World Bank Document · 2016. 7. 17. · areas: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7) and Northern Mindanao (Region 10). To

D F I M D PJanuory 19, 2003 Environmental Assessment Final Report

E901Volume 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................... .1

2 THE PROJECT.2

2.1 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ................................................................. 22.2 PROJECT COMPONENTS ................................................................. 23 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS .33.1 LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT ...................... ....................... 33.2 GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK .......................................................... 33.3 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT ................................................................. 53.4 ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARD POLICIES OF THE WORLD BANK ............... .................. 5

4 YEAR 1 RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE SUB-PROJECTS COMPRISING THEINVESTMENT SUPPORT FOR LOCAL MARKET DEVELOPMENTCOMPONENT .6

5 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION/PROFILING OFTHE SUB-PROJECT SITES .7

5.1 BENGUET PROVINCE ................................................................. 75.2 BUKIDNON ................................................................ 125.3 CEBU ................................................................ 166 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT .19

6.1 "WITHOUT PROJECT" SCENARIO .................................... ............................ 196.2 "WITH PROJECT" SCENARIO ................................................................ 217 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .22

7.1 PRE-IMPLEMENTATION ................................................ 227.2 CONSTRUCTION PHASE ................................................ 227.3 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ................................................ 227.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR YEAR-1 SUBPROJECTS ......................... 227.5 ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES FOR DFIMDP SUBPROJECTS FOR YEAR 2 ONWARDS

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8 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT ................................................................. 22

8.1 CAPACITY BUILDING AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENTS ................................................................. 238.2 PROPOSED STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS ................................................................. 26

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D F I M D PEnvironmental Assessment Final Report

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. National Laws, Rules and Administrative Issuances Pertaining toEnvironmental Assessments ............................................................... 4

Table 2. Brief Descriptions of Sub-Projects for Year 1 Implementation ......................... 6Table 3. Land Area of Benguet/CAR Focus Area (hectares) .......................................... 8Table 4. Landuse Pattern in Buguias and Atok Municipalities in Benguet Province... 9Table 5 Pest Profile in High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) in Benguet ................ 10Table 6 Commonly Used Pesticides and other Chemical Inputs in Benguet .............. 10Table 7 Land Area of Northern Mindanao Focus Area and Bukidnon (hectares) ..... 13Table 8 Commonly Used Pesticides and other Chemical Inputs in Lantapan,

Bukidnon .............................................................. 14Table 9 Land Area of Central Visayas Focus Area and Cebu (hectares) ................... 16Table 10 Commonly Used Pesticides and other Chemical Inputs in Lantapan,

Bukidnon .............................................................. 18Table 11 Environmental Management Plan for all Year-1 Subprojects ......................... 24

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Location Map for the DFIMDP Focus Areas ..................................................... 7Figure 2. Location Map of Benguet Province ............................................................. 8Figure 3 Location Map of DFIMDP Areas in Bukidnon .................................................. 12Figure 4 Location Map of Central Visayas Focus Area and Cebu Province ............... 17

D F I M D PJanuary 19, 2003 Environmental Assessment Final Report

1 Executive SummaryThe Diversified Farm Income and Market Development Project (DFIMDP) of the Departmentof Agriculture (DA) proposes to make the needed investments in facilities, human resources,information systems, equipment, organizational systems and research grants to raise theagency's capacity to provide essential public services for competitiveness enhancing supportfor the private sector-namely, regulatory services, market linkages, technologydevelopment and dissemination, and planning, policy and budgeting systems. It will alsoundertake market-related rural infrastructure and capacity building projects of localgovernments (LGUs) and grower associations at the village level.

Under its rural infrastructure component, the DFIMDP proposes to undertake six roadrehabilitation subprojects for the first year of implementation. These are existing farm-to-market roads that can improve strategic connections of production areas with market outletsand trading centers. They are located in the provinces of Benguet, Bukidnon and Cebu, withproponents being the municipal governments in collaboration with the barangays (village).The subprojects all involve gravelling and drainage canal improvements with concretingwork, if any, being limited to narrow tire paths along the middle of the road. No landacquisition is going to be necessary as all the sites are currently used exclusively as a publicroad.

Environmental impacts of the six initial subprojects are likely to occur during and afterconstruction work-namely soil erosion, dust, traffic flow disruption and air pollution fromgenerated traffic. These are going to be minimal, temporary and reversible with simplemitigation measures such as provision of slope protection, sprinkling of water over the workarea, and management of truck schedules by the contractor of the subproject. Aftercompletion of the project, the LGUs will ensure that trucks and other vehicles are regulatedto minimize pollution from emissions and overloading. The DA regional field units willmonitor compliance with agreed mitigation measures.

Other related environmental impacts may arise from pre-existing risks associated withfarming in slopes and areas near or within watersheds. The influence area of thesubprojects are hilly and upland barangays occupied mostly by migrant-farmers who havesettled there over the last 20 to 30 years using a mixture of farming practices that includeshifting cultivation and planting techniques that are inappropriate for sloping areas. Somegood practices are also observed in the areas, such as terracing of slopes to control soilerosion and the use of integrated pest management to reduce consumption of hazardouschemicals. In two of the subprojects (Lantapan, Bukidnon and Atok, Benguet) economicactivities are governed by existing protected area management plans, hence minimizingrisks of encroachment and damage to protected zones. To reinforce these measures, it isrecommended that the DA regional field units renew partnerships with the Department ofEnvironment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the LGUs and formulate local strategies topromote sustainable farming practices for upland areas and expand the areas underintegrated pest management. At the national level, the DFIMDP component for regulatoryservices will also support environmental protection measures against hazardous chemicalsby closely monitoring toxic residue levels on agricultural commodities.

Succeeding subprojects for the DFIMDP have yet to be firmed up and evaluated in thecourse of future implementation work. A set of environmental guidelines, incorporatingrelevant policies of government and the WB, will ensure that they undergo the same processof environmental impact analysis and assessment.

DFIMDPEnvironmental Assessment Final Report

2 The ProjectThe Diversified Farm Income and Market Development Project is a proposed activity of theDepartment of Agriculture (DA). The Project seeks the assistance of the World Bank for aSector Investment and Maintenance Loan to put in place necessary investment in essentialservices that are in accordance with the envisioned public sector role under the Agricultureand Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA). The goal of the Project is to stimulate ruralgrowth and farmer incomes by enhancing competitiveness of Philippine agriculture andfisheries commodities and market-oriented private sector-led investments.

2.1 Project ObjectivesThe objectives of the Project are as follows:

a) Arrest and reverse the declining competitiveness of Philippine commodities in domesticand foreign markets

b) Greater diversification and profitability of farm enterprisesc) Increased flow of private investments into market-oriented enterprises.

Under agricultural promotion policies before the enactment of the AFMA, the role of thegovernment was to push production targets to achieve such development objectives.Current policies, as spelled out by the AFMA, seek to delimit such intervention bygovernment so that the private sector can play out its more important role in businessdevelopment and financing. Hence, the DFIMDP will concentrate on the institutionaldevelopment efforts of DA towards a more focused and strategic role rather than anexpanded and untargeted role in the achievement of the afore-cited objectives. With financialand technical support from the World Bank, the basic strategy for achieving the aboveobjectives is the effective provision of public services along a few of the most criticalfunctions that are mandated by the AFMA.

2.2 Project Componentsa) Component 1: Support for Market Development Services

Clients of the DA will have regular access to quality, timely and relevant information forcritical business decisions through the establishment of the Agriculture and FisheriesMarket Information System (AFMIS). Essential service function of providing assistancein building market linkages between growers, traders, processors and exporters will alsobe enhanced.

b) Component 2: Strengthening Quality Assurance Systems for Market Development

Facilities, equipment, technical assistance, training activities, and information system willbe provided to improve the quality and efficiency of regulatory services. Export andimport clearances and related measures to develop and enforce appropriate productstandards will help to improve product quality, reduce transactions costs and minimizeproduct rejections due to contaminants that undermine export potential.

c) Component 3: Market-Linked Technology Development and Dissemination

The focus will be to support private sector demands for appropriate technology leading tobetter quality agriculture and fisheries products in accordance with current trends in

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DFIMDPEnvironmental Assessment Finol Report

consumer habits and preferences. Through the use of competitive research grants, IT-based data management systems and inter-active learning systems, funding of R&Dactivities will give priority to genetic material improvement, post-harvest processing,packaging and transport, and pest management methods to minimize the use ofchemical inputs.

d) Component 4: Enhancing Budget Resource Allocation and Planning Systems

Support in the form of technical and policy advisory services, policy studies, HRDprograms, and information systems will be extended by the Project to achieve thedesired reorientation and strengthening of the management services functions in supportof a more focused and strategic role of DA in line with the core functions suggested byAFMA.

e) Component 5: Investment Support for Local Market Development Subprojects

Financial and technical assistance will be extended by the DA to its local partners in thecontext of market development strategies of local industries and LGUs in four focusareas: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Western Visayas (Region 6), CentralVisayas (Region 7) and Northern Mindanao (Region 10). To complement LGUinvestment plans and support private sector marketing needs, the Project will support theconstruction and/or rehabilitation of subprojects will be comprised mostly of ruralinfrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, trading posts, small-scale irrigation, andcapacity enhancement of grower/industry trade associations.

3 Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework for EnvironmentalAssessments

3.1 Legal Framework of the Philippine GovernmentThe Philippines has a well-developed legal and administrative system for environmentalprotection. The country's overall environment policy, as embodied in the 1987 Constitution,states the right of communities to a healthful and balanced ecology.

Presidential Decree 1586 otherwise known as the Philippine Environmental ImpactAssessment (EIA) Law, requires proponents of development projects to ensure that theiractivities do not have adverse impact on the environment and the people. A number ofimplementing rules and regulations govern the conduct of mandatory environmentalassessments to give adequate prediction of possible environmental consequences. The EIAis a useful planning tool to ensure that environmental considerations lead to the rightdecisions in the selection of sites, technical options, implementation plan and operation andmaintenance arrangements.

Table 1 below presents the relevant laws and rules governing environmental assessmentsin the Philippines.

3.2 Government Administrative FrameworkThe burden of compliance with the government's environmental laws falls mainly onproponents and implementing agencies of development projects. However, the effectiveenforcement of these rules is a major responsibility of the Department of Environment andNatural Resources (DENR) which regulates and monitors activities with environmental

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impacts through its power to issue environmental clearance before any project can obtainfunding and start implementation.

Table 1. National Laws, Rules and Administrative Issuances Pertainingto Environmental Assessments

Title Highlights1987 Constitution: States the right of Filipino people to a balanced and healthful ecology.Article II, Sections15 and 16

Presidential Decree 1151 Requires any proposed development project or action to have(1978) environmental impact assessments, with corresponding control

measures for adverse environmental impacts.

Presidential Decree 1586 Established the Environmental Impact Statement System based on(1979) EIA requirements under P.D. No. 1511, requiring proponents of

development projects to formulate a program of environmentalenhancement, protective or mitigation measures. (1979)

Department Serves as the implementing rules and regulations of PD 1586.Administrative Order(DAO) 21-1991

* DepartmentAdministrative Order Supersedes DAO 21(DAO) 37-1996

*Department Supersedes DAO 37-1996 and rationalizes and streamlines the EISAdministrative Order system by clarifying the coverage of the system, standardizing(DAO) 30-2003 requirements, simplifying procedures for processing ECC applications

(2003)

* Indigenous Peoples Recognizes and respects the rights of indigenous cultural communitiesRights Act (IPRA) over their ancestral domains and provides them with the responsibility(1997) of maintaining ecological balance and restoring damaged areas within

ancestral lands.

Proclamation No. 2146 Proclaims certain areas and types of projects as environmentally(1981) critical that are within the scope of the EIS system under Presidential

Decree No. 1586.

National Integrated Classifiies and administers all designated protected areas to maintainProtected Areas System essential ecological processes and life support systems, to preserve(NIPAS) Law genetic diversity, to ensure sustainable use of resources found thereinRepublic Act 7586 (1992) and to maintain their natural conditions to the greatest extent possible.

Promoting ecological balance is as much a task of local government units (LGUs) as it is ofthe national government. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, provincial, municipaland barangays are responsible for the sustainable development of areas within their politicaljurisdictions, through local development planning, enactment of relevant ordinances andregulatory power over building and business permits. Working alongside the DENR'snetwork of field offices that goes down to the level of municipalities, the existing

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administrative system for environmental protection is very comprehensive and operatesintensively throughout the country.

3.3 Integrated Pest ManagementThe government has been aggressively promoting the use of integrated pest management(IPM) in its sustainable agricultural and rural development programs throughout the country.IPM has been adopted since about 10 years ago with the issuance of PresidentialMemorandum Order 126 of 1993 launching the "KASALIKASAN"-the National IntegratedPest Management Program for promoting and enhancing sustainable agricultural and ruraldevelopment. This is the country's standard approach to crop husbandry and pestmanagement in rice, corn and vegetable production. It enjoys wide acceptance as analternative to synthetic chemical pesticides among growers resulting from extensivegovernment-sponsored programs of training and research activities to strengthen thecapability of local government units, non-government organizations and farmer cooperativesto carry out effective local IPM programs. So far, the levels of pesticide residue in freshfruits and vegetables have stayed below the maximum residue limit set by the CodexAlimentarius Commission.' The lead agency for the promotion of IPM at the national level isthe Department of Agriculture which disseminates information on IPM through its farmertraining and extension programs.

3.4 Environmental Safeguard Policies of the World Bank

Environmental Assessment Policy (OP/BP 4.01) outlines the procedures for theenvironmental assessment of bank lending operations. Environment consequences shouldbe recognized early in the project cycle and taken into account in project selection, siting,planning, and design by preventing, minimizing, mitigating, or compensating for adverseenvironmental impacts and enhancing positive impacts.

Natural Habitats Policy (OP/BP 4.04) states that the Bank does not support projectsinvolving the significant conversion of natural habitats, unless there are no other feasiblealternatives for the project and its siting, and comprehensive analysis demonstrates thatoverall benefits from the project substantially outweigh the environmental costs. If the EAindicates that a project significantly converts or degrades natural habitats, the project mustinclude mitigation measures acceptable to the Bank.

Pest Management Policy (OP 4.09) supports safe, effective and environmentally soundpest management. It promotes the use of biological and environmental control methods. Anassessment is made of the capacity of the country's regulatory framework and institutions topromote and support safe, effective, and environmentally sound pest management.

' Data was cited in Global Competitiveness Strategies for Philippine Agribusiness-Product Quality System, areport prepared for the DA by the Foundation for the Advancement of Food Science and Technology, Inc.,February 29, 2000. This 1999 survey included mango, calamansi, bell pepper, tomato and lettuce and thesurvey area covered the Ilocos Region, Cordillera, and Cagayan Valley.


4 Year I Rural Infrastructure Sub-Projects Comprising the InvestmentSupport for Local Market Development Component

Through a series of regional stakeholder consultations followed by detailed discussions withprospective proponents in the four focus areas of the DFIMDP, a set of six ruralinfrastructure projects were lined up for possible investment and implementation support forthe first year of the Project (See Table 2 below). Sub-projects were identified in only 3 of the4 focus areas of DFIMDP, due to a number or reasons having to do with readiness toprovide funding counterpart and readiness for implementation. The map in Figure 1 presentsgraphically the location of the DFIMDP focus areas.

Table 2. Brief Descriptions of Sub-Projects for Year 1 Implementation

Focus Project Name Location DescriptionAreaCordillera JNR-Loo-Taba- Barangay Loo, Rehabilitation of an existing farm-to-market

ao-BPI- Buguias, Benguet road spanning 2.4 km long and 3 to 4 metersBarangay Road Province wide; Gravelling, concrete paving of tire pathsRehabilitation and improvement of drainage

Cordillera JNR-Loo-Pan- Barangay Loo, Gravelling, concrete paving of tire paths andAyaoan-BPI Buguias, Benguet improvement of drainage to improve theBarangay Road Province quality and extend the useful life of an existingRehabilitation farm-to-market road spanning 3.0 km longand 3 to 4 meters wide;

Cordillera Paoay-Cattubo Barangays Paoay Rehabilitation of an existing 7-km farm-to-Barangay Road and market road; Gravelling, concrete paving ofRehabilitation Cattubo, tire paths and improvement of drainage to

Municipality of provide year-round post-harvest transportAtok, Benguet convenience to traders and growers ofProvince vegetables in the area

Northern Kibangay- Kibangay, Rehabilitation of an old logging road thatMindanao Tumpagay Bukidnon serves as farm-to-market road connecting(Reg. 10) Road production areas in the buffer zone of Mt.

Rehabilitation Kitanglad National Park with national arterialroads leading to major trading points in theregion; Gravelling, concrete paving of tirepaths and improvement of drainage along a 5km stretch of barangay road.

Northern Impasug-Ong Impasug-Ong, Gravelling and improvement of drainage ofMindanao Road System Bukidnon farm-to-market roads connecting to the(Reg.10) National Highway, as follows:

La Fortuna-SanJuan Road (15.5 km)Intavas-Tigbao Road (15.5 km)Kubayan-Kibenton-Cawayan (15.5 km)

Central Mantalongon- Barangays Gravelling and improvement of drainage alongVisayas Caleriohan Mantalongon and an existing farm-to-market barangay road(Reg. 7) Road Caleriohan, spanning 6.0 km long and 3 to 4 meters wide

Rehabilitation Municipality ofDalaguete, Cebu I

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Figure 1. Location Map for the DFIMDP Focus Areas

1SD 20 22Z 28 228 228

DFIMP PROJECTS SITES+ + + 0

MT. PROVINC t.4(197,195 ha)

_ + + _ 100 0 100 200 _

BENGUET _ Kilometers(255,000 ha)

CAPIZ (252,000 ha)

+ 8900h4)

-ILOIL %(469,000 ha)

lk

:. ^' * B~UKIDNON55 0 +(906,000 ha)

r' NEGROS ORIENTAL15,05.000 ha),

*18 120 122 128 120 12D

5 Baseline Environmental Characterization/Profiling of the Sub-Project Sites

5.1 Benguet ProvinceLocated in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), one of the DFIMDP focus areas, theProvince of Benguet has 13 municipalities with a total land area of 260,313 hectares, ofwhich 19% or 49,122 hectares are agricultural land. The province borders the City ofBaguio, a highly urbanized tourist destination and a major trading center for agriculturalproduce for CAR (See Figure 2. Location Map of Benguet Province).

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Figure 2. Location Map of Benguet Province

PROVINCE OF SENGUETAND MT. PPROVINCE

- '1-01 , 3t1t1. .I -; DA-DFIMP FOCUS SITE

10 0 10 20

| L.... 1


The landholdings of Benguet are generally small with each household cultivating less than ahectare on the average. Most farms are irrigated (about 75 %) while the rest are rain-fedareas (about 25 %). The land use pattern in the municipalities where the sub-projects will belocated is presented in Table 4 below. In Buguias, the largest land use component isforestland, followed by agricultural land, located mostly in gently sloping portions of LooValley. In Cattubo and Paoay in the municipality of Atok, vegetable farms are located in themoderately steep portions of the subproject area, but most of these farms are terraced-ameasure primarily for soil and water conservation.

Benguet and most of the area in the Cordillera region is located within an ancestral domainclaim, which is under the jurisdiction of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples(NCIP).

Table 4. Landuse Pattern in Buguias and Atok Municipalities in BenguetProvince

Buguias AtokHectares % Dist'n Hectares % Dist'n

Forest 8,912 42% 328 15%Agricultural Land 6,718 31% 1,525 70%Built-up / Settlement Areas 841 4 % 79 4 %Open/ Grass! Brushland / Pasture Land 4,808 23% 244 11%

Total 21,279 100% 2,176 100%

5.1.2 FloraThe dominant vegetation in the municipality of Buguias is pine or coniferous forest. Benguetpine (Pinus kesiya) is the dominant species. Associated low-growing vegetation includesRono (Miscanthus sinensis), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), lantana/sapinit (Lantanacamara), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), desmodium (Desmodium intortum), napier(Pennisetum purpureum) and stylosanthes (Stylosanthes guianensis). White potato,cabbage, carrot, green onion, and celery are commonly grown in the municipality and in thevicinity of the proposed road rehabilitation project (Loo Valley).

In Atok, the major forest vegetation are composed of Benguet pine (Pinus kesiya), alnus(Alnus maritima), and anabiong (Trema orientalis). Stylosanthes spp., Desmodium spp.,samsamon (Themeda trianda) and napier (Pennisetum purpureum). Among the vegetablesgrown in the area are cabbage, carrots, broccoli, onions, potato and lettuce, banana (Musaspp.), sweet potato (Ipomeoa batatas), gabi and chayote.

Farmers in Benguet are confronted with pest problems, as shown on Table 5. The pestprofile indicates that key commercial crops of the Benguet are susceptible to many peststhat cause serious damage to their stems and leaves. These include leaf miners, aphids,white flies and the diamond back moth, among others. These are being controlled through anumber of practices which include some use of commercial chemical inputs. The commonlyused brands, their active ingredient and WHO classification are listed in Table 6.

The approach to pest management in major crops like rice, corn, and vegetables hasalready been institutionalized so much so that farmers' participation has been proven to beeffective in implementing the IPM program. In the DFIMD project sites, the farmers' level of

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knowledge and awareness of [PM in highland vegetables is high (about 90 %). In fact, theIPM pilot projects began in 1992 in the Cordilleras. Thereafter, the projects were carried outnationwide whereby every region has adopted the IPM program. The Farmers Field School(FFS) was cited by farmers as their main source of technical assistance in upgrading theknowledge and skills particularly in farm management activities like fertilizer and soil fertilitymanagement, pest control strategies, and other cultural management practices, includingsoil conservation. DA should ensure that these crop protection practices are monitored welland sustained with continuous flow of information and technical guidance to farmers, LGUextension workers and other concerned groups at the local level.

Table 5 Pest Profile in High Value Commercial Crops (HVCC) in Benguet

Current Pest ManagementCrop Pest Type of Damage Practices (Control

Measures)Potatoes Leaf miners Larvae bore tunnels Use of yellow trap with grease

inside leaves oil.Use of Cartap and Trigard.

Aphids Suck plant sap Use of systemic insecticide.Thrips Suck plant sap Use of systemic insecticide.Cutworms Cut stems and Spraying with stomach and

Leaves contact insecticide.Whiteflies Damage leaves by its Spraying of systemic

sap/juice resulting to insecticide.drying-up.

Crucifers Cutworms Cut the stems and Field sanitationleaves

(Cabbage, Diamond Infestation is higher Use of diadegma and otherBrocolli, back moth (80 %) in warmer effective chemicals.Cauliflower, months; lower (20 %)etc.) during rainy or cold

months.

Table 6 Commonly Used Pesticides and other Chemical Inputs in Benguet

Brand/Product Active Ingredient Type WHO ClassificationNameDithane Mancozeb Fungicide -Manzate Mancozeb Fungicide -Bida Lambda Insecticide Moderately HazardousVancozeb Mancozeb Fungicide -Karate 2.5 EC Lambdac halothrine o25gl Insecticide Moderately HazardousTamaron Oraano phosphorous Insecticide -Basudin Diazinon Insecticide -Funguran Copper hydroxide Fungicide -Vertex Chlorpyriphos Insecticide -Magnum 5 EC Cypermethrin Insecticide -

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5.1.3 FaunaInsects and birds are among the faunal species that abound in the province. Ayungin(Therapon spp), eel/"igat" ( Anguilla spp.), mudfish/"dalag"(Ophiocephalus striatus), hito(Clarias spp) are the common fish species which thrive in the Agno river. Tilapia (Tilapiaspp) are cultured and produced in Ambuklao and Binga lakes. Flies, ants and avianspecies, among others abound in Buguias and Atok.

5.1.4 WaterThe largest body of water in Benguet is the Agno river, which originates from Mount Data.Its tributaries are sources of water for vegetable farms in the province. Springs are alsosources of water.

The Upper Agno River is classified as Class "A" freshwaters (source: DENR-EMB, CAR),which is of a quality that can be used for public water supply with minimal treatment. Thetotal suspended solid (TSS) level within the river system is within ambient standards (1,000mg/I) set under DAO 34 s. 1990. This means that the TSS level is within Class "A" standard.The mean monthly streamflow along the Agno River System is from 4.7 to 56.4 cm (source:National Power Corporation).

5.1.5 AirThe climate and rainfall pattern of Benguet fall under Climatic Type I of the Coronaclassification with wet season from May to October and dry from November to April. Annualrainfall ranges from 2,294 mm to 4,177 mm with six months (May-October) experiencingrainfall. July and August are the wettest months since about 85 percent of the annual rainfalloccur during these months (source: CHARMP/DA).

It has a relatively cool tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 9.6 C° in January toabout 26 CO in April. The average maximum temperature is 22.80 C while the averageminimum temperature is about 13.70 C. This micro-meteorological condition is veryfavorable for vegetable production. Farming does not impair air quality. The ongoing roadrehabilitation works along the Halsema Highway does not contribute significant amount ofdust to affect air quality.

5.1.6 PeopleThe National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that the Cordillera is the least populated regionin the Philippines, reaching about 1.37 million in 2000. Benguet is the most populatedprovince in the region with a total count of 322,000 owing partly to the migration of familiesfrom the various other provinces in the Cordillera. Despite that, Benguet registered thelowest growth rate at 0.58% annually. Residents of Benguet are relatively young with half ofits population below 20 years of age. About 14 % of families in Benguet province are pooror have average incomes below the poverty threshold. The main sources of income andlivelihood are farming, mining and quarrying. The population of Benguet originated from theIfugao and Igorot indigenous cultural communities. While having maintained strong ties withtheir rich cultural and social roots, current residents of Benguet are well integrated withmainstream social and political systems.


5.1.7 Protected Areas, Critical Natural Habitats, Areas of Ecological andBiodiversity

The farms at Loo Valley are located immediately below the plateau of the Mount DataNational Park where there is vegetable farm intensification;The DENR, in cooperation withBuguias municipal and Loo barangay governments, placed restrictions on the use of thepark and its resources. Further, there is a Park Development and Management Plan that isbeing enforced jointly by the DENR and LGUs to protect, conserve and sustain the fragileforest ecosystem.

The proposed road rehabilitation project at Cattubo and Paoay in Atok, Benguet are locatedon the western part of the Upper Agno River, whereas the declared Mount Pulag NationalPark is on the eastern part of the river. In other words, the project site and the Mt. Pulagare separated by the Upper Agno River. Thus, the proposed road rehabilitation project andthe agricultural activities in its influence area are not physically within the boundaries of theMt. Pulag and is not to be restricted directly by the existing conservation rules beingenforced there.

5.2 BukidnonBukidnon is one of five provinces in Northern Mindanao (Region 10). It consists of 22municipalities and has a total land area of 829,000 hectares. The province is richly endowedwith favorable climatic conditions and natural resources that make it suitable for theproductions of almost any crop or livestock. Its topography is predominated by vast areas ofrolling timberland with an average elevation of 915 meters.

Figure 3 Location Map of DFIMDP Areas in Bukidnon

IW, -1 I' I ." 12 -1 W- Z. 1z1'17" 0z-1 16" Z 1-B'1IM..000 1-.000 ,,0000 BUKIDNON PROVINCECluster SitesCAGAYAN DE ORO

6< ai 0 20et i

App,- S-1Ie 1 600 000

'- _C.IYA E 8'" Cluster Grouping>

Q. - ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~CLUSTER 1 CLUSTER 2.- mpasug-ong Baungonr. __ ~~~~~~~~~~~~Libona TalakagC~~~_ -:4 -h zt_ :..4 ~~~~~~~~~~~Malitbog CLUSTER 3

Manolo Fortich CabanglasanSumilao M alaybalay

San, Fernanrdo8 + "s. ' e Ei_ U - U | LEGEND' LSantapLa nan

/\'Roads

. Cluster 2 - Water17 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Cluster 3 Built-up

Elevation (masl)0-100 1799-1899

- ~ ~~~~ 200~~~~~-300 1999 -2099~~~j + 400-5~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~00 2199 -2299600-700 2399-2499600-700 2599-2699

_ 8 + .. l fi 800-900 L 2799-28991000-1100.1 NORrNcOTRBATO DAI/AOfl~~~~L StiR 1200-1300

.- .. . .. 1400-1500

1600-1 700610000o 700000 710000 - 6010, 120160 ,-12016 12611b'7" tl1-1'1* 121166'11

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Its highest peak is Mt. Kitanglad (2,379 meters above sea level) located at the center of theprovince and is declared as a National Park. The major water resources of the province arethe navigable Pulangi River along with two other systems, Cagayan River and TagoloanRiver.

5.2.1 LandThe total land area of the province is 829,000 hectares. Table 7 below shows the land areaof the focus area and the municipalities where the sub-projects are located. In terms oftopography, about 75% (621,750 ha) of the province's total area are classified as stronglysloping to very steep slopes (exceeding 18% gradient); the remaining 25 percent (207,250ha) are in slope gradient of below 18 %, consisting mostly of gently sloping terrain.Elevation ranges from 300 - 1500 meters above sea level.

The soil in the area consists of clay and clay loam for moderately sloping areas and sandyloam in the mountain areas. Soils are derived from fine-grained volcanic rocks, varioussedimentary derivatives and pyroclastics (volcanic ashes). Volcanic flows are andesite tobasaltic in composition. Rocks consist of chemicals like pyrite (FeS4) and Chalcopyrite(CuFe2), an ore Copper sphalrite and zinc.

Table 7 Land Area of Northern Mindanao Focus Area and Bukidnon (hectares)

Northern Mindanao (Region 10) 1,403,300Bukidnon Province 829,000

Lantapan Municipality 35,996Kibangay Barangay 5,090

lmpausg-Ong Municipality 107,167Kibenton 2,670La Fortuna 7,886

In terms of land classification about 40% (336,412 hectares) of Bukidnon is classified asalienable and disposable (A&D) while the remaining 60% (492,966 hectares) is classified aspublic forest according to DENR records. However, only about 27% (224,000 hectares) ofthe province is actually forested. 2

In terms of land use, agriculture is the dominant land use on 400,000 hectares or almost halfof the province, followed by grass or brush land (24%), and forest (23%) and pasture land(5%). The settlements (included in the agricultural land) are predominantly uplandindigenous or mixed communities practicing traditional or imported3 land use practices(borrowed technology), and accessing the forests and other natural resources of theprotected area.

2 Imagery from a SPOT satellite in 1987 showed that the vegetative cover of the province included some223,830 hectares of remaining forest with only about one-third residual or second growth forest.

3Some farmers who have migrated from Benguet to Bukidnon have introduced farming practices in slopingareas that are proving to be damaging to upland areas in Bukidnon, particularly Lantapan.

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D F I M D PEnvironmental Assessment Finol Report

5.2.2 FloraThe most common form of vegetation is dipterocarp forest (residuals-dominated)represented by lauan species, molave forest type represented by Banaba (Lagerstroemaspeciosa), Tindalo (Afzelia rhomboida), Dao (Dracontomelon dao), Dapdap (Erythrinavariegata), and Ficus (Ficus spp) are the dominant vegetation. Miscellaneous species likeKakauate (Gliricidia sepium), bamboo (Bambusa spp), Kahoy dalaga (Mussaendraphilippica), various shrubby and herbaceous species also abound.

For the farming areas, corn, coffee, cabbage, potatoes, sugarcane and banana are themajor crops. The growing season of annual crops is normally at least nine months whilemost perennial crops continue growing throughout the year.

Based on the interview conducted with the farmers in Lantapan, majority of them were usinginorganic fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides for better and higher crop yield. It was notedthat the use of such chemical inputs was being practiced without proper technical guidancefrom agricultural extension workers or DA field personnel. In some cases, DA technicianswere known to have introduced the use of chemicals for higher yield.Table 8 shows the list of chemical pesticide brand names with their corresponding activeingredients and their environmental risk classification according to the World HealthOrganization. To address risks associated with unguarded use of chemical inputs, there isneed for the DA RFU and the LGU to more actively promote integrated pest managementpractices in the influence area. There may also be a need to formulate and implement alocal pest management plan which can be implemented and monitored collaboratively by theDA RFU and the LGU Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO).

Table 8 Commonly Used Pesticides and other Chemical Inputs in Lantapan,Bukidnon

Brand/Product Active Ingredient Type WHO ClassificationName

Dithane Mancozeb Fungicide -Manzate Mancozeb Fungicide -Karate 2.5 EC Lambdacyhalothrine (25g/1) Insecticide Moderately HazardousMagnum 5 EC Cypermetrin Insecticide -Round Up Isopropylamin/ Herbicide -

Monoammoniumglyphossate

5.2.3 FaunaMindanao forest mouse (Tarsomys spp.), Black rat (Rattus rattus), Pygmy squirrel(Nannosciurus surrutilus), Philippine green pigeon (Treron pampadera), water cock(Gallierex cinarea), among others, are the common animal species. These animals areessential predators of insects that damage the growth and production of crops. The Mt.Kitanglad National Park is one of the natural habitats of the endangered Philippine eagle(Pithecophaga jeffery,). Carpa (Cyrinos carpio), Tilapia (Tilapia nilotica), Puyo (Anabastestudineus), and Gourami spotted (Trichogaster spp), among others are some of theaquatic species.

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5.2.4 Water

Alanib, Manupali, Maagnao, Kulasihan, Tugasan, and Tinago are the six major river systemsfound in the area, and as much as 40 creeks-tributaries traverse the area. Springs are theprimary sources of water for the farms and household needs. Recent hydrologic studies thatwere done for a proposed water supply system for Lantapan showed that the quality of theirraw water is very good. This is due mainly to the fact that no industries are located in thearea.

5.2.5 Air

Climatic conditions in the area are classified under type IlIl or the intermediate A of theCorona classification where dry season is not pronounced, though it is relatively dry fromNovember to April and wet during the rest of the year. The annual rainfall in the province isin around 2,500 mm, it ranges from 1,900 mm in the driest northern portion and to a high of3,000 mm in the central and eastern mountain ranges. The heaviest rainfall recorded wasalmost 0.6 meter (589.9 mm) in Malaybalay (PAG-ASA). However, at higher altitudes inmountainous headwaters even higher intensities probably occur at greater frequencies, withmajor implications for watershed management.

The mean maximum atmospheric temperature is 280 C and minimum is 19.60 C. Therelative humidity is usually high, ranging from a minimum of around 85 percent in March to90 percent in October. Dust and other particulates emitted due to farming and otheractivities have not been reported to have adverse impacts on air quality in the area.

5.2.6 People

The population of Bukidnon is estimated at 844,000 in 2000, with the majority of its residentslocated in rural areas, but the growth of its urban population is faster than rural population.Like most of the provinces in Mindanao, Bukidnon's population is composed of migrantsfrom Luzon and Visayas, as well as other provinces of Mindanao, who have converged andsettled in the area since the late 1940's. The original settlers are called Manobos andMananapes. There are many indigenous tribes now found in the province-Bukidnon, Tala-andig, Higa-onon, Umayamnon, Matigsalog and Monobos-with more than one tribecoexisting in one municipality. By and large, the indigenous cultural communities are mostlynomadic and engaged in crude farming practices, including "slash and burn" farmingmethods in land development.

5.2.7 Protected Areas, Critical Natural HabitatsThe proposed road rehabilitation project in Barangay Kibangay, Lantapan is located in thebuffer zone of Mt. Kitanglad National Park. The perimeter of the forest is bounded by adeclared buffer zone that absorbs the influx of migrants that have engaged in vegetableproduction through slashand burnagriculture. Part of the influence area of the Kibangayproject includes the scattered patches of vegetable farms within this buffer zone. The basicstrategy for development in the buffer zone is sustainable farming where farmers areencouraged to use appropriate technologies for sloping areas in order to conserve the soiland enrich its fertility. While productivity is maintained in their farms, there is less probabilitythat the farmers would need to migrate into the forest protection zone.

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt. Kitanglad, a decision-making body ofthe park or reserve has been very active in the administration and management of the Mt.Kitanglad National Park. This Board has organized the "Kitanglad Volunteers' Brigade" and


almost all barangays surrounding the park are involved in the park's protection. TheLantapan Municipal Mayor, as a member of the PAMB, shares the responsibility with otherstakeholders in the implementation of conservation measures. Therefore the futuredecisions regarding the subproject will ensure that the proposed subproject activities will notimpinge on the PAMB plans for the conservation of the National Park.

Functions and Activities of the Mount Kitanglad PAMB

Resource Access in the Buffer Zone* Identifying or surveying and registration of qualified buffer zone occupants for the fast approval/issuance of

their tenurial instruments, restricting entry of new occupants, and preventing land grabbingProtection and Enforcement

* Organization of multi-sectoral protection committee at the barangay level which will help in the protectionand rehabilitation of denuded areas within the park.

* Involvement and encouragement of communities to participate in the protection and maintenance of thepark.

Environmnental Education* Establishment of environmental awareness program such as bringing specialists/experts to promote

development, conservation, and other related activities.* Promotion of ecotourism activities within the park like mountain hiking/trekking.* Information and education campaigns on proper land use and effects of forest loss and degradation;

Community Development* Provision of training and credit support on livelihood activities of communities to avoid conflict on resource

extraction and management.* Strengthen/reinforce institutional linkages of communities to service agencies that would help them in

community development along with the management of their resources, and livelihood programs.* Promotion of agricultural projects like establishment of local nursery and provision of free planting

materials of ecologically and commercially viable crops; Soil erosion, siltation and pollution of water bodiessuch as lakes, streams, and rivers found in the protected areas would be minimized if not avoided.

Social Services* Rehabilitation of existing trails and roads to improve access of communities to essential services.* Promotion of the use of indigenous biomedicines

5.3 CebuThe province of Cebu is located in the Central Visayas Region, as one of the DFIMDP focusareas. It is located in a narrow strip of land in the center of the region and comprises a totalof about 167 islands. The province has a total land area of 508,839 hectares, of which315,138 hectares (62%) are being utilized for agriculture. The location map of Cebuprovince is shown in Figure 4.

5.3.1 LandThe estimated land area for the focus area and the locality for the subproject site is shownbelow.

Table 9 Land Area of Central Visayas Focus Area and Cebu (hectares)Central Visayas (Region 7) 1,843,879

CebuProvince 508,839Dalaguete Municipality 15,496

The topography of the island-province is made up of rough mountains and rolling steepslopes in the highlands. Dalaguete, which is the site of the proposed road rehabilitationproject, consists of gently sloping (3-8%), undulating to rolling to steeply sloping (18-50%).

16


The soil is predominantly of sandy loam and silty clay loam composition in the province andeven at the vicinity of the proposed subproject (Caleriohan and Mantalongon).

Copper is the main mineral of the province. Coal, dolomite, limestone, Mactan stone,blackstone, guano, silicious sand and cement are among the non-metallic minerals found inthe province.

Figure 4 Location Map of Central Visayas Focus Area and Cebu Province

000000 a+00000 30000o 00000 300000 CEBU CLUSTER

6__ U^JAN U G / SBNA

2 ,J 0 2*t

(App-o, S..le I 30000)

8 LEGEND.. Roads

Built-up AreasCorrals

Elevation (masfl meters

0- I 00 600 700+ +020 200 -30 600 9000

I 400 -50 0 900 1000

8

A Uyoc BOIIOON ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~M .p Sol.- DA

About 72% of Cebu's land area is classified as alienable and disposable and the balance of28% is classified as forest land. A large portion (86%) of the A&D lands are devoted toagriculture.

Barangay Dugyan, which is the primary influence area of the proposed road rehabilitationproject, is the farthest upland barangay south of Mantalongan-the vegetable market centerof Dalaguete. Adjacent barangays traversed by the road include barangays Nalhub andCatalohan. The combined land area of these barangays is 1,956 hectares, of which around157 hectares (8%) are devoted to agriculture. The farming area is limited by the ruggedtopography with few patches of flat lands, but they are irrigated by rich sprng sources. Mostof the farms are using Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT).

5.3.2 FloraMolave forest represented by Molave (Vitex parviflora), Kamagong (Diospyrosphilippinensis), Ficus spp., Tindalo (Afzelia rhomboida) and Cinamomum spp.are the primaryvegetation in the municipality; miscellaneous forest species like Dapdap (Erythrinavariegata), Kakauate (Gliricidia sepium), Hauili (Ficus hauili), Ipil-ipil (Leucaenaleucocephala), among others and medicinal plants abound in the area.

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DFIMDPEnvironmental Assessment Finol Report

Farmers in the municipality of Dalaguete were taught scientific techniques to increase farmproductivity and production efficiency of vegetables. Modern farming principles are widelyknown and practiced, including multiple cropping and the use of organic fertilizer and goodquality seeds. According to the farmers, attacks of pests and diseases in the area arenegligible because they practice mixed cropping.. However, they find it unavoidable toresort to the use of some chemical insecticides and pesticides. The commonly usedchemical inputs are shown in Table 10.

Table 10 Commonly Used Pesticides and other Chemical Inputs in Lantapan,Bukidnon

Product Name Active Ingredient Type WHO ClassificationDithane Mancozeb FungicideManzate Mancozeb FungicideKarate 2.5 EC Lambdacyhalothrine (25g/1) Insecticide Moderately HazardousMagnum 5 EC Cypermetrin InsecticideRound Up Isopropylamin/ Herbicide

Monoammonium_____ _____ _____ glypI hossate

5.3.3 FaunaDark-throated oriole, Cebu flower-pecker (Dicaeum quadricolor) and Black shama (siloy) areamong the birds that are still existing in the remaining forest patches of Cebu. Kawasanpaper kite (Idea leuconejumalon,), a butterfly species, is endemic in the site. This butterflyis vital in pollination activities.

5.3.4 WaterSprings of hinterland barangays like Mantalongon (focus site), Caleriohan, Dugyan, andother hilly mountain areas are among the main sources of water supply in Dalaguete. Re-vegetation of these mountains is needed, since the forest cover is now about 28 % percentor less.

Among the water sources in the municipality are Dalaguete Water District, Casay, Lanao,Malones, Tuba, Caliongan and Langkas water systems. So far, there are no reportedproblems in the water quality and supply in the vicinity of the subproject site. However,DENR with the coordination of the municipality of Dalaguete continuously implementprograms on watershed rehabilitation/development and protection to support or improvehydrologic conditions there.

5.3.5 AirThe climate and rainfall patterns of Cebu are categorized as Type IlIl climate of the Coronaclassification where dry season is from November to April and the rest of the year is wetseason. Atmospheric temperature ranges from 22.6 to 33.1C0. The coolest temperature isnormally felt in January and the warmest in May. The mountain barangays have coolclimate; Mantalongon is also known as the "little Baguio" of Cebu where high-valuevegetables and cut flowers are produced. The level of air pollution or nuisances from dustdue to road construction and other sources have not been reported pose any hazard orthreat.

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5.3.6 PeopleOf the more than 5 million people living in the Central Visayas Region (Region 7), 2.6 millionor more than half are residents of Cebu province. The Cebu metropolis has been attractinga yearly stream of migrants from nearby Visayan provinces since the export boom in the1970's, which brought about rapid industrialization and increased demand for labor. Thepopulation is still predominantly Cebuano-speaking and a small minority is llonggo, butvirtually everybody understands Tagalog and English.

Being in one of the most economically progressive regions in the country, the magnitude ofpoverty in Cebu province is relatively less than most other provinces. In 2000, it had apoverty incidence estimated at 28.7 % of families having incomes below the povertythreshold. This is better than the regional poverty incidence of 32.3% and the national levelof 36%.

Quite a contrast to the modern metropolis that dominates the economy of Cebu, themunicipality of Dalaguete is still reliant on agriculture. It constitutes some of the province'shilly barangays that have been isolated by rugged terrain and poor quality road system. Theinfluence area of the road rehabilitation project (Dugyan, Nalhub and Catolohan barangays)is primarily devoted to traditional livelihoods such as small-scale farming, livestock raising,trading and basket weaving.

5.3.7 Protected Areas, Critical Natural Habitats

The site of the proposed road rehabilitation project in Dalaguete Cebu, is located at the footof the Osmenia peak and other mountain ranges. The production areas to be benefited bythe road are however located in the hilly barangays which also serve as the watershed of themunicipality. Measures to maintain the quality of the water resources have to be in place,including continuous assistance to farmers for proper handling of chemical inputs andexpansion of areas under integrated pest management.

6 Environmental Impact Assessment

6.1 "Without Project" Scenario

6.1.1 Poor road conditionsWithout the project, the farms in the subproject areas will remain largely under the sameinefficient farming operations as there is no active trading with large buyers or processorswho generally require consistent quality and reliable supply of produce The subproject areaswill remain isolated from government services and outside the scope of commercial tradingoperations of private trading associations in Bukidnon due to the unfavorable physicalconditions.

6.1.2 Shifting CultivationThe upland areas with fragile ecosystems remain susceptible to encroachment by migrant-farmers seeking more fertile areas. Most of the sites that were selected for the market-support infrastructure subprojects for the first year of Project implementation happen to belocated in remote rural barangays where landless people have migrated and settled. Someof the sites are located in mountainous terrain which have been encroached by farmerspracticing "slash and burn" methods of land clearing and development for the past 20-30years. While most of them are settled now, the mere presence of migrant farmers couldpose as a long-term threat to the remaining forested areas in their vicinity. Farming

19


techniques that are inappropriate for sloping terrain will continue to be widely practiced bythe farmer-migrants in the upland areas of the subproject sites, as most of them areuntrained to do sustainable farming operations, especially in Lantapan.

The risk of encroachment is being addressed by existing natural resource managementplans that are in place for the protection of such forest resources in the protected areas nearthe Lantapan and the Atok subproject areas. As long as the institutional arrangementsremain active and local government units continue to cooperate with each other, thesemeasures can reduce the risk of encroachment into the protected areas.

6.1.3 Occurrence of surface runoff (SRO) and soil erosion (SE).Farming in the upland areas, if not done and managed properly, may lead to surface runoffand soil erosion in the long-term that will result in the reduction of soil fertility. Eventuallythey affect productivity of the farm and may cause the farmer to move to other areas.

Likewise, SRO and SE can lead to siltation and sedimentation of water bodies, which areimportant resources in most of the subproject areas. The influence area of the Dalagueteroad project is partly within the site of the municipality's watershed. The municipality ofLantapan in Bukidnon also has six major river systems found in the area, with 40 creeks-tributaries traversing the area. While there are no problems that are reported yet in thevolume and quality of their water supply, unchecked erosion in the upland farming areasmay cause a reduction of the volume of water in creeks and streams in the long-run.

6.1.4 Watershed Rehabilitation

Efforts of farmers to increase production are made to conform with conservation plans forthe upland areas. Programs and projects under the Bukidnon Environmental and NaturalResources (BENRO) include watershed rehabilitation, establishment of tree plantations,parks and wildlife management, and environment and pollution management, among others.Presently, the DA RFU is very active in providing technical assistance to farmers in the Mt.Kitanglad buffer zone with regard to sustainable farming practices. In Buguias, Benguetwhere the subproject area is located immediately below the plateau of the Mt. Data NationalPark, the DENR in cooperation with Buguias Municipal and Loo Barangay governments, hasimposed restrictions on the use of the park resources and formulated a Park Developmentand Management Plan to protect and conserve the fragile ecosystem.

6.1.5 Chemical Residue LevelsThe government's capacity to monitor and report regularly the actual levels of chemicalresidues in the focus areas (at the municipal level) is presently very weak. Without theProject, the public remains ignorant of the environmental problems that may already bearising from unregulated and unmonitored use of agricultural chemical inputs in thesubproject areas. These are lost opportunities for what could have been more effectiveadvocacy for integrated pest management at the local and at the national levels.

6.1.6 Pest Management

There is a high level of awareness of integrated pest management methods in most of thefarms in the subproject areas. Its actual application is however variable and depends on theability of the LGU and DA farmer education programs to sustain the flow of technical

20


assistance and monitor activities, especially during phases of production intensification andcrop diversification.

6.2"With Project" ScenarioThe negative environmental impacts from the civil works are generally minimal, temporaryand immediately reversible with appropriate mitigation measures that can incorporated in thetechnical specifications of the subproject. However, since the location of the subprojects arein the upland areas, some negative environmental impacts are foreseen to arise in the long-term if farming activities are intensified. These are associated with aggravatedenvironmental risks that are pre-existing in the area, such as the long-term effects ofinappropriate planting methods in slopes, unguarded pesticide use, encroachment ofremaining forests, which were observed in some of the subproject areas in varying degrees.The subproject creates an opportunity to combine the efforts of DA, DENR and the LGUs toregulate economic activities in the subproject influence areas existing plans for protection offragile upland ecosystems are preserved.

6.2.1 Improved Road Conditions to the Inner BarangaysThe market support investment for the focus areas will be channeled mostly to therehabilitation of existing farm-to-market roads that have fallen into disrepair. Minor civil worksare involved such are site preparation, gravelling and rehabilitation of drainage canals.Concrete paving, if any, will be limited to tire paths along the middle of the road. As such,the subprojects will not cause significant incremental impact to the land, water, air andhuman components of the environment.

No land acquisition is going to be needed as areas covered by the subprojects areexistingand free from any conflicting claims, current usage and legal encumbrances.Land/site clearing will be limited to minor excavation works, brushing of grasses and othershrubs on roadsides in preparation for road surfacing and installation of drainage canals.Negative impacts on vegetation in the vicinity of the subproject will be temporary andimmediately reversible through regeneration.

6.2.2 Better Access to Information and Agricultural Extension ServicesThe project will also bring about better access of farmers to government services due to thebetter quality of roads and the increased market transactions in the area. It is anticipatedthat more frequent contacts with government extension workers will lead to more effectiveconservation and environmental protection measures under integrated pest managementprograms, natural resource management plans, protected area management plans andwatershed rehabilitation plans. It could also create conditions for closer collaborationbetween the DENR and the DA in the promotion of sustainable farming.

6.2.3 Increased Road Traffic

Any road improvement project is expected to generate an increased flow of vehicles into thearea. This may have disruptive effects on the air quality from smoke-belching overloadedtrucks and may also result in increased road accidents. Traffics can be regulated by theLGU with the enforcement of local ordinances that can impose limits on truck loads andschedule hauling activities.

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7 Environmental Management Plan

7.1 Pre-implementationThere are no anticipated critical environmental impacts during the pre-implementationphase as there are no physical works that will be done, except surveys.7.2 Construction PhaseThe activities during this phase will mainly involve site preparation that includes minorexcavation, vegetation brushing, hauling of aggregates and other materials. Theenvironmental impacts that are likely to occur are surface runoff, soil erosion and siltationand sedimentation of nearby water bodies. In order to mitigate against these impacts, thesubproject will provide slope and road cut protection and construct a road drainage systemfor all the roads. The technical plans include riprapping, wattling, fascine installation andvegetative lining including enrichment planting. Proper construction site management, properdisposal of solid wastes and earth spoils will be observed at all time. It will also includeconstruction of sediment traps to prevent clogging of drainage canals. These works will beincorporated in the technical specifications for compliance by LGUs and contractors.

The construction work may also generate dust and increase the noise levels in the vicinity ofthe road project. The contractor will be required to regularly sprinkle the work areas withwater to avoid such nuisance on residents during construction. This will be enforced throughthe regular monitoring of construction work by the Municipal Engineer or Project Manager ofthe LGU.

7.30peration and MaintenancePost-completion activities include the cleaning of drainage canals, filling of potholes, clearingof overgrowth of vegetation along the sides of the road as part of the basic operation andmaintenance of the farm-to-market roads. These will be the responsibility of the barangayand will be monitored by the Municipal Engineer through regular inspection. Such visits willalso enable the LGU to take action on any needed road and/or drainage repair.

7.4 Environmental Management Plan for Year-1 SubprojectsTable 11 presents the environmental management plan for the DFIMDP year 1 subprojectsindicating the predicted/potential impacts, the relevant mitigation measures and the personsresponsible for implementation. The monitoring plan for the individual subprojects will beformulated in the course of EMP formulation and will reflect agreements made amongstakeholders during consultations.7.5 Environmental Guidelines for DFIMDP Subprojects for Year 2 OnwardsFor DFIMDP subprojects to be implemented in year 2 and onward will adopt a set ofEnvironmental Guidelines (attached as Annex to this report) that is consistent with theBank's and the government's environmental assessment policies.

8 Institutional Arrangements for Environmental ManagementThe broad range of immediate and long-term environmental impacts and the means toaddress them go beyond the present capacity and scope of responsibilities of the Project'slead agency, the Department of Agriculture. The focus of DA operations has traditionallybeen in the promotion of certain crops and introducing related farming technologies wherethere is potential for commercial production. Environmental screening of subprojects,

22


evaluation of environmental management plans, and giving advice to proponents onenvironmental impact mitigation are not among the usual activities of the DA RFUs but canbe integrated in its regular functions. Even as DA RFUs do not have environmentalspecialists who can handle very technical aspects of some complex EIA studies, they havestaff with basic skills in sciences and engineering that can be harnessed for these functions.

Institutional capacity to support environmental management needs of the DFIMDP focusareas can be improved significantly with a clearer delineation and definition of functions ofDA and the DENR when it comes to upland farming. While some of the subproject areas areunder a natural resource management plan, the specific action plans do not directly involvethe DA whose concern is to support the farming activities and agricultural marketing in theseareas.

The integrated pest management program of the DA needs to be revived and given moreprominence in order to sustain the interest and high level of awareness of farmers. Sinceextension services and farmer training are now the responsibility of the local governmentunits, the IPM information dissemination and promotional strategies should try to moreactively engage LGUs, especially those in upland areas and critical watersheds. Fieldmonitoring and follow-up technical services by the DA-RFU at the farm level are also asimportant to make sure that recommended IPM methods are properly applied.4

8.1 Capacity Building and Institutional Arrangements for EnvironmentalAssessmentsThere is a need therefore to undertake the following institutional measures in each of theRFUs, Proponent LGUs and Grower's Associations in preparation for environmentalassessment functions of the Project:

• Basic orientation on the Environmental Impact Assessment System, EnvironmentalGuidelines and familiarization with its forms, mandatory processes, technical criteria andrelated policies and rules.

* Designate an appropriate person(s) in the DA-RFU staff who will act as environmentfocal person for DFIMDP subprojects and other infrastructure projects supported by DAin the region.

• Revive linkages with local government units for the renewal of integrated pestmanagement programs in the subproject areas and provide them assistance in thepreparation and monitoring of a sound pest management plan.

* Strengthen linkages with the DENR for better collaboration on the enforcement of rulesand regulations relevant to upland farming in critical watersheds and protected areas.

4 In the Philippines, the Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for pesticides have not yet been established limits setby Codex Alimentarius are used instead.

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Table 11 Environmental Management Plan for all Year-1 SubprojectsProject Type: Construction and Rehabilitation of Farm to Market Roads

Subproject Possible Mitigating /Enhancement Responsible Cost of/Activities/ Environmental Measures Agency I MitigationComponents Effects /Impacts Unit (Php)1.0 PRE-IMPLEMENTATION PHASE1. I Planning and design Enhanced stakeholder LGU

of road participation -Hold meeting with projectrehabilitationlconstru beneficiaries and otherction stakeholders on the construction

plan, operation and managementplans and correspondingenvironmental management plan

- Giving hiring preference toqualified local community

1.2 Hiring of construction Increased LGUworkers/laborers employment

opportunity andcommunityincome

TOTAL COST FOR PRE-IMPLEMENTATION

2.0 IMPLEMENTATION PHASE2.1 Rehabilitation of - Accumulation of - Scrapping, removal & disposal Contractor

Farm to Market Road rubbish materials of rubbish & foreign materials /LGUalong the roadway to the dumpsite of theas a result of municipality.clearing & grubbingoperations.

- Loosening of top - Compaction of topsoil as Contractorsoil due to the required by the specifications. /LGUremoval of excessearth materialsalong the roadway.

- Existence of - Hauling, spreading & Contractorslightly low laying compacting of filling materials /LGUareas along the road from earth cuts.sections - Hauling, spreading &

compacting of filling materials Contractor/from LGUborrow pits to fill in low layingareas.

- Muddy, soft, - Hauling, spreading andunstable road compacting sub-base & surface Contractorfoundation. materials at .1 5mtrs. thick each /LGU

from Sta. 0+000 to Sta. 6+000

- Hardly passable - Provision of PCCP with .I 5mtr. Contractor/section along thick LGUSta.0+260 toSta.0+480.

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Subproject Possible Mitigating / Enhancement Responsible Cost of/Activities/ Environmental Measures Agency / MitigationComponents Effects /Impacts Unit (Php)

- Over flooding of the - Provision of 40 lineS (610 dia Contractorroad due to RCPC) along the roadway as /LGUexcessive indicated in the plan.accumulation ofrainwaters. - Provision of 40 units Junction Contractor

Box and 40 Units /LGUOutfall/Headwalls to conveyrainwater to RCPC anddrainage

- Road Sections - Provision of 410 lin. Meters of Contractordamage due to no lined canal at strategic location /LGUdefined waterways along the roadway.for rain waters

- Constricting the - Provision of traffic warningnormal traffic flow signs, barricades and flagmen Contractoralong the road. along the road during the entire

work operations of theContractor.

- Schedule the delivery ofconstruction materials andhauling out of waste materialsduring off peak hours

- Degradation of air - Road traversed by heavy Contractorquality as a result of equipment use in the projectheavy equipment shall be moist.operation

- Noise of operating -Exhaust mufflers of heavy Contractorvehicles beyond equipment must be clean & benormal levels. provided with silencers.

-Ensure that all equipment aremaintained in proper workingcondition

- Vehicular accidents - Restrict work operations Contractoras a result of heavy during daytime only.equipment - Drivers & heavy equipmentoperation within the operators shall operate heavysubproject & nearby equipment at reduced speed.areas. - Provide appropriate warning

signs, lighting and barricades,whenever practicable

- Proper informationdissemination on the affectedareas.

- Erosion of slopes - Provision of slope stabilization LGUmeasures such as planting ofcover crops, trees, etc. alongcut slopes.

- Occupational risk - Require all workers to strictly Contractorand health hazards to observe standards on safetyconstruction workers construction measures

TOTAL COST OF CONSTRUCTION

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Subproject Possible Mitigating / Enhancement Responsible Cost of/Activities/ Environmental Measures Agency / MitigationComponents Effects /Impacts Unit (Php)2.2 Trainings and - Haphazard - Provide adequate trainings to DA-

Seminars implementation of sub-project implementers. RFU/LGUSPs

- Low quality of - Provide adequate qualityconstructed control trainings to LGU & DA-infrastructure. PPO staff. RFU/LGU

- Lack or no proper - Provide adequate trainings onmaintenance of O&M to LGUs and BITs.completed SPs

DA-RFU/LGUTOTAL COST OF TRAINING

2.3 Monitoring and -Implementation of -Closely monitor & supervised LGUsupervision of sub- sub-project not in the work of the Contractorproject implementation. accordance with the using the project management

approved plans, tools.specifications &quality

TOTAL COST OF MONITORING

3. POST IMPLEMENTATION PHASE3.1 Operation & Reduced farm income - LGU to ensure proper use of LGUMaintenance due to difficulty in the road & its timely

transporting farm maintenance for a period of 10goods as a result of years.deterioration of road - Provide appropriate warning

signs along the route, ifnecessary

-Erosion of Road - Planting of Shrubs & bushes &Shoulders selected trees along the road

shoulders. LGUTOTAL COST FOR OF IMPLEMENTATION

8.2 Proposed Staffing Arrangements

8.2.1 The Local Government UnitThe LGU may designate either its Municipal Planning and Development Officer, MunicipalAgricultural Officer or Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Officer, where present,to be the focal person on environment and other related safeguard aspects. The LGU focalperson will be responsible for (1) preparing the EMP or IEE Checklist or IEE Report; (2)ensuring that measures are implemented by the contractor; (3) monitoring compliance by thecontractor with EMP; and (4) reporting to the Mayor on the status of compliance andrecommend remedial measures in case of deviations noted.

8.2.2 DA-RFUThe DA-RFU Director will designate a focal person on safeguards among its organic staff toassist the LGU in preparing the EMP or IEE and other safeguards documents, review theadequacy of the EMP or IEE and monitor compliance by the LGU on the EMP.

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8.2.3 DENR Environment Management BureauArrangements will be made with EMB for the screening, review and processing ofsubprojects to ensure timely evaluation of ECC applications, provision of technicalassistance and capacity building activities for the DA, LGU and proponent organizationssuch as grower associations on EIA requirements and EMP preparation.

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Documents

World Bank Document · 2016. 7. 17. · areas: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7) and Northern Mindanao (Region 10). To