DOCUMENTATION OF GOOD ADAPTATION STRATEGIES AND PRACTICES OF COASTAL AND MARINE COMMUNITIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE OF SELECTED HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN EASTERN .

BACKGROUND

The Earth’s climate has changed many times during the planets history with events ranging from ice ages to long periods of warmth (USEPA from Internet). Changes might be of natural origin like volcanic eruptions, changes in the earths orbit and the amounts of energy released from the sun. In the early to the middle 17th century Industrial Revolution began. Human activities associated with industrialization have contributed to alter the composition of the atmosphere and therefore influence the earth’s climate.

Alcala 2008, during NAST Roundtable Discussion on Climate Change focusing on Energy Environment stated that the main driver of global climate change is the increased concentration of CO2 and other greenhouses gases in the earth’s atmosphere. The carbon dioxide theory of climate dates back to the works of Calendar (1938, 1958) and Plass (1956, 1959). Gates (1962) explains the basis of this theory thus: This theory is based on the fact that the fundamental absorption band of the

CO2 molecule is located is the infrared at 14 microns where the earth’s atmosphere radiates heat efficiently. This carbon dioxide in the atmosphere effectively shields the earth’s surface from the cosmic cold of outer space. An increase in the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere would produce increased effectiveness of the shielding effect and by this means make the surface warmer.

1 If we are to consider the theory, from the early 18th century and today our energy needs had been long been satisfied by the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, petroleum and natural gas). But this only increases the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. As a consequence climate change is experienced at these present times. Though, climate change consequences until today still remain debatable, manifestations are observed and experienced which by itself life threatening.

There has been a growing body of literatures about the rising of sea level in the low lying areas it the South Pacific, a destructive tropical storms and even the rise in temperature in the area and in some parts of the globe have occurred.

These manifestations of climate change, is a double threat to the ecological diverse and economically important coastal areas not only in the but all over the world. Because if these areas will not be protected or the maladaptive practices will continue, these life blood supports of 500 million people for over a thousand of years will ultimately be gone forever or exacerbated by the climate change.

These then requires researched studies as mitigating projects and programs that will reduce coastal areas sensitiveness thereby empowering the ecosystem to adapt and resilient to climate change.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

This study aims to assess the adaptation strategies and practices to climate change of coastal and marine communities in selected Higher Institutions in .

2 The specific Objectives of the study are the following: 1. To identify extreme climate variabilities experienced by coastal and marine communities. 2. To determine what adaptation strategies and practices these coastal and marine communities have evolved for a particular climate change manifestation or event. 3. To describe the adaptation strategies and practices that these communities (coastal and marine) have introduced into the ecosystem. 4. To ascertain the adaptation strategies and practices to climate change in terms of the following conditions: a. Institutional b. Technological c. Economic d. Social e. Ecological 5. To document good adaptation strategies and practices of coastal and marine communities to climate change in selected HI’s in the Region.

METHODOLOGY

The documentation of adaptation strategies and practices to climate change were sourced out from selected PATLEPAM Member Institution in Region 8.

Letter requesting permission to conduct the interview and survey were sent to the respective Head or President of the University and further requested a focal person to assist us and answer the questions prepared in the conduct of the interview.

3 The focal person identified was recommended by the Vice President for Research or Director for Research or the Head of Department who is knowledgeable on the topic. The focal person becomes the key informant of this study. After which group discussion were also encouraged literatures of projects and studies made which described a particular strategy were solicited from the different areas of study.

Local of The Study

The area of the study covered the islands of and , choosing carefully universities or colleges that are located along the coastal areas of these islands. The area of study started from , , Leyte; College of , Maasin City; State University, Sogod, Southern Leyte; Institute of Technology, Palompon, Leyte; Naval Institute of Technology, Naval, ; Eastern Visayas State University Campus, Carigara, Leyte; State University, City; Eastern , City and Teburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology, City.

TIME FRAME

The data was collected from the different universities in Leyte and Samar for a period of one month (November 2008).

4 DISCUSSION OF RESULT

Eastern Visayas comprises the two large islands of Samar and Leyte, the Province of Biliran and several minor islands. This Region is the Eastern boundary of the Philippines.

The regional seas and island waters are rich sources of salt and fresh water fish and other marine products. The region is also considered as one of the fishing exporting regions in the country.

The climate in this Eastern part of the Philippines had been frequently visited by storms from the Pacific Ocean. The Region receives heavy rainfall throughout the year with no pronounced dry season. Until just recently, people from the different parts of the region have attested that there has been a shift in the direction of typhoons; with such the region for a period of ten years now has experience less typhoons that according to them, this is a manifestation of climate change.

On the other hand, there are areas which have not felt the occurrence of climate change reasons like unawareness of the phenomenon, others may attributed to the experiences of manifestations on their communities does not sufficiently explain this climate change thing. Thus, adaptation strategies have not been practiced.

However it was highly commendable that all of the Universities and Colleges who have been a part this study have conducted activities, programs and researches which have linkages with NGO’s local and abroad, LGU’s and other government institutions geared towards the protection of the environment.

5 The following are the results of the collected data: Samar State University

Coastal Adaptation Climate Change Manifestation Sources of Accommodat Experienced Protect Retreat Information e 1. Long drought in 1991 Mr. Renato 2. Increase of sea level by -Increased Diocton two feet height of dikes - Elevated houses 3.Algal bloom Frequent Change of Monitoring of fishing Parameters grounds 4. Unusual heavy rains 5. Increase of ocean Coral temperature by 1°C was monitoring observed between the years from 1998-2008 which was manifested in coral bleaching which a. affected the fish assembly-it changed b. fish catch decreased as manifested in a healthy coral reef produces 30 metric tons/year has reduced to 26 metric tons/year Unusual heavy rains This was Dr. Felisa evident when Gumba salt water invaded palay areas The region has experienced fewer typhoons within a period of ten years. Typhoon shifted direction.

6 Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change

Samar State University as an academe advocated (IEC) Information and Education Campaign in the Awareness of Climate Change by conducting: 1. Open Forum – basic science knowledge, the science of global warming was introduced an explained among the fisher folks. 2. Extended IEC materials to the community Extended Technical Expertise: a. Observing the fisher folks’ practices and corrected them by introducing a sustainable technique. b. Introduces sea weed-farming to augment income when fish catch is low. c. Studied the sustainability and sustainability of ocean waters n sea weeds by monitoring the following parameters : 1. pH 2. chlorophyll A and B 3. nutrients d. conducted training on Training on Stock Density Enhancement Technology and Technology Transfer 3. R & D Congress Newsletter 2008 4. Women and children were employed for rock oyster gathering (livelihood training). 5. Hosted the 3rd Fisheries in R&D Congress in Eastern Visayas and Conference on November 12-14, 2008 which focused on major issues on Climate Change affecting Fishery Industry such as: - Increase occurrence of extreme climate events - More intense tropical cyclones

7 - High salinity fluctuations due to sediment run off and precipitation - Increase occurrence of droughts and floods - Increase frequency of coral bleaching - Description of nutrient supply thus impacting primary production levels and changing food wed - High production coast for capture fisheries, aqua culture and post harvest enterprises - Environmental Degradation and Resource Depletion 6. As an academe, SSU had collaborated with the following agencies: a. Local Government Unit b. Department of Science and Technology c. Department of Environment and Natural Resources d. Department of Trade and Industry e. Non Government Organization f. United Nation Development Plan 7. SSU was commissioned to study the effects of siltation and deposition of leacheate from the waste dumped along the coastal areas of Samar with UNDP. 8. Conducted Disaster Management Preparedness Training with the DENR and other agencies on July 22-24, 2008. 9. Conducted Tree Planting (Pili Tree) and Mangrove Reforestation.

8 TEBURCIO TANCINCO MEMORIAL INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of Manifestation Protect Accommodate Retreat Information Experienced Heavy rains resulted -Repairs and Prof. flooding (between construction of Eugenia A. 1999-2000 water from dikes and canals Lonzaga, the ocean and river 1. Mangrove TTMIST met. Reforestation 2. DA provided artificial coral reefs as wave breaker 3.Construction of Sea Wall 4. Houses along coastal areas have elevated post to accommodate in increase of sea level rise - The University had formulated a Disaster Management Program

9 EASTERN SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY

Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of

Manifestation Experienced Protect Accommodate Retreat Information -Less typhoons within ten Constructed Dr. Danilo years time, only three elevated P. Alura typhoons hit the area. posts when Head, -shift of typhoon direction building Research -heavy rains induced houses. Dept. flooding (February 2008) -Drainage -Temperature rise in ocean Installed a were waters 30 feet constructed sensor for to accom- fluctuating modate temperature flooding. in ocean waters since 2002.

Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change Conducted Information/Education Campaign in Climate Change Adaptation. Involved in the Project Capacity initiated by the PATLEPAM. Identified as one of the evacuation sites in case of disaster.

EASTERN VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Climate Change Manifestation Coastal Adaptation Sources of Experienced Protect Accommodate Retreat Information -Flooding Residents along Prof. (coastal tide elevated to 1.8m the shore line Gaudencio met with riverine water when have Dennis typhoon Frank. constructed Fernandez -Increase of sea level as cemented dikes, EVSU, manifested in eroded shore line sea walls and Carigara canals.

10 Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change

EVSU Carigara have been involved in the following activities together with the LGU, BFAR by: -extending technical assistance in monitoring the Physical Characteristics of Water -a member of the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council -help/assisted in the evacuation of flood victims -actively take part in the Education and Information Campaign on Environmental Awareness to the community. -conducted researches in the effectivity of the Artificial Reefs using three attachments in Carigara Bay, and Input to fish conservation. -as an academe, EVSU worked wit the LGU in formulating the municipal ordinance on Fish Harvesting by identifying zones in fish harvesting. Zone I-Shelfish Reserve/Sanctuary Zone II-Fish Sanctuary -Mangrove rehabilitation and strictly enforcing grounds.

VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of Manifestation Protect Accommodate Retreat Information Experienced Unusual heavy rains Seasonal Dr. Canesio weather D. Predo, forecast Dr. Maia Juliet C. Ceniza, Dr. Humberto R. Mentes

11 Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change

The Institute of Tropical Ecology with the Aquatic Ecosystem Division and the Department of Biological Sciences of the Marine Biology Section of the Visayas State University spearheaded ecological researches n Coastal and Marine Ecosystems. Varied researches from topics such as coastal resource management and integrated coastal management, resource and ecological assessment, species and population investigation to the upliftment of the socio-economic conditions of small scale fisherfolks in Leyte and Samar coastal and marine waters were conducted, to name a few:

1. Sustainability of Marine Sanctuaries 2. Small Islands Environmental Rehabilitation and Livelihood Program (CBRM Project) 3. Resource and Ecological Assessment of Carigara Bay, Leyte 4. Coastal Resource Management Project - A continuous implementation of the Project, like the CRMP of Baybay and - Natural Resource Based Program

These researches are benchmarks in formulating mitigation to extreme climate variabilities that affect the coastal and marine ecosystem. That in due time with these studies, adaptation strategies to climate changes experienced in the area will be crafted.

12 MAASIN COLLEGE Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of Manifestation Protect Accommodate Retreat Information Experienced Unusual heavy rains Installation of Dr. Danilo a digital “rain B. Solayao, gauge” Mr. Zwingli Sea level rise, coastal -Dikes were Montenegro, areas experienced a high repaired Environmen tide of 2m which induced -Mangrove t Project flooding (June 2008) reforesta- Officer, Mr. tion and Lloyd rehabilita- Tamerlaine tion Abiera, measures Disaster Shifting of typhoon Managemen t Officer direction (less typhoon experienced since 1994

Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change As an academic institution, the College of Maasin had performed the following activities: 1. Tree planting activities with the elementary and high school students. 2. Environmental Protection and Restoration activities with the Environmental Committees (Brgy. Lonoy, Hanginan, Sorosoro and Bagtican). 3. Researches on Climate Changes and Rural Development in collaboration with GO, NGO and PO. 4. Organized student environment group to spearhead in the IEC activities and awareness campaign.

13 5. To participate with PO’s and LGU’s in Environment Protection 6. Video documentary Production in Climate Change from the people’s perspective and experience. 7. A Community Based Disaster Management Program was adopted in the school. 8. Conducted in Contingency Planning Workshop 9. Conducted an Orientation on Evacuation Management in schools among teachers, students and extended to the community. 10. Conducted awareness on IE Campaign (Information and Education Campaign) such as School Based First Aid with Elementary, High School and College student. 11. The College of Maasin also conducted coastal clean-up together with the LGUs. 12. As mentioned by Mr. Lloyd Abiera, from 1940 to 2000 twenty (27) typhoons had struck Southern Leyte but the unusual heavy rains which makes the mountains of Southern Leyte susceptible to landslide challenged the College of Maasin to formulate a Disaster Management Program last December 2007. Considering that the area has a high vulnerability risks to natural phenomenon or Climate Change: This Institution have become a point of reference among local dwellers whenever unusual climatic condition occurs. Thus the College of Maasin is considered as the Center for Disaster Management in the area.

The College of Maasin’s organization chart included the following programs (Under the Community Extension Program) - Disaster Management - Sustainable Agriculture - Environment Program - Health and Sanitation - Livelihood Program

14 These are mitigating measures that will enhance adaptation strategies to Climate Change in the province.

SOUTHERN LEYTE STATE UNIVERSITY

Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of Manifestation Protect Accommodate Retreat Information Experienced Unusual heavy rains Dr. Veronica L. Reoma, Research Director, Southern Leyte State University; Dr. Dewoowoogen P. Baclayon Head, Research SLSU

Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change 1. Researches on climate change are still on the planning stage. However the University had been with a project together with the DA, MENRO and GTZ which aims to decrease the pressure of Marine Resources. These agencies had collaborated to grant alternative livelihood among the Pacific Towns of Southern Leyte like , , , and St. Bernard. a. The university has been involved in the monitoring screening and evaluating of projects concerning Coastal and Marine Resources, give to stakeholders or the fisherfolks.

15 b. Technical Assistance was also given by the academe to the recipients of projects along coastal towns in Southern Leyte. 2. Conducted Fishery Congress Annually 3. Involved in Coastal Resource Management Project for the Sothern Leyte Province. 4. Participated as a team member in the Integrated Community Based Coastal Zone Management Silago Bay (LIP/ICOM) 5. Collaborated and assisted GTZ ad LGUs in some Coastal Resources Assessment like Mangrove Mapping.

PALOMPON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of Manifestation Experienced Protect Accommodate Retreat Information Prolong heavy rains which -Elevated Dr. Ludivina induced flooding pathways and P. Libtic roads -De clogging of canals Prolong Summer March-June for 3 years

Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change Involved on extension program like the Bantay Dagat with the LGU. Entered into MOA with LGU on Ecological Solid Waste Management of Palompon (ESWMP).

16 NAVAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Climate Change Coastal Adaptation Sources of Manifestation Experienced Protect Accommodate Retreat Information Unusual heavy rains. Local / Indigenous

Description of Good Adaptation Strategies and Practices to Climate Change Mangrove Regorestation intiated as an extension Program by the Graduate School. Researches on Coastal Resources conducted 1. NIT Satellite Campus in , and 2. Awareness of Laws on Coastal Waste Management and Attitudes

SUMMARY

Climate variability’s like the unusual heavy rains flooding induced by heavy rains, sea level rise which also induced flooding when coastal waters met with river waters as experienced in Carigara and Maasin. Another is the temperature rise in ocean waters. These were experienced in Eastern Visayas which triggered communities from different sector to evolved strategies that will alleviate the impacts of climate change.

Mitigating and adaptation measures were identified in case of unusual heavy rains a digital rain gauge was installed in pars of Southern Leyte Mountains. Coastal community dwellers have elevated their houses constructed and repaired their canals, reforested their mangroves, repaired and constructed sea walls to prevent shoreline erosion and as well as identified evacuation sites in case of tsunami occurrence. This is evident in Sogod, Souther Leyte and in Dulag, Leyte. These towns face the Pacific Ocean.

17 Temperature rise in ocean waters of Samar was observed as manifested in the bleaching of corals. SSU and ESSU had adapted a strategy by frequently monitoring corals and the physico bio and chemical parameters of these waters.

The strategies and environmental practices conducted by these respective academic institutions have focused in addressing measures to mitigate the impact of climate change. Activities involved researches and extension activities. Technical assistance were also sought and collaborated with LGU, NGO, GO and even foreign assisted projects.

However, the College of Maasin had developed a systematic preparation for disasters in all levels of their curriculum. As observed, in their institutional profile that an Environment Officer and a Disaster Coordinator has been delegated to perform the tasks.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Adaptation strategies and practices to extreme climate variabilities experienced in the local area is still an avenue for research among academic Institutions of Eastern Visayas. Although, researches have been conducted, these researches had focused in mitigating environmental impacts of both natural and anthropogenic causes. No particular studies have been identified to show that adaptation strategies have been considered.

This further indicates that studies and researches in climate change adaptation strategies and practices in coastal community be given immediate attention due to the sensitivity of coastal ecosystem to climate change.

18

Carigara Bay showing shoreline erosion.

19

Canals and dikes were constructed to prevent further shoreline erosion.

20

Carigara Bridge destroyed during the Typhoon Frank.

Local tourist destination area constructed indigenous dikes to prevent further shoreline erosion.

Forest Mangroves The team with the focal person in Carigara

21

Coastal residents in Catbalogan City.

22

The Team with Prof. Renato Diocton in Samar State University, Catbalogan City.

23

The Team at Visayas State University with Dr. Juliet Ceniza And Dr. Humberto Montes

The Team gives courtesy to the College of Maasin President – Dr. Udtujan together with the Vice President for Academic Affairs - Dr. Solayao

Sogod Coastal Bay

24

Signage indicating Evacuating Area

The Team with Dr. Reoma, the Focal Person of Southern Leyte State University, Sogod, Southern Leyte

The Team with Dr. Ludivina Libtic, Head of Research Department of Palompon Institute of Technology

25

The Team with the Reseach Faculty in Naval Institute of Technology, Naval, Biliran.

Prepared by:

MA. ELVIRA A. MARTIJA MANUEL L. PACAÑA, VP JOSEPHINE IBALAROSA LORNA MAY PARADO DIOSDADO J. LESIGUEZ RENATO E. MARTIJA FE T. PIEDAD ASUNCION RAQUEL T. PASCUA

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