Move Up Bioregion

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Stakeholders laud Iloilo watershed report T he different sectors and panel of reactors representing the academe, business, national government agencies, local government units and non-government organizations, lauded the first technical and comprehensive report on the State of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed. The report was presented in a public forum organized by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board (TAWMB) which provided the technical assistance in the preparation of the report and the TAWMB, on March 6 to 7, 2012. The report was presented by Elmer Mercado, an environmental planner and land use specialist commissioned by the CUI, to put together the report. Miss Lea Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club and a member of the panel of reactors, said she admired the manner of putting together the report and suggested that a template be prepared for the stakeholders for them to update with the TAWMB. Lara said the business sector in Iloilo is facing the challenge as to how it is impacting the environment and is starting to support tree planting activities and other related projects for the watershed. In addition, she said that TAWMB and CUI can and should propose partnership programs with the business sector supporting initiatives in watershed management so that the business community will have concrete venues to exercise their corporate social responsibility. THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN URBAN INSTITUTE AND TIGUM AGANAN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT BOARD October 2011-March 2012 vol. 1 no. 2 Elmer Mercado, environmental planner, presents the watershed report to the different sector-representaves during the forum. more on page 2...

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2nd edition of the Move Up Bioregion newsletter (October 2011-March 2012)

Transcript of Move Up Bioregion

Page 1: Move Up Bioregion

Stakeholders laud Iloilowatershed report

T he different sectors and panel of reactors representing the academe, business, national government agencies, local government units

and non-government organizations, lauded the first technical and comprehensive report on the State of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed.

The report was presented in a public forum organized by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) and Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board (TAWMB) which provided the technical assistance in the preparation of the report and the TAWMB, on March 6 to 7, 2012.

The report was presented by Elmer Mercado, an environmental planner and land use specialist commissioned by the CUI, to put together the report.

Miss Lea Victoria Lara, executive director of the Iloilo Business Club and a member of the panel of reactors, said she admired the manner of putting together the report and suggested that a template be prepared for the stakeholders for them to update with the TAWMB.

Lara said the business sector in Iloilo is facing the challenge as to how it is impacting the environment and is starting to support tree planting activities and other related projects for the watershed. In addition,

she said that TAWMB and CUI can and should propose partnership programs with the business sector supporting initiatives in watershed management so that the business community will have concrete venues to exercise their corporate social responsibility.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN URBAN INSTITUTE AND TIGUM AGANAN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT BOARDOctober 2011-March 2012 vol. 1 no. 2

Elmer Mercado, environmental planner, presents the watershed report to the different sector-representatives during the forum.

more on page 2...

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2 | BIOREGIONStakeholders laud ....from page 1

In this issue3 |

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Upland towns in Iloilo identify

potential tourist sites

National Greening

Program to Support

Community-Based Initiatives

Developing the

Indicators for a Tigum

Aganan Watershed Plan

Village chiefs come

together for ecotourism

Amlig Suba Photos

Strengthening

Partnership in photos

Editorial

Forging an alliance

with PIA in photos

Watershed brings better life

Community Engagement

Updates in Photos

CUI, DENR Strengthen Awareness on

Environment

Watershed TWG puts

Together insights from Exchange Tour

University of the Philippines-Visayas professor Pepito Fernandez said that while there is the urgency of continuous updating of the data, other aspects must also be considered, like power sharing of the stakeholders, knowledge partnership and building each other’s trust.

He added that there must also be a flexible and multi-level governance system to encourage participation of communities and the people in the watershed.

Meanwhile, biologist Dr. Jurgenne Primavera said the planting of exotic species like mahogany, gmelina, acacia mangium and jathropa, introduced in many reforestation programs, is

destroying the biodiversity.“The planting of native species

should instead be promoted and encouraged, for the health of the watershed,” she said.

Primavera also encouraged the LGUs and the national government agencies to fund the conduct of studies, so that dependence on secondary data on reports is reduced.

“We can tap students to do the research to obtain relevant and reliable data to suit the requirements, of reports like that of the watershed,” she added.

Mercado, on the other hand, said the document on the Tigum-Aganan is basically a baseline data that government sectors and the LGUs can make use in the preparation of land use plans, disaster risk reduction and management plans, and to address

other issues, including drainage and sewage problems.

Most of the reactors and stakeholders said the LGUs should review its ordinances and local legislations especially on funding allocations to protect and manage the watershed area.

TAWMB chair and Alimodian Mayor Juanito Alipao said the member-LGUs have allocated funds for the purpose, in their Annual Investment Plan, and as a board, the TAWMB has served as a forum for addressing issues and concerns on the watershed.

CUI Project Manager Benjamin Luz said the preparation of the State of the Watershed Report is a work in progress, and that as project partner, the CUI will continue to give assistance, and support until its completion.

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The upland municipalities of Alimodian, Leon, Maasin and Cabatuan in Iloilo have identified 16 tourism sites that are potentials for visits, during a recent tourism mapping activity.

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Upland towns in Iloilo identify potential tourist sites

These upland municipalities are within the Tigum-Aganan watershed area, groomed for its ecotourism potentials.In Alimodian, these sites are the Agony Hill, the Seven

Cities, where Tinagong Danao, Umingan Plateau, Farm Terraces, and Lico Waterfalls area are located.

In Maasin, the sites are the Waterfalls within the Maasin Watershed Reserve forest classified as Protected Area, Puting Bato, Paet Salt Spring, Dam site in Daja, adjacent to the Mahogany Park, the Bamboo Processing Plant and the Gines Hill.

In Leon, there is Barangay Bucari which has a “Baguio City-like” climate and scenery with its pine trees lined atop a

The pine trees in Barangay Bucari in the municipality of Leon.

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plateau, conducive for picnics, camping, cycling, hiking and bird watching.

It is also in Bucari, Leon and Seven Cities, Alimodian where high value crops like broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, carrots and some herbs and spices are planted abundantly.

The municipality of Cabatuan meanwhile is distinguished by its religious and historical value, starting with the Cabatuan church, the Iglesia de San Nicolas de Tolentino, known for its Neo-classical architecture with walls overlain in red bricks; the Pamul-ogan and Balic Hills that depict “the Way to the Cross” during holy week; the Cabatuan Leaf Arc, a structure shaped into a banana leaf which also symbolizes the Cabatuanon’s

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Upland towns...from page 3

We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. | Thomas Fuller,Gnomologia, 1732

The focus group discussion attended by the representatives from the different sectors.

LGU Officials identify and map-out the location of ecotourism spot in their respective areas.

pride, the Chicken Tinuom Dish, in banana leaves.

CUI Project Manager Benjamin Luz said they are helping these communities develop capabilities in tour guiding, nature trekking and other related skills as preparation should these sites open their doors to adventurers and tourists. Luz said this is also in line with the on-going study that seeks to harness the ecotourism potentials of these towns for economic development and sustainable environmental management anchored on the objectives of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion.

In the recent focus group discussion (FGD) initiated by CUI in partnership with the LGUs of Alimodian, Cabatuan, Leon and Maasin, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department

of Tourism (DOT), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the participants were able to reveal their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The FGD was participated in by representatives from the transport group operators, the local government units, hotel and restaurant owners, travel tour operators, and community-based organizations.

Luz said the focus group dicussion is part of the initiatives to create the right structures at the local level, like support facilities, services and accessibility for the development and

growth of local tourism sites.He added that through the

combined efforts of government agencies, the private sector and other partners, standards can be created for uniform accreditation, fares, and for the creation of a municipal tourism office, with permanent officers and ultimately, for LGUs to legislate ordinances that would protect and conserve identified ecotourism destinations.

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Assistant Secretary Marlo Mendoza explained during his meeting with the representatives of the

community-based organizations (CBOs) that they have to repackage their proposals to comply with criteria of NGP’s funding partners for corresponding funding allocation.

ASec Mendoza is in-charge of the NGP, and supports numerous greening projects in the countryside, aiming at planting 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5 million hectares in six years.

He further said that these undertakings will be coordinated with the provincial and environment and natural resources offices in Iloilo.

Benjamin Luz, project manager of

National Greening Programto support community-based initiatives

the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) said the project concepts were products of a writing workshop with the community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Area, aimed at producing project proposals that can attract donors.

He said representatives from 10 community-based organizations from the towns of Maasin, Alimodian, Leon, Cabatuan and Pavia, with some staff from local government units participated in the workshop.

The workshop was facilitated by lawyer Donna Gasgonia, former consultant of the United Nations Development Programme, who has expertise on project fund sourcing

DENR Asst. Secretary Marlo Mendoza came to Iloilo on March 9, 2012 to discuss support details for the project proposals.

Luz bared that the Project Concept Notes (PCN) submitted to NGP include the DAEP Bamboo Processing, Seedling Production & Maasin Watershed River Trekking Improvement of the Daja Association for Environmental Protection (DAEP) in Brgy. Daja, Maasin; Rehabilitation of Riparian Zones for the Improvement of Eco Tourism Potentials of Maasin Watershed of the Dagami People’s Association for Watershed Protection (DAWP) in Brgy. Dagami, Maasin; Puting Bato Intercropping of Abaca Plantation

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Five community-based project concepts are up for approval and cost-sharing with the National Greening Program (NGP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and other funding partners.

ASec Marlo Mendoza shows/shares to the community-based organizations the details of the National Greening Program.

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Mobilizing experts for a well-informed

Micro-watershed Management Integrating

Disaster Risk Reduction and Management

and Climate Change

Adaptation and Mitigation

Participants from the academe, national government agencies and other stakeholders are enjoying some lighter moments during one of the brainstorming sessions.

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The recently held forum on the State of the Watershed conducted by the Canadian

Urban Institute (CUI) and Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board (TAWMB) gives hope that watersheds can bring a better life to Ilonggos.

Specifically, the Tigum-Aganan watershed may have been neglected yet with the attention and priorities given, it is not too late to rehabilitate its resources to bring change for better life in the island of Panay.

The gathering of information officers in the forum last March 6, 2012 at the Smallville 21 Hotel, Iloilo City served as a venue to encourage involvement and participation in restoring watershed even in simple way of living.

Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, Project Manager of the Zoological Society of London Community-

Watershed brings better lifeby Christine S. PALMA, RIO-DILG

T

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based Mangrove Rehabilitation Project provided useful insights on the importance and proper uses of plants in the environment.

Collaboration of organizations like the local government units of the province of Iloilo and Guimaras under the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC) is an initiative that proves action

is being done to resolve the pressing social, economic and environmental issues.

There is a memorandum of understanding between the MIGEDC, TAWMB and the Canadian Urban Institute to be partners in the effort to implement programs and projects across the bioregion addressing environmental issues, disaster risk management and other economic challenges.

The project, known as the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Sustainable Bioregion Initiative which supports the strengthening of the MIGEDC as an inter-LGU partnership for MIGEDC

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CUI, DENR strengthen awareness on

Environment Management and Protection

Aimed at strengthening the awareness of the populace, the various sectors of Seven Cities, Alimodian, Iloilo attended the Public Forum on Environmental Policies, Ecotourism Development and the National Greening Program for Sustainable Development and Protection of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed.

potentials together with other areas situated in the upland municipalities of Leon, Maasin and Cabatuan.

Canadian Urban Institute (CUI) initiated the activity in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the local government unit of Alimodian, and the teaching staff of the Adriano Cabardo National High School.

In response to Alimodian Mayor

Juanito Alipao’s words of gratitude, Mr. Andrew Farncombe, CUI Vice President for International Partnerships, said that the activity will hopefully raise the awareness of the residents in the area in protecting and rehabilitating the environment from climate change or global warming and in pursuing local economic development. Furthermore, he stated that, “Alimodian is very beautiful and has great potential in

Various sectors of the Seven Cities, a group of seven barangays in Alimodian Iloilo identified as

potential ecotourism sites attended the Public Forum on Environmental Policies, Ecotourism Development and the National Greening Program for Sustainable Development and Protection of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed. These group of barangays will be developed for its ecotourism

Participants of the forum representing the different sectors in the locality were told of the many practices which are destructive to mother nature.

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9BIOREGION | ecotourism.” Mr. Farncombe explained some issues and concerns that eventually can become a problem in the development of these eco-tourism areas, among which are: households may be displaced in these areas; population increase may put too much pressure on land and resources; and, the water resource of the area will be diverted to service tourist resorts and may reduce household water supply.

Moreover, he expounded on the dangers that an overcrowding in tourist venues can do in an endangered wildlife and protected area: rare species such as unusual plants can be picked or trampled upon; habitats may be destroyed to make way for tourist facilities; excessive viewing of wildlife can disturb animals’ daily routine and may stress them; means of transportation such as vehicles can pollute the area; and the use of endangered species materials as souvenir items can put further pressure on the environment. However, Mr. Farncombe noted that through careful planning, these threats can be mitigated.

Other resource speakers include Forester Apolinario Corbal, Protected Area Superintendent (PASU); Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) Francisco Gallego, Jr.; and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Engr. Reno Alquisada.

Forester Corbal discussed about the ecotourism potentials of Seven Cities, Alimodian. Mr. Gallego presented the provisions of the National Greening Program that declares a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests, and creating the anti-illegal logging task force. He also discussed the strategies on how to improve the tourism and local economic development of the area.

Water is a good servant, but it is a cruel master.

- John Bullein, 1562

Engr. Alquisada reminded the residents not to cut trees to be used in building their houses as this is prohibited by law. He also urged everyone to follow the policies and the proper procedure in cutting down trees and to take care of the environment as well.

Alimodian Municipal Administrator Dr. Marylou Alipao foresees Alimodian as an ecotourism capital of Iloilo. She bared that together with the other upland municipalities, the residents of Alimodian were trained on organic agriculture in support to this development.

Moreover, she said that improvement of the farm-to-market roads is one of their priorities as they consider it essential to agriculture and economic development. Dr. Alipao urged community leaders to work closely with DENR to ante-up their efforts.

IUPP VP Andrew Farncombe, (right, in white shirt) meets some local officials in Seven Cities, Alimodian.

Mayor Juanito Alipao expresses his gratitude to CUI for extending the necessary assistance that will ultimately benefit his constituents.

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day, dialogues, workshops and public forums were conducted to arrive at a preliminary draft of the State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Report. However, it is note worthy that the Tigum Aganan Watershed Management Board has been conducting three-year planning exercises since it was established in 2002.

The process of doing the diagnosis of the State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Report hits several objectives: 1) further expand the participatory mechanisms for inclusive participation of the various sectors and stakeholders; 2) introduce a better methodology or approach in watershed management; and 3) guide stakeholders in their future courses of action that aims to affect changes in environmental conditions.

Three major reports were taken as references: a National Irrigation Administration Study of the Tigum and Aganan River; a Department of Public Works and Highways study of the Tigum-Aganan rivers merging into Jaro River; and, a book/report entitled “Watershed

Developing the Indicators for a Tigum Aganan Watershed PlanEnjoining multi-stakeholder participation for a common action agenda

by Benjamin M. LUZ

Reviewand

Evaluate

Monitorand

ReportPlan

Implement

Figure 1 Watershed Management Process

Delivering a report card on the health of watersheds, coastal areas or ecosystems in general is

a means to inform stakeholders on the progress of improving environmental conditions. This was the central theme of several speakers during the International River Summit held in Iloilo City last May 30 to June 1, 2012. Notable are the best practices shared by Canadian, American and Australian environmental specialists. In doing the State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Report, this is what we hope to achieve eventually; develop a set of indicators for a Tigum Aganan Watershed Plan. These Indicators shall be rated in simple

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terms to determine if there is progress in improving the health of the watershed; whether stakeholders are on the right track in affecting changes in environmental conditions; and, most of all to keep track of efforts of stakeholders and community groups.

Difficult as it may seem, there’s no way to go but forward; in spite of the challenges encountered in gathering data, inconsistent data among line agencies of government and data gaps; not to mention the difficulties in arriving at common consensus among local government units and national line

agencies of government. Figure 1 illustrates the

watershed management process we followed. The process started with getting the support of stakeholders to pursue a diagnosis of the State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Report in the last quarter of 2010. This is a joint endeavor between the Canadian Urban Institute and its project partners, particularly the Tigum Aganan Watershed Management Board (TAWMB) and the Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council (MIGEDC).

From the late 2010 to this

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Developing the Indicators for a Tigum Aganan Watershed Plan

Walk” describing the characteristics of the Tigum Aganan Watershed.

Data from the characterization efforts of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) were also included in the report; as well as data coming from the vulnerability studies of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of DENR and other national line agencies of government. Socio-economic surveys, public perception surveys and community engagement assessments were also incorporated in the report. And, the most important component included in the report is the data from the comprehensive land use plans of the local government units comprising the Tigum Aganan Watershed.

The data gathered, in spite of its inconsistencies and gaps provide a more or less holistic picture of the watershed that can be used as an initial take off point to work on. They tell us that, not only do we need to plan to change conditions in the watershed; we also need to continuously update data. The State of the Watershed Report is a living document that needs to be updated as we go through the process of planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting, and reviewing and evaluating.

One of the most important lessons we learned in the process

of the diagnosis of the State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Report is the realization that we can enhance collaboration and convergence for a more effective watershed management. This is shown in Figure 2.

The Inter-LGU alliance of both TAWMB and MIGEDC is further strengthened by its partnership. This

is in realization of the fact that each individual LGU can no longer focus on their individual concerns within their political boundaries.

They realize that they share common vulnerabilities and problems in relation to their immediate environment – the watershed. National Government Agencies like DENR, DA, DILG, etc, now have a strong advocacy for convergence

of efforts. We need only to emphasize that convergence of efforts also needs to be focused in providing technical support to the LGUs and the inter-LGU alliances of TAWMB and MIGEDC. We can no longer work in the framework of regulation and compliance of LGUs to national government standards and procedures. Line agencies of

government must be able to provide the needed technical support to the LGUs to strengthen local governance and improve watershed management.

The third part of the picture is encouraging more public support and more public engagement: specifically among the business sector, the academe and civil society. A consortium of public and private universities in Iloilo is now being formed to encourage the inclusive participation of the academe in watershed management.

An initial take off point for discussion is maximizing extension services of public and private colleges and universities wherein the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) mandates that all faculty members must render a

certain number of hours of extension services.

What better way to reach out to the more than 473 Barangays comprising

Tigum Aganan Watershed than to enjoin members of the academe to help train Barangay Champions for watershed management. Eventually the academic consortium can contribute positively to

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Figure 2: Framework of convergence and collaboration for more effective watershed

management

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Systems

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Public Support & Engagement

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Research& Extension

Convergence

Technical Support

National Line Agencies:

DENR, DA, DILG, DTI, DO

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DSWD, DPW

H, NIA, etc

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In consolidated insights presented by the group during a post-activity meeting, Vice Mayor Bermudo said that they need to sit down again and revisit the developments they have implemented in their areas.

Meanwhile, in recent scoping activities conducted by Canadian Watershed expert Gary Wilkins, Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones, Sr., said that his town, being the headwater source for metro Iloilo, has engaged in various undertakings to preserve the watershed area.

Mayor Malones has mobilized his constituents to plant more bamboo trees as a source of their livelihood, and establish a bamboo village to promote its culture and showcase the locally made bamboo mat or the more locally known “bamboo sawali.”

He said he is intending to continue

For Vice Mayor Jose Bermudo of Maasin, Iloilo, his place may not be as abundant in resources as those they visited in Mindanao, but he said the localities in the Tigum-Aganan are also potential eco-tourism destinations.

We have to discuss more innovations that will address the need of providing livelihood for the people while preserving the watershed area,.

Bermudo added.

Watershed TWG puts togetherinsights from exchange tour

the annual holding of the “Baklay Bukid,” a mountain trekking event; explore and develop Mt. Puting Bato as the viewing deck overlooking Iloilo City; protect and preserve the wildlife in the western part

Vice Mayor Bermudo of Maasin, together with the other members of the Technical Working Group

(TWG) of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board (TAWMB), visited Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in Malaybalay and the Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon, and the Mapawa Nature Park in Malasag, Cugman in Cagayan de Oro City.

The TWG members were there, on a trip, which was sponsored by the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), a partner agency of the TAWMB.

CUI Project Manager Benjamin Luz said CUI is supporting its partner local government units and national government agencies in dealing with environmental and disaster management issues in relation to economic development.

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of the watershed; and revisit projects such as the 4,000-hectare bamboo, rattan and abaca plantations previously funded by foreign donors to make sure they still exist.

On the other hand, comparing the developments with Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, Mapawa Nature Park to Dahilayan Adventure Park, Vice Mayor Bermudo said those of the first two are more feasible in Maasin because of the natural features, with less costly

Watershed TWG puts togetherinsights from exchange tour

13BIOREGION |

improvements.The TWG noted the wisdom

behind MAPAWA’s new approach to ensuring community support through the innovative “Social Cultivation” program. Through this program, farmers

contracts with the farmers working inside the watershed.

“We can put into full enforcement the Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) and strengthen the member-organizations to

in the community are given the privilege to till tracks of land inside MAPAWA, free of charge and without the management profiting from it, provided the

cultivators strictly abide by park rules and regulations. MAPAWA has seen almost zero forest fire since then. MAPAWA is a nature park developed by the E. Pelaez Ranch, Inc. through an Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) with DENR.

TWG member Rubenie Castellanes, also the chairperson of the Katilingban sang mga Pumuluyo sa Watershed (KAPAWA) said that they also have the practice of Social Cultivation but they did not have

enhance their institutional and technical skills,” Castellanes said.

KAPAWA is a federation of the upland community organizations that facilitates access to capacity building programs and assists in establishing livelihood projects for its members.

In putting their insights together from the trip, the TWG said that they have also come to identify areas which are suitable to ecotourism site developments, the towns of Leon, Maasin and Alimodian where natural resources, topographic features and nature travel destinations abound and its main attractions are the wildlife, flora and fauna as well as its cultural heritage.

Meanwhile, Sherwin Berring, TWG Chairperson, said the insights can guide them in making a feasible and workable plan for the TAWMB.

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with the Philippine Information Agency to initiate Public Relations and Social Marketing activities for MIG Bioregion

Forging an AllianceMr. Benjamin Luz, CUI project manager talks to the information officers of different

LGUs in Region 6 during the Information Officers Year-end Conference and Awards 2011.

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Village chiefs come

together for

ecotourism programimprovement of these sites will not only attract tourists to visit the place but more importantly, it will generate local employment.

Meanwhile, he said that horses can be used to transport tourists around the site, while a dormitory type structure can serve as lodging.

Likewise, he added, it will provide new sources of income for the residents in the barangays, who are presently engaged in Kaingin and illegal cutting of trees, that have contributed to the deteriorating conditions of the watershed.

“We cannot control this kind of activity, no matter how we try to educate the people, because this is the source of their daily sustenance,” Andres said.

Andres, on the other hand, said about 30 percent of the farmers in the Seven Cities have adopted organic farming as an alternative system, as they have proven this to be less expensive, environment friendly and safe for consumption.

These locally-grown organic produce can also become food for

Villages in Alimodian, Iloilo, clustered together as “Seven Cities” have agreed to work

together to implement an “Eco-Tourism Program” which will give jobs and quality water, and at the same time protecting their watershed.

In a consultation with Canadian Watershed specialist Gary Wilkins, they have identified potentials for eco-tourism development.

Head teacher and OIC of Adriano Cabardo National High School Teofilo Andres said some of the potential sites in the Tigum area are several waterfalls, the Mt. Bato Duco, and its wildlife. In the Aganan River, there is Lake Tinagong Danao, the headwater source of Malbug Creek, which is a tributary of the Aganan River and the cable tramline that were previously used to transport vegetable produce downhill where they can be loaded in cargo jeepneys are some of the attractions.

Andres said he believes that the

Watershed specialist Gary Wilkins (left) pays a courtesy call to Mayor Juanito Alipao of Alimodian

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Tourism Chain Consultant Ms. Rhea Gumasing (left, standing) discusses with the participants the analysis of the tourism chain in the TAW area down to the Metro Iloilo.

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StrengtheningPartnershipforbioregionalplanning

Guimaras Governor Felipe Hilan A. Nava (in yellow green polo) shares some developments in his province during the visit of Fred Eisenberger, President of the Canadian Urban Institute (center in printed polo), Mr. Andrew Farncombe IUPP Vice President (partly hidden in black shirt) and other accompanying officials.

The group likewise pays a courtesy call to Iloilo Province Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. (in stripe blue polo shirt) and discusses ongoing undertakings of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Sustainable Bioregion Initiative.

The CUI officials meet Mayor Juanito Alipao of Alimodian ( seated, second from left) and Mayor Mariano Malones, Sr. of Maasin (standing, first from left in black polo shirt)

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17BIOREGION | National … from page 5

Watershed ...from page 7

Village chiefs … from page 15

“Global warming is not a conqueror to kneel before - but a challenge to rise to.

A challenge we must rise to.”

-Joe Lieberman

of the Katilingban sang mga Pumuluyo sa Puting Bato (KPPB) in Brgy. Trangka, Maasin; Integrated Sports and Agri-Tourism Program of LGU-Cabatuan; Abaca Production for Sustainable Maasin Watershed of the Upland Watershed Association in Brgy. Umingan, Alimodian; and Indigenous Trees Seedlings and Bamboo Production Project of the Women of Watershed in Brgy. Cagay, Leon.

However, these PCNs were revised upon consultation with Asec Mendoza and were later conceptualized into five uniform concept notes on Riparian Zone Rehabilitation Projects for the five CBOs mentioned above.

Proposals on Organic Vegetable Production of the Seven Cities Vegetable Farmers’ Association in Alimodian; and the Leon Organic Vegetables, Spices and Herbs Project of the Leon Organic Vegetable Growers in Brgy. Tacuyong Sur, Leon, are subject for submission to the Department of Agriculture; while the Pavia Solid Waste Management and Women’s Livelihood Project of the Pavia Entrepreneurs

is composed of Iloilo City, Guimaras Province, municipalities of Leganes, Pavia, Sta. Barbara, San Miguel and Oton.

MIGEDC is now functioning as an effective arrangement for cross-jurisdiction planning, decision-making, resource sharing, service delivery, local economic development (LED), poverty reduction and infrastructure development.

However, local government and community leaders have come to realize that they cannot achieve their LED and poverty reduction goals without addressing key regional environmental management and disaster risk reduction

challenges.The Philippine Urban Development

Project (PUDPP) is an on-going project of the Canadian Urban Institute to provide technical assistance to MIGEDC and TAWMB.

The project helps strengthen collaborative horizontal linkages between upland, lowland and coastal LGUS.

Through better bio-regional planning for environmental sustainability, access to clean water will increase.

This will also positively impact economic conditions and food security in Metro Iloilo-Guimaras.

Through efforts to mitigate disaster, investors will be more confident investing their resources in the region.

This may develop into additional employment opportunities and further boost local economic development.

To achieve this, the project supports the MIG bio-region stakeholders in developing a coordinated vision and action towards regional sustainability.

With these initiatives, the MIG region will be consistent in the country’s national development agenda such as the 10-Point Development Agenda, Super-Region Development Strategy, Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and the implementation of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, the Climate change Act of 2009 and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

tourists, Andres said.The problem, however, according

to Andres is that only a few have adopted organic farming because of the increasing problem on inadequate resources for raw materials.

On this note, CUI Project Officer Susan Calaor said that the CUI assistance and partnership with them consist of finding ways to help them, in terms of preparing watershed management plan, sourcing out funds, and conducting market research.

Further, Wilkins also told the group to stay to connect with each other, expose themselves to other eco-tourism areas which can help them map out a development suitable for their situation.

The efforts are part of the CUI’s engagement in the region to assist partners in coming up with Bioregional Disaster and Watershed Management Plans, after preparing the State of the Watershed and the Coastal Zone Reports.

Multipurpose Cooperative is subject for submission to the National Solid Waste Commission (NSWC) for potential funding support respectively.

Mayor Mariano Malones, Sr. of Maasin, where three project concepts belong, said that if implemented, it will support the on-going undertakings in the protection and rehabilitation of the headwater source for Metro Iloilo Water District.

Also in attendance was DENR Dir. Livino B. Duran, Regional Technical Director for Forestry, together with Mr. Raul Lorilla, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Forester Francisco Gallego, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer, and Forester Apolinario Corbal, Protected Area Superintendent.

Luz said the projects are part of CUI’s assistance to partners from local government units and national government agencies involved in environmental and disaster management, and local economic development.

Page 18: Move Up Bioregion

18 | BIOREGION

Watershed Water Quality Management Area Governing Board (TAWWQMAGB) – a board created under the Water Quality Act.

Under DENR’s Administrative Order, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is tasked to take the lead in the implementation of the Water Quality Management Act; hence, EMB is the lead organizer of the Technical Working Group of this board.

TAWWQMAGB is created by a national law while TAWMB is created by a provincial order.

Eventually these two bodies will harmonize itself to become a single entity – a governance mechanism enjoining inclusive participation of LGUs, National Line Agencies of Government, the business sector, the academe, civil society and NGOs.

Both bodies are now cooperating and holding joint sessions to harmonize plans and programs.

Last June, a joint session of the Technical Working Groups of both TAWMB and TAWWQMAGB held a workshop to formulate the indicators for a comprehensive watershed plan for Tigum Aganan.

The work continues. CUI and TAWMB intends to publish the State of the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Report and the Indicators for the Tigum-Aganan Watershed Plan later this year.

both academic and research programs, especially in scientificaddress the data gaps in the State of the Watershed Report. This will definitely lead to a better understanding of the fragile state of the Tigum Aganan Watershed.

So where are we now in the State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Reporting? The timelines below shows this. Urban and Environmental Planning is not a straightforward event. It is a continuous process of engaging stakeholders and enriching the understanding of urban and environmental concerns.

In Figure 3 above, notice the entry of the Tigum Aganan

Developing the Indicators….from page 11

TAWMB planning workshop for the diagnosis of the State of the Watershed Report

TAWMB workshop for the 1st draft of the State of the Watershed Report

Public Forums with key stakeholders on the State of the Watershed Report

TAWMB workshop to finalize the State of the Watershed Report

Conduct of Secondary and Primary Researches

Approval by the Local Chief Executivesof TAWMB and MIGEDC

State of the Tigum Aganan Watershed Report

TIMELINE:> 1 YEAR

GOOD TO GO:

“Baklay Bukid”APRIL 19 - 22, 2012

Theme:“Earth Day Everyday,

Everywhere”

An adventure mountain trek

and nature walk to the head

waters of Tigum River of

Maasin Watershed.

Amlig Suba

Page 19: Move Up Bioregion

19BIOREGION |

Amlig Suba

Sponsoring Agencies:

M

ET

RO

ILO

ILO

WATE

RD

IST

RIC

T GMA

Page 20: Move Up Bioregion

20 | BIOREGION

As its name suggests, community-based tourism aspires to benefit local communities, many of which are rural, poor and marginalized. It is a two-way avenue as it provides local employment and income as well as development and conservation initiatives while at the same time giving the tourists a unique break for cultural exchange and interaction with indigenous tribes or remote communities.

The upland municipalities in the Tigum Aganan Watershed area namely Maasin, Leon, Alimodian and Cabatuan are identified as potential sites for the community-based ecotourism project in the MIG bioregion. Social preparatory activities have been on going in the locality involving the community-based organizations.

These include the scoping sessions on the prospects of the area on October last year; followed by the focus group discussions with public transport operators, travel and tour guides, resort and hotel owners and other sectors within the tourism chain to analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the impending ecotourism project in the area; the visit of consultants from local and international organizations

Community-based ecotourism developmentto see potentials of areas; the conduct of tourism area mapping in consultation with the representatives of the local government units and town leaders to validate the existence of the ecotourism sites, and so on and so forth.

Everything else were done at the maximum level of effort not only to achieve the goals of the Metro Iloilo– Guimaras Sustainable Bioregion Initiative of advancing local economic growth and development in the bioregion but more importantly for the concerned community to respond to the call of ecotourism development challenges at hand.

That it, as a community-based effort, should be a tourism development managed and owned by the community; that they would know how to invite travelers to visit their place to learn their way of life. That each and everyone would be more than willing to acquire more skills such as handicrafts and souvenir-making, cooking, tour guiding or providing other services for tourists to generate more income for their families. And that, while tourists are taking the pleasure of an Eco tour, and while everyone in the community is earning from it, everybody must not forget their obligation involving natural resources protection and management and the preservation of indigenous knowledge, practices and cultures.

migedc

editorialeditorial

Tigum-Aganan WatershedManagement Board

MAYOR JUANITO T. ALIPAO, Alimodian, Iloilo

Chairman

MAYOR DENNIS SUPERFICIAL, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo

Vice Chairman

ENGR. LE JAYME JALBUENA, MIWD

Secretary

KAHUBLAGAN SA PANIMALAY FOUNDATION, INC.

Treasurer

AURORA LIM, CPU

Auditor

SHERWIN BERING, TWG Chairman

Municipality of Alimodian

Tel. No. 331-0450 | Fax No. 331-0288

ELSA SUBONG, Editorial Consultant

Philippine Information Agency 6

20 | BIOREGION

Canadian Urban Institute Philippines3F ATM Business CenterCorner Jalandoni-Ledesma StreetsIloilo City 5000 PhilippinesTel: +63 33 3363541Fax: +63 33 3367827

Canadian Urban Institute555 Richmond St., W. Suite 402PO Box 612 Toronto, ONM5V 3B1 CanadaMain Office Line:Tel: 41 6 3650816Fax: 41 6 3650650Web: www.canurb.org

BENJAMIN LUZPROJECT MANAGER

GRACE GOROSINFINANCE OFFICER

JERILEE PACHOCO-CAMEÑASUSAN A. CALAORPROJECT OFFICERS

Canadian Urban Institute PhilippinesCanadianURBANInstitute