Sedimentation of the Buhisan Dam.
MCWD being Metro Cebu's water provider and regulator has to make sure that the natural water resources are protected, conserved and managed wisely and effectively.
MCWD also is a prime mover in the implementation of the Integrated Water Resources Management.
Tree Planting Advisory
MCWD ADVISORY ON TREE PLANTING ACTIVITIES
The months from June to December are the best times to conduct tree planting activities as it is the rainy season.
It is during the rainy seasons that we can assure the seedlings survivalability .
Tree planting is one requirement for graduation, thus, we encourage the school heads to program their tree planting activities at this time. You can call or visit the MCWD Office of the Environment Division for your tree seedling needs.
With the impacts of climate change affecting us, be it flooding or so much heat, tree planting is one of the best activities to reduce impacts. For the sustainability of our water resources, it is a must to plant trees.
Thus, MCWD calls on everyone to GROW TREES.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Executive Order 774
MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 774
REORGANIZING THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
WHEREAS, climate change will have catastrophic effects if immediate and sufficient action to curb industrial emissions and forest loss is not taken;
WHEREAS, while our country’s remissions remain much lower in per capita terms than those of industrialized nations, our country’s recent growth and development have been accompanied by a rise in damaging emissions from fossil fuels.
WHEREAS, we should try to help push the mind-set from the present traditional paradigms to economics to the new mindset of conservation, protection and restoration.
NOW THEREFORE I, GLORIA M. ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
Section 1. Reorganization. – (a) The Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC) is hereby reorganized. The President of the Philippines shall serve as Chair. All sectors under the President are hereby directed to cooperate with one another toward the fulfilment of the vision and goals of sustainable development.
(b) The Cabinet members shall be members of the Task Force. Their offices shall immediately practice proper solid waste management, the most basic form of environmental responsibility, pursuant to the Solid Waste Act. Every Friday of the week, the President or Presidential Adviser on Climate Change (PACC) shall personally visit government offices, to help in the implementation of the aforesaid discipline. The weekly visits shall continue until it shall be proclaimed that the mindsets have been converted into attitudes and practices by the government offices of Conservation, Protection and Restoration (CPR).
(c) The Presidential Management Staff Appointments Office shall clear the President’s schedule on Fridays and devote five (5) hours to concerns and initiatives for environmental security.
Section 2. Task Group on Solid Waste Management – (a) The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall lead a Task Group in the implementation of solid waste management. It shall target the reduction of solid waste generation by fifty percent (50%) within the next six months. All local governments are hereby enjoined to fully implement the law on solid waste management. The President or the PACC on Climate Change shall visit the regions, provinces, towns and cities every week until it is proclaimed that the Filipino people shall have fully integrated into the mainstream of their thought their personal environmental responsibilities and thereby effectively implement the Solid Waste Act.
(b) The DENR shall report to the President in person or through the PACC every Friday during the weekly visits to offices and regions to campaign for responsible solid waste management.
(c) With the Department of Health, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems shall enjoin the private sector, such as sludge excavation contractors and water concessionaires, to undertake a methane recovery program from human and animal waste and convert it into cooking gas and other forms of energy.
Section 3. Protected Areas – After six months of such campaign of solid waste management, the next stage and level of the focused CPR campaign shall be to identify and regenerate the forest lands and protected areas of the islands and seas of the Philippines.
Section 4. Task Group on Watershed Protection – (a) Within the next six months, the DENR shall lead a Task Group to undertake a survey and mapping for the protected areas of the country and the needed areas for forest land. Pursuant to the Constitution, these areas shall be clearly marked on the ground. Part of the Two Billion Pesos (P2,000,000,000.00) allocated for reforestation shall be provided for the delineation and boundary marking of the forest lands within the respective Congressional districts, This preliminary activity shall set the state for the massive restoration and regeneration of said forest lands and protected areas.
(b) Water resources and watersheds shall be immediately identified and protected and their water flow improved and their floral cover regenerated. For this purpose, the fund set aside for the rehabilitation of watersheds under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act shall be made available by the National Power Corporation for forest delineation and reforestation projects.
(c) The DENR, the state universities and colleges (SUCs), particularly their Departments of Biology and Marine Sciences, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and other scientific institutions shall mobilize the youth to conduct and complete an inventory of the flora and fauna in the terrestrial and marine ecosystems of their respective localities within one hundred and eighty (180) days from this issuance of this Order.
Funds for this purpose shall be allocated from the research budgets of the SUCs, the DENR and the DOST.
(d) The DENR and the Commission on Higher Education shall report to the PACC the progress of this initiative every Friday of every week until almost all the flora and fauna have been identified.
Section 5. Clean Water Conservation. – With due consultation and proper relocation assistance, all riverbanks and waterways must be cleared of informal structures and obstacles. All waterways must be restored to waters suitable for fisheries and boating within twenty-four (24) months form the issuance hereof.
Section 6. Task Group on Rainwater Conservation. – Rainwater collection systems shall be put in place. The DPWH shall lead a Task Group in cooperation with the United Architects of the Philippines to design and implement the efficient rainwater collection and aquifier systems. Demonstration projects shall be in operations within ninety (90) days from issuance of this Order. Plans for scaling them up nationwide, especially areas highly vulnerable to draughts, shall be presented to the President through the PACC.
Section 7. Task Group on Water Recycling. – Water recycling – the prevention, recovery and treatment of used water – shall be placed at the highest priority of survival. For the purpose, the National Water Resources Office, shall lead a Task Group in cooperation with the Local Water Utilities Administration and the water districts, the DTI and manufacturers of irrigation implements and toilet facilities to efficiently use, recover and reuse water. With due consultation and proper relocation assistance, all riverbanks and waterways must be cleared of informal structures and obstacles. All waterways must be restored to waters suitable for fisheries and boating within twenty-four (24) months from the issuance hereof.
Section 8. Task Group on Atmospheric Activities. – The DOST shall lead a Task Group to transform the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) into a world-class atmospheric and meteorological facility. For this purpose, a Filipino Scientist Program on Atmospheric Sciences shall be immediately incorporated into the DOST Research and Development Program to attract the best Filipino minds, both young and more senior, both in the Philippines and abroad, to develop the Filipino capability for weather sciences.
Section 9. Task Group on Fossil fuels. – (a) To reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) shall lead a Task Group to reform the transportation sector. The new paradigm in the movement of men and things must follow a simple principle: "Those who have less in wheels must have more in road." For this
purpose, the system shall favour non-motorized locomotion and collective transportation system (walking, bicycling, and the man-powered mini-train).
(b) The DOTC and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall immediately transform roads using aforesaid principle.
(c) Malacañang Palace and all Cabinet offices are hereby directed to bring down by fifty percent (50%) the consumption of fossils fuels within two (2) years from the issuance of this order.
(d) The PACC shall consult with the biggest consumers and undertake extensive mass media social marketing and mobilization campaigns to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
(e) The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall immediately make available funds from Road Users’ Tax for the purposes stated in this Section.
(f) The Secretaries of the DOTC, DBM and DPWH shall personally report to the President through the PACC every 48 hours on the progress of the initiatives stated in this Section.
(g) The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall coordinate with local government units and guide them on the plan to transform the locomotion and transportation system to favour parties who have no motorized vehicles.
Section 10. Task Group on Information. – (a) The Philippine Information Agency shall lead a Task Group to mobilize the government stations and channels and the private sector media to help make the people understand the threats and risks that the country is facing from climate change and to use the power of mass media and global communication to mobilize the people into positive action.
(b) Other government agencies and the entire Filipino people shall be made to understand and enjoined to fully cooperate and perform their respective roles and responsibilities to face climate change. The agencies shall send the PACC a one page weekly report on the advances they have made on this initiative.
Section 11. Task Group on Fisheries. – (a) The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall lead a Task Group to conduct a compliance audit of the strategic provisions of the Fisheries Code, particularly on the determination of the maximum sustainable yield, the total catch allowable, and the carrying capacity of our marine ecosystems.
(b) With the DILG, the DA shall conduct massive information, education and communication campaigns with coastal local governments to implement Section 81 of RA 8550, otherwise known as the Fisheries code, mandating that at least fifteen percent (15%) of their municipal waters must be devoted to fish sanctuary.
(c) The local governments of all coastal towns and cities are enjoined to identify and declare their fish sanctuaries not later than six (6) months from the issuance of this Order.
The PACC shall compile the list of complying local governments. They shall be fully assisted in their implementation efforts, should they so desire. Non-compliant local governments shall be sanctioned as appropriate by the DILG.
(d) The DA and DILG Secretaries shall report to the President personally or through the PACC every Friday on the progress of the initiative provided in this Section. They shall act with a sense of urgency.
Section 12. Task Group on Agriculture. - (a) All Agricultural lands shall be immediately identified and delineated with clear boundary markers on the ground. Every effort shall be exerted to cleanse the fields of chemical pollutants, and extend and persuade owners and caretakers to produce nutritious food crops in a sustainable manner.
(b) Public open places space along sidewalks and portions of roads and parking lots, which shall be rendered irrelevant by the mind-shift to non-motorized and collective transportation systems, shall be devoted to productive use through sustainable urban farming. These spaces shall be planted with, among others, nutritious fruit crops, vegetables, spices and medicinal herbs. All persons who live in the city who wish to care for a plot of arable land to plant their vegetables shall be provided a stewardship agreement. This agreement shall bind the holder to sustainably use the land plant it with food and other plants like nutritious vegetables, fruits, flowers, spices, etc. and receive benefit from its produce.
Section 13. Task Group on Education. - The Department of Education shall lead a Task Group to develop the climate change component and incorporate it into the Science curriculum of the schools immediately upon completing. By the opening of the next school ear, environmental education must have been incorporated in all levels of the school Science curriculum.
Section 14. Task Group on Foreign Affairs. - The Department of Foreign Affairs shall lead a Task Group with the Department of Justice to cooperate with other island nations in exploring legal and meta-legal approaches on how to hold highly carbon dioxide-emitting countries accountable and liable for the climate change damages that are happening and will be happening in this generation and for sustainable development of future generations. Said agencies shall tap the talent of law professors and top-caliber litigation and environmental lawyers in the Philippines, in Asia and in the rest of the world.
Section 15. Task Group on Renewable Energy. - The Department of Energy shall lead a Task Group to implement the Renewable Energy Law with dispatch.
Section 16. Task Group on CPR Economics. - (a) The National Economic and Development Authority shall lead a Task Group in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to promote CPR Economics as a paradigm of economic development. It shall prepare a ten, twenty, thirty (10-20-30) year CPR Economic Action Plan in the line the Principle of Seven Generation, which states that in deliberations today, especially in decisions to use the sources of Life of Land, Air and Water, the impact of decisions of to a horizon of Seven Generations – of the grandchildren of our grandchildren – must be considered.
(b) The Board of Investments and the Department of Finance shall immediately implement a simplified and beneficial Investment Priorities Plan to shift the thrust of the economy from a consumerist economy of wasteful practices to an economy that is based on the sustainable use and conservation of the physical sources and resources of Life.
(c) Responsible econ-tourism shall be a cornerstone of economic activities. As guests and as visitors to our lovely island home, tourists shall be expected to behave properly and obey our laws and be sensitive to our culture and customs.
(d) The Department of Tourism shall develop on restorative econ-tourism. It shall seek not only to engage the people to restore the damaged land, forests, rivers and seas of our country but more importantly it shall to restore the connection between man and Nature.
(e) The DOT shall pursue such CPR eco-tourism program focused on the Filipino people as its "target market"
(f) The Priority Development Assistance Funds of Congressional representatives shall be given priority in facilitating release if the same is aligned towards the pursuit of CPR economics.
Section 17. Traditional Medicine. - Traditional and alternative medicine shall be promoted to address the health and wellness concerns of the Filipino people.
Section 18. Task Group on Outdoor and Rooftop Structures. – (a) The DPWH shall lead a Task Group to require all neon and high-wattage lights on billboards and outdoor advertisements along roads and highways to be shut off at 9:00 p.m. Should the owners desire to turn them on after 9:00 p.m., they shall be charged a fee equivalent to their carbon footprint computed according to their wattage consumption. Where the structures are not in compliance with the laws and building regulations, they shall be immediately removed from the rooftops."
(b) In their place, the DPWH shall provide incentive subsidies to the owners to convert said rooftops into urban gardens.
Section 19. Secretariat. – (a) The PACC shall oversee the execution and implementation of this Order. He shall report directly to the President or to the Executive Secretary (ES) every week, in coordination with the other heads of the offices herein mentioned, on the progress of the aforesaid initiatives.
(b) The PACC shall report to the President personally or through the ES every seventy-two (72) hours on the progress of these initiatives.
(c) The office of the PACC and the PTFCC shall be located at the Mabini Hall and shall have access to the Office of the President or the Executive Secretary at all times practicable. The initial funds for the PACC and to reorganize the PTFCC shall come from the Office of the President. The DBM shall mainstream the PACC in the annual appropriations budget. All government agencies are likewise hereby directed to provide an mainstream the cross-cutting environmental concerns in their operations, budgets and reports to the President.
Section 20. If any section of this Order shall be declared unconstitutional, the other sections or parts hereof shall not thereby be affected.
Section 21. All orders, circulars, memoranda, rules, regulations and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent herewith are hereby amended accordingly.
Section 22. This EO shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila this 26th day of December in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.
(Sgd.) H.E. GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
By the President:
(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Lapulapu City Inks Mactan Bubble Project with MCWD
Lapulapu LGU Inks Mactan Bubble Project with MCWDThe Mactan Bubble Project has finally been signed after it was postponed last December 11, 2008.
Mactan Island:
Its Water Situation
In the 1970’s, Mactan Island was already experiencing rapid development in terms of urbanization and industrialization. Along with development came the need to supply the island’s most basic necessity: WATER.
Based on previous reports (USC-WRC, 1979; USC-WRC, 1988; USC-WRC, 1993), Mactan Island was perceived to be limited in terms of its fresh groundwater resources due to over-pumping of wells within the island.
The Findings
However, recent findings (Walag, 2005a; Walag, 2005b; WRKC, 2006) showed that freshwater lens are still evident from as high as 24m at Barangay Bangkal to as low as 6m at Barangay Buaya. The location of the brackishwater zones are found mostly outside of the Mactan Circumferential Road.
The Focal Point
Main Objective
To establish a monitoring scheme that will comprehensively provide prompt and accurate data for developing decision-support information, maintenance, and conduct appropriate design for remediation measures on identified critical areas.
The Project Phases:
Pre-Project Phase
Rapid Assessment of Water Resources
This activity will use secondary information mostly taken from the 1992 study entitled “Water Resources Inventory for Mactan Island: An Update” conducted by the University of San Carlos-Water Resources Center (USC-WRC) (USC-WRC, 1993). The rapid assessment will be able to come-up with a water resources potential profile, extraction rate of the groundwater resources, identification of the location of high extraction areas and identification of data gaps to accurately determine water resources in the area. Data will be evaluated to partially characterize the aquifer system if the existing available information allows such analysis.
Inventory and Detailed Assessment of Water Resources
Well Survey
A well inventory is necessary to provide current data about the groundwater utilization. The data will be used to determine the current freshwater reserve and extent of groundwater utilization in the area both by private, public, and industrial entities (springs, open dug wells, handpumps, and electric-driven pumps). All data will be recorded in the standard National Water Resources Board (NWRB) well records. The result of the well survey will be used to identify possible control wells for water level monitoring.
Water Level Monitoring
Water level of selected control wells will be monitored simultaneously for a period of two days per well. The data will provide information on the accessibility and potential of the groundwater. The effect of the tide will also be observed. Selected control wells in the USC-WRC 1992 study will also be used for monitoring. However, in the event that these wells can no longer be located, another well within the proximate distance (about 50m radius) will be selected as substitute.
Differential Leveling
Water level elevation of control wells will be determined by conducting differential leveling. Reference points or Bench Marks (BM) must be established and referred to the mean sea level.
Conductivity Measurements
Electrical conductivity and chloride content of the water from the control wells shall be determined in relation with the water level. In this way, the fresh and brackish water zones can be determined and delineated.
Consumption Study
The rate of consumption for the different type of wells (handpumps - public and private; open dug well - public and private; electrically operated wells - public and private; industrial/commercial and agricultural) will be determined. For each well type a minimum of ten samples will be considered. The data will be used to update the current groundwater withdrawal which is an important parameter in the computation of the island’s actual water balance.
Equipment, Instruments, and Personnel Requirements
A minimum of two survey teams consisting of two members with a basic knowledge in the field of water resources will be assigned in the area under the close supervision of the MCWD water experts. Hydro-geologic equipment like water level indicators, divers, TDS / conductivity / salinity meters, geo-electrical resistivity meter, leveling instruments, global positioning system (GPS) rovers, and drilling machine will be used in this study.
Computerization of Output Using GIS
All gathered data will be stored in a computerized databank using dBase and Microsoft Excel programs. Working maps will be digitized with the aid of a Geographical Information System (GIS) tool for easy interpretation and analysis.
Expected Output
Well Map
A computer generated Well Map showing the exact location of all water sources found in the island with symbols and assigned numbers.
Well Records
The well record consists of Well Schemes and Well Logs to keep permanent records of new and old wells. New wells (installed after the 1992 study) will be assigned with well numbers in relation to the old one.
Expected Output s
Water Level Map
A computer generated Water Level Map featuring the elevation of the static groundwater in the area. The map is a direct guide in determining the critical areas where groundwater could be lower than the sea.
Water Quality Map
A computer generated Water Quality Map featuring the position of the fresh-brackish zone in the area by correlating conductivity with chloride. Seawater intrusion can be seen, if any. Likewise health risk zone will also be delineated.
Groundwater Extraction Map
A computer generated Groundwater Extraction Map featuring the current groundwater extraction in the area. The map can serve as a direct guide in locating the most heavily pumped areas, thus further exploitation can be prevented.
The result of the above activities will be analyzed and evaluated to come up with a proper design of groundwater monitoring network to effectively manage the groundwater resources in the island.
Post-Project Phase
Capacity-Building Activities
A water and environment team which composed of the representatives from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Lapu-Lapu City will be created. As part of the capacity building, the team will undergo a seminar on the basic principles of hydrology and hydro-geologic measurements.
Design of Groundwater Monitoring Network
Data from Chapter 2.1 – 2.2 will be analyzed and evaluated to come up with a proper design of ground water monitoring network in the entire island. Areas identified for heavy groundwater extraction must be installed with monitoring station.
Long-Term Monitoring Activities
Once the design of the monitoring network will be implemented based on the results of the study, a long-term quantitative and qualitative groundwater monitoring will be done. Groundwater quantity and quality measurements will be done at least once a month to have better results. Monthly groundwater data will be evaluated and analyzed to detect possible trend to help ensure that groundwater will be protected from any damage at an early stage.
Joint Inspection
Monthly groundwater monitoring will be done jointly by the MCWD staff and the Water and Environment team of the Lapu-Lapu City. Each party should have its own records indicating the measured parameters and the corresponding date of measurements.
Scenarios and Remedial Measures
The monitoring activities will be used to compare the actual patterns versus the scenarios presented on the Pre-project phase. Abnormal trends will be subjected to investigation and conduct appropriate remedial measures.
PREFACE
Water is a life concern.
It is the core mission of Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) - the largest water service provider of Metro Cebu covering four component cities and for municipalities enumerated as follows: Talisay City, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapulapu City, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, and Cordova.
The mission is clear and it is aimed at the preservation and sustainability of our water resources, and adhering to sound practices in preserving our natural environment.
The Water District maintains eight (8) reforestation sites totaling to 134.5 hectares to augment the freshwater supply of Metro Cebu. These are located in the areas of Liloan, Cebu City, and Talisay City.
The Water District maintains eight (8) reforestation sites totaling to 134.5 hectares to augment the freshwater supply of Metro Cebu. These are located in the areas of Liloan, Cebu City, and Talisay City.
To complement the reforestation sites, MCWD, likewise, has established seedling banks so that planting materials will be available for tree planting activities.
These are MCWD’s environmental programs in a committed response to Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) encompassing Water For Life, Water for Nature, Water for Energy, Water for Food and Agriculture, Water for Industry, and Water for Recreation.
It looks at water in its four basic principles that water is a finite resource, it is an economic good, women plays a vital role in water resources management and managing our water resources take on a participatory process involving all sectors of society.
If water is life, then it must be everybody’s prime concern.
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