THEME 3

EMPOWERING LOCAL DECISION-MAKERS

Project Title: ICB for the Protected Area Management Board and PAMB Secretariat of Argao River Watershed Forest Reserve

Project Leaders: Leonardo Moneva

Loreto Revac

Objectives:

1. To increase PAMB members understanding of the National Integrated Protected Areas (NIPAS) law and their duties and responsibilities as stipulated in the NIPAS Act of 1992

2. To increase knowledge and skills on effective communication and leadership in the management of the resources within the protected area

Highlights of the Project Activities:

This report covers the activities undertaken by Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc.(MFI) in connection with the “Institutional Capability Building for the Protected Area Management Board and PAMB Secretariat of Argao River Watershed Forest Reserve” in Argao, Cebu from October 1, 2004 to January 31, 2004.

  The report provides an analysis of the progress achieved towards specific training objective and the outputs.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Activity Description

Mag-uugmad Foundation, Inc. (MFI) has conducted Training Needs Assessment for Argao River Watershed Forest Reserve Management Board and PAMB Secretariat.

A series of meetings between MFI and PAMB – Argao representatives and secretariat were organize to prioritize areas where practical interventions can take place to enhance PAMB members capabilities in exercising their duties and responsibilities as stipulated in the NIPAS Act of 1992. Based on these meetings two topics were identified, to include the following: 1) Review of the NIPAS Act and 2) Enhancement of Communication and Leadership Skills.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

The project proposal was submitted by MFI for funding to CFTU – ALO project which the latter approved based on the needs of Argao PAMB members and secretariat. It was intended to help improve the capability of PAMB members in Argao River Watershed Forest Reserve in exercising their mandated powers and responsibilities based on the NIPAS Act of 1992, and to assist the Department of Environment and Natural Resources DENR CENRO – Argao in its effort to enhance PAMB Operations.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Objective 1:

Progress towards this objective was achieved through lectures, sharing of experiences and exposure trip to Rajah Sikatuna National Park in Bohol ( Municipalities of Bilar, Loboc and Carmen).

A 2 day PAMB Capability Building Workshop for Argao PAMB members and Secretariat was held at Argao-CENRO Conference Hall, Lamacan, Argao last Jan. 14 – 15, 2004

Organized in close collaboration with CENRO – Argao, the workshop was participated by 29 Argao PAMB members and secretariat. It was facilitated by CENRO Argao and DENR Regional Office - Protected Area and Wildlife Division (PAWD) staff.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Objective 1:

The review of NIPAS Law and the discussion of duties and responsibilities of PAMB members were facilitated by the PAWD division chief and his assistant.

Sharing of experiences of each PAMB member, question and answer between PAMB members and DENR followed after the lecture.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Among the boiling issues raised were the following:

1. The extent of a PAMB members, roles and functions aside from policy formulation, whether the PAMB can respond directly to illegal cutting of trees and extraction of sand and gravel within the Argao protected areas;

DENRs response to this issue is the recommendation for all Argao PAMB members to be deputized so that they can apprehend violators.

2. Under the NIPAS Law, involvement and support of the municipal and barangay LGUs are indispensable, what are the legal options for DENR for LGUs who are not supportive and who don’t want to get involved in the PAMB.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

DENR representatives replied that all friendly and diplomatic means should be applied and exhausted before any other means. DENR regional personnel recommended that the DENR CENRO – Argao should inform and give feedbacks to these LGUs all activities related to protected areas that will be undertaken.

The discussion ended with the agreement that DENR should facilitate the review of NIPAS Law periodically so that PAMB members will be more familiarize with all the provisions of the code and will be on a better position to impose it.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

In a related activity, an exposure trip to Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape in Bohol was conducted on October 22 – 23, 2003 as part of PAMB Capability Building. The 2 day trip was participated by 25 Argao PAMB members and secretariat. Two of the major highlights of the activity were the exposure of Argao PAMB members to the different areas in the protected landscape and a sharing and interaction with RSPL PAMB members to know the role of RSPL PAMB in the protection of the protected landscape. (Please see the attached detailed activities of the visit).

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Among the important points that Argao PAMB learned from

the RSPL are the following:

Legislation and imposition about garbage disposal, sewerage in the rivers and lakes.

Legislation and imposition about the fee system (RSPL entrance fee, pool users fee, etc.)

Legislation on wildlife protection

Coordination between PAMB and the LGUs on legislation within the protected area

Coordination among NGOs, LGUs and PAMB within RSPL

Involvement and level of support of LGUs to PAMB

Highlights of the Project Activities:

As verbalized by the participants, the exposure trip provided them the necessary skills and knowledge through observations and discussions. They shared that their learnings can directly be applied in the Argao Protected Area. Such realization stimulated the participants enthusiasm to apply it. A separate

schedule for planning where these learnings can be integrated was suggested by PAMB members

sometime during the first quarter of 2004.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Objective 2:

Progress towards this objective was achieved through a training in Effective Communication and Leadership Skills organized in back to back with the NIPAS LAW Re-Orientation.

The training has accomplished its objectives in imparting to the participants the skills and knowledge necessary in the management of Argao River Watershed Forest Reserve.

Specifically, the participants were involved in group discussions, workshops, structured learning exercises and role playing.

Highlights of the Project Activities:

Objective 2:

Among the topics discussed were: Leadership, Leadership and its types, Qualities of a Good Leader, Communication Skills, Facilitation Skills and Parliamentary Procedure ( Some tips).

  The training ended with an action planning workshop which integrated all the priority annual activities of the PAMB in 2004 into the General Management Plan (GMPs) of Argao River Watershed Forest Reserve.

Project Title: Development of Karst Information Kit for Environmental Management Decision Makers

Project Leader: William Granert

Objectives:

1. Collect literature and other information from various academic and non-academic sources for inclusion in information sheets.

2. Photo-document karst features, uses, farming systems, threats, and water generation for use in karst instructional materials.

3. Conduct a karst writeshop to draft fact sheets, maps, diagrams and articles that will be used to orient and teach people about karst and cave management.

4. Conduct three assemblies, one each in Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte to field-test the information materials.

5. Finalize and print at least ten items and a cover for a basic information kit that can be used for orientation of residents in karst watersheds in Cebu, Bohol and Leyte.

Highlights of the Project Activities

Conducted two Karst Writeshop

A. First Writeshop

Venue: SWCF Office CVSCAFT Campus

Date: July 10-11, 2003

Participants

1. William G. Granert, Executive Director, SWCF

2. Dr. Peter Urich, International Global Change Institute, Resource Person

3. Maxine Day, International Global Institute, Resource Person

4. Gil Madronero, SWCF Karst Management Specialist and President of the Philippine Speleological Society

5. Ryan Seloterio, SWCF IEC Specialist

6. Filimon “Jongjong” Embalzado, Jr. Secretariat ADWFR, Argao, Cebu (DENR)

7. Forester Edgar Ricafort, Protected Area Supervisor, Argao, Cebu

8. Demetrio Kho, Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services, DENR Regional 7 Office, Cebu City

9. Conrado Brigoli, SWCF DISOP Project Manager, Sierra Bullones

Participants

10. Peter Giger, new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer stationed with SWCF in Bilar

11. Maria Ligaya Anasco-Camilon, BANGON

12. Mario Limocon, Process Foundation, Inc. in Bohol

13. Enerita Mumar, Process Technician in Owac, Bilar

14. Reizl N. Pamaong, SWCF Biodiversity Specialist

Outputs

Made the following list of subjects and Subtopics for the Karst Information Kit

I. DEFINITIONS1. What is Karst?2. Karst in the Philippines3. Karst Formation and Karst Terminology4. Limestone, Karst Soils5. Cave Resources and Management6. Karst – Non-Karst Interface7. Mining and Quarrying on Karst8. Biodiversity in Karst9. Farming Systems in Karst10. Advantages and Disadvantages of Karst Environments11. Eco-tourism

Outputs

II. BEST PRACTICEDS ON KARST1. Household Practices2. Livestock3. Sewage4. Education5. Engineering in Karst6. Reforestation7. Potable water8. Pollution (Solid, liquid, gas)9. Erosion Control10. Fauna in Karst11. Climate Change12. Monitoring in Karst Systems13. Vegetable and Deforestation14. Social Practices Effect on Karst

Outputs

III. GOVERNANCE AND KARST1. Land Use Planning2. Karst Watershed Planning3. Water Rights4. Local Government Units and Karst Protection5. Boundary Issues6. Legislation (NIPAS)7. IEC for Karst

IV. IMPACTS OF HEALTH IN KARST AREAS1. Skin Diseases and Water Supply2. Gastrointestinal Diseases3. Infertility4. Respiratory Diseases5. Typhoid, Cholera and other water borne diseases6. Malnutrition7. Disease Prevention8. Mosquito Borne Diseases

Outputs

B. Second WriteshopVenue: SWCF Office Bilar, BoholDate: May 3-5, 2004

Participants1. William G. Granert, Executive Director, SWCF2. Dr. Peter Urich, International Global Change Institute, Resource

Person3. Maxine Day, International Global Institute, Resource Person4. Gil Madronero, SWCF Karst Management Specialist and President of

the Philippine Speleological Society5. Ryan Seloterio, SWCF IEC Specialist6. Filimon “Jongjong” Embalzado, Jr. Secretariat ADWFR, Argao, Cebu

(DENR)7. Forester Edgar Ricafort, Protected Area Supervisor, Argao, Cebu8. Demetrio Kho, Protected Area, Wildlife and Coastal Zone

Management Services, DENR Regional 7 Office, Cebu City9. Conrado Brigoli, SWCF DISOP Project Manager, Sierra Bullones

Participants

10. Peter Giger, new U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer stationed with SWCF in Bilar

11. Maria Ligaya Anasco-Camilon, BANGON

12. Mario Limocon, Process Foundation, Inc. in Bohol

13. Enerita Mumar, Process Technician in Owac, Bilar

14. Reizl N. Pamaong, SWCF Biodiversity Specialist

Outputs

Draft a fact sheets dealing with karst management that can be used by resource managers such as farmers, technicians, municipal planners, government line agency personnel, private companies and individuals interested in the project.

Outputs

LIST OF SELECTED FACT SHEETS:• Karst and Cave Definitions and Terms• Advantages and Disadvantages of Karst Environments• Potable Water and Karst• Farming Systems in Karst• Best Practices in Karst Areas: Household Practices• Monitoring Karst Systems and Watersheds• Bidiversity in Karst• Pollutants• Water Rights• Erosion Control in Karst Areas• Vegetation and Reforestation in Karst

Bill Granert, SWCF Executive Director giving introductory instructions

Dr. Peter Urich working will Gil Madronero, SWCF Karst Specialist to write fact sheet on karst terms

Front view of training center of SWCF in Bilar April 20, 2004 – Venue for Write Shop

Forester Ricafort, PASu Argao-Dalaguete River Watershed Protected Area (Left) and Mario Limocon of PROCESS Bohol working on fract sheet

Karst Hydrology Model in action showing pollution (red dye) in karst and non-karst situations

Group discussing biodiversity in karst landscape

Maxine Day from IGCI New Zealand consolidating her outputs for the workshop

Peter Giger, new SWCF U.S. Peace Corps working with Maxine Day of IGCI

Project Title: Towards the Institutionalization of Watershed Health Monitoring in Loboc Watershed

Project Leader: Evy Elago

Objectives:

The over-all goal of the program is to track the health of the watershed and of the people living within to generate information for planning and policy towards improved management of the entire Loboc watershed.

 This project specifically aims to:

1. Conduct IEC activities to increase awareness level, involvement, and participation of stakeholders and communities in watershed health monitoring and management of water catchments;

Objectives:

2. Establish a pilot site for water quality, biodiversity, socio-economic, and land and resource use patterns monitoring using a multi-stakeholder approach;

3. Build capacity of stakeholders to generate information; and

4. Initiate activities directed towards institutionalization of watershed health monitoring at the provincial level.

Highlights of the Project ActivitiesMonitoring Framework

Target Outcomes

Establish and sustain a multi-stakeholder monitoring system on water quality, biodiversity, socio-economic, and land and resource use patterns;

Build capacity of stakeholders to generate information;

Increase awareness, involvement, and participation of stakeholders and communities in watershed health monitoring and management of water catchments; and

Institutionalize watershed health monitoring at the provincial level through BEMO and contribute to the provincial database system.

Monitoring Components:

Water Quantity and Quality Monitoring

Biodiversity Monitoring

Land Use Tracking

Human Population and Practices Monitoring

Creation of TAC; Identify aims, methods and over-all framework; Tool development

Stakeholders’ Consultation; WHM Facilitators Id & Training; Framework Institutionalization

Systems Installation, Databanking, Data Analysis, Over-all Database Management

Improved project implementationImproved project designIEC

Contribute to the database on environment and watershed

Review of environment programsPolicy LegislationProgram on watershed

Increased watershed awarenessInformationCivic Action

Watershed Health Research Design Development

Database System Establishment(BANGON and BEMO)

Stakeholders Support Generation

Community Monitoring

Data Utilization

Organizing of Community Monitoring Groups; Actual

watershed health monitoring

Communicating Results to Stakeholders

InstructionResearchExtension

Loboc AFA Program

PublicPolicy makers

BEMO Learning Institutions

Framework Formulation

Implementation

Impact

Monitoring Framework

Site Identification

9 monitoring sites initially identified

Bilar Catchment as pilot site

Bilar river, major tributary of Loboc River

presence of several NGOs with existing watershed monitoring initiatives

proximity to CVSCAFT campus3 barangays initially identified as pilot sites

Key Activities Undertaken

Initiated discussions with potential partners

Bohol Electric Cooperative (BOHECO)

National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR)

DENR

CVSCAFT President

NGOs with existing NRM projects in the area

Made series of Framework Presentation

Municipal LGUs

Barangay LGUs (Omjon, Riverside and Dagohoy)

PAMBs (RSPL and LWRP)

Key Activities Undertaken

Conducted General Orientation & Stakeholders’ Forum

Level-off understanding on the concept of the watershed;

Gain clear understanding on the aims, purposes and components of WHM

Identify areas for collaboration

Initiate commitment building

Plan out activities for the actual implementation

Key Activities Undertaken

Raise awareness of community members

Generated support from the communities

Identified some interested individuals

Community Orientations (Riverside and Dagohoy

Key Activities Undertaken

Next Steps

Establishment of monitoring stations

Training of community monitoring groups

Identification of key indicator species

Site Investigation and Monitoring Station Establishment with Mr. Carl Mitchell, an AYAD Volunteer who has been working with Waterwatch Australia (June 14, 2004)