Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project Pr09a GUICAM BRIDGE (Complementing PR 09 Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road)

Initial Environmental Examination

Project number: 41076-048 June 2020

PHI: Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project PR09a GUICAM BRIDGE (Complementing PR 09 Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road)

Prepared by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the Asian Development Bank

ABBREVIATIONS

AASHTO - American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials ADB - Asian Development Bank A&D - Alienable and Disposable CENRO - Community Environment and Natural Resources Office CNC - Certificate of Non-coverage CO2 - Carbon Dioxide CR - Critically Endangered CSC - Construction Supervision Consultant DAO - Department Administrative Order DBH - Diameter at Breast Height DENR - Department of Environment and Natural Resources DED - Detailed Engineering Design Consultant DEO - District Engineering Office DOH - Department of Health DPWH - Department of Public Works and Highways ECA - Environmentally Critical Area ECC - Environmental Compliance Certificate ECP - Environmentally Critical Project EHS - Environmental, Health and Safety EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment EIS - Environmental Impact Statement EMB - Environmental Management Bureau EMP - Environmental Management Plan EO - Executive Order EPRMP - Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan ESSD - Environment and Social Safeguards Department of DPWH FGD - Focus Group Discussion GHG - Greenhouse Gases GOP - Government of the Philippines GRC - Grievance Redress Committee GRM - Grievance Redress Mechanism IEC - Information, Education and Communication IFC - International Finance Corporation IEE - Initial Environmental Examination IEER - Initial Environmental Examination Report IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature LGU - Local Government Unit Ncm - Normal Cubic Meter NO2 - Nitrogen Dioxide PAGASA - Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration PCCP - Portland Cement Concrete Pavement PCDG - Prestressed Concrete Deck Girder PD - Presidential Decree PEISS - Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System PM - Particulate Matter PPTA - Project Preparatory Technical Assistance PR - Project Road RA - Republic Act RCBC - Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert RCDG - Reinforced Concrete Deck Girder RCPC - Reinforced Concrete Pipe Culvert REA - Rapid Environmental Assessment RF - Relative Frequency

RMC II - Roads Management Cluster II ROW - Right of Way SPS - ADB Safeguard Policy Statement of 2009 TA - Technical Assistance TSP - Total Suspended Particulate TSS - Total Suspended Solids UPMO - Unified Project Management Office VU - Vulnerable WHO - World Health Organization

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section of this website.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Table of Contents

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... 6 II. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ...... 10

A. ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS, REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES IN THE PHILIPPINES ...... 10 B. EIA SYSTEM IN THE PHILIPPINES ...... 13 C. ADB’S SAFEGUARD POLICY STATEMENT ...... 16 III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ...... 18

A. OVERVIEW ...... 18 B. LOCATION ...... 19 C. PROPOSED BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORKS ...... 19 D. BASIC DESIGN OF THE PROJECT BRIDGE ...... 20 a. Selection of Design Elements ...... 20 b. Climate Change Adaptation ...... 23 E. ROAD SAFETY...... 24 F. CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY ...... 25 IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT ...... 28

A. LAND ENVIRONMENT ...... 28 a. Topography and Slope ...... 28 b. Land Cover ...... 29 c. Geology ...... 30 d. Soils ...... 30 B. CLIMATE AND METEOROLOGY ...... 30 a. Climate ...... 30 b. Rainfall ...... 30 c. Temperature ...... 31 d. Relative Humidity ...... 31 e. Wind ...... 32 C. WATER RESOURCES ...... 32 D. AIR QUALITY AND NOISE ...... 33 E. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES ...... 34 a. Flora Species ...... 34 b. Fauna Species ...... 37 c. Marine Ecological Survey and Assessment ...... 38 F. SOCIOECONOMIC RESOURCES ...... 40 a. Population ...... 40 b. Household Size ...... 41 c. Sex Ratio and Median Age ...... 41 d. Ethnicity ...... 42 e. Education ...... 43 f. Educational Resources ...... 43 g. Health Services ...... 44 h. Security Services ...... 44 V. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ...... 44

A. PRE-CONSTRUCTION ...... 45 a. Encroachment on Environmentally Sensitive Areas ...... 45 b. Impacts and Risks to Biodiversity Conservation ...... 46 B. CONSTRUCTION ...... 46 a. Inadequate Disclosure of Project Information and GRM ...... 46 b. Local Air Pollution ...... 46 c. Noise ...... 47

iii

d. Impacts due to Spoils Disposal ...... 49 e. Impacts from Operation of Borrow Areas and Quarries ...... 49 f. Erosion and Unstable Slopes ...... 49 g. Deterioration of Water Quality and Soil Contamination ...... 50 h. Loss of Vegetation ...... 51 i. Occupational Health and Safety Hazards ...... 52 j. Public Health and Safety Hazards ...... 53 k. Traffic Obstruction ...... 53 l. Accidental Discovery of Artefacts ...... 53 m. Damage to Properties ...... 54 n. Unanticipated Environmental Impacts ...... 54 C. OPERATION PHASE ...... 54 a. Air Quality ...... 54 b. Noise ...... 56 c. Induced Impacts ...... 57 VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ...... 58 INSTITUTIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ...... 80 TABLE 3. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EMP IMPLEMENTATION ...... 80

REPORTING ...... 82 VII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM...... 83 VIII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION ...... 84

CONSULTATIONS CONDUCTED DURING THE PREPARATION OF DRAFT RIPP ...... 87 IX. CONCLUSION ...... 91 APPENDIX 1. MARINE ECOLOGICAL SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT REPORT ...... 92 APPENDIX 2. LIST OF SENSITIVE RECEPTORS BY BARANGAY ALONG GUICAM BRIDGE (PR 09A) ...... 128 APPENDIX 3. ATTENDANCE SHEETS DURING THE STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS IN PR 09 AND GUICAM BRIDGE (BASED FROM THE RIPP) ...... 129 APPENDIX 4. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE ...... 143 APPENDIX 5. GRIEVANCE INTAKE FORM ...... 151 APPENDIX 6. PROJECT SEMI-ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING REPORT OUTLINE ...... 153 1. Outline of a Project Environmental Progress and Monitoring Report ...... 154

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Flow of EIA Process ...... 15 Figure 2 Location of the proposed Guicam Bridge ...... 19 Figure 3 Typical Deck Section ...... 21 Figure 4 Alternative Alignments for Canalizo Strait Crossing (from PPTA) ...... 22 Figure 5 Proposed Guicam Bridge alignment ...... 23 Figure 6 Perspective view of proposed Guicam Bridge (from DED) ...... 23 Figure 7 Slope map along PR09 including PR09a (encircled) ...... 28 Figure 8 Land cover map of PR09 including PR09a ...... 29 Figure 9. Climate Map of Zamboanga Peninsula ...... 31 Figure 10 Location of marine water bodies and project site ...... 33 Figure 11. Air Quality and Noise Sampling Locations ...... 33 Figure 12 Declared and Proposed Protected Areas under NIPAS Map in Region 9 ...... 35 Figure 13. Terrestrial Sampling Points (flora) near PR09a ...... 36 Figure 14 Fauna sampling plots for PR09a from PPTA study ...... 37

Figure 15. Sampling locations ...... 39 Figure 16. Ten most populous municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 41 Figure 17 Age-Sex Pyramid of Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 42 Figure 18: Map of the Canalizo Strait in Zamboanga Sibugay where the proposed bridge ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 19: Sampling stations of coral reefs and reef fishes in the ...... 98 Figure 20. Percentage (%) cover of E. acoroides in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay...... 101 Figure 21: Population density of plankton in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay...... 105 Figure 22: (a) Surface water and mid-water level temperature (0C) and (b) salinity (ppt.) in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 110 Figure 23: Surface water and mid-water level pH and dissolve oxygen content in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay...... 111 Figure 24: Total dissolve solid (mg/l) of water in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay...... 111

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Major Environmental Laws in the Philippines ...... 10 Table 2. Environmental Laws and Decrees in the Philippines ...... 10 Table 3. Philippine Environmental Agreements to the International Treaty ...... 13 Table 4. Laws and Regulations regarding EIA in the Philippines...... 13 Table 5. EIS and IEE Requirements for Road and Bridge Projects ...... 16 Table 6. Category Classifications on the Environment based on SPS 2009 ...... 16 Table 7. Subproject Scope and Coverage ...... 20 Table 8. Summary Road Safety Measures ...... 25 Table 9. Sampling Sites for Terrestrial Resources Surveys in the vicinity of PR09a ...... 35 Table 10 Shannon and Simpson’s Diversity Index for sampling plots along PR09 and PR09a ...... 36 Table 11. Sampling Plots for Fauna Survey along PR09a ...... 38 Table 12. Population Characteristic, Zamboanga Sibugay Municipalities ...... 40 Table 13. Household Size Characteristics, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 41 Table 14. Ethnicity, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 42 Table 15. Schools Division, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 43 Table 16. Educational Resources, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 43 Table 17. Summary of Environmental Impacts Screening for PR 09a (Guicam Bridge) ...... 45 Table 18. Construction Noise / Distance Relationship...... 48 Table 19. Construction Machinery Noise ...... 48 Table 20. Traffic Demand Estimation 2015-2040 Region IX (in % pa) ...... 55 Table 21. NO2 Predicted Concentrations (ppm) along PR 09 (including Guicam Bridge) ...... 55 Table 22. PM10 Predicted Concentrations (µg/m3) along PR 09 (including Guicam Bridge) ...... 55 Table 23 Estimated hourly traffic volume for PR09a ...... 57 Table 24 PREDICTED SOUND LEVEL NEAR GUICAM BRIDGE FOR FUTURE TRAFFIC SCENARIOS ...... 57 Table 25 Environment Management Plan ...... 60 Table 26 Environmental Monitoring Program ...... 78 Table 27. Summary Matrix of Public Consultation ...... 84 Table 28. Summary Matrix of Public Consultation ...... 86 Table 29. Perceived Impacts of the Proposed Road Projects ...... 87 Table 30: Guicam Bridge Public Consultations conducted in 2 barangays ...... 90 Table 31. GPS coordinates of sampling stations of coral reefs and reef fishes in ...... 97 Table 32. GPS coordinates of seagrass and benthos sampling stations in the ...... 100 Table 33. GPS coordinates of mangrove sampling stations in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 103 Table 34. Community structure of mangrove in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 104 Table 35. GPS coordinates of sampling stations of plankton in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 104 Table 36. Population density of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the ...... 105 Table 37. Water parameters of surface water in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 108 Table 38. Water parameters of the mid-water level in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay ...... 109 Table 39. Matrix of compliance of the baseline survey ...... 113

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1. The Government of the Philippines has approached the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for financial and technical support for the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project (the project).

2. Transportation is a key sector in the Philippine economy with roads being the dominant subsector. The national road network comprises 29,630 kilometers (km), or 14% of the total road network and includes the main trunk roads, the national primary arterial roads, and national secondary roads. An efficient road subsector is crucial for the Philippines’ economic growth and poverty reduction. Despite its importance to the national economy, the road subsector has not received adequate funding. Expansion or improvement of the network has been limited in recent years, and many roads deteriorate prematurely due to inadequate maintenance. Government funding for the road network has been increasing in recent years; however, about 23% of the national road network is in poor condition and in need of rehabilitation. This contributes to the rising number of road accidents in the Philippines. The increasing impact of climate change, particularly flooding, is having a negative effect on the road network. The road network in Mindanao is less developed than the national network. While 82% and 89% of the national roads in Luzon and the Visayas are paved, only 70% of the national roads in Mindanao are paved.

3. The project supports the Government of the Philippines’ priorities for improvement of the country’s road network and development of Mindanao.1 It also supports the key objective of ADB’s strategy for the Philippines of helping the country achieve high, inclusive, and sustainable growth.2 The project is consistent with ADB’s Strategy 2020 through its focus on improving the delivery of infrastructure services as well as investing in physical assets.3 The project supports regional cooperation and integration by contributing to the implementation of the ASEAN Highway and BIMP-EAGA Priority Infrastructure Projects. It supports ADB’s Sustainable Transport Initiative4 by addressing climate change and road safety, and it is included in ADB’s Philippines Transport Sector Assessment, Strategy, and Road Map.

4. Use of the sector loan will enable the government to achieve inclusive economic development by concentrating road improvement subprojects in Mindanao and will provide flexibility in determining the most appropriate location for subprojects given changing political and security conditions in Mindanao. The project meets all the requirements for a sector loan:5 (i) the government has a sector development plan and the institutional capacity to implement it, (ii) its policies applicable to the sector are appropriate, and (iii) DPWH has demonstrated capacity.

5. The project is considered Category B for environment based on ADB's Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS 2009). The project will improve an estimated 300 km of national primary, secondary, and tertiary roads in Mindanao. The improvements will include paving earth roads, replacing damaged road sections, widening existing roads, adding surface overlays, and replacing and strengthening bridges. The project roads will be designed with features to strengthen resilience to climate change. Among the structural and non-structural features included are elevated pavement levels, enhanced slope protection, and improved maintenance

1 National Economic and Development Authority. 2011. Philippine Development Plan, 2011–2016. Manila. 2 ADB. 2011. Country Partnership Strategy: Philippines, 2011–2016. Manila. 3 ADB. 2008. Strategy 2020: The Long-Term Strategic Framework of the Asian Development Bank, 2008–2020. Manila. 4 ADB. 2010. Sustainable Transport Initiative: Operational Plan. Manila. 5 ADB. 2003. Sector Lending. Operations Manual. OM D3/BP. Manila.

of drainage structures. Road safety on these roads will be improved through road safety community awareness campaigns.

6. This initial environmental examination (IEE) was prepared in accordance with SPS 2009 for the proposed Guicam Bridge that will connect the two segments of PR-09 Lutiman-Guicam- Olutanga Road which is a National Tertiary Road undergoing construction. The Guicam Bridge will span the 540 m Canalizo strait from Sitio Guicam, Barangay Dawa-Dawa in the Municipality of Alicia to Sitio Hula-hula of Barangay Poblacion in the Municipality of Mabuhay. It has a gross length of 1,208 m measured from K1781+480 – K1782+668. The area to be traversed by the bridge is currently being served with a ferry operation.

7. The IEE was undertaken to:

(i) Provide project information and relevant environmental baseline data for the project; (ii) Assess potential environmental impacts of the project; (iii) Identify mitigation measures to minimize negative impacts; (iv) Provide information on the consultations undertaken and the project level grievance redress mechanism (GRM); and (v) Develop a robust environmental management plan (EMP) which specifies mitigation and monitoring measures, institutional responsibilities and reporting requirements.

8. An environmental assessment and review framework (EARF) was used as a guide in preparing the IEE to ensure compliance of subprojects with the environmental assessment requirements under ADB’s Safeguards Policy Statement, 2009 (SPS) and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS).

9. Project Description. The proposed Guicam Bridge is a 540.80 lineal meter long bridge and 10.52 meters wide with a total length of 1,208 meters including approach roads to and from the bridge abutments. The proposed alignment of the bridge and approach roads slightly veers away from the existing alignment of PR 09 Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road in the Municipality of Alicia but then eventually follows the same existing alignment as the northern approach lands in the Municipality of Mabuhay in Olutanga island. This new bridge construction will be a Pre-stressed Concrete Deck Girder (PCDG) structure. The construction of the Guicam Bridge will complement the improvement of PR 09 involving the replacement of the gravel road with Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) meeting a required carriageway width of 6.70m with shoulder width of 1.5 meters on both sides. Specifically, the major items of work include approach roads with a total of 0.66 km length; two (2) intersections of 38.76 & 100 meters length each; and the bridge structure itself that is 540.80 lineal meters.

10. Existing Environmental Conditions. The approaches to the Guicam Bridge as well as its intersections are predominantly located within a developing rural area with a mix of residential, commercial and institutional establishments and in close proximity to the existing ferry operations over the Canalizo Strait. Marine ecological assessment results (Appendix 1) indicate that the marine biodiversity in the Canalizo Strait is low. Absence of coral reefs and coral fishes were observed; one (1) species of seagrass was recorded; minimal number of mangrove trees present. Visual as well as diving activities during the survey period observed minimal surface and sub-

surface water currents and wave action. Barge and boat operations and other human activities were observed around the site. There are seaweeds plantations on the channel. Sedimentation, siltation, low water visibility and substrate characteristics were observed.

11. Sustained human activities and other coastal development (reclamation) in the area may have affected the species diversity of seagrass and the quality of the water. Cutting of mangrove trees used as stilts, firewood, posts and fence by the community was observed. However, the local government units (LGUs) conducted mangrove reforestation in Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay several years ago. Mangrove forest significantly reduces sedimentation and siltation if it is properly managed. Mangrove reforestation is highly recommended to prevent coastal erosion and minimize sediment loading into the water and to also offset the loss of the removal of vegetation that will be affected by the bridge pier locations.

12. Seaweed farms are located perpendicular to the bridge alignment. During construction, these may have to be moved away so that these will not be adversely affected by the bridge construction activities. This farming activity was observed in the channel despite sedimentation, high turbidity, minimal water movement and lack of wave action due to the application of commercial fertilizers. This showed that the water may still be good for this marine-culture purpose with such intervention. The presence of the seagrass Enhalus acoroides in the shallow portion of the channel helps to reduce sedimentation by trapping the sediment, which is favorable to the seaweeds farming.

13. Anticipated Impacts and Environmental Management Plan. As the project will involve bridge construction with multiple bored piles to be driven into the channel waters with low marine diversity, significant adverse environmental impacts are not anticipated. The mangrove trees to be cut to make way for the bridge piers and embankment for the approach roads will be minimal and shall be offset through replanting within the immediate vicinity of the bridge site location. The cutting and replacement planting of mangrove trees shall be coordinated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) through its implementing agency (the UPMO) and its Contractor with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Community and Environment Resources Office (CENRO).

14. Potential environmental impacts related to construction activities include: (i) impacts to the seaweed farms, (ii) construction noise, (iii) local air pollution due to construction activities, (iv) oil and other hazardous materials releases, (v) vehicular traffic congestion and public access disruption in the ferry operation, (vi) hazards to the public due to construction activities, (vii) pollution and health risks arising from workers camps, (viii) occupational health and safety at work sites, and (ix) sedimentation at and near pier construction sites. To mitigate negative impacts arising from the Project, an environmental management plan (EMP) detailing mitigation measures, monitoring activities and responsibilities for implementation has been prepared as part of the IEE. DPWH will include the EMP in the bid and tender documents for civil works to ensure that the Project will be carried out consistent with the EMP requirements and sufficient resources are allocated. Contractors are required to prepare a contractor’s environmental management plan (CEMP) aligned with the project EMP to be approved by DPWH and the construction supervision consultant (CSC) and cleared by ADB prior to start of construction. During construction, DPWH will be assisted by the CSC who will also undertake monitoring of the environmental performance and compliance of contractors.

15. Grievance Redress Mechanism. A project-specific grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be established at the DPWH District Engineering Office (DEO) to receive, evaluate, and facilitate the complaints/grievances of affected persons on the sub-project’s environmental performance. This mechanism will be disclosed to the host communities and other stakeholders prior to commencement of site works. A framework is presented in the IEE with additional details to be provided and documented in the CEMP prior to the commencement of the construction activities, if necessary.

16. Information Disclosure and Consultation. Public consultations involving affected people and local officials have been conducted during the project preparation technical assistance phase of this project together with the information dissemination for PR 09 Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road. Section VI of this IEE discusses the stakeholders desire for the construction of the bridge during the public scoping for the same proposed road (as required under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (PEISS). Additional consultations were conducted during the preparation of the resettlement and indigenous peoples’ plan. The highlights of the potential subproject environmental and social impacts were communicated to the stakeholders through several public consultations and/or distribution of project information materials thereafter following the resettlement activities, and during the detailed engineering design investigations.

17. Conclusion. Based on the screening and assessment for potential environmental impacts, and results of the marine ecological survey and assessment, the project is not anticipated to have significant but only temporary negative environmental impacts during construction. The project can be implemented in an environmentally acceptable manner provided that the EMP is enforced. However, should there be changes in the project scope resulting to significant impacts that were not included in this assessment, an updated or a new IEE will be prepared.

II. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

A. Environmental Laws, Regulations and Guidelines in the Philippines 18. Major laws regarding the environment in the Philippines are shown in Table 1. These environmental-related laws were formulated under the Presidential Decree (PD) No.1151 as an environmental policy and PD No. 1152 as an environmental regulation in relation.

Table 1. Major Environmental Laws in the Philippines Title Contents Presidential Decree (PD)No.1151 Environmental policy

Presidential Decree (PD)No. 1152 Environmental regulation Source: Compiled for the PPTA (TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045)

19. Major environmental laws are set out for natural resources, protection of wildlife and biodiversity, forest resources, mining, coastal and marine, ambient air, water quality, waste and disposal, land use and resettlement, conservation of historical and cultural assets, environmental assessment, and national integrated protected area system. The laws and decrees applicable to the Project are summarized in Table 2.

Table 2. Environmental Laws and Decrees in the Philippines Category Title/Outline Natural Presidential Decree (PD) Requiring all individuals, partnerships Resources 1198 or corporations engaged in the exploration, development and exploitation of natural resources or in the construction of infrastructure projects to restore or rehabilitate areas subject thereof or affected thereby to their original condition Coastal/Marine Presidential Decree (PD) Prevention of marine pollution No.600 (1974) Presidential Decree (PD) No. Establishment for oil pollution 602 (1974) management center Presidential Decree (PD) No. Prevention of ocean pollution 979 Ambient Air Republic Act (RA) 3931 An Act creating the National Water and Air Pollution Commission (also includes definitions and penalties related to pollution) PD 1181 Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution from motor vehicles and for other purposes PD 1160 Vesting authority in Barangay captains to enforce pollution and

Category Title/Outline environmental control laws and for other purposes RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 Water Quality RA 9275 Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 (An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Water Quality Management and for Other Purposes) DENR Administrative Order Classification of water and use (DAO) 2016-008 Waste Disposal PD 825 (1975) Providing penalty for improper disposal of garbage and other forms of uncleanliness and for other purposes PD 1152 (1977) Philippine Environmental Code (Objective: To achieve and maintain such levels of air quality as to protect public health and to prevent to the greatest extent practicable, injury and/or damage to plant and animal life and property, and promote the social and economic development of the country)

Republic Act No. 6969 An Act to Control Toxic Substances (1990) and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes, Providing Penalties for Violations thereof, and for their Purposes DAO 36 Series of 2004 Procedural Manual of DAO 92-29, a (DAO 04-36) comprehensive documentation on the legal and technical requirements of hazardous waste management Republic Act No. 9003 Ecological and Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 DAO 01-34 Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 9003 Forestry/Flora PD 705 Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines DENR Memorandum Order Uniform Replacement Ratio for Cut No. 05 of 2012 or Relocated Trees Joint Memorandum Circular Guidelines for the Implementation of No. 1 series of 2014 dated the DPWH- DENR-DSWD July 3, 2014. Partnership on the Tree Replacement Project Biodiversity Republic Act No. 9147 Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (An Act Providing for the Conservation and Protection of

Category Title/Outline Wildlife Resources and their Habitats, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes) Environmental Presidential Decree No. Philippine Environment Policy. Assessment 1151 PD 1586 (1978) Establishing an environmental impact statement system including other environmental management related measures and for other purposes Presidential Proclamation Proclaiming certain areas and types 2146 of projects as environmentally critical and within the scope of the environmental impact statement system established under PD 1586 Cultural Heritage Republic Act No. 10066 National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009 (An Act Providing for the Protection and Conservation of the National Cultural Heritage, Strengthening the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and its Affiliated Cultural Agencies, and for Other Purposes) Climate Change Republic Act 9729 Climate Change Act of 2009 (An Act Mainstreaming Climate Change into Government Policy Formulations, Establishing the Framework Strategy and Program on Climate Change, Creating for this Purpose the Climate Change Commission, and for Other Purposes) Disaster Risk Republic Act 10121 Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction Reduction and and Management Act of 2010 (An Act Management Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, providing for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Framework and Institutionalizing the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan) Source: PPTA (TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), and supplemented with compilation by DED Team.

20. The Government of the Philippines (GoP) has ratified international treaties, agreements, and protocols in relation to environmental social considerations which are listed in Table 3.

Table 3. Philippine Environmental Agreements to the International Treaty Title Year Washington Treaty Convention on the international trade in endangered species of wild (1981) flora and fauna Convention on biological diversity (1993) Framework convention on climate change (1994) Source: PPTA (TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045)

B. EIA System in the Philippines 21. In the Philippines, all private or public projects or activities which are envisaged to potentially have a negative impact on the environment are subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS). EIA is the preliminary analysis of the potential impacts of the project on the environment. Aware of the possible negative effects of the implementation of industrial and other activities, the GoP has instituted measures to encourage the use of EIA as a planning and decision-making tool.

22. PEISS is a set of laws, regulations, administrative orders and guidelines concerned with the EIA. Table 4 shows some of the important laws and guidelines.

Table 4. Laws and Regulations regarding EIA in the Philippines Title Outline Philippine Environmental An act establishing and centralizing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Impact Statement System System under the National Environmental Protection Council (NEPC), which (EISS), Presidential Decree merged with the National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) in June 1987 to No. 1586 (1978) become the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). Presidential Proclamation It proclaims Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) to have significant impact on No. 2146 (1981) and No. the quality of environment and Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) as 803 (1996) environmentally fragile areas within the scope of the EIS System. DAO 96-37 (revised to Devolved responsibility for EIS to the EMB-Regional Office and further become DAO 92-21) strengthened the Philippine EIS System (PEISS). Placed emphasis on promoting maximum public participation in EIA process to validate the social acceptability of the Project. DENR Administrative Order Revised Procedural Manual (2007): Provides for implementation of rules and No. 30 Series of 2003 (DAO regulations of Presidential Decree No. 1586, establishing PEISS. Also, provided 03-30) detailed definitions of technical terms and detailed information regarding procedures, related laws and regulations. EMB Memorandum Circular Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements under the 2014-005 Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System (PEISS) amending relevant portions of MC 2007-002 DAO 2017-15 Guidelines on Public Participation under the PEISS Source: PPTA (TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045)

23. The procedures of EIA process are shown in Figure 1. The process stages are categorized as: i) pre-study stage (screening and scoping); ii) EIA study stage; and iii) post-study stage (review, decision-making and monitoring).

24. According to PD 1586 (1978), the EIA process covers projects which are considered environmentally critical projects (ECPs) or projects in environmentally critical areas (ECAs) presumed to have significant impacts on the environment.

25. A road project with more than 20 km-long new road construction in total is classified as Category A which requires preparation of an environmental impact statement (EIS) in order to

obtain an environmental compliance certificates (ECC) from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The criteria of ECPs related to the project are shown in Table 5.

26. A separate document following the requirements of EMB Memorandum Circular 2014-005 was prepared for submission to EMB Region 9 as an application to obtain an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for the Project. Albeit the scoping process was conducted in August 2016 and the public scoping and technical scoping conducted accordingly between 15 to 17 August 2016, the documentation prescribed under EMB MC 2014-005 applies in this Subproject.

27. These scoping activities at that time for PR 09 prior to the inclusion of the Guicam Bridge as part of the project (kindly refer to notes in the separate IEE for PR 09) supplement the activity during the project preparation phase conducted on August 20, 2015. Several public consultations were likewise conducted during the preparation of the resettlement and indigenous peoples plan (RIPP) after the scoping process to further enhance public awareness of the project as well as participation to communicate impacts that will be addressed during the construction period. The results of these consultation activities are documented separately in the RIPP).

Source: Revised Procedural Manual for DENR Administrative Order No. 30 Series of 2003 (DAO 03-30) (2007) Figure 1. Flow of EIA Process

Table 5. EIS and IEE Requirements for Road and Bridge Projects Not covered Covered (Required to secure ECC) Project (may secure CNC) Description Category A: ECP Category B: Non-ECP Category D EIS EIS IEE Checklist PD (Part I only) 3.4.1 Roads, new NATIONAL ROAD: PROVINCIAL ALL TYPES OF construction >= 20 km ROAD and OTHER ROADS: > 2 km but (length with no TYPES OF ROADS: < 20 km, (length with critical slope) OR >= >= 20 km no critical slope) OR <=2 km 10 km (length with (length with no > 2 km but < 10 km critical slope) critical slope) OR >= (length with critical 10 km (length with slope) critical slope) 3.4.2 Roads, > 50 % increase in widening, > 50 % increase in capacity (or in terms rehabilitation capacity (or in terms of length/width) > 50 % increase in and/or of length/width) AND > 2 km but < capacity (or in terms improvement AND >= 20.0 km, 20.0 km, (length None of length/width) but (length with no with no critical <= 2 km increase in critical slope) OR >= slope) OR > 2 km length 10.0 km (length with but < 10.0 km critical slope) (length with critical slope) <= 50 m 3.4.3 Bridges and Regardless viaducts (including >= 5 km but < 10.0 >= 10.0 km > 50 m but < 5.0 km of length for elevated roads), km footbridges or for new construction pedestrian only 3.4.4 Bridges and > 50 % increase in > 50 % increase in viaducts (including > 50 % increase in capacity (or in terms capacity (or in terms elevated roads), capacity (or in terms None of length/width) but of length/width) but rehabilitation and/or of length/width) OR < total length of 10.0 < 2 km increase in improvement >= 10.0 km km length 3.4.5 Roads- Regardless of flyover/ cloverleaf/ None None None length and width interchanges 3.4.6 Pedestrian All underpass All overpass None None passages projects projects 3.4.7 Tunnels and sub-grade roads >= 1.0 km < 1.0 km None None and railways Source: PPTA, based on the “Revised Guidelines for Coverage Screening and Standardized Requirements, EMB Memorandum Circular No. 2014-005 dated July 2014.

C. ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement 28. The ADB’s process of determining a road project’s environment category is through accomplishment of a rapid environmental assessment (REA) checklist taking into account the type, size, and location of the proposed project. Based on SPS 2009, a project could be classified under one of the four environmental categories (A, B, C or FI) as shown in Table 6. PR 09 is considered Category B.

Table 6. Category Classifications on the Environment based on SPS 2009 Category Application Projects with potential for significant adverse environmental impacts that is irreversible, diverse or A unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required Projects judged to have some adverse environmental impacts, but of lesser degree and/or B significance than those for category A projects. Impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are

irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than for Category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE) is required. Projects likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No environmental C assessment is required although environmental implications are still reviewed. Projects are classified as category FI if they involve investment of funds to or through a financial intermediary. Where the FI’s investment have minimal or no adverse environmental risks. The FI project will be treated as category C. All other FI’s must establish and maintain an environmental F1 and social management standard must comply with the environmental safeguard requirements specified in SPS 2009 if the FI’s subprojects have the potential for significant adverse environmental impacts. Source: ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (June 2009)

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

A. Overview

29. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide Technical Assistance (TA) to prepare the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project. This project supports the Government of the Philippines’ priorities for improvement of the country’s road network and development of Mindanao, including the government’s agenda for Mindanao in the Philippines Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016. This project extends ADB’s long standing assistance in Mindanao with a recent focus on the road sector including institutional development and now improving national roads for inclusive growth.

30. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines, with a population of nearly 25 million people. Despite being rich in natural resources, Mindanao has the highest poverty incidence of the Philippines’ three island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao), with a rate of 36.2%,6 due in large part to civil conflict and low economic growth. Although significant development has occurred in recent years, a number of infrastructure targets in the government’s Mindanao 2000 plan have not been achieved, due to the lack of coherent plans, inadequate government financial resources, and underinvestment, especially by the private sector.7

31. The road network in Mindanao is less developed than the national network. While 82% and 89% of the national roads in Luzon and the Visayas are paved, only 70% of the national roads in Mindanao are paved.8 This is compounded by a wider set of issues such as constrained growth of regional economic corridors through Mindanao and reduced support to regional cooperation and integration, as well as the lack of the necessary physical, institutional and governance capacity to support the full delivery of a quality national road network.

32. The impact of the project will be improved mobility, connecting accessibility and safety, and reduced poverty in the project area. The outcome will be reduced transport cost and improved accessibility. Transport on and investment in the national road network will become more efficient. The increased efficiency will be measured by reductions in travel time, vehicle operating costs, and road accident rates; improvements in the road surface condition; and improvements in governance in the transport sector and in DPWH's assessment, communications and administration capabilities. The Project's impact will be an accessible, affordable and safe road network in the project area.

33. This IEE was prepared in accordance with SPS 2009 covering the construction of the Guicam Bridge with a gross length of 1,208.02 m connecting the sections of PR-09 (Lutiman - Guicam - Olutanga Road) from the Municipality of Alicia in the Zamboanga Sibugay mainland to the Olutanga island.

6 Philippine Statistics Authority, Poverty and Human Development Statistics Division. 2016. 2015 Full Year Official Poverty Statistics of the Philippines. Manila. 7 MinDA. 2011. Mindanao 2020 Peace and Development Framework Plan 2011-2030. 8 By December 2014, 76% of national roads in Mindanao were paved (DPWH).

B. Location 34. The proposed Guicam Bridge complementing PR 09 is located in Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula Region) in the western part of Mindanao as shown in Figure 2. The Guicam Bridge has a gross length of 1,208.02 m connecting the existing road PR 09 that is mostly gravel but is currently being improved as one of the project roads under this project, with a gross length of 38.70 kilometers. The road has a flat to rolling terrain starting at K1759+967.17 and terminates at K 1798 + 666.33. PR09a traverses Barangay Dawadawa in the Municipality of Alicia to Barangay Poblacion, Municipality of Mabuhay in Olutanga island. Currently a ferry service connects the mainland to Mabuhay in Olutanga Island.

Figure 2 Location of the proposed Guicam Bridge

C. Proposed Bridge Construction Works

35. The Guicam Bridge is 540.80 lineal meters long and 10.52 meters wide with a total length of 1,208 meters including its approach roads to and from the bridge abutments. The proposed alignment of the bridge and approach roads slightly veers away from the existing alignment of PR 09 Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road in the Municipality of Alicia but then eventually follows the same existing alignment as the northern approach lands in the Municipality of Mabuhay. This new

bridge construction will be a Pre-stressed Concrete Deck Girder (PCDG) structure. The construction of the Guicam Bridge will complement the improvement of the existing road currently being implemented under a separate contract. Specifically, the major items of work include approach roads with a total of 0.66 km length; two (2) intersections of 38.76- & 100-meters length each; the bridge structure itself that is 540.80 lineal meters; and other ancillary structures.

36. The bridgeworks to be undertaken are summarized on Table 7.

37. The Canalizo Strait to be crossed by the proposed bridge is used for navigation by small- engined boats and has an existing ferry service operation that caters to both passenger, vehicular and cargo traffic managed by the Provincial Government from the Zamboanga Sibugay mainland to Olutanga island and vice versa.

Table 7. Subproject Scope and Coverage Total Municipality Road Project Province Length Project Scope (Barangay) (m) a) Construction of approach road with a total length of 0.662 km; b) Construction of two (2) Sitio Guicam Barangay intersections of 38.76 & 100 Dawa-dawa, Municipality meters; Zamboanga of Alicia; and c) the bridge structure itself that is Guicam Bridge 1,208.02 Sibugay, Sitio Hula-hula, 540.850 lineal meters; Barangay Poblacion, d) Installation of warning signs, Municipality of Mabuhay regulatory signs, informatory signs, Chevron Signs, grouted riprap, stone masonry, coco-net, and pedestrian crossing.

D. Basic Design of the Project Bridge

a. Selection of Design Elements 38. One of the best practices on design standards practiced worldwide is the “Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, 2001, AASHTO”. This set of standards is also recommended as design standards for Philippine national highways by the “Highway Safety Design Standards Manual – Part 1: Road Safety Design Manual, 2012, DPWH”. The basic design of bridges for streams, river and channel crossings is based on the recommendations of the DPWH “Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards” (DGCS) for Public Works and Highways, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its corresponding Department Orders for roads and highway design. For other design requirements not covered by the DPWH DGCS, international best practices are also referred to, including the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the Japan Road Association (JRA).9

39. Design speed is used to determine individual design elements, such as stopping sight distance and horizontal curvature. The combination of a design traffic volume and a topography

9 Japan Road Association is a corporate juridical person conducting diverse activities for studying ideal road policies that are essential to people's lives and actively promoting the diffusion of knowledge on roadways, the development of roads and the progress in transportation through various roles of domestic and overseas roadways.

condition, namely flat topography, rolling topography, and mountainous topography, leads to determination of design speeds of roads. A design speed determines corresponding horizontal minimum radius, vertical maximum gradient, super elevation, and sight distances. Topographic conditions will be decided for each section of the project roads.

40. Other elements are less related to design speed, such as pavement and shoulder width and clearances to walls and traffic barriers. Typically, an arterial road warrants a higher design speed than a local road. A road located in flat terrain warrants a higher design speed than one in mountainous terrain.

41. The design elements for the Guicam Bridge and approach roads are summarized below:

1) Design average daily traffic: 1000-2000 2) Topographic condition: Rolling 3) Design speed: 60 km/hr 4) Classification of road for design: national tertiary i. Minimum radius: 130 m ii. Maximum grade 6% 5) Lanes: 2 x 3.35 m/6.7 m 6) Shoulders: 1.5 m (each side) 7) Right-of-way: 20 m 8) Bridge width: 10.520 m

42. In principle, the DPWH standard cross-sections for bridges are applied in the project roads while adopting the same traffic lane width as the approaching road to attain a safer and smoother road alignment. The figure overleaf Figure 3 illustrates the typical bridge deck cross-sections corresponding to the proposed road section - based on the DPWH standard bridges for flat slab, reinforced concrete deck girder (RCDG) and prestressed concrete deck girder (PCDG). Both the road and the bridge shall have the same 2-lane configuration.

Figure 3 Typical Deck Section

43. The DPWH requires seismic design considerations for bridges in the Philippines. Application of the latest earthquake design requirements, with the design peak ground acceleration as illustrated in the figure below, shall be considered. Although the current design earthquakes as required by the DPWH have return periods of 500 years, the new design specification requirements will require earthquakes with 1,000-year return periods.

44. Alternative Alignments. Three alignments were considered for the 540m bridge that will cross Canalizo Strait and connect Olutanga Island with the main Zamboanga Peninsula. (Figure 4). Alternative-1 alignment in the figure overleaf is selected based on the shortest bridge length with least impact to social and natural environment.

Figure 4 Alternative Alignments for Canalizo Strait Crossing (from PPTA)

45. Since large vessels and ships are not expected to pass through this channel, precast/prestressed AASHTO girder with spans of about 45 meters is proposed for this crossing. The figure below illustrates the proposed bridge alignment and perspective view of the bridge follows.

Figure 5 Proposed Guicam Bridge alignment

Figure 6 Perspective view of proposed Guicam Bridge (from DED)

b. Climate Change Adaptation

46. Design Flood and Flood Freeboard. To consider climate change in the design of bridges and culverts, the DPWH issued a Memorandum on “Upgrades on Flood Control and Road Drainage Standards”, 21 June 2011 requiring bridges on major rivers to be designed using a 50- year flood with sufficient freeboard to contain a 100-year flood. Moreover, the design flood

freeboard shall be no less than 1.50m for rivers carrying debris, otherwise it shall be 1.0m as a minimum.

47. It is most effective to design and construct a climate resilient bridge than retrofitting at a later stage when problems appear. A Climate Change Assessment10 for the IGCMRSP Project was conducted so that climate change considerations may be incorporated in the bridge design in addition to data on historic climate patterns. The DPWH requires incorporation of the following criteria to upgrade design standards as adaptation to climate change. The following adaptation measures have been included in the project design, as appropriate, to make the bridge more resilient to climate change impacts:

• Bridges: review design storm return periods, raise bridge if freeboard is inadequate, reinforce bridge piers and abutments at risk from scouring, provide retention dams upstream to reduce flood flows

48. A 10% increase in the design of road structures has been adopted to meet the requirements specified in the Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards. Other adaptation measures cited in the CCA study and recommended for the project are: • Regularly clear out debris from cross drainage pipes, culverts, and riverbeds under bridges. Although this was stated for bridges over rivers, this applies as well to bridges under sea channels and are very effective if regularly undertaken during periods of heavy rain. This will become part of the regular bridge maintenance budget of the district DPWH. • Establish mangrove and sea grasses and encourage seaweed farming along coastlines to reduce storm surge impacts. This will require collaboration with DENR under their Mangrove and Beach Forest Development and Management Program. Vegetative materials sourced from approved nurseries. These are effective when fully established in reducing coastal wave action and storm surge impacts. • Raise embankments where road passes close to the shoreline. Consider 82 cm sea level rise coupled with a projected maximum storm surge height and 30cm freeboard. There may be portions of the bridge approach roads that would be subject to this. This would require provision of suitable subbase materials, machinery and labor and are effective to ensure coastal road unaffected by storm surges.

E. Road Safety 49. During the PPTA, a review was carried out on the project road safety measures for incorporation into the design. These measures were based on a road safety audit in Western Mindanao aimed to identify potential road safety hazards and to incorporate measures in the detailed design to improve safety aspects of the project. The road safety audit followed the key criteria of the ADB Road Safety Audit for Road Projects (2003).

50. The PPTA Road Safety team discussed these findings to determine the potential safety risks and found that most of defects are observed across Western Mindanao. A series of suggested measures were identified for consideration to help avoid or mitigate safety issues.

10 Climate Change Assessment, Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project. Asian Development Bank, November 2017.

Problems related to geometric design will be solved by following DPWH design standards. Measures considered in the detailed design are shown in Table 8.

Table 8. Summary Road Safety Measures No. Problem Design Measure 1 Road signs and Setting up warning and guide signs, arrow marks and providing pavement markings delineation lines clearly along every road. 2 No light signal Providing traffic signals at key intersections 3 Poor pavement Improvement of the quality of pavement and provide delineation or without delineation pavement markings. 4 Stalls and residential Removal of stalls to help reduce obstructions and encroachment houses beside the road 5 Small vertical crest Improving vertical curves to suit safe design criteria/requirement with poor sight distance 6 Sharp curve and Installation of chevron signs where required and speed limit signs. insufficient chevron Improvement of the vertical alignment to provide sight distance signs requirement 7 Dangerous side Setting up guardrails between the road and ditches ditches close to road 8 Parking along the Prohibiting of the use of carriageway as parking to ensure safe, carriageway efficient and smooth vehicular flow 9 No warning sign in Installation of advance warning signs on construction sites so the construction sites drivers can get advance information beforehand 10 Slope-slide prone Planting of grass and installing the necessary slope protection zone facilities. Conduct of geotechnical investigation to determine the most appropriate slope protection structures 11 No guard rails at high Installation of guard rails on all locations with embankment height embankments and exceeding 2.0m steep side slope 12 Block-type guard- Changing to guard rails, which function to guide a deviating walls stones vehicle back to the lane. 13 Y-type intersection Changing a crossing angle of 2 roads at merging section to more than 70 degrees. Improve intersection layout; provide proper “channelization” 14 Shortage of sight Moving hazards: trees, fences, poles etc. Improve the horizontal distance and vertical alignment. 15 No pedestrian Installation of pedestrian crossing. Sidewalks and bicycle lanes crossing and pedestrian crossings. The roads beside or in the vicinity of schools or markets will be located/designed away from schools and markets as much as possible. Source: PPTA. NB: In the PPTA workshop held on 29 April 2015, participants of a road safety discussion group suggested to add a few more recommendations in addition to the above: first, road safety education for students and local residents, and second, widening of shoulder of 1.5m (minimum) for emergency, provision of turn-outs/lay-bys.

F. CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY 51. The contractor has the freedom to use his own construction methodology as evaluated in his bid documents. During pre-construction activity, the contractor may clarify some issues that maybe deem necessary prior to actual execution of the works in the contract.

52. Clearing of the location of abutments and approaches. Affected structures will be cleared along the alignment of the bridge prior to the issuance of the notice to proceed (NTP) to

the contractor. Likewise, the permit to cut trees should have been issued, taking into account that mangroves will only be cut if they cannot be avoided on the footprints of the bridge. Next, is to clear all stumps of the roots of the trees and taking out all the unsuitable materials to the designated disposal sites approved by the Engineer.

53. Installation of Casing of the Bored Piles. The first option of the contractor is to use two barges to carry out the construction activities. They will install the casing of the bored piles prior to installation of the bored piles as the piers of the bridge. The casing will be installed at the location of the piers, after which sea water inside the casing will be pumped out. After all the water has been pumped out, the bentonite slurry is placed onto the soil from a hose onto container. Bentonite slurry used during bridge construction during bored piling will be collected and processed in a closed system using a system of tanks/containers connected by hoses to the drilling location. Bentonite slurry used during bridge construction will be collected and processed in a closed system and discharge into watercourses will be prohibited. The contractor will return the container to the supplier, in exchange of incentives. In compliance with RA 6969, the Contractor(s) shall be required to submit a Method Statement describing the process for its use for approval by the CSC prior to the use of the material and system set-up. Discharge into watercourses will be prohibited. The Contractor(s) shall identify final disposal locations as part of its waste disposal management plan and shall be reflected in the CEMP.

54. The soils that will be collected inside the casing will be pumped out to the standby container on the barges. The contractor will make sure that spillage unto the water will be avoided because these soils are already contaminated that may have a significant impact of the sea water.

55. Installation of Bored Piles. The bored piles are pre-casted at the depot of the contractor. The contractor will install all the bored piles until all the bored piles in the designated location of the piers of the bridge.

56. Capping the bored piles. After the bored piles are erected, the contractor will now proceed in the capping of the bored piles based of the specifications/design plans.

57. Girders. The girders of the bridge will be pre-casted at the depot of the contractor. After step 4 has been completed, the contractor will now proceed on the launching of the girders of the bridge.

58. Flooring of the Bridges. After satisfying all the provisions in the design plan and specifications, the Engineer on site will give the approval for the next step. The contractor may use steel casting on the flooring of the bridge and proceed with the rebars of the flooring of the bridge.

59. Pouring of the concrete cement. Prior to the pouring of the cement on the flooring of the pavement of the bridge, the contractor will request a pouring request from the Engineer. The contractor will see to it that no spillage of the concrete cement onto the sea water. The construction methodology shall be approved by the Engineer on site.

60. Accessories of the bridge. The construction/installation of all other accessories of the bridge will be the contractor’s methodology, they might be pre-casted at their depot or casted on site. If casted on site, excess materials should not be thrown to water bodies and no thrush are left on site. Spillage of concrete cement should be avoided to prevent contamination of the sea water.

61. Approaches of the bridge. The approaches of the bridge will connect to the newly constructed paved road of PR 09: Lutiman-Guicam-Olutanga Road. The approaches of the bridge will be a new alignment and it is expected that the soil materials are not good material for construction because of the presence of the stump of the trees. Excess materials will be brought to the designated disposal sites approved by the Engineer.

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

A. Land Environment

a. Topography and Slope11 62. The Guicam Bridge shall be crossing the Canalizo Strait between the mainland Zamboanga Sibugay to the Olutanga Island, also of the same province. Zamboanga Sibugay province, which stretches northward from Zamboanga City in the Southwest and runs along the northern boundary of Zamboanga del Norte.

Figure 7 Slope map along PR09 including PR09a (encircled)

11 Excerpted description from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016. Referred in the document as the PPTA study.

63. While topography along PR09 alignment is characterized by a variable level to rolling terrain having level to gentle slope gradient to moderately steep slopes and over 18%, the approach roads that connects with Guicam bridge are generally level terrain (see Figure 7)

b. Land Cover 64. Current land cover along the PR09 alignment including Guicam bridge are perennial crops, annual crops, built-up areas, shrubs, mangrove, and fishponds. The 2015 landcover map is shown in Figure 8. Along the bridge approaches are mostly developing areas with a small patch of mangroves on the Alicia municipality side and some vegetation on both sides.

Figure 8 Land cover map of PR09 including PR09a

c. Geology 65. The island of Mindanao is characterized by a complex geologic setting manifested by the presence of several arc terrains. As a part of an island arc system, the island consists mainly of two blocks: the island-arc-related eastern-central Mindanao block and the continental Zamboanga Peninsula, which contains several ophiolitic bodies and mélanges (Yumul et. al., 2004). In Zamboanga Peninsula the oldest rocks are likely to be the Upper Jurassic-Cretaceous serpentinized ultramafics, schists, gneiss and quartzites now exposed in southwest Zamboanga (Santos-Ynigo, 1953; Paderes and Miranda, 1965). Notably the southwest Zamboanga ultramafics correlate with the basement serpentinized peridotites found in east-central Zamboanga. The hydrothermally altered strata of the Sindangan Volcanics are considered the oldest volcanics. Overlying the Sindangan Volcanics are shale and sandstone intercalated with thin basaltic flows and limestone lenses formed during Eocene.

66. Three main physiographic-structural units have been recognized in Mindanao Island (Corpuz, 1992). The first unit trends N-NNW and comprises the Pacific Cordillera, Mindanao Central Cordillera and Agusan-Davao Basin. The second unit trends NW and includes the Tiruray- Daguma Range and Cotabato Basin. The third unit encompasses the NE-trending Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu Islands, where the oldest rocks are probably Upper Jurassic-Cretaceous serpentinized ultramafics, schists, gneiss and quartzites (Santos-Ynigo, 1953).

d. Soils 67. The Province of Zamboanga Sibugay is largely clay. On slopes over 20%, stone content and its soils have low fertility due to leaching and low organic material content. Perennial crops are extensively grown in many areas.

B. Climate and Meteorology

a. Climate 68. Seasons are not very pronounced but relatively dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. The northeast monsoon prevails during November to February while the southwest monsoon occurs during the months of June to October. The rain period starts in June and last up to November while the period from January to May is relatively dry. December and April may be considered transition months. According to the Corona’s Classification of Climate, Zamboanga Sibugay falls under Category Type III12. Zamboanga Peninsula is one of the locations in the Philippines that is least frequently visited by typhoons since the region is away from the typhoon belt area of the country (Figure 9).

b. Rainfall 69. The southwest monsoon is the main rainfall-causing weather system of the area. Tropical cyclones seldom, if not rarely, cross the project area. The rainy season in the area occurs from June to November while the rest of the year is relatively dry. The month of October is the wettest, with a monthly average rainfall of 178.9 mm. The month of February, on the other hand is the

12 Type III: No very pronounced maximum rain period, with a short dry season lasting only from one to three months, either during the period from December to February or from March to May. This climate type resembles type I since it has a short dry season.

driest, with a mean monthly rainfall of 43.7 mm. The average annual rainfall recorded based on years of data is 1266.5 mm. Based on the climatological extremes of PAGASA, the highest rainfall amount, as of 2010, is 199 mm in October 2001 with a minimum rainfall amount of 88.9 mm occurring in May 1990. These rainfall amounts are not that notable compared to the rainfall data gauged by other stations in Mindanao.

Source: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016. Figure 9. Climate Map of Zamboanga Peninsula

c. Temperature 70. PAGASA data on climatological normal, taken from Zamboanga City Weather Station shows that the annual mean temperature for Zamboanga is 28.3oC. Average annual maximum temperature in the region is 32.4oC while the average minimum temperature is 24.1oC. Data was obtained over a 30-year period (1981-2010). Highest temperature recorded was 36.9oC occurring in April 22, 1987, while lowest temperature was 15.6 oC in Feb. 27, 1995.

d. Relative Humidity 71. Relative humidity is a measure of the amount of moisture in the atmosphere relative to the saturation condition of the air at the same temperature and pressure. The mean annual relative humidity in the region is as high as 83% occurring in the months of July and October. The least humid condition for the area is in summer month of March with an average amount of 78%.

e. Wind 72. The prevailing wind for the region is west southwest with an annual average wind flow of 2 m/s occurring the whole year through.

C. Water Resources 73. According to the PPTA report, the provincial households numbered 98,653 as of 2010. Of these, 1,247 units are Level I13. Level II14 has 406 units and Level III15 has a total of 162 units or functional facilities in 16 municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay. Likewise, the total population served with adequate water facilities numbered 80,277. This figure was gathered from the Municipal Planning and Development Offices in the Province.

74. Of the reported 19 river channels in Zamboanga Sibugay, Lambuyogan River can be found in the Municipality of Alicia and two rivers, Kasigpitan and Gandaan, in Olutanga. Only Lambuyogan River has been classified by the Environment Management Bureau (Class B), although the location of the station was not reported. None of these rivers, however, are close to the bridge construction site. 75. The marine waters in the vicinity of Alicia and Olutanga are Dumanquilas Bay, Tantanan Bay, and Saong Bay. Dumanquilas Bay, a declared protected seascape (see Figure 11), is in the eastern side of Malangas, Alicia, and Olutanga Island and is not within 20 kilometers of the project site. Saong Bay is within Alicia and north of Mabuhay and is around 7 kms of the project site, while Tantanan Bay is much farther. The project, however, will be crossing the Canalizo Strait, thus, a marine ecological survey was conducted in this area. The results of the marine survey are presented in Section F and the complete report is Appendix 1 of this IEE. This information is made available as part of this report and must be taken note by the Contractor during the preparation of their CEMP.

76. Groundwater assessment of Zamboanga Sibugay can be found in the Provincial Water Supply, Sewerage & Sanitation Sector Plan for the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay (also cited in the PPTA study), which divides the province into three (3) sub-areas indicating groundwater availability. Alicia and Mabuhay are under the lowland coastal area classification. This area is classified both as deep and shallow well areas. Recent unconsolidated sediments comprise the shallow well areas, while deep well areas are underlain by both clastics and limestone. Productivity of both deep and shallow wells may range from low to high. Saltwater intrusion is a primary concern of deep well areas near the coast (excessive pumping of wells), especially in urban areas. Spring may occur in the deep well areas (limestone). This area is very limited in extent. Elevation is from 0 to 100 m asl.

77. Prior to construction, the location of groundwater wells that could be potentially affected by the project has to be determined by the contractor and mitigation plans included in the CEMP. So far, from a survey of available literature, only one groundwater extraction site, which is about 2.5 kms from the project site, is mapped by the National Water Resource Board and reported in the Philippine Geoportal site (shown in Figure 10).

13 Stand-alone water points which is serving an average of 15 households within a 250-meter distance, e.g. hand pumps, shallow wells, rainwater collectors 14 Piped water with a communal water point which is serving an average of 4-6 households within a 25-meter distance, e.g. borewell, spring system 15 Piped water supply with a private water point which is based on a daily water demand of more than 100 liters per person, e.g. house connection

Figure 10 Location of water bodies and project site

D. Air Quality and Noise

78. There were no available secondary data for air quality and noise in the project area. Sampling were limited only to a few sampling points during the PPTA as shown in the figure below

(yellow circles for air quality). Still, at Ipil, the nearest sampled station to Alicia, only SO2 and NO2 were measured and were below detection limits. During the detailed engineering design, primary data collection/field sampling was also not undertaken due to inability to secure reasonable logistical quote from third party service providers due to the perceived security risks in the project area. This baselining activity may be considered instead during the pre-construction stage as part of the CEMP preparation. TSP, PM10 and noise will be monitored during construction.

Source: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016 Figure 11. Air Quality and Noise Sampling Locations

79. There are no major local sources of anthropogenic emissions on the project site except for some vehicles, mostly motorbikes and the ferry operation that uses diesel fuel, Further, the lack of industrial development suggests that air pollution and noise sources which would normally elevate background levels are not present in the general area. As such, it is expected that the average ground level concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and particulate matter (PM10) will not exceed the values in the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline which are 180 µg/Ncm, 150 µg/Ncm, and 150 µg/Ncm, respectively. Baseline measurements to be collected by the Contractor for air and noise however is recommended prior to the start of the construction period. The results will be included in the Contractor’s Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). Mitigation measures to address air quality and noise impacts will be enhanced or modified In the CEMP if necessary, depending on the results of baseline measurements.

80. To minimize dust generation and resuspension during the bridge construction period, speed limit of up to at least 25 kph in populated areas along the alignment shall be informed to all motorists and contractor vehicle and equipment operators through signages prior to approaching each way of the sensitive receptors. In addition, regular watering at least every 4 hours shall be undertaken by the Contractor during dry construction days in these areas.

E. Biological Resources 81. The Guicam Bridge and the road it is complementing does not traverse or is near ecologically sensitive and/or protected areas. The region’s protected areas (NIPAS map) are shown in Figure 12.

82. For this bridge project, only the marine resources in Canalizo Strait may be considered as a valued biological resource that may be potentially impacted by the construction of the bridge. Thus, a marine survey was conducted to determine the impacts of the bridge construction on the marine resources.

83. The terrestrial survey for the PPTA EIA of the proposed road projects was conducted within the 9 road sections for improvement in Zamboanga Peninsula. It established 68 sampling sites for the flora study. It included the proposed PR09 road from Lutiman to Olutanga Island and thus covered the bridge alignment. The survey was employed to be able to identify the existing flora and fauna species within the project area. The sampling locations along the road corridors are shown in Figure 12. For PR09, six (6) sampling sites were established. This IEE report considers only the two sampling points closest to the bridge, which are still relatively far to be affected by the project.

a. Flora Species 84. Sampling sites 40 and 41 were both agricultural with aggregates of perennial crops. (see Table 9 and Figure 13).

Figure 12 Declared and Proposed Protected Areas under NIPAS Map in Region 916

Table 9. Sampling Sites for Terrestrial Resources Surveys in the vicinity of PR09a Sampling plot Ecosystem/Land use Coordinates

40 Agricultural, aggregates of perennial crops 7°27'31.33"N 122°50'57.72"E 41 Agricultural, aggregates of perennial crops 7°24'53.17"N 122°50'8.35"E Source: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016.

16 Source: Regional Spatial Development Framework, NEDA Region 9.

Figure 13. Terrestrial Sampling Points (flora) near PR09a

Table 10 Shannon and Simpson’s Diversity Index for sampling plots along PR09 and PR09a PLOT Simpson's Diversity Shannon (H) Shannon (J) (1/D) 40 1.220 0.325 0.469 41 4 1.494 0.928

85. Through the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H) and Shannon index (J), the evenness of each plot was computed. In practice, a value of 7 indicates an extremely rich community while values below 1 suggest a community with low diversity. Often values above 1.7 are taken to indicate a relatively diverse community. The Simpson’s reciprocal index (1/D) starts with 0 being the lowest and the maximum value is the total number of species in the sample (which is 73) being the highest diversity. For plots 40 and 41, the Shannon (H) values seen are indicative of poor diversity. This is supported also by the low values for the Simpson’s diversity and the Shannon (J) evenness.

86. Based on the result for the entire PPTA survey and with reference to the national list of threatened Philippine plants and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), only 6 of the identified species are included in the list. Among these species are Narra (Pterocrapus indicus) and Kalantas (Toona kalantas) species under the Critically Endangered category (CR), Molave (Vitex parviflora) under Endangered category (EN), and Amugis (Koordersiodendron pinnatum), Dao (Dracontamelon dao) and Lamio (Dracontamelon edule) are under vulnerable

category (VU) and the rest are considered not threatened. The validation activity of CENRO on the tree inventory will establish whether threatened species will be affected by the project.

87. During the conduct of Marine Ecological Survey and Assessment Report last July 2019, in Sitio Hula-Hula station, there were only 10 mature trees (10-15 feet in height) in the sampling area with no signs of mangrove seedlings. The sampling area consists of five Sonneratia alba and five Rhizophora apiculata with basal areas of 1,332.8 cm2 and 1,172.57 cm2, respectively. The total basal area is 2,505.37 cm2 with S.alba having a slightly higher relative dominance compared with R.apiculata (53.20% vs. 46.80%).

b. Fauna Species 88. The sampling plots for PR09 are among the thirty-eight plots established during the terrestrial faunal survey conducted for the PPTA. Three (3) sampling plots were established under this subproject road (PR09 including PR09a) during the PPTA for the fauna survey. Only two are considered here since one of the sampling points is already more than ten (10) kilometers from the project site. Sampling points 22 and 23 are shown in Table 11 and . Figure 14.

Figure 14 Fauna sampling plots for PR09a from PPTA study

Table 11. Sampling Plots for Fauna Survey along PR09a Sampling Ecosystem/Land use Coordinates Plot 7°28'17.78"N 22 Agricultural area dominated by coconut and banana 122°50'41.96"E 7°21'52.25"N 23 Shrub land dominated by napier species and kawayan species 122°50'41.96"E

Source: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016.

89. A total of 55 species of wildlife belonging to 37 families were recorded in the entire PPTA study area. It was represented by twenty-nine (29) avian species, four (4) reptiles and amphibians and three (3) species of mammals. This information is available in the corresponding annexes of the PPTA report.

90. The results of the survey show a low species richness comprising of 47 birds, four reptiles and amphibians, and four mammals. In terms of conservation status only one from aves species are near threatened, one is vulnerable (Aves), 49 species are under least concern (42 aves, four mammals, one reptile and two amphibians), and four species are not evaluated (three Aves and one reptile). Summary of species and their conservation status is shown in the annexes of that PPTA report.

91. The overall result for the entire PPTA survey showed a very low endemicity with only one (1) endemic species (Rattus everetti) out of the 55 species recorded. This indicates a very disturbed habitat. One (1) species (Heterocelus brevipes) is recorded under the threatened categories of the IUCN. However, Python reticulatus is listed under the Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora. The species is not necessarily now threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is closely controlled. It also includes so-called "look-alike species," i.e. species of which the specimens in trade look like those of species listed for conservation reasons (cites.org). Relatively, DENR Administrative Order No. 2004-15 cited Python reticulatus as other threatened wildlife which means the species or subspecies is not critically endangered, endangered nor vulnerable but is under threat from adverse factors, such as over collection, throughout their range and is likely to move to the vulnerable category in the near future.

92. For the sampling plots under this subproject, the biodiversity composition and evenness using the Shannon-Weiner index (H’) and Pielou’s index (J’) suggest that the road section has a very low biodiversity index with very high species evenness based on the following:

Sampling Site No. Shannon -Weiner Pielou’s ( J') (H') Log Base Evenness

22 1.767 0.908 23 1.302 0.727

c. Marine Ecological Survey and Assessment 93. Seven (7) teams conducted field activities on July 26 to 28, 2019 in the Canalizo Strait Zamboanga Sibugay to conduct baseline surveys for marine ecological assessment of coral reefs, coral reef fishes, seagrass/seaweeds, mangroves, phytoplankton, benthos and water quality. The main objective of the baseline survey is to establish baseline information on the status of marine

biological resources in the channel for environmental impact assessment of the proposed bridge spanning the same channel. Baseline survey of marine resources in the channel provides an understanding of the different resources that will be affected by proposed bridge development. The detailed report is provided in Appendix 1 of this IEE. The location of the sampling stations is shown in the figure below.

94. Results showed that the marine biodiversity in channel is low. Absence of coral reefs and coral fishes was observed; one (1) species of seagrass was recorded; minimal number of mangrove trees present except in the reforested area; salinity is high; and with decreasing dissolve oxygen (DO) from the surface to the mid-level of the marine waters. Water movement, lack of wave action, barge and boat operations and other human activities greatly affected the population diversity of marine organisms in the channel. Sedimentation, siltation, low water visibility and substrate characteristics limit or prevent coral reefs and reef fish recruits to settle down and develop. Sustained human activities and other coastal development (reclamation) in the area affected the species diversity of seagrass and the quality of the water.

95. All sampling stations revealed the absence of biotic (living) components and the abiotic (non-living) components particularly sand and silt dominated the area. Coral reefs and reef fishes are not observed in the transect line in all sampling stations. It was observed that there was no hard substrate or any limestone on the bottom where in reef formation might be settled. The bottom is completely covered with sandy-muddy and sandy-silted substrate. Sedimentation or siltation is very evident in the water column resulted to high turbidity of the water. In Canalizo Strait, the diversity of reef fishes is positively correlated with coral reefs, seagrass and or seaweeds communities.

Source: Marine Ecological Survey and Assessment for Guicam Bridge, August 2019 Figure 15. Sampling locations

96. Cutting of mangrove trees used as stilts, firewood, posts and fence by the community was observed. However, the local government units (LGUs) conducted mangrove reforestation in Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay several years ago. Mangrove forest significantly reduces sedimentation and siltation if it is properly managed and is highly recommended to prevent coastal erosion and minimize sediment loading into the water. Baseline survey indicated that fronting the shoreline were mature S. alba (pagatpat) trees, which is a typical frontline species. Behind the pagatpat belt were Rhizophora apiculata (bakawan lalaki; possibly planted), a few trees of Ceriops tagal (tangal), Lumnitzera littorea (tabao), Avicennia marina (bungalon) and A. rhumpiana (api-api).

97. Seaweed farming in the channel is being practiced by the farmers despite sedimentation, high turbidity, minimal water movement and lack of wave action. Farmers apply commercial fertilizers in their farming activity. The presence of Enhalus acoroides in the shallow portion of the channel helps to reduce sedimentation by trapping the sediment, which is favorable to the seaweeds farming.

F. Socioeconomic Resources

a. Population 98. Information taken from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), their latest posted data indicated that based on the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN), the province of Zamboanga Sibugay posted a total population of 633,129 persons as of August 1, 2015. This was 48,444 persons more than its total population of 584,685 persons in 2010. The increase in the total population count from 2010 to 2015 translated into an average annual population growth rate (PGR) of 1.53 percent. This was lower than the 1.63 percent annual PGR of the province between the census years 2000 and 2010. Table 1 presents the population of the province per municipality.

Table 12. Population Characteristic, Zamboanga Sibugay Municipalities

99. Among the 16 municipalities comprising the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, the municipality of Ipil, the provincial capital, was the most populous with a population size making up 11.8 percent of the total provincial population. The least populated municipality was Imelda with 4.4 percent share of the total population of the province. In 2010, the least populated municipality was Talusan with 4.3 percent. The ten most populous municipalities of Zamboanga Sibugay are shown in the figure below. The project site municipalities Mabuhay is 8th while Alicia is the 10th most populous of the 16 municipalities. The barangays along the bridge alignment are Dawadawa, Alicia and Poblacion, Mabuhay. Dawadawa is the 2nd largest barangay in Alicia with population of 2,621 while Poblacion is the most populated in Mabuhay at 4,582.

Figure 16. Ten most populous municipalities in Zamboanga Sibugay

b. Household Size 100. The number of households in 2015 was recorded at 140,791, higher by 18,603 households compared with the 122,188 households posted in 2010. The average household size (AHS) in 2015 was 4.5 persons, lower than the AHS of 4.8 persons in 2010.

Table 13. Household Size Characteristics, Zamboanga Sibugay

c. Sex Ratio and Median Age 101. Males accounted for 51.5 percent of the total population of Zamboanga Sibugay in 2015, while females comprised the remaining 48.5 percent. These figures resulted in a sex ratio of 106 males for every 100 females. In 2010, the recorded sex ratio was 107 males per 100 females.

102. In 2015, the median age of the total population of Zamboanga Sibugay was 21.3 years, which means that half of the total population of the province was younger than 21.3 years. This

is higher than the median age of 20.5 years that was recorded in 2010. Moreover, 36.9 percent of the total population was under 15 years old. Children aged 0 to 4 years and 5 to 9 years (12.5 percent each) comprised the largest age groups, followed by those in the age groups 10 to 14 years (11.9 percent). Males outnumbered females in the age groups 0 to 69 years. On the other hand, there were more females than males in the older age groups (70 years and over).

Figure 17 Age-Sex Pyramid of Zamboanga Sibugay

d. Ethnicity 103. The most used dialects in the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay are Cebuano and Hiligaynon (known as Ilonggo). Other dialects, which are common, are Tagalog, Ilocano and other ethnic dialect. On the other hand, the most common ethno-linguistic group to which Sibugaynons belong to is Tausug, Subanen, Maguindanao, Samal, Kalibugan, Maranao and Yakan. Those of Tausug ethnicity account for 32,821 or almost 7% of the household population and are mostly located in the municipality of Mabuhay. Table 36 presents the most common ethnicities in the province.

Table 14. Ethnicity, Zamboanga Sibugay

e. Education 104. The Schools Division of Zamboanga Sibugay is located in the Municipality of Ipil. The Province of Sibugay covers 16 school districts grouped into three (3) Schools Development Center (SDCs) for both elementary and secondary levels. Each SDC has a center, centrally located and are accessible to all its satellite districts especially to the island activities.

Table 15. Schools Division, Zamboanga Sibugay

f. Educational Resources 105. The province has no private or public colleges as shown in the table below. It has more public elementary educational institutions and high schools compared with private institutions. Its share of the public pre-schools is almost the same as that of the private pre-schools. The number of public-school enrollments is very significant compared with the private schools and therefore is expected to have a high teacher-student ratio.

Table 16. Educational Resources, Zamboanga Sibugay

Source: Environmental Impact Assessment, TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016.

106. The LGU reports (DILG website) of the two municipalities indicate the presence of a number of educational institutions, most especially in Alicia.

LGU Educational Institution Institutions Alicia Mabuhay Day Care Centers/Pre School 42 18 Primary School (Elementary) 29 1 Secondary School (High School) 4 3 Tertiary (College, University) 1 1

g. Health Services 107. Health services were devolved to the LGU’s pursuant to the implementation of RA 7160. It has 2 components; the preventive, which is being served by the RHU’s in the municipalities, and the curative component, which is being taken care of by government and private hospitals. Based on the 2016 Philippine Health Statistics, the Crude Birth Rate (CBR) for the province is at 17.0 while death rate is at 3.7.

108. In terms of hospital service capacity, the major public hospitals include Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Hospital in Ipil, Alicia District Hospital, Olutanga Municipal Hospital and Payao Municipal Hospital. There were 230 hospital beds in the province resulting to a bed: population ratio of 1:2,162. Other public health facilities include 16 health centers and 12 private hospitals.

109. The project site LGUs reported through the DILG website the following available health institutions in their municipalities.

LGU Health Care Institution Alicia Mabuhay Hospital 1 0 Health Centers 11 3 Birthing Clinics 3 1

h. Security Services 110. The Philippine National Police (PNP) aims to prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community. Despite the neutralization of the notorious syndicate and wanted individuals, the police have to double their efforts against criminality in the province. The Provincial headquarters of the Philippine National Police indicate that there were 1,489 reported crimes in the province in 2009. The reported number of crimes for 2018 was 1,409.

V. ANTICIPATED IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 111. Since the Project is considered environment Category B, significant negative environmental impacts are not anticipated. The impact assessment was conducted for pre- construction, construction, and operation phases. Results of the environmental impacts screening are summarized in Table 20. impact types and magnitudes are indicated for both impacts without the mitigating measures and the resulting situations when mitigating measures will be implemented.

112. The screening table uses the symbols “+” for positive impacts and “− “for negative impacts. Symbols for impact magnitudes are “∆” for minor and “⚫” for moderate. The symbol for a minor negative impact is “∆ −”, while a moderate negative impact is “⚫ −“. The second column of the table indicates the type and magnitudes of the impacts without any mitigating measures being applied. The last column of the table indicates the expected impact magnitude after applying the mitigating measures. Hence, a moderate negative impact (⚫ −) will become minor (∆) after applying the mitigating measures. The discussions of each identified issue and corresponding mitigation measures are presented in the succeeding sections.

Table 17. Summary of Environmental Impacts Screening for PR 09a (Guicam Bridge) Without With Environmental Impacts and Risks Mitigation Mitigation PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE (Design) ¯ Encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas n/a n/a ¯ Impacts and risks to biodiversity conservation n/a n/a CONSTRUCTION PHASE ¯ Impacts to endangered and/or critically ∆ − ∆ Endangered species ¯ Potential damage to archaeological and cultural ∆ − ∆ assets ¯ Mangrove vegetation loss and sedimentation within ⚫ − ∆ and in the vicinity of bridge pile construction sites ¯ Noise from construction equipment ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Local air pollution due to construction activities ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Oil and other hazardous materials releases ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Vehicular traffic congestion and public access ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Hazards to public due to construction activities ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Pollution and health risks due to workers camp ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Occupational health and safety risks at work sites ⚫ − ∆ ¯ Increased employment opportunity in work sites ⚫ + ⚫ + - Disruption to existing ferry and traffic congestion ⚫ − ⚫ − OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE PHASE ⚫ Increased risk of road and bridge accidents − ∆ Increased noise levels due to increased vehicular ∆ − ∆ traffic ∆ − ∆ Increased air pollution due to increased vehicular traffic ⚫ + ⚫ + Improved accessibility Notes: n/a = not applicable; ∆ = minor; = moderate; + = positive; - = negative

A. Pre-construction

a. Encroachment on Environmentally Sensitive Areas

113. The project alignment is not within or close to environmentally sensitive areas. The existing road and the proposed bridge are located in a corridor that has been transformed already into its present agricultural and commercial landscape, grassland, shrub land, with settlements and roadside trees and mangrove vegetation. The approach roads and bridge corridor are not within undisturbed landscapes. While a section of the road is adjacent to, and the bridge itself will marginally affect a mangrove area as it traverses through the other side to the Municipality of Mabuhay, the area is not considered an environmentally protected area similar to the Pagadian Mangrove Forest Reserve. The mangrove areas are less than 100 meters from the nearest edge of the existing road that have been heavily encroached already by settlements for up to a distance of less than 1.0 kilometer from the ferry landing station. The mangroves in this stretch is less

dense than what can be found in the smaller island just opposite the ferry station and elsewhere within the whole of Olutanga Island where the Municipality of Mabuhay is located. The mangroves and trees that will be affected will be included in the tree inventory and replacement plan (see Section B-h),

b. Impacts and Risks to Biodiversity Conservation

114. The issue of impacts and risks to biodiversity conservation is not applicable to this project since the road and bridge is not located in areas that have concerns on biodiversity conservation. The marine survey results indicated that the marine waters of the Canalizo Strait is characterized with low biodiversity. The areas parallel to the road are not undisturbed and over the years the ecological changes due to human activities in those areas have resulted to its present predominantly agricultural and commercial landscapes.

B. Construction

a. Inadequate Disclosure of Project Information and GRM 115. To ensure that host communities are aware of the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) and project implementation schedule and activities, these aspects will be communicated by the DPWH with LGU representatives, directly affected persons, and residents of the host communities. In particular, such communication will be carried out by the Environmental Officer (EO) of the Office of the District Engineer with the support of the CSC through consultations with the municipal and barangay officials in advance of activities, when and where noise, dust and other nuisances may be expected, and how affected persons can access the GRM for environmental concerns related to the project.

116. The consultation for all interested stakeholders, will be conducted by the EO and CSC prior to commencement of site clearing and quarterly thereafter or as agreed with the stakeholders. The EO and CSC should ensure that stakeholders are properly informed and encouraged to attend the consultation.

b. Local Air Pollution 117. Air emissions during construction mainly arise from the operation of construction vehicles and clearing of the bridge approaches and intersection areas of base and sub-base materials, and rubbles, operation of quarry pits and hauling of materials. Emissions from rock crushing operations, aggregate drying, concrete batching plants and hot mix plants which will be required for works in the bridge approach and intersection areas, as well as the bridge superstructure also degrade air quality. Movement of haul trucks during spoil transport will also generate dust and has the potential to affect communities located along the route towards the spoil disposal area. The problem is present wherever construction is taking place in varying degrees but is generally not as much as to affect regional air quality. However, impacts are most severe where there are communities, homes, businesses, and institutional buildings in the vicinity of construction that causes local ground level air quality to deteriorate. Sensitive receptors located along the alignment of the bridge approach and intersection areas include residential houses, school, local church, and business establishments among others (Appendix 2).

118. To minimize dust and gaseous emissions along the approach roads and intersection areas of the project during the construction phase, the contractor will ensure that:

a) Regular water spraying/dampening dust emissions from disturbed soil, roadway construction surfaces and haul roads wherever there are sensitive receptors (as

mentioned above) nearby is undertaken. Spraying will be done twice daily or at such frequency as is needed to suppress dust emission to acceptable levels. b) Regular removal of debris and spoil piles and clean-up after completion of a section. c) All vehicles transporting dusty materials will be tightly covered to prevent release of fugitive dust. d) Rock crushing, concrete batching plant, aggregate drying and surface treatment preparation operations (whether bituminous asphalt or spray seal mixes) will be located a sufficient distance (at least 500 m) from habitations and community environments including other sensitive receptors (churches, schools, medical facilities, etc.) to assure that there will be no community impacts from such activities. It is due to fine particles or offensive odor which such facilities generate often reach a point within 500m from the source under certain conditions (e.g. wind strength/direction). Establishment and operation of these facilities must be approved by the relevant authorities (e.g., EMB- DENR, LGUs). e) All equipment, machinery and vehicles used for the project must be well maintained to ensure proper functioning thereby minimizing contribution to air pollution. f) For storage areas of construction materials such as sand, gravel, cement, etc., provisions will be made to prevent materials from being blown away towards sensitive receptors. g) Off-site project roads used will be regularly cleaned to remove tracked mud, cement, etc. h) Stockpiling of spoils near sensitive receptors will be prohibited. i) Asphalt plants, concrete batching plants and crushing plants will be equipped with dust suppression devices such as water sprays, dust collectors, covered conveyor, etc. j) Speed limits (<25 kilometers/hour) will be imposed on construction vehicles to minimize dust emission along areas where sensitive receptors are located. k) Burning of all types of wastes generated at the construction sites, work camps and other project-related activities will be strictly prohibited. l) Stockpiles of sand and aggregate greater than 20 m3 for use in concrete mixing will be enclosed on three sides, with walls extending above the pile and two meters beyond the front of the piles. m) Water sprays will be used during the delivery and handling of all raw sand and aggregates, and other similar materials, when dust is likely to be created and to dampen such stored materials during dry and windy weather to avoid impacts to sensitive receptors. n) Cement and other such fine-grained materials delivered in bulk will be stored in closed containers.

c. Noise 119. Noise impacts will originate from the operation of construction equipment. The range of typical noise levels in relation to distance from a construction site is shown in Table 18. Sensitive receptors within 100 m from the project road may be adversely affected by construction17 noise. Noise levels due to construction activities should not exceed 55 dB(A) near residential areas during daytime and 45 dB(A) for nighttime based on World Health Organization recommendations or result in a maximum increase of 3dBA at the nearest receptor location off-site if baseline noise levels already exceed the guide value.

17 For example, when a construction machine with 110 dBA of acoustic power level such as a concrete breaker operates, noise level of 70 dBA is expected to reach at 90 m far from the source, based on an authorized theoretical formulation.

Table 18. Construction Noise / Distance Relationship Distance from Range of Typical Noise Construction Site (m) Levels (dBA) 8 82 – 102 15 75 – 95 30 69 – 89 61 63 – 83 91 59 – 79 122 57 – 77 152 55 – 75 305 49 – 69 Source: Dept. of Transportation (USA) from the Environmental Impact Assessment, TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), February 2016

120. Construction noise levels are expected to exceed WHO guidelines and would temporarily affect sensitive receptors (SRs) close to the construction zone. Along the project alignment, SRs found are residential houses, churches, schools, day care centers, hospitals, health centers, public markets/commercial establishments among others (Appendix 2). From the initial survey, receptors are as close as 6-8 meters from the current roadway.

121. Table 19 indicates noise levels for common construction machinery. This means that noise level at a receptor 10 meters away from an operating bulldozer will have a sound level of 80 dBA, exceeding the current standards for noise.

Table 19. Construction Machinery Noise18 Noise Emission Level (dBA) at Distances (m) from Equipment

Equipment 5 10 20 40 60 80 100 150 200 300 1 Bulldozer 86 80 74 68 64.5 62 60 56.5 54 50.5 2 Excavator 84 78 72 66 62.5 60 58 54.5 52 48.8 3 Loader 90 84 78 72 68.5 66 64 60.5 58 54.5 4 Land scraper 90 84 78 72 68.5 66 64 60.5 58 54.5 5 Mixing Equipment 87 81 75 69 65.5 63 61 57.5 55 51.5 6 Roller 87 81 75 69 65.5 63 61 57.5 55 51.5 7 Vibrator road 86 80 74 68 64.5 62 60 56.5 54 50.5 roller Source: Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) of the Proposed Logistics development Project. Government of Mongolia. 2011.

122. Noise impacts are an unavoidable consequence of construction that will be mitigated through implementation of the following measures:

a) Limit the duration of noisy construction activities to daylight hours, whenever possible, in the vicinity of sensitive receptors. b) In areas near houses or noise-sensitive sites, noisy equipment will not be operated during nighttime to early morning (19:00H – 06:00H). c) Workers exposed to high noise levels will be provided with ear plugs. d) The contractors will provide prior notification to the community on the schedule of construction activities.

18 Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016 taken from various sources.

e) Whenever possible, noisy equipment will be completely enclosed which can significantly reduce noise levels. f) Any stationary equipment that produce high noise levels (e.g., portable diesel generators, compressors, etc.) will be positioned as far as is practical from sensitive receptors. g) Construction traffic routes will be defined in cooperation with local communities and traffic police to minimize noise and nuisance. h) Vehicle speeds will be reduced around sensitive receptors. i) Concrete batching plants will be located at least 500 m away from sensitive receptors. j) Temporary noise barriers will be installed along the edge of the road, as necessary, in front of sensitive receptors facing heavy construction activities. k) Prior to undertaking noisy activities, the contractor will consult with village leaders and representatives from the religious sites and schools along the project road regarding construction schedule so as to minimize disturbance to important events such as ceremonies, examination period and the like.

d. Impacts due to Spoils Disposal 123. The Project will generate spoils from of the construction of the approach roads and intersection areas. To ensure proper handling and disposal of such materials, prior to excavation, contractors will submit a spoils disposal plan to concerned authorities such as LGUs and DPWH for approval. A copy of the approved plan will be submitted to ADB. The plan will show the location of proposed excavation sites, cut locations, fill and/or disposal sites for excess cut and, and disposal sites for concrete where applicable. This plan shall form part of the CEMP.

124. The plan will include photographs of the sites and will also indicate the existing land use and capacity of the disposal site. The contractor will ensure that spoils disposal will not encroach on surface water courses, will not cause sedimentation or obstruction of stream/river flow and not cause damage to agricultural land, irrigation, densely vegetated areas, forests, properties and other productive sites.

e. Impacts from Operation of Borrow Areas and Quarries 125. The Project will require embankment fill and construction materials that will be sourced from borrow pits and quarries. For commercial borrow pits and quarries, the contractor will ensure that only facilities with necessary environmental permits will be used for the project. For project- specific facilities, i.e., those that will be established and solely operated for the project, the contractor will ensure that these are covered by necessary environmental permits. Copies of the permits shall be provided and included in the CEMP.

126. Prior to operation of these facilities, the contractor will submit to the LGU and DPWH a plan showing the location/s of borrow pits and quarries to be used, as well as timeframe and mitigation measures to be implemented to rehabilitate project-specific borrow pits and quarries. The contractor will also ensure that topsoil will be properly removed, stockpiled and preserved for later use during restoration of the borrow pit. Vegetation cover will also be provided during rehabilitation of the site. Upon completion of extraction activities, quarries and borrow pits will be dewatered, signages and fences installed, as appropriate, to minimize health and safety risks.

f. Erosion and Unstable Slopes 127. Soil erosion and unstable side slopes susceptible to landslides may be encountered along the alignment of the bridge approaches and intersection areas where raising of embankment is required. Impacts due to soil erosion and unstable side slopes may include: i) increased sedimentation of the Canalizo Strait; ii) loss of topsoil that could affect vegetation; (iii) deposition

of sediments to the channel thereby adversely further degrading the water quality and aquatic organisms; iv) damage to mangrove vegetation by burying; and v) development of unsightly cuts and fills. The above impacts will be addressed through:

a) Planting of native species of trees and landscaping along the approach roads and embankment slopes, as appropriate. b) Replacement of lost mangrove trees (as required by the tree-cutting permit); c) Construction activities will be carried out intensively during the dry season. However, as the area is not generally typhoon-prone, construction work during wet season is likely feasible. d) Slope protection measures (e.g., sodding) will be implemented to avoid impacts to the adjoining mangrove areas and adjacent properties. Areas to be cleared of vegetation for construction will be restricted to the minimum required for immediate works.

g. Deterioration of Water Quality and Soil Contamination 128. The potential sources of water pollution associated with different construction activities include excavation and filing, bored piling and pier construction for the bridge works, concrete mixing, refueling facilities, and equipment maintenance. Water from concrete batching plants and casting yards is expected to be alkaline with high concentration of total suspended solids (TSS). Measures to minimize impacts to soil and water quality are as follows:

a) Control of siltation during construction will be achieved through limiting the exposure of areas prone to erosion. b) Observing proper management of spoils by surrounding the stockpile with bund. c) Transporting spoils immediately to final disposal sites. d) Sodding the spoils stockpile if prolonged storage is necessary. e) Bentonite slurry19 if used during bridge construction during bored piling will be collected and processed in a closed system using a system of tanks/containers connected by hoses to the drilling location. Bentonite slurry used during bridge construction will be collected and processed in a closed system and discharge into watercourses will be prohibited. The Contractor shall identify final disposal locations as part of its waste disposal management plan and shall be reflected in the CEMP. f) Spillage of bentonite into marine waters shall be minimized and prevented by placing spill booms; regular inspection of pipe connections and fixing/replacing defective fittings and connectors and cleaning the worked areas immediately to prevent caking and hardening. Prior to establishment and operation of concrete batching plants and casting yards, the contractor will obtain the necessary environmental permits. g) Retention ponds with sufficient specifications/capacity will be constructed for treatment of wastewater (e.g., from washing of equipment such as mixer drums, trucks and chute, and contact storm water). h) The contractor will operate and maintain the retention ponds to ensure that effluent quality will meet applicable standards. i) Equipment service and maintenance yards will be provided with impermeable flooring and collection sump.

19 Bentonite is a type of clay that has an ability to swell and gel when dispersed in water which is used in construction mainly in excavation and foundation works. Bentonite slurry is prepared with an objective to achieve maximum hydration of the bentonite, therefore its powder must be added to the mixing water gradually in order to ensure that all the particles are wetted and do not clump into partially hydrated balls. Bentonite slurry can be re-used repeatedly provided its properties are carefully monitored and kept under control.... The primary aim of any bentonite slurry specification must be to ensure that the slurry is capable of fulfilling functions of a retainer, sealant and to stay insular without any deleterious effects on the finished pile, wall or other form of construction. (Source: https://theconstructor.org/others/bentonite-uses-construction/13332/).

j) Watertight receptacles will be provided in all the equipment maintenance shops for waste oil, oily rags, spent oil filters, solvents and oily containers. l) Disposal of wastes contaminated with hydrocarbons will be through authorized waste handlers and recyclers. m) Refueling and servicing of equipment will only be carried out in areas adequately equipped to collect leaks and spills. n) Fuel and other hydrocarbons will be stored in a roofed area that has an impervious floor and bund around it. o) Fuel storage area will be located away from watercourses, flood-prone areas and workers camps. p) There will be availability of spill clean-up materials (e.g., absorbent pads, etc.) specifically designed for petroleum products and other hazardous substances where such materials are being stored and used. q) If spills or leaks of hazardous materials do occur, immediate clean-up will be undertaken. r) Relevant construction personnel will be trained in handling of fuels/hazardous substances and spill control procedures. s) All storage containers of hazardous materials and wastes will be properly labeled and maintained in good condition. t) Restoration of temporary work sites will include removal and treatment or proper disposal of oil contaminated soils.

h. Loss of Vegetation 129. The project will require removal of mangrove trees and other vegetation (shrubs, grass, agricultural crops, etc.) to give way to bridge approaches and intersection areas. During the conduct of Marine Ecological Survey and Assessment Report, there were only 10 mature trees (10-15 feet in height) in the sampling area with no signs of mangrove seedlings. A tree inventory had been conducted during the detailed design but is subject to validation together with CENRO prior to construction.

130. Since none of these areas are within legally protected areas (as previously discussed elsewhere in this report) or are critical habitats/high biodiversity areas which support survival of critically endangered species, ecological impacts are not considered significant.

131. While compensation for all cut trees will be paid to affected persons consistent with the resettlement plan separately prepared for the project, this does not guarantee that the private landowner will replace the trees. To compensate for the loss of trees, the following will be implemented:

a) DPWH will obtain a tree cutting permit in compliance with PD 705 (Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines). No tree cutting will be undertaken without the necessary permit to be issued by the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR. b) The tree cutting program, which will be undertaken by DPWH through a contractor, will be based on the Tree Chart to be prepared by the CENRO, DPWH and CSC staff who will be present at the site throughout the duration of cutting activities.. The said chart will be generated through a tree inventory (also to be conducted by the CENRO) detailing the species, diameter at breast height and global positioning system (GPS) reading of each tree. The Tree Chart will also include a site development plan/road alignment plan indicating the location of each tree to be cut.

c) Tree cutting can only be undertaken under close supervision of CENRO, DPWH and CSC staff who will be present at the site throughout the duration of cutting activities. Cut trees will be turned over to the CENRO. d) DPWH will undertake replacement of cut trees in compliance with DENR Memorandum Order no. 05 of 2012: Uniform Replacement Ratio for Cut or Relocated Trees which mandates that "For planted trees in private and forest lands not covered under item 2.1 (i.e., private lands and forest lands exclusively established for tree plantations/timber production purposes) tree replacement shall be 1:50 while naturally growing trees on the same areas, including those affected by development projects shall have 1:100 ratio in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) and climate change initiatives of the Government". Such tree replacement is further mandated in a Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2, series of 2014: Guidelines for the Implementation of the DPWH-DENR-DSWD Partnership on the Tree Replacement Project co-signed by the Secretaries of the DPWH, DENR and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). e) DPWH will ensure that one of their Environment Specialists and/or that of the Supervision Consultant will closely monitor the tree cutting activities to ensure that these will comply with the provisions of the Tree Cutting Permit and corresponding Tree Chart. As part of the semi-annual environmental monitoring report to be submitted to ADB, DPWH will report on the status of tree cutting, any issues/concerns, corresponding actions and other relevant matters. f) To avoid unnecessary impacts to vegetation, the contractor will prohibit cutting of mangrove trees for firewood and for other uses in the Project and will ensure that tree cutting is limited to areas as approved by the CENRO.

i. Occupational Health and Safety Hazards 132. Workers will be exposed to safety hazards due to operation of heavy equipment, performance of other construction activities, etc. as well as health hazards associated with inadequate sanitation facilities and other accommodation amenities, etc. The following measures will be implemented by the contractor to minimize adverse impacts:

a) Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, safety hat, goggles, safety belt, ear protection or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury will be strictly observed during construction. Personnel working in batching plants should avoid direct contact with construction materials, particularly cement and must be provided with an industrial grade mask appropriate for the purpose. b) Provision of first aid kits that are readily available to workers as well as access to or availability of a health worker to attend to any immediate health needs of workers and in case of untoward incidents. c) Conduct orientation for construction workers regarding health and safety measures, emergency response in case of accidents, fire, etc., and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other related diseases. d) Installation of adequate drainage in workers camps to avoid water logging/accumulation of stagnant water and formation of breeding sites for mosquitoes. e) Provision of separate clean housing with sufficient ventilation and separate hygienic sanitation facilities for male and female workers f) Provision of reliable supply of water for drinking, cooking and washing purposes at the workers’ camps. g) Proper collection and disposal of solid wastes within the workers’/construction camps consistent with local regulations.

h) Provision of fire-fighting equipment at the work areas, as appropriate, and at workers camps. i) Treatment of wastewater emanating from workers camps, construction camps and other project-related activities and facilities consistent with national regulations. j) Use of reversing signals on all construction vehicles. k) Regular coordination with local authorities regarding project activities throughout the construction phase to reduce over-all security risks to the project.

j. Public Health and Safety Hazards

133. Health and safety hazards may also be experienced by adjoining communities due to activities that will generate elevated noise levels and excessive dust, unsafe construction practices, etc. To protect the health and safety of host communities, the following measures will be implemented by the contractor:

a) Installation of sturdy fencing or barriers/barricades such as G.I. sheets, phenolic boards/plywood, wood fences derived from cut trees along the worked areas, filled up used fuel drums with soil or gravel in drainage excavations, concrete jersey barriers or water-filled plastic jersey barriers, bamboo fencing, or barbed wire fencing depending on the extent of excavation works) around excavation areas and construction sites. b) Provision of proper signage and lighting at night at the periphery of the construction site to warn and direct traffic and pedestrians. c) Deployment of security personnel in hazardous areas to restrict public access. d) Imposition of speed limits for construction vehicles along residential areas and where there are other sensitive receptors. e) Orientation of drivers on safe driving practices to minimize accidents and to prevent spill of hazardous substances and other construction materials during transport. f) If necessary, provide safe passageways for pedestrians crossing the construction site. g) At construction areas, provide safe access to farmland and other properties.

k. Traffic Obstruction 134. The project will affect land access in a number of ways during the construction stage since civil works will be undertaken on an existing road. Hauling of construction materials through the main thoroughfares will also add to the present volume of traffic. Construction activities will require partial road closure which can cause traffic delays and unsafe conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. The contractor will implement the following to minimize impacts:

a) Provide signs advising road users that construction is in progress, particularly in areas where the project alignment crosses existing roads and where construction-related facilities are located. b) Employ flag persons to control traffic when construction equipment is entering or leaving the work area. c) Post traffic advisory signs (to minimize traffic build-up) in coordination with local authorities.

l. Accidental Discovery of Artefacts 135. In the event of unanticipated discoveries of cultural or historic artefacts (movable or immovable) in the course of the work, the contractor will take all necessary measures to protect the chance finds. Procedures to be followed in case of discovery of artefacts are:

a) Contractor to immediately cease operations at the site of discovery b) Contractor to inform the CSC and Environment Officer of the Office of the District Engineer c) CSC to relay information to DPWH, d) DPWH to notify the National Commission Culture and Arts (NCCA) and/or other concerned government agencies for the next steps e) Recommence work only after NCCA has provided official notification accordingly

m. Damage to Properties 136. Local roads will be likely used to transport equipment, construction materials and spoils. Since local roads are usually unpaved and has low load bearing capacities, use of these roads by the project may result to deterioration of the roads which can cause inconvenience to the local communities. Damage to properties such as houses, other structures, agricultural land, water supply facilities, etc. may also occur due to operation of vehicles and equipment, and construction-related activities. Vibration could affect some structures. The contractor will implement the following measures to address such impact:

a) The contractor will immediately repair and/or compensate for any damage that it causes to properties (houses, farmlands, aquaculture ponds, irrigation canals, etc.), community facilities such as water supply, power supply, communication facilities and the like. b) Access roads used for transport of construction materials and other construction- related activities will be maintained by the Contractor in at least in their pre-project condition for the duration of construction.

n. Unanticipated Environmental Impacts 137. If any unanticipated impacts become apparent during project implementation, the DPWH will update the environmental assessment and EMP or prepare a new environmental assessment and EMP to assess the potential impacts, evaluate the alternatives, and outline mitigation measures and resources to address those impacts. The updated or newly prepared documents will be submitted to ADB for review, clearance and public disclosure.

C. Operation Phase

a. Air Quality 138. The impact on air quality during operation stage depends upon traffic volume, traffic fleet including fuel type and prevailing atmospheric conditions. An unstable atmospheric condition disperses pollutants more and results into low pollutant concentrations while stable atmospheric conditions build-up the pollution level. To assess the likely impacts on the ambient air quality due to the proposed road project, the prediction of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM) concentrations will have to be carried out using line source dispersion modeling approach, based on Gaussian equation.

139. The model was set up and run to predict 1-hourly increment in NO2 and PM10 concentrations for the base year 2015 to 2040 quinquennially, using forecasted traffic data on the proposed road. The PPTA report provided the following average daily traffic (cars/day) estimated in 2015 as follows: small – 555; and large – 145. Traffic demand estimation based on the traffic growth rates established during the PPTA for Region IX expressed in %per annum is as shown below:

Table 20. Traffic Demand Estimation 2015-2040 Region IX (in % pa) Vehicle type 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Small 4.1 3.9 3.5 3.5 3.6 Large 4.6 4.9 5.0 4.8 4.5 Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016. Note: Car type. Small (Pick up, Car/SUV, M/C), Large (Truck, Bus)

140. Since the impacts of other pollutant concentrations are considered not major in this case, this study focuses on the NO2 and PM10 dispersion, to be generated from the traffic on the improved PR 09. Input parameters for the pollutant concentration prediction for CALINE-4 include traffic volume, road geometry, emission factors, meteorological conditions (e.g. wind speed/direction, ambient temperature etc.) and receptor location (distance from the edge of the road). The predicted hourly average concentrations of NO2 and PM10 during peak traffic are shown in Table 21 and Table 22, respectively at six selected receptor locations.

Table 21. NO2 Predicted Concentrations (ppm) along PR 09 (including Guicam Bridge) Predicted NO2 Concentration (ppm) Distance from the edge of the road, m Distance from the edge of the road, m Year (left side) (right side) 200 100 40 20 10 1 1 10 20 40 100 200 2015 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 2020 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 2025 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 2030 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 2035 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 2040 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016.

Table 22. PM10 Predicted Concentrations (µg/m3) along PR 09 (including Guicam Bridge) 3 Predicted PM10 Concentration (µg/m ) Distance from the edge of the Distance from the edge of the road, m Year road, m (right side) (left side) 200 100 40 20 10 1 1 10 20 40 100 200 2015 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 2020 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.9 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.2 2025 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.1 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.3 2030 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9 1.1 1.4 1.4 1.1 0.9 0.7 0.5 0.3 2035 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.1 1.3 1.7 1.7 1.3 1.1 0.8 0.6 0.4 2040 0.5 0.7 1.0 1.3 1.5 2.0 2.0 1.5 1.3 1.0 0.7 0.5 Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016.

141. Observation from the model output indicate that when traffic volume increases, the concentration of air pollutants also increases correspondingly. Based from the PPTA report, However, the maximum predicted pollutant concentrations of NO2 and PM10 which will be generated by the traffic are not considered to worsen the future ambient condition. The national 3 ambient air quality guideline value for NO2 is 0.2 ppm (24 hours) and 150 µg/m for PM10 (24 hours).

b. Noise 142. During operations, noise emissions from road vehicles may disturb community life and the living environment. Noise impacts from vehicles travelling along these roads are not expected to be significant due to the light traffic loads and the improved road surfaces for smooth driving. Prior to the start of the civil works construction, the contractor will be required to conduct baseline data on air and noise samplings specially on the nearest sensitive receptors to assess the appropriate mitigation measures during operation that will be reflected in the CEMP.

143. To determine the impact of noise arising from road traffic during operation of the Guicam Bridge, a prediction of sound levels during operation or at future traffic scenarios need to be obtained. This may be done through available noise simulation methods such as that used by the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The Traffic Noise Model (v. 2.5) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration can be used. TNM computes highway traffic noise at nearby receivers and aids in the design of highway noise barriers. In addition, TNM includes full-throttle noise emission levels for vehicles on upgrades and vehicles accelerating away from the following traffic-control devices: stop signs, toll booths, traffic signals, and on-ramp start point

144. Use of this simulation method, however, requires that traffic data, such as that provided in Table 20, be validated with actual roadside traffic count in the vicinity of the project bridge alongside measurement of baseline noise level. Conducting a traffic count is actually part of the noise measurement procedure. The FHWA noise regulation20 says that the noise study should be done for the worst noise hour in the future design year for the “build” condition. Procedure for conducting noise measurement is described in the FHWA Manual.

145. The calculation procedure is demonstrated herein using the traffic demand estimate in Table 20. The hourly vehicle volume (per type) is calculated using a 12-hour divisor (accounting for the rural setting and providing for a conservative estimate).

146. Table 23 gives the calculated hourly traffic for each vehicle type. A simple model road based on the design of the bridge approach roads is constructed and with a receptor at a distance of 10 meters is laid out. Calculations for noise levels using the calculated traffic scenarios is generated by TNM2.5 and the results tabulated in Table 24.

20 Noise Measurement Handbook, U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, June 1, 2018.

Table 23 Estimated hourly traffic volume for PR09a Vehicle 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 type Auto 48 50 52 54 56 Med Truck 13 13 14 15 15 Note: Auto includes Pick up, Car/SUV, M/C, Med Truck are Trucks and Buses

Table 24 PREDICTED SOUND LEVEL NEAR GUICAM BRIDGE FOR FUTURE TRAFFIC SCENARIOS 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 Sound level (dBA) 53.1 53.2 53.4 53.7 53.7 Note: Calculated using TNM 2.5

147. The results show that predicted ambient sound levels will still be within the daytime 55 dBA WHO guidelines for residential, institutional and educational areas and the Philippine noise guidelines for the traffic scenarios considered. Note, however, that in case existing noise levels are already above the guide value, noise impacts for this project should not result in a maximum increase in background levels of 3 dBA at the nearest receptor location. Hence, these results still need to be validated with actual traffic counts and baseline noise measurements.

c. Induced Impacts 148. The Project will be carried out on an existing road connecting to the new bridge and there is likely to be significant or abrupt change to the current pattern of movements caused by the bridge construction. The project’s induced impacts will be mainly positive. These benefits include improved access to social services and improved economic development opportunities that are not immediately and timely available due to the existing road condition and the limited operational schedule of the ferry service. The ferry service does not operate on a 24-hour basis to the extent that for purposes of meeting medical emergencies, the LGUs ambulance vehicle had to be always deployed at the other side of the channel in Guicam, Municipality of Alicia for immediate transport to the medical facilities of other municipalities and to as far as Zamboanga City.

VI. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

149. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is the synthesis of all proposed mitigation and monitoring actions to avoid, minimize and mitigate adverse environmental impacts and enhance positive impacts of the project. The EMP defines institutional responsibilities for mitigation implementation and monitoring, reporting requirements, and a system to manage and provide speedy resolution of construction-related complaints through the grievance redress mechanism (GRM). The EMP is included in the bid documents to enable contractors allocate human and financial resources for effective implementation and monitoring. The EMP will be distributed to potential contractors so that the noted mitigation and monitoring requirements can be evaluated and included in the specifications and cost proposals submitted for the proposed project. It enables the project to comply with Philippine government and ADB requirements on environmental management. The project EMP may require updating to address unanticipated impacts or significant changes in the project scope to ensure that additional impacts could be effectively managed.

150. Contractors Environmental Management Plan. The EMP requires each contractor to prepare and submit a contractor’s environmental management plan (CEMP) consistent with the project EMP, prior to start of construction. It should be cleared by DPWH, CSC and ADB before any physical activity is started on the site.

151. The CEMP shall include the contractor’s management plans to mitigate construction impacts, such as air and water pollution, soil erosion, construction noise, solids, liquids and hazardous wastes, construction spoils, traffic, and community and workers’ health and safety. The contractor’s environment, health and safety officer (EHSO) has the primary responsibility for CEMP preparation hence it is important for the contractor to mobilize the EHSO upon receipt of the notice to proceed. The Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) will ensure that the CEMPs are in accordance with the EMP requirements before they are submitted for approval to PMO and to ADB.

152. Inasmuch as some of the associated project facilities such as borrow pits, quarry sites, construction camps, and batching plants will be identified by the contractors, the CEMPs will provide specific information on these facilities to identify potential impacts and the required remedial measures to address these environmental issues. The CEMP should provide details of activities and the location of facilities specific to the contract package. It should confirm and update the list of sensitive receptors in the IEE to identify locations where mitigation would be most required. Assessment should be conducted to determine the necessity for environmental baseline surveys prior to start of construction, to supplement secondary data available. If undertaken, the survey results shall be included in the CEMP and mitigation measures shall be adjusted accordingly based on the results.

153. CEMPs should be cleared by DPWH and ADB before civil works commence. The associated project facilities will also be subject to inspection by PMO and CSC to confirm that locations are appropriate and will not cause significant environmental and social issues. The CEMP should clearly state that the project will comply with relevant Philippine laws and the ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) 2009. The contractor will be responsible for CEMP compliance of the subcontractors.

154. COVID-19. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 has put on hold almost all activities in the Philippines including this project. Finalization of the project’s IEE has been delayed due to travel restrictions and the closure of government offices where essential data needed for the IEE may be available. Currently, restrictions are slowly being relaxed and the country is cautiously trying to resume activities. However, without a vaccine for the highly infectious COVID-19 virus, added layers of protection are being imposed on all activities to adapt to the situation. The Philippine Government has issued guidelines to mitigate the spread of the virus, but each sector is also encouraged to develop its own set of guidelines suited to the sector activities. DPWH has issued construction safety guidelines for infrastructure projects being implemented under the COVID-19 pandemic. Contractors are required to include guidelines to address COVID-19 in their health and safety plans. These should be incorporated in the CEMP and resources should be allocated for its implementation.

155. Impact Mitigation and EMP Monitoring PR09a or the Guicam Bridge construction project will complement the PR09 Road Project and improve connectivity of Olutanga Island to Zamboanga Sibugay. The Guicam Bridge has a gross length of 1,208 m. The bridge will start at the end of PR09 in Barangay Guicam in the Municipality of Alicia to the Municipality of Mabuhay in Olutanga island. The approaches to the Guicam Bridge as well as its intersections are predominantly located within built up areas (mix of residential, commercial and institutional) and in close proximity to the existing ferry operations over the Canalizo Strait.

156. Construction of bridge approaches will affect around 224 mangrove stands mostly on the Guicam side of the alignment based on detailed engineering design estimates. The actual number will be validated by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and DPWH during a joint inventory of affected trees prior to start of construction. by the DENR who will lead the tree cutting activities. Seedlings will be contributed by the project to the country’s National Greening Program administered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to offset the mangroves cut. A marine ecological survey conducted in 2019 indicates that the marine biodiversity in the Canalizo Strait is low andf coral reefs and coral fishes are absent. Nevertheless, mitigation measures are included in the EMP to protect the channel during bridge construction.

157. The identified environmental impacts resulting from the project and the corresponding mitigation measures, including implementation and monitoring responsibilities are presented in the following table. Seaweed farms on Canalizo Strait will be directly affected but since these are floating structures they can be easily transferred to another location. The mitigation measures are deemed adequate to address project impacts but may be adjusted based on a closer inspection of site conditions prior to start of construction. This would include the list of sensitive receptors identified in the initial environmental examination (IEE). Sensitive receptors such as the church in Bgy. Dawa Dawa, Alicia are particularly vulnerable to noise and dust resulting from road construction. A number of residential areas are also near the bridge alignment in barangays Dawa Dawa and Poblacion, both in Alicia. It is in these areas where noise and dust mitigation should be implemented and regularly monitored.

Table 25 Environment Management Plan Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation 21 impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Pre-construction Stage Improper implementation 1. Engage a qualified Environmental, Health and Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Upon contractor of the environmental Safety Officer (EHSO) who will ensure cost mobilization management plan (EMP) compliance with environmental, health, and Review and safety statutory requirements, contractual approval: DPWH obligations on environment and t h e EMP. and CSC 2. Prepare and submit a contractor’s environmental management plan (CEMP), based on the project EMP with specific details (location of sensitive receptors; associated facilities such as batching plants, material requirements and sources) relevant to the particular contract package or lot, to be approved by DPWH and CSC and cleared by ADB prior to establishment of the facilities and start of construction. It shall include management plans for dust, erosion and sediment, solid, liquid and hazardous wastes, construction spoils, construction facilities such as workers’ camps, batching plants, traffic management and community and occupational health and safety. 3. Assess the need to conduct baseline environmental quality measurements (air and water quality, noise levels) prior to construction, the results of which shall be included in the CEMP. Lack of system to 4. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be Part of DPWH/construction Environment Mobilization address complaints established prior to start of site activities to address Project cost supervision and Social period prior to and resolve project related complaints. consultant (CSC), Safeguards site clearing and together with Division civil works contractor (ESSD) of DPWH/CSC Inadequate disclosure of 5. Project implementation schedule, activities, Part of DPWH/construction Environment Mobilization project information to impacts and mitigation will be communicated to the Project cost supervision and Social period prior to stakeholders LGU representatives and residents of affected consultant (CSC), Safeguards site clearing and

21 Contractor should take note of the EMP requirements in the tender documents and provide indicative costs during the tendering process, and preparation of the CEMP based on their experience, best practice, and best judgement to ensure compliance with the EMP requirements.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation 21 impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule communities in advance, when and where noise, together with Division civil works and dust and other nuisances may be expected, and contractor (ESSD) of at least monthly how affected persons can access the GRM for DPWH/CSC environmental concerns related to the project. Information dissemination will be conducted at least monthly or more often if necessary. Non-compliance with 6. All required government permits such as Part of DPWH, contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to start of government environmental compliance certificates (ECC) for Project and bid construction requirements the project and associated facilities, tree cutting cost permit, and LGU permits shall be secured prior to start of construction. Construction Stage Local air pollution 7. Provide signages informing public and contractor Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to staff to observe speed limit of at least 25 kph in cost construction populated areas (sensitive receptors) of the community 8. Regular water spraying/dampening dust Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During dry emissions from disturbed soil, roadway cost construction construction surfaces and haul roads wherever days. there are sensitive receptors (such as houses, churches, businesses, schools, medical facilities) nearby is undertaken. Spraying will be done twice daily or at such frequency as is needed to suppress dust emission to acceptable levels. 9. Regular removal of debris and spoil piles and Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC As often when clean-up after completion of a section. cost construction activities require. 10. All vehicles transporting dusty materials will be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During each tightly covered to prevent release of fugitive dust. cost hauling activities. 11. Construction camps which include rock crushing, Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During concrete batching plant, fabrication yards and cost establishment similar facilities will be located at least 500 m of project from habitations and community environments facilities including other sensitive receptors such as churches, schools, a n d medical facilities. The facilities shall secure all required government

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation 21 impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule permits from DENR, EMB and LGUs prior to their establishment. 12. All equipment, machinery and vehicles used for Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC All throughout the project must be well maintained to ensure cost the construction proper functioning thereby minimizing contribution period until to air pollution. demobilization. Local air pollution 13. For storage areas of construction materials Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC All throughout such as sand, gravel, a n d cement, provisions cost the construction will be made to prevent materials from being period until blown away towards sensitive receptors. demobilization. 14. Roads will be regularly cleaned to remove Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During rainy tracked mud, cement, and other dirt. cost days; and after concrete pouring activities in the work site. 15. Stockpiling of spoils near sensitive receptors Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During will be prohibited. cost hauling and stockpilin 16. Asphalt plants, concrete batching plants and Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC All throughout crushing plants will be equipped with dust cost the construction suppression devices such as water sprays, dust period until collectors, covered conveyor. demobilization. 17. Speed limits will be imposed on construction Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout vehicles to minimize dust emission along areas cost the where sensitive receptors are located. construction period unt 18. Burning of all types of wastes generated at the Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughoutil complete construction sites, work camps and other project- the related activities will be strictly prohibited. construction period unt il complete

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule 19. Stockpiles of sand and aggregate greater than 20 Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During hauling m3 for use in concrete mixing will be enclosed on cost and stockpiling three sides, with walls extending above the pile activities and and two meters beyond the front of the piles. throughout the construction period 20. Water sprays will be used during the delivery and Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During materials handling of all raw sand and aggregates, and other cost delivery similar materials, when dust is likely to be created activities and and to dampen such stored materials during dry throughout the and windy weather to avoid impacts to sensitive construction receptors. period 21. Cement and other fine-grained materials Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During cement delivered in bulk will be stored in closed cost delivery containers. activities and throughout the construction period Noise 22. Limit the duration of noisy construction activities to Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the daylight hours, whenever possible, in the vicinity of construction sensitive receptors. Noisy equipment will not be period until operated during nighttime to early morning complete (19:00H –06:00H). demobilization. 23. Workers exposed to high noise levels will be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the provided with ear plugs. cost construction period until complete demobilization.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule 24. The contractors will provide prior notification to the Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the community on the schedule of noisy construction construction activities. period until complete demobilization. 25. Whenever possible, noisy equipment will be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the completely enclosed using materials which can cost construction significantly reduce noise levels. period until complete demobilization. 26. Any stationary equipment that produce high noise Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout levels (e.g., portable diesel generators, the compressors, etc.) will be positioned as far as is construction practical from sensitive receptors. period 27. Construction traffic routes will be defined in Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the cooperation with local communities and traffic commencement police to minimize noise and nuisance. of the construction activities 28. Vehicle speeds will be reduced around sensitive Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the receptors. Minimize back-up alarm noises on construction construction vehicles where practical and period. feasible. 29. Concrete batching and rock crushing plants will Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to be located at least 500 m away from sensitive establishment of receptors. the plants. 30. Throughout the construction period temporary Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the noise barriers will be installed along the edge of the cost commencement road, as necessary, in front of sensitive receptors of the activities. facing heavy construction activities.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule 31. Prior to undertaking noisy activities, the contractor Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the will consult with village leaders and commencement representatives from the religious sites and of the activities. schools along the project road regarding construction schedule so as to minimize disturbance to important events such as ceremonies, examination period and the like. Spoils disposal 32. Prior to excavation, contractors will submit a spoils Part of bid Preparation: ESSD/CSC Prior to the disposal plan to concerned authorities such as cost Contractor commencement LGUs and DPWH for approval. The plan will show of the activities the location of proposed excavation sites, cut Review and locations, fill and/or disposal sites for excess cut approval: and disposal sites for concrete resulting from DPWH and CSC spillway demolition. The plan will include photographs of the sites and will also indicate the existing land use and capacity of the disposal site. A copy of the approved plan forming part of the CEMP will be submitted to ADB. 33. The contractor will ensure that spoils disposal will Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the not encroach on surface water courses, will not cost commencement cause sedimentation or obstruction of stream/river of the activities; flow and will not cause damage to agricultural land, and throughout irrigation, densely vegetated areas, forests, the duration of properties and other productive sites. the project. 34. Where local residents and villages requests to use spoils as fill materials in their lots and properties, the contractor shall secure a written request and agreement for proper disposal. The contractor shall keep an inventory of the quantities of spoil disposed through various means for inclusion in the SEMR. Contractor shall ensure that the filling activities shall not cause pollution or sedimentation and/or water ponding by technically assisting property owners in the establishment of adequate bunding and drainage.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Impacts from 35. For commercial borrow pits and quarries, the Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the operation of borrow contractor will ensure that only facilities with cost commencement areas and quarries necessary environmental permits will be used for of the activities; the project.

36. For quarries and borrow pits that will be solely Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the established and operated for the project, the cost commencement contractor will ensure that these are covered by of the activities; necessary environmental permits. Copies of the environmental permits shall be included in the CEMP. 37. Prior to operation of borrow pits and quarries, the Part of bid Preparation: ESSD/CSC Prior to the contractor will submit to the LGU and DPWH a plan cost Contractor commencement showing the location/s of such facilities to be used, of the activities. as well as timeframe and mitigation measures to Review and be implemented to rehabilitate project-specific approval: borrow pits and quarries. Estimated quantities of DPWH and CSC material requirements from borrow pits and quarries shall be included in the CEMP. 38. The contractor will also ensure that topsoil will be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the properly removed, stockpiled and preserved for cost duration of the later use during restoration of the borrow pit. activities. 39. Vegetation cover will be provided during Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Following rehabilitation of the site. cost completion of the civil works activities. 40. Upon completion of extraction activities, quarries Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Upon completion and borrow pits will be dewatered, signages and cost of fences installed, as appropriate, to minimize health extraction and safety risks. activities. Erosion and 41. Undertake planting of native species of trees and Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Following unstable slopes landscaping along the roads and embankment cost completion of slopes, as appropriate. the civil works activities.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Erosion and unstable 42. Construction activities in hilly areas will be carried Contractor ESSD/CSC During the dry slopes out intensively during dry season. However, as the season and as area is not generally typhoon-prone, construction weather permits. work during wet season is likely feasible.

43. Slope protection measures (such as sodding) will Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the be implemented to avoid impacts to agricultural cost commencement land and adjacent properties. Areas to be cleared of slope of vegetation for construction will be restricted to protection the minimum required for immediate works. works.

Deterioration of water 44. Limit the exposure of areas prone to erosion. Contractor ESSD/CSC During quality and soil earthworks, and contamination throughout the duration of the activities. 45. Observe proper management of spoils by Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During surrounding the stockpile with bund. cost earthworks, and throughout the duration of the activities. 46. Transport spoils immediately to final disposal sites. Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During cost earthworks, and throughout the duration of the activities. 47. Undertake sodding of spoils stockpile if prolonged Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During storage is necessary. cost earthworks, and throughout the duration of the activities. 48. Bentonite slurry used during bridge construction Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During will be collected and processed in a closed system. cost bridgeworks, Discharge into watercourses will be prohibited. and throughout the duration of the activities.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Deterioration of water 49. Spillage of bentonite in agricultural land will be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During quality and soil cleaned immediately to prevent caking and cost earthworks, and contamination hardening. throughout the 50. Prior to establishment and operation of concrete Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Priorduration to facility of the batching plants and casting yards, the contractor cost mobilization. will obtain the necessary environmental permits. 51. Retention ponds with sufficient Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to specifications/capacity will be constructed for cost commencement wastewater from washing of equipment such as of pond works; mixer drums, trucks and chute, and other sources. and throughout the construction period until demobilization. 52. Operate and maintain the retention ponds to Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the ensure that effluent quality will meet applicable cost use of the pond standards. until demobilization. 53. Equipment service and maintenance yards will be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During the provided with impermeable flooring and collection cost establishment of sump. the facility. 54. Water-tight receptacles will be provided in all the Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the equipment maintenance shops for waste oil, oily cost operation of the rags, spent oil filters, solvents and oily containers. maintenance shops until demobilization. 55. Disposal of wastes contaminated with hazardous Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During wastes materials will be through authorized waste cost disposal handlers and recyclers. activities. 56. Refueling and servicing of equipment will only be Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the carried out in areas adequately equipped to collect cost operation of the leaks and spills. Drip pans will be used when maintenance necessary shops until demobilization.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule 57. Fuel and other hazardous materials will be stored Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the in a roofed area that has an impervious floor and cost operation of the bund around it. campsite until demobilization. Deterioration of water 58. Fuel storage area will be located at least 100 Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to the quality and soil meters away from watercourses, flood-prone cost establishment contamination areas and workers camps. of the fuel storage area. 59. Availability of spill clean-up materials (e.g., Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the absorbent pads, etc.) specifically designed for cost operation of the petroleum products and other hazardous campsite until substances where such materials are being stored demobilization. and used. 60. If spills or leaks of hazardous materials do occur, Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately immediate clean-up will be undertaken. cost during spills or leaks. 61. Relevant construction personnel will be trained in Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to handling handling of fuels/hazardous substances and spill cost of hazardous control procedures. materials, etc. 62. All storage containers of hazardous materials and Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the wastes will be properly labeled and maintained in cost operation of the good condition. campsite until demobilization. 63. Restoration of temporary work sites will include Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to removal and treatment or proper disposal of oil cost demobilization. contaminated soils. 9. Loss of vegetation 64. DPWH will obtain a tree cutting permit in Part of DPWH ESSD/CSC Prior to tree compliance with PD 705 (Revised Forestry Code of Project cost cutting activities. the Philippines). No tree cutting will be undertaken without the necessary permit to be issued by the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule 65. Tree cutting can only be undertaken under close Part of Contractor ESSD/CSC During tree supervision of CENRO, DPWH and CSC staff who Project cost cutting activities. will be present at the site throughout the duration 66. Onlyof cutting trees activities. marked based on the Tree Chart Contractor ESSD/CSC During tree prepared by the CENRO will be cut. cutting activities.

67. Cut trees will be turned over to the CENRO for Contractor ESSD/CSC During and/or disposal after tree cutting activities. 68. In compliance with DENR Memorandum Order no. Part of DPWH ESSD/CSC During and/or 05 of 2012: Uniform Replacement Ratio for Cut or project cost after tree cutting Relocated Trees, purchase 544,050 tree seedlings (PhP 5.44 activities. (estimate only) and turn over to the CENRO. M) 69. The CSC environment specialist will closely Part of DPWH/CSC ESSD/CSC During tree monitor the tree cutting activities to ensure that Project cost cutting activities. these will comply with the provisions of the Tree Cutting Permit and corresponding Tree Chart.

70. As part of the semi-annual environmental DPWH/CSC ESSD/CSC Semi-annual monitoring report to be submitted to ADB, DPWH during SEMR will report on the status of tree cutting, tree preparation and relocation or replacement any issues/concerns, submission to corresponding actions, growth progress of the ADB. replacement of trees and other relevant matters. 71. To avoid unnecessary impacts to vegetation, the Contractor ESSD/CSC During tree contractor will prohibit cutting of trees for firewood cutting activities. and for other uses in the Project and will ensure that tree cutting is limited to areas as approved by the CENRO. Impacts on fauna 72. Prohibit workers from hunting wild animals and/or Contractor ESSD/CSC Duration of the purchasing any wildlife. construction period.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Impacts on fauna 73. As much as possible, bridge works will be Contractor ESSD/CSC During the dry scheduled in dry season to minimize adverse season. impacts to fishery, river water quality and other aquatic resources.

Occupational health 74. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the and safety hazards as safety shoes, safety hat, goggles, safety belt, cost construction harness, ear protection or other garments or duration. equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury will be strictly observed during 75. construction.Provision of firstPersonnel aid kits working that are in readily batching available plants Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the to workers as well as access to or availability of a cost construction health worker to attend to any immediate health duration. needs of workers and in case of untoward incidents.

76. Conduct orientation for construction workers Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to work regarding health and safety measures, emergency cost deployment; as response in case of accidents, fire, etc., and often as prevention of HIV/AIDS, COVID-19, and other necessary. related diseases. 77. Comply with government guidelines and protocols Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to work related to COVID-19. cost deployment; as often as necessary. 78. Installation of adequate drainage in workers Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During campsite camps to avoid water logging/accumulation of cost establishment. stagnant water and formation of breeding sites for mosquitoes. 79. Provision of separate clean housing with sufficient Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During campsite ventilation and separate hygienic sanitation cost establishment. facilities for male and female workers. 80. Provision of reliable supply of water for drinking, Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC During campsite cooking and washing purposes at the workers’ cost establishment. camps.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Occupational health 81. Proper collection and disposal of solid wastes Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC During and safety hazards within the workers’/construction camps consistent campsite with local regulations. operation 82. Provision of fire-fighting equipment at the work Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Duringuntil areas, as appropriate, and at workers camps. campsite operation 83. Treatment of wastewater emanating from workers Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Duringuntil camps, construction camps and other project- campsite related activities and facilities consistent with operation 84. Usenational of regulations. reversing signals on all construction Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughoutuntil vehicles. the construction 85. Regular coordination with local authorities Contractor and ESSD/CSC Throughoutperiod. regarding project activities throughout the DPWH the construction phase to reduce over-all security risks construction Public health and safety 86. Installationto the project. of sturdy fencing around excavation Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Duringperiod. hazards areas and construction sites. excavation works until 87. Provision of proper signage and lighting at night at Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughoutcompletion of the the periphery of the construction site to warn and cost construction direct traffic and pedestrians. period. 88. Deployment of security personnel in Part of bid Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the hazardous areas to restrict public access. cost construction period. 89. Imposition of speed limits for construction vehicles Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the along residential areas and where there are other construction sensitive receptors period. 90. Orientation of drivers on safe driving practices to Contractor ESSD/CSC Prior to work minimize accidents and to prevent spill of deployment and hazardous substances and other construction throughout the materials during transport. construction period.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Traffic obstruction 91. If necessary, provide safe passageways for Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the pedestrians crossing the construction site. construction activity until completion. 92. At construction areas, provide safe access to Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the farmland and other properties. construction activity until completion. 93. Provide signs advising road users that construction Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the is in progress, particularly in areas where the construction project alignment crosses existing roads and where activity until construction-related facilities are. located. completion. 94. Employ flag persons to control traffic when Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the construction equipment is entering or leaving the construction work area. activity until completion. 95. Post traffic advisory signs (to minimize traffic build- Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the up) in coordination with local authorities. construction activity until completion. Accidental discovery 96. Contractor to immediately cease operations at the Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately of artefacts site of discovery. upon discovery of artefacts. 97. Contractor to inform the CSC and Environment Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately Officer of the Office of the District Engineer. upon discovery of artefacts. 98. CSC to relay information to DPWH CSC ESSD/CSC Immediately upon discovery of artefacts. 99. DPWH to notify the National Historical DPWH ESSD/CSC Immediately Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and/or upon discovery other concerned government agencies for the next of artefacts. steps.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Accidental discovery of 100. Recommence work only after NHCP has provided Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately upon artefacts official notification accordingly. NHCP notification. Damage to properties 101. The contractor will immediately repair and/or Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately upon compensate for any damage that it causes to completion of properties (houses, farmlands, aquaculture ponds, damage irrigation canals, etc.), community facilities such as assessment. water supply, power supply, communication facilities and the like. 102. Access roads used for transport of construction Part of bid cost Contractor ESSD/CSC Throughout the materials and other construction-related activities construction will be maintained by the Contractor in at least in period. their pre-project condition for the duration of construction. Unanticipated 103. If any unanticipated impacts become apparent Part of Project Contractor, CSC, DPWH Immediately upon environmental impacts during project implementation, the DPWH will cost ESSD occurrence of update the environmental assessment and EMP impact. or prepare a new environmental assessment and EMP to assess the potential impacts, evaluate the alternatives, and outline mitigation measures and resources to address those impacts. The updated or newly prepared documents will be submitted to ADB for review, clearance, and public disclosure. 104. Implement measures specified in the new or Part of Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately updated environmental assessment and EMP to Project cost upon completion address unanticipated environmental impacts. of impact assessment Need for additional 105. Implement additional environmental mitigation Part of Contractor ESSD/CSC Immediately environmental measures, as necessary, to avoid, minimize and/or Project cost upon completion mitigation measures compensate for adverse impacts due to of impact construction works and related activities assessment and performed by the contractor. agreement on corrective action.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule Operation Stage Noise 106. As necessary, install traffic calming measures, e.g., Part of Project District Engineering DPWH Upon speed bumps in areas where there are sensitive cost Office (DEO) completion of receptors so as to further reduce noise levels from roadworks. passing vehicles. 107. Undertake regular maintenance of pavement and Part of Project District Engineering DPWH After the traffic management especially near receptors to cost Office (DEO) defects liability contribute to lower ambient noise levels. period of the contractor. Road safety hazards 108. Setting up warning and guide signs, arrow marks Part of Project DPWH Upon and providing delineation lines clearly along the cost completion of road. roadworks and during 109. Provision of traffic signals at key intersections. Part of Project DPWH Uponmaintenance cost completion of roadworks and during 110. Improved road will have vertical curves that suit Part of DPWH Duringmaintenance detailed safe design criteria/requirement. Project cost design and construction. 111. Installation of chevron signs where required and Part of DPWH Upon speed limit signs. Project cost completion of roadworks and during maintenance operation if necessary. 112. Road will have improved vertical alignment to suit Part of DPWH During detailed sight distance requirement. Project cost design and construction. 113. Installation of guardrails between the road and Part of DPWH Upon ditches. Project cost completion of roadworks and during maintenance if necessary.

Environmental Proposed Mitigation Measures Estimated Responsible Responsible Implementation impacts/Concerns cost institutions for monitoring Schedule 114. Prohibit the use of carriageway as parking to Part of DPWH Upon ensure safe, efficient and smooth vehicular flow; Project cost completion of coordinate with LGU(s) concerned to improve roadworks and enforcement. during maintenance if necessary Road safety hazards 115. Provision of pedestrian crossing. Part of DPWH Upon Project cost completion of roadworks and during maintenance if necessary 116. Provision of sidewalks and bicycle lanes where Part of DPWH As specified in appropriate Project cost the detailed design.

Solid waste build- up 117. Implementation of related mandates with regard to LGU Upon project and shortage of provision of solid waste management, health completion. health/sanitary facilities and sanitary facilities. due to influx of migrants

Increase in resource 118. Implementation of related mandates to prevent or DENR Upon project use (e.g., tree cutting) minimize illegal tree cutting and other resource completion. extractive activities (e.g. through close monitoring).

158. Table 26 presents the environmental monitoring activities to be undertaken during various project phases. Monitoring of the contractor’s environmental performance in terms of implementation of mitigation measures for pre-construction and construction phases shall be undertaken by the construction supervision consultant (CSC) and DPWH. CSC shall assist DPWH in preparing semi-annual environmental monitoring reports for submission to ADB and DENR, when required. The monitoring reports shall describe progress with the implementation of the EMP and compliance issues and corrective actions, if any.

159. Certain sections of the IEE indicate that effluent sampling is to be carried out. Compliance to DENR Effluent standards is usually one of the conditions of the ECC. However, the resources to monitor this is usually unavailable especially in rural areas. Additionally, the operations of a stone crushing plant are usually a source of complaints from affected persons. Engaging third party contractors to conduct sampling takes time and hinders the contractor from addressing non- compliances instantaneously. It would also entail significant cost when done regularly. It would be more cost-efficient and will improve performance substantially if equipment is readily available. It would serve well for DPWH and the contractor to procure a portable noise level meter and a portable water analyzer for these. These equipments are available in the market at a reasonable price. If carefully maintained, they can be used for other projects, as well.

Table 26 Environmental Monitoring Program

Aspect Means of Monitoring Location/Frequency Responsible for Monitoring Pre-construction 1. Inventory of affected trees ROW inspection and Entire PR09a alignment DPWH/Contractor tagging of trees based on detailed project plans 2. Compliance with government Checking copies of DPWH/CSC requirements prior to start of applicable permits (ECC, construction tree cutting permit, LGU permits) 3. Submission and approval of Review and clearing of DPWH, CSC, ADB CEMP CEMP 4. Updating or validation of Site inspection Entire PR09a alignment Contractor/DPWH/CSC sensitive receptors; also include utility facilities that could be potentially affected 5. Updating of baseline Assessment and surveys Entire PR09a alignment Contractor/DPWH/CSC environmental quality (assess if necessary) 6. Guidelines and protocols on Review and clearing of the Contractor/DPWH/CSC COVID-19, HIV-AIDS and other guidelines if these are infectious diseases are in place aligned with Philippine and all workers are provided government, WHO and briefing and appropriate PPEs other internationally prior to mobilization. This shall accepted protocols also be included in the CEMP. Construction

Aspect Means of Monitoring Location/Frequency Responsible for Monitoring 7. Close supervision of the As part of day-to-day project On-going throughout the Contractor/DPWH/CSC contractor’s implementation of supervision construction phase mitigation measures to minimize or avoid impacts to air quality (particularly dust emission), noise, siltation of surface water and other impacts. 8. Contractor’s environmental Site visit, ocular inspections, Monthly DPWH/ESSD/CSC performance and interviews with local residents, implementation of construction coordination with concerned phase environmental mitigation barangay/s measures specified in the IEE/ EMP 9. Dust Visual observation, interviews Monthly DPWH/ESSD/CSC with local residents, coordination with concerned barangay/s 10. Noise Site observation, interviews with Monthly DPWH/ESSD/CSC local residents, coordination with concerned barangay/s 11. Surface water quality Visual observation, interviews Monthly DPWH/ESSD/CSC with local residents, coordination with concerned barangay/s 12. Air quality, noise, water quality Field sampling To validate complaints Contractor under supervision of and/or during pollution ESSD and CSC events that are potentially caused by the project

13. Compliance with ECC Site Inspection and data As required by the ECC Contractor under supervision of requirements gathering ESSD and CSC

Institutional Roles and Responsibilities

160. The implementation of the environmental mitigation and monitoring measures will be the responsibility of the Department of Public Works and Highways as executing agency of the project. The following section presents the roles and responsibilities of the various units in environmental management. Effective EMP implementation is a joint effort of all key players on the project. Table 3. Responsibilities for EMP Implementation Agency Responsibility Department of Public • Executing agency with overall responsibility for project Works and Highways construction and operation (DPWH) • Ensure that sufficient funds are available to properly implement *Including Region IX the EMP; Office and District • Ensure that Project implementation complies with Government Engineering Office (DEO) environmental policies and regulations; • Ensure that the Project, regardless of financing source, complies with the provisions of the EMP and ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS); • Obtain necessary environmental approval(s) from the Environmental Management Bureau and/or other concerned government agencies prior to commencement of civil works; • Ensure that tender and contract documents for design, supervision and civil works include the relevant EMP requirements; • Establish information on an environmental grievance redress mechanism, as described in the IEE, to receive and facilitate resolution of affected peoples' concerns; and • Submit semi-annual monitoring reports on EMP implementation to ADB.

DPWH-Unified Project • Project management office with direct responsibility for the Management implementation of civil works, engineering designs and project Office (UPMO), Roads coordination; Management • Ensure that EMP design measures are incorporated in the Cluster II (RMC-II) detailed design; • Ensure that EMP provisions are strictly implemented and monitored during various project phases (design/pre- construction, construction and operation) to mitigate environmental impacts to acceptable levels; • Ensure compliance with environmental permits; and • Include relevant provisions of the EMP in the bid and contract documents for design, civil works and supervision. • Coordinate with DENR-EMB, Local Government Units (LGU), and other concerned agencies related to environmental aspects for maintaining project`s compliance with environmental permits.

Environmental and Social • Assist the UPMO-RMC II and CSC in undertaking their Safeguards Department environment-related tasks. (ESSD) of DPWH

Agency Responsibility Detailed Engineering • Incorporate into the project design the environmental protection Design (DED) Consultant and mitigation measures identified in the EMP for the design/pre- construction stage; and • Assist PMO to ensure that all relevant mitigation and monitoring measures from the EMP are incorporated in the bidding and contract documents for project supervision and civil works.

Construction Supervision • Prior to establishment of contractor’s facilities and Consultant (CSC) commencement of civil works, undertake review of specific environmental management plans (e.g., Consultant (CSC) spoils disposal plan, facilities development plan, etc.) to be prepared by contractors to ensure that such plans are consistent with the provisions of the EMP. • Engage environment specialists who will undertake supervision and monitoring of EMP implementation and contractor’s environmental performance; • As part of day-to-day project supervision, closely supervise the contractor’s implementation of mitigation measures specified in the EMP; • Undertake monthly monitoring of contractor’s environmental performance and over-all implementation of the EMP; • Prepare semi-annual environmental monitoring reports on status of EMP implementation for submission to DPWH; • Based on the results of EMP monitoring, identify environmental corrective actions and prepare a corrective action plan, as necessary, for submission to DPWH and ADB

Contractors • Recruit qualified environmental and safety officer to ensure compliance with environmental statutory requirements, contractual obligations and EMP provisions; • Provide sufficient funding and human resources for proper and timely implementation of required mitigation and monitoring measures in the EMP; and • Implement additional environmental mitigation measures, as necessary, to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse impacts due to construction works and related activities performed by the contractor.

Asian Development Bank • Conduct periodic site visits to assess status of EMP (ADB) implementation and over-all environmental performance of the Project; • Review environmental monitoring reports submitted by the executing agency to ensure that adverse impacts and risks are properly addressed; and • Publicly disclose through posting on ADB’s website environmental monitoring reports, corrective action plans, prepared by the executing agency during project implementation.

Reporting

161. Throughout the construction period, the contractor will submit monthly progress reports to DPWH and CSC who will compile the major findings in the monthly reports into a semi- annual report supplemented by CSC’s own findings, for DPWH to submit to the ADB. The semi-annual reports will highlight a summary of the progress of construction, results of site inspections, progress made in EMP and corrective action implementation, status of compliance with Government’s environmental regulatory requirements and other clearances, record of community complaints, unforeseen environmental impacts and suggested remedial actions for the next monitoring period.

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VII. Grievance Redress Mechanism

162. A subproject-specific grievance redress mechanism (GRM) will be established at the DPWH District Engineering Office (DEO) before the start of construction, to receive, evaluate and facilitate the complaints/grievances of affected persons on the sub-project’s environmental performance. This mechanism will be disclosed to the host communities prior to commencement of site works. Contact information on how to access the GRM will be included in project information billboards.

163. The District Engineer will appoint an Environment Officer and will establish the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) to be chaired by the DPWH District Engineer. Members will include the following: (i) the contractor’s highest official at the site such as the Construction Manager or the Construction Superintendent; (ii) Barangay Chairperson; and (iii) Environment Specialist of the Construction Supervision Consultant. For the quick filing of complaints, the DGRC will use the grievance intake form appended in the IEE. The DEO’s Environment Officer will be responsible for the registration of grievances and communication with the aggrieved party. To facilitate addressing complaints, the contractor will be required to provide contact details of its representative(s) on site in its campsite offices and in project billboards that will be erected at the starting point of the project. The billboard shall likewise include the contact details of DPWH representatives in the event complaints are not readily addressed by the contractor on-site.

164. The steps to be followed in filing complaints and the procedures for redress are the following: a. complainant will provide the background and file the complaint directly either verbally or in writing to the on-site contractor representative(s), and Barangay through its officials for immediate corrective action; b. the contractor(s) representative is then required to act immediately on valid complaints and record such complaints in a complaints registry that must be maintained on site; c. complaints that cannot be immediately attended to by the Contractor shall be filed either verbally or writing to the DEO, and or the DEO’s Environment Officer who will assist the complainant in filling-up the grievance intake form; d. within 2 working days, the Environment Officer, contractor’s representative, and complainant will discuss if the complaint can be resolved without calling for a GRC meeting; e. within 3 days of lodging the complaint, the DEO’s Environment Officer will provide the complainant a written feedback on the process, steps and timeframe for resolving the complaint. f. if the complaint cannot be resolved, a GRC meeting with the complainant will be called within 5 working days; g. the GRC will have 15 days to resolve the complaint; h. the complainant will receive feedback from the DEO’s Environment Officer within 5 working days after the various steps of the GRM are completed. i. if unsatisfied with the decision, the existence of the GRC will not impede the complainant's access to the Government's judicial, administrative remedies or through concerned government agencies (e.g., Community Environment and Natural Resources Office and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of DENR, Regional offices of the Environmental Management Bureau.

165. The GRC will receive, follow-up and prepare monthly reports regarding all complaints, disputes or questions received about the Project and corresponding actions taken to resolve the issues. These reports will be included in the semi-annual environmental monitoring reports to be submitted by DPWH to ADB.

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VIII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION AND PARTICIPATION 166. Public consultations are needed to generate awareness, informed opinions/views, and suggestions/approaches. It is important that misconceptions are clarified, and stakeholders are fully aware and informed about the project to eventually stimulate dynamic participation and support in the implementation of the development activities in the locality. It is important that the IEC be produced in local dialect to ensure effective understanding of the target populace. The components of the IEC are the following:

• Dissemination of the outputs of the impact assessment Information on the project design • Information on project implementation and monitoring

167. The information dissemination about Guicam Bridge is separate from that of PR09 since the land and water environment of the project is different from that of PR 09. The proposed project has been presented to stakeholders through various consultation meetings held during the preparation of the project and throughout the detailed engineering phase during the preparation for the application of an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC); and the resettlement and indigenous people’ plan (RIPP). The project was issued a separate ECC last December 09, 2019, copy attached in Appendix No. 4. The consultation meetings during the DED stage was spearheaded by KEI, DED consultant attended by the resettlement and environmental specialist to reach the objective of meaningful consultation meetings. The information included the following:

• Brief project description. • Potential environmental and socioeconomic issues/impacts per project phase • Recommended mitigation and enhancement measures addressing both negative and positive impacts of the project • Commitments/agreements and guarantees made by the proponent to comply with all the proposed measures and recommendations • Participation of the stakeholders in project implementation

168. In compliance with the requirements of ADB’s Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) (2009 and DAO 2003-30, public consultations were carried out to primarily inform the community about the proposed project and to provide opportunity to the community to participate and make clarifications on pertinent matters related to the project. On August 20, 2015, the PPTA consultants conducted one big public consultation for PR 09 (Table 25 and Appendix 3). These were attended by representatives of different sectors and organizations that will be affected by the project implementation. No significant environmental issues were brought up during the consultation besides the issue on resettlement. The issues and concerns raised in the other areas are similar, centering on the issue of resettlement.

Table 27. Summary Matrix of Public Consultation22 TOTAL DATE VENUE GENDER PARTICIPANTS Male Female

08/20/15 Mabuhay Gymnasium 87 83 170

Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016.

22 Conducted during the PPTA as indicated.

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169. During the detailed engineering design, the Design and Supervision Consultant appointed for the assignment conducted another set of public consultation as required by the Environmental Management Bureau Region 9 (EMB Region 9) in connection with the preparation of the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the application of the subproject’ Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). These were conducted together with EMB Region 9 Staff on August 15, 2016 (in the Municipality of Alicia); August 16, 2016 in the Municipality of Mabuhay; and on August 17, 2018 (in the Municipality of Olutanga). During the discussion of the public consultation headed by KEI, DED consultant with their resettlement and environmental specialist, it was mentioned about the direct and indirect effects of the project, i.e. transportation of the ferry, the aquaculture in the area but their major concerns revolved around involuntary resettlement. Issues about dust during the dry construction days, and mud during the rainy season were brought out which should be mitigated during the construction period.

170. Thereafter on various dates in 2017 (from late January to early February 2017), additional public consultations in connection with the preparation of the resettlement and indigenous peoples’ plan were conducted. From these consultations involving about 807 potential affected persons (APs) in fifteen (15) barangays, three central themes recur every time the designated barangays officials render their opening remarks: first, the positive impact of the project to their community; second, admonition to the residents to take advantage of the chance to raise individual concerns/queries that are project related and third, a common appeal to redesign the road alignment to avoid existing structures23. Table 26 summarizes the issues/concerns raised during the stakeholder’s consultation and the response of the proponent.

171. During these public consultations, the summary matrix of issues and concerns is as follows:

23 Draft Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples’ Plan for PR 09, January 2018.

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Table 28. Summary Matrix of Public Consultation QUESTIONS AND ISSUES RAISED BY RESPONSE BY DPWH AND CONSULTANTS No, the ongoing project is not a part of PR09. The Query on whether or not the ongoing road ongoing road construction is a project by the provincial 1 construction from Barangay Lutiman to government. PR09 on the other hand is a project of Barangay Kawayan is part of PR09. the national government to be implemented by the DPWH Central office.

There are 3 likely scenarios that could take place:(i) the newly constructed road stretch is exempted from the project (ii) the carriage way is exempted but additional What will happen to the newly improvements (i.e. shoulders and drainage) are 2 constructed road if and when PR09 gets PB Jojo Gonzales introduced; and (iii) road is removed and replaced. implemented? DPWH will make the decision one way or the other after conducting thorough study and assessment to include proper consultations with stakeholders. Trees and crops were removed sans compensation from the provincial government. Is there a chance for those 3 Query will be included in our report to DPWH. who suffered loses of trees and crops to receive compensation from DPWH/ADB as part of project cost of PR09?

Appeal to ensure that water connections Yes, DPWH will see to it that water connections that 4 are properly restored during the road PB Henry Madaye would affected would be properly restored. construction.

No, Tax Declaration will not be accepted as proof of The only document possessed by several ownership but can be treated as Special Case under residents are copies of Tax Declarations. RA 10752 if the land owner can present (i) proof of 5 PB Robring Joseph Is tax declaration acceptable as a proof open and continuous possession of the land for a of ownership? period of 30 years and (ii) a DENR Certification that the land is alienable and disposable.

Compensation of government owned structures and Appeal for road realignment so that the 6 Zulficar Macaampao improvements that will be affected by the project will be school building will not be affected. compensated at a replacement cost.

If the purchased lot is covered by a title, the PAP can The only document possessed is a Deed request the Seller to execute a Waiver in favor of the 7 of Sale, what options are available so that Roberto Villamor Buyer or the Buyer can go to the Register of Deeds to the PAPs can be compensated? request the annotation of title/entry of the Deed of Sale.

It was announced previously that the right-of-way to be acquired for road The 30 meter RROW is in accordance with the update 8 widening is only 20 meters width. Why is ME R.O. Colange Jr. DPWH Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards DPWH planning to acquire 30 meters this (DGCS, 2015 Edition) time?

Construction will start immediately after DPWH 9 When will construction start? IPMR Nerie Ruste completes ROW acquisition, tendering and bidding.

Will laborers in the locality be given Yes, a portion of the labor force will be from the locality 10 priority during the project’s Venerando Pingkian per D.O. 138 and RA 6685. implementation. Loss of Business will be identified during the conduct of Apprehension that once the construction Inventory of Losses and appropriate measures will be 11 is carried out, the "gasoline station" Marissa Timtim adopted to mitigate the Affected Persons with business will be affected. businesses. Road design would normally follow the existing Request for realignment to avoid removal 12 alignment. The 30 Meters ROW will be acquired, 15 of several houses Mr. Sario meters on both sides of the road from the centerline. Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016.

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172. During the PPTA, a focus group discussion (FGD) was also carried out on June 19, 2015, at Alindahaw Hotel, Pagadian City participated by the Community of Environmental and Natural Resources Officers, Provincial Environmental Officer, and representatives from Regional Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region IX. Table 27 summarize the output of the FGD.

Table 29. Perceived Impacts of the Proposed Road Projects

Positive Impacts Negative Impacts 1. Increase of zonal valuation of land along highways 2. Increase revenue collection Influx of migrants resulting to environmental threats like solid waste build-up and shortage of health/sanitary facilities 3. Improve accessibility/transport of goods and Resource use becomes very high (e.g., tree services as hastened cutting) 4. Facilitate environmental monitoring and supervision 5. Improve business opportunity/tourism and trade 6. Increase literacy rate 7. Neutralize peace and order hotspots 8. Eliminate “hide out” of lawless elements 9. Environmental mitigation activity will improve Source: TA-8574 PHI: Improving National Roads for Inclusive Growth in Mindanao Project (41076-045), prepared by the DPWH for the ADB, February 2016.

Consultations conducted during the Preparation of draft RIPP24

173. On August 29 – September 1, 2018, a perception survey, census, SES and IOL was conducted in line with the following RIPP objectives.

(i) To determine the number of APs affected and identify the assets (land, structures and improvements) they will lose due to the acquisition of IROW for the project; (ii) To identify the extent of impacts of the project IROW on the APs and their assets, and the measures to mitigate these impacts. (iii) To determine the compensation and entitlements to be given to APs for the acquisition of the assets to be affected by the IROW; and (iv) To determine the budget estimate for compensation and entitlement, relocation and resettlement, information dissemination, consultation, monitoring and other tasks for implementing the RIPP;

174. The public consultations for Guicam bridge were conducted from 2018 and January 22-25, 2019. The DPWH Project Director UPMO sent letters to the RO, DEO and the LGUs prior to the conduct of coordination meetings and public consultations with PAPs in 2 barangays to be traversed by Guicam bridge subproject as part of the preparation of this RIPP. A total of 16 persons participated in the public consultations. The said consultation was attended by KEI Resettlement Specialist and Environmental Specialist. The following table shows the details, including the agenda, central themes, and issues and concerns raised. See Appendix 6: Report on Coordination Meeting/Public Consultation/ RAP Related Activities

24 The information presented here forms part of the RIPP and adopted with minimal editing. The RIPP for this project is separately submitted.

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Table 28: Consultations conducted in Barangay Dawa-dawa (Alicia) and Poblacion (Mabuhay) Consultations conducted in Barangay Dawa-Dawa (Alicia) and Poblacion (Mabuhay)

Number of Participants Date Municipality Barangay Agenda Issues and Concerns Male Female Total Presentation (a) proof of ownership of the (b) payment of RPT Project, after ROW acquisition Resettlement (c) compensation for and structures if owner Indigenous 23-Jan-19 Alicia Dawa-Dawa 8 11 19 rents the lot (d) Peoples compensation for land Framework not yet transferred to (RIPF) Cut- new owner (e) Off Date, Claimants with SPA (f) Disclosure of inclusion of AHs in Affected both PR09 and Households Guicam Bridge (AHs) Master subprojects and (g) 24-Jan-19 Mabuhay Poblacion 10 6 16 List, Nest "very low" valuation of Steps and affected coconut trees. Open Forum Source: DRAFT RIPP

Table 29 provides the summary of issues and concerns raised during consultations. During these consultations, issues on involuntary resettlement were specifically discussed.

Table 29: Summary of Issues and Concerns

NO. QUESTIONS AND ISSUES RESPONSE BY DPWH AND CONSULTANTS

BARANGAY DAWA-DAWA, ALICIA

To show proof of ownership, the claimant is normally Land Titles possessed by Affected requested to show the Owner's copy of the affected lot, 1 person are only photocopies. Will among others or Electronic copy of the lot title in the name of photocopies be honored? the registered owner duly authenticated by the Registered of Deeds (RD)/Land Registration Authority (LRA).

Ye, it is reasonable to expect that the annual Real Property Tax Payment for land would be lower after DAS annotation. Once DAS is annotated, will there be The local Assessors Office, however should be provided with 2 reduction of Real Property Tax payment a certificate true copy of the Lot Title reflecting the proper for land? entries of the Deed of Absolute Sale (DAS) as basis for the corresponding adjustments of RPT payment.

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The owner of the structures will get compensation for the structure while the owner of the land will get a separate payment for the affected land, subject to the preparation and Pays rent to the registered lot owner but validation of proof of ownership, among others. Those who do 3 owns the structure. Will there be not have legally recognized rights to the land, but are (a) compensation on the lot and structure? Filipino citizens (b) do not own any real property (c) not professional squatters and (d) do not occupy an existing government ROW will get compensation at replacement cost per RA10752

If the purchased lot is covered by a title, the Affected Person Bought a parcel of lot from the Luna's can request the Seller to execute a Waiver in favor of the 4 but not yet transferred because the lot is Buyer or the Buyer can go to the Register of Deeds to request not yet subdivided for the registration (annotation) of he Deed of Sale.

A person with a Special Power of Attorney (SPA) can claim The registered owner is her mother. She payment for affected properties after proper validation of 5 has 5 sibling. Mother is sick and cannot documents and exercise of other due diligence requirements walk and have issued an SPA. (DPWH DO 152 S2017)

She was not present when the survey Her name is not included in the master list of affected was conducted. She inquired if her 6 households (structures). Survey Team to re-check bridge site house is included/affected by the to ascertain exclusion from the list. project.

BARANGAY POBLACION, MABUHAY

At least 5 AHs are in PR09 Master List Observation is duly noted. Consultant will discuss the 7 who are also included in Guicam Bridge apparent "duplication" with DPWH ROW Task Force Team AHs. There seems to be a duplication.

Appraised Value for Coconut tree is around 120 pesos a piece. Owners may find this valuation very low. The Municipality of Mabuhay is ready and Proposal of Honorable Mayor is duly noted. Consultant will 8 willing to give an additional 80.00 pesos relay the proposal to DPWH. per tree to make it 200.00 per piece. He also proposed that the tree owner can take the tree if he so chooses.

Seek clarification if LGU will shoulder The final valuation of coconut trees will be known during the 9 cost of trees or will it be made as LGU Final Validation phase that will still be undertaken jointly by counterpart ROW Task Force and DEO in coordination with LGU.

Source: DRAFT RIPP

175. Then on April 27-28, 2019 another round of public consultations for Guicam bridge were again held to present project updates, disclose the revised RIPF, present the MRIC

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objectives and functions and disclose the master list of APs. A total of 31 persons participated in the meetings. The following table shows the details, including the agenda, central themes, and issues and concerns raised.

Table 30: Guicam Bridge Public Consultations conducted in 2 barangays

Public Consultations Conducted in Barangay Dawa (Alicia) and Barangay Población (Alicia) Number of Barangay/ Attendees Issues and Date (2019) Venue Municipality Concerns Male Female

(i) Presentation of Project; (ii) Municipal Resettlement Implementation Committee formation; Agenda: (iii) Disclosure of (a) revised Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples Framework (RIPF); and (b) Master list of Affected Persons (APs) major; and (iv) Open Forum

Main Positive impact of the project; Queries related to the project and appeal to double check Themes: affected properties 1) resurvey to ascertain that Dawa-dawa Covered 27-Apr Dawa Dawa, Alicia 9 3 house is not within Court the 20 meters ROW limit 2) trees will be affected but tax Mabuhay Municipal 27-Apr Población, Mabuhay 15 4 declaration is the Hall only document of ownership 3) incomplete TOTAL 24 7 documentation for land transfer Source: DRAFT RIPP

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IX. CONCLUSION

176. Results of the initial environmental examination show that the project will not cause significant environmental impacts. Adverse impacts that will be experienced during site works are mainly due to dust and noise emissions as well as potential occupational and community health and safety risks. Bridge pier installation for the structure of the chosen alignment will entail minimal mangrove tree cutting. Since this is unavoidable the process will be coordinated with the DENR by securing the required permit and complying with the requirements on how these will be compensated.

177. As the bridge alignment does not pass through legally protected areas, critical habitats or high biodiversity sites (the marine waters of the Canalizo Strait is characterized to have low marine biodiversity); significant adverse ecological impacts are not anticipated. To mitigate negative impacts arising from the Project, an environmental management plan (EMP) detailing mitigation measures, monitoring activities and responsibilities for implementation has been prepared as part of the IEE.

178. Public consultations involving affected people and local officials have been conducted during the preparation of the PPTA EIA, and IEE/RIPP in compliance with ADB’s information disclosure and consultation requirements. DPWH will include the EMP in the bid and tender documents for civil works to ensure that the Project will be carried out consistent with the EMP requirements. During construction, DPWH will be assisted by a construction supervision consultant (CSC) who will also undertake monitoring of the environmental performance of contractors.

179. Should there be significant changes in the project design or the scope of work, the IEE, environmental assessment and EMP will be updated or a new IEE and EMP will be prepared to assess the potential impacts, evaluate the alternatives, and outline mitigation measures and resources to address those impacts. The updated or newly prepared documents will be submitted to ADB for review, clearance and public disclosure.

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Appendix 1. Marine Ecological Survey and Assessment Report

Environmental Baseline Survey: Marine Ecological Assessment in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay

I. SUMMARY

1. The Government of the Republic of the Philippines requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to provide Technical Assistance (TA) to prepare the Improving Growth Corridors in Mindanao Road Sector Project. This project supports the Government of the Philippines’ priorities for improvement of the country’s road network and development of Mindanao, including the government’s agenda for Mindanao in the Philippines Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016. This project extends ADB’s longstanding assistance in Mindanao with a recent focus on the road sector including institutional development and now improving national roads for inclusive growth.

2. Part of the activities to further develop the project is the conduct of environmental impact assessments, which requires among others primary baseline data gathering for the terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater and marine) environment. The objective of the biological (terrestrial and aquatic – freshwater and marine) environmental baseline survey activities is to establish the baseline condition of the project area where the Sub-projects are located and which may be impacted by the activities.

3. Seven (7) teams conducted field activities on July 26 to 28, 2019 in Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay to conduct baseline survey marine ecological assessment of coral reefs, coral reef fishes, seagrass/seaweeds, mangroves, phytoplankton, benthos and water quality. The main objective of the baseline survey is to establish baseline information on the status of marine biological resources in the Canalizo Strait for environmental impact assessment. Baseline survey of marine resources provides a clear understanding of the different resources that will be affected by coastal development.

4. Results showed that the marine biodiversity in the Canalizo Strait is very minimal. The following observations were made: (1) absence of coral reefs and coral fishes, (2) one (1) species of seagrass recorded, (3) minimal number and species of mangrove trees present except in the reforested area, (4) salinity is quite high, (5) decreasing dissolved oxygen from surface to the mid-level of the water, (6) high total dissolved solids. Minimal water movement, or lack of wave action, barge and boat operation and other human activities greatly affect the population diversity of marine organisms in the channel. Sedimentation, siltation, low water visibility and substrate characteristics limit or prevent the larvae settlements, recruitments and growth and development of marine organisms in the Channel. Human activities and other coastal development (reclamation) affect the species diversity of marine organisms and the quality of the water.

5. Cutting of mangrove trees used as stilts, firewood, posts and fence by the community was observed. However, the Local Government Units (LGUs) conducted mangrove reforestation in Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay several years ago. Mangrove forest significantly reduced sedimentation and siltation if it is properly managed. Mangrove reforestation is highly recommended to prevent coastal erosion and minimized sediment loading into the water.

6. Seaweed farming is practiced in the channel despite of sedimentation, high turbidity, minimal water movement and lack of wave action. Sedimentation/siltation and temperature changes resulting to the nutrient deficiency of the seawater and the occurrence of ice-ice

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disease25 become a great threat to the growth of seaweeds. The growth of seaweeds in the Channel was enhanced by the application of commercial fertilizers. This practice was used by the seaweeds farmers to enhance the growth of seaweeds and minimize the occurrence of ice-ice disease. Fertilization of seaweeds farms is widely used in Mindanao and in other parts of the country.

II. INTRODUCTION

7. This report was prepared to present the findings of baseline survey of marine ecological assessment conducted in Guicam Bridge as part of an environmental impact assessment. The following coastal resources surveyed: (1) coral reefs, (2) reef fishes, (3) seagrass/seaweeds, (3) mangroves, (5) plankton, (6) benthos, and (7) water quality. This was conducted in preparation for the proposed bridge construction that connected between Barangay Guicam, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay and Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

8. Baseline information on coastal resources and other environmental parameters is always important for establishing reference points for key indicators of the state of ecological health of ecosystem. It provides a measure from which to determine whether the status of the resource has improved or deteriorated after a period of time. Similarly, baseline information is important because it facilitates better understanding on the nature of the fisheries dynamics, biological interactions and state of utilization. Moreover, the baseline information served as reference material to determine the degree and quality of change during and after the implementation of the activity; provides minimum information required to assess the quality of the activity implementation and measure the development results.

9. Baseline information are critical to good project decision making, and biodiversity management in particular, because they: (1) help identify and prioritize the most important biodiversity elements present within the area of influence of the project (2) provide information that allows for a rigorous and transparent impact assessment process; (3) provide information that allows for early implementation of the mitigation hierarchy; and (4) provide the data for establishing long-term monitoring and assessment programs. Baseline data are also necessary in the planning and implementation of a project’s restoration and biodiversity management activities.

10. Seven (7) teams conducted field activities on July 26 to 28, 2019 to assessed the status of the marine resources like coral reefs, coral reef fishes, seagrass/seaweeds, mangroves, phytoplankton, benthos and water quality. Observations and community interviews were also conducted to gather substantial insights regarding the status of the resources and seaweeds farming in the area.

III. DESCRIPTION OF CANALIZO STRAIT

11. Canalizo Strait is 440 meters length encompasses the waters between Barangay Guicam, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay and Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay Zamboanga, Sibugay. Slow water movement and no wave action characterize the area resulting to the accumulation of sediment, dissolves debris and other substances in the substrate. Low water visibility brought by sedimentation, siltation and land erosion limit the occurrence and recruitment of various marine organisms especially organisms living in the bottom or substrate. Minimal number of marine resources inhabited the channel. Patches of Enhalus acoroides is found on the shallow portion up to about 5 feet depth. The deeper portion is not inhabited by

25 Ice-ice is a bacterial disease of seaweeds cause by the changes of salinity, water temperatures and light intensity. When seaweeds are stressed because of a change in climate conditions, it causes them to produce a substance that attracts bacteria in the water and induces the hardening of the seaweed tissues, therefore, turning them white (https://news.algaeworld.org/2019/06/seaweed-farming-face-dilemma-with-ice-ice-disease/.

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seagrass due to sedimentation. Mangroves patches also observed in the both sides and mangrove reforestation established in Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay. A barge, following a fixed schedule, travels between the two points ferrying people, trucks, goods, products and private vehicle. Travel time is around 10 minutes. However, small-motorized boats are always available to ferry people, goods and products if the ferry is not in schedule (Figure 1).

12. The substrate of the channel is characterized by sandy-muddy substrate with little remnants of limestone. Siltation and other suspended particulate matter in the water are very evident resulting to the poor water visibility. In addition, the operation of the barge might also a significant contribution to the sedimentation in the area. The lack of wave action and water movement resulted to the deposition of sediment and other debris makes the water more turbid. However, the water of the channel is still favorable for seaweeds farming of Kappaphycus species. Both sides of the channel are seaweeds farming areas wherein hectares of floating longlines method of seaweeds culture established.

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE BASELINE STUDY

13. The main objective of the study is to establish a baseline data on the status of biological resources in the Canalizo Strait. The specific objectives are as follows:

(1) Determine the biological resources in the Canalizo Strait, (2) Determine the status, species composition, abundance and biomass of coral reefs and reef fishes, (3) Determine the community structure of seagrass and associated seaweed species, (4) Determine the community structure of mangrove, and (5) Determine the water quality, phytoplankton and benthos diversity, abundance and composition.

V. METHODOLOGY A. Coral Reefs

14. Line Intercept Transect (LIT) method (English et al, 1997) was used in estimating the relative abundance of living things and non-living things particularly the hard corals, soft corals, dead corals, algae, and various reef substrates, which may reflect the health of the reef observed along the transect line. The transect lines were laid parallel to the shore following reef contour or formation at a constant depth. Starting at one end (mark zero), the SCUBA diver observes the transect line and records the fraction of the length of the line that is intercepted by that lifeform (Figure 3). At each dive site surveyed, two (2) 50 m transect lines were laid using fiberglass measuring tapes. Other site variables were also noted, such as the depth range, visibility, currents, general reef profile and water circulation. The position and location of each station surveyed was taken using a GPS (Global Positioning System).

Percent cover was computed using the following equation:

Total number of points per life form Percent cover (%) =------x 100% Total number of points per transects 15. Reef health had been assessed using the quartile index established by Gomez and Alcala 1979, Gomez et al., 198126 wherein the proportion of living hard corals were compared

26 Ref. is quite old but researchers and scientist in the Philippines still use this as a reference material..

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relative to other benthic components (e.g., dead coral, soft coral, algae, rubble, etc.). Coral reefs were classified as poor having 0-24.9% live hard coral cover; fair (25-49.9% cover), good (50-74.9% cover) and excellent (75-100% cover).

B. Reef Fish Community

16. The Fish Visual Census (FVC) techniques (English et al. 1997) used to determine the species diversity, abundance and biomass in Canalizo Strait. To complement the benthic data, fish visual census (FVC) was conducted on the same transect lines surveyed for benthic community. In the survey protocol, observers waited for about 5-10 minutes after the line has been laid, before the actual census was performed to allow for the disturbed fish community to return to their normal activity. Starting at one end of the line, all fishes within a 5m x 10m imaginary quadrat were identified up to species level (if possible) and their numbers and estimated sizes recorded. The observer swam to, and briefly stopped at, every 5-m mark along the line until the transect line was completed. The faster moving fishes were counted first before the slower ones. Each transect covers an area of 500m2 (50m long x 10m width). The sizes of all fishes encountered within transect line were estimated to the nearest centimeter using the total length (TL). Fish density and biomass were then computed using ReefSum (Uychiaoco 2000). Fish biomass is based from the relationship, W=aLb, where W is the weight in grams; a and b are the growth coefficient values taken from published length-weight data; and L is the length of the fish in cm (English et al. 1997). All fishes were grouped into target, coral indicator, and major species. Target species are the commercially important fishes, coral indicator species are coral-associated, and major species are those that belong to non- commercially important species.

C. Seagrass/seaweeds

17. Data on seagrass and associated macroalgae were gathered inside the 50 x 50 cm quadrats placed at regular intervals along the transect line (Figure 4). The latter were placed perpendicular to the shore, representing prevailing gradients in water depth, substrate, and exposure to wind and waves. The structure of the plant communities was assessed in terms of their composition, abundance and status in relation to prevailing habitat conditions. The species composition and percentage cover of seagrass/seaweeds was estimated at 10 meters intervals along the transect line using the methods of English et al. (1994). The quadrat was placed on the substratum, and the estimated cover of seagrass/seaweeds in each of the 25 squares was scored using the classes developed by Saito and Atobe (1970). The percentage cover of seagrass/seaweeds in each quadrat was estimated according to the weighted average of the scores of 25 squares following the methods of Saito and Atobe (1970). Seaweeds along the transect line were also identified. The classification of seagrass/seaweeds bed was determined on the basis of the degree and nature of alteration and their general response to specific habitat conditions using the criteria of Fortes (1990).

D. Mangrove Community Structure

18. The mangrove community structure technique of English et al., (1994) was used to determine the species diversity, abundance, and dominance of mangroves in Canalizo Strait. A 10x10 quadrat where the bridge will directly pass was established to gather information on the species diversity, frequency and dominance of mangroves in the site. Parameters measured in the community structure of mangroves include species composition and distribution, tree density, and diameter at breast height (GBH). Girth at breast height (GBH) of each tree was recorded by measuring the trees’ circumference 1.3 m above the ground. Saplings (girth less than 4 centimeters and height greater than 1 meter) and seedlings (less than 1 meter in height) are identified and the number of individuals by species is determined by actual count. If the density of sapling and seedlings is very high and uniform, smaller subplots can be used (5 meter x 5 meter) would be the minimum size.

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E. Plankton Community

19. A plankton net measuring one (1) meter length with 60 cm diameter mouth opening, measuring 20 microns mesh size and 1 kilogram weight was used to collect plankton samples. It consists of a cone shaped gauze bag equipped with a metal ring at the wider end and closed at the narrow end by detachable plankton – collecting vessel. The net mouth is attached to the towing line by usually three rope bridles from the mouth ring. A weight is attached to the end of the towing cable.

20. The plankton net was rinsed with the sample water and the code end is completely closed by turning the valve into vertical position. Then the plankton net is slowly lowered horizontal to the water surface at the side of the slowly towed horizontally using a low-speed boat. Sampling was done for 1 to 1.5 minutes. The plankton sample is collected in a sample bottle by opening the cod end above it by turning the valve horizontally. Upon arrival to the laboratory, the samples were analyzed using a light microscope to identify the type of phytoplankton and zooplankton, or a cell count can be done to determine the plankton cell density of the water source.

F. Benthos Community

21. An acrylic tube sediment core sampler measuring 50 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide used to collect sediments for benthos sample. In each station, two separate samples of benthos were collected and placed in 500ml bottles labeled with station name, date and site. Pushing the core into the substrate approximately 30 centimeters of the tube to gather sediment samples. Sampling in hard or coarse substrates is done by gentle rotation of the tube while pushing, in order to facilitate greater penetration and decrease core compaction. The top of the tube is capped to provide suction and reduce the chance of losing the sample. A plug or end cap, or a sheet of a rubber stopper or cork may be used. After capping, the tube is slowly extracted with the suction of the sediment, keeping the sample in the tube. Sediment is transferred in 500ml plastic bottles and the top of the bottle is wrapped to prevent leakage.

22. The wet sieving method was employed to separate the sediment benthic infauna from the samples. The sediment core is transferred from one sample bottle to the sieving pan (1.00 . The sieving pan is fitted onto a basin filled with water and then swirled repeatedly, to separate the fines, sand particles, detritus and fauna present in the sediment. Benthic organisms휇) were then picked out from the sieving pan, classified, counted and identified down to the species level and whenever possible, its local name.

G. Water Parameters

23. The physical and chemical parameters of the water were analyzed in-situ with the used of Extech DO700 (Figure 8). Prior to the actual assessment, the device (Extech DO700) was pre-calibrated to reduce errors on reading various water parameters. The physical and chemical water parameters measured are temperature (0C), salinity (parts per thousand), dissolve oxygen (DO), pH (referring to amount of hydrogen in the substance) and total dissolve solid (TDS). The physico-chemical parameters of the water were determined at the surface (1 meter below the water level) and in the mid water level (approximately 5 meters depth) with three (3) replicates. This was done to determine and compare the water parameters in surface and in the mid-level of the water. Probes and electrodes are rinse thoroughly with distilled water in every reading conducted to avoid contamination and errors of the results.

VI. RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

A. Coral Reefs

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1. Result

24. A total of five (5) sampling stations were established in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. Station 1 was located at the center of the channel with a depth of 20 feet, Station 2 and 3 was located near the Guicam port with a depth of 22 feet and 9 feet, while Station 4 and 5 was located near Sitio Hula-Hula port with a depth of 9 feet and 8 feet respectively (Table 1 and Figure 2). The Channel has a moderate gradient and it was observed that the deepest portion was located at Guicam side (Station 2). The channel is characterized by sandy-muddy and sandy-silty substrate, with minimal water movement.

25. Result showed that all sampling stations observed the absence of biotic (living) components and the abiotic (non-living) components particularly sand and silt dominated the area. Coral reefs and reef fishes are not observed in the transect line in all sampling stations. It was observed that there was no hard substrate or any limestone on the bottom where in reef formation might be settled. The bottom is completely covered with sandy-muddy and sandy- silted substrate. Sedimentation or siltation is very evident in the water column resulted to high turbidity of the water. The area is not suitable for growth and development of coral reefs.

Table 31. GPS coordinates of sampling stations of coral reefs and reef fishes in Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. Stations Depth (ft.) Coordinates 1 20 Lat. 7026’3. 73” N Long. 122050’20. 38” E 2 22 Lat. 7026’7. 67” N Long. 122050’22. 87” E 3 9 Lat. 7026’6. 95” N Long. 122050’25. 79” E 4 9 Lat. 7026’0. 92” N Long. 122050’15. 28” E 5 8 Lat. 7025’58. 62 N Long. 122050’16. 83” E

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Figure 18: Sampling stations of coral reefs and reef fishes in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. 2. Discussion

26. The absence of coral reef formation could be attributed to the sandy-muddy substrate, lack of water circulation/movement and poor water visibility. Corals needs hard substrate for their settlement and needs good water quality for their growth and development. The channel experienced high sedimentation and siltation coming from human activities in the coastal area. Lack of water movement or circulation attributed to the accumulation of sediment and silt in the bottom resulting to the poor water visibility. This condition conforms to the statement of Goreau, et.al. (1979) & Nybakken (1982), that reefs needs good conditions favoring the growth and development include water temperature above 18 0C; water depth shallower than 50 meters; constant salinity greater than 30 parts per thousand; low sedimentation rates; sufficient circulation of pollution free water; and preexisting hard substrate.

27. Yap and Gomez (1985) stated that the most important single cause of reef losses and degradation resulting from human activities is sedimentation. These include unsound exploitation of mangroves, earth-moving for construction, coastal development and discharge of effluents. Increased turbidity reduces the penetration of sunlight, thus, inhibiting photosynthesis in primary producers such as the symbiotic algae of coral polyps. Sedimentation also smoothers living coral, and silt hinder the settling of coral larvae (Johannes 1975). Coastal development results in erosion, and runoff containing the excess sediment can block the light zooxanthellae need by the corals.

28. Lack of water movement or wave action in the Channel greatly affects the coral recruitment, growth and development. According to Sebens (1987), water flow is one of the most important abiotic factors influencing the growth of sedentary marine invertebrates. Water flow affects coral physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration by relieving diffusion limitation for dissolved gasses (Dennison and Barnes 1988; Patterson et al. 1991; Patterson 1992; Atkinson et al. 1994; Lesser et al. 1994; Shashar et al. 1996; Bruno and

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Edmunds 1998). Water flow also affects the encounter and ingestion rate of food particles (Helmuth and Sebens 1993; Sebens 1997; Sebens et al. 1997, 1998), the uptake of dissolved inorganic nutrients such as nitrate, phosphate (Stambler et al. 1991; Atkinson and Bilger 1992; Thomas and Atkinson 1997), and the uptake of inorganic carbon (Lesser et al. 1994). Water movement aids in removal of harmful waste products such as oxygen radicals or its derivatives (Nakamura and van Woesik 2001) and in removal of sediments or nuisance algae and cyanobacteria that might otherwise suffocate corals (Rogers 1990; Anthony and Fabricius 2000; Box and Mumby 2007). Lack of light and excessive sediment deposition rates are factors limiting coral reef development (Roy and Smith 1971). Complete sediment coverage can kill corals but Edmond-son (1928) and Mayer (1918) demonstrated that many species can live for more than a day when completely covered by a number of centimeters of sediment.

29. Finding unoccupied space and suitable habitat for settlement on coral reefs is a competitive process for coral larvae. If a habitat is unfavorable to settling corals, then recruitment will not be successful. Larval behavior (e.g., controlling movement, metamorphosis, and settlement), environmental conditions (e.g., ocean currents that affect larval transport), and availability and type of substrate (e.g., presence of coralline algae and/or absence of macroalgae) all influence the ability of larvae to settle. Substrate type is an important factor influencing coral larvae settlement and a possible determinant of coral community structure. Substrates, such as live coral, sediment, macroalgae, encrusting sponges, and loose, unconsolidated substrate are unsuitable for coral recruit settlement. Suitable recruitment habitat includes stable bottom type, limited sedimentation in water column, and absence of large macroalgae. The presence of chemical properties in crustose coralline algae (CCA) and other substrates, such as dead coral, have been shown to encourage coral larvae settlement. Silted substrates prohibit the recruitment, settlement, growth and development of coral polyps. Coral polyps are tiny, soft-bodied organisms related to sea anemones and jellyfish. At their base is a hard, protective limestone skeleton called a calicle, which forms the structure of coral reefs. Reefs begin when a polyp attaches itself to a rock on the sea floor, then divides, or buds, into thousands of clones.

B. Reef fish Community

1. Result

30. Sampling stations of coral reef fishes is the same with the coral reefs sampling stations (Table 1). Result showed that all stations had no reef fishes along the transect line. The absence of reef fishes has a direct relationship to the existence of coral reef formation coupled with sedimentation/siltation and barge and boat disturbance. It was confirmed by the boat operator, that the area is not used as fishing ground due to the absence of reef fishes. It was observed that very nil fish species swimming and school of fry eating in the seagrass area. Considering the physical characteristics of the area, reef fish needs coral reefs for their growth and development. There are strong mutual dependencies between the reef-building corals and reef-inhabiting fishes, with many fish species depending on corals for food and habitat, while corals depend on the grazing by certain fishes for reproductive success.

2. Discussion

31. In Canalizo Strait, the diversity of reef fishes is positively correlated with coral reefs, seagrass and or seaweeds communities. This is maybe due to the physical characteristics of the area like the substratum is composed mostly of sandy muddy and sandy-silted substrate, turbid water resulting to high water turbidity. Several studies supported these findings, that the complex structural of coral reefs offers shelter to an extremely diverse fauna (Connell, 1978). In most studies, the physical complexity of substratum is positively correlated with the diverse of fish community but not with the fish abundance (Luckhurst and Luckhurst 1978; Talbot et al. 1978; Roberts and Ormond 1987). While in other studies, the fish characteristics were

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positively correlated with the live coral cover (Carpenter et al. 1981; Sano et al. 1984, 1987; Bell and Galzin, 1988). The variability in the relationship between fish and coral communities maybe attributed to some ecological and methodological factors.

32. Lloyd et al. (1987) showed that the productivity of aquatic systems could be reduced by turbid conditions. Increases in turbidity reduced light penetration which led to decreased quantities of plant material and hence reduced primary production, decreased abundance of fish food organisms (secondary production) and decreased production and abundance of fish. The degree of fish population declines is usually associated with the quantity of “fines” within a stream ecosystem (Castro and Reckendorf 1995; Muck 2010). There were a variety of negative impacts pertaining to fine sediments in streams, including: (1) loss of habitat for macro invertebrates, i.e., fish prey (Rabeni et al. 2005; Wood et al. 2005), (2) physiological stress and direct physical damage for both fishes and macro invertebrates (Newcombe and MacDonald 1991; Sutherland and Meyer 2007), (3) reduction in or elimination of reproductive habitat for benthic and crevice spawning fishes (Burkhead and Jelks 2001; Sutherland 2007), and (4) reductions in the locating and capturing prey ability of fishes due to visual impairment (Barrett et al. 1992; Zamor and Grossman 2007; Hazelton and Grossman 2009).

33. According to Hazelton and Grossman (2009), stream fishes can be harmed by fine sediments through several mechanisms including: (1) decreased prey availability, (2) direct physical harm (Berkman and Rabeni 1987), (3) the risk of increased predation (Miner and Stein 1996), and (4) lowered breeding success (Burkhead and Jelks 2001; Sutherland 2007). Biotic responses to suspended sediment as a stressor are complex because they are dependent on: (1) both direct and indirect ecological effects, (2) species life histories, (3) species traits and differential tolerances, and (4) availability of habitat patch refugia (Schwartz et al. 2011), with refugia area being affected by suspended sediment itself. Reef fish needs coral reefs or hard substrates for their growth and development. Reef fishes used coral reefs as their breeding ground, nursery ground and protection from predators. Coral reefs served as home of several reef fishes and also served as protection from predators. The relationship of coral reefs and reef fishes is widely proven by various ecological scientists.

C. Seagrass/Seaweeds

1. Result

34. Table 2 showed the GPS coordinates of sampling stations of seagrass/seaweeds. Twenty (20) quadrats were done in Sitio Hula-Hula side while twenty seven (27) quadrat was done in Guicam side. The classification of seagrass bed in the area is disturbed and habitat fragmentation. Patches of seagrass bed was observed and only one (1) species of seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) recorded in the area. E. acoroides was observed from the shallow portion of the channel up to approximately 5 feet depth. The largest patches of monospecific seagrass (E. acoroides) was observed in Guicam side. Siltation, substrates condition and very poor water visibility are the main reason why other species of seagrass are not thrived in the area. E. acoroides, the largest seagrass in the Philippines, thrives in sandy-muddy and sandy-silted substrates. This species is not greatly affected by turbidity and low light intensity due to the long leaves extended to the surface of the water.

Table 32. GPS coordinates of seagrass and benthos sampling stations in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. Stations Sites Coordinates 1 Hula-Hula Lat. 07.43393 N Long. 122.83710 E 2 Hula-Hula Lat. 07.43289 N Long. 122.83765 E

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3 Guicam Lat. 07.43587 N Long. 122.84015 E 4 Guicam Lat. 07.43649 N Long. 122.83943 E

2. Seagrass species and cover

35. The average percentage cover of E. acoroides in Canalizo Strait is 60.5%. Highest percentage cover was recorded in station 4 (66.0%), followed by station 2 (65.6), station 3(58.2) and lowest in station 1 (52.0%) (Figure 3).

Figure 19. Percentage (%) cover of E. acoroides in the

Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay.

3. Seaweeds species

36. There are two (2) seaweeds species recorded in Canalizo Strait. These are Gracilaria salicornia and Caulerpa sertularoides. The minimal number of seaweed species in the channel is due to sedimentation/siltation, lack of hard substrates where the seaweeds attached, water turbidity and lack of water movement. G. salicornia was observed attached to the seagrass roots in Station 1 (Hula-Hula side) while the C. sertularoides was observed only in station 3 (Guicam side). Padina sp. was also observed attached to the nylon ropes and bamboos. Water movement and wave action limit the larval recruitment and dispersal, water clarity and turbidity limit the photosynthetic activity and substrate characteristics limit the larval settlement of seaweeds.

4. Discussion

37. Sedimentation, siltation, turbidity and lack of wave action limit the species diversity and expansion of seagrass in the Channel. The Channel is characterized by highly protected from waves, turbid water with sandy muddy and silted substrate. Areas exhibit this substrate characteristics recorded low species diversity. This result conform to the findings of Fortes (1994) that the lowest number of seagrass species occur at highly turbid water, silted sites where a patchy monospecific stand of seagrass or where the stand colonizes a highly degraded habitat and from areas highly protected from waves in muddy substrate. The distribution and species abundance of seagrass is directly affected by the levels of siltation (Agawin et al. 1997, Terrados et al. 1998; Vermaat et al. 1995, 1997). The reduced underwater light availability can lead to seagrass mortality and reduce biomass (Duarte, 1991).

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38. The expansion of seagrass in the Channel is greatly influence by sedimentation and low light penetration or turbidity. This observation conforms to the findings of Duarte et al., (1997) that the increase in the sedimentation load of the water effectively decreases light penetration, resulting in the eradication of much of the seagrass beds from deeper areas. The low species diversity of seagrass in Canalizo Strait is positively affected by siltation, higher concentration of sediment loading resulting to low light intensity. This observation conforms to the findings of Savella et.al. (2014) that the seagrass bed with low species diversity is located in areas protected from waves and higher concentration of sediment loading with muddy substrate and higher species diversity of seagrass was observed in areas with frequent and moderate wave action with coarser substrate.

39. The low species density/abundance in the channel indicates that the area is not feasible for other seagrass species to survive due to low light intensity level. Increased siltation from human activities and coastal development activities has been identified as the cause of seagrass losses in several coastal areas (Krikman and Walker, 1989; Sheperd et el, 1989), and is expected to be the primary cause of deterioration of SE Asian seagrass ecosystem (Fortes 1988, 1995). Increased sediment deposition can lead to seagrass loss due to burial effects (Duarte et al., 1997). The presence and absence of seagrass species in the area are the effect of sedimentation or siltation. This finding is consistent with prediction based on seagrass architecture (Vermaat et.al. 1997), and with the observed ranking of resistance of these species to experiment burial (Duarte et al., 1997).

40. Seagrasses provide a physical structure that enhances diversity (macro-and microalgae, sponges, corals, bivalves, and other sessile invertebrates), provides shelter from predators, and provide important ecosystem functions (primary and secondary production, nutrient cycling, fish and invertebrate settlement and protection) (Orth and Heck, 1980). However, due to their proximity to shore, seagrass communities are vulnerable to changes to both land and sea use (Orth et al., 2006). Anthropogenic activities like result from direct marine-based activities (e.g. dredging, coastal and marine development, fishing disturbance, mooring, anchoring, and aquaculture) as well as indirect land-based activities (e.g. nutrient and sediment loading from terrestrial urbanization, agriculture development, deforestation) causes seagrass loss (Short and Wyllie- Echeverria, 1996).

5. Seaweeds farming

41. Seaweeds faming is one of the primary source of income among the coastal dwellers in the Channel. Based on the physical characteristics of the Channel, the area did not support the maximum growth of seaweeds. Seaweeds needs moderate water movement (Lujan, et.al.2015), temperature ranges from 25-300C to provide optimum growth of seaweeds in the tropics (Trono and Ohno 1989), clear water, free from pollution, far from freshwater sources and presence of other macroalgae in the bottom. Water movement is very important for the distribution of nutrients for the seaweeds. Water exchange improves the amount of CO2 present in the seawater, reduce other nutrient limitations and, hence, reduce stress of the algae.

42. However, hectares of seaweed farms were located both sides of the Channel. Based on personal conversation with the seaweeds farmers, they used inorganic fertilizer (usually NPK) to enhance the growth of seaweeds and reduce the occurrence of ice-ice diseases (Ice- ice is a bacterial disease of seaweeds cause by the changes of salinity, water temperatures and light intensity). This statement attests to the findings of Luhan, et.al. (2015) that short- term immersion of K. alvarezii in a high-nitrogen medium before outplanting increased growth rate and decreased the occurrence of “ice-ice”. Nitrogen fertilization leads to an increase in the growth rate and a change in thallus color (Wu 1988; Neish, et.al. 1977; Lapointe & Ryther, 1979. The seaweeds culture in the Channel is prone to ice-ice disease due to the slow

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movement of water. Ice-ice is most pronounced in areas with lower water quality, slow water exchange, low salinity and low or high temperature (Mtolera, et.al. 1995 and Doty 1987). The increased symptoms in ice-ice in areas with low water quality might be explained by the fact that a healthy plant has a greater change of tolerating its own chemical defense than unhealthy plants. Low water exchange may also increase the number of bacteria in the seawater.

D. Mangrove Community Structure

A. Result

43. Table showed the GPS coordinates of sampling stations of mangrove in the Canalizo Strait. Two stations established in Sitio Hula-Hula, Poblacion, Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay and one station in Guicam, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay (Table 3). In Sitio Hula-Hula, one station established in natural growth of mangrove and one station in mangrove reforested area. This was done to determine the community structure of mangrove in the reforested area, which was planted by the Local Government Units (LGUs). There are five mangrove species in Guicam and two in Sitio Hula-Hula.

Table 33. GPS coordinates of mangrove sampling stations in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay Sampling stations Coordinates Latitude Longitude Sitio Hula-Hula 07˚25’981” N 122˚50’188” E Sitio Hula-Hula (Reforested area) 07˚25’52. 6” N; 122˚50’139” E Guicam 07˚26’121” N 122˚50’278” E

44. In Sitio Hula-Hula station, there were only 10 mature trees (10-15 feet in height) in the sampling area with no signs of mangrove seedlings. The sampling area consists of five Sonneratia alba and five Rhizophora apiculata with basal areas of 1,332.8 cm2 and 1,172.57 cm2 , respectively. The total basal area is 2,505.37 cm2 with S.alba having a slightly higher relative dominance compared with R.apiculata (53.20% vs. 46.80%).

45. Mangrove reforested area in Sitio Hula-Hula recorded mostly of R. apiculata and S. alba trees, although a few Rhizophora mucronata (bakawang babae) trees were observed during the reconnaissance. There were 160 mature R. apiculata trees counted in the 100 square meters quadrat with an average girth breast height (GBH) was 18.5 cm.

46. In Guicam side, there are 59 trees (56 R.apiculata, 2 S.alba and 1 A.marina) and 19 saplings and 107 seedlings of R. apiculata recorded in 100 m2 area. More species diversity of mangroves was observed as compared with the Hula-Hula site. The mangrove forest followed a natural zonation pattern, as there was no obvious evidence of wide scale reforestation similar to Sitio Hula-Hula station. Fronting the shoreline were mature S. alba (pagatpat) trees, which is a typical frontline species. Behind the pagatpat belt were Rhizophora apiculata (bakawan lalaki; possibly planted), a few trees of Ceriops tagal (tangal), Lumnitzera littorea (tabao), Avicennia marina (bungalon) and A. rhumpiana (api-api).

B. Discussion

47. The most important mangrove species based on the two quadrats was bakawan lalaki appearing in both sites, having the greatest number of trees, saplings and seedlings, and had the highest basal area (dominance) (Table 4). This is because its natural population was possibly enhanced by the LGU’s replanting program; hence the almost mono-specific mangrove stands in Guicam and Hula-Hula. This was followed by pagatpat and bungalon, which came from natural populations. Among all types of mangroves, Rhizophora spp.

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(bakawan babae, lalake, and bato) are the easiest to use for replanting programs since the propagules (planting material) are easy to collect, plant and monitor. For this reason, the Bureau of Fisheries under its Aqua-silviculture Program, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under its National Greening Program, and LGUs around the country, almost exclusively use the species for their wide scale coastal reforestation program. However, there are several technical issues involved in such replanting activities that can lead to heavy mortalities: (i) propagules are planted in open waters (instead of upper intertidal areas, behind pagatpat and bungalon) and are easily toppled by wave action or floating debris; (ii) mono-specific plantations can be attacked by diseases and pests; (iii) propagules are planted directly on seagrass beds or the wrong substrates which can lead to mortalities or damage to the natural habitat.

Table 34. Community structure of mangrove in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay Species # of Basal Area Relative Relative Relative Importance trees (cm2) Dominance Density Frequency Value (%) (%) (relative to Hula- (%) Hula quadrat) (%) R.apiculata 56 2,006 94.95 98.3 50 243.33 S.alba 2 98.75 4.67 1.08 33 38.75 A.marina 1 7.96 0.38 0.54 17 17.92 Total 2112.71 100 100 100 300

48. There will apparently be mature mangrove trees that will be cut to make way for bridge construction, more so in the Guicam side than the Hula-Hula side. Majority of these will be bakawan lalaki while a few pagatpat trees along the shoreline directly in the path of the bridge approach will be affected. However, the natural, more diverse mangrove population (to the left of the proposed bridge facing Hula-Hula) is expected to remain undisturbed (i.e. based on the bridge dimension of 20 meters). On the Hula-hula side, there will be no direct significant impact on the mangrove resources as there are only just a few trees remaining in the bridge path as the area may have been previously cleared years ago to make way for the construction of stilt houses and seaweed drying platforms. The mangrove trees that will be affected by the coastal development must be replaced by mangrove reforestation or planting after the completion of the project27. This activity will be continued in mangrove areas where mangrove-cutting activities were done. The more mangrove reforestation will be done, the more ecological function of mangroves will be expected in the future.

E. Plankton Community

1. Result

49. Table 5 showed the GPS coordinates of sampling stations in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. Three (3) stations with two (2) replicates were established in the Channel for the collection of water sample for plankton identification. First station was established in the Sitio Hula-Hula, second station was located in the middle of the channel and the last station was located in Barangay Guicam.

Table 35. GPS coordinates of sampling stations of plankton in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay Stations Replicate Latitude Longitude 1 7.434167° 122.836944° 1 2 7.433611° 122.837778°

27 Replacement Ratio: 1:100 as per DENR Memorandum Order No. 2012-02 dated 05 November 2012. Tree-cutting Permit/Earth balling Permit shall be required prior to the removal of trees in the construction footprint.

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3 7.433056° 122.839167° 1 7.435278° 122.838333° 2 2 7.434722° 122.838889° 3 7.433889° 122.839722° 1 7.436111° 122.839167° 2 7.435556° 122.840000° 3 3 7.435000° 122.841111°

50. A total of 33 Genera of phytoplankton were recorded in the different sampling stations. The most dominant phytoplankton Genera are: Skeletonema, Coscinodiscus, Thalassionema, Ceratium and Chaetoceros. There are 7,836 total population density of plankton in all sampling stations. Station 2 recorded the highest population density of 3,530 cell density followed station 2 (2,862 cell density) and station 1 (1,444 cell density). There are 591 population density of zooplankton recorded the different sampling stations. Station 2 recorded the highest population density of 265, followed by station 1 (201 cell density) and lowest in station 3 (125 cell density) (Figure 4, a & b and Table 6.). Phytoplankton is more abundant than zooplankton in the Channel.

3500 300 3000 250 2500 200 2000 1500 150 1000 100

500 (cell/liter Density 50 Density (cell/liter) Density 0 0 1 2 3 1 2 3 Sampling stations Sampling stations a. phytoplankton b. zooplankton Figure 20: Population density of plankton in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Table 36. Population density of phytoplankton and zooplankton in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay Genus Sampling Stations Composition Cell density Cell density Cell density (cell/L) (cell/L) (cell/L) Coscinodiscus 175 169 97 Rhyzosolenia 89 62 42 Thalassionema 93 69 80 Pleurosigma 52 27 37 Protoperidinium 56 87 60 Eucampia 3 12 19 Skeletonema 1,911 2,568 741 Chaetoceros 37 72 46 Asterolampra 9 9 6 Gambierdiscus 14 0 0 Lauderia 40 29 45 Prorocentrum 50 69 59

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Cylindrotheca 10 11 6 Gonyaulax 21 19 44 Basteriastrum 99 14 0 Ceratium 76 75 43 Thalasiosira 4 8 4 Podolampas 4 0 0 Nitzschia 4 14 1 Dinophysis 14 21 17 Guinardia 3 53 5 Tintinopsis 26 49 31 Pyrophacus 4 12 0 Odontella 1 2 0 Noctiluca 13 44 21 Ditylum 2 2 0 Pseudo-nitzschia 31 26 18 Goniodoma 7 8 17 Bacillaria 10 4 0 Dichtyocha 2 1 1 Asteromphalus 1 1 0 Tri-ceartium 0 1 1 Asterionellopsis 0 0 3 Total 2,862 3,530 1,444 Zooplankton 30 147 45

2. Discussion

51. The importance of plankton is not recognized in the Canalizo Strait due to the absence of benthic and pelagic fish populations. However, the presence of plankton is one of the natural components of the marine biological diversity. The biological importance of plankton in the food web is well studied and documented. Aside from representing the bottom few levels of a food chain that supports commercially important fisheries, plankton ecosystems play a role in the biogeochemical cycles of many important chemical elements, including the ocean's carbon cycle (Falkowski 1994). Plankton are the food for fish, which in turn are eaten by other sea creatures such as seabirds, sharks, and seals, in their turn eaten by larger predators like killer-whales. The plankton are also the food source of some of the largest mammals like whales. Zooplanktons are the initial prey item for almost all fish larvae as they switch from their yolk sacs to external feeding. Fish rely on the density and distribution of zooplankton to match that of new larvae, which can otherwise starve. Natural factors (e.g., current variations) and man-made factors (coastal developments) can strongly affect zooplankton, which can in turn strongly affect larval survival, and therefore breeding success. The production of phytoplankton in the Channel is affected by turbidity and water clarity. This finding attests the statement of Zeitzschel (1978) that the production of phytoplankton in the sea is mainly dependent on light and nutrients.

52. The zooplankton abundance in the Channel is low and it is difficult to identify the main causes that explain the variation of zooplankton population. Based on the result of the study, the biotic factors are nil, so, the abiotic factors considered as the cause of zooplankton population variation. This conforms to the findings of Ayad (2002) and Dejen et.al., (2004) that salinity, precipitations or turbidity, have been identified as critical factors in the development of zooplankton. The main deleterious effect of suspended sediment to the population of zooplankton appear to reduced intake of nutritious particles due to the proportionately higher ingestion of abiogenic seston (Tester and Turner, 1989) or phytoplankton food uptake limitation (Gasparini et al., 1999). The zooplankton is mainly dependent to phytoplankton for their food. The abundance of phytoplankton is not directly related to the population of

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zooplankton in the area. The effect of abiotic factors and the introduction of commercial fertilizers to the seaweeds farms might affect the population of zooplankton. However, further study must be undertaken to validate this findings.

F. Benthos Community

1. Result

53. Sampling stations of benthos community is the same as with the sampling stations of seagrass/seaweeds community structure. Results revealed that there is no infauna species (buried into the bottom) recorded while two (2) epifauna species (live on the surface of the bottom sediment) found in all sampling stations. The epifauna species are gastropod belonging to two (2) families (Cerithidae and Strombidae). There were five species of shell bivalves belonging to 3 families (Venereidae, Spondyliidae and Arceidae) also found in all sampling stations. Gastropods were collected in the sampling area near the seagrass patches in the Guicam side. Gastropods usually located attached to the leaves or roots of the seagrass.

2. Discussion

54. Benthos is the community of aquatic organism, which lives in, above or near the bottom of lake, sea, river streams or any other aquatic environment. Light, temperature, pressure, salinity and depth of water all influence the diversity of the population of this community on a location. Benthos plays a big role in the ecosystem like decomposition, nutrition, remineralization, food source and increased oxygen in the bottom. They constitute a vital link in the food chain and energy flow, serve as food for other higher organisms such as fish and play a vital role in the circulation of nutrients (Oben et al., 2003).

55. The substrate characteristics directly affect the benthic populations in the Channel. Sedimentation and water turbidity limit the adaptability, settlement, recruitment, growth and development of benthos organisms. Berry et al. 2003 stated that suspended sediment effects on invertebrates include: direct impacts due to abrasion, interference with respiration and ingestion by clogging of filtration mechanisms, and in extreme cases mortality from smothering and burial. The distribution of infauna and epibenthic species is impacted indirectly through light attenuation affecting feeding efficiency, behavior (avoidance and drift), and habitat alteration occurring from changes in the composition of substrate (Donahue and Irvine 2003; Waters 1995; Zweig and Rabeni 2001; Berry et al. 2003). Increases in suspended sediments can result in increased drift, significantly altering the distribution of benthic invertebrates in streams (Herbert and Merkens 1961; Berry et al. 2003).

56. Birtwell (2000) also stated that invertebrate’s populations (secondary production) depend upon primary production, and the elevated levels of sediment adversely affect the growth and development of invertebrates. Certain benthic invertebrates are grazers and depend on periphyton for food, while others may be filter feeders, which could have their feeding structures clogged by sediment thereby reducing feeding efficiency and reducing growth rates. Some direct effects of sediment on aquatic invertebrates include: (a) physical habitat change due to the scouring of stream-beds and the dislodgment of individuals, (b) smothering of benthic communities, (c) clogging of the interstices between substrate components which affects microhabitat, and (d) abrasion of respiratory surfaces and interference of food uptake for filter feeders.

57. Deposition of particles onto hard surfaces or sediments changes the physical nature of substratum for benthic organisms. Hard surfaces coated with fine particles are generally not as attractive to colonizing organisms as clean surfaces and changes in community structure can occur. Deposition of organic particles onto sediments can change the particle

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size distribution of the sediment and therefore its physical properties and the composition of the benthic community. Perhaps more importantly, the biodegradation of the organic particles exerts an oxygen demand on the sediment reducing available oxygen to infaunal animals and changing many of the chemical processes within the sediment. Deposition of organic particles may also increase the load of toxic substances to the sediment because many substances are associated with organic particles. Deposition of inorganic particles changes the physical characteristics of the sediment and therefore the associated benthic fauna. In extreme cases, the deposition of organic and inorganic particles can result in the eradication of the benthic fauna (UK Marine Science Areas of Conservation, Non-toxic substance profile -Turbidity.)

G. Water Parameters

1. Result

58. The sampling stations of the water quality parameters were the same as the sampling stations of plankton community (Table 5). Three stations were identified, the first station was located in Sitio Hula-Hula side, second station was located in the middle of the channel and last station was located in Guicam side. Measurement of water quality parameters were done with two (2) replicates to increase the accuracy of the estimates or results, to reduces variability in experimental results, increases their significance and the confidence level and to minimize errors.

59. Table 7 showed the water parameter in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. The average surface water and mid water level readings of temperature, salinity and dissolve oxygen is almost identical. Surface water temperature recorded an average of 30.8 0C while mid–water level temperature is 31.2 0C, salinity recorded 38.0 parts per thousand in the surface and 37.6 parts per thousand in the mid-water level and pH recorded 8.0 in the surface and 7.9 in the mid-water level. The average dissolve oxygen content of the surface water recorded 6.6 mg/l while 5.3 mg/l recorded in the mid-water level. The average total dissolves solids ranges from 84,300 mg/l to 85,300 mg/l at the surface while 83,500 mg/l to 87,600 mg/l.

Table 37. Water parameters of surface water in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay Stations Replicates Temp. Salinity pH DO Total dissolve (0C) (ppt.) (mg/l) solids (mg/l) 1 30.7 38.2 7.8 5.0 83,500 1 2 31.0 37.9 8.0 6.6 87,700 3 31.0 38.1 8.0 6.3 84,800 Average 30.9 38.1 7.9 6.0 85,300 1 30.8 37.4 8.0 6.7 85,600 2 2 31.2 38.0 8.1 7.0 87,100 3 31.2 38.2 8.1 6.7 84,600 Average 31.1 37.9 8.1 6.8 85,800 1 31.0 38.2 8.0 6.2 79,700 3 2 31.2 37.6 8.0 7.4 86,200 3 30.0 38.8 8.0 7.2 87,100 Average 30.8 38.2 8.0 6.9 84,300 Standard 5 for Marine SC 25-31 6.5-8.5 None (Minimum) Waters Source: Baseline sampling 2019.

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Table 38. Water parameters of the mid-water level in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay Stations Replicates Temp. Salinity pH DO Total dissolve (0C) (ppt.) (mg/l) solids (g/l) 1 31.4 37.7 7.7 4.5 86,800 1 2 31.0 38.1 8.0 6.9 88,600 3 31.2 38.0 7.9 4.5 87,600 Average 31.2 38.0 7.9 5.3 87,600 1 31.8 36.2 7.9 5.6 88,000 2 2 30.9 37.2 8.2 6.4 84,500 3 31.5 38.2 8.0 5.0 88,300 Average 31.4 37.2 8.0 5.7 86,900 1 31.1 37.9 8.0 5.0 80,500 3 2 31.0 37.0 8.0 4.6 85,700 3 31.0 37.9 7.9 4.9 84,300 Average 31.0 37.6 8.0 4.8 83,500 Standard 5 for Marine SC 25-31 6.5-8.5 None (Minimum) Waters Source: Baseline sampling 2019.

2. Discussion

A. Temperature

60. The water quality parameters recorded in the Channel are within the tolerable and optimum limit of marine organisms (Figure 5, a). Water temperature ranges from 30.8 to 31.20C was recorded and the normal range of surface temperature varies between 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 89°F). Changes in water temperature can affect the environments where fish, shellfish, and other marine species live. As climate change causes the oceans to become warmer year-round, populations of some species may adapt by shifting toward cooler areas. Each species has a specific range of temperature at which it can live, the warmer the water gets the faster the reactions and the cooler the water the slower the reactions. Some marine organisms are cold blooded (or poikilothermic) or warm blooded (homeothermic) depending on their ability to control their internal body temperature. If any species is moved out of its temperature tolerance range it may die in a short time although temperatures on the cool side of the range are easier for organisms to tolerate than temperatures on the warm side because cell reactions just slowdown in the cold but may speed up over six times the normal levels for each 10 0C of heat (Anderson 2003).

B. Salinity

61. Salinity ranges from 37.2 to 38.2 are within the tolerable limit (Figure 5, b). The normal range of ocean salinity ranges between 33 to 37 ppt. (NWS, JetStream/Seawater), with an average of 35 ppt. However, some marine organisms can tolerate higher salinity and most aquatic species have adapted to specific salinity levels. Some reef-building corals require very saline water ranging from 32 to 42 ppt. The most common factor in the increased of salinity is the relative amount of evaporation or precipitation in an area. If there is more evaporation than precipitation then the salinity increases (since salt is not evaporated into the atmosphere).

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31.6 surface 38.4 surface mid elvel 38.2 31.4 38.2 38.1 31.4 mid level 38.0 31.2 38 37.9

C) 31.2 31.1 37.8

0 37.6 31.0 37.6 31 30.9 30.8 37.4 37.2 30.8 37.2 37 30.6 (ppt.) Salinity 36.8 36.6

Temperature ( Temperature 30.4 1 2 3 1 2 3 Sampling stations Sampling stations a b Figure 21: (a) Surface water and mid-water level temperature (0C) and (b) salinity (ppt.) in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay

C. pH

62. pH or hydrogen ion concentration or measurement of acidity in seawater. The average pH level recorded in Canalizo Strait ranges from 7.9 to 8.1 (Figure 6, a). This data is within the normal ph level of seawater (7.5 to 8-4). If the pH of water is too high or too low, the aquatic organisms living within it will die. pH can also affect the solubility and toxicity of chemicals and heavy metals in the water. Majority of aquatic creatures prefer a pH range of 6.5-9.0, though some can live in water with pH levels outside of this range. As pH levels move away from this range (up or down) it can stress animal systems and reduce hatching and survival rates. The further outside of the optimum pH range a value is, the higher the mortality rates. The more sensitive a species, the more affected it is by changes in pH. In addition to biological effects, extreme pH levels usually increase the solubility of elements and compounds, making toxic chemicals more “mobile” and increasing the risk of absorption by aquatic life (Fondriest Environmental, Inc. (2013).

D. Dissolved Oxygen

63. Dissolve oxygen content of the water ranges from 4.8 to 6.9 mg/l (Figure 6, b). The dissolve oxygen content of the water is lower than the normal ranges of dissolve oxygen in other areas. Siltation, sedimentation and minimal number of aquatic organisms contribute to the reduction of dissolve oxygen content of the water. The use of commercial fertilizers by the seaweeds farmers also contribute to the reduction of dissolve oxygen content of the water.

64. According to the Soil Science Society of America (2019), eutrophication contributes to the reduction of dissolve oxygen content of the water. Eutrophication occurs when there is excessive introduction of synthetic fertilizers, agricultural run-off, sewage leaks and erosion. Eutrophication is often induced by the discharge of nitrate or phosphate-containing detergents, fertilizers, or sewage into an aquatic system. Seaweeds farmers used commercial fertilizers (NPK) to enhance the growth of seaweeds and reduce the ice-ice disease. This practice if widely used by seaweeds farmers to address the problem on slow growth due to nutrient deficiency of the water and to prevent the occurrence of ice-ice disease. Dissolve oxygen in the bottom used by the bottom feeders, crabs, oysters and worms (1-6 mg/L), while shallow water fish need higher levels (4-15 mg/L). If the dissolved oxygen levels in water drop below

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5.0 mg/l, aquatic life is put under stress. The lower the concentration, the greater the stress. Oxygen levels that remain below 1-2 mg/l for a few hours can result in large fish kills (Lenntech BV).

8.15 8.0 8.1 surface surface 6.8 6.9 E. Total8.1 dissolve solid (TDS) mid level 7.0 6.0 5.7 6.0 5.3 65. 8.05 Giucam Channel recorded a very high concentration of total dissolve solid ranges from4.8 88 8 5.0 83,5008 mg/l to 87,600 mg/l (Figure 7). The total dissolve solid of marine water is more than 35,000 mg/l. The high concentration of TDS is due to soil4.0 erosion resulting to sedimentation, 7.95 siltation, pH debris7.9 of7.9 solid particles from commercial and residential3.0 areas, waste water system and 7.9 rotting animals and plants (Texas Water Development2.0 Board). The introduction of commercial7.85 fertilizer in the Channel is also influence to the increase of total dissolve solid in the area. Seaweeds farmers used commercial fertilizers (usually1.0 NPK) to enhance the growth 7.8 and reduce ice-ice disease of the seaweeds. The most (mg/l) oxygen Dissolve common0.0 chemical constituents of total dissolve solid are1 calcium, phosphates, 2 3nitrates, sodium, potassium,1 and chloride, 2 which are 3 found in the nutrientSampling runoff. stations Sampling stations a b Figure66. 22: According Surface water to Lehigh and mid-water Environmental level pH Initiatives and dissolve EnviroSci oxygen Inquiry content (2000-2011), in the Canalizo some Str ait, dissolvedZamboanga solids come Sibugay.from organic sources such as leaves, silt, plankton, and industrial waste and sewage. Other sources come from runoff from urban areas, road salts used on street during the winter, and fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns and farms. Some dissolved solids come also from inorganic materials such as rocks and air that may contain calcium bicarbonate, nitrogen, iron phosphorous, sulfur, and other minerals. Changes in the amounts of dissolved solids can be harmful because the density of total dissolved solids determines the flow of water in and out of an organism’s cells. Many of these dissolved solids contain chemicals, such as nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur, which are the building blocks of molecules for life. Concentration of total dissolved solids that are too high or too low may limit the growth and may lead to the death of many aquatic organisms. High concentrations of total dissolved solids may reduce water clarity, which contributes to a decrease in photosynthesis and lead to an increase in water temperature.

88000 87600 surface mid level 86900 VII. 87000 85800 86000 85300 85000 84300 84000 83500 83000 82000

Total dissolve (mg/l) solid dissolve Total 81000 1 2 3 Sampling stations Figure 23: Total dissolve solid (mg/l) of water in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. CONCLUSIONS

67. The current state of the biological diversity in the Canalizo Strait illustrates the imperiled status of the ecosystem. The ecosystem is disturbed and altered, and few species of marine organisms live. The loss of marine biodiversity in the Channel is largely consequence of the rapid growth in human activities and transformation of the coastal zone,

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with the direct and indirect impact on marine biological diversity. Canalizo Strait is characterized as disturbed and altered marine environment. The marine biological component is characterized by low species diversity due to the physical characteristics of the substrate and water quality. The substrates and water quality is strongly influence by sedimentation /siltation and other anthropogenic activities and substances. Negative impact of sedimentation to the Channel includes: loss of important or sensitive aquatic habitats, decrease in fishery resources, loss of recreation attributes, loss of coral reef and reef fish communities, changes in fish migration, increases in erosion, circulation changes, increases in turbidity, prevent marine organisms recruitment, settlement and development, loss of submerged vegetation, and coastline alteration. Sedimentation/siltation is detrimental to bottom-dwelling organisms through burial effect. The loss of benthic organisms like coral reef, fishes, and benthos is mainly attributed by the deposition of suspended sediments resulting to the alteration of substrates, low light penetration, and depletion of dissolve oxygen content of the water. Marine organisms like corals reefs, fishes and seagrass/seaweeds need good substrates, good water quality, abundance of food, sufficient light and pollution free environment for their growth and development

68. Seaweed farming is one of the main sources of living among the coastal communities in the area. This is despite the following observations made that are not favorable to seaweed farming : (1) slow water movement, (2) heavy siltation resulting to decrease in the nutrient level of the water and (3) the deposition of sediment in the Channel resulting to the variability of physical and chemical properties of seawater. The rising of temperature and prolonged rain also influence the occurrence of ice-ice disease. However, hectares of seaweeds farming still established in the area since seaweeds farmers used commercial fertilizers to boast the growth of the seaweeds and reduce the occurrence of ice-ice disease. Today, fertilization is widely used by the seaweed farmers around the country.

69. Suspended sediments loading imbalance in aquatic systems can be considered one of the greatest causes of impaired water quality. Turbidity can reduce light transmission through the water and decrease photosynthesis by aquatic plants, consequently affecting dissolved oxygen levels, such effects of turbidity on water quality may result in biological effects on aquatic organisms such as disruptions in migrations and spawning, movement patterns, sub-lethal effects (e.g., disease susceptibility, growth, and development), reduced hatching success, and direct mortality.

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS

70. It is strongly suggested that a mangrove rehabilitation program complement the bridge construction to replace the trees that will be affected, both at the Guicam and Hula-Hula side. This will also help stabilize the bridge structures e.g. abutments and posts as mangroves effectively reduce wave action, scouring/erosion. However, replanting programs should use the right mangrove species to increase their survival and maintain biodiversity. Facing the Canalizo Strait, natural stands of Sonneratia species can be seen lining the shoreline which means that these are the right species in areas facing open waters. The fast-growing Rhizophora apiculata, which obviously can be easily sourced in the area can be used in reforestation programs but can be mixed with other suitable mangrove species present in the area (such as Ceriops and Luminitzera) to maintain biodiversity and prevent insect pest infestation associated with monospecific mangrove plantations. R. apiculata can be used to reforest the clearing in Guicam which is behind the row of Sonneratia trees.

71. Mangrove reforestation must be done in the both sides of the Channel to prevent soil erosion, prevent the discharge of garbage in the water, and to increase the mangrove stands in the area. Mangrove seedlings must be used in mangrove reforestation in order to have a higher survival rate. Training on mangrove nursery establishment will be done in the area to produce the number of seedlings for mangrove enrichment or mangrove reforestation

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activities. In addition, all activities that could potentially affect mangroves shall be properly coordinated with the DENR and the LGUs. Cutting permits must be secured and tree replacement requirements complied with.

72. A community-based training on solid waste management and environmental laws is recommended along with a stricter enforcement of ordinances as there are obvious infractions related to mangrove cutting and dumpling of domestic wastes in the area. As observed, both Hula-Hula and Guicam have long stretches of mangrove stands (predominantly reforested R. apicuclata in Hula-Hula and a natural population in Guicam) along their shorelines that are not directly in the proposed bridge’s path. However, utmost care must be observed so that possible harmful effluents/chemicals from the construction are handled safely and effectively and are not carried by wave action to these mangrove habitats.

73. Patches of seagrass will be affected during the construction of bridge in the Channel. It is strongly recommended that seagrass transplantation must be done in Guicam side and Hula-Hula side to increase the density, thereby, increase the biological function such as stabilizing the sea bottom, trapping fine sediment, provide food for marine organisms, habitat and nursery areas for numerous vertebrate and invertebrates species. Considering the physical characteristics of the area, Enhalus acroides is the best seagrass species to be transplanted and this coming from the nearby seagrass bed areas.

74. The issue of impact and risk in biodiversity conservation is not problem in the construction of bridge in the Canalizo Strait. Minimal number of mangrove trees and patches of seagrass will be affected and this will be addressed by several management activities as explained above. Seaweeds farming will be adjusted to about 50 meters from the edge of the coastal settlements to avoid the effect of sedimentation the during the construction phase. The potential sources of water pollution associated with different construction activities include excavation and filling, bore piling and pier construction for bridge works, concrete mixing, refueling facilities, and equipment maintenance will be done in the land based areas to avoid seawater contamination of other chemicals. Control of siltation during construction will be achieved through limiting the exposure of areas prone to erosion. Sediment-trapping materials will be installed during the construction stage to prevent the deposition of sediments into the water. Equipment service and maintenance yards will be provided with impermeable flooring and collection area. Avoid fuel or any impermeable liquid spills to the seawater, as this will affect the growth and survival of seaweeds and other marine organisms. Lastly, since the Channel is not classified as protected area or as critical high biodiversity areas, which support survival of critically endangered species, ecological impacts are not considered significant.

X. MATRIX OF COMPLIANCE

Table 39. Matrix of compliance of the baseline survey

Baseline Marine Observations/Results Recommendations environmental survey Coral reefs Five sampling stations established in Reduce anthropogenic the area. No coral reefs formation activities in the area. observed in the Channel. Substrates Minimize sediment loading not favorable for the settlement, in the water. growth and development of corals Reef fishes Five sampling stations established in Presence of coral reef the area. No reef fishes observed in coincided with the the transect line. Sedimentation, presence of reef fishes. turbidity, water movement greatly Lack of food also

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affects the reef fishes recruitment, influences the appearance growth and development of fish in the area. Seagrass/seaweeds Four sampling stations established in Management strategies the area. One species of seagrass must be applied to and two species of seaweeds present. increase seagrass and Sedimentation greatly affects the seaweeds species occurrence of other seagrass and diversity seaweeds species Mangroves Three sampling stations established in Management strategies the area. Five species of mangroves must be applied to recorded and patches of mangroves increase density. observed. Cutting of mangroves Mangrove reforestation appears to be main cause of and enrichment must be mangrove depletion as physically applied manifested throughout the coastal area and as described by the long- time residents in the surrounding communities. Plankton Three sampling stations with two Reduce the anthropogenic replicates established in the area. activities that cause Plankton population is low especially sedimentation and the zooplankton. Sedimentation siltation. resulting to turbidity affects the population of plankton Benthos Four sampling stations established in Reduce sediment loading the area. Two species of live benthos in the substrate. Further collected near the seagrass area. study must be undertaken Substrates not suitable for benthos to determine the factors due to burial effects. affecting benthos population. Water Quality Three sampling stations with two Management measures replicates established in the area. will be applied to reduce Water parameters are within the sedimentation. Limit the tolerable limit except the total use of fertilizers in dissolved solid, which is very high seaweed farming. concentration in the water.

IX. REFERENCES

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Sebens, K.P., Grace, S.P., Helmuth, B., Maney, E.J. Jr., & Miles, J.S. (1998). Water flow and prey capture by three scleractinian corals, Madracis mirabilis, Montastrea cavernosa and Porites, in a field enclosure. Mar Biol 131:347–360 Shashar, N., Kinaneb, S., Jokiel, P.L., Patterson, M.R. (1996). Hydrome-chanical boundary layers over a coral reef. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 199:17–28 Stambler, N., Popper, N., Dubinsky, Z., & Stimson, J. (1991). Effects of nutrient enrichment and water motion on the coral Pocillopora damicornis. Pac. Sci. 45:299–307 Thomas, F.I.M., & Atkinson, M.J. (1997). Ammonium uptake by coral reefs: effects of water velocity and surface roughness on mass transfer. Limnol. Oceanography 42:81–88 Uychiaoco, A.J. 2000. ReefSum Program (unpublished). University of the Philippines- Marine Science Institute, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines. White, A.T. 1990. Coral Reefs. Valuable Resource of Southeast Asia. ICLARM Education Series 1, 36 p. International Center for Living Aquatic Resources management, manila, Philippines. Yap, H.T. and E.D. Gomez.1985. Coral reef degradation and pollution in the East Asian Seas region. Environment and resources in the Pacific. UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 69.

B. Reef fish

Barrett, J.C., Grossman, G.D., & Rosenfeld, J. 1992. Turbidity induced changes in reactive distance of rainbow trout. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 121:437–443 Berkman, H.E., & Rabeni, C.F. 1987. Effect of siltation on stream fish communities. Environ. Biol. Fish. 18:285–294 Burkhead, N.N., & Jelks, H.L. 2001. Effects of suspended sediment on the reproductive success of the tricolor shiner, a crevice-spawning minnow. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 130:959–968 Carpenter, K.E, Miclat, R. I., Albaladejo, V.D., & Corpuz VT. 1981. The influence of substrate structure on the local abundance and diversity of Philippine fishes. Proc. 4th Int. Coral Reef Symp. 2:497-502.113:357–361 Castro, J., & F. Reckendorf. 1995. Effects of sediment on the aquatic environment: potential NRCS actions to improve aquatic habitat. Working Paper No. 6. Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oregon State University, pp 24 Hazelton, P.D., & Grossman, G.D. 2009. Turbidity, velocity and inter- specific interactions affect foraging behaviour of rosyside dace (Clinostomus funduloides) and yellowfin shiners (Notropis lutippinis). Ecol. Freshw. Fish. 18:427–436 Luckhurst, B., & Luckhurst, K. 1978. Analysis of the influence of substrates variables on coral reefs communities. Mar. Biol. 49:317-323. Miner, J.G., & Stein, R.A. 1996. Detection of predators and habitat choice by small bluegills: effects of turbidity and alternative prey. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 125:97–103 Muck, J. 2010. Biological effects of sediment on bull trout and their habitat—guidance for evaluating effects. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lacey, p 57 Newcombe, C.P., & MacDonald, D.D. 1991. Effects of suspended sediment on aquatic ecosystems. N. Am. J. Fish. Manag. 11:72–82 Rabeni, C.F., Doisy, K.E., & Zweig, L.D. 2005. Stream invertebrate community functional responses to deposited sediment. Aquat. Sci. 67:395–402 Roberts, C. M., & Ormond, R.F. 1987. Habitat complexity and coral reef diversity and abundance on Red Sea fringing reefs. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 41:1-8. Sano, M., Shimizu, M., & Nose, Y. 1984. Changes in the structure of coral reef fish communities by destruction of hermatypic corals: observation and experimental views. Pac.Sci. 38 (1):51-79. Sano, M., Shmizu. M., & Nose, Y. 1987. Long-term effects of destruction of hermatypic corals by Acanthaster planci infestation on reef fish communities at Iriomote Island, Japan. Mar. Ecol.Prog. Ser. 37:191-199

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Schwartz, J.S., Simon, A., & Klimetz, L. 2011. Use of fish functional traits to associate in- stream suspended sediment transport metrics with biological impairment. Environ. Monit. Assess 179:347–369 Sutherland, A.B., & Meyer, J.L. 2007. Effects of increased suspended sediment on growth rate and gill condition of two southern Appalachian minnows. Environ. Biol. Fish. 80:389–403 Sutherland, A.B, 2007. Effects of increased suspended sediment on the reproductive success of an upland crevice spawning minnow. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 136:416–422 Talbot, F,H,, Russel, B.C., & Anderson, G.R. 1978. Coral reef fishes communities: unstable high-diversity systems” Eco. Monogr: 425-440. Wood, P.J., Toone, J., Greenwood, M.T., Armitage, P.D. 2005. The response of four lotic macroinvertebrate taxa to burial by sediments. Arch. Hydrobiol. 163:145–162 Zamor, R.M., & Grossman, G.D. 2007. Turbidity affects foraging success of drift–feeding rosyside dace. Trans. Am. Fish. Soc. 136:167–176

C. Seagrass/Seaweeds

Agawin N. S. R., M.D. Fortes, S. S. Bach and W.J. Kenworthy.1997. Response of a mixed Philippine seagrass meadow to experimental burial. Mar.Ecol.Prog.Ser., 147:285-294. Duarte, C. M., 1991. Seagrass depth limits. Aquatic Botany 40: 363–377. Duarte, C. M., J. Terrados, S. R. Agawin-Nona, M. D. Fortes, S. Bach & W. J. Kenworthy, 1997. Response of a mixed Philippine seagrass meadow to experimental burial. Marine Ecology Progress Series 147: 285–294. Doty, M .S. 1987. The production and use of Eucheuma. In: Case Studies of Seven Commercial Seaweed Resources. Doty, M.S. 1987. In Caddy, Caddy, I.F., and Santiles, B. (eds.). FAQ Fish.Tech- Pap- 281 FAO, Rome, pp. English S., Wilkinson C. and Baker, V. (eds). 1997. Survey manual for tropical marine resources – Second edition. Australian Institute of Marine Science, ASEAN-Australia Marine Science Project, 390 pp. 123- 161. Fortes, M.D. 1990. Seagrass resources in East Asia: research status, environmental issues and management perspectives, In ASEAMS/UNEP Proc, First ASEAMS Symp. on Southeast Asian Marine and Environmental Protection. UNEP Regional Seas Reports and Studies No. 116. UNEP. 1990, pp.135-144. Fortes, M.D. 1988. Mangrove and Seagrass Beds of East Asia: habitats under stress. Ambio 17, 207-213 Fortes, M.D. 1995. Seagrasses of East Asia: Environmental and Management Perspectives. RCU/EAS Technical Report Series No. 6. United Nations Environment programme, Bangkok. Kirkman, H. and Walker D. I. 1989. Regional Studies-Western Australian Seagrasses. In Biology of seagrasses (Larkum, A. W. D., MacComb, A.J. & Sheperd S. A. eds). Elsevier. Amsterdam pp.157-181. Lapointe, B. E. & J. H. Ryther, 1979. The effects of nitrogen arid seawater flow rate on the growth and biochemical composition of Gracilaria foliifera var. angustissima in mass outdoor cultures. Bot. mar. 22: 529-537. Luhan, M.R.J., Avañcena, S.S. & Mateo, J.P. J Appl Phycol (2015) 27: 917. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-014-0365-8 Mtolera.M. SP Colloen,J.,Pederrsén,M.andSemesi.A.K.1995a. Destructive hydrogen peroxide production in Eucheuma denticulatum (Rhodophyta) during stress caused by elevated pH, high light intensities and competition with other species. Eur. J.Phycol, 30. Neish, A. C., P. F. Shacklock, C. H. Fox & F. J. Simpson, 1977. The cultivation of Chondrus crispus. Factors affecting growth under greenhouse conditions. Can J. Bot. 55: 2263– 2271. Orth, R., Heck, K. 1980. Structural components of eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows in the lower Chesapeake Bay—fishes. Estuaries 3 (4), 289–295.

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Orth, R., Carruthers, T., Dennison, W.C., Duarte, C.M., Fourqurean, J.W., Heck, K.L., Hughes, A.R., Kendrik, G.A., Kenworth, W.J., Olyarnik, S., Short, F.T., Waycott, M., & Williams, S.L., 2006. A global crisis for seagrass ecosystems. Bioscience 56 (12), 987–996. Rui, L., Jiajun, L. & Chaoyuan, W. Hydrobiologia (1990) 204: 499. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00040277 Saito, Y. and S. Atobe 1970. Phytosociological study of intertidal marine algae. I, Usujiri Benten-Jima, Hokkaido, Bulletin of the Faculty of Fisheries, Hokkaido University, 21:37- 69. Savella, R. S. 2014. Assessment of Seagrass communities in Dumanquillas Bay. Paper presented to Protected Area Management Board, Zamboanga del Sur. Unpublished. Short, F. T. & E. S. Wyllie, 1996. Natural and human- induced disturbance of seagrasses. Environmental Conservation 3: 17–27. Terrados, J., Duarte, C.M., Fortes, M.D., Borum, J., Agawin, N.S.R., Bach, S., ... Vermaat, J., 1998. Changes in community structure and biomass of seagrass communities along gradients of siltation in SE Asia. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 46 (5), 757–768. Trono, G.C., Ohno, M. 1989. Seasonality in the biomass production of the Eucheuma strains in Northern Bohol, Philippines. In Umezaki I (ed.), Scientific Survey of Marine Algae and their Resources in the Philippine Islands. A Technical Report of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan: 71–80. Vermaat J. E., N. S. R. Agawin, C. M. Duarte, M. D. Fortes, N. Marba, J. S. Uri and W. van Viersen. 1997. The capacity of seagrass to survive increased turbidity and siltation: the significance of growth from light use. Ambio. 26:499-504. Wu, C. Y., J. J. Li, E. Z. Xia, Z. S. Peng, S. Z. Tan, J. Li, Z. C. Wen, X. H. Huang, Z. L. Cai & G. J. Chen, 1988. Transplant and artificial cultivation of Eucheuma striatum in China. Oceanol. Limnol. Sinica 19: 410–417.

D. Plankton

Dejen, E., Vijverberg. J., Nagelkerke. L.A., & Sibbing, F.A. 2004. Temporal and spatial distribution of microcrustacean zooplankton in relation to turbidity and other environmental factors in a large tropical lake (L. Tana, Ethiopia), Hydrobiology, 513: 39– 49. Falkowski, Paul G. 1994. The role of phytoplankton photosynthesis in global biogeochemical cycles.. Minireview. Phtosynthesis research 39: 235-258.1994. Gasparini, S., Castel, J. and Irigoien, X. 1999. Impact of suspended particulate matter on egg production of the estuarine copepod, Eurytemora affinis. J. Mar. Sys., 22, 195–205. Tester, P. A. and Turner, J. T. 1989. Zooplankton feeding ecology: feeding rates of the copepods Acartia tonsa, Centropages velificatus and Eucalanus pileatus in relation to the suspended sediments in the plume of the Mississippi River (Northern Gulf of Mexico continental shelf). Scient. Mar., 53, 231–237. Zeitzschel, B. 1974. Oceanographic factors influencing the distribution of plankton in spce and time. Paper presented at the 3rd Planktonic conference. Kiel, West Germany. September 1974. Pp. 139-159.

E. Benthos

Berry W, Rubinstein, N., Melzian, B., & Hill, B. 2003. The biological effects of suspended and bedded sediment (SABS) in aquatic systems: a review. US Environment Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Health Effects Laboratory, Rhode Island, USA, pp. 58 Birtwell, I.K. 2000. The effects of sediment on fish and their habitat. DFO Can. Pacific Science Advice and Review Committee Habitat Subcommittee Res. Doc. Canadian Donahue,I. and K. Irvine. 2003. Effects of sediment particle size composition on survivorship of benthic invertebrates from Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Arch. Hydrobiol. 157. pp 131- 144.

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Herbert, W. M. & Merkens, J. C. 1961. The effect of suspended mineral solids on the survival of trout.– Int. J. Air. Wat. Poll. 5: 46 – 55. Oben, B.O; Oben, P.M; Ugwumba, A.O; Okorie, T.G. & Pleysier, J. 2003. Trace metal dynamics in Water, Sediments and Shellfish of a Constructed Freshwater Wetland. Waters, T.F. 1995. Sediment in streams: sources, biological effects, and control. American Fisheries Society Monograph 7, Bethesda, p 251 UK Marine Science Areas of Conservation. Non-toxic substance profile -Turbidity. www.marinesac.org.uk Zweig, L.D. and C. F. Rabeni. 2001. Biomonitoring for deposited sediment using benthic invertebrates: A test on 4 Missouri streams. Journal of the North American Benthological Society. Vol. 20.

F. Water parameters

Anderson. G. 2003. Seawater composition-Marine Bio.net. https:www.marinebio.net /marinescience/02ocean/swcoposition.html Eutrophication I Soil Science Society of America. Soil Sustain Life. https:www.soils.org /discover-soils-in-the-city/…/eutrophication Fondriest Environmental, Inc. (2013). “pH of Water.” Fundamentals of Environmental Measurements. 19 Nov. 2013. Fondriest Environmental Learning Center. Web. https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water-quality/ph/ Fondriest Environmental, Inc. 2013.“Conductivity, Salinity and Total Dissolved Solids.” Fundamentals of Environmental Measurements. 3 Mar 2014. Web. < https://www.fondriest.com/environmental-measurements/parameters/water- quality/conductivity-salinity-tds/ >. Lehigh Environmental Initiative's Envirosci Inquiry 2000-2011. EnviroSci Inquiry. Lehigh Watershed Explorations. http://www.ei.lehigh.edu/envirosci /watershed/ wq/wqbackground/tdsbg.html Lenntech BV. Why dissolve oxygen is important. http://www.lennthec.com /why_the_oxygen_dissolve_is_important.htm. National Weather Service. JetStream-Seawater. US Department of Commerce. National Oceanic and Atmospheric administration Soil Science Society of America, 2019. Soil sustains life. https://www.soils.org/discover- soils/soils-in-the-city/…/eutrophication Texas Water Development Board. www.twdb.rexas.gov/innovativewater/desal/faqseawater.asp. Anderson J. and R. Martin, 2003. Seawater composition. In: Welcome to Marine Science. Marinebio.net.

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X. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION

Plate 1. Transect lines stretch in the silted substrate of Canalizo Strait for coral reefs and reef fishes assessment. Debris of plastic ties and socks used for seaweeds farming deposited in the bottom.

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a b Plate 2. (a) SCUBA diver prepare his gears for coral reef and reef fish assessment and (b) station one under the seaweeds farm.

a b

Plate 3. (a) Quadrat placed in the seagrass bed and (b) transect line stretch in silted seagrass area. Sedimentation/siltation is evident in the area.

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a b Plate 4. (a) Seaweed farms in the Canalizo Strait, Guicam side, and (b) seaweeds farms in Sitio Hula-Hula side

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Plate 5. Houses occupied mostly be seaweed growers along the foreshore, which might be directly affected by the bridge path. Very few mangrove trees remain in the area.

a b Plate 6. (a) The shoreline at Guicam is lined with a natural population of pagatpat trees. Behind this stretch are other species e.g. bakawan lalaki, tabao, api- api, and tangal, which makes it more diverse than the mangrove stands in Hula-Hula. (b) Waste disposal is an issue where the stilt houses are built. Discarded nets and straw are entangled in the pneumatophores of few remaining mangrove trees in the area.

Gonyaulax sp. Ceratum sp. Chaetoceros sp.

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Coscinodiscus sp Dinophysis Eucampia

Plate 7. Phytoplankton found in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay, Photo taken under the light microscope.

Plate 8. Zooplankton found in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay. Photo taken under the under light microscope

Plate 9. Preparation of sediment samples for benthos segregation.

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Plate 10. Processed sediment in Stations 1A and 1B in Sitio Hula-Hula, Mabuhay.

Plate 11. Processed sediment in Stations 3A and 3B in Brgy. Guicam, Alicia.

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Plate 12. Measuring the water parameters in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Figure 8. Extech instrument used to measure the water parameters in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay.

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a b Plate 13. (a) Showing the mangrove line in the Guicam side and (b) boat navigational lane in Sitio Hula-Hula (b). The area is a mangrove forest before as indicated by the remnants of mangroves stem and roots in the area.

a b Plate 14. (a) Houses built along the coastline in Guicam side, and (b) seaweeds farms in the Canalizo Strait, Zamboanga Sibugay

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Appendix 2. List of Sensitive Receptors by Barangay along Guicam Bridge (PR 09A)

APPROXIMATE RECEPTOR LOCATION (CHAINAGE) DISTANCE (m) FROM EDGE OF ROAD

BGY. DAWA DAWA, ALICIA RESIDENTIAL AREA 1781+633-691 6.25 - 8.25 CHURCH 1781+680 - 1781+700 8.25 RESIDENTIAL AREA 1781+720 - 1781+740 6.25 BGY. POBLACION, ALICIA PORT UNDER CONSTRUCTION 1782+380 - 1782+400 7.25 RESIDENTIAL AREA 1782+440-463 3.25 - 6.25 RESIDENTIAL AREA 1782+533 - 577 7.25

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Appendix 3. Attendance Sheets during the Stakeholder Consultations in PR 09 and Guicam Bridge (based from the RIPP)

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Appendix 4. Environmental Compliance Certificate

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Appendix 5. Grievance Intake Form

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Appendix 6. Project Semi-Annual Environmental Monitoring Report Outline

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1. Outline of a Project Environmental Progress and Monitoring Report

1. The borrower/client is required to prepare periodic monitoring reports that describe progress with implementation of the project EMP and compliance issues and corrective actions. A sample outline which can be adapted as necessary is provided below. Not all sections will be relevant in all cases. Ranking systems for compliance, mitigation effectiveness, etc., are indicative examples only, and should be modified as appropriate.

1. Introduction 1.1. Report Purpose 1.2. Project Implementation Progress

2. Incorporation of Environmental Requirements into Project Contractual Arrangements Manner by which EMP requirements are incorporated into contractual arrangements, such as with contractors or other parties.

3. Summary of Environmental Mitigations and Compensation Measures Implemented Based on EMP; may include measures related to air quality, water quality, noise quality, pollution prevention, biodiversity and natural resources, health and safety, physical cultural resources, capacity building, and others.

4. Summary of Environmental Monitoring 4.1. Compliance Inspections (if relevant) 4.1.1. Summary of Inspection Activities 4.1.2. Mitigation Compliance28 4.1.3. Mitigation Effectiveness29

4.2. Emission Discharge (Source) Monitoring Program (if relevant) 4.2.1. Summary of Monitoring 4.2.2. Results 4.2.3. Assessment30

28 Overall compliance with mitigation implementation requirements could be described in qualitative terms or be evaluated based on a ranking system, such as the following: 1. Very Good (all required mitigations implemented) 2. Good (the majority of required mitigations implemented) 3. Fair (some mitigations implemented) 4. Poor (few mitigations implemented) 5. Very Poor (very few or no mitigations implemented) Additional explanatory comments should be provided as necessary.

29 Effectiveness of mitigation implementation could be described in qualitative terms or be evaluated based on a ranking system, such as the following: 1. Very Good (mitigations are fully effective) 2. Good (mitigations are generally effective) 3. Fair (mitigations are partially effective) 4. Poor (mitigations are generally ineffective) 5. Very Poor (mitigations are completely ineffective) Additional explanatory comments should be provided as necessary.

30 Discharge levels should be compared to the relevant discharge standards and/or performance indicators noted in the EMP. Any exceedances should be highlighted for attention and follow-up. In addition, discharge levels could be compared to baseline conditions (if baseline data is available) and described in qualitative terms or be evaluated based on a ranking system, such as the following: 1. Very Good (overall conditions are generally improved)

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4.3. Ambient Monitoring Program (if relevant) 4.3.1. Summary of Monitoring 4.3.2. Results 4.3.3. Assessment31

5. Key Environmental Issues 5.1.1. Key Issues Identified 5.1.2. Action Taken 5.1.3. Additional Action Required

6. Conclusion 6.1. Overall Progress of Implementation of Environmental Management Measures32 6.2. Problems Identified and Actions Recommended

Appendices 1. Site Inspection / Monitoring Reports 2. Ambient Monitoring Results 3. Photographs 4. Others

2. Good (conditions are maintained or slightly improved) 3. Fair (conditions are unchanged) 4. Poor (conditions are moderately degraded) 5. Very Poor (conditions are significantly degraded) Additional explanatory comments should be provided as necessary.

31 Ambient environmental conditions should be compared to the relevant ambient standards and/or performance indicators noted in the EMP. Any exceedances should be highlighted for attention and follow-up. In addition, ambient environmental conditions could be compared to the baseline conditions (if baseline data is available) and described in qualitative terms or be evaluated based on a ranking system, such as the following: 1. Very Good (overall conditions are generally improved) 2. Good (conditions are maintained or slightly improved) 3. Fair (conditions are unchanged) 4. Poor (conditions are moderately degraded) 5. Very Poor (conditions are significantly degraded) Additional explanatory comments should be provided as necessary.

32 Overall sector environmental management progress could be described in qualitative terms or be evaluated based on a ranking system, such as the following: 1. Very Good 2. Good 3. Fair 4. Poor 5. Very Poor Additional explanatory comments should be provided as necessary.

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