Building EnvironmentallySustainable and Resilient

Island Communities

Sibuyan

Programme Partnership Agreement (PPA) Resiliency Project of

by Philippine Network of Rural Development Institutes, Inc.

In June 2010 Philippine Network of Rural Development Institutes, Inc. (PhilNet) entered the mining sites of struggle in San Fernando, Romblon (Barangays Taclobo, Espaa, Mabini) and Barangay Anislagan, Placer, Surigao del Norte on invitation from Christian Aid and her partners - Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment, Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE) and the Legal Rights and Natural Resources Centre - Kasama sa Kalikasan/Friends of the Earth Philippines (LRC-KsK/FoE) respectively, which are members of Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM). The contract was to assist the communities therein to develop sustainable livelihoods that could build their resilience and also strengthen their resolve to resist mining in their localities. Scoping visits were conducted to get an overview of the livelihood situation of the target barangays and to forge preliminary understanding about the project with the barangay officials and, in the case of San Fernando, with the municipal

government. The baseline then for a resiliency program was practically zero. The communities were being assisted by Christian Aid through ATM in their struggle to ward off mining operations in their places. Also, the three barangays of San Fernando were among the beneficiaries of the relief assistance of Christian Aid in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank/Fengshen.

The project timeframe was August 16, 2010 until August 15, 2011. This was cut short however in June 2011 to pave the way for the three-year (2011-2014) Programme Partnership Agreement (PPA) Resiliency Project which, for PhilNet, officially commenced in July 2011.

Project activities started with seminar workshops on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change. The outputs of the planning process were the sitio-based hazard maps and the community recommendations for barangay contingency plans. Mainstreaming of these agenda were left to the community to pursue, since the barangay council members of were active participants in the planning process, so that PhilNet could focus on developing sustainable livelihoods. The outputs of the participatory capacity and vulnerability analysis (PCVA), however, served as guide for developing sustainable livelihoods.

Philnet believes that sustainable livelihood development should start where the community is, whether there is room still for improving current livelihoods in terms of enhancing productivity and income and sustainability. Value chain analysis of current products and services of the community is a handy tool that can guide the community and households decide on what projects to invest in.

Since all barangays engaged depended on agriculture, PhilNets intervention commenced with a series of training on sustainable farming focusing on organic rice and vegetables cultivation and the production of organic inputs through composting and fermentation of readily available raw materials. Having the capacity to produce their own farming inputs will enable households to save on cost of production and therefore improve incomes. It can also strengthen their capacity to bounce back faster after a disaster.

Hence, PhilNets PPA Resiliency Project in Sibuyan Island highlights PCVA and mainstreaming DRR; and developing sustainable livelihoods.

Strategic Interventions

PhilNets Andres Tionko converses with community elders in the first year of the resiliency project in Sibuyan Island, Romblon.

This ice-age island called Sibuyan (composed of three municipalities in the province of Romblon: Magdiwang, Cajidiocan and San Fernando) is undoubtedly a hotspot for biodiversity conservation as seen by the scientific community. Biologists claim that the island has vast variety of flora and fauna species found nowhere else in the world. The National Museum counted 1,551 trees in one hectare with 223 species, of which 54 are endemic, concluding that Sibuyan has the worlds densest forest, as confirmed by noted botanist Dr. Domingo Madulid. Thirty-three percent of the land area is basically primary forest which covers more than 140 square kilometers.

This 445 square kilometer island is a center of endemism, according to the US-based scientific institute The Field Museum which also says that the beetles and lizards of Sibuyan have yet to be studied, but it would be a good bet that more new species remain to be discovered by biologists. Sibuyan Island boasts 700 vascular plant species and is a critical plant site as described by the Philippine National Herbarium. A scientific study conducted by University of the Philippines researcher Miah Mayo Malixi shows that there are 35 endangered and endemic species in almost all barangays outside the protected area, Mt. Guiting-guiting Natural Park (MGGNP). With an approximate area of 15,265.48 hectares, MGGNP has been established by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 746 in 1996 under the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act (NIPAS) or Republic Act 7586. Moreover, a publication Priority Sites for Conservation in the Philippines: Key Biodiversity Areas by the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) exposes that there are one critically endangered, four endangered, and eight vulnerable species of biodiversity within and outside the protected area.

In a publication of DENR together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), New Conservation Areas in the Philippines Project, it assesses that several new (endemic mammal) species have been discovered in small islands such as Sibuyan (five new species) and Camiguin (two new species), catapulting these islands to a new status as centers of mammal endemism. It further explained that the distribution of land mammals illustrates that each island that existed in the Philippines during the latest Ice Age period is a unique center of biodiversity. Smaller islands that remained isolated during the Ice Age, although small, are also considered unique centers of biodiversity. One example is Sibuyan Island (463 km2), which hosts four species of endemic non-flying mammals (plus one bat), a total exceeding that of any country in Europe.

Almost every year, new biological species are being discovered. In 2008, a new species of stick insect has been discovered, the Pharnacia magdiwang. In 2010, a new species of shrew has been documented, Crocidura ninoyi. Gekko coi or Leonards Forest Gecko, named after famous taxonomist Leonardo Co, was known in 2011. And in 2012, a new owl species has been found, Ninox philippensis spilonota.

MGGNP has been proclaimed by PAWB as an Important Bird Area (PH 058) and Conservation Priority Site (CPA 82). The seas of water surrounding Sibuyan and Romblon Islands have been considered as a priority conservation area for Cetaceans. Sibuyan Island is also a Conservation Priority Area for amphibians and reptiles.

In addition, the whole island has been declared a mangrove forest swamp reserve through Presidential Proclamation 2152 in 1981, putting it as an initial component for NIPAS.

Ninox philippinensis spilonota or commonly known as Romblon Hawk-owl. (Photo credit: Bram Demeulemeester from Flickr)

Sibuyan ISLEs Rodne Galicha and Romblon Governors chief of staff Trina Firmalo examine the critically endangered endemic carnivorous pitcher plant species named Nepenthes sibuyanensis on the slopes of Mt. Guiting-guiting. (Photo credit: Trina Firmalo.)

Island Paradise

For years, the whole province of Romblon, including Sibuyan Island, has been stricken by flooding, landslides, storm surges and typhoons, to mention Typhoons Frank in 2008, among others, which devastated crops and livestock amounting to Php 110 million. Further, the combined climate and weather related risks vulnerability of the Romblon is relatively high. In fact, the geohazard maps of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau show that almost 100% of Sibuyan Island barangays are highly susceptible to flood. Additionally, nearly 85% of Sibuyan Island is highly susceptible to landslides.

On 23 December 2009, five days before he resigned as environment head, Secretary Lito Atienza approved a Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) valid for 25 years in favor of Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (Altai), a subsidiary of Canada-based Altai Resources Inc., which is now operated by Sibuyan Nickel Properties Development Corporation

(SNPDC) by virtue of an agreement on November 2004 with SNPDCs Australian Connection and shareholder Sunshine Gold

Pty. Ltd., a subsidiary of Australia-based Pelican Resources Ltd. As early as 2006, SNPDC, through its subsidiaries All-Acacia Resources Inc. and Sun-Pacific Resources Inc., was granted two small-scale mining permits before operating under Altais mineral rights.

In 2007, then DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes issued a Special Cutting of Trees Permit within 406 hectares of land, equal to 9,455.183 cubic meters or more or less four million board feet, in which conservation institution Haribon Foundation assessed that there are threatened tree species to be cut such as apitong and yakal species included in the national list of endangered plant species. Although the permit has been suspended, it was neither revoked nor cancelled and may be lifted anytime.

As of September 2012, there are active applications for MPSA in an area of 623.70 hectares for feldspar, 1,791.21 hectares for nickel and chromite exploration, and 544.3 hectares for gold under Minahang Bayan.

Despite the joint resolution of the three municipalities of Sibuyan: Magdiwang, Cajidiocan and San Fernando which clearly says that Sibuyan Islands sustainable development can be achieved through enhancing the vast agricultural lands and natural bounties of the island than through the temporal benefits mining industry have promised; and believed that in the pursuit of the development of the passionate care for Mother Earth and the Environment shall not be set aside and disregarded, the national government still accepts mining applications in the island.

With the call of communities, and one life sacrificed in the person of San Fernando Councilor Armin Rios Marin, the local government units invoked their constitutional rights to a healthful and balanced ecology under Article II Sections 15 and 16 of the Philippine Constitution and the general welfare clause of the Local Government Code of 1991, Chapter II Section 16; the provisions of Climate Change Act, Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act, National Integrated Protected Areas Act, Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, Philippine Agenda 21; and in the spirit of the Convention on Biodiversity, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the United Nations Millennium Development Goals; intergenerational responsibility and precautionary principles were also highlighted to exempt Sibuyan Island from mining.

The MPSA was suspended in 2011 due to lack of social acceptability and the communities continue to lobby for the revocation of the license.

Mines and Geosciences Bureaus landslide susceptibility geohazard map of Sibuyan Island, Romblon. Red areas shows highly suspectble zones.

Challenges and Threats

More than 8,000 people protested in 2006 against the commencement of mining operations in Barangay Taclobo, San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon. (Photo credit: Sibuyan ISLE.)

Due to the unexpected massive disaster of typhoon Frank on the 21st of June 2008, majority of houses along the coastal areas of Sibuyan Island were washed-out and damaged. Possible contamination of endosulfan, other chemicals and fuel from the sunken M/V Princess of the stars endangered the life and livelihood of the island people. Sibuyanons depend mainly on the abundance of the sea through fishing and the agriculture industry had been vasty damaged.

The national government focused on the M/V Princess of the Stars tragedy, the fate of the island-people remained unnoticed and those who were totally affected had been for days neglected. The local government especially of San Fernando was right in saying that the people are victims, too, that they needed food, shelter and clothing.

To quickly respond to the needs of the people, Sibuyan ISLE through the assistance Christian Aid facilitated by ATM and LRC-KsK/FoE Phils., delivered 7.5 tons of relief goods to first

500 families who were gravely affected by the typhoon. Dubbed as SAM-Calamity Response (SAM-CARE) , the goods were distributed on the 28th of June 2008 through the Social Action Centers (SAC) and Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) group of the parishes of the Vicariate of Sibuyan.

The SAM-CARE Task Force Sibuyan Relief Operation used the international standard of conducting humanitarian relief activities through the Sphere Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (SPHERE). The quick response relief operation started on June 23, 2008. The main objective was to reach out to the poorest of the poor.

A crucial task is being undertaken by the Task Force Sibuyan team for the subsequent relief efforts. A management team and system based on the assessment of the Christian Aid Rapid Response Assessment Team (CARRAT) was developed to ensure accountability, transparency and efficiency of the whole humanitarian operation following the SPHERE standards.

The Claret School of Quezon City offered its Auditorium for the storage and repacking of a targeted 3,000 packs of relief goods which include 15,000 kilos of rice, food and non-food items composed of carpentry tools, kitchen utensils and hygiene set, among others. At this period, the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) offered their assistance.

The relief items which weighed approximately 40 tons were transported to Sibuyan Island on the 21st of July 2008. Distribution by land and sea was done through the BEC and SAC. Selection of beneficiaries was based on international humanitarian standards prescribed by the SPHERE Project. General qualification is that the recipient should be poorest of the poor in which hierarchy of prioritizations and screenings was prudently and justly conducted. More than 3,500 households (approximatey 17,000 people) benefited from the relief operations.

Notably, the task force experienced bringing relief items directly to the beneficiaries by taking motorized bancas and a 7-kilometer walk with the indigenous peoples passing through rivers because the roads are not still passable.

The task force complied with the international humanitarian standard of conducting relief operation in just one month, that is from June 25 to July 25, especially in the isolated island of Sibuyan.

Typhoon Frank

Clockwise: Cajidiocan coastal houses are gravely devastated; the once fishing community of Mabini of San Fernando was washed-out; damaged elementary school of Mabini; a damaged house. (Photo credit: Sibuyan ISLE.)

Distribution of relief packages in Sibuyan Island assisted by LRC-KsK/FoE Phils. (Photo credit: Sibuyan ISLE).

To address challenges and threats in Sibuyan Island towards attaining sustainable development under Christian Aids Programme Partnership Agreement, PhilNet focused on community skills and capacity building, participatory policy formulation and promotion of sustainable livelihoods.

Communities are better prepared to anticipate, reduce risks and

respond to disasters through training and

information sharing.

Local organizations, authorities and communities actively

participate in policy discussions, advocating for and influencing an improved enabling

environment for increased resilience.

Households, communities and beneficiaries develop

resilient livelihoods and safety nets, with demonstrated reduced vulnerability to shocks and hazards.

Resiliency Project

Mainstreaming DRRM

PCVA

In 2010, as post-typhoon Frank intervention, PhilNet was contracted to assess sustainable livelihoods potentials in three barangays of San Fernando, Sibuyan Island, Romblon: Mabini, Espaa and Taclobo. Understanding the vulnerabilities and threats in these areas, climate change and disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) planning were conducted using Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Analysis (PCVA). The outputs of the planning process were sitio-based hazard maps and the community recommendations for the barangay contingency plan.

Upon the completion of the resiliency project from 2011-2014, of the original target of 12 barangays of the municipality of San Fernando (Agtiwa, Mabini, Mabulo, Espaa, Taclobo, Pili, Poblacion, Panangcalan, Campalingo, Azagra, Otod and Canjalon), 6 barangays of the municipality of Cajidiocan (Sugod, Lumbang Este, Marigondon, Cambalo, Danao and Cantagda) were included in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and management following the PCVA process. All 18 barangays adopted the results of the PCVA workshops conducted as their local contingency plan by virtue of Barangay Council Resolutions. These barangays have already started implementing their plan in varying degrees and Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) had been organized, as well. Noterthy, six barangays established sitio-based QRTs.

The data generated by the workshops in San Fernando were transformed into 3-dimensional maps that each barangay has made through the assistance of mapping experts from Green Forum-Western Visayas who also generated digitized versions of the maps.

Barangays engaged received provisions for capacity building support of their choice which include communication equipment, food stock and flood control assistance.

Partner barangays demonstrated alertness during weather disturbances, from monitoring the disturbance, alerting the residents and enforcing pre-emptive evacuation as manifested during the Typhoon Yolanda in November 2013.

Mainstreaming DRRM

WASAR

Since Sibuyan Sea has been affected by unpredictable results of monsoons and almost all barangays of Sibuyan Island has been identified as highly susceptible to flooding either from storm surges, sea level rise or swelling rivers, PhilNet initiated capacity building activities for disaster preparedness and management..

Three batches of Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) training were conducted during the period with a total of 119 (39, 44 and 36) participants, 7 of whom were women including the two PhilNet staff members.

These batches were made possible with the collaboration of the Philippines Coast Guard Team based in San Fernando who acted as trainers, the ABS-CBN Foundation which contributed to the cost of the 2nd batch, and the Cajidiocan municipal government which contributed also to the 2nd and 3rd batches.

Another batch (4th) of training with 80 participants organized by the municipal government of San Fernando was financially supported. The trainers of this batch came from the Metro Manila Development Authority.

This brought the total number of trained persons in WASAR to 199 coming from 17 of the 18 partner barangays in San Fernando and Cajidiocan and 2 non-partner barangays in Cajidiocan.

Participation and InfluenceRTDs/Fora

Highlighting the importance of understanding the nexus of disaster risk reduction and management, climate change and the need to value sustainable development advocacy towards resiliency, PhilNet initiated series group discussions, conferences and fora. Topics tackled include understanding disasters and impacts of climate change, DRRM and Climate Change laws, identifying hazards and mapping exposure to these hazards, identifying communitys vulnerabilities and capacities, identifying DRR options and formulating contingency plans.

With Community DRR Agenda as output, participants' risk assessment and and risk reduction recommendations were detailed down the sitio level. The participation of barangay officials ensured that output of the activity can easily be formally adopted by the barangay council. During the course of the activities, participants learned that disasters occur because there are people who are vulnerable and exposed to hazards; global temperature is rising and is causing changes in the climate that they are already experiencing such as scorching heat of the sun, irregular arrival of monsoons that affects both farming and fishing, unpredictability of rainfall pattern.

Collaborating with the academe, partner non-government organizations and local government units, PhilNet conducted conferences and fora in schools which aim to understand disasters and climate change and pertinent laws regarding these matters, what can the educational institution can do to reduce risks. At the end, the students were able identified their roles in risk reduction and climate change mitigation such as information dissemination, tree growing and proper waste management, among others.

To create a venue for Sibuyan Island stakeholders to discuss the current situation of agriculture and livelihoods, projected impacts of climate change, and determine options for securing adequate food supply and livelihoods for the growing population of the island, a Round Table Discussion (RTD) on Agriculture, Livelihoods and Climate Change was conducted. The RTD, attended by 40 Sibuyanons from three municipalities, was an eye opener for participants regarding the degree of inadequacy of the islands food production capacity as demonstrated in current hectarage and productivity levels of ricelands and imported volumes of rice, rootcrops and vegetables and even dried fish, among other basic necessities, from neighbouring islands.

Adaptation options identified are improving agriculture production with drought and flood tolerant OPV/inbred varieties , soil and crop matching, more mechanical drying facilities, expansion and rehabilitation of irrigation cum drainage facilities; enhanced production of rice, rootcrops and vegetables, increasing production of livestock and poultry (especially eggs); protection and development of mangrove areas, establishment of more fish sanctuaries.

Sustainable LivelihoodsVermiculture

In the advent of the resiliency project, two kilograms of African Night Crawler earthworms were distributed in San Fernando benefiting 8 farmers to start off vermi-composting at the same time that two units of rice hull carbonizer were provided there to aid the composting initiatives.

Upon the formal implementation of the project for one year, 2012 saw six household beneficiaries. A year later, at the end of 2013, PhilNet recorded 33 vermicomposting practitioners which surprisingly skyrocketed to a number of 63 household practitioners in March 2014 (with three male members). 15 of the 63 were supported financially while the rest were provided with earthworms only either by PhilNet or by other practitioners.

To further note in detail, from 13 households and one elementary school in March 2013 to 22 households and one elementary school in September 2013 to 63 households and one elementary school in March 2014, it was 79.4% increase in one year!

Currently, composters are located in three barangays of San Fernando (Taclobo, Espaa and Mabulo), who has formed an association to strengthen production and marketing, and two in Cajidiocan (Danao and Alibagon).

Having 0.2 hectares of ricefield, Minerva Romero of Espaa now harvests a maximum of 25 cavans of rice using only three bags of vermicast which costs only Php 1,500.00 from getting only 20-22 cavans spending an expensive Php 2,500.00 cost of two bags of urea chemical fertilizer.

In tandem with her husband, Taclobo resident Anna Rollon who heads the association, she experienced an increased production capacity of 500% after three years with 99% of the product sold.

Male composter Jerson Vicente of Taclobo has been using his vermicast product for his own rice farm. In the first cropping 2013, he managed to decrease chemical fertilizer utilization by 50%.

At present, PhilNet estimated vermicast production capacity at one metric ton per week with monetary value of P10,00 per week.

As a result, this intervention contributed to resilient livelihoods building through improved income and cost reduction; income opportunities for neighbours from selling of substrates to composters; sturdier crops as observed by users; healthy food rice and vegetables; involvement of entire family in the enterprise (enhanced family synergy); influencing farming system in the locality; cleaner environment; and carbon emission reduction from reduced use of chemical fertilizers.

Sustainable Livelihoods

Main source of livelihood in Sibuyan Island is its abundant sea which gives approximately one million tons of fish catch annually. PhilNet sees this as an opportunity to enhance and advocate sustainable fishery.

One sustainable way is to promote the utilization of fish shelters. Eight barangays were assisted (7 in San Fernando, 1 in Cajidiocan) with potential beneficiaries of 674 full-time and part-time fishers. Having Php 250,000.00 value of investment with 32% local counterpart, there were 35 actual units established out of 39 constructed as of March 2014. Of these only 17 remained at sea, 8 were destroyed by strong southwest monsoon and typhoon Yolanda, 11 went missing and 11 were put to shore.

The intervention made fishing easier for fishers and other residents as well. Fisherfolk testimonies revealed that it actually reduced fishing time from 5-7 hours down to 1.5-2 hours. More than 65% of those benefited fished for own consumption only (employees, laborers, farmers from 5-6 AM). Although, based on the sharing of 246 fisherfolk-participants in a series of evaluation meetings in 8 barangays held from March 2014, it would appear that the project was not able to provide reliable source of livelihood for full time fishers in most areas. Fishers attribute this to the fact that these were established in relatively shallow and clear waters that only small take shelter. Most of these fishers want to transfer the shelters to deeper areas at 300-400 fathoms deep.

However, installed fish shelters improved fish catch by 33% from reduced time of fishing operation and it has been observed that practice of sharing the fish catch with neighbours has been revived due to much easier fishing operation. Meanwhile, blast and poison fishing in covered barangays, especially in Otod, were controlled partly due to the existence of the project.

PhilNet also assisted barangay Sugod in Cajidiocan in establishing artificial reefs with potential beneficiaries of 256 part-time and full-time fishers. 160/250 concrete blocks were installed at sea with bamboo branches around the stocked blocks and with 6 bouys delineating the 100 meter x 100 meter area.

With Php 79,600.00 investment with 18% local counterpart, more and more residents (even teachers, municipal employees and others who were not really fishing before) are now fishing for viand at 5-6 in the morning near the artificial reef. Resource regeneration was observed as sea weeds are already growing and new species of fishes were observed such as small groupers, isdang bato, tangigue, bayangan and sea turtle.

A well-organized fishers and Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (BFARMC) are actively participating in establishing, managing and monitoring the project.

Fisheries

Sustainable LivelihoodsGarments/Sewing

A group of eight household beneficiaries composed of women were given financial assistance for garments-making project. The group has bought materials such as cloths, threads, and other sewing needs in bulk. It also purchased an edging machine and a zigzagging machine. This has increased their output volume with lower cost for customers. The members are already earning more with increased volume. Diversified sources of income strengthens household resilience

Currently, there are eight women involved three are almost full-time already while five could now accept orders anytime because they have access to cheaper supply of cloth and other sewing needs even without cash.

The project has become regular and stable source of income with a value of investment of Php 66,980.00 loan.