AUICK First 2006 Workshop

City Report of Olongapo Marivic Jadulco Nierras Planning Officer III, Technical Section, City Planning and Development Office, Olongapo City, The Philippines 1. Brief History Olongapo started as a fishing village of the adjacent municipality of Subic. It was once the site of the biggest U.S. naval base (Subic Naval Base) in Asia for over three quarters of a century. It grew into a municipality and later on a city. On June 1, 1966, it became a chartered city and in 1984 it was categorized as a highly urbanized city. The city was devastated during the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in June 1991. This was exacerbated by the removal of the U.S. bases in 1992 with all businesses and livelihood activities practically affected. The people of Olongapo with the local leadership lobbied for the creation of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority which directed the industrial transformation of the former naval base. Today the former U.S. Naval Base has been converted into a Freeport and special economic zone under the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) which is providing major employment and business opportunities to the residents and migrants. Location and Topography

The city is geographically located at 14°15" latitude and 120°17" longitude and lies 127 kilometers Northwest of Manila. It is a three-hour drive on the average, along the North Expressway and the Olongapo–Gapan Road. It is located at the southernmost portion of Zambales Province, on the western coast of Central Luzon. It is bounded on the northeast by the municipality of Subic, Zambales, on the north and northwest of Dinalupihan, Bataan, on the southeast by Morong, Bataan and Subic Bay on the southwest. The city’s total land area of 185 square kilometers is distributed among its seventeen (17) barangays or villages. Other than the city proper, which is located on a 6.48 sq.km tidal flatland, Olongapo City is characterized by rugged and mountainous terrain. About 80% of the city’s land areas are either rolling to steep or have slopes of 18% and higher thus limiting land suitable for urban development. And the rest are mainly flat areas which are usually found along the coast of Subic Bay. Land Use The present urban land use is typical where the majority of the commercial and institutional establishments are lined up along the major thoroughfares of the city. The inner blocks nearest the main streets basically have a mixed land use, which is either commercial or residential. The interior sections are primarily areas of residential apartments and houses.

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BUILT UP/DEVELOPED AREAS

AS OF DECEMBER 2005 LAND USE

CLASSIFICATION AREA

( in hectare ) PERCENTAGE

(in %) Urban Area 2,508.79 13.56 Freeport 965.7 5.22 Forest /watershed 6,521.25 35.25 Disputed Area 6,850.75 37.03 Open Grassland 1,653.51 8.94 TOTAL 18,500.00 100 Classification Area(has) Percentage Residential 2,433.25 96.99 Commercial 57 2.27 Special 18.31 0.73 Others 1.52 0.09 Industrial 0.23 0.01 Total 2,508.79 100

It will be noted from the table above that built-up area accounts only for 13.56% while 35.25% is forest area or watershed and there is a significant amount of 37.03% of land area falling under disputed area. Boundary disputes with the neighboring municipalities resulted from the creation of the City in 1959 which expanded the town of Olongapo from Subic town, until it shared common borders with the Provinces of Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga. Boundary disputes create economic losses since the taxes and revenues due to Olongapo City are given to the neighboring towns instead. Population Based on the 2000 Census of Population conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Olongapo has a total population of 194,260 excluding transients. At the national level, the city shared 0.25% to the Philippine population of 76.5 million as recorded in the 2000 Census. The city has an annual growth rate of 1.68% and with 43,107 number of households. For the year 2005, the city’s projected population is 211,135 with gross density of 11.41 persons per hectare (assuming equal distribution and the total land area of 18,500 hectares). Considering the built up area of 2,379.01 hectares, population density is 88.75 persons per hectare. Per NSO 2000 Census, female comprises 50.82% of total population while males constitute 49.18%. Of the city’s population 35.0% are 15 years and below, 62.3% are 15 to 64 years old and 7.2% are 65 years old and above. The city does not yet experience any problem on aging society.

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Economy Olongapo is a service-based economy with almost 50% of its income sources derived from employment primarily in the wholesale/retailing business and services. The city is essentially a consumers community with the basic food requirements coming from nearby towns and provinces. Unfortunately, the city’s lack of natural resources limits the type of economic activity it can promote and the type of industry that can be developed in the city. The city has unknown expectable mineral resources base is its people. Record shows that the service sector has been its main engine. The city depends largely on the industries of Subic Bay Freeport (SBF) but for political reasons, SBF is pursuing a development course that is independent of Olongapo City. But still due to the employment generated by the Subic Bay Freeport there is a multiplier effect to the other sectors in retail and transportation. One of the main contributors to the city’s economic growth is its tourism industry. The City is a destination in its own right mainly showcasing its civic programs like the color coded system, volunteerism, and market administration. Olongapo City is also host to some of the best beach resorts in the country that can cater to both local and foreign visitors. Aside from beaches, the other major attraction in Olongapo City is the present Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone. This once heavily guarded American facility offers prospective visitors of the city with world-class amenities such as golf course, hotels and resorts and nature-related recreational activities such as forest treks and horse back riding. Health Strategies towards achieving substantial accomplishments in health programs area carried out by the City Health Office, the city owned James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, the Barangay Health Workers and other health personnel. It has an Urban Basic Services Programme which provides technical assistance, training, seminars, medicine and vitamins to the disadvantaged communities of the City. There are eight (8) private hospitals and one (1) government hospital, as well as 18 Health Centers and one health station in the City serving the needs of city residents, and those of the neighboring towns and the Freeport. For 2005, a crude birth rate of 24.11 per 1,000 population has been recorded compared to previous year’s 22.87. In contrast to crude death rate of 4.58 per 1,000 population was recorded which is higher than previous year’s record of 4.29. Infant mortality rate went up at 9.01 per 1,000 live births from 2004’s record of 7.64. The three leading causes of morbidity are respiratory infections, hypertensions and malaria while causes of mortality are hypertension, heart diseases and malignant neoplasm. Infrastructure and Utilities Drainage and Sewerage System The city’s drainage system consists of roadside ditches and open canals draining into natural channels and rivers. The river beds are heavily silted due to sand deposits in the mountain slopes attributable to Mount Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991. This causes flooding. There is no sewerage system in the city although 98.13% of the total households have sanitary toilets.

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Water Supply The water supply system of the city and that of Subic Bay Freeport are under the management of the private company - Subicwater and Sewerage Company, Inc. The increasing demand in the supply of water calls for improving the water treatment facilities. It remains to be top priority in improving the service operations. At present, there are a total of 25,082 connections in the city with 1,771 commercial/institutional and 23,311 residentials. The average daily demand of Olongapo City is 22,740 cubic meters while production is 35,888 cubic meters with a small excess of 13,148 cu.m. The present water sources include dam and well in Barangay Sta. Rita, Mabayuan Dam in Gordon Heights, San Isidro Well in Barretto, Balite Spring in New Cabalan and the source from Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Solid Waste Management The city also operates the Environmental Sanitation and Management Office, on a commercial basis. The City has pioneered and institutionalized a system whereby consumers are required to enclose their wastes or use readily available plastic bags that must be taken out at designated days and at a given time for collection. Garbage fees are incorporated into power bills to ensure collection. The method is so effective and popular, it won the Galing Pook Award in 1994 and is commonly featured to visiting Local Government Units (LGUs) seeking to share the experience. Transportation The City has also pioneered the color-coding and identification system for public transportation to rationalize the transport system. All the major routes have designated colors with body numbers prominently painted on the mini-buses, jeeps or tricycles. Each number has a corresponding entry in a Directory showing the driver’s picture, name and address, the owner and other details. Violations and complaints are then easily resolved under this system and illegal or “colorum” vehicles are easily detected. Planning, inspection and licensing are also made easier. At present, there are 170 buses, 216 mini-buses, 1,380 public utility jeepneys and 2,010 public utility tricycles authorized to ply their respective routes.

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2. Urban Development

2.1 Change in Area and Population

Population Area (km²) Total Births Deaths In-

migrationOut-

migration TFR

1970 185 107,785 Data not available Data not available Data not available Data not available Data not available

1975 185 145,109 Data not available Data not available Data not available Data not available Data not available

1980 185 156,430 4,701 824 Data not available Data not available Data not available

1985 185 Data not available 5,140 1,198 Data not available Data not available Data not available

1990 185 193,327 5,732 998 Data not available Data not available Data not available

1995 185 179,754 5,002 901 Data not available Data not available Data not available

2000 185 194,260 4,814 897 Data not available Data not available Data not available

2004 185 207,647 4,841 908 Data not available Data not available Data not available

2005 185 211,135 5,215 991 Data not available Data not available Data not available

2010 185 229,477 2015 185 249,412 2020 185 271,078 2025 185 294,627

TFR : Total Fertility Rate (Source: National Statistics Office; City Health Office; City Civil Registrar’s Office)

2.2 Change in Surface Geometry

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP OF OLONGAPO CITY IN 1998

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3. Government Structure 3.1 Relationship with the central government and the other government organs

As one of the local government units (LGUs) and as a highly urbanized city, the City

Government of Olongapo is directly supervise by the President of the Republic of the Philppines with the primary assistance of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The local chief executives may call upon any national official or employee stationed in or assigned to an LGU to advise and regularly report to him on matters affecting LGUs and make recommendations thereon; or to coordinate in the formulation and implementation of all plans, programs, and projects.

Olongapo City’s relationship with the national government is well established and

support from National Government Agencies (NGA’s) is expected to continue in the next decades. The City was included in the various development plans from the national to the regional, sub-regional levels and provincial levels. 3.2 City Government System

Olongapo City is governed by a City Mayor designated as its Local Chief Executive and by a City Council as its Legislative body in accordance with the Local Government Code. Both the Mayor and the ten (10) City Councilors are elected directly by the people through an election which is being held every three (3) years. The Vice Mayor who is elected together with the Mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod acts as the presiding officer of the City Council.

Political and socio-economic strength of the city are drawn from the 17 “barangays”

(villages) which comprise the city’s basic local government units governed by a Barangay Chairman and a Barangay Council. These various barangays are located mainly on the urbanized portions of the City.

Olongapo City was created by virtue of Republic Act No. 4645 known as the City

Charter of Olongapo dated June 01, 1966. It was classified as a Highly Urbanized City in 1983. For a city to be in this category, it should have a minimum population of 200,000 inhabitants as certified by the National Statistics Office and with the latest annual income of at lease Php50 Million based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the City Treasurer. The city’s charter was later modified with the enactment of the Local Government Code.

In order to facilitate government operations, Olongapo has established 20

Departments/Offices to plan, execute and monitor plans and projects by the city including maintenance of peace and order. At present, there are 1,731 at City Hall working in these 20 Department/Offices.

3.2.1 Role of Mayor (elected) and Administrator/Commissioner (Bureaucracy)

The City Mayor is elected to serve three (3) years and can run for re-election for another two (2) terms. As the chief executive of the city government, he shall exercise such powers and perform such duties and functions as provided by the Local Government Code and other laws. He exercises general supervision and control over-all programs, projects, services and activities of the city government for efficient,

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effective and economical governance the purpose of which is the general welfare of the city and the people. He enforces all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the city and in the exercise of the appropriate corporate powers, implement all approved policies, programs, projects, services and activities of the city. Important powers include the power to appoint officials and employees whose salaries and wages are wholly or mainly paid out of city funds. He has the power to initiate and propose legislative measures to the city council and present the program of government and propose policies and projects for the consideration of the city council.

The City Administrator’s assist in the coordination of the work of all the officials

of the local government unit under the supervision, direction and control of the City Mayor and for the purpose of, the City Administrator may convene the chiefs of offices and other officials of the local government.

3.2.1 Role of the City Assembly and Executive Office

The Sangguniang Panlungsod acts as the legislative body of the city. Its role is to enact ordinances, approve resolutions and appropriate funds for the general welfare of the city and its inhabitants and makes regulations protection the public from conflagration. While the Office of the Executive enforces and gives the necessary order for the faithful enforcement and execution of the provisions of the City Charter and other laws and ordinances within the jurisdiction of the City.

3.2.3 Administrative Organizational Chart

CITY MAYOR

PERSONAL STAFF

SPORTS & YOUTH DEV’T

PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

KHG RESCUE TEAM

SRT

TRAFFIC MGMT. BOARD

MIS

PLEB

REACH-UP TOURISM

CITY MALL

MUSEUM

LIBRARY

LABOR CENTER

PHILHEALTH

POPCOM

ONE STOP BUS. CENTER

BUSINESS PERMIT

Sangguniang Panlungsod

CITYADMINISTRATOR’S

OFFICE

CITY COURTCITY

PROSECUTOR’SOFFICE

PUBLICATTORNEY’S

OFFICE

CITY HEALTHDEPARTMENT

JAMES L. GORDONMEMORIALHOSPITAL

ENVIRONMENTALSANITATION &MGMT. OFFICE

MARKET &SLAUGHTERHOUSE

GORDONCOLLEGE

CITY CIVILREGISTRY

CITYVETERINARIAN

OLONGAPO CITYCONVENTION

CENTER

PUBLICUTILITIES

DEPARTMENT

CITY SOCIALWELFARE & DEV’T.

OFFICE

CITY ENGINEER’SOFFICE

GENERAL SERVICES

OFFICE

CITYASSESOR’S

OFFICE

CITY LEGALOFFICE

CITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

OFFICE

CITY TREASURER’S

OFFICE

CITY BUDGETOFFICE

CITY ACCOUNTANT’S

OFFICE

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3.3 Financial Resources and Allocation to different sectors in 2006

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Olongapo City’s revenues are derived from two sources, local and external. Local revenues such as local property taxes, business taxes, other taxes as well as fees and receipts are derived from the operations of the city and other public enterprises. External sources of income includes the internal revenue allotment (IRA) being transferred by the national government to the local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines

Total available revenues for 2006 amounted to Php1.448Billion, which is 5.385% higher than the 2005 figure of Php1.374Billion. The increase can be generally attributed to the general increase gained in resources of the revenue from taxation, the non-tax revenues and aids and allotments, except for the revenue from taxation.

The Operating and Miscellaneous Revenues continues to have the lion’s share of

total revenues of Php1.052Billion. Tax revenue posted an amount of Php352.652Million and account for 24.37% of the City’s total income. Other sources of the 2006 available revenues came from the gain on sale of disposed assets, grants, extraordinary income and inter-fund transfer/reversion.

ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES FOR 2006

The City’s total appropriation for the year 2006 amounted to Php1.447Billion which were used to fund various administrative requirements, public welfare and internal safety, economic ventures and public utilities.

On sectoral appropriation, funding for General Services amounted to Php272.385Million or 18.82% of the total appropriation; Social Services posted at Php54.353Million or 3.76% of the total appropriation and Economic Services posted at Php1.12Billion or 77.42% of the total appropriation.

The allocation for economic services continue to post a highest allocation of 77.42% of the total 2006 budget. This was due to the continuing support provided by the city to its economic enterprises like the Convention Center, Gordon College, Olongapo City Public Market, James L. Gordon Avenue Market and Mall, Slaughterhouse, ESMO, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, Olongapo City Mall and the Public Utilities Department.

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4. Urban Planning and Environmental Protection

4.1 Administrative Organizations and Duties for Urban Planning and Environmental Protection

Environmental Bureau/Office of Olongapo City Government

Environmental Sanitation and Management Office

1. Act as advisor body to the City Mayor on matters pertaining to ecological balance.

2. Establish, formulate and issue policies and guidelines in connection with the environmental quality standards and impact assessment.

3. Undertake programs, projects and other activities relative to environmental protection, sanitation and development of parks and plazas.

4. Monitor government and private development projects and see to it that they are in line with the environmental priorities of the city.

5. Improve and maintain an effective solid waste management system and day to day function of garbage collection and disposal.

Urban Planning Office of Olongapo City Government

City Planning and Development Office

1. Formulate integrated economic, social physical and other development plans and policies for consideration of the local government development council.

2. Conduct continuing studies, researches and training programs necessary to evolve plans and programs for implementation.

3. Integrate and coordinate all sectoral plans and studies undertaken by the different functions, groups or agencies.

4. Analyze the income and expenditure patterns, formulate and recommend fiscal plans and policies for consideration.

5. Issues Zoning certificate and locational clearances. 6. Provides information/reference materials to

researchers, investors, visitors and others as well as access to exhibits showing of Olongapo’s past and present scenarios like Socio-Economic Profile, Development Plans, Zoning Ordinances and Comprehensive Land Use Plan

4.2 Environment in Urban Policy Making

Policies in the form of ordinances and executive orders were adopted in the city’s solid waste management program. Said policies conformed to present needs and adjusted to such exigencies as inflation, fuel price increases, base withdrawal, Mt.

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Pinatubo eruption, etc. Fees and rates were adjusted when the earnings in the initial years put the program in a deficit. Between 1989 and 1990, the City Council enacted eight (8) ordinances or measures dealing with the utilization of the landfill area, the rates of solid waste collection fees, the schedules and mechanics of collection, etc.

4.3 Current Status and Challenges of Environmental Administration

The primary agency responsible for the environment in the city is the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) which is under the national government. Because of the growing population of the city, the watershed areas and waters are increasingly pressured. Lack of support from the national government limits the programs that are undertaken by the DENR in the area. However, Olongapo City’s work coordination with DENR is doing quite well but needs further refinement in terms of issuing clearance property to land ownership and titling to ensure that this will not run in conflict with the approved zoning ordinance of the city.

While the city’s Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO) is the one responsible to manage the solid waste management program of the city. By the structure, the Local Chief Executive has direct control and supervision over the ESMO in the implementation of the system. While the City Health Office complemented the work through their Sanitary Inspectors who issued citation tickets to violators of City Ordinances and Sanitation Laws.

With the city government still handling the waste management system, it will be

in full control. Expenditures, use of equipment and disposal methods will be better monitored. Government revenues are assured, but only if garbage fees are collected and properly managed. Vehicles and other equipment remain with the government, and may be used for other purposes during emergencies.

4.4 Priority Issue and Measures

PRIORITY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

The rapid economic development and urbanization experienced by the City of Olongapo in the past decades has also resulted a decline in the quality of its environment. Hereunder are the most serious environmental problems that the city is facing now a days :

a. Most of the river systems in the city are in various states of degradation, which have

resulted from the indiscriminate dumping of waste by riverside residents and the heavy siltation of the natural channels. The absence of sewerage system in the city also contributed to the water pollution of the rivers. This has a major impact on the coastal marine waters, as these are the ultimate receiving bodies of water for the waste and pollution that are dumped in the river systems.

b. Proliferation of squatters along forest areas, drainage channels and mountain areas

where they can easily occupy/squat. The increasing population growth due to accelerated development is putting pressure in the upland areas of the city where the watershed areas are located.

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c. The declining air and noise quality in the city is another most serious environmental

problem that need to be given attention by the city. The increase in mobile sources (motor vehicles) of air pollutants has further aggravated the situation. The adverse impact of the decline in the air and noise pollution of the city is an increase in the occurrence of upper respiratory diseases. The sectors highly susceptible to this are the children and the elderly. It is of primary importance that this problem on the environment be addressed and its adverse impacts be minimized, if not totally eliminated.

MEASURES

a. The Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO) of the city is working on possible solutions to eliminate the riverside dumping of solid waste and other waste materials which is one of the causes of the river pollution which are cited hereunder :

• Regular collection of garbage is being done. But since access to individual houses is a problem, with the use of bancas, identified pick-up points in the riverside has been designated where garbage can be deposited prior to collection by the collectors.

• Desilting/ dredging of heavily silted waterways is also being done but due to fund constraint not all areas can be covered. But the city government is outsourcing funds to implement the said desilting projects to enhance flow of the river systems.

• An intensive information and education campaign is being done to raise awareness on the health implications of water pollution.

• Continued coordination of the City Government with the private water company, Subicwater and Sewerage Company, Inc., to generally protect Olongapo Bay through an effective sewerage system. Since August 2004, said company have already initiated their Sewerage Masterplan 2020 project covering Subic Bay Freeport Zone which will extend to the city in the near future.

b. To make available land for development particularly for housing and resettlement

areas, the city is pursuing its coordination with DENR to amend land classification and perfect the city’s claim over public lands. Sourcing out funds for low cost housing through public and private borrowings is also being done for the housing program of the city.

c. To minimize the problem on air and noise pollution in Olongapo City, priorities

were given particularly on the following :

• planting of trees along its major roads as well as in the mountainous areas; • rationalization of the traffic management system to minimize air pollution

and noise levels; • establishment of greenbelts/tree parks and buffer zone establishment project • Encourage cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and transport

operators • The City Council passed an ordinance requiring owners and drivers of

public utility vehicles to present ten (10) seedlings of fruit trees upon

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renewal of their city’s annual vehicle inspection and permit. This is to promote good source of natural oxygen which are depleted due to vehicle emissions.

• Regular monitoring of air quality parameters in the city • Strict enforcement of ordinances concerning traffic and transport

management

5. Environment Indicators

5.1 Land Use a. Total Surface area as of December 2004 c b. Forest area Forest Area in 1990 65.21 km² Forest Area in 2004 65.21 km² % change since 1990 % % of land area covered by forest in 1990 49.68% % of land covered by forest in 2004 49.68% c. Agricultural land Agricultural area in 1990 8.35km² Agricultural area in 2004 8.35km² % change since 1990 % Agricultural area as a % of total land area in 2004 4.51% Arable land in 2004 km² Land under permanent crops in 2004 km² Land under permanent pastures in 2004 km²

(Source: Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office )

5.2 Waste a. Municipal waste collection Latest year available 2004 Municipal waste collected 26.842 (1000 tones) Population served by municipal waste collection 85% Municipal waste collected per capita served 0.35kg b. Municipal waste treatment Latest year available 2004 Municipal waste collected (26.842)1000 tones Municipal waste landfilled 80.56% Municipal waste incinerated % Municipal waste recycled/composted 19.44% c. Hazardous waste generation 1990 1000 tones 1995 1000 tones 2000 1000 tones 2004 1000 tones 2005 1000 tones

(Source : Environmental Sanitation and Management Office)

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PHOTOS OF THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OF THE CITY

Collection of garbage in residential areas Some of the residents devise a hanger where they can place their plastics of

garbage

Some household sell the recyclable materials to the junk boys

River clean-up being maintained by ESMO staff

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Remaining functional compactor truck of the city which is donated by JICA

One of four newly purchased used garbage collecting vehicles

Four newly purchased used garbage collecting vehicles of the city to improve

the collection efficiency

Garbage collectors/sanitary technicians of the city with their new uniforms

Monitoring staff Citation ticket is being issued to the violator of the city’s sanitation ordinance

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Aerial View of the Landfill/Waste Disposal Site MRF Building at Waste Disposal Site

Existing cyclone wire fence/barrier at the Waste Disposal Site

Scavenging at Waste Disposal Site Existing bulldozer at the Landfill Site

Existing compactor truck purchased in 2004 to increase the lifespan of the Controlled Dumpsite

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PHOTOS OF ENVIRONMENT DETERIORATED BY ILLEGAL WASTE DISPOSAL

Polluted water at Kalaklan River Clogged creek at in-between lots

Drainage Channel in-between OlongapoCity and Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Kalaklan Riverside

Clogged drainageIllegal dumping of garbage at the River

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PHOTOS OF BEAUTIFICATION ACTIVITIES BY LOCAL PEOPLE

Beautification of main thoroughfare River clean-up activity of the youth organizations of the city

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PHOTOS OF ENVIRONMENT DETERIORATED BY TREE TRIMMING OR

HAPHAZARD DEVELOPMENT

Denuded mountain Illegal cutting of trees

Mountainside that is already prone to erosion

Burning of waste or “kaingin” at the mountain

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PHOTOS OF GREENING ACTIVITIES

Tree planting activity by NGO’s in one of the denuded forests Tree planting along the city’s main

thoroughfare

Tree planting activity of the City Government Employees in the watershed

area