Ecotown Scale-Up Project: Climate Resilient Green Growth Planning at the Provincial Level Assessment of Outcomes, Mainstreaming and Next Steps Ecotown Scale-Up Project: Climate Resilient Green Growth Planning at the Provincial Level: Assessment of Outcomes, Mainstreaming, and Next Steps
I. Overview
The Ecotown Scale-Up Project, also referred to as the Climate Resilient Green Growth Planning Project (CRGG Project) was implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in the Provinces of Palawan and Oriental Mindoro from 2016 to 2018 to: a.) Enhance climate change resilience and promote inclusive green growth in participating provinces; and b.) Replicate climate resilient green growth planning and implementation models in other provinces to institutionalize the approach at the national level.
The project built-on the lessons of the earlier Demonstration of Ecotown Framework Project implemented at the municipal level and the implementation of the CRGG Project at the provincial level was meant to attain scale in terms of number of LGUs that would be benefited. The Provinces of Oriental Mindoro and Palawan consist of 41 local government units (i.e., 2 Provincial Governments, 2 City Governments, and 37 Municipal Governments) and account for a population of almost 2 million. The two provinces were selected considering their exposure to natural calamities and their strategic importance to the rest of the country.
Oriental Mindoro is considered the “Food Basket of the MIMAROPA Region” as it supplies most of the rice, fruits, and high value crops in the region. Agriculture is the main economic driver of the province, supporting 62% of its 840,000 population yet this sector is considered most vulnerable to climate change impacts. Being located along the typhoon belt, Oriental Mindoro farmers contend with annual damages to agriculture caused by flooding, erosion and landslides. Aside from the damages due to extreme weather events, this sector also has the poorest Filipinos who derive their livelihood from farming and fishing and considered most vulnerable given their lack of economic coping capacity.
The Province of Palawan, touted as the Philippine’s “Last Ecological Frontier” and considered among the best tourism destinations in the world, supports the economy of the MIMAROPA Region as it accounts for almost 50% of the Gross Regional Domestic Product. Palawan is the largest province in the country in terms of land area and home to a population of almost 1 million people. Nature based tourism is a significant economic driver for the province as the number of tourists that visit Palawan averages at around 1.7 million per year. However, natural calamities present a broad range of risks to various sectors of the province. Among
1 others, climate change impacts on the natural environment have significant effects on tourism; the agriculture sector contends with drought and flooding that affect food security; and sea temperature rise decreases fish production. Human activities compound the impacts of natural calamities as denudation of forest resources destroys watersheds and exacerbates soil erosion and flooding in low lying areas while unplanned urbanization leads to un-met demand for fossil-based energy and over concentration of population beyond the carrying capacity of concerned areas. At the same time, the province also contends with pockets of poverty given that almost half of the provincial population are indigenous people.
II. Objective of the Report
The perennial challenge in implementing technical assistance projects for local governments is ensuring that project outputs and results are mainstreamed in governance processes and implemented by the concerned LGUs to help realize outcomes and eventually lead to the envisioned impacts. Often, the relevance of completed outputs is determined based on how these have led to outcomes that are implementable and cause concrete positive effects on the lives of people.
To support the achievement of project outcomes, the CRGG Project cooperated with the Provincial CRGG Project Teams of Palawan and Oriental Mindoro in setting- up “entry points for mainstreaming results and achieving outcomes”, by way of local policies and projects that were formulated and initiated during project implementation. This report assesses the key outcomes from the CRGG Project; presents how the project results have been mainstreamed; and discusses possible next steps to support the further implementation and scaling-up of these results.
III. Organization of the Report
The report is prepared on a “case study format” where each project outcome is presented and analyzed in terms of supporting the development objectives of the project; contribution to the National Climate Change Action Plan; and mainstreaming status and next steps. Individual reports are prepared for each outcome and presented in the succeeding sections.
2
Project ImplementationOperation of Electricof Electric Tricycles Tricycles for for Outcome: SustainableSustainable and Green Transportation Transportation
Initial Investment: Around USD1M • 100 Units of E-Trikes deployed in the
Cooperators: Municipality of San Municipality of San Vicente and Vicente, Municipality of Brooke’s Municipality of Brooke’s Point Point, Palawan Provincial Government, Department of Energy • Ongoing operation of E-Trikes to demonstrate green and sustainable Impact Area: 2 Municipalities; 97, 606 municipal population transportation for eventual scale-up and replication
PROJECT OPERATION OF ELECTRIC TRICYCLES FOR SUSTAINABLE OUTCOME AND GREEN TRANSPORTATION IN PALAWAN
I. Background
The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) collaborated with the Provincial Government of Palawan, the Municipality of San Vicente and the Municipality of Brooke’s Point in structuring the proposal to secure Electric Tricycles grants for the said municipalities. The grant was provided by the Department of Energy (DOE) under its “Market Transformation through the Introduction of Energy Efficient Electric Vehicles Project” funded by the Asian Development Bank. Through this initiative the 2 municipalities were able to receive 100 Units of E-Trikes (i.e. 50 units per LGU) with an estimated value of almost USD1 Million.
II. Primary Features of the Electric Tricycles (E-Trikes) Initiative
The E-Trikes initiative is designed mainly to promote the use of electric vehicles as a viable market alternative to fossil-fuel based transportation, hence demonstration through actual deployment by LGUs is required. It also aims to contribute to socio- economic development as it creates income opportunities for poor but qualified constituents in the beneficiary LGUs. The program is intended to be self-sustaining through the establishment by LGUs of an E-Trikes Revolving Fund, where repayments of E-Trike Drivers accumulate to cover the cost of maintenance. The 100 Units of E-Trikes are considered “seed capital” because the vision is that through these, the LGUs will be able to generate income that will allow them to procure and deploy additional E-Trikes to phase-in this technology and ultimately reduce the dependence of the local transport sector on fossil-based fuel.
III. Alignment of the E-Trikes Initiative with the NCCAP
NCCAP E-Trikes Initiative Strategic Priority
The operations of E-trikes in these 2 municipalities will reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions coming from Environmental the public transportation hence improving air quality. The and Ecological initial fleet of 100 units is envisioned to increase as the Stability repayments collected by the LGUs from E-Trike Drivers are used to acquire additional E-Trikes units.
1
Aside from reducing dependence on fossil-based fuel, the deployment of the E-trikes is also an income generating initiative as it provides livelihood for the selected drivers, who have been chosen from among the poorest, yet Human Security qualified constituents of the 2 municipalities. Women drivers were also considered. As a livelihood initiative, the E-trikes allow marginalized people to earn and provide for their families, hence giving them an opportunity to move out of poverty.
Sustainable The E-Trikes initiative specifically contributes to sustainable Energy energy use since the units are battery operated and therefore does not use fossil-based fuel to run.
Capacity development activities are provided by the DOE to ensure that the recipient Municipalities and the E-Trike Knowledge and drivers are able to operate the units and address any need Capacity for repair and maintenance. The training activities also Development include the sustainability aspect to help the LGUs recover
re-payments that will constitute a revolving fund for repair of current units and the acquisition of additional stocks.
IV. Contribution to Project Development Objectives and Outcomes
The operation of the E-Trikes in the municipalities of San Vicente and Brooke’s Point concretely contributes to the development objectives of enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth as these reduce GHG emissions while creating employment opportunities for marginalized constituents. The deployment of E-Trikes in other municipalities is envisioned based on the result of implementation in these 2 LGUs although this will require the availability of funds that may be sourced from internal LGU funds or external sources such as grants and credit. The E-Trikes initiative contributes to outcomes mapped under NCCAP Strategic Priorities of Environmental and Ecological Stability; Human Security; Sustainable Energy; and Knowledge and Capacity Development.
2 V. Mainstreaming Status of the E-Trikes Initiative
The E-Trikes initiative in the Municipalities of San Vicente and Brooke’s Point is already mainstreamed. These investments in sustainable and green transportation are operationalized as the E-Trike units are now plying selected routes in these 2 LGUs based on their respective deployment plans. As these 2 municipalities are among the urbanizing LGUs in the province, these E-Trikes also allow them to meet the Green City Indicator of sustainable transportation.
VI. Mainstreaming of the E-Trikes Initiative: Next Steps
While the E-Trikes initiative is already mainstreamed in these 2 municipalities, a number of possible next steps are identified to enhance its integration in regular LGU programs and its contribution to climate resilience and green growth. These indicative next steps aim to encourage further analysis and action to enhance the effectiveness of the E-Trikes initiative in promoting and implementing sustainable and green transportation in the other LGUs of Palawan.
A. Establishment of Solar Powered E-Trike Charging Stations. While the E- Trikes are battery powered and therefore do not use fossil-fuel, the charging stations for these batteries are through conventional outlets connected to the grid and are therefore powered using fossil-fuel. This arrangement renders the independence of these E-Trikes from fossil-fuel incomplete. For these E-Trikes to be absolutely “Zero-Emission Units” it is necessary to establish E-Trike Charging Stations that are solar powered. The Municipalities of San Vicente and Brooke’s Point may consider investing in these solar powered charging stations since the cost of capital can be recovered through charging fees that the E-Trike Drivers will pay.
B. Mobilizing Private Sector Support. The private sector needs to be encouraged to use E-vehicles in their operations and the E-Trikes currently deployed can demonstrate how these are more efficient and environmentally friendly. For instance, tourism establishments such as hotels can invest in electric vehicles in its transportation fleet to fetch and ferry guests from the airport to the hotel and vice-versa. To make this happen, the LGUs need to provide incentives to these establishments especially in cases where the said businesses are quite small to afford the cost of E-vehicles. The incentives could be in the form of tax discounts or non-fiscal ones such as recognition or giving them priority access to government services (e.g. express lane for business permit renewal, etc.). The bottom line is that the promotion of sustainable transportation is best undertaken as a partnership between LGUs and the private sector.
3 C. Management of the E-Trike Revolving Fund. The 2 municipalities need to ensure the systematic management and accounting of the E-Trikes Revolving Fund (ETRF) because this will ensure that the E-Trikes are operating based on income (i.e. Daily Repayments of E-Trike Drivers) and without LGU subsidies. The ETRF is best overseen by the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO) given that it is also in charge of other business operated by the LGU. Aside from covering the regular maintenance of the E-Trikes, the ERTF is also expected to be the source from which the LGUs may secure funds to acquire additional units of E- Trikes.
D. Construction of Bicycle Lanes and Pedestrian Walkways. The E-Trikes is just one aspect of sustainable transportation and while its novelty could attract interest from constituents and other stakeholders, it is important that the LGUs also explore other innovations that will promote low carbon transportation within its locality. A relatively inexpensive yet impactful initiative that can complement the E- Trikes initiative is the promotion of bicycle use and pedestrianization through the allocation and designation of bike lanes and walkways along roads in the municipalities. This a practical approach that will reduce GHG emissions from transportation while also promoting health and well-being among local residents. To realize this, the LGUs need to revisit their transport infrastructure plan to ensure that existing and proposed roads have allocations for bike lanes and walkways and provide municipal budgets for retrofitting as needed. This will also require the cooperation of businesses and private individuals by ensuring that their premises do not encroach into sidewalks, which are mainly reserved for people.
4
3 Implementation of the New Banua Institute Project for Resilience and Green Growth (NBIRGG) Outcome: Learning and Livelihood Center
Initial Investment: Php20M • Ongoing construction of 5 NBIRGG Centers in San Vicente, Roxas, Dumaran, Cooperators: Palawan Provincial Bataraza and Brooke’s Point Government, Municipal Governments, Department of • Climate resilient and green grassroots Science and Technology enterprises for processing seafoods, Impact Area: 5 Municipalities; seaweeds, dried fruits, vegetable noodle, 262,166 population; 150,000 and salt. Indigenous People
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PALAWAN NEW BANUA OUTCOME INSTITUTE FOR RESILIENCE AND GREEN GROWTH (NBIRGG)
I. Background
The Province of Palawan has been on an upward trend in terms of economic growth as at contributes to almost 50% of the Gross Regional Development Project (GRDP) of the MIMAROPA region. It is considered one of the best islands in the world with annual tourist arrivals of about 1.7M1.However, notwithstanding its economic performance, the province also contends with pockets of poverty considering that almost half its population of one million is accounted for by indigenous people who belong to the 7 tribes of Palawan. Aside from being impoverished, these indigenous people are also most vulnerable to extreme weather events as they reside mostly in high-risk areas (i.e., upland areas, coastlines, river banks) and lack coping capacities due to economic limitations. To promote climate resilience and green growth in the entire province, the Palawan Provincial Government, with support from the Global Green Growth Institute, has launched the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth (NBIRGG) primarily as a learning and livelihood center to improve the adaptive capacities of indigenous and marginalized communities to the impacts of climate change while expanding economic opportunities to help alleviate their poverty.
II. Primary Features of the NBIRGG
A. Goal. The NBIRGG aims to address multi-dimensional poverty and improve the socio-economic conditions of the vulnerable and marginalized communities, particularly the Indigenous People, as partners in development and stewards of the environment while improving resilience to climate change impacts.
B. Development Objectives. The NBIRGG will pursue the following development objectives: a.) Enhance the knowledge and capacities of target communities to strengthen climate resilience and promote green growth; b.) Develop grassroots entrepreneurs and establish market linkages to broaden access to economic opportunities; and c.) Nurture and cultivate indigenous knowledge to preserve local cultural identities and heritage.
1 2017 Tourism Data.
1 C. Envisioned Functions. The NBIRGG will serve the following functions:
a. Provide the “Convergence Mechanism” to harmonize, rationalize, and prioritize interventions (technical and financial) for target communities from the local and national governments as well as development partners;
b. Facilitate “Knowledge and Skills Development” for target communities on productive competencies (e.g. entrepreneurship; basic literacy; numeracy) in partnership with Government and Non-Government Training Institutions;
c. Provide “Product and Skills Matching Support” to promote the local products and facilitate skills-job matching of marginalized and vulnerable communities with potential markets;
d. Serve as champion of “Climate Resilience and Inclusive, Pro-Poor Green Growth” by organizing multi-stakeholder dialogues and studies on related concerns faced by the target communities and the Province, as a whole;
e. Serve as the “Indigenous Knowledge Center” that will preserve and nurture traditional knowledge by organizing intra and inter-tribal activities; documenting cultural practices and facilitating study visits and exchanges for target communities with relevant institutions; and
f. Serve as the “Direct Access and Feedback Channel” between the vulnerable and marginalized communities and the Provincial and Municipal Governments to facilitate their engagement and inputs in local governance.
D. Operational Mechanism. The NBIRGG will operate through the following mechanisms:
a. The NBIRGG will have its Operations Base at the Provincial Planning and Development Office to facilitate coordination and alignment with key plans and programs of the Province;
b. The NBIRGG will establish Satellite Learning Hubs or Centers in selected Municipalities to decentralize and promote access by the target communities in remote areas;
c. Initial financing for the Institute will be provided by the Provincial Government. Municipalities hosting the satellite hubs are expected to provide counterpart funds. Contributions from external partners will be encouraged (technical, in-kind, and financial assistance);
2 d. The NBIRGG will help Beneficiary and Partner Communities from the concerned vulnerable and marginalized sectors (IP Communities; Women, PWD) and organize People’s Organization to facilitate their access to Government programs; and
e. The Institute will develop a Consortium of Partners (i.e. National Government; Private Sector; CSOs; NGOs; Academe; Development Organizations; and Global Knowledge Institutions) to mobilize support for the target communities in terms of training; business development; and possible scholarships for deserving community members.
I. Alignment of the NBIRGG with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
NCCAP New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth Strategic Priority
The NBIRGG supports food security as it will establish centers in municipalities to operate community-based Food Security enterprises focusing on processing of food related products, namely: seafoods, vegetables, dried fruits and seaweeds.
As part of knowledge development, the NBIRGG centers Environmental will promote environmental stewardships among and Ecological indigenous communities along with options for more Stability responsible and sustainable use of natural resources for livelihood.
Through grassroots enterprises, the NBIRGG will create jobs and income opportunities for indigenous community Human Security members to improve their ability to access basic services and help reduce poverty.
Climate Smart The grassroots enterprises supported by the NBIRGG will Industries and operate using “green business practices” to ensure that
Services they are able to adapt to climate change impacts while minimizing dependence on fossil-based fuel.
3 Knowledge and The NBIRGG centers will serve as learning hubs to deliver Capacity capacity development activities for indigenous people and
Development community members on green enterprise development and climate adaptation tools and techniques.
II. Contribution to Project Development Objectives and Outcomes
The development objectives of enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth and the implementation and replication of climate resilient and green practices are met with the construction and subsequent operations of the NBIRGG Centers in the Municipalities of San Vicente, Roxas, Bataraza, Brooke’s Point and Dumaran. The realization of this initiative is supported through the partnership and counterpart arrangement among the Provincial Government of Palawan, Municipal Governments, and the Department of Science of Technology to put up the initial capital of around Php20M (i.e. Php4M per center). The NBIRGG initiative contributes to the attainment of outcomes under NCCAP Strategic Priorities of Environmental and Ecological Stability; Human Security; Knowledge and Capacity Development, Climate Smart Industries and Services, and Food Security.
III. Mainstreaming Status of the NBIRGG
The NBIRGG is already mainstreamed. Aside from it being an initiative under the Palawan Climate Resilient and Green Growth Development Program (CRGGDP), NBIRGG Centers are now funded and under construction in five (5) LGUs, to focus on the following grassroots enterprises:
Municipality Population2 Grassroots Enterprise Counterparts Dumaran 23, 734 Salt-Processing Center
Dried Fruits Processing Bataraza 75,468 Province: Building Center
Vegetable Noodles Brooke’s Point 66,374 Municipality: Land Processing Center
Seafoods Processing San Vicente 31,232 DOST: Equipment Center Seaweeds Processing Roxas 65,358 Center
2 2015 Population Data
4 The implementation of these 5 NBIRGG Centers is supported by counterpart contributions from the Palawan Provincial Government for building construction (average of Php2M per center); Municipal Governments for the land (average of Php1M per center); and the Department of Science and Technology for the processing equipment (average of Php1.7M per center). These 5 NBIRGG Centers will indirectly impact on a total population of 262,166 people. From this, the number of indigenous people is estimated at around 130,000 as they account for almost 50% of the provincial population. Beyond these numbers, though, the number of indigenous people that will immediately and directly benefit from these centers are expected to be less during the first 2 years of operations as these enterprises slowly gain traction from year 3 onwards.
IV. Mainstreaming of the NBIRGG: Next Steps
The NBIRGG is already mainstreamed in the Province of Palawan with the construction of the NBIRGG Centers in 5 municipalities. To support the operation of these centers and the further replication of learning hubs on climate resilience and green growth in the other areas of the province where indigenous communities reside, a number of possible steps are identified to encourage forward analysis and action to enhance the effectiveness of this initiative.
A. Operations Manual and Institutional Arrangement for the NBIRGG Centers. Apart from the physical facilities of the NBIRGG Centers, it is important to ensure that the operational aspect is likewise ready especially since the grassroots enterprises that will be supported by these centers vary. It is necessary for the Provincial Implementation Team to prepare the NBIRGG Operations Manual, which will be customized for each center. Aside from the said manual, the concerned municipalities need to establish the institutional arrangement that will support implementation such as the designation of LGU NBIRGG Focal Teams that will be responsible for co-managing activities together with the Provincial Implementation Team and coordinating with the Barangays where the indigenous communities are located.
B. Formal Launching of the NBIRGG Centers. Upon completion of the physical facilities, the NBIRGG Centers need to be officially launched to promote knowledge about these within the province and also secure support from other stakeholders given that these centers are also envisioned to serve as the “Convergence Platform” to mobilize and coordinate interventions (technical and financial) from other parties for the development of indigenous communities. Through this formal launching, it is expected that other potential partners from the private sector, civil society organization, and academe will come forward and pledge support for the centers.
5
C. Actual Implementation of Learning and Livelihood Activities. The most important aspect of mainstreaming the NBIRGG is through the actual implementation of its centers. For the aspect of learning, it is important to ensure that: a.) Indigenous workers who will be involved in processing the products for each center are trained; b.) Capacity development activities on basic business management (e.g. marketing, record keeping, accounting) are provided for concerned staff of the NBIRGG Centers; c.) Initial training activities on climate change orientation and green business practices are conducted. In terms of livelihood generation, it is necessary to ensure that each center has the following: a.) Adequate start-up funds to commence operations; b.) Enough orders from confirmed buyers for the local products that will be produced; c.) Firmed up supply and production chains to ensure standardized operations. It is projected that the first 2 years of operations will be focused on establishing operational procedures for each center; marketing services and products; and firming-up the modality for maximizing the participation of and benefits to the indigenous and marginalized communities in each LGU.
6
Project ImplementationImplementation ofof theElectric Palawan Tricycles Climate for Outcome: ResilienSustainablece and Green Transportation Growth Framework
TOURISM WATER RESOURCES TOURISM WATER RESOURCES
INFRASTRUCTUREINFRASTRUCTURE
PALAWAN CLIMATE RESILIENT AND GREEN GROWTH FRAMEWORK PALAWAN CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND GREEN GROWTH FRAMEWORK COASTAL AND MARINE
COASTAL AND MARINE
FORESTRY AND BIODIVERSITYFORESTRY AND BIODIVERSITY
AGRICULTUREAGRICULTURE
SOCIALSOCIAL
• Palawan Climate Resilience and Green Growth Framework Status: Palawan Climate Resilience and Green Growth aims to reduce climate change related damages and affected Framework implemented communities by 10%; and draw 10% of power supply from through the Palawan CRGG renewable energy sources. Development Program • Provides climate resilient and green growth strategies in
Impact Area: Entire Province (23 selected sectors Municipalities, 1 City); 994,340 • Approved for implementation through Provincial Ordinance provincial population No. 1865 •
PROJECT PALAWAN CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND GREEN GROWTH OUTCOME FRAMEWORK MAINSTREAMED FOR IMPLEMENTATION
I. Background
The Province of Palawan developed the Palawan Climate Resilience and Green Growth Framework (Palawan CRGG Framework) to strengthen the adaptive capacities of its communities and promote sustainable and inclusive development as it continues to progress as the growth center of the MIMAROPA Region. To facilitate and provide legal basis for its implementation in the entire province, the Provincial Government passed and adopted the same under Provincial Ordinance No. 1865 Series of 2017: Prescribing the Climate Resilience and Green Growth Framework for the Province of Palawan”. The said ordinance was formulated through a series of technical analyses and consultations, organized and led the by Palawan CRGG Provincial Project Team, with the concerned Sectoral Committees such as the Infrastructure Sector, Social Sector, Economic Sector, Environment and Natural Resources Sector, Development Administration Sector, and key stakeholders.
II. Primary Features of the Ordinance
This ordinance, which has the effect of a local law, underscores provisions that will mainstream climate resilience and green growth in local government processes in support of the development vision of the Province of Palawan, namely: “A premier province in the country where peace-loving people are empowered with a progressive economy in harmony with a balanced environment and rich natural resources supported by an adequate, appropriate, and efficiently managed infrastructure and a local government led by dynamic and responsible leaders”.
A. Scope. The ordinance mandates the application of the Palawan CRGG Framework in all programs and projects for social and economic development in the province. It requires the compliance of instrumentalities and LGUs under the supervision of the Provincial Government and enjoins the cooperation of National Government agencies to ensure that both public and private sector initiatives in the province are aligned with said framework. The key provisions in the ordinance relative to scope are as follows:
1 • The Palawan CRGG Framework is prescribed in the identification, formulation, planning and implementation of all programs and projects for social and economic development in the Province of Palawan.
• All national agencies, provincial government offices and functionaries, and all local government units are hereby enjoined to adopt and conform with the CRGG Framework in the “climate-proofing” of their respective priority development plans/projects/programs.
• All local government units shall enact their respective enabling ordinances in compliance with this ordinance.
• All regulatory agencies/offices are also hereby enjoined to adopt the CRGG Framework in evaluating establishments, infrastructures, and other relevant activities that are subject to their review before the issuance of the appropriate license, clearance or permit therefor.
B. Provincial Climate Resilience and Green Growth Targets. Under the Palawan CRGG Framework, the Provincial Government has set measurable targets in terms of improving adaptation to climate change impacts and reducing dependence on fossil-based energy sources.
Provincial CRGG Targets Climate • Amount of damages caused and number of communities affected Resilience by calamites and impacts due to climate change reduced by 10% by 2022 Green • At least 10% of the energy needs of the Province is provided by Growth renewable sources by 2022
C. Sectoral Climate Resilience and Green Growth Strategies. To support the achievement of the Provincial CRGG Targets, sectoral strategies have been formulated to guide policies, projects and programs in the province.
Agriculture Sector Climate • Climate resilient agricultural development is geared towards Resilience climate-proofing of hazard prone farms, utilization of climate smart agriculture varieties, species, systems, and technologies and securing agricultural harvest with crop insurance Green • Agricultural development is geared towards organic farming; Growth utilizing energy efficient agricultural water system, facilities and processing technologies
2 Infrastructure Sector Climate • Climate resilient infrastructures are geared towards climate- Resilience proofed infrastructure design, climate proofing of existing infrastructure, and directing infrastructure in hazard free-area Green • Green growth infrastructures are geared towards utilization of Growth renewable energy resources
Forestry and Biodiversity Climate • Climate resilient forestry and biodiversity are geared towards Resilience multi-partite co-management, utilization of climate resilient industrial trees in production forests, and establishment of forest fire lines Green • Green growth forest and biodiversity are geared towards Growth increasing forest cover through rehabilitation programs
Social Sector Climate • Climate resilient social development is geared towards CRGG Resilience capacitated communities located in hazard free areas with socialized housing, year-round availability of water, power, disaster prepared facilities and system, social protection, and programs responsive to climate related diseases Green • Green growth social development is geared towards reduction Growth of carbon dioxide and methane emissions
Water Resources Sector Climate • Climate resilient water resources is geared towards securing Resilience year-round water availability Green • Improved access to potable and affordable water supply is Growth geared towards inclusion among marginalized and vulnerable communities
Tourism Sector Climate • Climate resilient tourism is geared towards climate-proofing of Resilience existing tourism establishments in hazard prone areas, and directing new tourism establishments in “hazard free areas” with available year-round water, power, food supply supported by CRGG capacitated tourism practitioners. Green • Green growth tourism is geared towards promotion of low Growth carbon dioxide emission of tourism establishments, protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, reducing waste and energy use, and minimizing all forms of wastes and pollution.
3 Coastal and Marine Sector Climate • Climate resilient coastal and marine development is geared Resilience towards conservation of coral reefs, sea grasses, mangroves, and shorelines Green • Alternative and viable livelihood is geared towards vulnerable Growth fishing communities to alleviate the socio-economic impacts of climate change
III. Alignment of Palawan CRGG Framework with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
The Palawan Climate Resilient and Green Growth Framework and the strategies put forward for each sector support the priorities of the NCCAP. The points of intersection are presented in the following sections.
NCCAP Palawan CRGG Framework Strategies Strategic Priority
The Palawan CRGG Framework aims to sustain food production by the local agriculture sector in the face of extreme weather events. It promotes climate resilient agriculture through the application of climate smart agriculture practices and inputs, enrolment in crop insurance, and mapping and climate-proofing of hazard Food Security prone farming areas. To mitigate Green House Gas (GHG) emissions from the sector, the framework supports organic farming and the use of efficient and renewable energy to power agriculture processing systems. In terms of marine based food-supply, the framework prioritizes the conservation of coastal reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses to minimize the impacts of climate change.
Access to potable water is a basic need yet a challenge among the poorer communities. The Palawan CRGG Framework aims to ensure equitable access to safe water Water supply through inclusive and affordable mechanisms
Sufficiency especially among the marginalized and vulnerable communities. To realize this, it intends to plan for and address the likely impacts of climate change, such as reduced rainfall, erosion and siltation of water bodies, that
4 could affect the quantity and quality of provincial water sources.
Ensuring the integrity and the sustainable use the natural environment to address present needs while mindful of the future generation is a principle that cuts across the Environmental strategies in the Palawan CRGG Framework. Towards this and Ecological the framework supports multi-party co-management of Stability natural resources to consider the concerns of stakeholders and the protection of forestry and biodiversity through rehabilitation and protection programs.
Under the Palawan CRGG Framework, the overall target is to reduce the damages caused by climate change impacts on communities by 10% in 2022. To realize this, the provincial government will strengthen vulnerable Human Security communities through the provision of socialized housing, water, power and health facilities that will improve their adaptive capacities. Improvement of awareness and knowledge will also be pursued to minimize the contribution of communities to GHG emissions.
The economy of Palawan is the most robust in the MIMAROPA Region as it accounts for almost 50% of the
Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). With this, the Sustainable demand for electricity continue to increase even as the Energy province contends with power that is relatively unstable
and relatively more expensive. To address this, the Palawan
CRGG Framework aims to source at least 10% its power supply from renewable energy by 2022.
5 Tourism is among the primary economic drivers in the province as Palawan hosts both local and international tourists on almost a year-round basis. Estimates indicate that around 1M tourists visit the province every year thus Climate Smart effectively doubling the total local population. For this Industries and reason, the tourism strategies of the provincial government
Services include climate-proofing of existing tourism establishments in hazard prone areas while directing new tourism establishments in “hazard free areas”; developing the capacities of tourism practitioners; promotion of green tourism establishments that minimize wastes, pollution and energy use; and protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Among the strategies of the Palawan CRGG Framework is enhancing the capacities of vulnerable communities and tourism workers to respond to the impacts of climate change and pursue green growth initiatives. This is an important element of the framework because almost 50% (half a million) of the provincial population are indigenous Knowledge and people, belonging to the 7 tribes of Palawan, who require Capacity improved awareness about preparing for and addressing Development climate change impacts to reduce their vulnerability. The
capacity development for the tourism sector is equally important because it is among the primary economic drivers of several LGUs in the province. Tourism attractions are also largely “nature-based”, which make them exposed to climate change risks while human activities could also cause adverse effects on the environment.
IV. Contribution to Development Objectives and Outcomes
The Palawan CRGG Framework is officially mainstreamed in the Province of Palawan through the approval of Provincial Ordinance 1865. It significantly contributes to enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth as it identifies targets and strategies that will be pursued across the primary sectors of Infrastructure, Agriculture, Water Resources, Tourism, Coastal and Marine, Social, and Forestry and Biodiversity. It is also able to demonstrate implementation and replication as it mandates municipalities in the province to enact their respective ordinances to support the framework and observe the same in the identification and
6 implementation of projects and programs; and enjoins National Government Agencies to consider this as they oversee and regulate private sector activities.
In terms of outcomes, the implementation of the strategies under the Palawan CRGG Framework will allow the province to contribute to the NCCAP Strategic Priorities of Food Security, Water Sufficiency, Environmental and Ecological Stability, Human Security, Sustainable Energy, Climate Smart Industries and Services, Knowledge and Capacity Development, as elaborated in Section III.
V. Mainstreaming Status of the Palawan CRGG Framework
Given its provincial scope and with actual implementation, the Palawan CRGG Framework is seen as a ground-breaking initiative in the subject of local climate governance because it has the potential to foster a unified and coordinated approach to climate adaptation and green economic development among the 23 municipalities and 1 city comprising the province. To realize this, it is necessary that the Palawan CRGG Framework is mainstreamed and actually implemented by public and private organizations and communities in the province. This section analyzes the current status in mainstreaming of the Palawan CRGG Framework, by way of Provincial Ordinance No. 1865.
Level Analysis
The Palawan CRGG Framework, being prescribed by a provincial ordinance, is already officially mainstreamed in the local governance process of the Provincial Government of Palawan. As the ordinance has the effect of a local law, the concerned instrumentalities subject to the ordinance, such as Provincial Government Offices and local government units under the supervision of the Provincial Provincial Government, are required to abide by it thus making it Government more institutionalized and far reaching. This also makes the Level Palawan CRGG Framework a fundamental reference in the formulation of LGU plans within the province, such as the Provincial Development and Planning Framework (PDPFP), Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), and the Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP), among others, as well as sectoral plans.
7 The ordinance prescribes the Palawan CRGG Framework in the identification, formulation, planning and implementation of all programs and projects for social and economic development in the Province of Palawan and it Municipal requires all local government units under the Provincial Government Government to enact their respective enabling and Level supporting ordinances. This offers significant potential for the harmonization, coordination and alignment of programs and projects at the provincial and municipal levels towards climate resilience and green growth.
National Government Agencies (NGAs) operating in the Province of Palawan contribute to the socio-economic development and support the provision of services although they are not under the administrative supervision of the Provincial Government. Considering the important National role of these NGAs, the provincial ordinance enjoins them Government to adopt the Palawan CRGG Framework because this will Agencies Level facilitate alignment of national and local government plans and programs in the province. For instance, the Provincial Office of the Department of Trade and Industry could support the promotion of climate resilient and green business practices among the Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises in the province.
Mainstreaming the Palawan CRGG Framework among the private sector and businesses should be the ultimate aim of the Palawan CRGG Framework given that they are the engines of growth and, in most cases, influence the economic direction of local governments. To facilitate this, the provincial ordinance enjoins regulatory agencies in the Private Sector province to adopt the framework as basis in their
Level examination and issuance of permits for private establishments. For instance, if a private enterprise applies for business permit for a proposed tourism establishment, then the LGU Business Processing and Licensing Office is expected to ensure that business is located in a hazard-free area, consistent with the Palawan CRGG Strategy for the Tourism Sector.
8 VI. Mainstreaming of the Palawan CRGG Framework: Next Steps
Through the issuance and approval of Provincial Ordinance 1865, the Palawan CRGG Framework is officially mainstreamed through legislation in the Province of Palawan. However, the mainstreaming of the framework through the said policy needs to be supplemented with follow-up actions to facilitate “mainstreaming through implementation” across LGUs and other stakeholders such as National Government Agencies, civil society, private sector and communities in the province. A set of indicative next steps have been identified to encourage further analysis and action to support the practical mainstreaming and implementation of the framework.
A. Implementing Rules and Regulations for Provincial Ordinance 1865. The Provincial Government needs to formulate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Provincial Ordinance 1865 to provide the detailed mechanisms that will operationalize the Palawan CRGG Framework as provided for in the said ordinance. This is a very important task that requires significant technical and coordination efforts with the concerned stakeholders in the Province such as the Provincial Government Departments, LGUs, National Government Agencies, and Private Sector Organizations.
B. Provincial Level Demonstration through Pilot Programs and Budget Allocation. The Palawan CRGG Framework needs to be demonstrated through pilot implementation so that stakeholders are gradually introduced activities that will support its climate resilient and green growth strategies. Funds for pilot implementation need to be provided in the Annual Provincial Budget. The Provincial Government has already formulated the Palawan Climate Resilient and Green Growth Development Program, which includes pilot initiatives to implement the framework such as the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth, among others.
C. Province Initiated Capacity Development. The Palawan CRGG Framework has multi-sectoral application and it is important to ensure that key stakeholders in the concerned sectors are on the same page in terms of implementation approaches. As the IRR for the Palawan CRGG Framework serves as fundamental reference for implementation, this needs to be complemented by training activities as well.
For instance, as the Palawan CRGG Framework requires the “climate-proofing and greening of tourism establishments”, this will primarily require Provincial and Municipal Tourism Officers to work with tourism enterprises to define the scope of such a strategy so that this is implemented considering practical and business conscious approaches. At the minimum, the Provincial and Municipal Tourism Plans
9 should be revisited and harmonized to delineate the zones exposed to climate change hazards. Options to create a “green tourism circuit” can also be identified to foster economies of scale across public and private tourism support infrastructure and facilities across LGUs. For instance, a more synchronized or unified tourism transport system that services the tourism hotspots across the municipalities can be developed to maximize the current use of fossil-based fuel transportation system for moving tourists. Presently, the transportation system for tourism is largely operated by individual operators that compete with each other.
In terms of climate resilient and green infrastructure, the Provincial and Municipal Engineering Offices need to develop and agree on the “applicable technical standards” for climate-proofed and green infrastructure. As the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already issued the “Philippine Green Building Code” as a referral code to the National Building Code, training should be provided for the Provincial and Municipal Engineering Offices and even engineering professionals in the Province to ensure that there is common understanding of technical standards that will support the achievement of climate resilient and green strategies for the infrastructure sector.
D. Province Wide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Program. It is important for the Provincial Government to promote the Palawan CRGG Framework and its climate resilient and green growth strategies in the entire province through multi-media platforms (i.e. conventional and online platforms) so that these are gradually introduced and effectively absorbed by key stakeholders and constituents. Aside from producing IEC materials in the local language to benefit also the indigenous and marginalized communities, a more deliberate strategy to communicate needs to be pursued such as forming Local CRGG IEC Champions in each Municipality and Barangay. The Palawan CRGG Framework has the potential to steer the development direction of the province towards climate resilience and green growth and this can be achieved only if there is collective support from local constituents based on their awareness of the benefits that this can bring to address current needs and ensure the welfare of future generations.
E. Formulation and Adoption of Supporting Municipal Ordinance and IRR. The implementation of the Palawan CRGG Framework in the whole province of Palawan requires the passage and adoption by all municipalities of their respective municipal ordinances that supports the said framework. While this is already mandated in Provincial Ordinance 1865, it is necessary for the Provincial Government to work closely and help each municipality in formulating this given that capacities greatly vary across these LGUs. Apart from the municipal ordinances, the LGUs will also require assistance in developing the Implementing Rules and Regulations that will support the roll-out of these ordinances.
10 F. Capacity Development on Local Legislation for Climate Resilience and Green Growth. Most municipalities, through their technical staff, have already received training on the basics of climate change and green growth. However, to facilitate the legislation of the required municipal ordinances, it is essential that municipal elected officials, such as the local chief executive and legislators, are also provided with training to help them in legislating ordinances that will support the Palawan CRGG Framework. As the local legislation process involves non- government actors and stakeholders, they should likewise be involved in the said training activities. It should be noted though that the local elections are held every 3 years and as these often usher in new sets of elected officials, it is important to consider conducting this training on local climate change legislation on a more regular basis to ensure that knowledge on climate change issues are continuously updated and political support for climate resilient and green growth agenda is sustained.
G. Enhanced Barangay and Community Level Involvement. The holistic implementation of the Palawan CRGG Framework in the entire province requires the involvement of communities through their respective Barangay Governments, which serve as the primary link with Municipal Governments at the grassroots level. In practical terms, the effectiveness of the municipal ordinances to support the Palawan CRGG Framework relies heavily on the ability of Barangay Officials to relay the same to the communities. For instance, the strategy to develop climate resilient and green communities entails direct interaction with households to apprise them about climate change risks, and collect information about their needs, and this will require support from Barangay Staff. Hence, appropriate training and orientation for Barangay Officials, Staff and communities should likewise be provided.
H. Provincial CRGG Roll-Out Working Group. The National Government Agencies (NGAs) operating in the province are not technically under the administrative supervision of the Provincial Government but they are important partners in the charting the development direction of the province, particularly in terms of implementing projects that are designed and funded by the National Government. Given this, it is necessary to ensure that these NGAs are fully aware and supportive of the strategies and targets in the Palawan CRGG Framework. For instance, the DPWH should recognize the strategy of climate-proofing infrastructure design, revisit existing infrastructure, and work with the Provincial and Municipal Engineering Offices towards this.
As the “Philippine Green Building Code” provides the DPWH Personnel and Provincial and Municipal Engineering Offices common technical reference, pursuing climate resilient and green growth strategies in the implementation of both local and national infrastructure programs in the province require an even
11 closer coordination. An option that the Provincial Government can pursue is to form a “Provincial CRGG Roll-Out Working Group” that can serve as platform for LGUs, NGAs, Civil Society, and Private Sector to collectively agree on coordinated implementation steps to demonstrate and translate the framework into action through multi-stakeholder pilot initiatives that take a “whole of province approach”. This working group can also provide the venue to fine-tune the strategies to take into account lessons from implementation.
I. Mobilizing Private Sector Cooperation: Ease of Doing “Climate Resilient and Green” Business. The private sector will play the largest part in mainstreaming and implementing the Palawan CRGG Framework since business enterprises dictate the economic direction of the province. To secure the compliance of the private sector, the provincial ordinance enjoins regulatory agencies in the province to adopt the framework in the examination and issuance of permits for private establishments. While this could be an effective approach, the important question is the readiness of these regulatory agencies, both local and national, to integrate the Palawan CRGG Framework in their standards for the evaluation of business application and issuance of permits. The Municipal Business Permitting and Licensing Office (BPLO) is in charge of reviewing business applications and it will require technical assistance to update its Application Requirements to incorporate the salient features of the Palawan CRGG Framework. For instance, in the application, the BPLO can require the business applicant to submit a certification from the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO) that the business will be located in a hazard-free area; and a similar certification from the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO) that the building where the business is/will be located is “green”. While these requirements will support the implementation of the framework, the next important question is the implication of these requirements in terms of “ease of doing business”.
This will require a balancing act and a phased approach can be pursued. Firstly, the concerned regulatory agencies need to be identified and their cooperation secured, particularly in the case of NGAs. From this, technical assistance and training need to be provided to examine their evaluation standards and permitting requirements to introduce enhancements to align these with the Palawan CRGG Framework. Once these agencies and their respective requirements are mapped, technical support is necessary to help them harmonize these standards and permitting requirements so that business applicants are aware of these and not unreasonably burdened. Investments in technology to create a “single online portal” for these new requirements is necessary to simplify the process. At the same time, internal government checklists can be established to make it easier for business applicants. For instance, if the Municipality is able to automate its CLUP and cadastral database, then a business applicant who submits his online
12 application to the BPLO will no longer need to secure certification from the MPDO that his business location is hazard free because the online application should be able to link with the CLUP and cadastral database to automatically flag if the business address is in a hazard prone area or otherwise. With the appropriate IEC and a reasonably simplified and business friendly process, the support of the private sector for the Palawan CRGG Framework can be secured.
13 CLIMATE RESILIENT AND GREEN GROWTH (CRGG) PALAWAN STR ATEGIC DIRECTION FRAMEWORK
PGP DEVELOPMENT A premier province in the country where peace-loving and empowered people, and a progressive economy are in harmony with a balan ced environment and rich VISION natural resources supported by an adequate, appropriate, and efficiently-m anaged infrastructure, and a local government led by dynamic and responsible leaders.
At least 10% of the energy needs of the Province is provided by renew able CRGG TARGETS Amount of damages caused and number of communities affected by calamities and impacts due to climate change reduced by 10% by 2022. sources by 2022.
Agrculture Infrastructure Forestry & Biodiversity Social Sector Water Resources Tourism Coastal & Marine Climate Green Growth Climate Green Growth Climate Green Growth Climate Green Growth Climate Green Growth Climate Green Growth Climate Green Growth Resilience Resilience Resilience Resilience Resilience Resilience Resilience
Climate-Resilient Climate-Resilient A Climate-Resilient Social Development Tourism Agricultural is geared towards Development is Green Growth Development is Climate-Resilient CRGG-capacitated geared towards Tourism is geared geared toward Agricultural Climate-Resilient Forestry and communities located climate-proofing of towards promotion climate-proofing of Development is Infrastructures are Biodiversity are Green Growth in hazard-free Improved access to existing of low carbon Climate-Resilient Alternative and hazard-prone geared towards geared towards Green Growth geared towards Forest and areas with Green Growth Climate-Resilient potable and establishment in dioxide emission of Coastal Marine viable livelihood is farms, utilization of organic farming; climate-proofing Infrastrcutures are multi-partite co- Biodiversity are socialized housing, Social Development Water Resources is affordable water hazard-prone tourism Development is geared towards climate-smart utilizing energy infrastructure geared towards management, geared towards year-round is geared towards geared towards supply is geared areas, and establishments, geared towards vulnerable fishing agricultural efficient agricultural design, climate- utilization of utilization of climate- increasing forest availability of water, reduction of carbon securing year- towards inclusion directing new protecting conservation of communities to proofing of existing renewable and among tourism ecosystems and virieties, species, water system, resilient industrial cover through power, disaster- dioxide and roundd water coral reefs, sea alleviate the socio- infrastructure, and efficient energy marginalized and establishment in biodiversity,
CRGG CRGG STRATEGIES systems, and facilities and trees in production rehabilitation prepared facilities methane emission. availability. grasses, economic impacts directing sources. vulnerable hazard-free areas reducing waste technologies and processing forests, and programs. and system, social mangroves, and of climate change. infrastructure in communities. with available year- and energy use, securing technologies. establishment of protection, and shoreline. agricultural harvest hazard-free areas. forest fire lines. programs round water, and minimizing all with crop responsive to power, food supply forms of waste and insurance. climate-related supported by pollution. diseases. CRGG-capacitated tourism practitioner.
Resettlement of Communities Establishment of Organic Establishment of Renewable Mangrove Forest Resource Co- Establishment of Establishment of Water Supply Establishment Sustainable Tourism Coastal Rehabilitation Program Plantation Energy Sources Management and Development Located in CC Institute Development Program Hazard Prone Area
- Food Production - Solar Power Garden - Protection and Conservation - LSP - CC Advocates - Watershed Management - Community-based Sustainable - Coral Reef Rehabilitation PROGRAMS - Bio-Fuel Farms - Livelihood - Training Modules - Water Reservoir and Distribution Tourism PILOT PROJECTS / / PROJECTS PILOT - Tourism System
Bataraza / Rizal Aborlan / Dumaran Dumaran Culion Linapacan Busuanga Aborlan Brooke's Point PILOT PILOT AREAS
Brooke's Point Bataraza / Brooke's Point Quezon 22 LGUs Quezon / Rizal Arac eli El Nido Roxas AREAS REPLICATION
Implementation of the Palawan Project Climate Resilient and Green Growth Outcome: Development Program
• Palawan CRRG Development Program funded Status: Selected initiatives of Palawan and implemented under Provincial Ordinance CRGG Development Program No. 2091 ongoing implementation • Projects and activities under the Palawan CRRG
Impact Area: Entire Province (23 Development Program funded under the Municipalities, 1 City); 994,340 Annual Investment Plan and included in the provincial population Local Development Investment Plan
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PALAWAN CLIMATE RESILIENT OUTCOME AND GREEN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
I. Background
The Palawan Climate Resilient and Green Growth Development Program (PRGGDP) was formulated the Palawan CRGG Project Team to facilitate the implementation of pilot initiatives that support the climate resilient and green growth strategies under the Palawan CRGG Framework. The Palawan CRGGDP was approved officially through Provincial Ordinance 2091: “Establishing the Guidelines in the Implementation and Utilization of Funds of the Climate Resilient and Green Growth Development Program (CRGGDP)” passed on 19 March 2019. Through this, the Palawan CRGG Development Program is adopted by the Provincial Government and integrated in LGU plans.
II. Primary Features of the Palawan CRGG Development Program
The Palawan CRGGDP covers five (5) pilot initiatives, as described below, and will involve handholding and technical assistance activities between the Provincial Government and Municipal Governments. The implementation of these initiatives entails the following: a.) Organization of Provincial Implementation Team; b.) Capability Building and Skills Training; c.) Workshops and Writing Seminars.
Pilot Initiative 1: Establishment of CRGDDP Database. The Provincial Government of Palawan recognizes the importance of data to inform evidence- based decisions and actions; and monitor and measure the results of policies, programs and projects, not just for climate resilience and green growth but in terms of local governance in general. Given this, the Palawan CRGGDP includes the establishment of a Climate Resilience and Green Growth Project Database for the entire province in coordination with municipalities, barangays, and communities. Among others, the development of the said database will include collection, processing and analysis of information pertaining to: a.) Risk Assessment; b.) Vulnerability Assessment; and c.) Green Economy Profiling. This will also include the development of a CRGGDP Monitoring and Evaluation System, which is aligned with the targets and strategies under the Palawan CRGG Framework, to facilitate simpler and standardize processing of data using appropriate technology applications.
1
Pilot Initiative 2: Local Climate Change Action Plan Updating and Revision. The Climate Change Act of 2009 requires LGUs to prepare Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) to help them anticipate and respond to climate change impacts. However, as LGUs, particularly those in the lower income classes, have limited technical capacities to prepare even the mandated local plans, they are all the more constrained to prepare LCCAPs as this requires basic understanding of climate change concepts. This pilot initiative aims to support municipalities in preparing LCCAPs that incorporate assessments of climate hazard exposure; sensitivity and threat level; and adaptive capacities, as well as modules on setting targets and prioritizing programs, projects, and activities for climate change adaptation and mitigation. In working with Municipalities, the Provincial Government intends to cascade the Palawan CRGG Framework and encourage LGUs to prepare LCCAPs and identify local projects that are aligned with this.
Pilot Initiative 3: Mainstreaming Landscape Governance Planning Framework in CLUP of Small Island Municipalities. Out of the 23 municipalities in Palawan, 11 are island municipalities that are in varying degrees of economic development and natural resource conservation. Given their limited access to the amenities of mainland Palawan, the people in these island municipalities often lack quality access to basic needs. For one, stable and affordable power supply is a challenge since they are not connected to the main provincial grid. It is also relatively more difficult for relief services and goods to reach them to support rehabilitation after events of national calamities. Considering this, the Provincial Government aims to help improve the adaptive capacities of these island municipalities by introducing the landscape governance framework in the CLUP and other development plans of these municipalities. The said framework prioritizes environmental protection given that most of their constituents are largely dependent on natural resources for their livelihood; social development to promote access to basic needs such as power, water, health and education; and economic development to help determine and maximize their comparative advantages and create jobs and income.
Pilot Initiative 4: Mainstreaming Green City Planning Framework in CLUP of Large and Urbanizing Municipalities. Most of the municipalities in Palawan are urbanizing local governments and this is expected given that the Province is responsible for almost 50% of the economic activities in the MIMAROPA region. However, while urbanization carries with it progress, jobs, and income, it also comes with negative externalities such as pollution, environmental degradation, traffic congestion, displacement and poverty. These symptoms are gradually manifesting
2 in the growth nodes across the province, which could worsen with the impacts of climate change. The Provincial Government aims to work with these urbanizing municipalities and introduce the green city planning framework in updating their CLUP and other local plans. The said framework promotes green and resilient infrastructure and sustainable transportation; renewable energy; circular economy business model; establishment of green spaces and public parks; creation of green jobs; and adoption of innovative and culturally sensitive strategies and practices climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management.
Pilot Initiative 5: Mainstreaming DRRM and CCA in Community Development and Poverty Reduction Programs. While Palawan supports almost 50% of the MIMAROPA economy, the province has pockets of poverty especially in the rural areas where almost 500,000 indigenous people live. The province has established community-based poverty reduction programs that include the provision of livelihood opportunities for upland communities such as Napier grass production and goat-raising among others. The Provincial Government is aware that the poor communities in Palawan are also the most vulnerable to climate change impacts given the location and quality of their dwelling and their lack of access to regular income sources. As these communities, particularly in the upland areas, derive their livelihood from the environment, they have a big role to play in allaying the impacts of extreme weather events given that their nature-based livelihood activities, such as “kaingin farming”, contribute to soil erosion and flooding in lowland areas. It is also recognized that these poor and indigenous communities have the potential to be environment stewards given their familiarity with the upland areas and the presence of indigenous knowledge in addressing the impacts of extreme weather events.
Given this, the Provincial Government aims to introduce programs that will integrate poverty reduction, disaster risk reduction and management, and climate change adaptation to marginalized and vulnerable communities. The province will establish the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth (NBIRGG) as a learning and livelihood center for indigenous and marginalized communities. The NBIRGG will consist of satellite units that will be set-up in the poorest municipalities to help establish community-based enterprises while providing vulnerable communities with updated information about climate change risks. The activities under this initiative also include the formation of CRGG Community Advocates and Volunteers who will help with grassroots IEC to promote the Palawan CRGG Framework among poorer households. It will also support the climate-proofing of rural-based livelihood and enterprises to ensure that they are able to cope with extreme weather events. Financial assistance will also be extended to the most vulnerable and marginalized community members subject to the qualification criteria that will be developed by the Provincial Implementation Team.
3
III. Alignment of Palawan Climate Resilient and Green Growth and Development Program with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
NCCAP Palawan CRGG Development Program Strategic Priority
The Palawan CRGG Development Program involves the provision of technical assistance for Small Island Municipalities to help them adapt to climate change impacts while also developing the self-sufficiency of their Food Security local economies. This involves strengthening the resilience of their local agriculture sector so that they can produce adequate food supply for consumption of local residents given that access to food from the mainland is constrained.
Ensuring adequate water resources is a key strategy in working with both Small Island Municipalities and Large and Urbanizing Municipalities in the province. Water is a basic need, yet it is a finite resource that is threatened by climate change impacts as reduced rainfall and the Water continued denudation of watersheds affect the quantity Sufficiency and quality of available water supply. In island municipalities access to Level 3 water systems remains a challenge, while urbanizing LGUs face growing demand for water coming from a population that continue to increase due to migration and tourism.
As Palawan is considered the Philippine’s Last Frontier, safeguarding forestry, biodiversity and coastal and marine resources is a priority thrust under the Palawan CRGG Development Program in working with Small Island Environmental Municipalities and Large and Urbanizing Municipalities. and Ecological This also among the objectives in implementing the Stability combined approach of poverty reduction, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction for indigenous communities so that they can be partners of LGUs in environmental stewardship.
4 The Palawan CRGG Development Program aims to strengthen the capacities of communities to adapt to climate change impacts. To achieve this, the program will establish the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Human Security Growth to support indigenous communities in terms of providing livelihood, education and training to establish grassroots enterprises and reduce poverty while also teaching them concepts and tools on climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management.
Power is a major concern in the Province of Palawan. In growth areas, the continued increase of population due to migration and tourism creates considerable demand for power, which the present supply cannot sufficiently address. Aside from periodic power outages, the cost of Sustainable electricity, which is largely generated using fossil fuel, is Energy also very high. In island municipalities, on the other hand, access to electricity is limited as they are not connected to the main grid. The Palawan CRGG Development Program aims to promote renewable energy to address this situation and meet the Palawan CRGG Framework target of sourcing 10% of the provincial power supply from renewable energy.
The Palawan CRGG Development Program recognizes that the more sustainable approach to poverty reduction is to develop grassroots enterprises among the poor communities. Along this line, the New Banua Institute provides start-up capital and technical assistance to help Climate Smart establish community-based livelihood and businesses for Industries and marginalized and vulnerable communities. The said
Services enterprises are also envisioned to be climate resilient and green while promoting the use of natural materials and local skills and manpower. The said institute also aims to be the market-matching platform to promote these indigenous products to buyers within and outside of the province while also encouraging support from potential investors and sponsors.
5 Enhancing knowledge and capacity development is an integral and cross-cutting theme across the pilot initiatives under the Palawan CRGG Development Program. The modality of implementing the said program is through the formation of a Provincial Implementation Team that will Knowledge and handhold municipalities and communities in the Capacity implementation of the five pilot initiatives. Technology
Development transfer is envisioned in updating the LCCAP and in working with island and urban municipalities. On the other hand, the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth serves as the physical learning hub to cultivate indigenous knowledge and broaden the understanding of climate change risks among communities so that they can adapt better to the impacts of climate change.
IV. Contribution to Project Development Objectives and Outcomes
The Palawan CRGG Development Program contributes to the objectives of enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth as it already puts forward specific pilot initiatives to implement across LGUs in the province. It will be able to demonstrate implementation and replication as it introduces the program in the target municipalities through the Provincial Implementation Team. With respect to outcomes, the implementation of the Palawan CRGG Development Program is aligned and will contribute to achievement of the NCCAP Strategic Priorities as discussed in Section III.
V. Mainstreaming Status of the Palawan CRGG Development Program
The Palawan CRGG Development Program is officially mainstreamed via legislation in the Province of Palawan through the approval of Provincial Ordinance 2091: “Establishing the Guidelines in the Implementation and Utilization of Funds of the Climate Resilient and Green Growth Development Program (CRGGDP)”. In terms of practical mainstreaming, the Palawan CRGG Development Program is also on track as it is supported under the CY2019 Annual Investment Plan of the province. The Provincial Implementation Team has also conducted a number of pilot initiatives under the program particularly the official launch of the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth, and the conduct of technical assistance for selected municipalities in updating their LCCAP and CLUPs to incorporate climate resilient and green growth strategies.
6
VI. Mainstreaming of the Palawan CRGG Development Program: Next Steps
The Palawan CRGG Development Program is mainstreamed through provincial legislation and a number of activities under the program are currently implemented in selected LGUs. In support of this framework, a number of possible and indicative steps have been identified to encourage further analysis and action to facilitate its mainstreaming and implementation across the entire province.
A. Developing a Province-Wide CRGGP Database. Addressing climate change impacts at the LGU level requires the use of updated and accurate local climate data that will provide basis for local governments and communities to proactively prepare for natural calamities. The challenge, however, is that most LGUs have always struggled with local data collection and management given limited technical capacities – a situation that is seen as even more challenging when it comes to local climate and green growth data, which are more technical and LGUs are less familiar with. The initiative to develop a province-wide CRGGDP Database is an important aspect of mainstreaming climate resilience and green growth in the Province of Palawan. However, to implement this effectively, the following are important elements to consider:
1. Decentralized Data Management Approach. The CRGGDP Provincial Implementation Team needs to decentralize data collection and management to the municipalities and the barangays comprising the province. This is a more practical approach that facilitates ownership and empowerment among the other LGUs while also promoting shared responsibility.
2. Formation of Municipal and Barangay CRGGDP Data Point Persons. To implement the decentralized approach, each municipality will be required to designate its Municipal CRGGDP Data Point Person (more likely from the Planning Office), which serves as lead, and Barangay CRGGDP Data Point Persons for each barangay comprising the municipality. Hence, for the entire province of Palawan, there will be 24 Municipal CRGGDP Data Point Persons and 4331 Barangay CRGGDP Data Point Persons. With this manpower complement, the CRGGDP Provincial Implementation Team should have adequate support to roll-out the development of the CRGGDP Database.
3. Capacity Development for Municipal and Barangay CRGGDP Data Point Persons. Once the LGU CRGGDP Data Point Persons are designated, the Provincial Government needs to conduct capacity development activities to train
1 Including Puerto Princesa City.
7 them on the methodology for data collection, processing and management. It should be noted that the role of data point persons is an ad-hoc assignment for these municipal and barangay personnel hence, as much as possible, simplified tools should be utilized to minimize the workload impact of this additional task.
4. Use of Technology for Data Consolidation and Management. With 433 barangays and multiple data points, the CRGGDP Database is expected to be a complex system that will require automated processing as a manual process exposes it to potential errors in the various aspects of data management, such as encoding among others. For this reason, it is important for the Provincial Government to invest in an automated CRGGDP Database system and train the LGU CRGGDP Data Point Persons in operating the same with pre-set levels of access so that manual submission and multiple data handling are minimized.
5. Application of the CRGGDP Database. The municipalities and the barangays need to understand the usefulness of the CRGGDP Database to inform local decision making, policy formulation and planning. The appreciation of how the database is applied will serve as the primary motivation for the municipalities and barangays to continue supporting the Provincial Implementation Team in the implementation of the CRGGDP Database.
B. LGU CRGG Performance Indicators. The success of the Palawan CRGG Development Program will rely mainly on the support of municipalities and barangays in the province. While official and “policy support” in terms of municipal level ordinances may be secured, it is necessary that “practical support” is likewise attained through institutional mechanisms that are more sustainable and which LGUs may pursue autonomously.
An approach that the Provincial Government can consider is to establish LGU CRGG Performance Indicators that municipalities and barangays will be required to achieve. For instance, among such indicators is “number of households in high risk areas”. Relative to this indicator, LGUs will be required to commit performance targets such as “percentage reduction in the number of households in high risk areas over a given period of time”. As LGUs comply with this, the number of households in high risk areas (e.g. coastlines, river banks) will be reduced and the potential damages from extreme weather events will likewise be less.
C. LGU CRGG Performance Incentive System. To encourage LGUs to comply with the CRGG performance indicators, it is important to devise and adopt the appropriate incentive system to recognize LGUs that are able to meet their performance targets. The recognition could be in the form of material incentives, such as grants from the Provincial Government or non-material incentive such as
8 awards for the most climate resilient or green municipality and barangays. As this incentive system is institutionalized, it becomes more ingrained in the local development planning process of LGUs in the province such that the indicators are consciously integrated and measured in the mandated LGU plans such as the CLUP, CDP and LCCAP.
D. Province Wide Ranking of Climate Resilient and Green LGUs. Perhaps the most effective instrument to secure LGU support for the climate resilient and green growth strategies in the Palawan is to establish a ranking of climate resilient and green LGUs based on how they have performed against the envisioned LGU CRGG Performance Indicators. This ranking can be made as public information that facilitates “peer to peer comparison” across LGUs with the objective of publicly recognizing those that have performed well and encouraging those that have lagged behind to perform better. More importantly, this provides constituents a better understanding of how safe or vulnerable they are in their respective LGUs and in turn empower them to encourage their leaders to initiate policies and actions to meet the CRGG performance indicators and reduce their exposure to extreme weather events. Along the same line, a significant incentive resulting from this LGU ranking is that it will also influence investments as private sector will be encouraged to locate in LGUs that are more ready for climate change impacts, and of course, discourage them from venturing in LGUs that have not performed as well as the others. This province wide ranking of climate resilient and green LGUs, if designed and operated well, has the potential to foster coordinated climate resilient and green growth actions among LGUs, communities, and the private sector.
E. Partnership with Academic Institutions and Private Sector Organizations. The implementation of the Palawan CRGG Development Program should not be confined only to LGUs and NGAs in the province. Partnership with academic institutions ca be pursued as a mechanism to mainstream and integrate capacity development modules on climate resilience and green growth in academic course offerings as this will allow expanded reach given the regular enrolment of students on a yearly basis. Furthermore, academic institutions are also in a very good position to update and upgrade these modules given their access to research materials and network of other experts. On the other hand, partnership with the private sector is critical to sustain these initiatives and broaden their impacts. For instance, in the implementation of grassroots enterprises under the New Banua Institute for Resilience and Green Growth it is necessary to mobilize private sector support to ensure that that there is steady market for products produced by communities. Sponsorship programs can also be explored where a private organization provides financial assistance, perhaps as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Program, for communities to procure inputs and materials that they can use in the production of higher value products.
9
Project ImplementationImplementation of of Green Electric City Tricycles Framework for Outcome: for UrbanizingSustainable Municipalities Transportation in Palawan
PALAWAN GREEN CITY FRAMEWORK
Status: Ongoing • Palawan Green City Framework is designed to integrate climate implementation through adaptation and green growth in the development direction of technical assistance by the large and urbanizing municipalities in the province Provincial Government • Covers the areas of Renewable Energy, Sustainable Impact Area: Large and Transportation, Waste Management, Energy Efficient Urbanizing Municipalities Infrastructure, Water and Sanitation, Green Spaces, CCA-DRRM, in the province Inclusive Development, Biodiversity and Land Use
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN CITY FRAMEWORK FOR OUTCOME LARGE AND URBANIZING MUNICIPALITIES IN PALAWAN
I. Background
The Province of Palawan adopted the Palawan Green City Framework to facilitate the mainstreaming of climate resilience and green growth strategies in large and urbanizing municipalities in the province. In support of this, the Palawan Provincial Government formulated and approved Provincial Resolution No. 14084: “Approving and Endorsing the Green City Framework to be Incorporated in the Formulation of Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Municipalities of Palawan”.
II. Primary Features of the Palawan Green City Framework
The Palawan Green City Framework is designed to help urbanizing and large municipalities pursue a development direction that is less dependent on fossil fuel and adaptive to the impacts of climate change. The framework is characterized mainly through a set of Green City Indicators covering selected themes as follows:
Indicators • Number of renewable energy installations in the LGU Theme 1: • Capacity of renewable energy installations in the LGU Renewable • Number of households with access to renewable energy sources Energy • Reduction in the price of electricity • Reduction in frequency of power outages
Indicators • Number of electric vehicles in the LGU Theme 2: • Number and area of bicycle lanes in the LGU Sustainable • Number and area of pedestrian walkways in the LGU Transportation • Proportion of mass-based transportation to commuting population • Proportion of electric and fuel-based transportation
Indicators Theme 3: • Reduction in volume of solid waste generated per given period Waste • Number of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Management • Reduction in volume of solid wastes dumped in Sanitary Landfill • Increase in volume of recycled solid wastes
1 Indicators Theme 4: • Number of buildings with roof-mounted solar panels Energy • Number of buildings with rainwater harvesting facility Efficient • Number of roads with solar powered lighting Infrastructure • Number of buildings with LED lighting • Number of buildings using natural lighting and ventilation
Indicators • Number of households with access to Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Theme 5: Water Supply System Water and • Number of households with access to sanitation facilities Sanitation • Number of households and establishments serviced by Sewerage Treatment Facility • Decrease in Incidence of water borne diseases
Indicators • Number and area of green open spaces and parks Theme 6: • Proportion of green open spaces and parks to total land use Green Spaces • Number of people visiting the green open spaces and parks • Annual budget allocated for the maintenance of the green open spaces and parks
Indicators Theme 7: • Number of households living in vulnerable areas (e.g. coastal Climate Change areas; landslide areas) Adaptation and • Number of relocation sites and number of households Disaster Risk permanently relocated from vulnerable areas Reduction and • Number of standard evacuation centers Management • Number of business enterprises and utility providers with CCA-DRR Business Continuity Plans
Indicators • Number of people with decent jobs • Number of jobs available to women, indigenous people and the Theme 8: poor Inclusive • Number of livelihood activities (i.e. Community-based and MSME Development led) • Number of educational enrolment from poor households • Number of households below the poverty line
Indicators Theme 9: • Watershed areas preserved and protected Biodiversity • Coastal areas preserved and protected and Land Use • Productive agriculture areas preserved and irrigated
2 The Green City Framework will be implemented among the large and urbanizing municipalities in Palawan to help them pursue a greener growth direction considering that their local economies are relatively more advanced. In implementing the framework, the municipalities will use the Green City Indicators as guideposts in designing and implementing local initiatives that are meant to achieve these. The Palawan Provincial Implementation Team will lead the roll-out of the Green City Framework in selected municipalities, initially, to help them incorporate this in the updating of their respective CLUPs while informing other mandated plans such as the CDP and LCCAP.
III. Alignment of Green City Framework with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
NCCAP Green City Framework Strategic Priority
The framework supports food security in urbanizing municipalities by promoting the development and climate Food Security proofing of productive agriculture areas. This helps ensure that appropriate levels of food production are sustained even as the LGUs develop other industries.
Demand for water is expected to increase among the urbanizing municipalities coming from population that grows through migration as well as from commercial and Water industrial activities. The framework promotes increased Sufficiency access by households to potable water supply systems and sanitation facilities, which will also reduce the incidence of water borne diseases.
In some areas, urbanization and development come at the Environmental expense of the environment and natural resources. The and Ecological framework seeks to prevent this through indicators that will Stability preserve biodiversity and land use, and protect watersheds and coastal areas.
The framework encourages urbanizing LGUs to reduce climate change impacts on communities by relocating Human Security households in vulnerable areas and through the operation of standardized evacuation centers. It also promotes inclusive growth by creating jobs for constituents through
3 livelihood activities, reducing poverty, and supporting access to education. The framework also aims to balance the well-being of people with urbanization through the development of green spaces and parks.
The framework promotes the implementation of energy efficient buildings powered by solar energy and utilizing Sustainable natural lighting and ventilation. This aims to reduce the Energy dependence on fossil-based fuel for energy generation among urbanizing LGUs. It also encourages sustainable transportation through the use of electric vehicles, bicycles and installation of pedestrian walkways.
The framework supports the establishment of livelihood programs for communities and promotion of micro-small Climate Smart and medium enterprises that are climate resilient. These Industries and initiatives are designed to create green and decent jobs,
Services especially for women, indigenous people, and the poor. These enterprises will be trained on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and management, as well as in the preparation of business continuity plans.
Knowledge and The thrust to develop knowledge and capacities is inherent Capacity in the implementation of the Green City Framework
Development because this will involve the orientation and training of officials and technical staff of the urbanizing municipalities.
IV. Contribution to Project Development Objectives and Outcomes
The Green City Framework strategically contributes to the development objectives of enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth; and implementation and replication among the large and urbanizing municipalities of Palawan through the introduction of green city indicators for integration in the CLUP of these LGUs, as well as in their CDP and LCCAP. In terms of outcomes, the Green City Framework and its indicators are aligned and will contribute to the attainment of the NCCAP Strategic Priorities, as discussed in Section III.
4 V. Mainstreaming Status of the Green City Framework
The Green City Framework is officially mainstreamed in the Province of Palawan through the issuance of Provincial Resolution No. 14084: “Approving and Endorsing the Green City Framework to be Incorporated in the Formulation of Comprehensive Land Use Plan of Municipalities of Palawan”. Implementation wise, the Provincial Implementation Team has started to introduce the framework through a pilot training program in the Municipality of Brooke’s Point in Southern Palawan to revisit their CLUPs and identify specific programs and projects for each green city indicator.
VI. Mainstreaming of the Green City Framework: Next Steps
The Green City Framework is officially mainstreamed in Palawan as a province-wide policy and the Provincial Government has started implementing initial projects to demonstrate it in a number of LGUs. To encourage further analysis and action to support the further mainstreaming of the framework and enhance its effectiveness in helping large and urbanizing municipalities pursue a development path that is sustainable, inclusive and climate resilient, a number of possible next steps have been identified.
A. Establishment of Municipal Counterparts. While the Provincial Implementation Team leads the roll-out of the Green City Framework, it is important that the target large and urbanizing municipalities in the province are also prepared and committed to this process. This commitment needs to be demonstrated by way of Municipal Counterparts, such as co-financing for the conduct of onsite training activities (e.g. venue and materials for training) and designation of LGU Green City Focal Persons who will work closely with the Provincial Implementation Team in updating their CLUPs, setting the baseline and targets for the green city indicators, and identifying local policies and projects that will help achieve these.
B. Sustained Capacity Development. The concept and knowledge about green cities continuously evolve along with relevant global best practices. Given this, it is important to introduce sustained learning for the Provincial Implementation Team and the LGU Green City Focal Persons so that they are apprised of these developments and better informed of techniques to apply these in the context of Palawan. The organization of a provincial Community of Practice could be among the initiatives to update learning while also engaging other stakeholders to create awareness and mobilize support.
C. Monitoring and Evaluation for Implementation Support. Once the urbanizing municipalities have identified their targets for each of the green city
5 indicators, these need to be supported through the development and prioritization of corresponding municipal projects, policies and programs, along with funding sources (e.g. internal or external). However, the next important challenge is ensuring that these projects, policies and programs are implemented. To facilitate this, it is necessary to consolidate all the targets and projects, policies and programs proposed by the urbanizing municipalities into a monitoring and evaluation module that will allow the Provincial Implementation Team to keep track of the progress of each municipality. To go further, this monitoring and evaluation module can be made publicly available so that constituents are aware about the thrusts of their respective LGUs and give them the opportunity to cooperate at the household level. This monitoring and evaluation module can also serve as platform for urbanizing municipalities to identify and pursue joint projects that allow economies of scale and inter-LGU cooperation. For instance, in terms of sustainable transportation, it is less costly for several LGUs to consolidate their orders for electric vehicles as bulk orders are often discounted, as compared to LGUs placing orders individually.
D. Institutionalized Project Development Support. To help urbanizing municipalities realize their green city projects, it is necessary to extend technical assistance on project development to help them prepare proposals that they can use to determine the viability of envisioned projects, and inform the submission of application for external financing (e.g. grants, credit from government financing institutions). As the Provincial Implementation Team may also have limited specialization in this area, external support may be mobilized from academic institutions, private organizations, government, and development partners. However, as the practice of on-demand project development assistance is not sustainable, it is important that a more institutionalized approach is introduced. An option is for the Provincial Government to partner with Palawan-based academic institutions and encourage them to offer project development courses for LGUs and as part of the academe’s extension program.
E. Green City Conference. To maximize the impacts in implementing the Green City Framework, it is important that lessons, challenges and gains are shared deliberately among stakeholders, particularly the private sector – since they play a major role in the development of urbanizing municipalities. The conduct of an annual “Green City Conference” is an activity that could potentially bring together the major private sector players in the province so that they can engage in dialogue with the urbanizing municipalities and the provincial government and agree on concrete steps through which they can support the green city targets. Equally important, the green city conference will promote the local green initiatives and create awareness among other constituents and stakeholders so that they can similarly support these through activities from the level of households to level of institutions.
6
Mandatory Relocation of Vulnerable Project Implementation of Electric Tricycles for Communities in High-Risk Areas in the Outcome: Sustainable Transportation Oriental Mindoro Province
Status: Ongoing implementation • Mandatory relocation of vulnerable communities prescribed of provincial ordinance in Oriental Mindoro Provincial Ordinance 94-2019
Impact Area: Province of • Provides for the development of relocation sites with Oriental Mindoro; 341,416 population vulnerable to flooding complete facilities, access to basic needs, and livelihood and landslides opportunities MANDATORY RELOCATION OF VULNERABLE PROJECT COMMUNITIES IN HIGH-RISK AREAS IN OUTCOME ORIENTAL MINDORO PROVINCE
I. Background
A. About the Province. The Province of Oriental Mindoro, one of the 5 provinces of the MIMAROPA Region, is an “island province” located 130 kilometers from Manila and 45 kilometers from Batangas Province. It has a joint road-and-sea transportation and trade connection with the rest of the country through the Western Nautical Highway. The province has a total land area of 4,364.72 square kilometers, representing 1.5% of the total Philippine land area and 16% of the MIMAROPA Region, distributed among 1 city, 14 municipalities, and 426 barangays. Based on the 2015 census, the province has a population of 844,059 (49% women; 51% men) of which 68% are based in rural areas and 32% in urban areas.
Agriculture is the primary economic driver of the province as approximately 62% of its households depend on farming and fishing. About 32% of total land area utilized for agriculture activities. The province is the “Food Basket of the MIMAROPA Region” as it accounts for 36% of rice production. It is also considered the “Calamansi King” (Philippine Lemon) with 98.66% of regional calamansi production and 59% of nationwide production. Around 66% of regional banana production is also from Oriental Mindoro.
B. Vulnerability to Climate Change Impacts. In view of is geographic make- up and location along the typhoon belt, Oriental Mindoro is considered highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Annually, the province is visited by an average of 4 to 5 typhoons. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) estimates that the typhoons from 2013 to 2018 have cumulatively affected an estimated 402,903 persons, almost half of the provincial population, and 100,705 families. Based on NDRRMC data. The negative impacts of climate change are felt greatest by rural communities engaged in agriculture, and where poverty is highest. The Indigenous People of the province, estimated at 84,000 and mostly residing in upland and rural areas, are also among the most vulnerable to climate change impacts given that they are relatively unreached by government services.
C. Population Vulnerable to Flooding and Landslides. The regular occurrence of typhoons further magnifies the vulnerability of the Province to two main hazards, namely flooding and landslides. It is estimated that 149,692 hectares
1 (34% of provincial land area) are exposed to flooding, of which 63,054 hectares are highly vulnerable, while 86,735 hectares (20% of provincial land area) are highly vulnerable to landslides. In terms of population, 177,526 people (21% of provincial population) are considered highly vulnerable to flooding while 163,890 (19% of provincial population) are highly vulnerable to landslides.
D. Provincial Ordinance No. 94-2019. Considering that the number of people vulnerable to flooding and landslides is almost 40% of the provincial population and that more than 50% of the provincial land area is exposed to the same, the Provincial Government formulated and approved Provincial Ordinance No.94- 2019 “An Ordinance Enforcing the Mandatory Relocation of Highly Vulnerable Communities in the Province of Oriental Mindoro and Establishing Standards and Procedures for Relocation Projects and Other Purposes”.
II. Primary Features of the Mandatory Relocation Ordinance
A. Objective. Through this policy, the Provincial Government aims to implement responsible, safe and humane relocation of communities in danger areas, which involves the provision of adequate housing, basic utilities, critical infrastructure and livelihood opportunities for relocated households as a long term- strategy towards reducing exposure and vulnerability of affected population.
B. Scope. The ordinance applies to all persons who are residing within the administrative and political jurisdiction of Oriental Mindoro. It also applies to all stakeholders relative to the implementation of policies, programs and projects pertaining to the relocation of communities, either voluntary or mandatory, in the province.
C. Identification of High Risk and Danger Zones. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council will identify the high risk and danger areas in the province for approval by the Sanguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Legislative Council), which will serve as one of the bases for prioritizing the vulnerable communities. These areas will be classified as “No Dwelling Zones” and no building permit will be issued for facilities proposed to be constructed therein.
D. Relocation Area. The identification of the relocation sites will be undertaken in partnership between the Province and the Municipal Governments for approval by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Acquisition of land and allocation of budget for the relocation sites will be done consistent with applicable laws and guidelines.
2 III. Alignment of Mandatory Relocation Ordinance with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
The Mandatory Relocation Ordinance supports the strategic priorities of the National Climate Change Action Plan, particularly with respect to reducing the vulnerability of communities to climate change impacts.
NCCAP Mandatory Relocation Ordinance Strategic Priority
The implementation of the mandatory relocation ordinance directly supports the NCCAP strategy to promote human security. Through this ordinance, the number of people that are immediately exposed and Human Security vulnerable to climate change impacts will be reduced. At the same time, the provision of humane and standardized relocation areas will ensure that they will continue to have the same or improved level of access to basic services and livelihood opportunities.
The implementation of the mandatory relocation will involve series of activities to develop the awareness and Knowledge and knowledge of the affected communities about the need to Capacity relocate and how they can work with their respective local Development government units (LGUs) in terms ensuring that they remain climate resilient in their new living areas.
II. Contribution to Project Development Objectives and Outcomes
The Mandatory Relocation Ordinance will contribute to the development objective of enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth as it reduces the vulnerability of people living in high-risk areas by relocating them. This initiative has province-wide application hence this is scale-able and replicable across the LGUs comprising the province. The primary outcomes of this ordinance are: a.) Reduction in the damages to lives and properties from extreme weather events; and b.) Decreased number of people who are exposed to natural calamities, which is covered under the NCCAP strategic priority on Human Security.
3 III. Mainstreaming Status of the Mandatory Relocation Ordinance
The Mandatory Relocation Ordinance is officially mainstreamed in the Province of Oriental Mindoro through the approval of Provincial Ordinance No. 94-2019. Its coverage includes municipalities under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Government hence providing the institutional mechanism for province-wide implementation. It also relates to concerned National Government Agencies, such as the National Housing Authority (NHA), to mobilize their support particularly in terms of financing for the construction of housing stock in the relocation areas.
IV. Mainstreaming of the Mandatory Relocation Ordinance: Next Steps
While the Mandatory Relocation Ordinance is officially mainstreamed in the Oriental Mindoro as a province-wide policy, a number of possible next steps have been identified to support its further mainstreaming and implementation especially since the exercise of relocation requires a combination of political resolve, technical readiness, and financial capability. These indicative steps aim to encourage further analysis and action to enhance the effectiveness of mandatory relocation as an initiative to reduce the vulnerability and improve the adaptive capacities of the people in the province.
A. Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Mandatory Relocation Ordinance. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the ordinance needs to be developed by the Provincial Government, with multi-stakeholder inputs, to provide the detailed mechanisms to operationalize the ordinance. Given that the ordinance involves a number of institutions from LGUs, NGAs and even communities, the IRR is a critical pre-requisite to actual implementation as this will specify the roles, responsibilities and outputs of the concerned parties. The experience of multi-party implementation schemes points to coordination as one of the major challenges, which the IRR is envisioned to address.
B. Mapping of Vulnerable Areas and Household Tagging. An important step to take in implementing the ordinance is the actual mapping of the vulnerable areas all over the province. This will require technical and financial cooperation of the Municipalities since the vulnerable areas and households are in their respective territories. Once these areas are mapped, the next steps will involve tagging and getting information about the households living in these areas (e.g., number of members, valuation of assets, specification of current housing stocks, income source, etc.) to establish their “general profile” which will inform the design of the relocation sites.
4 C. Moratorium on Activities in Vulnerable Areas. Once the high-risk areas are mapped and the inventory of vulnerable households are prepared, the concerned municipalities should issue a local policy setting a moratorium on any activities in the high-risk areas. This is to prevent any new construction or entry of new households in these areas, which will render the area mapping and household tagging inaccurate.
D. Planning for the Relocation Site. Based on the area mapping and household tagging, the Provincial Government and the LGUs need to identify the suitable relocation sites that will allow the target households to enjoy similar or better access to basic services and livelihood activities. Often, the concern faced by unsuccessful relocation programs is mainly the reduced accessibility by the relocated people to income sources and services. Given that almost 50% of the provincial area is exposed to flooding and landslides, the identification of suitable and safe sites could be challenge – for this reason, the candidate sites need to be shortlisted along with the necessary engineering interventions that will enhance their ability to withstand extreme weather events, such as ensuring that drainage systems are in place to mitigate the possibility of flooding.
Over time, the relocation sites will eventually transform into growth nodes that will have the usual problems of over population, waste management, and others. To anticipate these, the relocation sites need to be meticulously planned in relation to the rest of the municipalities and the province. If the vulnerable people in Oriental Mindoro is almost 40% of the local population, the impact of relocation in terms of service provision will be very significant and will require a more comprehensive planning approach that is integrated in the local development plans of concerned municipalities and the province.
E. Engineering Solutions for High-Risk Areas. The high-risk areas where the households are relocated from cannot be totally abandoned as this will have adverse economic implications for the concerned municipalities. The LGUs may opt to revisit the classification of these areas and re-classify them into more suitable land use instead of residential so that they remain productive without necessarily endangering the lives of local residents. Along this line, the LGUs may also consider introducing engineering solutions to reduce the vulnerability of these areas to extreme weather events. For instance, river banks and slopes could be outfitted with river walls and slope protection to prevent erosion.
F. Financial Aspect of Relocation. The development of suitable relocation sites that are the same or better than the original sites will require substantial investments on the part of the LGUs and the Provincial Government. Considering the estimated number of vulnerable people in the province and assuming that a
5 household consists of 5 members, the number of new housing stock that should be provided in the relocation sites is about 68,000 houses, based on quick and rough estimate. This number will be firmed up based on actual mapping and tagging, however, the bottom line is that the LGUs will not be able to cover the costs of relocation on their own. A more viable, prudent, and equitable modality needs to be explored together with the NHA so that arrangements where LGUs, NGAs, and affected residents are collectively involved in the housing program are examined.
G. Phased Approach and Demonstration. Given the number of vulnerable households in the province, the implementation of relocation activities will require a significant amount of time and resources. For this reason, a multi-year relocation program seems more feasible although the challenge is ensuring that said program will be carried and continued across different local administrations because this will likely exceed the 3-year term of elected officials. The province may consider developing and approving a “Comprehensive Oriental Mindoro Community Relocation and Development Program” that will be adopted by all LGUs as an initiative that will survive the political terms of office and will receive continuing budgetary appropriations. The said program should also be integrated in the CLUP of all LGUs, inform NGA programs, and serve as basis for the approval of private sector investments to ensure that these are all aligned.
At the same time, the Province might consider initiating pilot and manageable relocation projects to address the needs of communities requiring urgent relocation. This will allow the province and LGUs to fulfill the mandate of the ordinance while at the same time demonstrating actual relocation to encourage municipalities and also learn how the approach can be fine-tuned further at scale.
H. Comprehensive Approach to Vulnerability Reduction. The Province of Oriental Mindoro and the municipalities need to note that the vulnerability of its constituents and the increasing number of high-risk areas in the province are also the “result” of climate change impacts borne out of natural and man-made activities, which are the “cause”. For natural causes like extreme weather events, the most that may be done is to plan, mitigate, prepare and respond. However, for man-made causes such as poor solid waste management that causes drainage clogging and flooding; illegal logging that denudes watersheds and cause river siltation, erosion and landslides, man-made interventions may be the most effective approach. Local policies are often available to deter these environmentally harmful practices, yet the challenge of enforcement remains. In some cases, the cost of fully enforcing these local policies to minimize and even reverse the vulnerability of high-risk areas could be less expensive and less disruptive compared to the cost of relocation.
6 Given this, the formulation of the “Comprehensive Oriental Mindoro Community Relocation and Development Program” should be undertaken to consider scenarios where these local policies are effectively enforced.
I. Island Wide Perspective. It should be noted that the Province of Oriental Mindoro and the Province of Occidental Mindoro are both located in the same island – Mindoro Island. As they share the same natural resource and environment, the activities in one province impacts on the other and often, they are exposed to common types of natural calamities. It will be ideal, if at some point, the two provinces can examine and undertake joint programs to strengthen the climate resilience of the entire island while promoting inclusive development and green growth. These combined initiatives could be very effective, facilitate economies of scale, and allow for broader positive impacts for the entire population of Mindoro Island.
7
Implementation of Evacuation Center Project Standards for Design, Construction and Outcome: Operations in Oriental Mindoro
Status: Province-wide • Improves LGU capability to respond to immediate needs of implementation demonstrated in constituents displaced by natural calamities selected LGUs • Reduces the vulnerability, supports well-being, and enhances
Impact Area: Entire province of the recovery of affected population through completely Oriental Mindoro; around 67,000 equipped evacuation centers average number of people • Approved through Provincial Ordinance No. 93-2019 affected by calamities per year PROVINCE-WIDE ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR DESIGN, PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF EVACUATION OUTCOME CENTERS IN ORIENTAL MINDORO
I. Background
The Province of Oriental Mindoro formulated and approved Provincial Ordinance No.93-2019 “An ordinance establishing the standards and procedures for the implementation of projects involving the construction of evacuation centers, including its management and operations, within the jurisdiction of the Province of Oriental Mindoro” as a concrete step towards improving the resilience of vulnerable communities to climate change impacts in the province.
Located along the typhoon belt, the Province of Oriental Mindoro is visited by an average of 4 to 5 typhoons every year, which cause damages in terms of flooding, erosion and landslides. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), an estimated 402,903 persons have been affected by typhoons from 2013 to 2018. This translates to an average of 67,150 persons directly impacted by typhoons every year. With this sizeable number, it is important to consider the readiness of local governments in the province to respond to the needs of affected and displaced people. Given this, the availability of adequate and well-equipped evacuation centers is a critical aspect in LGU disaster response as these serve as the first line of support for communities and people that are adversely affected by extreme weather events.
Presently, there are around 43 evacuation centers in the entire province with an estimated capacity of around 10 to 20 families (i.e., 50 to 100 persons), on average. Based on assessment done by the Provincial Policy Champion Team, these evacuation centers generally lack facilities for the unique needs of women, elderly, Persons with Disabilities (PWD), children and other vulnerable sectors as provided for by the Humanitarian Charter for evacuation centers. There are also some evacuation centers that are constructed in locations that are relatively less ideal in terms of safety and accessibility. Mostly, the evacuation centers are adjacent to Barangay Halls or Municipal Halls instead of being put-up in locations that are more strategic to respond to the needs of communities likely to be affected by natural calamities. In general, the Provincial Policy Champion Team notes that the number, capacity, and quality of existing evacuation centers in the province are not enough to respond to the needs of about 67,000 people, on average, that are affected annually by climate change impacts, particularly typhoons.
1 In view of this, the Provincial Policy Champion Team and the CRGG Project worked with the concerned Technical Departments of the Provincial Government, Legislative Council Committees, and stakeholders in the formulation and approval of the Provincial Ordinance to promote the standardized design, construction and operation of evacuation centers in Oriental Mindoro consistent with humanitarian standards.
II. Primary Features of the Evacuation Center Ordinance
A. Objective. The Provincial Ordinance serves as a comprehensive policy on the establishment and management of evacuation centers as a preparedness measure that aims to reduce the vulnerability and exposure of local population. Specifically, the ordinance aims to:
a. Ensure that displaced populations are provided with safe evacuation centers as a refuge of vulnerable populations during emergencies with food, clothing, and other basic emergency life support likewise extended during such emergency period; b. Ensure an efficient pre-during-post disaster management of evacuation centers in accordance with the minimum core humanitarian standards; and c. Define the roles, functions, and lines of coordination between and among evacuation center managers, other duty bearers, and participating agencies/organization.
B. Scope. The ordinance covers all evacuation center projects in the Province of Oriental Mindoro. The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), in coordination and with inputs from concerned departments and agencies, will lead the formulation of detailed evacuation center standards in terms of design, location and operations. No such project may be implemented in the province until the requirements of the subject ordinance is met, which includes the evaluation of such proposed projects by the PPDO in coordination with the PDRRMO. Following favorable review, the proposed projects will be endorsed to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) for approval.
C. Monitoring and Evaluation. The PDRRMO will lead the monitoring of all construction and operations of evacuation centers in the province and, based on this, inform and endorse to the PDRRMC the certification and accreditation of the concerned evacuation centers that are found to be compliant with the standards envisioned in this ordinance.
2
III. Alignment of Evacuation Center Ordinance with the National Climate Change Action Plan (NCCAP)
The Evacuation Center Ordinance supports the strategic priorities of the NCCAP Strategic Priority of Human Security as this aims to reduce the vulnerability to climate change impacts of exposed population.
NCCAP Evacuation Center Ordinance Strategic Priority
The implementation of the evacuation center ordinance aligns with the NCCAP strategy on human security. This ordinance will reduce the number of people who are at risk from climate change impacts by providing them Human Security evacuation centers with facilities compliant with humanitarian standards, particularly with respect to addressing the unique needs of PWDs, women, mothers, and children.
Through updated evacuation center standards, the implementation of the ordinance will promote knowledge about the design, management, and operations that are Knowledge and more effective and sensitive in responding to the needs of Capacity a broad set of displaced people and stakeholders. This will Development also improve the capacity of designated LGU Staff, such as the DRRMO, to attend to the pre-during-post disaster needs of affected population.
II. Contribution to Project Development Objectives and Outcomes
The Evacuation Center Ordinance supports the development objective of enhancing climate resilience and promotion of green growth given that it allows affected and displaced people to find better refuge to shelter them from the impacts of extreme weather events. The application of the ordinance is province- wide hence it is scale-able and replicable in all LGUs with evacuation center projects. In terms of outcomes, this ordinance contributes to: a.) Reduction in the damages to lives from extreme weather events; and b.) Enhanced capacities of vulnerable people to cope and recover from climate change impacts.
3
III. Mainstreaming Status of the Evacuation Center Ordinance
The Evacuation Ordinance is officially mainstreamed in the Province of Oriental Mindoro through the approval of Provincial Ordinance No. 93-2019. It applies to all evacuation center projects in the entire province, both those funded by LGUs and NGAs. It is integrated in the functions of select Provincial Government Departments as well as in the multi-stakeholder platform of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
IV. Mainstreaming of the Evacuation Center Ordinance: Next Steps
As the thrust to standardize the design, construction and operation of evacuation centers is mainstreamed in the province through legislation, a number of possible next steps have been identified to support its further mainstreaming and implementation. These next steps, which are indicative, aim to encourage further analysis and action to enhance the effectiveness of this initiative in strengthening the adaptive capacities of the people in Oriental Mindoro.
A. Implementing Rules and Regulations for the Evacuation Center Ordinance. The Provincial Government needs to develop the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), along with the Detailed Standards for Evacuation Centers, to support its roll-out. Relative to this, the Provincial Government, led by the PPDO and the PDRRMO may constitute a Technical Working Group that includes qualified personnel from concerned departments, such as the Provincial Engineering Office, Social Welfare and Development, and Health for the necessary inputs. Relevant NGAs such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) may also be invited along with representatives of LGUs in the province.
It will be ideal and more facilitative if computer enabled prototype designs for evacuation centers will be developed such that these can be customized, while still maintaining the core technical standards, to suit proposed locations. These automated designs should also be able to generate the standard procurement documents, such as bill of quantities and cost estimates to make it easier for evacuation center projects to proceed to bidding, construction and operations.
B. Strategic Mapping of Evacuation Center Location. The location of evacuation centers across the province is critical given that vulnerable areas and populations are dispersed across the different municipalities. The TWG needs to establish an
4 objective set of criteria for identifying the strategic locations of evacuation centers to ensure that these are most accessible to areas where potentially displaced people will come from. The list of strategic locations should serve as the definitive basis for the introduction of evacuation center projects in the province, be it funded by NGAs or LGUs. These locations need to be mainstreamed in the Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP) and Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAP) of the concerned municipalities such that these also inform other public and private investments in their respective localities.
C. Simulation of Proposed Evacuation Centers in the Province. Based on the strategic mapping of locations for evacuation centers, the TWG should be able to do a simulation of the ideal number and capacity of evacuation centers in the province following the detailed standards. This should give the indicative budget requirement for the entire province and based on this, the TWG can formulate a Multi-Year and Province-wide Evacuation Center Program that will be implemented on a phased approach and potentially across the 3-year term of LGU administrations. The said program will be reviewed and updated periodically and its budget aspect assessed relative to possible combinations of funding arrangements from LGUs, NGAs and even the private sector. Depending on the result of the strategic mapping, some evacuation centers may be best positioned to cater to vulnerable people coming from 2 or more LGUs. In this case, the possibility of inter-LGU co-financing may be explored.
5