Part 4. Guan's Version.pptx

Presentation of the current state of Philippine Watershed



Total land area of 30 million hectares of which 70% can be considered as watersheds areas. These watersheds comprise about 419 principal river basins with drainage areas of approximately 21 million hectares. The most important river basins constitute the Agno and the Cagayan River Basins in Northern Luzon, Pampanga River Basin in Central Luzon, lIog-Hilabangan in the Visayas, and the Cotabato and the Agusan River Basins in Mindanao Region.



Total of 142 Critical Watershed



The rapid transformation of the original vegetation of the Philippine forests, coupled with inappropriate land use practices, had led to loss of biodiversity and disrupted the hydrological condition of major watersheds, which has resulted in accelerated soil erosion, siltation of rivers and valuable reservoirs, increased incidence and severity of flooding, and decreasing supply of potable water.

1. What are the contributing factors to watershed degradation? 



Natural Inherent Features a)

Monsoonal rainfall pattern resulting to excessive rainfall during wet season and scarce at other times of the year.

b)

Climatic cycles such as El Niño and La Niña leading to extended dry periods and above normal rainfall amount

c)

Rugged to rolling mountainous topography

Human Activities - Various types of human activities can be considered as direct causes of watershed degradation as follows: a)

Conversion of natural ecosystems coupled with inappropriate land conversion practices

b)

Over-exploitation which causes insufficient protection against erosion

c)

Overgrazing leads to soil compaction and decrease in vegetation cover, thus, increased soil erosion and reduced infiltration



Human Activities - Various types of human activities can be considered as direct causes of watershed degradation as follows: a)

Conversion of natural ecosystems coupled with inappropriate land conversion practices

b)

Over-exploitation which causes insufficient protection against erosion

c)

Overgrazing leads to soil compaction and decrease in vegetation cover, thus, increased soil erosion and reduced infiltration

d)

Improper land cultivation

e)

Unregulated land conversion

f)

Poor water management.

Example. The Ormoc City Tragedy of November 5, 1991

Briefer. Ormoc Tragedy 

Lake Danao located above the Ormoc Watershed overflowed. The causal activities leading to the flood is the instability of the soils, the poor vegetation landscape and the flow constrictions that magnified the flood were also results of human alterations of the catchment topography and hydrology. These alterations were driven by short term economic benefits, legitimized by unsound legislation and compounded by neglect in the implementation of appropriate laws.



Soils in the watershed are naturally cohesion less, and removal of their mechanical anchoring by forest root systems was a factor if major significance. But, as a result of the deforestation and clearing of watershed, this anchoring effect was lost. Since the root systems of the crops that replaced the forest did provide the same safety margin as did the trees, the shear strength of the soils was reduced, thereby making the watershed more prone to massive earth movements, especially during storm.



In Ormoc, urban development has highly changed the drainage and channel patterns in the city. Most of these changes have not fully taken flood patterns into account. They tend to impede the rapid flow of water to Ormoc Bay, and therefore increase the probability of flooding. The zoning of the city also failed to consider flood patterns

Problems Facing Watershed Management



Development of industries.



Interruption of water flow



Development of urban centers

 

Poor fishing methods. Watershed also encompass many different local government unit (LGUs), settlement, and natural ecosystems, which make decision-making process a problem

Cont. Problems Facing Watershed Management 

Development of industries. Despite the numerous efforts put in by global institutions to reduce pollution through clean technology, Industrial activities are still emitting toxic chemicals, metal deposits, and petroleum products. The consequence of this being an increase in health risks, this is so when fish and wildlife are poisoned and humans consume the fish.



Interruption of water flow - once flow of natural water flow is interrupted, there is massive loss that is incurred. Among these is alteration or loss of habitat all together, increased soil erosion, Blockage of passage for fish and other aquatic organisms, alteration of water salinity and an overall disruption of ecosystems. This interruption is realized when there is construction of dams, diversion of water for irrigation, development, construction, industry, and household use.

Cont. Problems Facing Watershed Management 

Development of urban centers- Invasion of natural area by human being with the aim of converting them to urban center has become a major challenge to watershed management. It also possesses a challenge of decline in fish and wildlife because they are forced to migrate and others die. Chemicals, loss of habitat, alteration of water flow and disposal of waste into water resources by human beings adversely affect aquatic ecosystems. This problem can be addressed through legislation, growth, and water management program



Poor fishing methods. While fishing is beneficial for trade, food, and economic growth, it is a potential challenge for watershed management. It is so when poor methods of fishing are used. Overfishing and other methods that can results in alteration and damage of fish habitats, also this affect the population of some species and worst, extinction of some species. Communities that depend on fishing are also affected by this activity as well as economic growth of a country.

Cont. Problems Facing Watershed Management 

Watershed also encompass many different local government unit (LGUs), settlement, and natural ecosystems, which make decision-making process a problem . Community bases organizations, NGOs, LGUs, and national agencies involved in watershed management planning, implementation and monitoring should have the financial and human resources to sustain the delivery of resources. LGUs are also affected by political dynamics, change in leadership or change in goals and priorities, and in winning the cooperation of stakeholders in the affected communities.

Example. Serious deforestation in IPO Watershed



Ipo watershed is a vital link in the Angat-Umiray-Ipo watersheds system which supplies around 98% of the water needs of Metro Manila. Illegal logging, charcoal-making, and slash-and-burn farming in Ipo Watershed, a 6,600-hectare mountain forest in Rizal and Bulacan, could lead to a "water crisis" for Metro Manila  Illegal Road Construction inside IPO Watershed

Issues 2. Presence of the existing laws relative to Watershed Management 

1987 Philippine Constitution

“The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. It also pointed to Section 15, Article II which mandates the State "to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them". 

NIPAS Act



Mining Act



IPRA



Local Government Code



DENR Circular



PD 1067: The Water Code of the Philippines

RA 7160 

Pursuant to Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, Presidential Decree 705 as amended, otherwise known as the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines ; Executive Order No. 192 defining the mandates, organization, and functions of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DENR Administrative Order No. 30, Series of 1992 prescribing the guidelines for the transfer and implementation of DENR functions; the following Manual of Procedures is hereby promulgated to effectively implement devolution of forest management functions and enhance partnership between the LGUs and the DENR.

DILG and DENR Circulars 

DENR-DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2003-01 stipulates the “strengthening and institutionalizing the DENR-DILGLGU partnership on devolved and other forest management functions.”



A recent issuance by DENR on this is DAO 2010-07 which provides for the continuing devolution of environment and natural resources functions to LGUs.

RATIONALE: The Code emphasizes the LGUs’ role in natural resources management by stating that “the local government shares with the national government the responsibility in the management and maintenance of ecological balance within their territorial jurisdiction.” The Code initially devolved certain environmental functions of DENR to LGUs including the implementation of the Integrated Social Forestry Projects (ISFP).

Mining Act 

The promotion shall be the combined efforts of the Government and private sector for the enhancement of national growth in a way that effectively safeguards the environment and protect the rights of affected communities.



Mineral agreement or financial or technical assistance agreement applications shall not be allowed: (f) Old growth or virgin forests, proclaimed watershed, forest reserves, wilderness areas, mangrove forests, mossy forests, national parks, provincial/municipal forests, parks, greenbelts, game refuge and bird sanctuaries as defined by law and in areas expressly prohibited under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) under the R.A. No. 7586, Department Administrative Order No. 25, series of 1992 and other laws.

IPRA Law With the enactment of Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) Law, the indigenous peoples also turned out to be administrators over areas within their area. Some private individuals and corporations are also authorized to take control or regulate the utilization of watersheds in the country under contracts like the Timber License Agreement (TLA) and Industrial Forest Management Agreement (IFMA).