THE ECOGOV PROJECT Helping local communities enjoy the benefits of improved environmental governance

ddressing threats to the environment is a didn’t want to wait for public health and environmental daunting task that requires deliberate and problems to happen so we chose to seriously manage our systematic approaches. Effective management city’s solid waste,” narrated Mayor Lino Montilla. “We are AAAefforts involve making informed decisions now implementing our 10-year solid waste management AAbased on long-term perspectives, adopting best (SWM) plan and enforcing our ordinance that requires practices, carrying out innovations that can be replicated, payment of fees for SWM services.” and sustaining commitments over time. It calls for Bayawan City in Negros Oriental needed to protect decentralized policies that enable both institutions and its watersheds, the source of the city’s water, and to stop individuals to exercise their authorities, perform their the destructive flash floods that have plagued them for responsibilities, and be held accountable for their decades. Mayor German Sarana Jr. said, “We couldn’t decisions and actions. afford to be complacent about the situation, we cannot Managing the environment yields many benefits for survive without the water the watersheds provide. Our the present and coming generations, but only if the right Forest Land Use Plan, and co-management agreement with choices and decisions are made, as they make positive or the DENR allowed us, the barangays and local negative impacts in the future. The ideal route for local communities, to be directly involved in managing our governments to take is the consistent practice of the good watersheds and rehabilitating our forests.” governance principles of transparency, accountability, and LGUs in del Sur along have broad-based participation. realized that they can minimize illegal and destructive Since 1986, the government of the through fishing by joining hands in implementing baywide coastal the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has resource management programs. Eight LGUs of the Illana been preparing the ground by adopting decentralized and Bay Regional Alliance of Region 9 or IBRA-9 facilitated devolved environmental governance policies. These paved cross-sectoral/cultural participation, making community the way for the active participation of LGUs, communities, members their partners. Even rival clans and barangays civil society and socially-responsible private sector groups heeded the call to unite in the campaign to protect their who have joined hands to get the job done. Participatory seas. In the words of Dinas Mayor Wilfredo Asoy, “The approaches in decision-making opened up opportunities to culture of confrontation is being replaced with that of improve environmental management. This trend has been dialogue and negotiation.” gaining ground in the past years. In 2001, the USAID in partnership with DENR through Spreading the news the Philippine Environmental Governance (EcoGov) Project embarked on a major effort to enhance the governance of This initial compendium of EcoGov success stories forests and coastal resources, solid waste, and waste gives recognition to LGUs who have proven themselves water. The Project provided technical assistance focused equal to the tasks required of good environmental on supporting LGUs and communities in Northern , governance and are putting in place sustainable programs Central Visayas, and Western and Southern — in their localities. The common threads that run through all helping them make governance-oriented choices, the stories are a committed local government and an decisions, and actions that are based on analysis, engaged citizenry—local communities imbued with a deep technically-sound plans, and the needs of various sense of “ownership” as they become active partners in stakeholders. managing their natural resources. As of December 2006, the EcoGov Project has been We have collected their stories in this folio, the first of assisting about 100 local governments and their what we hope to be a series that should inspire other LGUs communities as they plan, implement, and upscale different to pursue their own programs with similar dedication. initiatives to reduce illegal logging and forest conversion, The local leaders and communities who play the reduce illegal and destructive fishing, and manage their leading roles in these stories have shown that nothing is solid waste and waste water. impossible. When local leaders pick environmentally- sound choices, take heed of analysis-based recom- mendations, carry out actions that are sustainable, and LGUs take up the challenge address community needs, ordinary people are able to The growing city of Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat dream of improving their lives, and develop their capacities worried about their worsening garbage problem. “We to make things happen.

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 1 SavingSaving aa sliceslice ofof paradise:paradise: TheTheTheThe DinalunganDinalunganDinalunganDinalungan SSSStorytorytorytory

inalungan in Province strikes the into it. They needed a comprehensive, well-planned casual visitor as a typical sleepy town— program to protect and manage their natural no different from countless other remote resources, particularly the seas—the main source of coastal towns dotting the Philippine people’s food and livelihood—and make sure it was archipelago. The streets are quiet all day. There is no strictly implemented. “It used to be so difficult to lodging house, no cinema, and the market is near catch fish,” she said. “Ngayon masagana na ang empty. Power is supplied by a generator that is isda, hindi nawawala.” (Now there’s more, and turned off late at night. It takes a long drive over supply is constant.) typhoon-ravaged roads to get to the provincial It took years of determined and collective effort capital, making it difficult to trade and do business. to get to where they are now. Mayor Marquez With very limited livelihood options, people needed a lot of help, and she found it in her staff and indiscriminately take from the sea and the forests, ’s concerned citizens who took up the hardly aware that these resources are finite. challenge and from environment-oriented The similarities end there. Unlike in most places, government agencies and private organizations who the people of Dinalungan woke up to the reality that showed them the way. they were fast losing their natural bounties, and acted before it was too late. Given the opportunity The road to recovery to do something about it, they embraced the gospel Among the first to answer the call was Antonio of environment management. “Master” Sinfuego, now an officer of the Fisheries The town’s feisty Mayor Marilyn Marquez knew and Aquatic Resource Council (FARMC), who this was the only route to take and put her energy recalls that their campaign against illegal fishing 2 Success Story started in 1995 with help from the spinulosa, considered as critical problems, and issues and Municipal Agriculturist’s Office habitats for dugongs. Bangus concerns that affect the coastal (MAO). He helped start the (milkfish) fry is plentiful and is a resources of the municipality. bantay dagat team with the regular source of income for After the plan was legitimized town’s Samahang Mandaragat coastal residents who sell what by the , a (Fieshermen’s Association) soon they gather to bangus growers Technical Working Group after that. The FARMC from Dagupan in Pangasinan. (TWG) was created to handle organized the fisherfolk and Massive mangrove trees, implementation, with support “opened their minds to new including one that is a century- from a CRM Section under the learnings.” old, are a source of local pride. Municipal Environment and Sinfuego relates that the Natural Resources Officer major breakthrough came when Getting to the brass tacks (MENRO) which was to oversee Mayor Marquez “discovered” While Dinalungan was not the coastal and fishery related USAID’s Philippine first LGU to have a CRM Plan in activities. Environmental Governance Aurora, it is ahead in The CRM Plan had a twin (EcoGov) Project while attending implementation. Formal EcoGov focus—fishery law enforcement a seminar in Baler. She assistance started in June 2003 and Marine Protected Area immediately asked the EcoGov and the next month, an orientation (MPA) management. The town’s people to help Dinalungan, and on participatory coastal first MPA was the Mabudo the projet responded by bringing development and action planning Marine Sanctuary which was in technical assistance, in was conducted. After - established a year earlier, collaboration with the level consultations with the covering 38 hectares plus a 12- Department of Environment and fisherfolk and other community hectare buffer zone. A second Natural Resources, which members, the CRM Plan was MPA was established in 2004— Sinfuego describes as “more formulated. It was designed to the Ditangol Marine Sanctuary valuable than financial help.” This address the environmental, socio- which covered 20 hectares in came in the form of consultations, economic and institutional Barangays Ditawini and Abuleg. formulation of a Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Plan, training seminars and workshops, and formulation of enabling ordinances. Also critical was learning how to conduct information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns to “educate” the people about the need to protect their marine resources. There are good reasons for the people of Dinalungan to be motivated. Their coastal waters are home to a rich variety of marine life, including dugongs (sea cows) and butandings (whale sharks), with an Barangay residents make up the Bantay Dagat team that guards the Ditangol occurrence of Halophila marine sanctuary round the clock. The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 3 sometimes goes patrolling with Paslit Pansin - them, and was herself involved in Children as community watchdogs apprehending illegal fishers on one occasion. The success of Dinalungan’s environmental advocacy is A big boost to enforcement is partly due to an innovative program devised by the LGU. a reporting system that the LGU Paslit Pansin enlists children aged 5-14 to help “clean up” devised which directly involves their barangays. They are formed into teams who report on community members. They are improper practices, particularly violations of environmental encouraged to report violations of ordinances (see main story). fishery laws and are given cash incentives equivalent to 20% of They are given incentives—20% of fines collected from fines collected from the violators they reported—which they get in kind, e.g. school apprehended offenders. supplies. Benefits also include assistance in school tuition and A sustained IEC campaign uniforms. made sure that all sectors are aware and supportive of the The program is doing well. It trains children to become CRM plan and CRM-related vigilant and socially-conscious, and develops role models for activities. These included children in other places. It has also encouraged greater orientation and consultation cooperation among barangay residents in the pursuit of meetings, house-to-house cleaner, healthier, and more orderly communities. campaigns, and the production of a poster on fisherfolk registration. EcoGov conducted a materials The MPAs have been legitimized, ordinances that prohibit blast development workshop for the with implementing ordinances fishing and the use of cyanide, LGU’s IEC committee to help enacted. These contain budget fines for unregistered boats and them come up with simple allocations, policy guidelines, fishing gear, and a 15-kilometer information materials suited to prohibitions and penalties, limit for commercial fishing. their needs and resources. thereby ensuring clear and Violators are warned the first effective management time, then sent to the police and Serious effort rewarded In the area of enforcement, fined for succeeding offenses. The drive to enforce fishery Dinalungan employed effective Barangay fish wardens organize laws has been effective; with the strategies to manage, protect and patrolling operations, with the number of violations drastically regulate fisheries in order to help of barangay restore it to its previous abundant , in the state. These strategies include municipal waters. registration of fishers and boats, They are deputized permit systems for boat and to make actual gears, and a tough enforcement apprehensions. policy. To facilitate the process, Bantay dagat teams a one-stop shop where all take charge of documentation is handled and protecting the marine finalized was put in place, making sanctuaries. The it easier for fisherfolk to comply team members take with the requirements. pride in the fact that Strictly enforced are the Mayor Marquez

4 Success Story reduced. Only four incidents become more common. People hectare area, with a 60% survival were reported in all of 2005, are also earning well gathering rate. It has been a community mainly illegal fishing and illegal bangus fry which abound in the effort, with the youth very much entry in MPA waters. There has coastal waters. involved. only been one apprehension this The increased fish catches A corollary activity is the year, involving boatmen from have resulted in improved Green Belt campaign, a barangay Baler who were caught gathering incomes for Dinalungan’s project that promotes tree- stones in the Ditangol MPA. The fisherfolk. They have also realized planting throughout the stones are used as weights (bira- that these gains can be sustained municipality. This was supported bira) for fishing lines. These can only if they continue working to by the SB which passed an destroy corals and block help enforce fishery laws, and ordinance requiring Grade 6 and openings in the corals, trapping manage their coastal resources. senior high school students to fish inside. The offenders were plant a tree before they can haled by the bantay dagat to the Comprehensive program graduate. Government employees police station and fined P2,500. Full support for environ- are also asked to plant trees as Ditangol barangay captain mental management is being given additional input to their Dominador Tabon, who is also by the local administration and performance evaluation. the marine sanctuary manager, the Sangguniang Bayan, which Realizing that children are the recalls that their bantay dagat approved an integrated budget of most effective champions for the team started in 2002, even before P890,000 for 2006, including environment, the LGU also the MPA was established. The P200,000 for fisheries. There is launched an education initiative. team has 8 members rotating in also an allocation for barangay This involves the integration of 12-hour daily shifts. They take management, helping propel the fisheries conservation in Science the responsibility very seriously, determined effort to fully subjects for both elementary and making do with a modest implement the town’s CRM Plan. high school students. allowance from the LGU. The comprehensive program The two-pronged strategy of includes a mangrove reforestation Linking up for better enforcement and MPA project meant to further restore management management has already yielded and protect marine habitats. “Getting all these initiatives results. Local fishermen no longer More than 5,000 bakawan trees going requires total community have to venture far to catch fish. have been planted in a three involvement,” noted Mayor They are landing Marquez. To this end, bigger fish, averaging the local government 10 to15 kilos, was able to harness sometimes reaching the cooperation of the 25 kilos, per various sectors, fisherman in a day. particularly people’s The fish can be organizations, NGOs, found closer to shore and environment- and there are more oriented entities. varieties—dorado, “EcoGov, among blue marlin, tanigue, other organizations, kitang, and has been of great help talakitok. Lately, in all our CRM salmon and large efforts.” dalagang bukid have Dinalungan’s century-old mangrove tree. The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 5 Coastal management was scaled up when three Creative CRM promotions other LGUs along waded in, spurred by the An effective strategy has been to use events as vehicles to promote need to better protect, CRM awareness. An annual Coastal Clean-up was started in 2003, manage, and regulate with all barangays participating. The LGU is planning to do the fisheries in their shared activity quarterly. Last June 17, Dinalungan launched “Araw ng waters. With EcoGov and Mangingisda” (Fishermen’s Day) to celebrate the anniversary of DENR assistance, an Inter- the Mabudo MPA. Activities included an essay writing contest for LGU Fisheries Management children of fisherfolk with the theme “Sagipin ang dagat, sagipin (ILFM) Plan was jointly ang gubat” (Save the sea, save the forest), and contests that formulated and adopted for included bangus fry gathering and endurance diving. implementation by the towns of Baler, , San Luis and Dinalungan. The no ice plant in the town; ice to work even harder. objective is to restore Baler Bay needed to keep their fish longer Already, Dinalungan ranks into its previous abundant state has to be transported from distant first in good CRM governance by establishing baywide, . An even more among all LGUs nationwide in the ecosystem-based fishery serious problem is the Environmental Governance Index management to do CRM environmental risk posed by a survey conducted in 2005 and enforcement and management of mining concession that was guided by the EcoGov Project. fishery resources. Among the four recently granted a permit to The municipality was also LGUs, Dinalungan is the most operate. The concession covers awarded the “2005 Gawad advanced in terms of 2,000 hectares of uplands, Punong Lalawigan para sa implementation. including forest areas, the town’s Kapaligiran” for outstanding Still, there is a long way to watershed, and Bulawan Falls performance in environmental go; many challenges have to be which is the pride of Dinalungan. management. surmounted. While there is But after having won over For Mayor Marquez, this is potential for increased fish many adversities to get to where just the beginning. “We are now production, Dinalungan is stymied they are now, the people working on saving our forests and by the difficult access to markets, of Dinalungan are hopeful that we need to formulate a forest owing to the bad roads linking it they will prevail. Having tasted land use plan. There is so much to Baler and other centers of the initial fruits of caring for their ground to cover; we cannot commerce in the region. There is environment, they are determined afford to be complacent.”

6 Success Story BoldBold eexxecutionecution kkeeyy toto TTacurong’acurong’ss successfulsuccessful wastewaste managementmanagement

e want to avoid what “ Manila has been experiencing,” Tacurong City Mayor Lino Montilla said, referring to the city’s growing garbage problem. “We don’t want garbage to cause public health and environmental hazards. That is why we sought ways to effectively manage our city’s solid waste.” Located at the crossroads linking it to the cities of Davao, General Santos and , Tacurong is fast becoming a commercial and education hub in Central Mindanao. The city’s Tacurong City has converted its open dump (above) into a controlled population is multiplying and more dump (below) urban problems are cropping up. The most visible and potentially menacing of these is the rapid increase of solid waste. The search for the right intervention began in 1994 when the local govern- ment acquired a 4-hectare land which was turned into a waste disposal site. This did not immediately bring the desired result, however. For quite a while, the site was simply a wide expanse of garbage emitting foul odor and fumes, an ideal breeding ground for disease-causing insects that threatened the health of nearby residents. Partnerships to get things moving Haunted by images of waste engulfing the city, When Tacurong officials realized they needed Tacurong’s officials decided to seriously comply technical help to formulate the plan, they turned to with the Ecological Solid Waste Management USAID-funded Philippine Environmental (ESWM) Act, also known as Republic Act 9003, Governance (EcoGov) Project and the Department which was enacted in 2000. The law mandates all of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs) to formulate a 10- which had been assisting LGUs in managing their year ESWM Plan. natural resources and urban environment. A

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 7 memorandum of agreement was recyclable wastes are to be residual. Segregated collection is finalized between the municipality, collected and sorted. This was done once a week. Strict EcoGov and DENR on followed by the conversion of its enforcement of no “segregation- October 14, 2002. open dump site into a controlled no collection,” and “no payment- Mayor Montilla said, “The dump facility. no collection” policies yielded an assistance helped us determine A comprehensive solid waste 80 percent compliance rate. The how to deal with our present-day management ordinance was city is exerting more efforts in problem with wastes and, more enacted in 2003 to make sure monitoring strict enforcement of importantly, how to respond to program implementation was the policy to achieve 100 percent the needs of the future when going to be clear. The provisions compliance in the subdivision. our population has ballooned, on enforcement clearly set the The city is expanding its program together with the volume of our penalties for non-compliance and to cover the nearby puroks. wastes.” environmental management fees Segregated collection has also The seven-day solid waste (EMF) to be collected; and started in the public market. characterization study showed guidelines on MRF operation. To make sure everyone knows that Tacurong generates 48 tons Enforcement started in 2004. what to do, regular orientation of solid waste every day. A key sessions were conducted for finding was that a big chunk of Waste segregation is the market vendors associations. the garbage—52 percent—was first step To emphasize that the market biodegradable and could go into vendors themselves are Waste segregation is crucial composting, 25 percent was responsible for their own waste, to waste management and recyclable and could be sold, and they are made not only to Tacurong took concrete steps to only 20 percent should be segregate their waste, but put establish the practice. It was disposed as garbage. That meant their waste in separate bags and successfully piloted in JM Homes a significant volume of the waste take them to the market’s subdivision with its 170 could be diverted from disposal designated collection area where households, where waste is sites. two dump trucks—one for segregated into three types: The waste characterization biodegradable, the other for non- biodegradable, recyclable and exercise was a major component biodegradable waste—are in the process of located. informed decision- The city is operating making that guided the a centralized composting formulation of the city’s facility in the city MRF 10-year ESWM that was within the disposal site. completed in 2003, the Per EcoGov recom- first LGU in Mindanao to mendations, it has been do so. upgraded to increase its To accomplish the capacity, make it easier target in waste reduction, and more efficient to diversion, and recycling, operate, and produce as outlined in the ESWM better quality compost. Plan, Tacurong The facility’s shredder immediately established a Segregated waste collection is now being practiced in can process 500 kilos of the public market; and vendors are asked to take their materials recovery facility waste to where the dump trucks are. (Above) One of the waste per hour. It has 14 (MRF) where city’s personnel help a vendor unload his non- composting bins, made compostable and biodegradable waste. of reinforced bars and

8 Success Story plastic net, capable of holding as much as 20 drums per bin of shredded waste intended for composting. The city’s Environment and Natural Resources (Left) Biodegradable wastes are sorted Officer, Nemesio and shredded and placed in bins (above) to be processed into compost. Carigaba Jr., claims that to date, about 20 % diversion of waste has already This year, the city plans to appropriate fees it has to impose. been achieved mainly due to the purchase equipment, such as While households, for example, composting of biodegradable sewing machines, to be used for pay a uniform amount of P35 per waste from the city market and livelihood training activities. month, fees for institutions vary the JM Homes Subdivision. This The data on solid waste from P500 to P10,000 per figure factors in the efforts of the assessment was a helpful input in month. informal recovery sector designing a landfill that will not In an admirable exercise of (households, business only cater to the city’s own needs political will, the city government establishments) that practices but those of the adjoining towns seriously imposed the collection recycling. The rate of waste of Isulan in Sultan Kudarat and of environmental management diversion, he added, would Tantangan in South Cotabato. It fees (EMF) to make the waste definitely increase within the next is expected to be operational in management campaign self- few months once the facility starts 2007. It could be one of the first sustaining. Starting in January processing branches of trees (the LGUs to comply with the 2004, the EMF was applied to city generates a big bulk of such RA 9003 requirement for the business sector by waste) into compost. categorized disposal facilities. incorporating it in the fees “The Department of Environ- charged for business permits and ment and Natural Resources will Getting the difficult part renewals. A database billing give us a chipper, which can cut done—charging fees system was established, with these branches into pieces small Tacurong City has devised billing notices issued to enough to be accommodated by and piloted various incentive households by enforcers as part our shredder,” he said. systems to promote the diversion of their monitoring operations. A number of waste pickers— of waste from disposal areas. To add muscle to enforcement, many of them former scavengers One of the bold initiatives was the penalties are imposed on in the dump site—have been introduction of a garbage fee violations of the ESWM hired to collect and sort collection system based not on ordinance. These include the recyclable waste, stored in the size of an establishment but unscheduled taking out of waste, temporary storage areas and later on the volume of waste it not placing waste in sacks, sold in bulk to junk shops. To generates. Again using the data littering and burning of waste, and make the program more viable, gathered during its waste study, late payments of fees. livelihood activities are being the city was able to determine The city government’s bold planned for idle residents and a how much waste a particular exercise of political will in livelihood center has been establishment produces and imposing environmental constructed near the MRF site. based on this, formulated the management fees has reaped The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 9 sound included barangay-level environmental orientation assemblies, and management. house-to-house information Foremost of these drives spearheaded by students. are transparency Accountability was promoted and participatory when the city emphasized the decision-making need for market vendors to be and community responsible for their waste and involvement in asked them to segregate and take specific programs their segregated waste to dump and activities. trucks. Former waste pickers, who now call themselves “Earth As an Tacurong has attracted the Savers,” working on the city nursery where the city example, to attention of other LGUs with its gets its supply of ornamental plants used in its ensure that no-nonsense approach to licking greening and beautification projects. The nursery, as everybody was the garbage problem. A number well as the city park and other gardens, use compost produced in the central composting facility. The newly made part of of LGUs have conducted constructed building will house the city’s livelihood decision making, “lakbay-aral” visits to Tacurong center. stakeholders were City to learn from its experience. handsome dividends. From brought together Tacurong is an LGU awardee of January to October in 2005, the in public hearings and DENR Region XII for “2003 campaign netted a total of consultations that guided the Outstanding Achievement in P532,208 from business crafting of local ordinances. Even Environmental Management.” establishments, and P288,211 now, the city continues to consult Mayor Montilla has the final for the whole of 2005 from various sectors as it amends the word, “We are envisioning a city households. Few LGUs in the existing SWM ordinance to not anymore disturbed by the country can boast of a similar strengthen incentive mechanisms waste menace. Through the achievement. for deputized volunteers by concerted efforts of all sectors in “Imposing fees has always providing monthly and annual Tacurong, and with the help of been a difficult task; people don’t cash incentives. EcoGov, we can look forward to like to pay more for a service that To promote transparency, the full and exemplary they think the LGU should really particular focus was given to implementation of our solid waste provide for free,” said Carigaba. information, education and management program.” “Many LGUs avoid it for fear of education (IEC) political backlash. Fortunately, to make sure we have a mayor who believes residents that for a program such as SWM appreciate the to be really successful, everybody ISWM plan, and has to pitch in. This is a clear that households message that waste management and waste- is everybody’s concern.” generating establishments A model for other LGUs will actively The path to success involved participate in its rigorous work. Tacurong officials implementation. took to heart the principles of The intensive IEC campaign Personnel from the 10 municipalities of South Cotabato good governance that guide visit Tacurong’s MRF. 10 Success Story Bayawan partners with DENR, community to protect its sources of water

ater is life. That is an accepted fact. Mayor German Saraña Jr. shared that Bayawan Unfortunately, this most valuable resource wanted to “green” the city to protect its sources of is one of the most abused by man, who water and protect if from destructive flash floods can’t seem to realize that it is finite. that have plagued the city the last few years. “We There is no appreciation of the value of cannot afford to be complacent about this grave watersheds, the source of diverse socio-economic situation,” the mayor said, stressing that Bayawan benefits. Watersheds provide water that allows could not survive as a city without the water these uninterrupted, sustained and stable agricultural, watersheds provide. “Something has to be done, commercial and industrial enterprises. Likewise and it has to be done now!” potable water for drinking and other uses, and The “greening” of Bayawan was a big challenge security from flash flooding. Watersheds are where for the city’s leaders as well as the entire community. people live and make their livelihood – from the They lacked the expertise needed to push such an uplands to the coastal villages. Degradation of this ambitious program, and the adequate manpower for critical resource is thus a recipe for disaster. the effort. The local government of Bayawan City in Negros Oriental is taking Getting support of DENR and other determined action to be spared the consequences of partners environmental abuse. They have reason to be “It was important to get the full support of major alarmed. Of Bayawan’s 69,908-hectare land area, forest stakeholders—like the Department of only about 20,000 hectares are classified as Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with forestlands. The rest are alienable and disposable its expertise in forest management, and members of (A&D) lands, mostly private property over which people’s organizations (POs) who live nearest the the LGU has very limited control. In many cases, resource and have the numbers to deploy for forest the use of these lands may not be compatible with protection,” said Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) desired protection of water sources. Member Agustin Barte Jr., who heads the SP

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 11 Committee on Natural Resources forestry situation in Bayawan,” four major irrigation systems that and Protection. “This was no said Roger Dael, City supply water to more than 1,000 easy task.” Environment Officer. “Guided by hectares of rice fields, large “It all came together when the the FLUP, with inputs from the sugarcane plantations mainly USAID-funded Philippine DENR and other government operated by small landowners, Environmental Governance agencies, the city government had and vegetable farms. It also (EcoGov) Project and the DENR a clear view of what had to be supplies the potable water needs came to help us prepare our done to improve Bayawan’s of eight barangays. Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP). forest situation,” FLUP Guided by its FLUP, the city In the process, we were able to implementation was focused on initiated measures to protect and forge partnerships not only with the protection and management manage the watershed. To DENR but with the POs as well,” of critical water resources. control riverbank erosion, the Barte narrated. Bayawan Riverbank Stabilization After a series of workshops Saving the Bayawan River and Rehabilitation Project was and consultations with community Watershed put in place. This involved the members, and the preparation of Top priority was given to the planting of vitiver grass, various maps, the FLUP was 38,000-hectare Bayawan River kakawate and bamboo within completed and got SP approval Watershed which occupies 57% the 5-meter strip along the banks in December 2003. The following of the city’s total land area and by the local government, working year, the city and DENR signed accounts for 58% of its forest with 14 POs. As of the end of an agreement to jointly implement lands. However, less than 20% of 2006, the city has spent the plan, committing to allocate the watershed still has forest P3,046,800 and completed 85% funds for the purpose. When the cover, and about 70% of the area of the 170,000-meter project. 2005 city budget containing the is classified as alienable and The LGU is considering P10 million allocation for FLUP disposal. engineering solutions to parts of was submitted to the city council, The Bayawan Watershed is the river which are severely it was readily approved. the lifeblood of the city’s eroded or where floodings occur. “The entry of EcoGov agricultural sector. It supports Private landowners are also being provided us a holistic view of the encouraged to grow permanent crops such as rubber. Having identified rubber as the major crop to be promoted since there is a market for it; the city is willing to invest in processing facilities. The city has started growing rubber in several nurseries for distribution to interested farmers and landowners. The current stock of more than 300,000 More than 1,000 hectares of rice fields directly benefit from the water supplied by the Bayawan River Watershed. seedlings will be 12 Success Story planted within a 600-hectare that comprise the rice granary of found in the area which could be area, part of a target planting area the city. Run-off water from the tapped when the adjacent of 1,000 hectares. watershed poses the threat of BAWAD water source in the All these can only be good flash floods that destroy crops Camayaan River Watershed will news to the upland residents. and properties in the heavily- no longer be able to supply the Edgar Osorio, a 46-year-old populated low-lying areas. city’s potable water needs. farmer, tricycle driver and part- Establishing clear property However, the source is located time fish vendor who lives with rights in virtual open access areas within A&D areas and needs to his family of nine in Barangay is identified as the first of a series be secured. The LGU is acquiring Tayawan, said, “Without the of steps that have to be taken to land for the purpose; 120 water that this watershed arrest these recurrent problems. hectares have been procured out provides, I don’t know what will It entails sub-allocating areas that of a target of 600 hectares. They happen to me and my family.” can be devoted to sustainable have started planting trees in the His main source of livelihood is upland agriculture, via a system of newly-acquired land. Some a 5-hectare farm planted to property rights and/or manage- 16,000 seedlings, mainly sugarcane, rice and some ment privileges. The management mangium and mahogany, have vegetables. of settlements is also crucial. been planted in a 24-hectare Although population growth is brushland area. Taking care of other water inevitable, it is the scale of Other water production areas sources unauthorized land uses and (WPAs) are also being attended The LGU thrust extends to activities in forestlands, rather to. Rural barangays (24 out of other existing and potential water than the load of people, which the total 28), are encouraged to sources. Also in extreme danger accelerates degradation. identify sources of water supply is the 1,658-hectare Nalundan The Danapa Sub-watershed and develop plans to protect and Watershed which supplies all the within the Bayawan River manage the micro-watersheds water needs of the city’s urban Watershed is in a similar where these sources are located. barangays and its two resorts— predicament and also needs These production areas become the Shangri-la Del and Captain’s rehabilitation and protection. “protection” areas; the land uses Miracle Spring Resort. New spring sources have been within the micro-watershed may Nalundan’s forest cover is down to less than 20 percent. The ricefields along Nalundan River extending to the national highway are flood-prone. The Nalundan Watershed impacts on the current and future social and economic activity of Bayawan City. It directly influences the productive plains of three barangays Bayawan suffers from periodic flooding. The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 13 need to be modified to make them consistent with the overall function of the place. The LGU provides financial support for the implementation of approved plans, and advocates that the activities be conducted in a participatory manner. The amount of P2.5 million has been released for WPA projects.

Co-managing open access Members of the PO plant Napier Grass along the Bayawan River bank. The POs also plant areas and Kakawate and bamboo along some portions of the river bank. community WPAs, or micro-watersheds. we use for our farms, for our involvement Joel Baterna, head of the city’s household chores, and for One significant result of the Forest Management Unit (FMU), drinking. Now they know that FLUP formulation is the decision said that 17 of the 28 barangays and fully understand how of the city government to have entered into an agreement important watersheds are,” formalize a co-management with the city government to explains Baterna. agreement with the DENR. manage their WPAs. Under the Identification and planning of Signed last June 8, 2004 the agreement, barangays are these WPAs are coordinated by agreement covers the joint responsible for various the barangay. This involves management of 14,434 hectares management activities such as consensus building on land uses of forestlands, mostly within the planting trees, maintaining a and land use policies. Funding for Bayawan River Watershed. The nursery, and fencing restricted approved plans are released LGU is completing the resource areas. directly to the barangays. Plant management plan for the co- The involvement of local nurseries and FLUP management area and has started communities is a key component implementation offices are discussions on how property of Bayawan’s FLUP; it is established in selected barangays rights will be recognized within important for them to feel that to make it easier for constituents the area, leading to the adoption they are part of the process. This to be involved. of appropriate policies. was one reason why the term Community-level involvement A significant offshoot of this “water production area” was is heaviest with the riverbank agreement is Bayawan’s move to coined. “A lot of people, planting program where residents directly involve the barangays in especially those at the community were organized into riverbank co-management. The strategy is level, could not relate to the word dwellers associations, and to encourage barangays—being ‘watershed’. They have limited provided with contracts for the political unit nearest to the understanding of the role of planting and maintenance source of water—to manage the watersheds in providing the water activities. 14 Success Story There is also a livelihood our different communities. And and training of holders of component, which is crucial to along with EcoGov staff, they Community-based Forest winning more community support guided us through the whole Management agreements who are for environment efforts. River- process.” preparing their Community bank settlers with successful The city is now conducting Resource Management riverbank establishments qualify forest line delineation surveys, Framework. for livelihood loans from the which is important for the LGU, particularly for poultry preparation of forestland Investing in forest raising. The program already has development plans. The DENR- management 190 beneficiaries. LGU survey team has so far For quite a time, local covered 70 kilometers, or about governments ignored the Strong DENR support to 30% of the city’s 228-kilometer importance of playing an active the LGU long forest line. The team expects role in governing their DENR support is crucial to to complete the survey by early environment and natural environment management efforts next year. “This is one good resources, as manifested by their and it was important to establish example of how the local allocation of measly budgets for good working relations between government and the DENR can the purpose. In contrast, the LGUs and DENR line complement each other’s Bayawan City invested significant agencies in Bayawan. SB functions,” said Baterna. Other funding for its forest management member Barte, who also heads joint DENR-LGU activities and land use plans, underscoring the FLUP Technical Working include the commissioning of 92 the seriousness of its intentions. Group, said DENR people were deputized Environment and The city officials realized that this involved as early as the Natural Resources Officers was the only way to get results. It preparation stage of the plan. He (ENROs), majority of whom are was also the best way to win the recalled that “They helped us officials of rural barangays; the trust and confidence of partners explain the FLUP’s importance to conduct of tenure assessment; in development. In 2005, the LGU allocated P7 million to acquire 123 hectares of land within the Danapa Watershed, insuring effective management of the critical area. Another P11.5 million went to forest manage- ment projects, with the bulk going to watersheds and Water Production Area protection measures. The budget for 2006 was P8.8 million, including an outlay for rubber tree propagation and the rehabilitation of denuded watersheds. The various people’s organizations in Bayawan are now working very A member of the team surveys a portion of Bayawan’s forestland. (Inset) Sample of a concrete marker used in the surveyed area. closely with the city The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 15 government, buoyed by the no- several activities are ongoing not in managing the forestlands. nonsense approach to its only in the co-management area, “Effectively managing our forests “greening” program. “The POs but in idle lands as well. is a difficult task,” said Provincial know that the city is really keen For its part, the DENR ENRO Antonio Cabrido. on rehabilitating Bayawan’s acknowledges that Bayawan “”DENR cannot do it alone. forests and in helping them City has always been first in We—all sectors of society— alleviate their situation. That’s Oriental Negros in pursuing must work as a team. In why they are fully supportive,” developmental initiatives, and is Bayawan, this is already Baterna said. He added that now a key partner of the agency happening.”

In many areas in Bayawan, spring water is diverted and stored in concrete tanks and later distributed to small farm lands

16 Success Story Along with peace comes development Maasim town in Sarangani addresses poverty by making bare forestlands productive

ayor Aniceto P. Lopez Jr. of Maasim, Sarangani Province in Southern Mindanao had a dream—he wanted to help his people lead a peaceful life and become economically productive. Now on his second term as mayor, he is already realizing his dream, and What used to be unproductive lands are now being turned to pineapple plantations, along with it the providing local communities with livelihood, thanks to the efforts of Mayor Lopez (inset). dreams of many of his constituents who have known only poverty most of Poverty and peace and order problem their lives. How did he do it? He invited the private sector to invest in what were once bare forest Maasim comprises 46,600 hectares of forestlands, lands and a substantial portion is now being turned with only about 2,000 hectares having forest into productive pineapple plantations. cover. The area now being developed—all former pasture lands—used to be a war zone, where “I couldn’t believe that it is already happening,” government soldiers and members of the New said Mayor Lopez. “Every time I come to the People’s Army (NPA) would battle each other, plantation site, I’m amazed at the fast rate of sowing fear and panic among the local settlers. development, considering that this area has always been without tree cover, except for a few coconut “Residents were in abject poverty,” was how the and some trees here and there.” He added that a mayor described the people living in the area. good gauge of the economic lift his people are “Grievances were not really properly addressed, experiencing is the number of people who used to and people tended to seek justice from elsewhere. line up in his office to ask for financial help. “There NPA sympathizers grew in number,” the mayor used to be long lines of people; now, there’s only a added. handful. Many are already busy attending to their plantations,” he said.

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 17 Entry of investments, Governance (EcoGov) Project we can manage our resources good governance and the Department of and use them responsibly.” He practices Environment and Natural said the experience opened their Resources (DENR). Together eyes on the need for good with other partners, they have environmental governance Mayor Lopez said the much been helping LGUs in Mindanao practices in dealing with improved peace-and-order and other parts of the country constituents as well as private situation in Maasim was a big develop FLUPs, which guide investors. come-on for the private investors. them in determining beneficial He said he knew many of the uses of forestlands and in “The FLUP was a product of NPA commanders in the area allocating the land. community participation,” he said. even when he was still a barangay The decision to invite investors, a chairman. “I talked to them and “The EcoGov and the DENR key strategy in implementing the persuaded them to lay down their were a big help indeed,” said plan, was also reached after arms,” he said. “I told them that Mayor Lopez. “They did not only several consultations, he added. their concerns would be guide us through the whole FLUP addressed, that I would work process, they also helped us build Lopez said there are other hard to alleviate their economic our confidence in ourselves, that business groups who have situation. And with the recent entry of investments, the prospect of economic stability helps in maintaining the town’s peace and Avoiding hostilities through MENRC order.” The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Council It also helped that Maasim (MENRC) is a multi-sectoral group with members formulated a Forest Land Use representing government agencies like the DENR and the Plan (FLUP). Having completed LGU, the NGO community, the people’s organizations and the plan boosted the LGU’s others. The council addresses complaints and settles land confidence in its ability to manage and other related disputes. and put into sound use its own resources. And in turn, it built the The ability of the council to resolve land conflicts was put to confidence of investors in the test in the case of pasture lease agreement (PLA) holders on town as they realized that the one hand, and the IPs of Maasim on the other. The IPs, Maasim was now in the “front whose claim over a 2,000 hectare area was declared seat” in the management of its legitimate by the National Commission on Indigenous denuded forestlands, which Peoples (NCIP), were complaining about the intrusion of constitute about 90 percent of the the PLA holders in the IP area. LGU’s total land area. Bloody confrontation was avoided when the two warring The mayor said he started groups met in August 2004—after several consultations, convincing the private sector, map validations and small meetings. The results of these notably Dole Philippines, to invest activities were presented by the MENRC. With the in Maasim when the municipality information provided, the head of the IP clan agreed to was completing its FLUP with allocate 600 hectares (out of 2,000 hectares) to the PLA assistance from USAID’s holders. Philippine Environmental

18 Success Story signified their interest in investing Access of upland dwellers to Next in the LGU agenda: in Maasim, including a food services and markets in the soil and water company and a power firm. lowlands had improved through a conservation 50-km road network that links To ensure that conflicts are them with the Maasim town Mayor Lopez stressed that the resolved in a transparent and center. The town has tapped focus of this development project participatory manner, the various government sources to will not be all plantations. “It will municipality established a raise funds for the project, now be a balanced development; we Municipal Environment and amounting to P22 million. will take care of our people but Natural Resources Council we will also make sure that we (MENRC). Employing Many are now reaping the will not degrade our resources.” transparency and community, he rewards; one of them is Pring MENRC has succeeded in Malo, a father of seven. Engaged The next step, he explained, is to settling at least five disputes, as a pineapple contract grower, promote the adoption of soil and bringing back people’s faith in the Malo recently received a water conservation measures to government and the justice windfall—he earned a P180,000 prevent erosion and soil system. net income from his two-hectare degradation (Maasim has a rolling plantation, after subtracting costs terrain with some steep slopes). for plantation inputs, “weeders,” Economic benefits to the Measures being considered are and his advances to meet daily people of Maasim the proper selection of sites for needs, from a harvest that plantation development; grossed about P400,000. “When Mayor Lopez estimated that Dole development and promotion of I got the money, I didn’t know Philippines has invested around farming models for contract what to do with it,” said Malo. P100 million in the area through growers that integrate soil and He decided to put most of it in a contract growing of pineapple in water conservation measures; bank, after buying a motorcycle about 200 hectares of land, and study tours to the Mindanao in cash, which he now uses to the lease of another 500 hectares Baptist Rural Life Center where ferry paying passengers. With the within an area covered by a such measures are showcased; improved income, all his children Certificate of Ancestral Domain and discussions and agreements are now able to attend school. Title. Plantations could cover as with investors for the use of much as 2,000 hectares of bare sustainable farming practices. forestlands. Another beneficiary is former NPA commander Alfie, now “We want to directly negotiate employed as head of forest The mayor’s efforts to bring in with investors, and remind the guards composed of ex-rebels. investors have so far benefited contract growers as well, He said he now leads a peaceful 200 households—a number of regarding their environmental life and enjoys being with his them either NPA rebels or responsibility,” Mayor Lopez three children. “I earn enough to supporters—now doing business said. “Everyone, including our send my eldest child to school. I with Dole Philippines as contract upland farmers, should am pretty much content with the growers, or as workers of the understand that as they get more kind of life I am living now.” contract growers. He said the from the land, they should also development of the area will invest in it so that they would continue to benefit more people. continue reaping the benefits.”

The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 19 Creating a culture of dialogue and participation: The baywide approach in coastal resource management in Illana Bay

ocal government units (LGUs) Along Illana Bay, particularly those in the western portion of , are increasingly realizing that they can arrest the problems posed by illegal and destructive fishing practices by implementing coastal resources management (CRM) programs that directly involve the various sectors of the community.

Thus in 1999, the Municipalities their shared FLET Team Stingray conducting field chart plotting of Dinas, , , San coastline that during training exercises. Pablo, , , stretches 123.6 , City and kilometers. Two of the more economic benefits through the Province of Zamboanga del determined LGUs approached baywide, ecosystem-based Sur agreed to form the Illana Bay the USAID-funded Philippine fisheries management; and forge Regional Alliance of Region 9, or Environmental Governance partnerships and support systems IBRA 9 and unite to conserve, (EcoGov) Project and the for sustained good environmental develop and properly manage Department of Environment and governance practices. Natural Resources The opportunity for such (DENR) for technical inter-LGU work came when EcoGov Technical Assistance Package assistance. But even as EcoGov signed a memorandum they were formulating of agreement with IBRA-9, the z Prepare and implement CRM plans their individual CRM Zamboanga del Sur provincial z Set up municipal level fisheries management plans plans, the direction was government, the Department of z Establish marine protected areas or already towards a Environmental and Natural fish sanctuaries baywide initiative to best Resources (DENR) and other z Organize and capacitate technical address the serious concerned national line agencies working groups to implement the problems. on October 10, 2002, to provide finalized CRM plans CRM technical assistance and z Delineate municipal water boundaries Adopting a baywide help facilitate inter-LGU z Conduct information, education and approach collaboration. communication (IEC) training for The EcoGov Project LGU IEC teams, DENR and other line The strategy is to provided a package of assistance agencies and law enforcement bodies scale up potential ecological and socio- with a particular focus in the

20 Success Story critical area of fishery law hearings, their problem now is the municipalities of Tukuran in enforcement. In 2005, local chief how to limit the number of Zamboanga del Sur and Sultan executives of the IBRA 9 community members who attend Naga Dimaporo in Lanao del municipalities renewed their meetings, as they now see Norte. The two LGUs commitment through a new MOA themselves as part of the LGU transcended their differences and with EcoGov. This helped IBRA decision-making process. finally agreed on their municipal 9 score a number of successes in water boundaries. The resulting implementing good governance Translating to concrete Memorandum of Agreement programs in CRM and fisheries actions signed last December 9, 2005 law enforcement. With increased interest and ended months of intensive appreciation in environmental negotiations that almost Increased multi-sectoral governance, the Illana Bay LGUs threatened the effective participation had a lot of help as they took enforcement of coastal laws in One major achievement is the concrete steps to improve coastal Illana Bay. heightened cross-sectoral/cultural resources management. participation and contribution in Inter-LGU efforts on decision-making processes. The Water boundaries delineated enforcement creation of technical working Contentious water boundary A viable inter-LGU Fishery groups (TWGs) representing the disputes were resolved thru inter- Law Enforcement Plan has been different sectors and the active LGU cooperation, coordinated formulated and legitimized in participation of community by the Provincial TWG and with Illana Bay. This paved the way members have given them a deep technical assistance from for the creation of the Illana Bay sense of “ownership.” Local EcoGov. Municipal waters of the Region 9 Fishery Law people have become partners in eight LGUs along Illana Bay are Enforcement Team (IBRA 9 managing their coastal resources, now fully delineated—a key FLET). involved in the planning and requirement in enforcing laws The IBRA 9 FLET is headed implementation of CRM within municipal waters. by the Zamboanga del Sur Police programs. These include Crowning the achievement is Provincial Office (ZDS-PPO) biophysical assessment activities, a similar breakthrough made by and is composed of different cluster zoning workshops, validation of the proposed Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government plays Big Brother coastal zones, feedback The participation and stewardship of the provincial government of sessions and public discussions Zamboanga del Sur through the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) of coastal management plans. in the implementation of the inter-LGU coastal resources management and law enforcement plans have proven to be crucial. A positive behavioral Among the PTWG’s contributions are the facilitation of inter-LGU change has since been observed agreements on coastal terminal points (CTPs) and the determination and among LGU personnel, mapping of coordinates of CTPs and municipal boundaries. The PTWG has residents and stakeholders. As provided a non-partisan venue for settling differences and conflicts between expressed by the Mayor of municipalities. Its members have facilitated dialogues between warring LGUs such as Dinas and San Pablo. They have also promoted cordial discussions Dinas, “the culture of which has led to a positive agreement between the towns of Dimataling and confrontation is gradually being Tabina. replaced with that of dialogue The PTWG has also become a nerve center for IEC work and a one-stop and negotiation.” source of information and training materials. It maintains regular radio While the LGUs around broadcasts on IBRA 9 activities and other coastal related issues. It spearheads seminars and workshops for bantay dagat enforcers that have led to increased Illana Bay used to have difficulty apprehensions and the imposition of fines and penalties to offenders. in getting people to join public The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 21 agencies: the PNP Maritime Police, , the Coast Guard, National Bureau of Investigation, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government, DENR, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Agricultural Office, Provincial and City Prosecutor’s Offices, Provincial Attorney’s Office, Bantay Dagat, FARMC and the Department of Interior and Local Government. The FLET is tasked to enforce fishery laws and facilitate prosecution of violators in the area. EcoGov is helping strengthen FLET boat with composite team patrols Illana Bay. support mechanisms for fisheries law enforcement with the training are better able to apprehend reported by the Maritime Police. of bantay dagat teams, registry illegal fishing boats, limit access to Among the violations were fishing of fisherfolks and boats, issuance fishing grounds, and stop illegal in municipal waters without of permits for fishing boats fishing. In the four-month period permits and the use of illegal operating within municipal waters, that followed the Fisheries Law fishing methods. The Coast and establishing a system to Enforcement Training conducted Guard and BFAR have since report illegal practices. With their by EcoGov in April 2005, a total reported a dramatic increase in capability enhanced, LGU teams of 29 apprehensions were the registration and licensing of

Vice Mayor gives up life to protect town’s waters

The coastal town of Dinas along Illana Bay in Zamboanga del Sur has always been noted for its rich marine resources – abundant seagrass and mangrove forests and coral reefs that nurture many species of fish and other marine life. This attracts commercial fishers from neighboring towns and elsewhere who regularly poach in their waters, crowding out local fishermen who resorted to using homemade explosives and cyanide to be able to compete. The intense exploitation resulted in a steep decline in fish production and other coastal resources, and the impoverization of Dinas fisherfolk. Pushed by the need to stop the depletion of their waters, Vice-Mayor Abdulbasit Maulana worked on the establishment of a marine sanctuary in Dinas and got the town council to allot P100,000 for the purpose. He organized a bantay dagat team made up of former MNLF rebels who resolutely defended the protected area from intruders and illegal fishers. Not willing to give up their source of valuable catch, the encroaching fishers fought back, bombing the sanctuary and burning bantay dagat boats and guard house in a series of violent encounters that got several of them killed. This did not stop the intruders, but the bantay dagat members were determined to defend their waters. They were inspired by the dedicated leadership of Vice Mayor Maulana who always fought beside them. “We will continue protecting our marine sanctuary because our coastal communities are benefiting from it,” he declared. In yet another encounter in July 2005, the vice mayor rushed to help his bantay dagat team like he always did. But this time, he perished together with four of his men. Vice Mayor Maulana will always live in the hearts of the people of Dinas for having staunchly championed coastal resource protection and management, and for being a martyr to the cause.

22 Success Story commercial fishing vessels and workers. There has also been a reduction in incidences of piracy. Tukuran, one of the more successful municipalities in terms of enforcement, recorded a big increase in apprehensions during the period June to September, 2005. These included 12 men nabbed for illegal fishing (using compressors and poisonous substances), and another seven for fishing inside marine sanctuaries. Five commercial fishing boats were caught poaching in the municipal waters. P400,000 in 2001 to more than Forging partnerships In the most recent incident, P600,000 in 2005. Dinas Co-management agreements and FLET members led by the PNP allocated a budget of P380,000 law enforcement programs have Maritime Police confiscated 350 in 2002, but gave CRM a big also been facilitated, especially in kilos of dynamited fish being sold boost with P1.42 million in 2005. larger marine protected areas in Pagadian City. Support for Tabina has also been steadily (MPAs), as a result of good enforcement is firming up in increasing its budget support for governance practices. individual LGUs such as Tabina, CRM. In Tabina, three levels of co- Tukuran and Dinas where the management exist. The Tambunan number of deputized fish wardens Organizational strengths MPA, which has an area of 95 is increasing and incentives for Another indication of the hectares, is managed by the Bantay Dagat members, such as strong “buy-in” from LGUs is the municipal government. The allowances and life and health presence of a number of resource Talisay MPA with an area of 19.8 insurance, have been management organizations that hectares is being managed by the institutionalized. The continue to be functional. A Pangalaran Environment Municipalities of Tukuran and Coastal Resource Management Livelihood Association (PELA) Dumalinao have also started Technical Advisory Council is while the 28-hectare Concepcion giving out awards to outstanding currently at the helm of CRM MPA is being managed by Bantay Dagat members during activities in Tabina while Coastal Barangay Concepcion in Tabina. their Foundation Day Resource Management Councils The Talisay LGU also passed an celebrations. are actively implementing CRM ordinance “Declaring the Coast- plans in Dinas, Tukuran, lines from District Pangalaran, Regular budget allocation for and Dimataling. These Malim to Sto. Domingo as CRM management units have become PELA–Managed Mangrove Clearly, CRM is a priority of responsible for maintaining a Area.” LGUs along Illana Bay, as system for licenses and evidenced by the regularization registration, and application for Moving forward and consistent increase in budget permits. They are also Clearly, LGUs in Illana Bay allocation for CRM programs. In responsible for the dissemination have given priority to CRM Tukuran, the budget for CRM of public information to promote programs. Three LGUs already programs went up from transparency and accountability. have legitimized CRM plans and The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 23 wardens. budgeting, procurement, Budgets have issuances and enforcement. been allocated to Alliance members have also support CRM been performing well in the and MPA observance of good governance programs. principles such as functionality, This was transparency, accountability and validated by the participatory decision-making. EcoGov-initiated These results indicate a high Environmental level of organizational maturity Governance which bodes well for the Index where sustainability of the LGUs’ IBRA9 LGUs environmental initiatives. scored high points Prospects for Illana Bay are EcoGov assistance to LGUs includes training their in both really bright and IBRA 9 may personnel in preparing maps of their municipal waters. governance eventually become a working principles and model for other coastal areas in municipal fishery management governance functions. IBRA 9 the country, which may then lead plans. A number of ordinances alliance members were seen to be to more inter-regional bay-wide have been adopted, fisheries laws implementing best practices in collaboration for resource are being implemented, and such governance functions as management. incentives are provided to fish planning and implementation,

MPA paves the way for peace and reconciliation

Rich in natural resources, the coastal barangay of Combo in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur should have been a model community for development. That has never happened because four local leaders and their families have been locked in a long and bitter conflict borne out of political as well as family differences. The local government, with help from USAID’s EcoGov Project, saw the need for residents to start caring for their coastal environment by implementing a proper coastal resource management program and establishing a marine sanctuary in the area. But the technical working group for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) realized that any attempt at community effort would be futile unless the warring clans were reconciled. Labangan Mayor Abubakar Afdal, Al Haj initiated peacemaking initiatives and with the help of the TWG and the town’s council of elders, engaged the bickering leaders in a series of dialogues. Fittingly, the effort was capped by the signing of a peace accord during the public consultations on the establishment of the barangay’s MPA on May 11, 2006. Headed by Monie Mamasalagat, Menting Unto, Sukarno Mamasalagat and Osmenia Guimba, the families- in-conflict saw the urgent need to forge peace and harmony among members of the community, and increase their opportunities for a better life. They also realized that crucial to that goal is full support for the development of a marine protected area. “Our barangay has been left behind for many years now. The reconciliation of our leaders will hopefully pave the way to development.” Kagawad Motingting Tinggalong expressed. As a direct result of the reconciliation, a 22-hectare barangay-managed MPA has been established. With assistance from Municipal Bantay Dagat law enforcers, the marine sanctuary ensures the sustainable development of fish resources in the area. Indeed, Barangay Combo is now in the process of rebuilding not just structures but relationships for a united effort against the threats to their marine resources. And together with the other LGUs in Zamboanga del Sur that are supported by the EcoGov Project and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Labangan is now seriously addressing its coastal environment concerns.

24 Success Story The Philippine Environmental Governance Project 25 26 Success Story