Philippines: Sustainable Tourism Development Project Coron

Initial Environmental Examination Document Stage: Draft Project Number: 53191-001

June 2021

Philippines: Sustainable Tourism Development Project Coron

Prepared by the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority for the Asian Development Bank.

CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS

(as of 07 May 2021)

Currency unit – peso (PHP)

PHP1.00 = $0.021

$1.00 = PHP47.89

ABBREVIATIONS

ADB – Asian Development Bank

AO – Administrative Order

BMB – Biodiversity Management Bureau

CEMP – Construction Environmental Management Plan

CLUP – Comprehensive Land Use Plan

DAO – DENR Administrative Order

DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources

DOE – Department of Energy

DOH – Department of Health

DOLE – Department of Labor and Employment

DOST – Department of Science and Technology

TIEZA – Department of Tourism

ECA – Environmentally Critical Areas

ECAN – Environmentally Critical Areas Network

ECC – Environmental Compliance Certificate

ECP – Environmental Critical Project

EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment

EIS – Environmental Impact Statement

EMB – Environmental Management Bureau

EMP – Environmental Management Plan

EMoP – Environmental Monitoring Plan

FGD – Focused Group Discussion

IEC – Information and Education Campaign

IEE

IPP

–

–

Initial Environmental Examination

Indigenous Peoples Plan

IRR – Implementing Rules and regulations

LGU – Local Government Unit

MHO – Municipal Health Office

MRF – Materials Recovery Facility

NIPAS – National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992

PAMB – Protected Area Management Board

PAGASA – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services

Administration

PCSD – Palawan Council for Sustainable Development

PD – Presidential Decree

PEISS – Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System

PSA – Philippine Statistics Authority

RA – Republic Act

RP – Resettlement Plan

REA – Rapid Environmental Assessment

SEP – Strategic Environmental Plan

SMR – Self-Monitoring Report

SPS – Safeguard Policy Statement

STDP – Sustainable Tourism Development Project

STP – Sewage Treatment Plant

WHO – World Health Organization

WWTP – Wastewater Treatment Plant

NOTE

In this report, "$" refers to United States dollars.

This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website. In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................... i I. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................... 1

II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ....................................... 4

National Policy, Legal and Regulatory Framework ............................................. 4

Relevant Global Commitments and International Obligations ........................... 15

ADB Safeguard Requirements ........................................................................ 20

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ....................................................................... 28

Project Rationale ............................................................................................ 28

Project Components ....................................................................................... 28

Project Location ............................................................................................. 34

Development Plan, Description of Project Phases, and Corresponding Timeframes

46

Labor Requirements ....................................................................................... 50

Project Cost ................................................................................................... 50

IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT .............................................................. 55

Physical Resources ........................................................................................ 55

Ecological Resources ................................................................................... 101

Economic Development ................................................................................ 111

Social and Cultural Resources ...................................................................... 123

V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ..... 129

Project Areas of Influence and Sensitive Receptors ....................................... 129

Positive Impacts and Environmental Benefits ................................................ 130

Impacts and Mitigating Measures During Design Phase / Pre-Construction Phase132

Water Supply Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During Construction,

Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases ...................................... 140

Sanitation Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During Construction,

Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases ...................................... 151

Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During

Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases ................. 165

Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Impacts and Mitigating Measures During

Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases ................. 174

Indirect, Induced and Cumulative Impacts ..................................................... 179

Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions.......................................... 180

Social and Gender........................................................................................ 182

VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES .......................................................................... 187

Water Supply Subproject .............................................................................. 187

Sewerage System Subproject ....................................................................... 191

Wastewater Treatment Subproject ................................................................ 193

Septage Management Subproject ................................................................. 198

Drainage Subproject ..................................................................................... 199

VII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION ........... 207

Consultation and Participation During Project Preparation .............................. 207

Consultation and Participation Activities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pandemic ........................................................................................................... 212

Field Visits Separate Consultations with Indigenous Women .......................... 214

Consultation and Participation Mechanisms during Project Implementation..... 215

Participation of Indigenous Women and Vulnerable Sectors ........................... 216

Information Disclosure .................................................................................. 217

VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM................................................................ 219

IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN .......................................................... 224

Environmental Management Plan ................................................................. 224

Information, Education and Communication Plan ........................................... 255

Environmental Monitoring Plan ..................................................................... 256

Emergency Response Plan........................................................................... 263

Implementation Arrangements ...................................................................... 269

X. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION .......................................................... 276

XI. REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 282

XII. APPENDICES ..................................................................................................... 283

Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist........................ 284

Baseline Environmental Sampling Results ..................................................... 292

Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Screening Report ................. 294

Sample Grievance Registration Form ............................................................ 308

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: ECC Coverage Screening of Priority Subprojects under STDP per PEISS Guideline 5

Table 2: Dutch Soil Quality Guidelines for Intervention or Remediation 11

Table 3: TCLP Limits for Sludges Prior to Disposal 12

Table 4: Allowable Level of Pathogens in Organic Fertilizers, Soil Conditioner, and Organic Plant

Supplements 12

Table 5: Mandatory Drinking Water Quality Parameters from 2017 PNSDW 12

Table 6: Philippine Water Quality Guidelines Applicable to the Project Area 13

Table 7: Philippine General Effluent Standards Applicable for the Subprojects 14

Table 8: Limits on Wastewater Quality for Irrigation 14

Table 9: National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (24-Hour Averaging Time) 15

Table 10: Philippine Standards for Noise in General Areas 15

Table 11: IFC-EHS Noise Level Guidelines 15

Table 12: Summary of Applicable Laws, Regulations and Standards Relevant to the STDP Subprojects in

Coron 23

Table 13: Water Supply Subproject Components 30

Table 14: Sanitation Subproject Components 30

Table 15: Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Components 31

Table 16: Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject Components 32

Table 17: Project Implementation Schedule 47

Table 18: Estimated Labor Requirements for the Priority Subprojects 50

Table 19: Summary of Project Costs 52

Table 20: Urban Infrastructure Opex 53

Table 21: Climatological Normal Values in Coron, Palawan (1981-2010) 56

Table 22: Climatological Extremes in Coron, Palawan (1950-2012) 56

Table 23: Projected Seasonal Change in Mean Temperature in Palawan (2036-2065) 59

Table 24: Projected Seasonal Change in Total Rainfall in Palawan (2036-2065) 60

Table 25: Ambient Air Quality Data in Coron (August to October 2020) 63

Table 26: Soil Types in Coron Municipality 68

Table 27: Results of Soil Quality Analysis 71

Table 28: Results of Surface Water Quality Analysis 75

Table 29: Results of Groundwater Quality Analysis 79

Table 30: Results of Coastal Water Quality Analysis 83

Table 31: Identified Natural Hazards Impacting Municipality of Coron 84

Table 32: Conservation Status of Flora Species Recorded in Coron Municipality 103

Table 33: Conservation Status of Fauna Species Recorded in Coron Municipality 104

Table 34: Coastal/Marine Habitats per Barangay in Coron Municipality (2006) 105

Table 35: Proclaimed Protected Areas in the Province of Palawan 107

Table 36: Proposed ECAN Zones of Coron Municipality 109

Table 37: CRWSA Service Area Water Consumption Data (2014-2018) 114

Table 38: Projected Water Demand in Coron (2025) 114

Table 39: Reclamation Area Water Demand 115

Table 40: Land Use Distribution, Municipality and Urban Centers 120

Table 41: Population of MIMAROPA Region, Palawan Province, and Coron Municipality 123

Table 42: Breakdown of Indigenous Population per Ethnolinguistic Group 124

Table 43: Project Area of Influence and Sensitive Receptors Throughout the Project Phases 129

Table 44: Indigenous Population in the Proposed Project Sites 138

Table 45: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Water Supply Subproject 140

Table 46: Matrix of Key Impacts during Operations Phase – Water Supply Subproject 148

Table 47: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Water

Supply Subproject 150

Table 48: Matrix of Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Sanitation Subproject 151

Table 49 158

Table 50: Matrix of Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Sanitation

Subproject 164

Table 51: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Drainage and Urban Design

Subproject 166

Table 52: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Drainage and Urban Design

Subproject 172

Table 53: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Drainage

and Urban Design Subproject 173

Table 54: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Small-Scale Tourism Support

Infrastructure Subproject 174

Table 55: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Small-scale Tourism Support

Infrastructure Subproject 177

Table 56: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Small-

scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject 178

Table 57: Least-Cost Technically Feasible Option 189

Table 58: Pipe Material Comparison 190

Table 59: Comparison of PS and DIP System 193

Table 60: Comparison of Sludge Treatment Alternatives 195

Table 61: Technical Evaluation of Network Type Options 199

Table 62: Technical Evaluation of Treatment Works Options 202

Table 63: Technical Evaluation of Outlets Options 203

Table 64: Technical evaluation of velocity breaker options 204

Table 65: Consultations during Project Preparation from October to December 2019 207

Table 66: Briefing with Barangay San Nicolas 209

Table 67: Online Consultation Activities during COVID-19 213

Table 68: Environmental Management Plan – Water Supply Subproject 225

Table 69: Environmental Management Plan – Sanitation Subproject 234

Table 70: Environmental Management Plan – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject 242

Table 71: Environmental Management Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Subproject 249

Table 72: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Water Supply Subproject 257

Table 73: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Sanitation Subproject 259

Table 74: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject 261

Table 75: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject 262

Table 76: Emergency Scenarios for the Project 263

Table 77: Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios 265

Table 78: Roles and Responsibilities in the Emergency Plan 269

Table 79: Institutional Arrangement for EMP Implementation 274

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1: ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of Coron Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 2: Coron Water Supply Subproject – Proposed Water Supply System 35

Figure 3: Coron Water Supply Subproject – Proposed Water Treatment Plant 36

Figure 4: Coron Water Supply Subproject – Proposed Network Diagram (2025) 37

Figure 5: Coron Sanitation Subproject – Sewer Line (Pumping Stations Catchment Areas 1) 38




Figure 9: Coron Sanitation Subproject – Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Sites 42

Figure 10: Coron Drainage Subproject – Proposed Location of Retention Basins 43

Figure 11: Coron Drainage Subproject – Proposed Location of Oil Separator 44

Figure 12: Coron Drainage Subproject – Proposed Location of the Different Types of Works 45

Figure 13: Climatological Map of the Philippines 57

Figure 14: Frequencies of Tropical Cyclones in the Philippines 58

Figure 15: Sea Level Changes in the Philippine Region from 1993-2015 Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 16: Time Series of the Mean Sea Level Change in Palawan relative to 1986-2005 62

Figure 17: Topographic Map of Coron Municipality 65

Figure 18: Slope Map of Coron Municipality Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 19: Geologic Map of Coron Municipality 67

Figure 20: Soil Sampling Location Map 70

Figure 21: Surface Water Sampling Location Map 74

Figure 22: Groundwater Sampling Location Map 78

Figure 23: Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Location Map 82

Figure 24: Typhoon Hazard Map of Coron Municipality 86

Figure 25: Drought Hazard Map of Coron Municipality 87

Figure 26: Sea Level Rise Hazard Map of Coron Municipality 88

Figure 27: Storm Surge Hazard Map of Coron Municipality 89

Figure 28: Landslide Hazard Map of Coron Municipality 90

Figure 29: Exposure of Water Supply Infrastructure to Flooding 92

Figure 30: Exposure of Water Supply Infrastructure to Landslide 93

Figure 31: Exposure of Water Supply Infrastructure to Storm Surge 94

Figure 32: Exposure of Sanitation Infrastructure to Flooding 95

Figure 33: Exposure of Sanitation Infrastructure to Landslide 96

Figure 34: Exposure of Sanitation Infrastructure to Storm Surge 97

Figure 35: Exposure of Drainage Infrastructure to Flooding 98

Figure 36: Exposure of Drainage Infrastructure to Landslide 99

Figure 37: Exposure of Drainage Infrastructure to Storm Surge 100

Figure 38: Land Classification Map of Coron Municipality 102

Figure 39: ECAN Zones Map of Coron Municipality 110

Figure 40: Existing Water Supply Network in Coron 113

Figure 41: Existing Sewerage and Septage Services in Coron 117

Figure 42: Existing Drainage Network in Coron 118

Figure 43: Existing Circulation Map of Coron 119

Figure 44: Coron Urban Barangays Existing Land Use Map (2014) 121

Figure 45: Coron Urban Center Existing Land Use Map (2014) 122

Figure 46: Existing Health Facilities Map of Coron 126

Figure 47: Existing Educational Facilities Map of Coron 127

Figure 48: Existing Day Care Centers Map of Coron 128

Figure 49: Study Area for the Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model in Coron 160

Figure 50: Transport-Dispersion Model Equation Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 51: Predicted Fecal Coliform Dispersion in Coron Study Area Error! Bookmark not defined.

Figure 52: Emergency Response Plan 264

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Introduction

1. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

is developing the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP), which will assist the

government in promoting tourism development and transforming Coron into a sustainable,

inclusive, resilient, and competitive tourism center. It builds on the strength of the tourist

destination, particularly its pristine and rich natural resources, by sustainably managing and

conserving natural capital, and improves on areas that will contribute to the industry’s competitiveness.

2. The STDP is aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan 2017-2022, which aims

to achieve competitive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, targeting hotspots such

as Coron and El Nido. The project is listed as part of the Transforming Communities towards

Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism (TouRIST) Program recently launched by the

Department of Tourism – Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in

coordination with various government agencies and local stakeholders and in partnership with

multilateral development banks.

3. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report is prepared in accordance with the

2009 ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) requirements for the following identified priority

subprojects under STDP Output 1 (Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement) including the

small-scale support infrastructure under Output 2 (Sustainable Natural Resource Management)

in the Municipality of Coron:

(i) Water Supply; (ii) Sanitation; (iii) Drainage and Urban Design; and (iv) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure.

Policy, Legal and Administrative Framework

4. The following matrix presents a listing of laws, regulations, and standards that apply to

each of the STDP priority subprojects in Coron. Relevant international best practices are also

presented in case no applicable national legislation exists. Examined alternatives are also listed

in the last column.

Summary of Applicable Laws, Regulations and Standards Relevant to the STDP Subprojects in Coron

Subprojects Components

Environment Category

Specific Applicable Laws/Regulations That Would Apply

Specific Applicable Laws/Regulations * and

Specific Provisions

International Best Practice in case

No National Legislation Exists

Examination of Alternatives

PEISS ADB

Sanitation • Sewerage network, two treatment plants (Coron Urban Center WWTP and Tagumpay WWTP) and sea outfall

• Auxiliary dewatering equipment for septage

• Vacuum truck for septage collection (co-treatment at the WWTP)

B B PD 1586 PEISS ECC is required as per PD 1586. This will be secured from EMB Regional Office and processing may take 3 to 6 months after filing. Prerequisites are LGU endorsements, zoning, PAMB and PCSD clearances.

IFC EHS for Water and Sanitation (2007) for effluent re-use

Non-mechanized treatment compared with high-rate systems Sludge treatments Pumping stations vs. DIP system Biological treatment alternatives WWTP sites

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act

Any development must conform with RA 7611. All projects undertakings covered by the SEP Clearance System are required to secure ECAN Zoning Certification and SEP Clearance from PCSD.

RA 9275 Clean Water Act

Discharge permit for the STP effluent per DAO 2016-08; may be applied during construction but will be issued only during operation when effluent can be sampled and analyzed. Processing period is 3 months after filing. Outfall discharge will be governed by EMB guideline on defining mixing zones or buffer zones; this will be determined during the application of the discharge permit; modeling may be required as part of the ECC application. Re-use of sludges or effluent from DA guidelines. Requires households and businesses to connect to available sewerage systems.





Specific Provisions




PEISS ADB

PD 856 Code on Sanitation

Environmental sanitation clearance from DOH; application to be submitted at the DOH Regional office before operations; processing period is within 6 months after filing.

RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act

Secure Permit to Operate Air Pollution Source Installation (PTO-APSI) per DAO 2000-81

RA 6969 Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act

Secure Hazardous Waste Generator’s ID (HWID) per DAO 2013-22

DENR AO 2004-52 Tree Cutting Permits

Secure Tree Cutting Permits (TCP)

DOH Operations Manual on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic Sludge and Septage (June 2008)

Requirement for mobile and stationary service providers to obtain an Environmental Sanitation Clearance from DOH.

Water Supply

• Raw water intake

• Gravity transmission line

• Water treatment plant and reservoir


IFC EHS for Water and Sanitation (2007) for treatment and disposal of WTP residues (i.e., backwash water)

Intake types Transmission line options Membrane filters compared with conventional treatment


Any development must conform with RA 7611. All projects undertakings covered by the SEP Clearance System are





Specific Provisions




PEISS ADB

• Treated water gravity transmission line and distribution lines

required to secure ECAN Zoning Certification and SEP Clearance from PCSD.

WTP sites

PD 1067 Water Code

Water permit will be secured from NWRB; processing may take 6 to 18 months.

DOH AO 2017-10 All treated water samples must comply to at least 10 mandatory parameters listed in the PNSDW; frequency of sampling will be determined by DOH Regional Office and will be indicated in the operational permit, issued prior to operation.

DOH AO 2014-27 A water safety plan will be developed and submitted to DOH Region during operations; Certificate of acceptance will be secured.

RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act

Secure Permit to Operate Air Pollution Source Installation (PTO-APSI) per DAO 2000-81

RA 6969 Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act

Secure Hazardous Waste Generator’s ID (HWID) per DAO 2013-22

DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting Permits


Drainage • Construction of additional drainage network

• Rehabilitation of existing


IFC EHS for Water and Sanitation (2007) for storm water discharges through outfall

Several types of urban drainage networks





Specific Provisions




PEISS ADB

drains and existing outfalls

• Retention basins



Outlet options Velocity breaker options Retention basin structures and locations

RA 9275 Clean Water Act

DP is not required for drainage outfalls not used as part of the combined sewerage network. Buffer zones for outfall will be guided by local regulations.

DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting Permits


Urban Design

• Integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements where feasible

C/D C RA 7160 or Local Government Code and relevant municipal ordinances

Urban development will be consistent with the municipal CLUP

Guides from The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)1

-

National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP)

The construction of any building shall conform with the requirements of the NBCP, with regard to design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition to public and private buildings and structures, except traditional indigenous family dwelling as defined in the NBCP.

1 NACTO provides the following guides: (i) Urban Street Stormwater Guide (https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-stormwater-guide), (ii) Global Street Design

Guide (https://nacto.org/global-street-design-guide-gsdg), and (iii) Urban Streets Design Guide (https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide)





Specific Provisions




PEISS ADB

Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure

• Design and installation of buoys

• Floating trails • Sanitation

Facility (e.g., toilet)

• Water Supply System

• Solid Waste Facilities

• Improvement of wooden path walk

• Improvement of wharf

C/D C • PD 856 Code on Sanitation

• NIPAS Act • DAO 2013-19

Interventions will be consistent with NIPAS and other proclamation on protected areas and reserve

No specific guideline for small-scale tourism support infrastructure

-

• DAO 2009-09 • BMB Technical

Bulletin 2016-03

Design criteria for interventions installed and/or constructed within protected areas

Note: All subprojects will be covered by the SEP and ECAN requirements as previously discussed under RA 7611.

Description of the Project

5. The identified priority subprojects in Coron under STDP Outputs 1 and 2 are as follows:

6. The Coron Water Supply Subproject will have the following components: (a) development

of a new water intake structure in Kadyang Falls (4,000 m3/day) to meet the 2025 water demand

in Coron; (b) new WTP comprising settling tank, primary and secondary filtration, and chlorination

is proposed in Guadalupe area, designed for a daily capacity of potable water distribution of 4,000

m3/day (including 6% water loss); (c) raw water transmission main (from Kadyang Falls to WTP):

7,300 m, DN290; (d) new main tank close from Mabentagen Dam (storage capacity: 1,000 m3, for

low zone) and new elevated tank 1 (60 masl) close to main tank (storage capacity: 500 m3, for

high zone); and (e) expansion of the distribution network for Poblacions 1 to 6 and Tagumpay

area (total length of 15,750 m; diameters ranging from DN150 to DN400).

7. The Coron Sanitation Subproject will have the following components: (a) Sewerage

System which will involve construction of gravity lines (~11.5 km), manhole, seven PS and

pumping mains (~5.2 km); (b) Coron Urban Center WWTP designed for a capacity of 2,438

m3/day and 988 kg BOD/day; (c) Tagumpay WWTP designed for a capacity of 1,035 m3/day and

448 kg BOD/day; and (d) septage collection and treatment (co-treatment at the WWTP).

8. The Coron Drainage Subproject will have the following components: (a) Network with

sidewalk box culvert; (b) cover slab proposed as an improvement work for existing open channels

which have sufficient capacity and would not require upsizing; (c) treatment works with screened

catch basins and deep sumps (every 20 m), sand boxes upstream of road crossings, oil

separators at the bus terminal on the reclamation; retention basin and outlets.

9. Coron Urban Design Subproject will have the following components: (a) definition of

touristic amenities to be developed, related to infrastructure (that does not need additional public

space); and (b) integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements

where feasible.

10. The Coron Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject will have the following

components: (a) Design and installation of buoys; (b) Floating trails; (c) Sanitation facility; (d)

Water supply system; (e) Solid waste facilities; (f) Improvement of wooden path walk; and (g)

Improvement of wharf.

11. All proposed priority subprojects will be situated within the territorial jurisdiction of the

Municipality of Coron, Province of Palawan, MIMAROPA Region, Philippines. Situated between

the geographical coordinates of 12° 2'54.74" North latitude and 120° 9' 6.88" East longitude,

Coron lies in the northernmost part of Palawan, approximately 428 km from the provincial capital

Puerto Princesa City and 443 km away from Manila. It is bordered by the Mindoro Island on the

northeast, the municipality of Culion on the southwest, and the municipality of Busuanga on the

west.

12. Coron is a first-class municipality covering a total land area of 72,309.53 ha. Coron is one

of the four municipalities that make up the Calamianes Islands. Coron is comprised of 23

barangays, seven of which are classified as urban barangays. The urban barangays are known

as Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 4, Poblacion 5, Poblacion 6, and Tagumpay.

Among the 16 rural barangays, 5 barangays are located on smaller islands, and 4 barangays on

Busuanga Island. The priority subprojects will be concentrated in Coron’s urban barangays.

Description of the Environment

13. Climate. The Municipality of Coron, Palawan mainly belongs under Type I climate based

on the Modified Corona Classification with two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April

and wet for the rest of the year. The monitoring records of climatological normals (1981-2010)

and extremes (1949-2012) are taken at the nearest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and

Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Station located in Coron, Palawan.

14. Sea Level Rise. The sea level has risen by nearly double the global average rate of sea

level rise over certain parts of the Philippines from 1993 to 2015. Projections reveal that sea level

in the country is expected to increase by approximately 20 cm by the end of the 21st century

under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Such projected increase in sea level might worsen storm surge

hazards particularly on coastal communities. Palawan was identified by the University of the

Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Climate Change Program as one of the ten provinces that will be

most affected by a one-meter sea level rise. Sea level around Palawan has been rising by

approximately 4.5 mm per year over the period of 1993 to 2015.

15. Air Quality. Secondary information on the ambient air quality in Coron for August to

October 2020 gathered from Air Matters. Parameters covered are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur

dioxide (SO2), suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone

(O3). The readings are compared with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values as per

DAO 2000-81 (IRR of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 or RA 8749). As shown, the detected

levels of all parameters are within acceptable levels.

16. In general, air pollution is linked to the increase in vehicular traffic particularly in the

población (or urban centers). Most commercial establishments have their own generator sets to

support operations during power outages. These are also potential sources of air pollutants

particularly gaseous emissions. Air quality in the rural areas is relatively good except for occasions

of agricultural burning. Open burning of solid wastes is strictly prohibited in the municipality.

17. Topography. Coron’s terrain is generally rugged and mountainous. Mountain ranges

cross Busuanga Island, running in almost every direction extending down to the sea. Among the

tallest mountain peaks in Coron are the: Tundarala with an elevation of 1,040 ft, Cabugao – 1,000

ft, Manaepet – 960 ft, Calindo – 930 ft, and Singay – 870 ft. Coron Island and the other smaller

islands are practically all mountains if not solid rocks. The level lands are made up of broken

narrow coastal plains, deep valleys squeezed between mountains and plateaus.

18. The proposed water supply intake is situated in a very steeply sloping area with slopes

ranging from 30 to 50%. While the proposed locations of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) and

Water Storage Tank are both characterized by moderately steep terrain with slopes ranging from

8 to 18%. The proposed RAC WWTP site is nearly level with slopes ranging from 3 to 8%, while

the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site is rolling to hilly with slopes ranging from 18 to 30%. The

proposed locations of the sewer lines have varying slopes ranging from 0 to 30% (level to hilly

terrain). The proposed drainage line locations have level to rolling terrain with slopes that range

from 0 to 18%.

19. Geology and Soil. The geologic settings of the various barangays of the Municipality of

Coron are divided into three: Cretaceous, Oligo-Miocene, and those with unknown setting.

Nineteen (19) out of the 23 barangays of Coron are of the cretaceous setting, which covers the

largest area of the forest lands. On the other hand, only Banuang Daan and Cabugao are within

the Oligo-Miocene geologic setting, and 12 barangays belong to an unknown geologic setting.

20. The soils of Coron, particularly those located in plains, valleys, plateaus, are made up of

salty clay loam. Some portion of the coastal plains on the South are concentrated with hydrosol,

while some valleys have rich Busuanga Loam. The soils in the mountains and hillsides have poor

fertility and rocky in nature suitable for the growth of grass and ironwood. Meanwhile, the lowland

areas are found to be suitable for rice, root crops, and tree crops. Soils in the plain are made up

of alluvial deposits and generally lack internal drainage, while those in the uplands are residual

soils formed from underlying bedrock with excessive external drainage.

21. Natural Hazards. There are five major hazards identified during the municipal climate and

disaster risk assessment. These are typhoon, increased temperature and prolonged dry season,

sea level rise, storm surge, and landslides. These hazards are influenced by the following climate

change stimuli: increased temperature, decreased amount of precipitation/rainfall, extreme

events, and sea level rise.

22. The Municipality of Coron is endowed with abundant natural resources both terrestrial and

marine, including manganese deposits.

23. Critical Habitat. An initial screening using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool

(IBAT) was conducted to identify the biodiversity features present (i.e. focus on the location of the

proposed intake at the Kadyang Falls, which is located at the most sensitive area compared to

the other subproject components). The IBAT screening results show that there are four key

biodiversity areas, three protected areas and one Alliance for Zero Extinction site found within the

default 50-km radius, and that the subproject sites is likely to be a critical habitat. The results also

identified 52 IUCN Red List species of concern in the areas surrounding both subproject sites.

Hence, during the detailed design phase, a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment will be

undertaken to check whether any of these species, including those species and areas locally

identified but not identified in the IBAT Screening (see discussions on terrestrial and aquatic

ecology, and protected areas in this section of the IEE), would qualify the areas, which encompass

the subproject sites, as critical habitats. The results of critical habitat assessment will provide

recommendations on how potential impacts of the subproject to these species and critical habitat

could be avoided or mitigated. These recommendations will be included or integrated in the

updating of this IEE and EMP.

24. Terrestrial Ecology. For flora, the dominant families identified in Coron in terms of

biomass and areas covered are Dipterocarpacea family in mid-slopes, the molave type of forest

in the foothills, and the brushlands and grasslands in undulating and level areas.

25. Mainland Coron is widely vegetated with dipterocarps and Katmon (Dillenia

philippinensis), Mankono (Xanthostemon spp.), Lanete (Wrigthia pubiscens), Kamagong

(Diospyrus philippinensis), Akle (Albizzia akle), Narra (Pterocarpus indicus), Molave (Vitex

parviflora), Antipolo (Artocarpus blancoi), Palasan (Calamus merrillii) and Limuran (Calamus

ornatus). Also, 25% of Coron island’s rolling and steep hills are covered by tree species such as Taluto (Pterocymbium tinctorium), Ipil (Instia bijuga), Amugis (Koordersiodendron pinnatum), and

Dungon (Heritiera sylvatica). Moreover, old growth forests are encountered in parts of barangays

Borac and San Nicolas. Grasslands are widely observed in barangays San Jose, Decalachao,

Guadalupe, Bintuan and San Nicolas. Lastly, dipterocarps, ipil, and other important forest tree

species are found in San Nicolas, Borac, and Bintuan.

26. In terms of fauna, there are about 361 species from 26 orders and 91 families of wildlife

observed in the Municipality of Coron. Moreover, a total of 125 terrestrial species were observed

with the following breakdown: 84 species of birds from 33 families representing 38.5% of Palawan

bird species; 22 mammals from 11 families or 37.9 of recorded Palawan mammals, 15 reptiles

from seven families or 23.4% of Palawan reptiles; and four amphibians from three families or 19%

of Palawan amphibians.

27. Coron is also known for its rare species, such as egret, stork, tern, Philippine Cockatoo,

Chest-winged Cuckoo, Black-Nest Swiftlet, Blue-winged Pitta, Flycatchers, Palawan Tree Shrew,

Lesser Bamboo Bat, Bearded Pig, Pond Turtles, Griffin’s Skink, White-striped Snake, Philippine

Discoglossid Frog, and Palawan Toad. However, the municipality is also a sanctuary for

endangered species of Palawan Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum), Blue-naped

Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis salvadorii), Palawan flycatcher (Ficedula platenae), Asiatic

pangolin (Manis javanica), Calamian Deer (Cervus porcinus calamianensis), and Philippine

crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis).

28. Aquatic and Marine Ecology. Mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds (dense and

sparse) covering a total area of 14,505.46 ha comprise the coastal and marine habitats in the

Municipality of Coron. The barangays with the highest aggregate mangrove, coral reef, and

seagrass cover as of 2006 were: Bulalacao (3,500.96 ha or 24.14% of the municipal total), Bintuan

(1,690.84 ha or 11.66% of the municipal total), Turda (1,397.46 ha or 9.63% of the municipal

total), Cabugao (1,368.23 or 9.43% of the municipal total), and Borac (1,213.17 ha or 8.36% of

the municipal total).

29. Dugongs, although seldom sighted in Coron, have been reported to be observed in the

near shore waters of Bulalacao, Decabobo, Malawig, Marcilla, San Jose, Tara, and Turda.

Similarly, common sightings of dolphins in most island barangays (Cabilauan Island) were

reported. On the other hand, whales were mostly found in deep, offshore waters between Tara,

Malawig, and Turda. Sea turtles were mostly situated among inland barangays where one species

(leatherback turtles) was often spotted. In addition, turtle nests were reportedly found all over the

municipality’s small islands, particularly in the northeastern parts (Malpagalen, Deboyoyan, Dimampalic, Camanga, Lagat, and Tinul).

30. Protected Areas. As of 2015, there are nine (9) proclaimed protected areas in the

Province of Palawan. One of these (Coron Island Protected Area) is situated in the Municipality

of Coron. The island, including its surrounding islets, was first declared a National Reserve by

virtue of Proclamation No. 219 on July 2, 1967. In 1978, another Proclamation No. 1801 declared

the island a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve. This facilitated the transfer of the management to

the Philippine Tourism Authority. This was followed by Proclamation No. 2152, declaring the entire

province a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve. Subsequently, in 1990, a Community Forest

Stewardship Agreement (CFSA) covering about 7,748 ha was issued by DENR to the Tagbanua

Foundation of Coron Island. Finally, with the passage of the NIPAS Act in 1992, the island was

listed part of the priority protected areas in the country. Presently the Tagbanuas manage their

claimed site following the provisions in their management plan.

31. ECAN Zones. The proposed water supply intake under the Water Supply Subproject is

located within the Restricted Use Zone, while the proposed sites for the WTP and storage

tank/reservoir under the Water Supply Subproject, as well as Sanitation and Drainage/Urban

Design subprojects are situated within the Multiple Use Zones.

32. Industries. The main industries of Coron are fisheries and tourism. Fisheries in Coron

involve production of fresh fish and marine products that include squid, lobster, octopus, caulerpa

as well as other high-value items. The Calamianes Islands to which Coron belongs to is the center

of the live reef food fish trade’s (LRFFT) center. LRFFT is a multi-million-peso industry which

exports live fish to consumers overseas. Seaweed farming and pearl farming are also major

activities in the fisheries sector (Coron SEPP, 2018).

33. Infrastructure Facilities. Calamian Islands Power Corporation (CIPC) was the company

to undertake and hold responsibility in the construction and operation of an 8 MW bunker- and

750 kW diesel-fired power plants in the municipalities of Coron and Busuanga. In August 2011,

CIPC entered into a 15-year Power Sale Agreement with Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative

(BISELCO) covering the total capacity of the project.

34. There are two water providers supplying water to the urban barangays of Coron: 1) Coron

Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association (CRWSA), a non-profit rural water works

association; and 2) Mactan Rock Industries, Inc. (MRII), a private water supply operator based in

the Province of Cebu.

35. MRII, the larger provider, is in a joint venture with Coron LGU, with the LGU retaining 10%

of gross revenue. The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) oversees the commercial

regulation of the joint venture of CRWSA and Tubig Pilipinas.

36. Currently in Coron there is no sewerage system and no septage pump out service, relying

on preliminary onsite treatment at the individual household level, discharged to the sea via a

combined drainage and sewerage network. Such scheme results in the contamination of Coron

Bay, which impedes bathing and recreational activities.

37. The current drainage system in the urban area of Coron is limited and largely consists of

open drains discharging to the sea at a number of outlets. There are no plans by the Municipality

to improve the drainage system which should focus on intercepting the drainage flows from the

higher elevations and reducing the number of outlets to the ocean. However, this needs to go

hand in hand with the re-location of informal settlers living along the coastline if the quality of

water along the shoreline is to be improved.

38. In the municipality, the primary public transportation is tricycle within its 18 mainland

barangays. The five (5) remaining barangays are islands and can be reached through motorboats.

There are also public vans routing from the mainland barangays going to Francisco Reyes Airport

located at Barangay Decalachao, Coron and vice-versa.

39. Land Use. Based on available GIS data, Coron is mostly composed of agriculture area

which constitute 53.13% of the total land area, while forest area makes up about 40.99%. Areas

dedicated for tourism only make up about 0.18% of the total land area. The rest of the municipal

land area are composed of built-up areas (commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, roads),

production areas, parks and open spaces, cemeteries, mangroves, rivers and creeks, water uses,

and marine areas.

40. The urban area, excluding islands, consists mainly of forest and agriculture area which

covers 59.65 and 32.4% of the total urban area, respectively. Built up areas account for around

4% of the total urban area: 0.74% are residential, 1.79% are commercial, 0.20% are institutional,

and 1.27% are roads. Tourism areas cover about 0.02% of the urban area.

41. Population. In 2015, Coron’s population was 51,803, of which 20.1% are located in the urban barangays. The average household size in Coron Municipality is 4. Informal settlers

represent an important share of the population in the urban area (12.64% in 2015), including

1,300 families affected by 2013 typhoon Yolanda. The population density of the entire municipality

of Coron is 0.72 persons/ha in year 2015. Urban barangays have a density of 4.98 persons/ha,

while rural barangays have a density of 0.46 persons/ha. Barangay Poblacion II and Poblacion III

have the highest densities at 96.8 persons/ha and 89.37 persons/ha, respectively. This is largely

due to the small land area of the two barangays. Poblacion VI has the lowest population density

among the urban barangays at 1.05 persons/ha.

42. Indigenous People. The socio-economic and physical profile compiled by the Municipal

Planning and Development Office (MPDO) estimates that 60% of the population are indigenous

people and are represented in most of the municipality’s 23 barangays. The MPDO identifies four indigenous groups—Tagbanua, Cuyonen, Agutaynen and Cagaynen with a total population of

33,707.

Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

43. The “project areas of influence” and “sensitive receptors” were identified to delineate the scope of the environmental impact assessment. The delineation was based on the locations of

sensitive receptors such as communities and resources of environmental and economic

importance. The table below present the project influence areas identified both for the

construction and operation phases of the project and were used in identifying appropriate

mitigating measures.

Project Area of Influence and Sensitive Receptors Throughout the Project Phase

Project Component

Project Area of Influence Sensitive Receptors Remarks

Construction Operations

Water Supply • Water source; streets where transmission mains and distribution network will be laid; access roads to the WTP and storage tanks site; WTP and storage tanks footprint

• Water source; Surrounding areas of the WTP and storage tanks

• Host communities of San Nicolas and Guadalupe

• Residents, commercial, establishments, and institutions along the roads where the water transmission and distribution lines will be laid

• Terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity within the project area

• Water supply beneficiaries

• Buffer zones within the perimeter of the source, WTP and storage tanks will be established.

Sanitation • Streets where sewer pipes will

• Surrounding areas of the

• Host communities of

• Mixing zone for the outfall

be laid; access road to the STP site; STP footprint; outfall of the STP

STP and lift stations; areas to be served by the septage management; outfall of the STP

Barangay VI (Poblacion) and Brgy. Tagumpay

• Residents, commercial, establishments, and institutions along the roads where the sewer lines will be laid


• Sanitation services beneficiaries

discharge will be established using modeling. Buffer zones within the perimeter of the WTP will be established.

Drainage and Urban Design

• Streets where drainage will be constructed or rehabilitated.

• Footprint where urban design intervention will be constructed.

• Streets where drainage will be maintained; outfall.


• Host communities

• Commercial establishments and activities along drainage alignment

• Proper signages and demarcation of the outfall/ manholes to be established.

Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructures

• Specific areas where interventions will be constructed.

• Specific areas where interventions will be operated and maintained.

• Tourism activities (operators, tourists)

• Nearby Coron Island Protected Area

• Terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity

• Specific areas will still be identified but mostly in the islands.

Note: The identified area of influence and sensitive receptors may be subject to change during the detailed engineering design (DED) stage of the Project.

44. Water Supply. With the improved water facilities, water losses will be 20% or below. The

water quality of the source will be likewise protected and maintained with improved intake

structures. By 2040, 90% of urban barangays have 24/7 coverage for water supply which meets

national drinking water standards. Service coverage will be expanded to 80% between 2025 and

2030 before reaching the target of 90% by 2040.

45. Sanitation. The project will prevent discharge of raw sewage to the coastal environments.

The septage management subproject will include regular septic tank desludging services.

Septage will be co-treated in WWTPs. With about 2,438 and 1,035 m3/day sewage treated in

2030, about 988 and 448 kg BOD/day will be removed by Coron Urban Center and Tagumpay

WWTP, respectively. The provision of sewerage system in Coron will translate to cleaner coastal

waters. Cleaner environment will promote more tourist arrivals and more economic activities for

the municipality. Health hazards from sewage contaminated drainage and floodwater will be

reduced with the proper collection of domestic wastewater.

46. Drainage and Urban Design. The expansion and upgrading of the drainage network aim

to prevent flooding especially during heavy rains. With the improvement of the drainage, illegal

connection of sewer to the drainage will also be removed. A prevention campaign shall be carried

with local companies to avoid any discharge of industrial waste in the drainage system, in

particular from gasoline stations, hotels, etc. This will translate to better water quality of the creeks

and the coastal areas in Coron. The improvement of the drainage will also consequently improve

the sidewalk making the urban and tourist centers more ‘walkable’ and ‘pedestrian friendly’. Such

improvement will promote better tourist experience, community safety and potential increase of

economic activities in the area. Health hazards from exposure to flood will be reduced with the

improved drainage system

47. One of the objectives of the urban design component of the project is to integrate the

‘greening aspect’ to infrastructures such as drainage and roadways. This approach will definitely

improve water and air quality in the general areas of Coron. Improvement in the urban

development design will translate to a more ‘livable’ municipality. The subsequent effects are

cleaner environment, more potential for economic activities from local and foreign tourists, and

healthier residents.

48. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. In the islands, it is also equally important

to provide proper waste management facilities such as solid waste bins or receptacles and

properly designed sanitation facilities. Such small-scale infrastructures will enhance the water and

air quality in the areas frequented by tourists. Improvement and provision of basic support facilities

and utilities in the island-hopping and diving sites will gain more socio-economic benefits with

increased number of visitors going to these destinations.

Water Supply Subproject

Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Water Supply Subproject

Project Phase/ Environmental Aspect

Environmental Component likely

to be Affected Potential Impact

Options for Prevention or Mitigation or Enhancement

• PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Acquisition of applicable permits, licenses, and clearances, including right-of-way

People Negative implications of not following legal requirements

• Submission of complete requirements for processing of all permits





Delay in the execution of works. Disruption of Utilities/services

• Provision in the design and budget for the relocation of the existing utility infrastructures, wherever required;

• Identify and include locations and operators of these utilities in the detailed design documents to prevent unnecessary disruption of services during construction phase;

• Identify and include locations of water/gas pipes, power/telephone lines and any other infrastructure on the proposed pipeline alignments, and redesign layouts to avoid any damage on such infrastructure;

• Require contractors to prepare a contingency plan to include actions to be taken in case of unintentional interruption of services;

• Utilities will only be removed and relocated with proper agency approvals and permission;

• Informing all schools, places of worship, and affected communities well in advance;

• If utilities are damaged during construction, it will be reported to the PMU and utility authority and repairs will be arranged immediately at the contractor’s expense; and

• Reconnection of utilities will be completed at the shortest practicable time before construction commences.

Sourcing of Water People/IP Potential conflict of use of water resource

• Ascertain flow and conduct inventory of users downstream

• Provide alternative, reliable, and safe water supply to existing users

• Secure NWRB permit

Biodiversity and Ecology

Potential extinction of various biodiversity species / assets of Coron Reduced environmental flow leading to potential extinction of aquatic species and riparian ecology

• Undertake biodiversity and critical habitat assessment following IFC Guidance Note 6.

• Undertake environmental flow assessment in the Kadyang Falls and downstream areas.

• Include in the water supply design (WTP, etc) the limit on water withdrawal to ensure required minimum environmental flow and discharge is maintained at all seasons (particularly during dry seasons or low flow seasons) in the Kadyang Falls.





Climate Change Overall Project and Target Beneficiaries

Extreme climate/weather events as floods, typhoons, etc. including other natural calamities such as earthquake can damage the entire infrastructure project.

• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the WTP, Intake and other allied infrastructures.

• Torrential rainfall during the monsoon should be considered in the design.

• Design all infrastructures by considering the highest flood level (HFL) information of last 25 years.

Identification of Disposal Sites

Land, People, and the General Environment

Indiscriminate disposal of spoils and other construction wastes will lead to siltation of canals, pollution of receiving bodies of waters (rivers and coastal waters), and inconvenience to the people and communities surrounding the project sites

• TIEZA to identify and designate a dedicated disposal site for spoils and other construction wastes

• TIEZA to inform and provide access/authority to all contractors on the use of the identified disposal site.

Mapping of existing trees likely to be affected at the WTP site and water supply alignments


Without identifying trees with lead to unnecessary cutting of trees during the construction phase. Cutting trees could affect the flight path or migration paths of migratory birds in Coron.

• Avoid cutting of trees when possible. Design components and alignments in such a way to avoid (or minimize when total avoidance is not possible) cutting of trees at the WTP site or water supply network alignments.

• When possible, relocate any affected trees by balling out and replanting in a pre-determined site.

Work Plans During Contractor Mobilization


Without the required work and site plans in place, impacts at various fronts (environmental, social, health, etc.) can occur simultaneously beyond control.

No civil works shall proceed unless the

following have been complied with by

the contractor:

(i) Develop a Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan (CESHSMP) that is approved by PMU based on the EMP of this IEE report;

(ii) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the water pipe alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or construction works;

(iii) Develop a Spoil Management Plan to manage any excess spoils generated during construction and O&M activities; and

(iv) Develop a specific Health and Safety Plan, that will include a Health and Safety COVID-19 Plan in accordance with relevant





government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as World Health Organization. 2020.

Setting Up of Construction Camps

People, Workers, and General Environment

Unplanned construction of camps without basic amenities could result in stress of workers and degradation of the local environment.

• Provide camps with sanitary amenities at designated areas.

• Contractors shall follow the guidance note developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) entitled “Workers’ accommodation: processes and standards (A guidance note by IFC and the EBRD), 2009”.

Local sourcing of labor People Increased employment opportunities

• Coordination with the local PESO and concerned LGUs for the hiring process

• Adherence to the local ordinance on hiring prioritization

• CONSTRUCTION PHASE Site development (earth-movement and civil works) – Water Supply Intake, Water Treatment Plant, and Storage Tank/Reservoir

Land Soil erosion/ Loss of topsoil due to earth movement

• Limiting earth movement to areas where necessary

Land Loss of vegetation • Limiting vegetation clearing to areas where necessary

• Securing of Tree Cutting Permit, if needed

• Planting trees elsewhere to replace those that need to be cut (note that appropriate species should be used if trees are planted)

Land Threat to biodiversity • Establishment of monitoring system for reporting and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area

• Coordination with DENR-CENRO and Coron LGU for implementation of protection/conservation measures

• Implementation of the recommendations of a critical habitat assessment undertaken during the detailed design phase.

Land Generation of construction debris

• Implementation of a solid waste management plan consistent with the local scheme and regulations

Land Water logging • Construction of appropriate drainage system on-site

Water Possible siltation and increase of turbidity on nearby surface water

• Installation of silt traps prior to earthmoving/excavation activities (Refer to other preventive measures listed in Para 318).





People Community and occupational safety and health risks

• Following international best practices on community and occupational health and safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines on Construction and Decommissioning Activities.

• Implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Use of heavy equipment – Water Treatment Plant and Storage Tank/Reservoir

Land Ground vibration • Application of non-vibration techniques during construction, if possible

• Notification of nearby residents about use of heavy equipment

• Compliance with road weight limit standards to avoid ground vibration (hauling trucks)

Air Generation of air emissions & noise

• Proper and regular maintenance of heavy equipment

• Performing of noisy activities during daytime

• Limiting idling time of construction vehicles to 5 minutes to mitigate air pollution.

Land, Water Generation of hazardous wastes (used oil, etc.)

• Proper handling of hazardous wastes onsite.

• Treatment and disposal of hazardous wastes through a DENR-accredited TSD Facility.

• Development and implementation of a Hazardous Waste Management Plan that complies with RA 6969

People Traffic congestion (pipelaying)

• Coordination with the host municipal and barangay LGUs for the implementation of a traffic management scheme

People Threat to road/public safety

• Provision of early warning devices/road signs

• Provision of safety lighting fixtures to ensure that even during night time, the road works are well illuminated for pedestrians or motorists.

• Installation of barricades to ensure that construction is isolated from the public.

• Compliance with DOLE Department Order 13, which specifies provisions for safety of operators of heavy equipment and the regular inspection and maintenance of equipment by certified mechanics and operators. This is to ensure that all equipment will work properly during operation of which to avoid





threats to the operator himself and workers on site.

Influx of construction workers

Land/Water Generation of solid wastes


Water Generation of domestic wastewater

• Implementing basic housekeeping policies

• Provision of sanitation facilities (i.e. toilet, shower, etc.)

People Increased occupational safety and health risks

• Requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE

• Supervision of all civil and electro-mechanical works by trained engineers

• Provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas.



• Compliance with DOLE Department Order 13, which requires the provision of competent emergency health personnel within the worksite depending on the total number of workers.

People Increased employment opportunities



• OPERATIONS PHASE

Water Supply System Operation and Maintenance – Water Supply Intake, Water Treatment Plant, and Storage Tank/Reservoir



Land/Water Generation hazardous wastes


Air Generation of air and noise emissions

• Proper and regular maintenance of standby generator set and service vehicles

People Traffic congestion during leak repair


People Threat to occupational health and safety

• Provision of proper training on occupational health and safety

• Provision of PPE





• Regular health check-up for the personnel.

• Implementation of COVID-19 safety protocols




• ABANDONMENT PHASE Decommissioning Land Generation of solid

wastes and other scraps • Implementation of a solid waste

management plan consistent with the local scheme and regulations

Termination People Loss of employment • Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment

• Provision of compensation for affected personnel/re-training if possible

Sanitation Subproject

Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Sanitation Subproject





• DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Acquisition of applicable permits, licenses, and clearances, including right-of-way

People Negative implications of not following legal requirements Delay in the execution of works. Disruption of Utilities/services




• Identify and include locations of water/gas pipes, power/telephone lines and any other infrastructure on the proposed sewer network alignments, and redesign layouts to avoid any damage on such infrastructure;












• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the WWTPs and other allied infrastructures.








Mapping of existing trees likely to be affected at WWTP sites and sewer network alignments



• Avoid cutting of trees when possible. Design components and alignments in such a way to avoid (or minimize when total avoidance is not possible) cutting of trees at the WWTP sites or sewer network alignments.







the contractor:


(ii) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the sewer alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to





excavation or construction works; (iii) Develop a Spoil Management Plan

to manage any excess spoils generated during construction and O&M activities; and

(iv) Develop a specific Health and Safety Plan, that will include a Health and Safety COVID-19 Plan

in accordance with relevant government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as World Health Organization. 2020.









• CONSTRUCTION PHASE Site development (earth-movement and civil works) – WWTP and Sewer Pipelaying





• Planting trees elsewhere to replace those that need to be cut (note that appropriate species


• Coordination with DENR-CENRO and Coron LGU for implementation of protection/conservation measures.











People Community and Occupational Safety and Health impacts



Use of heavy equipment – WWTP and Sewer Pipelaying



• Compliance with road weight limit standards to avoid ground vibration (heavy equipment and pipelaying activities)









People Traffic congestion during sewer pipelaying





• Installation of barricades to ensure that construction is isolated from the public

• Compliance with DOLE Department Order 13, which specifies provisions for safety of





operators of heavy equipment and the regular inspection and maintenance of equipment by certified mechanics and operators. This is to ensure that all equipment will work properly during operation of which to avoid threats to the operator himself and workers on site.


Land/Water Generation of domestic solid wastes




• Provision of sanitation facilities (i.e., toilet, shower, etc.)












WWTP Operation and Maintenance including Septic Tank Desludging





Water Effluent from the facility not meeting effluent standards

• Operations manual will be followed to ensure that effluent from the two STPs meets government standards as well as





proper treatment and disposal of residual sludge



People Traffic congestion from desludging activities


People Threat to community and occupational health and safety


• Provision of PPE • Regular health check-up for the

personnel • Following international best

practices on community and occupational health and safety such as those in Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines on Waste Management Facilities.





People Emission of unpleasant odors

• Implementation of odor management plan;

• Avoiding the exposure of raw sludge to the atmosphere;

• Tanks covering under negative ventilation;

• Minimal sludge and wastewater retention times within the storage tanks or pumping stations and avoiding turbulence

• Provision of odor and aerosol/mist control;

• Installation of exhaust air control unit with activated carbon filter

• ABANDONMENT PHASE

Decommissioning Land Generation of solid wastes and other scraps




Drainage Subproject

Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Drainage Subproject


Environmental Component Likely



• DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Acquisition of applicable permits, licenses, and clearances, including right-of-way





• Identify and include locations of water/gas pipes, power/telephone lines and any other infrastructure on the proposed drainage alignments, and redesign layouts to avoid any damage on such infrastructure;








• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the drainage infrastructures.












Mapping of existing trees likely to be affected along drainage alignments



• Avoid cutting of trees when possible. Design components and alignments in such a way as to avoid (or minimize when total avoidance is not possible) cutting of trees along the drainage alignments.







the contractor:


(ii) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the drainage alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or construction works;


(iv) Develop a specific Health and Safety Plan, that will include a Health and Safety COVID-19 Plan in accordance with relevant government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as World Health Organization. 2020.



Unplanned construction of camps without basic amenities could result in






stress of workers and degradation of the local environment.





• CONSTRUCTION PHASE Earth-movement and civil works












• Installation of silt traps prior to excavation activities (Refer to other preventive measures listed in Para 318).

Air Generation of dust • Limiting earth movement to areas where necessary

• Avoidance of long exposure of excavated soil piles to strong winds by applying canvas covers

People Health hazards from dust emissions

• Implementation of dust control measures (use of canvas covers)

• Provision of PPEs (such as N95 masks) for dust emissions





People Community and occupation safety and health impacts



Use of heavy equipment Land Ground vibration • Application of non-vibration techniques during construction, if possible







Air Generation of air emissions and noise




People Increased traffic volume along the access roads to the project site





• Installation of barricades to ensure that construction is isolated from the public

• Compliance with DOLE Department Order 13, which specifies provisions for safety of operators of heavy equipment and the regular inspection and maintenance of equipment by certified mechanics and operators. This is to ensure that all equipment will work properly during operation of which to avoid





threats to the operator himself and workers on site.


Land, Water Generation of domestic solid wastes








• Provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas




People Generation of additional employment and livelihood opportunities



People Possible increase in crime incidence

• Coordination with barangay officials to ensure peace and order among workers and community members


Drainage System Maintenance

Land Generation of solid wastes/garbage from maintenance activities

• Coordination with the LGU for handling, collection, and disposal of collected solid wastes




• Regular health check-up for the personnel


People Generation of additional employment opportunities







• ABANDONMENT PHASE

Backfilling Land Sourcing of backfill materials

• Coordination with LGU for the source of material

Air Generation of Dust • Immediate sprinkling of water to prevent dust re-suspension.

• Concreting of exposed area.


Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject


Environmental Component Likely to

be Affected Potential Impact


• PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Acquisition of applicable permits, licenses, and clearances, including right-of-way

People Disclosure of project components and activities




• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the small scale tourism infrastructures.






• CONSTRUCTION PHASE Civil works and installation of small-scale infrastructure facilities (Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, Shed House)

Land, Water Generation of construction debris






Land Threat to biodiversity

• Establishment of monitoring system for reporting and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area






Air, People Generation of noise (localized disturbance)


People Temporary halt of tourism activities

• Coordination with concerned LGUs and tourism operators regarding construction activities






• Provision of portalets People Community and

occupational safety and health risks










OPERATIONS PHASE • Small-Scale Infrastructure Operation and Maintenance (Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, Shed House)

Land, Water, People

Improved accessibility and sanitation conditions at the tourism attractions

• Enhancement through IEC on safety protocols (including COVID-19 measures), water conservation, proper solid waste disposal, and hygiene practices

• Installation/posting of signage promoting proper use of facilities and hygiene practices








Water Generation of wastewater from toilets.

• The toilets will be connection to a properly designed septic tank and leach field (with regular desludging).

Water Harming of marine ecosystems at the intake point

• Ensure that there is no marine ecosystem that will be destroyed near the intake point.

People Generation of additional employment opportunities (for the maintenance of facilities)








Influx of tourists Land, Water Generation of domestic solid wastes



• Routine/preventive maintenance of sanitation facilities to sustain functionality

• ABANDONMENT PHASE Decommissioning and removal of small-scale infrastructure facilities

Land, Water Generation of demolition debris





Land, Water, People

Generation of hazardous wastes (PV panels)

• Management and disposal of hazardous wastes (PV panels) in accordance with RA 6969

Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation

49. The consultations conducted during the project preparation stage are detailed below. The

table summarizes the number of people consulted both men and women during project

preparation from October to December 2019. During community consultations, the main issue

raised involved the volume of water produced by Kadyang Falls. Community members mentioned

that the water is insufficient to meet the needs of the whole barangay, especially during the dry

season. Issues on the access of non-timber products as a result of increase in tourism was also

raised by one of the stakeholders. It was also mentioned that the technical design presented

shows only the water distribution to the Poblacion barangays and that water system design for

San Nicolas should also be taken into consideration. A concern was raised during the consultation

for small-scale infrastructure subproject. A concern that tourism activities may disturb the nesting

of the edible-nest swiftlet, which makes its nest in the caves on Coron Island and is an important

source of livelihood.

Consultations during Project Preparation from October to December 2019

Date Activity Men Women TOTAL October 14, 2019

Initial consultation with Tagbanua Tribe of Coron Island Association (TTCIA) leaders

4 0 4

October 14, 2019

Key informant interview with municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR)

1 0 1

November 8, 2019

Community consultation in Barangay Bintuan 5 10 15

October 14, 2019


4 0 4

October 14, 2019


1 0 1

November 8, 2019


October 14, 2019


4 0 4

October 14, 2019


1 0 1

November 8, 2019


TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 57 29 86 Reference: STDP Coron Feasibility Study Volume 10: Indigenous Peoples Plan, 2020

50. The results of the initial consultations were summarized based on the perceived positive

and negative impacts of tourism, community needs, and proposed program support for indigenous

communities. The results were incorporated in the project design in order to refine the safeguard

plans and ensure that any impacts on indigenous people can be mitigated.

51. Environmental Safeguards Consultations. Along with other safeguards consultants,

FGDs and KIIs were conducted in January 2020 at the Coron Municipal Hall. Participants were

composed of representatives from various sectors in the host municipality. The consultations on

environmental issues were facilitated by the International Environmental Specialist of EGIS.

52. The online consultations were conducted between June and August 2020 in four

barangays—San Nicolas, Lajala, Banuang Daan, and Cabugao. For affected indigenous

communities with no access to online platforms, the IP social team designated a point person with

a dedicated phone line for direct communication with the affected household. The details of the

online consultations conducted from June to August 2020 are shown below.

Online Consultation Activities during COVID-19

Project Component

Date Activity Men Women TOTAL

Urban Water Supply Project

June 25, 2020 Orientation on the proposed water system development project with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas

20 9 29

Project Component


June 25, 2020 Phone interview with the chairperson of the indigenous peoples’ organization (IPO) Katutubong Pamayanang Tagbanua ng San Nicolas

1 1

June 30, 2020 Community consultation with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas and interview with NCIP Staff

9 11 20

July 20, 2020 Community consultation with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas

12 6 18

Small Scale Infrastructure Development

June 26, 2020 Community consultation with Tagbanua Tribe of Coron Island Association (TTCIA) officers

3 3

June 26, 2020 Consultation with Barangay Lajala hairperson and barangay indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR)

1 1 2

July 3, 2020 Consultation with Barangay Lajala IPO and indigenous women

3 13 16

July 30, 2020 Consultation with Cabugao indigenous women

3 3

August 4, 2020

Consultation with representatives from Banuang Daan and indigenous women

3 3 6

Tourism Development

July 6, 2020 Phone interview with the Coron municipal planning development officer

1 1

July 14, 2020 Phone interview with Coron municipal IPMR

1 1

August 1, 2020

Phone interview with Dionesia Banua, former NCIP commissioner for the island groups

1 1

August 2, 2020

Phone interview with Roy Dabuit, former NCIP commissioner for the island groups

1 1

August 4, 2020

Phone interview with the Coron municipal tourism officer

1 1

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 54 48 102

53. The main goal the online round of consultations was to (i) provide the affected indigenous

communities with adequate information about the project, including the preliminary design of each

component, and (ii) emphasize the importance of safeguarding indigenous rights in the

development process. Participants were asked to share their views on both potential positive and

negative impacts on indigenous communities’ economic, social, and cultural systems.

54. At the start of project implementation, the IPP, RP, Environment Management Plan (EMP),

and the GAP are the basic reference of the CPMO for safeguards monitoring. For the IPP, the

summary and major points this safeguards document will be disclosed at the municipal and

barangay public meetings including all relevant stakeholders. Indigenous women representing

affected households will be present at the disclosure meetings. Disclosure of project information

will be made available to the indigenous communities and beneficiaries in the form of leaflets or

brochures translated into the local language.

55. For indigenous communities where a large number of the adults cannot read, materials

will be produced in popularized form. In addition to printed material, project implementers will use

visual presentations and other culturally appropriate means to share pertinent project information.

Posters and flyers will be displayed in strategic locations in the indigenous communities, barangay

halls, markets, and places within the community where most people congregate.

56. The IPP monitoring will form part of the project’s semi-annual safeguards, monitoring

reports that will be posted on the ADB website. Summaries of the monitoring reports will be posted

in barangay offices and tribal halls and delivered to IPs through their tribal representatives.

57. Consultations with project-affected stakeholders will continue during detailed design and

project implementation.

58. This IEE and other relevant documents (e.g., Due Diligence Report) will be made available

at public locations and will be posted on both the TIEZA and ADB websites. Project information

will be disseminated by means of appropriate media and regular public consultations throughout

the project cycle.

Culturally Appropriate Grievance Redress System

59. The PMU will establish and operate the grievance redress mechanism (GRM). The PMU will be responsible for ensuring the coordination of the GRM at the local level and for appointing the responsible staff member. Day to day activities will include maintaining the grievance register, organizing investigations, acknowledging and communicating results to the affected person(s), and monitoring the resolution of the issue. The PMU will be the key contact point for local government representatives who may require information about the project or who have an issue they would like to discuss. The PMU will issue public notices and leaflets in English and Tagalog. These notices will inform people and organizations in Coron about the GRM. The relevant contact phone number, address, and email address will be disseminated. A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be established to investigate on and address all grievances. 60. A multi-tier common GRM will be put in place to provide a time-bound and transparent mechanism in receiving and resolving social and environmental concerns linked to the project. It is designed to provide an accessible, inclusive, gender-sensitive, responsive, and culturally appropriate platform for receiving and facilitating resolution of affected persons’ grievances. Public awareness campaign will be conducted to ensure that awareness on the project and its grievance redress procedures is generated and shared with affected persons and other stakeholders. The campaign will ensure that the poor, vulnerable and others are made aware of this mechanism. 61. The Environmental Safeguard Officer of PMU will have the overall responsibility for timely grievance redress on environmental safeguards issues. Likewise, the Social Safeguards Officer of PMU will have the overall responsibility on social safeguard issues. 62. The PMU will maintain a complaints database that indicates the name and sex of the complainant, the nature of the issue, the date the report was received, when the issue was dealt with and the result. Grievance disputes and resolutions will be reported regularly in project quarterly reports. The results will be disaggregated by sex.

Environmental Management Plan

63. The EMP presents the mitigation and enhancement principles, practices, and technologies

aimed at minimizing and/or eliminating the potential impacts of the project to its surrounding

environment. The EMP is a dynamic document that may be updated any time during project

implementation if it is found inadequate. Corrective actions or additional mitigation measures may

be included.

64. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for the project will be

conducted for all phases of its development, which would allow regular feedback mechanism for

issues and concerns. The contents of IEC will be based on the action or operation plans and will

be monitored for evaluation.

65. Feedback mechanism is a very important tool to educate people regarding the project’s development: whether it has negative or positive effects or perception. It will strengthen the

knowledge of the people with regards to the positive impact of the project, as well as the effort of

the monitoring team in resolving unfavorable events, if there are any.

66. Integral to the IEC is the regular reporting on the progress of its operations. IEC activities

should be conducted to establish transparency and develop a partnership with the host

communities.


project implementation. Posters about project info/progress shall be included in LGU bulletin

boards, among others.




the project cycle.

69. The following matrices present the proposed EMoP that will be implemented in each

development phase of the Water Supply, Sanitation, and Drainage subprojects, respectively.

Shown in the matrix are the concerns, parameters to be monitored, as well as the corresponding

sampling and measurement plan (method, frequency, location), lead person, and annual

estimated cost.

70. The Proponent will monitor its compliance through regular submission of Self-Monitoring

Report (SMR) and Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) to the DENR-EMB.

Environmental Monitoring Plan – Water Supply Subproject

Concern Parameter to be Monitored Sampling & Measurement Plan

Responsibility Annual Estimated

Cost, PHP Method Frequency Location

PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES

Water supply availability at Kadyang Falls

Volume of water supply Water flow measurement

Daily Kadyang Falls TIEZA; LGU; Contractor

Minimal

Solid waste generation

Weight or volume of wastes generated

Weighing/log-book recording

Daily Construction areas TIEZA; LGU; Contractor

Minimal

Siltation of nearby surface water

TSS Grab sampling and laboratory analysis

Semi-annually Surface water upstream and downstream near project site

TIEZA; LGU; Contractor

PHP 5,000 per event per station

Air quality TSP and noise Air sampling and analysis

Semi-annually Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor


Employment Number of locally employed personnel

Logbook/database registration

Daily Administration office of the project site


Minimal

Occupational health and safety

No. of work-related illnesses/injuries No. of safety man-hours




Minimal

Baseline flora biodiversity assessment

Species composition, coverage, density, diversity

Remote sensing/ Field survey

Once Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor

PHP 100,000 per event

Baseline fauna biodiversity assessment

Species composition, distribution, diversity, population

Field survey Once Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor


OPERATIONAL PHASE Water supply availability at Kadyang Falls

Volume of water supply; Water flow measurement


Minimal

Effluent Discharge pH, TSS, Chloride, Fluoride, Iron

Grab sampling and laboratory analysis

Quarterly Effluent discharge point TIEZA; LGU; Contractor





Daily/weekly Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor

Minimal



Logbook/ database registration

Daily Administration office of the project


Minimal

Flora biodiversity assessment



After the construction phase (to monitor the

Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor





effects of construction) Every 3 to 5 years after the construction phase.

Fauna biodiversity assessment


Field survey After the construction phase (to monitor the effects of construction) Every 3 to 5 years after the construction phase.



ABANDONMENT PHASE Demolition spoils and solid wastes

Weight (kg); no. of items Weighing/log-book recording

Daily/weekly Project Site TIEZA; LGU To be determined

Loss of employment

No. of affected employees Database registration

Once TIEZA; LGU To be determined

Environmental Monitoring Plan – Sanitation Subproject




PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES Solid and hazardous waste generation




Minimal
















Minimal






Minimal

OPERATIONAL PHASE Effluent Discharge BOD, Fecal Coliform,

Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, Oil and Grease, Surfactants Heavy metals (in first 2 years of operation) – if undetected/below acceptable standard, other parameters may suffice


Quarterly Effluent discharge point



Sewage Sludge Quality

Heavy metals Grab sampling and laboratory analysis

Prior to disposal

Sludge stream flow TIEZA; LGU; Contractor


Solid and hazardous waste generation




Minimal






Minimal

Emission of unpleasant odors

No. of complaints from nearby community




Minimal




Loss of employment



Environmental Monitoring Plan – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject



Cost Method Frequency Location

PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES Solid waste generation




Minimal













Minimal






Minimal

OPERATIONAL PHASE





Minimal






Minimal

DECOMMISSIONING/ABANDONMENT PHASE Demolition spoils and solid wastes



To be determined

Loss of employment No. of affected employees Database registration

Once TIEZA; LGU; Contractor

To be determined

Environmental Monitoring Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject








Minimal





Minimal






Minimal

OPERATIONAL PHASE





Minimal

Marine water quality Fecal coliform Grab sampling and laboratory analysis

Quarterly Marine waters surrounding the project site



Emission of unpleasant/nuisance odors

No. of complaints from tourism operators/tourists




Minimal




To be determined


Once Administration office of the project site


To be determined

71. The following table lists some of the emergencies that could happen in the course of the

implementation/operation of the different subprojects.

Emergency Scenarios for the Project

Emergency Situation Possible Causes Potential Effects Fire • Electrical short-circuits

• Overloading of equipment • Accidental ignition of combustible

materials

• Partial or total loss of equipment and property

• Injuries and fatalities to personnel

• Damage to or death of flora and fauna

Release of toxic substances

• Equipment malfunction

• Accidental spillage • Man-made errors

• Health hazards to the employees, workers, and nearby communities

• Degradation of affected parameter (i.e., contamination of soil and water)

• Damage to or death of flora and fauna

Occupational hazards • Improper training and supervision of personnel

• Equipment and facility failure

• Lack of full understanding regarding the surrounding environment


• Partial and total loss of equipment • Outbreak of COVID-19 among

workers

Earthquakes • Movement/rupture of nearby fault lines

• Failure of concrete structures (i.e., collapse, breach, etc.)

• Injuries and fatalities to personnel and nearby communities

• Disrupt movement of goods (supplies and materials) and services when roads, bridges, ports are damaged which can effect construction schedules.

Extreme Weather Events/Flooding/ Storm Surge

• Extreme weather events • Power outage


• Injuries and fatalities to personnel\ • Disrupt movement of goods

(supplies and materials) and services when roads, bridges, ports are damaged which can effect construction schedules.

Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios

Emergency Situation

Preparation Response Recovery

Fire • Orientation and training of personnel on fire safety

• Conduct of regular fire drills

• Installation and regular testing of firefighting devices (i.e. fire hoses, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler system)

• Notice for personnel to keep calm and alert to prevent further injuries; to follow emergency evacuation procedures; and to report immediately any presence of smoke, spark, or open flame to authorized personnel

• Prohibition of returning to the fire scene, as long as necessary, unless declared for safe entry

• Checking for personnel that may be trapped, injured, or needs further assistance

• Reporting of any important incident that

Emergency Situation


• Installation and regular calibration of Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS)

• Regular inspection of electrical equipment and lines for any defect or malfunction, and replacement, as necessary

• Securing of all flammable items in proper containers and storage facilities

• Strict implementation of “No Smoking” policy in plant facilities

• Placement of emergency numbers and communication equipment in conspicuous areas for easier notification

• Designation of emergency exits (free from obstruction) and evacuation procedures

• Regular maintenance of plant equipment

• Immediate use of fire extinguishers, only if the fire can still be contained

• Disconnection of electrical or fuel connections and shutdown of all affected equipment

• Removal of all flammable materials from the fire scene to avoid further contact, if possible

• Wearing of proper fire protection attire (i.e. fire suit, boots, breathing apparatus) by responders

• Prohibition of using or pouring of water over fuel or alcohol fires, and electrical fires

require immediate attention

• Securing of important items and equipment from unauthorized access from outsiders, after the building is declared safe for re-entry

• If fire damage is minimal, or if facility is recoverable, implementation of necessary corrective measures to prevent the accident from re-occurring

Release of Toxic Substances (e.g., fuel, hazardous waste)

• Regular visual inspection for potential leaks and corrosion

• Inspection of facilities, containers, and equipment for any sign of leaks or spills

• Notice for personnel to report the occurrence immediately to supervisor; to follow strictly instructions of supervisor in charge of cleaning operations

• Ceasing of operations in the area affected by spillage and stop appropriate source

• Stop vehicle engines in the affected area

• Ceasing of operations or any movement until clearance is given

• Immediate clean-up of all spills using proper conditions, including stoppage and containment of spill or leak

• Implementation of measures to prevent re-occurrence of the incident

Occupational Hazards

• Provision of basic PPE

• Formation of an emergency response team for each department

• Provision of first-aid kits and emergency equipment on critical workstations

• Training of personnel on proper equipment handling and other safety practices

• Posting of safety reminders on workstations

• Immediate reporting of any accident, especially those considered life-threatening

• Immediate application of first-aid

• Removal of affected personnel from the accident site

• Bringing of affected personnel to the nearest first aid station or hospital if necessary

• Performing of corrective measures on equipment and procedures

• Provision of additional safety procedures, equipment, and training

Emergency Situation


• Provision of safety features, such as adequate lighting, guide rails, and safety signage

• Adequate ventilation will be provided to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to reduce the buildup of methane and other harmful gases in the sewage/septage treatment facilities.




Earthquake • Conduct of necessary preparations, including equipment and facility checks, to prevent injuries in an event of an earthquake

• Securing of all loose items to prevent falling

• Placement of heavy materials near the ground

• Storage of flammable items in designated safe areas

• Orientation of personnel on safe locations, emergency response equipment, and evacuation routes

• Conduct of regular earthquake drills

• Notice for personnel to keep calm and alert to prevent further injuries; to protect themselves by getting under sturdy structures and stay away from sharp, flammable, or heavy items; and to prepare for immediate evacuation of the facility, if necessary

• Shutdown of all gas and electric equipment

• If there are no threats of aftershocks, checking for personnel that may be trapped, injured, or needs further assistance

• Prohibition of returning to the facility if it is deemed structurally unstable, or declared unsafe

• Thorough inspection of the facility premises for any unusual crack/gap in the ground or walls

• Checking for possible fires and advise authorities for appropriate response


Emergency Situation


• Inspection of the facility for any major structural defect, crack, unstable item, and other potential hazards

• If earthquake damage is minimal or facility is recoverable, implementation of corrective measures to prevent the further hazards from affecting personnel and property

Extreme Weather / Flooding / Storm Surge

• Securing of all loose items (i.e., lamp post, roofs, loose planks, and other light materials) by adding extra guy wires or reinforcing materials

• Removal of obstructions to the drainage system

• In case of storm warning from PAGASA, monitoring of important weather forecast/ parameters, such as path and intensity of the storm

• Water supply pipelines should also be built with climate resiliency measures added to prevent damage (Refer to other measures to integrate climate change resilience in Para 422)

• Notice for personnel to avoid staying outdoors; to stay away from items that may be blown away by strong winds and from electrical mains

• Continuous monitoring of the weather conditions


• Inspection of facility for any major structural defect, crack, unstable item, and other potential hazards

• Repair of broken power lines, fuel lines, and other utilities, if necessary


72. TIEZA is the project executing agency, and main implementing entity for the infrastructure

components of the project. While not a formal implementing agency, Coron LGU will provide

implementation support to the project, through the PMU. TIEZA’s PMU will ensure that the project

will be implemented in accordance with the Philippine EIS System and with the ADB’s SPS.

73. Contractors and subcontractors undertaking the works will be responsible for ensuring

that their activities comply with the environmental and social safeguard requirements of the

contract including the technical specifications. The contractor will implement the project’s EMP

and will report regularly to the PMU. EMPs are designed to ensure that appropriate environmental

and social management practices are applied throughout the construction period. The contractor

will be required to employ a full-time health and safety officer and an environmental officer as

necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements concerning environmental, health, safety,

social and labor regulations during construction.

Conclusion and Recommendation

74. This IEE has been undertaken based on preliminary and conceptual design as indicated in the STDP feasibility study for Coron. During the detailed design phase, it is highly recommended that the following important aspects be undertaken to ensure compliance with the ADB SPS requirements, and include the outcomes in the updating of the IEE:

(i) An environmental flow (e-flows) and sustainability analysis to ensure that the water withdrawal from the source will not impact downstream ecology and socio-economic uses and users. From these e-flows and sustainability analyses, the limits of water withdrawal for the various seasons, with emphasis on the low flow seasons, will be defined and integrated into the final detailed design of the water supply system; and

(ii) With utmost consideration to environmental impacts, identify and consider other possible sources of raw water, such as deep tube wells, necessary to augment the raw water supply particularly during the lean flow season.

75. In view of the limitations of conducting field activities and meaningful consultations due to COVID-19, some field level and project level activities have not been robust. Therefore, following are the major recommendations that should be undertaken prior to award of contract and execution of works:

(i) Follow up meaningful consultations with stakeholders and affected people in all subproject sites to present the developments under the project during the detailed design phase, including the final detailed designs of the various components as they become available;

(ii) Gathering supplemental baseline data, if any, in addition to primary and secondary data used in this IEE, at all subproject sites;

(iii) Undertake a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment in relation to the locations of the subprojects following IFC Performance Standard 6 Criteria. This will determine if the subprojects pose significant impact to the biodiversity features identified in the IBAT Screening. This shall include assessment on whether or not any of the IUCN Red List Species of concern, including those species and areas locally identified but not identified by the IBAT Screening, would qualify the subproject areas as critical habitat. The assessment will also provide recommendations on how to mitigate any adverse findings or impacts to any biodiversity features in the area, including recommendations on how to ensure protection of the biodiversity species that qualify the area as critical habitat; and

(iv) Include results of the above tasks in the updating of the IEE or in new environmental assessment activities as may be required.

76. The Water Supply Subproject is envisaged to be awarded under a DBO Contract modality. Therefore, it is recommended that all specific environmental safeguards actions required of the contractor during all phases of implementation should be defined in the DBO bidding and contract documents. Consistent with all the requirements indicated in this IEE report, the following are important elements that should be discussed and/or integrated in the bidding and contract documents:

(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract a. The overall objective of the DBO Contract is to provide the local

government of Coron, Palawan, Philippines with an expansion of the public water supply capacity and coverage to areas Coron town, and provide the people of Coron with access to continuous potable piped water supply. The subproject will ensure universal access to water services, covering all poor and vulnerable households, delivering significant benefits in the subproject area.

b. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement, construction, and operation of an intake, transmission mains, water treatment plant (WTP) and distribution network, including treated water storage facilities and other allied infrastructures. The water supply infrastructure shall be designed and built following international best practices and consistent with the requirements of relevant national government agencies. The ultimate goal is to provide drinking water that is compliant with the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (or equivalent).

(ii) DBO Contract Management. The subproject execution shall be supported by a DBO Contract management approach that will ensure timely delivery of the scope of works. The contract management system throughout the Contract term shall, without limitation, cover the following: a. Subproject and contract management including program and

arrangement for timely delivery of design, procurement, construction and assembly, commissioning and operation, reporting and resource management;

b. Quality assurance and management plan; c. Contractor’s Environmental, Social and Health and Safety Management

Plan (CESHSMP); d. Health and Safety Management Plan, including Health and Safety

COVID-19 Plan (HS-C19 Plan), in accordance with the relevant government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as those from the World Health Organization; and

e. Communication management towards the public. (iii) Design, Procurement, and Shipment. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities

during design phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: (i) Elaborate the arrangement for the timely design, procurement, materials

testing and shipment under the scope of the DBO Contract; (ii) Prepare all engineering studies needed to complete the subproject

design, including additional surveys (if necessary) such as the environmental flows assessment for the Kadyang Falls and downstream area, and biodiversity and critical habitat assessment covering the areas of the subproject;

(iii) Elaborate comprehensively the concept and final detailed design of the entire facility, including all data from where the final detailed design is based;

(iv) Prepare CESHSMP based on the EMP of the draft IEE, and secure approval of the CESHSMP from PMU;

(v) Finalize the draft IEE based on the final detailed design of the water supply system, including final alignments of raw water transmission mains and treated water distribution network, and submit to PMU;

(vi) Comply with all the requirements of Presidential Decree 1586 and other national and local government regulations related to drinking water supply;

(vii) Update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report and submit to PMU (for subsequent submission to and approval by EMB Regional Office;

(viii) Secure all necessary statutory clearances, permits and licenses required

for the execution of subproject, including the corresponding Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from EMB Regional Office;

(ix) Ensure the timely procurement, and shipment of all materials and goods, equipment and components that are needed for the subsequent construction activities; and

(x) The Contractor’s responsibilities with respect to design, procurement, and shipment shall be embedded in its quality management plan which shall indicate clear responsibilities of all involved parties and assure hold points for relevant design and construction activities.

(iv) During Construction Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the construction stage shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: a. Mobilize all Contractor’s personnel and sub-contractors, and erect

temporary facilities at the site; b. Prepare the site for construction and manage all construction works on

the site; c. Ensure timely delivery of all materials and goods to the site, as well as

unloading, unpacking, inspection, installation and testing of equipment; d. Integrate Works to ensure safety of personnel, assets and environment; e. Connect site infrastructure to utilities (water, sewerage, power); f. Ensure timely construction, assembly and erection of the Works to fulfil

the scope of the Contract and all other requirements per contract documents;

g. Facilitate all inspections required by the representatives of the executing or implementing agency, or any third party engaged by the executing or implementing agency.

(v) During Commissioning Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the commissioning phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: a. Prepare and submit relevant Contractor’s documents including

commissioning plan, operation and maintenance manuals, and as-built drawings;

b. Carry out pre-commissioning and commissioning including tests of individual equipment and allied components of the water supply system (intake, pumps, WTP, mains and distribution lines, storage tanks, etc.);

c. Allow relevant government agencies and/or Coron LGU and/or PMU (on behalf of the implementing agency) to review all documentation prior, during and after construction of the facility, including where necessary, visits to the site; and assess whether the water supply system components have been constructed according to the required specifications;

d. Await assessment or validation report from such relevant government agencies and/or Coron LGU and/or PMU, which may provide acceptance or approval of the facility that it can commence operation.

(vi) During Operation Phase. The Contractor shall provide the necessary training of personnel of the main operator (and/or any third party as may be selected by the implementing agency in the future). Subsequently, the Contractor shall handover the facility to said operator.

77. Likewise, the Wastewater Treatment Facility Subproject is envisaged to be awarded under a DBO Contract modality. Therefore, it is also recommended that all specific environmental

safeguards actions required of the contractor during all phases of implementation should be defined in the DBO bidding and contract documents. Consistent with all the requirements indicated in this IEE report, the following are important elements that should be discussed and/or integrated in the bidding and contract documents:

(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract. The overall objective of the DBO Contract is to provide the local government of Coron, Palawan, Philippines with a sustainable and inclusive sewerage system in view of the expanding population and economic activities in this tourism town. The subproject will focus on creating sewer networks, wastewater treatment plants and septage management facilities. The subproject will also build the capacity of Coron LGU in planning, implementation, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of sewerage system covering all poor and vulnerable households, delivering significant benefits in the area. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement, construction, and operation of a sewer network, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and allied infrastructures. The infrastructures shall be designed and built following international best practices and consistent with the requirements of relevant national government agencies. The ultimate goal is to efficiently collect wastewater and septage from households and treat them accordingly to compliance with the effluent standards set by the DENR prior to discharge.

(ii) DBO Contract Management. The subproject execution shall be supported by a

DBO Contract management approach that will ensure timely delivery of the scope of works. The contract management system throughout the Contract term shall, without limitation, cover the following: a. Subproject and contract management including program and





e. Communication management towards the public.

(iii) Design, Procurement, and Shipment. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during design phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: (i) Elaborate the arrangement for the timely design, procurement, materials

testing and shipment under the scope of the DBO Contract; (ii) Prepare all engineering studies needed to complete the subproject

design, including confirmatory wastewater characterization and quantification (if necessary), terrain and hydraulics surveys, etc.;

(iii) Elaborate comprehensively the concept and final detailed design of the entire facility, including all data from where the final detailed design is based;

(iv) Prepare CESHSMP based on the EMP of the draft IEE, and secure

approval of the CESHSMP from PMU; (v) Finalize the draft IEE based on the final detailed design of the wastewater

treatment facilities, including final alignments of sewer network, and submit to PMU;

(vi) Comply with all the requirements of Presidential Decree 1586 and other national and local government regulations related to wastewater treatment, management and disposal;

(vii) Update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report and submit to PMU (for subsequent submission to and approval by EMB Regional Office;

(viii) Secure all necessary statutory clearances, permits and licenses required for the execution of subproject, including the corresponding Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from EMB Regional Office;

(ix) Ensure the timely procurement, and shipment of all materials and goods, equipment and components that are needed for the subsequent construction activities; and

(x) The Contractor’s responsibilities with respect to design, procurement, and shipment shall be embedded in its quality management plan which shall indicate clear responsibilities of all involved parties and assure hold points for relevant design and construction activities.









b. Carry out pre-commissioning and commissioning including tests of individual equipment and allied components of the wastewater treatment facility (sewer network, WWTPs, pump stations, etc.);

c. Allow relevant government agencies and/or Coron LGU and/or PMU (on behalf of the implementing agency) to review all documentation prior, during and after construction of the facility, including where necessary,

visits to the site; and assess whether the wastewater treatment facility components have been constructed according to the required specifications;


(vi) During Operation Phase. The Contractor shall provide the necessary training of personnel of the main operator (and/or any third party as may be selected by the implementing agency in the future). Subsequently, the Contractor shall handover the facility to said operator. In the event that the Contractor is also the operator, all responsibilities for training, monitoring and maintaining compliance rests with the contractor.

78. During construction, anticipated project impacts on noise, dust, traffic, health, and safety

will be localized, temporary, intermittent in nature and can be readily addressed through

implementation of the measures outlined in the EMP. Land clearing and grading will be limited to

areas where necessary. A detailed tree inventory and survey will be undertaken as part of the

tree cutting permit application in coordination with the concerned DENR/CENRO office.

79. During operation, the project is expected to have positive social impacts in terms of

generation of local benefits. It is expected to generate/contribute additional local employment and

livelihood opportunities and local government revenues. There are also potential negative

environmental impacts during operation such as generation of solid waste and wastewater, threat

to community health and safety, etc. but these will be mitigated by the proposed measures.

80. The Proponent is fully committed to its environmental and social responsibilities, including

compliance with national environmental, health, and safety regulations and ADB SPS

requirements.

I. INTRODUCTION

1. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines was a rapidly emerging

ecotourism and resort destination in Southeast Asia with coastal marine resources serving as the

main attraction. In 2019, Philippines recorded 8.3 million international tourist arrivals, and 114

million domestic trips It is the country’s third largest source of foreign exchange earnings, after overseas remittances, and electronics products. Tourism’s share of gross domestic product (GDP) has more than doubled over the past decade from 5.9% in 2009, to 12.7% in 2019.

Tourism’s direct gross value added in 2019 was estimated at $49.6 billion. The sector also

employs 5.7 million peopleSurveys of international tourism to the country indicate that 70% of

international arrivals and at least 35% of domestic travelers visited a coastal area and used

coastal and marine natural resources.

2. Increased promotion in domestic and international markets and improved air, sea, and

road connectivity have led to the rapid growth of tourism northern Palawan, particularly in the

Municipality of Coron. However, the limited capacity of existing urban services infrastructure has

resulted in an unsustainable pattern of tourism and urban development in the municipality. The

lack of a systematic approach to the delivery of urban services poses a growing health risk to

tourists and residents, and a reputational risk to the Philippine tourism brand.

3. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

is developing the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP), which will assist the

government in promoting tourism development and transforming Coron into a sustainable,

inclusive, resilient, and competitive tourism center. It builds on the strength of the tourist

destination, particularly its pristine and rich natural resources, by sustainably managing and

conserving natural capital, and improves on areas that will contribute to the industry’s competitiveness.

4. The STDP has three (3) major outputs or components, which will be further discussed in

Part III (Description of the Project) of this report:

(i) Output 1: Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement

(ii) Output 2: Sustainable Natural Resources Management

(iii) Output 3: Enterprise Development



as Coron and El Nido. The project is listed as part of the Transforming Communities towards

Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism (TouRIST) Program recently launched by DOT in

coordination with various government agencies and local stakeholders and in partnership with

multilateral development banks. Moreover, the STDP is expected to contribute to the reduction of

poverty, income inequality, and unemployment—which forms part of the Philippine Development

2

Plan (PDP) 2017-20222 objectives anchored in the longer-term vision espoused in Ambisyon

2040.3

6. The STDP is consistent with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Strategy 2030 and

supports key operational priorities of tackling climate change, making cities more livable, and

strengthening governance and institutional capacity. It contributes to ADB’s commitment to

accelerate blue investment in Asia and the Pacific through the Healthy Oceans Action Plan,

working across the four areas of blue economy, ecosystem management, pollution control, and

sustainable infrastructure.4 It is also aligned with the Philippine Country Partnership Strategy

2018-2023, especially in promoting local economic development pillar.5

7. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report is prepared in accordance with the

2009 ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) requirements for the following identified priority

subprojects under STDP Output 1 (Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement) including the

small-scale support infrastructure under Output 2 (Sustainable Natural Resource Management)

in the Municipality of Coron:

(i) Water Supply; (ii) Sanitation; (iii) Drainage and Urban Design; and (iv) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure.

8. This IEE Report is organized into 12 major parts/sections:

(i) Part I – Introduction presents the purpose of the report and the extent of the IEE study;

(ii) Part II – Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework provides an overview of the national policies, legal and regulatory framework, global commitments and international obligations, and the ADB safeguard requirements that are applicable to the project under study;

(iii) Part III – Description of the Project provides a brief description of the project and subprojects, including the rationale, location, components, and proposed schedule of implementation;

(iv) Part IV – Description of the Environment presents baseline information gathered about the project-affected area, including the physical resources, ecological resources, economic development, and social and cultural resources;

(v) Part V – Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures presents the potential significant impacts of the proposed project to various aspects of the environment during the different phases of its implementation, as well as the corresponding measures or interventions that can address the identified impacts;

(vi) Part VI – Analysis of Alternatives presents the alternatives considered for the priority subprojects, including siting and type of technology;

2 NEDA. (2017). Philippine Development Plan, 2017–2022. Pasig. 3 NEDA. (2016). AmBisyon Natin 2040. Pasig. 4 ADB. (2019). The Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies. Manila. 5 ADB. (2018). Philippines: Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023 – High and Inclusive Growth. Manila.

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(vii) Part VII – Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation presents the information disclosure, consultation, and participation undergone and yet to be conducted for the project throughout its implementation;

(viii) Part VIII – Culturally-Appropriate Grievance Redress System presents the grievance redress system (GRS) that will be put into place during the project implementation;

(ix) Part IX – Environmental Management Plan presents the details of the proposed mitigation measures for the anticipated impacts of each subproject, including responsible parties, estimated costs, and guarantees;

(x) Part X – Conclusion and Recommendation provides a synthesis of the IEE Report and key recommendations;

(xi) Part XI – References contains a list of reference documents and related articles cited in the IEE Report;

(xii) Part XII – Appendices is a compilation of attachments and related documents and details cited in the IEE Report for additional reference.

4

II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

9. This section provides an overview of the national policies, legal and regulatory framework,

global and international commitments and obligations, as well as the ADB safeguard requirements

that will govern the priority subprojects under the STDP.

National Policy, Legal and Regulatory Framework

10. The Philippine Government requires certain projects to undergo Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA) by virtue of Presidential Decree (PD) 1586 or the Philippine Environmental

Impact Statement System (PEISS) established in 1978. The PEISS is originally devised as an

administrative procedure for an action-forcing policy that requires proponents of development

projects to systematically study and disclose the environmental impacts of the proposed projects

prior to implementation. Under the PEISS, projects are screened according to the following

categories:

Category A – Projects or undertakings which are classified as environmentally critical

(ECPs) under Presidential Proclamation No. 2146 (1981), Proclamation No. 803 (1996),

and any other projects that may later be declared as such by the President of the

Philippines. Proponents of these projects implemented from 1982 onwards are required

to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Category B – Projects or undertakings which are not classified as ECP under Category

A, but which are likewise deemed to significantly affect the quality of the environment by

virtue of being located in Environmentally Critical Area (ECA), as declared under

Proclamation 2146 and according to the parameters set forth in the succeeding sections.

Proponents of these projects implemented from 1982 onwards are required to secure an

ECC.

Category C – Project or undertakings not falling under Category A or B which are intended

to directly enhance the quality of the environment or directly address existing

environmental problems.

Category D – Projects of undertakings that are deemed to unlikely cause significant

adverse impact on the quality of the environment according to the parameters set forth in

the Screening Guidelines. These projects are not covered by the PEISS and are not

required to secure an ECC. However, such non-coverage shall not be construed as an

exemption from compliance other laws and government permitting requirements.

11. The agency responsible for EIA review and approval is the Environmental Management

Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

5

12. Table 1 presents the initial ECC coverage screening for the priority subprojects using EMB

project screening guidelines. The table indicates the project threshold, PEISS category and the

required environmental document to be prepared to secure the ECC.

Table 1: ECC Coverage Screening of Priority Subprojects under STDP per PEISS Guideline

Subproject

Brief Description and Components

EMB MC 2014-005 ECC Coverage Screening

Components Project Type Project Size/

Parameters Category

Document Required for

ECC Water Supply • Kadyang Falls raw water

intake (4,000 m3/day) • Raw water gravity

transmission line (7.3 km)

• Water treatment plant (4,000 m3/day)

• Treated water gravity transmission line (1.2 km)

• Treated water storage/reservoir (1,500 m3/day)

• Treated water distribution lines (15.75 km)

3.1.3 Water supply projects (without dam)

With water source and water treatment facilities

B: Non-ECP EIS

Sanitation • Construction of graviy lines (~11.5 km), manhole, seven PS and pumping mains (~5.2 km)

• Construction of Coron Urban Center WWTP (2,438 m3/day; 988 kg BOD/day)

• Construction of Tagumpay WWTP (1,035 m3/day; 448 kg BOD/day)

• Septage collection (additional vacuum trucks) and treatment (co-treatment at the WWTP)

3.8.5 Domestic wastewater treatment facility (including septage treatment facility)

>30 m3 but <5000 m3 system daily capacity

B: Non-ECP Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Checklist or Report

Drainage • Construction and rehabilitation of network, treatment works, retention basin, outlets, velocity breaker and deepening works in esteros/thalwegs

3.7.2 Other pipelines/cables

<50 km B: Non-ECP IEE Checklist or Report

Urban Design • Touristic amenities to be developed related to infrastructure

• Integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements where feasible

Projects intended to directly enhance the quality of the environment

Not applicable

C/D: Enhancement measures/ insignificant adverse impact

Not covered but may submit Project Description (PD) when getting a Certificate of

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Subproject

Brief Description and Components

EMB MC 2014-005 ECC Coverage Screening

Components Project Type Project Size/

Parameters Category

Document Required for

ECC Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure


• Floating trails

• Sanitation Facility • Water Supply System • Solid Waste Facilities



Projects intended to directly enhance the quality of the environment

Small-scale Non-Coverage

13. In addition to complying with PD 1586, any development in the Province of Palawan must

conform with Republic Act (RA) 7611, otherwise known as the “Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act”, which provided for the adoption of a comprehensive framework for the

sustainable development of Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing the natural

resources and endangered environment of the province.

14. The legal effects of the SEP are threefold: 1) SEP as framework to guide government

agencies in plans, programs, and projects (PPPs) affecting the environment and natural

resources of Palawan; 2) SEP to be incorporated in the Regional Development Plan

(MIMAROPA); and 3) All LGUs and NGAs to coordinate and align their projects and budgets with

the projects, programs, and policies of the SEP.

15. There SEP philosophy of sustainable development has three features (RA 7611, Section

2) that guide the direction of Palawan’s development: a) ecological viability, which means keeping intact the physical and biological cycles that maintain the productivity of ecological systems; b)

social acceptability, which pertains to participatory processes, people’s commitment, equity in resource access, and equitable distribution of benefits; and c) integrated approach or looking at

the Palawan region from a wider perspective and taking advantage of the opportunity for

coordination and sharing that the region represents.

16. RA 7611 also provided for the creation of the Palawan Council for Sustainable

Development (PCSD) Staff, primarily responsible for the governance and implementation of, and

provision of policy direction to, the SEP.

17. Environmentally Critical Areas Network. The balance between development and

conservation is realized through the SEP’s main strategy, the Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN), a graded system of protection and development control, management, and

utilization of the province’s natural resources. The ECAN ensures that most critical areas are

protected, and development areas are properly utilized and enhanced.

18. The main areas covered by the ECAN are classified under three (3) main components: 1)

Terrestrial; 2) Coastal/Marine; and 3) Tribal Ancestral Lands. The Terrestrial component consists

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of the mountainous, low hills, and lowland areas of Palawan. The Coastal/Marine component

includes the whole coastline up to the open sea characterized by active fisheries and tourism

activities. The management philosophy in coastal/marine areas are equitable access to the

resource and responsible management by the local community. Lastly, the Tribal Ancestral Lands

comprise both land and sea areas traditionally occupied by indigenous cultural communities;

these areas are treated in the same graded system of control and prohibition with strong emphasis

in cultural considerations. The SEP provides and defines a special kind of zonation to satisfy the

material and cultural needs of the tribes through consultative processes and cultural mapping of

the ancestral lands.

19. In the protected portion of the coastal and marine environment, the legal and policy

framework for tourism is based upon the combination of ordinances at the Municipality and

Barangay level. Ordinances are required for the creation and resourcing of MPAs usually

implemented by the communities in their vicinity. Most MPAs have been put in place to allow

fisheries to recover. Here, tourism is usually seen as one of the primary activities with the

capability of providing a sustainable income for conservation and alternative livelihoods.

20. The ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of Coron is shown in Error! Reference source

not found.. The map specifically indicates the zones with delineation for areas with restricted,

controlled, traditional, and mixed uses.

21. ECAN Zoning Certification. All projects and undertakings covered by the SEP Clearance

System are required to secure ECAN Zoning Certification from the PCSD Staff, who shall

determine the corresponding ECAN zone where the project is to be located and the category of

the project, which shall be reflected in the Certification. Projects are categorized into the following

based on their location and expected environmental impacts:6

Category A – Projects located outside of ECAs that are pollutive and/or extractive as

listed in Annex 1-A of the Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014.

Category B – Projects located outside of ECAs that are non-pollutive or have minimal

environmental impact and/or extractive as listed in Annex 1-B of the Revised PCSD AO

No. 06, Series of 2014.

Category C – Projects determined to have minimal environmental impacts that are

considered non-pollutive and/or non-extractive as listed in Annex 1-C of the Revised

PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014, shall be exempted from securing SEP Clearance.

Category D – Soft impact projects that are non-pollutive and non-extractive located in

Restricted Zones as listed in Annex 1-D of the Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014.

22. All other projects not included in any of the categories listed shall be considered as under

Category A. For a project certified by the PCSD Staff Executive Director as falling under

6 PCSD. (2014). Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014 (“Revised Guidelines in the Implementation of the SEP

Clearance System”), Chapter II, Section 4.

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Categories A, B, or D, the proponent shall proceed to secure the ECAN Board endorsement as

provided under Sections 7 to 11 of the Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014.

23. For a project certified under Category C (exempted projects), no further evaluation shall

be required. However, the proponent shall submit a copy of the ECAN Zoning Certification to the

ECAN Board for information. In case the ECAN Board contests the certification of the PCSD Staff

Executive Director, the ECAN Board and the PCSD Staff shall exert all efforts to resolve the

conflict. In case resolution is not possible at their level, the same shall be brought before the

PCSD Staff for final decision.

Figure 1: ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of Coron

Source: Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2017-2022

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24. SEP Clearance. The SEP Clearance is the document issued by the PCSD Staff Executive

Director certifying that, upon subjecting to review, evaluation, and validation by PCSD Technical

Staff, the proposed project was in accordance with RA 7611. Further, the proponent has complied

with all the requirements of the SEP Clearance System and that the proponent was committed to

institute all mitigating measures as provided for in the EIS or IEE and to comply with all the

stipulated terms and conditions.

25. The DENR shall not issue an ECC, Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC), license, permit,

and similar instruments without the SEP Clearance issued under Revised PCSD AO No. 06,

Series of 2014, in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between DENR and PCSD

dated December 29, 1994 and Department of Justice (DOJ) Opinion Nos. 90 and 136, Series of

1994. Other permitting entities are likewise enjoined to require the proponents to secure an SEP

Clearance prior to the issuance of permits, licenses, and other similar instruments.

26. Moreover, proponent shall be required to secure the Free, Prior and Informed Consent

(FPIC) of the concerned indigenous people or indigenous cultural communities as provided for

under the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) or RA 8371. Such requirement shall be

indicated in the terms and conditions of the SEP Clearance, as may be necessary.

27. The detailed steps and requirements on how to obtain the ECAN Zoning Certification and

SEP Clearance are provided in the PCSD Staff Citizen’s Charter of 2018.

28. Palawan Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan. As the operational plan

of the SEP framework and ECAN strategy, the PSDSAP is conceived as the “green blueprint” for sustainable development of Palawan Province. It aims to create the necessary environmental,

socio-cultural, economic, and institutional conditions towards the establishment of a green (or

environmentally sensitive) economy in the province.

29. The PSDSAP contains a menu of actions formulated in the context of poverty reduction

and biodiversity conservation and aimed to coherently address the emerging and pervasive

threats in the conservation of Palawan environment and the pursuit of economic development.

The document is a local counterpart of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

(PBSAP), which is drafted as one of the country’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (UN CBD).

30. In the geographic context of the ECAN, a green economy for Palawan means economic

industries co-existing with protected areas. Hence, the ECAN-based strategy of PSDSAP is: “the maintenance of ECAN Core Zones, the wise use of ECAN Buffer Zones, and the sustainable

management of ECAN Multiple Use Zone.”

31. Protected areas are portions of land and water set aside for its unique physical and

biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and protected against

10

destructive human occupation. They serve as important stocks of natural, cultural, and social

capital, yielding flows of economically valuable goods and services that benefit society as a whole.

They are also key to buffering unpredictable impacts of impending climate change.

32. The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 or RA 7586 was

enacted to address concerns on ecological conservation and sustainable development in the

country. This is in response to the Philippines’ commitment to the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, where it is also a signatory and where global environmental concerns were discussed. The

law is also in recognition and awareness of the invariable decline of the country’s biologically unique environment. The Act accentuates collaborative partnership among national government,

local government, and concerned private organizations in the effective administration of these

resources. It encompasses terrestrial, wetlands, and marine ecosystems with remarkable

biological importance.

33. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the DENR have control and

administration in all declared Protected Areas. The PAMB is composed of members coming from

different sectors (i.e., the DENR, local government units, non-government organizations, private

sector, people’s organizations, etc.). It serves as the governing and policy making body of the protected area and oversees its general management.

34. In 2018, RA 7611 was amended through RA 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated

Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018, which expands the areas covered and the

number of protected areas and national parks declared as mandated by legislations or laws and

imposes a stricter penalty and higher fines against violators of the law.

35. The PCSD, as the administrative body implementing RA 7611, is also the one mandated

to implement the NIPAS Act in the province as declared by the Department of Justice (DOJ)

Opinion No. 90, Series of 1994, and Opinion No. 136 later in the same year.

36. The following environmental laws and regulations are also applicable to this Project:

(i) PD 856: The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (1975) including Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order (AO) No. 2014-27 for the Water Safety Plan requirement;

(ii) PD 1067: The Water Code of the Philippines (1976) and its IRR; (iii) RA 6969: Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 and

its IRR, i.e., DENR Administrative Order No. (DAO) 1992-29, as implemented by DAO 2004-36, as amended by DAO 2013-22;

(iv) RA 8749: Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and its IRR, i.e., DAO 2000-81; (v) RA 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and its IRR, i.e., DAO

2001-34; (vi) RA 9275: Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and its IRR, i.e., DAO 2005-10 and

latest DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016);

(vii) RA 9593: Tourism Act of 2009 and its IRR;

11

(viii) RA 9729: Climate Change Act of 2009 and its IRR, i.e., Climate Change Commission (CCC) Administrative Order No. 2010-10;

(ix) RA 10121: Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Act of 2010 and its IRR;

(x) RA 10629: An Act Providing for the Retention by the Protected Area Management Board of Seventy-Five Percent (75%) of the Revenues Accruing to the Integrated Protected Areas Fund (IPAF), amending for the purpose Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992”;

(xi) DAO 2004-52: The Revised Guidelines in the Issuance of Cutting/Harvesting Permits in Private Titled Lands;

(xii) DAO 2009-09: Standard Design and Specifications of Signs, Buildings, Facilities and Other Infrastructure that may be Installed and/or Constructed within Protected Areas;

(xiii) DAO 2013-19: Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and Management in Protected Areas;

(xiv) DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Technical Bulletin No. 2016-03: Standard and Climate Resilient Design of Protected Area Information Center and Signs and Markers; and

(xv) DOLE Department Order No. 2018-198: Implementing Rules and Regulation of Republic Act No. 11058 entitled “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof.”

37. Applicable standards for the subprojects include water quality guidelines, effluent

standards, noise and air ambient quality guidelines, soil remediation guidelines, and drinking

water quality standards. Relevant prescriptive values are discussed in the succeeding

paragraphs.

38. Soil Quality Guidelines and Remediation Criteria. The Philippines does not have

background soil quality guidelines. In the absence of such standards, internationally accepted

guidelines are adopted. One reference currently accepted by EMB-DENR is the Dutch Soil

Remediation Circular of 2013 (version of 1 July 2013; formerly known as Dutch Intervention

Values or DIV). The values indicate when the functional properties of the soil for humans, plant,

and animal life are seriously impaired or threatened. Usually in the conduct of environmental site

assessments, soil quality (total assay) is compared to these values to assess requirement of

cleanup or remediation.

Table 2: Dutch Soil Quality Guidelines for Intervention or Remediation

Parameter Standard Intervention Values (mg/kg)

Arsenic 76 Cadmium 13 Copper 190 Lead 530 Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon 5,000* Notes: (*) Aggregate value for mineral oils | Source: Dutch Soil Remediation Circular 2013

39. Standards for Sludge. Disposal of wastewater treatment plant residues such as sludges

(bio-solids) and effluent for re-use or recycling are subject to a number of Philippines standards.

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Sludges must comply with the toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) limits prior to

disposal to landfills as shown in the following table.

Table 3: TCLP Limits for Sludges Prior to Disposal

Parameter TCLP Limits (mg/L)

Arsenic 1.0 Barium 70 Cadmium 0.3 Chromium 0.3 Lead 1.0 Mercury 0.1 Selenium 1.0 Reference: DAO 2013-22

40. Land Application. If there are agricultural areas near the treatment plant, the biosolids

may be applied as soil conditioner or alternative fertilizers to selected crops such as sugarcane

and corn. Considering public health issues, not all agricultural crops may accept biosolids from

septage as soil conditioner. Such information will be obtained from the Department of Agriculture

or from the local City Agricultural Office prior to any land application. The Philippine National

Standards (PNS/BAFs 183: 2016) of Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) sets

the specifications of organic fertilizer, compost/soil conditioner and organic plant supplements.

Such reuse of sludges is covered by standards prescribed by the Department of Agriculture. The

limits for pathogens are shown in the table below.

Table 4: Allowable Level of Pathogens in Organic Fertilizers, Soil Conditioner, and Organic Plant Supplements

Pathogens Allowable Level

Fecal Streptococci <5 x 102 CFU/g Total Coliforms <5 x 102 CFU/g Salmonella Absent in 25 g Reference: PNS/BAFS 183: 2016

41. Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water. The PNSDW of 2017 was issued

under DOH AO 2017-010 which prescribes the standards and procedures on drinking-water

quality to project public health. It applies to all drinking-water service providers including

government and private developers and operators, bulk water suppliers, water refilling station

operators, and water vending machine operators; ice manufacturers, all food establishments,

residential, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings that shall use/supply/serve drinking

water, water testing laboratories, health and sanitation authorities, the general public and all

others whore involved in determining safety of public’s drinking-water. The following table

presents the mandatory parameters for drinking water quality monitoring.

Table 5: Mandatory Drinking Water Quality Parameters from 2017 PNSDW

Parameter Unit Standard Value

Thermotolerant Coliform MPN/100mL <1.1 E. Coli mg/L <1.1 Arsenic mg/L 0.01

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Parameter Unit Standard Value

Cadmium mg/L 0.003 Lead mg/L 0.01 Nitrate mg/L 50 Color (Apparent) CU 10 Turbidity NTU 5 pH - 6.5 – 8.5 Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 600 Disinfectant Residual - 0.3 min and 1.5 max Source: 2017 Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water, Department of Health.

42. Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards. The Water Quality

Guidelines (WQG) and General Effluent Standards (GES) were adopted and promulgated

pursuant to Section 19e and 19f of RA 9275, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Water Act

of 2004. It is issued under DAO 2016-08 with objectives of providing guidelines and classification

of water bodies in the Philippines; determining time trends of deterioration/enhancement in water

quality; setting limits for effluent discharges; evaluating the need for taking actions in preventing,

controlling, or abating, water pollution; and designating water quality management areas

(WQMA).

43. The WQG applies to all water bodies in the country. The GES, meanwhile, applies to all

point sources of pollution, regardless of volume, that discharge to receiving body of water or land.

The GES shall be used regardless of the industry category. Table 6 presents relevant parameters

from WQG, while Table 7 presents the portions of the GES that will be applied to the subproject

particularly for wastewater discharges.

Table 6: Philippine Water Quality Guidelines Applicable to the Project Area

Parameter Unit Water Classification

Class A Class B Class C Class SA Class SB

pH - 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 9.0 7.0 – 8.5 7.0 – 8.5 Temperature* °C 26 – 30 26 – 30 25 – 31 26 – 30 26 – 30 Color TCU 50 50 75 5 50 Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL <1.1 100 200 <1.1 100 BOD mg/L 3 5 7 n/a n/a Nitrate mg/L 7 7 7 10 10 Phosphate mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.5 Total Suspended Solids

mg/L 50 65 80 25 50

Ammonia mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.05 Oil and Grease mg/L 1 1 1 1 2 • Class A Public Water Supply Class II – intended as sources of water supply requiring conventional treatment (coagulation,

sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection) to meet latest PNSDW; • Class B Recreational Water Class I – intended for primary contact recreation (bathing, swimming, etc.); • Class C 1. Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and aquatic resources; 2. Recreational Water Class II – for

boating, fishing, or similar activities; 3. for agriculture, irrigation, and livestock watering; • Class SA 1. Protected Waters or water designated as national or local marine parks, reserves, sanctuaries, and other areas

established by law (Presidential Proclamation 1801 and other existing laws), and/or declared as such by appropriate government agency, LGUs, etc.; 2. Tourist Zones – for ecotourism and recreational activities; 3. Recreational Water Class I – intended for primary contact recreation (bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.);

• Class SB 1. Fishery Water Class II or waters suitable for commercial propagation of shellfish and intended as spawning areas for milkfish (Chanos chanos) and similar species; 2. Tourist Zones – for ecotourism and recreational activities; 3. Recreational Water Class I – intended for primary contact recreation (bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.).

14

Notes: (*) The natural background temperature as determined by EMB shall prevail if the temperature is lower or higher than the WQG; provided that the maximum increase is only up to 10% and that it will not cause any risk to human health and the environment; MPN/100ml – Most Probable Number per 100 milliliters; n/a – Not Applicable; TCU – True Color Unit. Source: DAO 2016-18

Table 7: Philippine General Effluent Standards Applicable for the Subprojects

Parameter Unit Water Classification

Class A Class B Class C Class Sa Class Sb

pH - 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.5 NDA 6.0 – 9.0 Temperature °C Change 3 3 3 NDA 3 Color TCU 100 100 150 NDA 100 Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL 4 200 400 NDA 200 BOD mg/L 20 30 50 NDA 30 Nitrate mg/L 14 14 14 NDA 20 Phosphate mg/L 1 1 1 NDA 1 Total Suspended Solids

mg/L 70 85 100 NDA 70

Ammonia mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 NDA 0.5 Oil and Grease mg/L 5 5 5 NDA 5 Chloride mg/L 350 350 450 NDA n/a Fluoride mg/L 2 2 2 NDA 3 Iron mg/L 5 5 7.5 NDA 7.5 Surfactants mg/L 2 3 15 NDA 500 Notes: NDA – No Discharge Allowed; n/a – Not Applicable Source: DAO 2016-18.

44. Effluent Reuse. Wastewater re-use for irrigation must also comply with prescribed

standards issued by the Department of Agriculture. For non-agricultural purposes, effluent may

only be recycled (i.e., facility washing) after meeting the GES. The limits on selected wastewater

quality parameters for irrigation are shown in the following table.

Table 8: Limits on Wastewater Quality for Irrigation

Parameters Landscape Irrigation

Crop Irrigation Foods Eaten Raw and Not Commercially Processed

Food Crops Commercially Processed

Non-Food Crops

For crop productivity and protection of environment

BOD5, mg/L <150 <150 <150 <150 Free residual chlorine, mg/L

<1 <1 <1 <1

pH 6.5 – 8.0 6.5 – 8.0 6.5 – 8.0 6.5 – 8.0 For protection of animal and human health

Ascaris, MPN/100 mL

0 0 0 0

Fecal coliform, MPN/100 mL

<200 Not detectable <200 <200

Nematodes, MPN/100 mL

0 0 0 0

Source: Department of Agriculture AO No. 26, Series of 2007

45. Ambient Air Quality and Noise Guidelines. This national ambient air quality guideline

value is under Rule VII Section 1 stipulated in DAO 2000-81 (IRR of the Philippine Clean Air Act

15

of 1999). The 24-hour averaging time national ambient air quality guideline values are shown in

the following table.

Table 9: National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (24-Hour Averaging Time)

Parameter Standard Value (µg/Ncm) NO2 150 SO2 180 Suspended Particulate Matter

• Total Suspended Particles (TSP) • Particulate Matter (PM) 10

230 150

Source: DAO 2000-81

46. Table 10 presents the Philippine standards for noise in general areas as stipulated under

the National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) Memorandum Circular No. 002, Series of

1980. In addition, Table 11 presents the International Finance Corporation – Environmental,

Health and Safety Guidelines (IFC-EHS) for noise level at different receptor. Noise impacts should

not exceed the levels presented in the table below or result in a maximum increase in background

levels of 3 dB at the nearest receptor off-site.

Table 10: Philippine Standards for Noise in General Areas

Area Category

Description Maximum Allowable Noise Level, dB(A)

Daytime Morning/

Early Evening Nighttime

Class AA Generally quiet areas such as areas within 100 meters from school sites, nursery schools, hospitals, and special homes for the aged

50 45 40

Class A Areas primarily used for residential purposes 55 50 45 Class B Areas zoned or used as a commercial area 65 60 55 Class C Areas zoned or used as a light industrial area 70 65 60 Class D Areas zoned or used as a heavy industrial area 75 70 65 Notes: Morning = 5AM to 9AM; Daytime = 9AM to 6PM; Early Evening = 6PM to 10PM; Nighttime = 10PM to 5AM Reference: NPCC Memorandum Circular No. 1980-002

Table 11: IFC-EHS Noise Level Guidelines

Receptor One Hour LAeq (dBA)

Daytime (07:00 – 22:00) Nighttime (22:00 – 07:00)

Residential; institutional; educational 55 45 Industrial; commercial 70 70 Source: IFC-EHS Guidelines

Relevant Global Commitments and International Obligations

47. The following are some of the current environmental and natural resources agreements

ratified by the Republic of the Philippines and those entered into by the DENR7.

7 DENR International Agreements on Environment and Natural Resources: https://intl.denr.gov.ph/

https://intl.denr.gov.ph/

16

48. The Convention on Wetlands or Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that

provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and

wise use of wetlands and their resources. It was adopted by participating nations in Ramsar, Iran

on 2 February 1971 and came into force on 21 December 1975. It is the only global treaty to focus

on a single ecosystem.

49. Wetlands are described by the Convention and by the Joint DENR-DA-PCSD

Administrative Order No. 2004-01 as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or

artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt,

including areas of marine water where the depth at low tide does not exceed six meters. There

are currently 170 Ramsar member countries and 2,341 Ramsar sites with a total area of 252.42

million hectares (ha). Currently, the Philippines has seven sites included in the Ramsar List of

Wetlands of International Importance, with a combined surface area of around 245,000 ha. Two

of these sites are located in Palawan, namely the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Ramsar Site

No. 1010) with 96,828 ha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Ramsar

Site No. 2084) with 22,202 ha.

50. The Convention’s “wise use” concept, defined as “the maintenance of [a wetland’s] ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the

context of sustainable development”, is compatible with the sustainable management of the aquatic ecosystems of Palawan.

51. Recognizing the importance of the earth's biological resources, the United Nations

Environment Programme (UNEP) established an Ad Hoc Working Group of Technical and Legal

Experts in May 1999 to prepare an international legal instrument for the conservation and

sustainable use of biological diversity. The text of the legal instrument was discussed and agreed

upon in Nairobi on 22 May 1992 and it was called the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

It aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of components of biological

diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic

resources. The Convention was opened for signature of UN member states on 5 June 1992 at

the Rio Earth Summit or the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. It

entered into force on 29 December 1993.

52. The National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP), which under Article 6 of the

Convention is the principal instrument for implementing the Convention at the national level was

prepared in 1997, updated in 2002 and again updated with the 2015-2028 Philippine Biodiversity

Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The PBSAP 2015-2028, adopted in 2016, integrates and

mainstreams CBD objectives into the national development and sectoral planning framework that

includes measurable targets for CBD commitments. The PBSAP lists 113 actions that cover nine

thematic areas, namely, forest, coastal and maritime, inland wetlands, cave and cave systems,

protected areas, agrobiodiversity, urban biodiversity, invasive alien species and access and

17

benefit-sharing. It involves more than 50 national and attached agencies as responsibility centers

supported by other sectors in the society, such as the academe, local governments, and civil

society.

53. The First National Biodiversity Congress was held in Quezon City, Philippines on 22-24

May 2017 in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity. Organized by BMB and

UNDP, the theme was "Upwelling of Lessons, Sustaining Community Benefits in the Conservation

of Landscapes and Seascapes."

54. As part of the country's commitments to the CBD, the BMB has been conducting regional

consultation workshops for the preparation and submission of the 6th National Report to the CBD

and the development of regional targets in support of the PBSAP.

55. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an

international treaty that recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource. The objective of

the convention is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level

that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. It sets the

overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to: (a) gather and share information on

greenhouse gases (GHG), national policies and best practices; (b) launch national strategies for

addressing GHGs and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and

technical support to developing countries; and (c) cooperate in preparing for adaptation to climate

change impacts.

56. Kyoto Protocol (1997). The Kyoto Protocol (KP), otherwise called the "climate protocol,"

is an international emissions reduction treaty under the UNFCCC. Adopted in 1997, the protocol

commits 43 Annex I countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions for the 1st commitment

period 2008-2012 by at least 5% below or equal to the level of their emissions in the base year

1990. The Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005.

57. The KP put forth three market-based mechanisms in order to assist Annex I countries or

the industrialized nations to meet their commitments: (1) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM),

(2) Joint Implementation (JI), and (3) International Emissions Trading. CDM is relevant for

developing countries since it allows entities in the industrialized nations to support GHG mitigation

projects in developing countries and purchase credits generated by the latter.

58. Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol (2012). During the 8th session of the

Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) held in Doha, Qatar, on 8 December 2012,

the parties adopted the Doha amendment to the KP by decision 1/CMP.8 in accordance with

Articles 20 and 21 of the Kyoto Protocol. Article 1, Section B of the Amendment states that the

following list shall replace the list under the heading "Greenhouse Gases" in Annex A to the Kyoto

Protocol: Greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),

hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen

trifluoride (NF3).

18

59. While the Philippines has no commitments to reduce its GHG emissions under the KP, its

focus under the said protocol is the CDM. Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol provides for the CDM,

one of three modalities for developed countries to transfer greenhouse emission reduction

technologies to developing or underdeveloped countries (non-Annex I countries). The latter group

of countries can sell certified emission reductions (CERs), or carbon credits, to the developed

countries. A CER is a form of payment to the project proponent to reduce its GHG emissions.

Projects eligible under the CDM are those that contribute to emission reduction such projects on

renewable energy, energy efficiency improvement and reduction of specific industrial emissions.

60. Paris Agreement (2015). In December 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties to the

UNFCCC (COP21), the parties adopted the landmark Paris Agreement. The Philippine

Government, represented by then DENR Secretary Ramon Paje signed the Paris Agreement

upon the authority of the Philippine President in Paris, France during COP21.

61. The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat

of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise in this century well below 2 degrees

Celsius (°C) above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase

even further to 1.5°C. The agreement also aims to increase the ability of countries to deal with

the impacts of climate change, and to make finance flows consistent with a low GHG emissions

and climate-resilient pathway.

62. Under the Paris Agreement, each Party shall communicate, at five-year intervals,

successively more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By 2020, parties

whose NDCs contain a time frame up to 2025 are requested to communicate a new NDC and

Parties with an NDC time frame up to 2030 are requested to communicate or update these

contributions. Successive NDCs are supposed to signify "a progression beyond the Party's then

current NDC and reflect its highest possible ambition."

63. In the UNFCCC's 24th Conference of Parties (COP24) in Katowice, Poland in December

2018, some 195 countries that are parties to the Convention including the Philippines, adopted a

set of guidelines for operationalizing the 2015 Paris Agreement called the 'Paris Rulebook.' This

included the technical details of the Paris Agreement, new finance goals of US$100 billion a year

by 2020 and how countries provide information about their climate actions, mitigation, and

adaptation measures. In COP24, Climate Change Commission Secretary Emmanuel De Guzman

said the Philippines will continue to champion the following concerns of developing countries:

financing for technology development, transfer and diffusion, and capacity-building; that

developed countries have clear programs for delivery; clarity and acceptability of the time frame

of the Paris Agreement programs to enable developing countries like the Philippines to build their

national capacities to avoid future generation of GHGs and to survive the intensifying impacts of

climate change through anticipatory adaptation.

64. Also known as Rio+20 or Earth Summit 2012, the United Nations Convention on

Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is the third conference on Sustainable Development. It

19

followed the 1992 Earth Summit/United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

(UNCED). UNCSD is the key forum for the consideration of issues related to the integration of the

three dimensions of sustainable development: economic development, social inclusion, and

environmental protection. As such, its mandate is not limited to environmental issues.

65. The conference produced the nonbinding document, "The Future We Want", where heads

of state of 192 governments in attendance (including the Philippines) agreed to the 27 principles

intended to guide countries in future sustainable development and the commitment to promote a

sustainable future. The document also reaffirms the previous Earth Summit (1992) outcomes,

including the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, and Forest

Principles.

66. The Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) was created through

Executive Order 370 series of 1996 to integrate the principles of sustainable development into

Philippine national programs, policies, and plans. The PCSD submitted the National Report on

Rio+20 Conference in 2011.

67. DENR currently serves as the chair for the Committee on the Conservation and

Management of Resources for Development, which focuses on the physical dimensions of the

environment such as the atmosphere, biodiversity, water, and land resources.

68. The United Nations Sustainable Development Summit held on 25 September 2015

reaffirmed the global commitment towards sustainable development through the adoption of a

new framework to guide development efforts from 2015 to 2030. The Sustainable Development

Agenda 2030 sets the global priorities through 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169

targets which cover the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development. Some

goals directly related to the environment include, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, 13: Climate

Action, 14: Life on Water, and 15: Life on Land.

69. The Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous

Wastes and Their Disposal (1989) – is a comprehensive global environmental treaty that aims

to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the

generation, management, transboundary movement, and disposal of hazardous and other

wastes. Parties to the Basel Convention are obliged to ensure that hazardous and other wastes

are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.

70. UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Program – In 1990, two years before the

passage of RA 7611, the global community recognized the international significance of the entire

region of Palawan by including it in the global network of biosphere reserves (BRs) under the Man

and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization (UNESCO).

71. The MAB Programme is an intergovernmental scientific program that aims to establish a

scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It combines

20

the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and safeguarding

natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to economic

development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.

72. The Palawan BR has a total area of 1,150,800 ha covering the entire province. The three

functions of BRs are (1) biodiversity conservation, (2) development that is socio-culturally and

ecologically sustainable, and (3) logistical support for demonstration projects, environmental

education and training, and research and monitoring related to issues of conservation and

sustainable development. These functions are already well-integrated into the SEP framework.

73. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) – is a global

treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs),

which are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely

distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms, and are toxic to both

humans and wildlife. Parties to the Stockholm Convention are enjoined to reduce or eliminate

releases of POPs into the environment, including those unintentionally formed and released from

waste incinerators and co-incinerators of municipal, hazardous, or medical waste or of sewage

sludge, among other source categories. Governments must require the use of best available

techniques (BAT) and promote best environmental practices (BEP) for new sources within four

years after the Convention come into force for the country.

ADB Safeguard Requirements

74. ADB is committed to ensuring the environmental sustainability of the projects it supports.

Its 2009 Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) has three safeguard requirements (SR) described

as follows:

75. ADB’s Safeguard Requirements 1 (SR1) on Environment outlines the requirements

that borrowers/clients are required to meet when delivering environmental safeguards for projects

supported by the ADB. It discusses the objectives and scope of application and underscores the

requirements for undertaking the environmental assessment process. These requirements

include: (i) assessing impacts; (ii) planning and managing impact mitigations; (iii) preparing

environmental assessment reports; (iv) disclosing information and undertaking consultation; (v)

establishing a grievance mechanism; and (vi) monitoring and reporting.

76. The document also includes particular environmental safeguard requirements pertaining

to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, pollution

prevention and abatement, occupational and community health and safety, and conservation of

physical cultural resources. The applicability of particular requirements is established through the

environmental assessment process and compliance with the requirements is achieved through

implementation of environmental management plans agreed to by ADB and the borrower/client.

77. ADB’s Safeguard Requirements 2 (SR2) on Involuntary Resettlement outlines the

requirements that borrowers/clients are required to meet in delivering involuntary resettlement

safeguards to projects supported by ADB. It discusses the objectives, scope of application, and

21

underscores the requirements for: (i) undertaking the social impact assessment and resettlement

planning process; (ii) preparing social impact assessment reports and resettlement planning

documents; (iii) exploring negotiated land acquisition; (iv) disclosing information and engaging in

consultations; (v) establishing a grievance mechanism; and (vi) resettlement monitoring and

reporting.

78. ADB’s Safeguard Requirements 3 (SR3) on Indigenous Peoples outlines the

requirements that borrowers/clients are required to meet in delivering indigenous peoples

safeguards to projects supported by ADB. It discusses the objectives and scope of application,

and underscores the requirements pertaining to: (i) undertaking the social impact assessment

and planning process; (ii) preparing social impact assessment reports and planning documents;

(iii) disclosing information and undertaking consultation, including ascertaining consent of affected

Indigenous Peoples community to selected project activities; (iv) establishing a grievance

mechanism; and (v) monitoring and reporting. This set of policy requirements will safeguard

indigenous peoples' rights to maintain, sustain, and preserve their cultural identities, practices,

and habitats and to ensure that projects affecting them will take the necessary measures to protect

these rights.

79. Project Category. ADB carries out project screening and categorization at the earliest

stage of project preparation when sufficient information is available. Screening and categorization

are undertaken to (i) reflect the significance of potential impacts or risks that a project might

present; (ii) identify the level of assessment and institutional resources required for the safeguard

measures; and (iii) determine disclosure requirements.

80. Based on the 2009 ADB SPS, the process of determining a project’s environment category is to prepare a Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist, considering the

type, size, and location of the proposed project. A project is classified as one of the four

environmental categories (A, B, or C) as follows:

Category A – Projects with potential for significant adverse environmental impacts that

are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than

the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment is

required.

Category B – Projects judged to have some adverse environmental impacts, but of lesser

degree and/or significance than those for category A projects. Impacts are site-specific,

few if any of them are irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed

more readily than for Category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE) is

required.

Category C – Projects likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. No

environmental assessment is required although environmental implications are still

reviewed.

81. Although located in environmentally critical area, impacts of the proposed subprojects are expected to be site-specific, with few, if any, irreversible. In most cases mitigation measures can

22

be designed and implemented easily. Most of the subprojects will be located in developed areas and disturbance on ecological environment will be limited. Hence, the proposed classification is Category B for Environment. With this, the project shall have an initial environmental examination (IEE) along with an environmental management plan (EMP), as presented in this report.

82. The EMP has been prepared, implemented, and monitored to address all potential environmental impacts and manage residual impacts and risks to acceptable levels. The EMP has identified the resource requirements, institutional mechanisms including possible capacity building requirements for its implementation and monitoring.

83. Environmental screening has been based on each subproject’s location and its potential risks and impacts based on the types and scope of works and activities in relation to the existing environmental conditions. Each subproject is assessed as to its type, location, scale, environmental sensitivity, and the magnitude of its potential environmental impacts. The detail of the environmental assessment (through the IEE) is proportionate with the significance of the potential impacts and risks.

84. Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. The ADB also requires the identification

of climate change risks to specific subproject early in the project cycle. Preliminary climate risk

screening initially assesses the sensitivity of the project components to climate conditions, i.e.,

how climate parameters and projected sea level rise will have impacts on project design, design,

construction materials to be used, construction schedules, and possible adaptation strategies.

Technical guidelines have been developed by ADB to guide project proponents in the climate risk

and vulnerability assessment.8 Particularly for water and sanitation investments, ADB also

published the Guidelines on Climate Proofing Investment in the Water Sector: Water Supply and

Sanitation9 detailing a step-by-step methodology in identifying appropriate climate adaptation

techniques into water supply and sanitation sector investment projects.

85. The REA Screening Checklist accomplished for each priority subproject along with the

Preliminary Climate Risk Screening is included as Appendix A of this document.

86. Table 12 present a summary of governing environmental rules and regulations that may

be applicable or will cover the various subprojects. The table lists applicable laws, the guidelines,

and other alternatives in the absence of specific Philippine standards.

8 ADB. 2014. Climate Risk Management in ADB Projects. Manila. 9 ADB. 2016. Guidelines for Climate Proofing Investment in the Water Sector: Water Supply and Sanitation . Manila.

23

Table 12: Summary of Applicable Laws, Regulations and Standards Relevant to the STDP Subprojects in Coron


Environment Category Specific Applicable

Laws/Regulations That Would Apply/

Specific Provisions

International Best Practice in

case No National

Legislation Exists


PEISS ADB

Sanitation • Sewerage network, treatment plants and sea outfall

• Auxiliary dewatering equipment for septage

• Vacuum truck for septage collection (co-treatment at the WWTP)


IFC EHS for Water and Sanitation (2007) for effluent re-use

Non-mechanized treatment compared with high-rate systems Sludge treatments Pumping stations vs. DIP system Biological treatment alternatives WWTP sites

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act Any development must conform with RA 7611. All projects undertakings covered by the SEP Clearance System are required to secure ECAN Zoning Certification and SEP Clearance from PCSD. RA 9275 Clean Water Act Discharge permit for the STP effluent per DAO 2016-08; may be applied during construction but will be issued only during operation when effluent can be sampled and analyzed. Processing period is 3 months after filing. Outfall discharge will be governed by EMB guideline on defining mixing zones or buffer zones; this will be determined during the application of the discharge permit; modeling may be required as part of the ECC application. Re-use of sludges or effluent from DA guidelines. PD 856 Code on Sanitation Environmental sanitation clearance from DOH; application to be

24




Specific Provisions


case No National

Legislation Exists


PEISS ADB

submitted at the DOH Regional office before operations; processing period is within 6 months after filing. RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act Secure Permit to Operate Air Pollution Source Installation (PTO-APSI) per DAO 2000-81 RA 6969 Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act Secure Hazardous Waste Generator’s ID (HWID) per DAO 2013-22 DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting Permits Secure Tree Cutting Permits (TCP)

DOH Operations Manual on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic Sludge and Septage (June 2008) Requirement for mobile and stationary service providers to obtain an Environmental Sanitation Clearance from DOH.

Water Supply • Raw water intake

• Gravity transmission line

• Water treatment plant and reservoir

• Treated water gravity transmission line and distribution lines


IFC EHS for Water and Sanitation (2007) for treatment and disposal of WTP residues (i.e., backwash water)

Intake types Transmission line options Membrane filters compared with conventional treatment WTP sites

Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act Any development must conform with RA 7611. All projects undertakings covered by the SEP Clearance System are required to secure ECAN Zoning Certification and SEP Clearance from PCSD. PD 1067 Water Code

25




Specific Provisions


case No National

Legislation Exists


PEISS ADB

Water permit will be secured with NWRB; processing may take 6 to 18 months. DOH AO 2017-10 All treated water samples must comply to at least 10 mandatory parameters listed in the PNSDW; frequency of sampling will be determined by DOH Regional Office and will be indicated in the operational permit, issued prior to operation.

DOH AO 2014-27 A water safety plan will be developed and submitted to DOH Region during operations; Certificate of acceptance will be secured. RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air Act Secure Permit to Operate Air Pollution Source Installation (PTO-APSI) per DAO 2000-81 RA 6969 Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act Secure Hazardous Waste Generator’s ID (HWID) per DAO 2013-22 DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting Permits Secure Tree Cutting Permits (TCP)

Drainage • Construction of additional drainage network

• Rehabilitation of existing drains and existing outfalls

• Retention basins


IFC EHS for Water and Sanitation (2007) for storm water discharges through outfall

Several types of: urban drainage networks Outlet options Velocity breaker options


26




Specific Provisions


case No National

Legislation Exists


PEISS ADB


Retention basin structures and locations

RA 9275 Clean Water Act DP is not required for drainage outfalls not used as part of the combined sewerage network. Buffer zones for outfall will be guided by local regulations. DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting Permits Secure Tree Cutting Permits (TCP)

Urban Design • Integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements where feasible

C/D C RA 7160 or Local Government Code and relevant municipal ordinances Urban development will be consistent with the municipal CLUP

Guides from The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)10

-

National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP). The construction of any building shall conform with the requirements of the NBCP, with regard to design, location, siting, construction, alteration, repair, conversion, use, occupancy, maintenance, moving, demolition of, and addition to public and private buildings and structures, except traditional indigenous family dwelling as defined in the NBCP.



• Floating trails

C/D C • PD 856 Code on Sanitation

• NIPAS Act

• DAO 2013-19

No specific guideline for small-scale tourism

-

10 NACTO provides the following guides: (i) Urban Street Stormwater Guide (https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-

stormwater-guide), (ii) Global Street Design Guide (https://nacto.org/global-street-design-guide-gsdg), and (iii) Urban Streets Design Guide (https://nacto.org/publication/urban-street-design-guide)

27




Specific Provisions


case No National

Legislation Exists


PEISS ADB

• Sanitation Facility

• Water Supply System

• Solid Waste Facilities



Interventions will be consistent with NIPAS and other proclamation on protected areas and reserve

support infrastructure

• DAO 2009-09

• BMB Technical Bulletin 2016-03

Design criteria for interventions installed and/or constructed within protected areas

Note: All subprojects will be covered by the SEP and ECAN requirements as previously discussed under RA 7611.

28

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

87. This section will focus on the description of the priority subprojects under STDP Outputs

1 and 2, namely: (i) Water Supply; (ii) Sanitation; (iii) Drainage and Urban Design; and (iv) Small-

Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure.

Project Rationale

88. As discussed in Part I (Introduction) of this report, the proposed STDP aims to promote

tourism development and transform the Municipality of Coron into a sustainable, inclusive,

resilient, and competitive tourism center. It builds on the strength of the tourist destination,

particularly its pristine and rich natural resources, by sustainably managing and conserving

natural capital, and improves on areas that will contribute to the industry’s competitiveness,

namely urban environmental and health services, tourism infrastructure facilities, and enterprise

development.



as Coron and El Nido. The project is listed as part of the TouRIST Program recently launched by

the DOT in coordination with various government agencies and local stakeholders and in

partnership with multilateral development banks. Moreover, the STDP is expected to contribute

to the reduction of poverty, income inequality, and unemployment—which forms part of the PDP

2017-2022 objectives anchored in the longer-term vision espoused in Ambisyon 2040.

90. Likewise, the STDP is consistent with the ADB Strategy 2030 and supports key

operational priorities of tackling climate change, making cities more livable, and strengthening

governance and institutional capacity. It contributes to ADB’s commitment to accelerate blue

investment in Asia and the Pacific through the Healthy Oceans Action Plan, working across the

four areas of blue economy, ecosystem management, pollution control, and sustainable

infrastructure. It is also aligned with the Philippine Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023,

especially in promoting local economic development pillar.

Project Components

91. The STDP will have three (3) major outputs described as follows:

92. Output 1: Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement. This output includes:

(i) Water supply, sanitation, and drainage in urban areas. The project will develop or upgrade water supply treatment and distribution system complying with Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water; wastewater collection and treatment system, including new facilities to comply with effluent discharge standards, collection pipes, household connections and onsite facilities; and drainage infrastructure.

(ii) Solid waste management in urban and rural areas. The assessment of an integrated solid waste management system during project preparation, including reduction and

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segregation at source, collection, transportation, reuse and recyclable options, treatment, and final disposal, will identify key interventions to be included in the project.

(iii) Tourism facilities. For the tourism destinations prioritized in the sustainable tourism development scenario, infrastructures identified as critical to drive tourism will be developed. They may encompass urban landscape improvements and beautification.

93. Output 2: Sustainable Natural Resources Management. The project will support the

development and effective implementation of the management plans for the key biodiversity-

based tourism sites in Coron with participation of the community, especially women and the

indigenous peoples. Main activities include:

(i) Strengthening the capacity of government officials in protected area planning and management;

(ii) Improving coordination between government agencies and communities responsible for protected area management;

(iii) Building capacity for coastal communities (including indigenous peoples, women, and other vulnerable groups) so that they can benefit from the alternative livelihoods and employment opportunities in the tourism service sector, while also protecting the natural environment;

(iv) Providing infrastructure and equipment for priority sites; and (v) Developing a financial mechanism for generation and distribution of revenues from

tourism, and transparent use and monitoring of funds for conservation, and sustainable use of resources.

94. Output 3: Enterprise Development. The quality of the products and services provided

by enterprises to visitors is crucial to develop a highly competitive tourist destination. An

enterprise-led skills development funding model to promote and facilitate workforce learning for

enterprises will be implemented. The model is demand-driven and focuses on necessary technical

skills identified by the employers and sustainable use of natural resources. A group of like-minded

enterprises (e.g., tour operators, restaurants, hotels, and agri-businesses) will be facilitated to

come together in the form of a network to identify shared training needs and develop a plan to

meet those needs. Training proposals will be sent to DOT, evaluated, and selected for funding on

a competitive basis in a transparent decision-making process.

95. In addition, the project will establish an enterprise development grant scheme to assist

SMEs in the tourism sector to fund upgrades in their enterprises leading to increased capacity,

productivity, and quality products. The matching grant would be on a competitive basis, and fund

SMEs’ cost for upgrades (minor civil works, new production machinery, and new food safety management standards).

96. The components of the identified priority subprojects in Coron under STDP Outputs 1 and

2 are presented as follows.

(i) Water Supply Subproject. The Coron Water Supply Subproject will have the following components:

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Table 13: Water Supply Subproject Components

Component Description

Water Intake The development of a new water intake structure in Kadyang Falls is recommended (4,000 m3/day) to meet the 2025 water demand in Coron as presented in Part IV, Section C-2. The total capacity will be extended to 7,680 m3/day (Mabentagen Dam + Kadyang Falls).

Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

New WTP comprising settling tank, primary and secondary filtration, and chlorination is proposed in Guadalupe area. The WTP set at elevation 100 masl will be fed by gravity from Kadyang Falls (located 140 m above sea level) and will be designed to meet the drinking water demand for short term horizon. The WTP is designed for a daily capacity of potable water distribution of 4 000 m3/day (including 6% water loss). Based on a 20-hours a day operation, the hourly flow of the plant is 200 m3/day.

Transmission Main

Raw Water Transmission main (from Kadyang Falls to WTP): 7,300 m, DN290. Treated Water Transmission main (from WTP to storage Tanks): 1,200 m, DN290. Pipes will be made by PE for initial diameters up to 80 mm, larger pipes are generally by HDPE up to DN300. Larger diameters (DN350 and upwards) are made of Steel (St) or ductile iron (DI).

Storage Tanks

New main tank close from Mabentagen Dam (storage capacity: 1,000 m3, for low zone). New elevated tank 1 (60 masl) close to main tank (storage capacity: 500 m3, for high zone). By-pass connection in case of source failure (gravity flow from tank 1 to main tank; pumping from main tank to tank 1).

Distribution Expansion of the distribution network for Poblacions 1 to 6 and Tagumpay area (total length of 15,750 m; diameters ranging from DN150 to DN400).

(ii) Sanitation Subproject. The Coron Sanitation Subproject will have the following

components:

Table 14: Sanitation Subproject Components

Component Description Sewerage System

• Construction of gravity lines (~11.5 km), manhole, seven PS and pumping mains (~5.2 km). Estimated 2,500 connections by 2025.

• Preferred option: (a) wet well pumping station; (b) intermittent pumping, simple operation, well known system, cheaper than DIP system.

Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

Coron Urban Center WWTP is designed for a capacity of 2,438 m3/day and 988 kg BOD/day which includes several treatment stages: a) Wastewater treatment line (lift pumping station and coarse screening, fine

screening, grit and grease removal unit, conventional activates sludge designed for nutrient removal, secondary clarification, and tertiary treatment including disc filtration and UV disinfection before final discharge);

b) Sludge treatment line (dewatering centrifuge and silo storage); c) Odor control; d) Septage receiving station; e) Ancillary works; f) Guard house at the entrance of the site. Septage co-treatment at the WWTP is probably the most viable and economical option among the treatment alternatives, in comparison with a dedicated treatment. A receiving septage station is implemented in the WWTP site and the septage is added at the plant head works, generally between the screening stage and the grit chamber. The future treated wastewater discharge outlet will be located along Dipulao River, downstream of any water supply intake. For this purpose, the treated wastewater pipe will be installed in a common trench with the sewer line along the main road, to reach

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Component Description Dipulao River, located approximately 300 m away from the WWTP. A venturi channel will be installed to measure the treated wastewater flow. Tagumpay WWTP is designed for a capacity of 1,035 m3/day and 448 kg BOD/day includes several treatment stages: a) Wastewater treatment line (lift pumping station and coarse screening, fine

screening, grit and grease removal unit, conventional activated sludge designed for nutrient removal, secondary clarification, and tertiary treatment including disc filtration and UV disinfection before final discharge);

b) Sludge treatment line (dewatering centrifuge and silo storage); c) Odor control; d) Septage receiving station; e) Ancillary works; f) Guard house at the entrance of the site. The future treated wastewater outlet pipe will discharge into the nearest Bay or water course. A venturi channel will be installed to measure the treated wastewater flow.

Septage Management

Septage collection (additional vacuum trucks) and treatment (co-treatment at the WWTP). The quantity of septage that will be transported to septage treatment plant are 24 m3/day in 2025, 20 m3/day in 2030 and 18 m3/day in 2040. Additional vacuum trucks will be purchased (2 units of 5-m3 and 1 unit of 3-m3 vacuum trucks and 1 unit of 1-m3 motorcycle tanker).

(iii) Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The Coron Drainage and Urban Design

Subproject will have the following components:

Table 15: Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Components


Network Sidewalk box culvert is the preferred option for Coron drainage network. Cover slab will be proposed as an improvement work for existing open channels which have sufficient capacity and would not require upsizing. The future drainage network will be more than 22 km long and will be composed of the following main categories: a) More than 70% of the future network (in length) will be newly built infrastructures

(new network and replacement); b) 10% of the works will pertain to improvement of existing network, in particular in

Coron Urban Center; c) 16% of the works will pertain to proper identification of the thalwegs and minor

works to increase their natural capacity; d) 3% of the network is recommended to be circular pipes (i.e. road crossings only); e) Less than 20% of the network’s size will be above 1 m (diameter of side), mainly

located along the shoreline just upstream the outfalls; f) 2% of the length of the works will represent improvement of the existing culvert

under the reclamation area; g) The rest of the network will be under 1 m size, with almost 50% of 0.3 x 0.3 m and

0.4 x 0.4 m sidewalk box culvert: this corresponds to most of the drainage network within Coron Urban Center.

Treatment Works

• Screened catch basins and deep sumps (every 20 m) are recommended all along the drainage network to spread the solid waste and dust pollution management along the system and minimize recurrence of maintenance.

• Sand boxes are proposed upstream of road crossings and will also be recommended at outlets

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• Oil separators are recommended at the bus terminal on the reclamation area • Reclamation area (out of study perimeter): it is recommended to ensure a slope of

the reclamation platform of 0.5% minimum toward the sea to ease natural drainage.

Retention It is recommended to provide a drainage system with retention basin. Catchment No. 54 is recommended to build a retention basin in lieu of the pitch in Coron School of Fisheries, through deepening the existing pitch and allowing it to fill up during rainfall events. Catchment No. 58 is still developing, and such area could not be identified. However, the area just upstream of existing habitations shall be surveyed to identify potential natural retention basins (i.e. small dam).

Outlets No specific equipment is proposed at the outlets as catch basins’ screens, deep sumps and sand boxes will stop solid wastes before they reach the outlet. If a temporary solution is required by Coron’s LGU to treat the drainage effluent before the sewage project is implemented, it is recommended to implement the dry-weather pumping station as a separate project.

Velocity Breaker

For all network sections with velocity above 4 m/s, a provision was considered in the cost estimate to install offsets every 20 m

Esteros/ Thalwegs

To preserve esteros, it is recommended that LGU identifies all of them and clearly identifies and marks their banks (e.g. stones or trees/bushes) to avoid informal settlements in their ways. The main estero along Saint Augustin Academy toward the sea will be clearly identified and marked to protect it from blockages: provision for deepening works was considered in the cost estimate. The deepening of the estero will consist of lowering down the riverbed by 30 to 50 cm to improve efficiency of this estero for drainage purpose. Thalwegs 5 and 6 show limited capacity compared to the proposed network design flow: increasing the depth by few centimeters will increase their capacity and shall allow continuity of the drainage network with the natural thalwegs. Should the reclamation area be developed, land level from OF4 to OF8 should be aligned with the reclamation area level (i.e. 1.8 masl).

Urban Design • Definition of touristic amenities to be developed, related to infrastructure (that does not need additional public space); and

• Integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements where feasible.

(iv) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject. The Coron Small-

Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject will have the following components:

Table 16: Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject Components


CYC Beach, Lajala

Design and installation of buoys • Installation of about twenty (20) floating buoys. Floating Trails • Survey and mapping of sites • Procurement of floating trail materials • Procurement of Interpretation Plaques Sanitation Facility

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• 1-unit Eco-toilet with 2 separate rooms (one for men and one for women) to be installed on strategic location, combined with septage facility that will be pumped out by septage pumping boat for STP disposal periodically.

Note: The local community and visitors will be instructed on how to use the eco-toilets. Water Supply System • Installation of a one-unit PVC type tank (1 m3 capacity) and a 1-HP engine driven

motor pump to extract raw water from the sea to deliver in the tank. Water is intended for sanitary washing only not for drinking.

Solid Waste Facilities • Provision of segregated 2-collector bins (all-weather material)

Kayangan Lake, Bauang-Daan

Design and Installation of Water Buoys • Install about ten (10) floating buoys Rehabilitate and improve the wooden path walk Improvement of the wharf, Concreting, Installation of Mooring Cleats Improvement/rehabilitation of the pathway to have standard rise and run for every step. Anti-slip materials or finishing should be used/ensured. Provision of sturdy handrails all throughout the pathway. Provision of benches/seats at the rest areas along the pathway. Improvement of the elevated pathwalk around the Kayangan Lake through installation of better anti-slip mats. Sanitation Facility • 1-unit Eco-toilet with 2 separate rooms (one for men and one for women) to be

installed on a strategic location, combined with septage facility that will be pumped out by septage pumping boat for STP disposal periodically.

Water Supply System • Installation of a one-unit PVC type tank (1 m3 capacity) and a 1-HP engine driven

motor pump to extract raw water from the lake to deliver in the tank. Solid Waste Facilities • Provision of segregated 4 2-collector bins (all-weather material) in strategic

places of the island. Siete Pecados, Tagumpay

Sanitation Facilities • 1-unit Eco-toilet with 2 separate rooms (one for men and one for women) to be

installed on a strategic location, combined with septage facility that will be pumped out by septage pumping boat for STP disposal periodically.

Solid Waste Facilities • Provision of segregated 4 2-collector bins (all-weather material) in strategic/major

places of the group of islands • Regular collection of recyclables and residuals

Bintuan Coral Gardens, Bintuan

Design and Installation of Buoy • Installation of an additional fifteen (15) floating buoys Floating Trails • Survey and mapping of sites • Procurement of floating trail materials • Procurement of interpretation plaques Solid Waste Facilities Procurement of bin collectors and transportation to site

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Project Location

97. All proposed priority subprojects will be situated within the territorial jurisdiction of the Municipality of Coron, Province of Palawan, MIMAROPA Region (formerly Region IV-B), Philippines. The location maps of the proposed subprojects are shown Figures III-1 to II-11. 98. Situated between the geographical coordinates of 12° 2'54.74" North latitude and 120° 9' 6.88" East longitude, Coron lies in the northernmost part of Palawan, approximately 428 km from the provincial capital Puerto Princesa City and 443 km away from Manila. It is bordered by the Mindoro Island on the northeast, the municipality of Culion on the southwest, and the municipality of Busuanga on the west. 99. Coron is a first-class municipality covering a total land area of 72,309.53 ha. Coron is one of the four municipalities that make up the Calamianes Islands. Coron is comprised of 23 barangays, seven of which are classified as urban barangays. The urban barangays are known as Poblacion 1, Poblacion 2, Poblacion 3, Poblacion 4, Poblacion 5, Poblacion 6, and Tagumpay. Among the 16 rural barangays, 5 barangays are located on smaller islands, and 4 barangays on Busuanga Island. 100. The priority subprojects will be concentrated in Coron’s urban barangays.

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Figure 1: Coron Water Supply Subproject – Proposed Water Supply System

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Figure 2: Coron Water Supply Subproject – Proposed Water Treatment Plant

Source: Coron Water Supply Subproject Technical Summary

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Figure 3: Coron Water Supply Subproject – Proposed Network Diagram (2025)

Source: Coron Water Supply Subproject Technical Summary

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Figure 4: Coron Sanitation Subproject – Sewer Line (Pumping Stations Catchment Areas 1)

Source: Coron Sanitation Subproject Technical Summary

39



40



41



42

Figure 8: Coron Sanitation Subproject – Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Sites

WWTP Coron Urban Center WWTP Coron Tagumpay Source: Coron Sanitation Subproject Technical Summary

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Figure 9: Coron Drainage Subproject – Proposed Location of Retention Basins

Source: Coron Drainage Subproject Technical Summary

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Figure 10: Coron Drainage Subproject – Proposed Location of Oil Separator


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Figure 11: Coron Drainage Subproject – Proposed Location of the Different Types of Works


46

Development Plan, Description of Project Phases, and Corresponding

Timeframes

101. The project will be implemented over a six-year period from 2021 to 2026, although most

project disbursement is scheduled for 2020 to 2025 with the last year mostly for payment of

retention payments for contractors after the handover and defects period at the end of their

contracts. A summary showing the scheduling by the main expenditure items including

contingencies is shown in Table III-5 on the next page.

102. The Pre-Construction Phase for all subprojects primarily involves the conduct of

preliminary site investigations and acquisition of the necessary permits, clearances, and similar

documentary requirements. Site preparation and clearing will be done prior to the construction of

the subprojects. The initial development of the area includes the enhancement of road networks

for increased accessibility and easier transport of materials and supplies.

103. The Construction Phase for all subprojects mainly includes civil and earthworks;

procurement, shipping, site delivery, and installation of equipment; and construction of facilities.

Proper occupational health and safety procedures will be implemented to ensure the welfare of

the workers. Construction equipment and materials will be delivered to the site using the existing

road networks. Proper coordination will be done for vehicular traffic management during the

construction.

104. All priority subprojects are expected to operate as long as serviceable and will be

maintained regularly.

105. The priority subprojects are not expected to be abandoned within the years of their

planned operations. However, ceasing of operations, particularly of the major components of the

solid waste and sanitation subprojects, may be necessary due to the following potential scenarios:

• Unsustainable business operations due to economic downturns; • Changes in zoning and other related ordinances of the Municipality of Coron; • Transfer of operations to other sites; • Accidents and emergencies (either natural or man-made) resulting to severe facility

damage and/or loss of human life; and • Closure order from government agencies.

106. As such, if the abovementioned scenarios happen, which could result to the partial or total

closure of the facility, an Abandonment Plan will be initiated by the Proponent.

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Table 17: Project Implementation Schedule

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Labor Requirements

107. The estimated labor requirement in each phase of the proposed subproject’s implementation is specified in the following table. The numbers are subject to change and will be

updated during the detailed design stage of the priority subprojects.

Table 18: Estimated Labor Requirements for the Priority Subprojects

Implementation Phase Skills Requirement Estimated Labor Requirement Per

Priority Subproject WS SN DR UD TS

Pre-Construction • Specialized technical skills/expertise on various engineering and scientific fields

• Conduct complete feasibility study; • Prepare detailed engineering

designs and drawings; and • Facilitate permit requirements and

tender documents.

~5 ~5 ~5 ~5 ~5

Construction • Project managers, engineers, equipment operators, skilled and non-skilled laborers

• Perform civil, architectural, and electro-mechanical works.

~50 ~50 ~50 ~15 ~10

Operation • Operation and maintenance personnel; inspectors/technicians; security personnel

• Oversee the entire operations of the facility, including emergency situations;

• Ensure the safety and welfare of its personnel;

• Maintain conformity of the facility to relevant government regulations, including tax payments, ECC compliance, etc.;

• Promote and uphold a harmonious relationship with the host community.

~5 ~5 ~5 ~5 ~5

Decommissioning/ Abandonment

• Implement the abandonment plan, as necessary

~5 ~5 ~5 ~5 ~5

Notes: WS = Water Supply Subproject; SN = Sanitation Subproject; DR = Drainage Subproject; UD = Urban Design Subproject; TS = Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject

Project Cost

Cost estimates for the proposed six-year project have been prepared in Excel according to the

ADB and NEDA guidelines. The designs and civil works components are based upon conceptual

designs developed through the feasibility study with the cost estimates reflecting current prices

for materials, equipment and civil works in the Philippines and comparable international

standards. Cost estimates for all training, technical assistance and support activities are also

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based on current costs prevailing in mid-2020 in the Philippines. A summary of the key

assumptions is included below:

(i) Costs are expressed in PHP and US$ at an exchange rate of PHP48 = US$1.00 that applied in April 2021.

(ii) Value Added Tax (VAT) of 12% is included in all costs. The conversion of foreign costs to local costs uses constant purchasing parity (CPP) which automatically adjusts the exchange rate for the difference in inflation for domestic and international costs resulting in a progressive depreciation of the PHP against the US$;

(iii) Costs are assumed to be free of customs and excise duty; (iv) Costs are divided between foreign exchange and local costs according to the

source of the cost item and its breakdown; (v) A physical contingency of 10% added to all the capital investment costs; (vi) Project implementation period of just over 5 years, from the last quarter in 2021

to 2026; (vii) Project life of 20 years is assumed including the implementation period of five

years; (viii) Interest incurred during construction (IDC) is financed by TIEZA; (ix) Tax is financed by TIEZA; and (x) Coron LGU provides counterpart contribution in the form of land owned by the

municipality under Output 1.

108. The project investment cost is estimated at US102.6 million including taxes and duties

and physical and price contingencies. The project will be funded by an ADB ordinary capital

resources loan of US$100.8 million. TIEZA contribute $0.5 million for interest during construction.

Coron LGU and El Nido LGU will contribute $0.3 million, and $0.5 million respectively, towards

land acquisition (Coron), and Output 2 and 3 recurrent costs. The project will also be financed

through a $0.5 million grant from the Republic of Korea e-Asia Knowledge and Partnership Fund.

109. A summary of the project costs is presented in Table III-7 on the next page.

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Table 19: Summary of Project Costs

110. The operation and maintenance (OPEX) costs associated with the new capital investment

in the urban infrastructure are estimated for when the new facilities of water supply, sanitation,

drainage and beautification are fully operational and at full capacity in 2030. A summary of the

Opex costs is provided in the following table.

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Table 20: Urban Infrastructure Opex

Exchange rate 50

Item Total PHP'000 US$

CORON

Water supply

WTP 4,825 96,508

WS bulk transfer 3,741 74,819

Total 8,566 171,327

Sanitation

Sewer network 8,714 174,290

Coron Urban Center WWTP 26,388 527,750

Tagumpay WWTP 12,782 255,641

Total 47,884 957,681

Drainage 6,284 125,688

Beatification 2,183 43,650

Total Coron 64,917 1,298,346

Reference: STDP Feasibility Study Volume 12 (Economic Analysis), 2020

111. Tourism. The main impact and benefit from the project are the impact on the sustainable

tourism for Coron. The project will support managed and sustainable numbers of tourist to ensure

that the natural resources and managed sustainably and that tourist have a better experience in

an unpolluted and unspoiled environment. As part of the project planning projected tourist visits

for Coron for the without project and with project situation have been prepared. For the future with

project situation the number of visitors is assumed to be managed at a sustain able level, but the

average length of stay will increase as tourists spend more time in the location.

112. In the without project situation control of tourism is unmanaged so that eventually the

number of annual tourists stagnates as the natural environment deteriorates due to the

inadequate utility services and pollution.

113. In the future with project situation with managed tourist numbers the average length of

stay (ALOS) is projected to increase from 3.6 days in 2020 to 5.0 days per visit for Coron by 2030

and 7.0 days by 2040. The average daily expenditure (ADE) per tourist is assumed to remain the

same in constant price term: PHP 5,736/day for Coron.

114. Combining the number of tourists with the ALOS and ADE provides an estimate of the

total expenditure and revenue to the locations generated by tourist. Tourist expenditure is

projected to increase dramatically as a result of the project. For Coron, the incremental income in

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constant prices is projected to progressively increase from PHP 562 million (US$ 11.25 million)

in 2021 rising to PHP 17,921 million (US$ 358.4 million) by 2040.

(i) Foreign Tourist Expenditure – A mix of domestic and foreign tourists visit Coron, Currently, only 22% of tourists are recorded as being foreigners. This is projected to increase to 50% by 2040, primarily due to better direct international air travel connections to a local airport making it easier for foreigners to visit the location.

(ii) Incremental Benefit from Tourism – The incremental economic benefit from the increase in tourist arrivals depends on whether that are domestic or foreign tourists. The increased expenditure by domestic tourists in Coron cannot be considered as an economic benefit to the national economy as the increased expenditure by domestic tourists detracts from their expenditure in other parts of the Philippines economy. This has been ignored as an economic benefit.

For international tourists, however, it can be assumed that most of the incremental expenditure is a net benefit to the economy in so much that the tourists chose to visit Coron exclusively and would not be spending their tourist dollars in some other part of the country.

Not all the increased expenditure can be counted as a benefit. The costs of the inputs associated with the expenditure have to be excluded and only the margin over the expenditure counted as an economic benefit. For the purpose of the analysis the economic margin is taken as 10% of the incremental expenditure by foreign tourists.

The economic impact of Output 2 and Output 3 are directly related to tourism and can be considered as being included in the incremental benefits.

115. Urban Infrastructure. Urban infrastructure developed by the project will also contribute

to an improved environment and living conditions in the LGUs and support the sustainable

management of increased tourism. The urban infrastructure developed by the project includes

revenue-generating utilities (water supply, sanitation, and SWM) where user fees (tariffs) are

collected and contribute directly to the Opex, and non-revenue generating where there are no

direct service charges and Opex is covered by general revenue and property and business taxes.

Where possible the direct economic benefit has been quantified.

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IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Physical Resources

116. Climate pertains to the average long-term weather of an area and is typically determined

over a period of at least 30 years. It is an essential environmental factor as it affects general

growth and development. In the Philippines, climate is classified into four (4) types based on the

rainfall distribution and pattern. As presented in the climatological map of the Philippines in Figure

12, the Municipality of Coron, Palawan mainly belongs under Type I climate based on the Modified

Corona Classification with two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet for the

rest of the year. The monitoring records of climatological normals (1981-2010) and extremes

(1949-2012) at the nearest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services

Administration (PAGASA) Weather Station located in Coron, Palawan are presented in Table 21

and Table 22, respectively. Discussion for each parameter is presented below:

a. Rainfall

117. As presented in Table 21, precipitation is lowest in the month of February with a historical

mean rainfall of about 14 mm; it is highest in July with 479.9 mm. The annual mean number of

rainy days is 139. In terms of extremes (Table 22), the greatest daily rainfall amount recorded in

the area occurred on August 13, 1979 at 317.6 mm. Tropical cyclones or typhoons are the most

influential factors that bring considerable rainfall in the Philippines. Typhoons usually occur in the

country from June to December, with highest frequencies during the months of July and August.

The mean annual number of typhoons that pass through the Philippine Area of Responsibility

(PAR) is about 20. As shown in Figure 13, an average of one (1) tropical cyclone passes by the

project area every year.

b. Temperature

118. As presented in Table 21, April is the hottest month of the year, with a recorded mean

temperature of 29.1 degrees Celsius (°C), while July is the coldest, with an average temperature

of 27.1°C. In terms of extremes (Table 22), the highest temperature recorded in the area was

37.6°C on May 8, 2002 and April 29, 2003; while the lowest recorded temperature was 12.2°C on

January 15, 1974.

c. Surface Wind

119. Wind directions are influenced by monsoons: Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) from October

to April and Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) from May to September. As presented in Table 21,

the prevailing wind in the area comes from the eastern direction (January to May and October to

December), while winds from the south are felt from June to August and from the southwest during

the month of September.

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Table 21: Climatological Normal Values in Coron, Palawan (1981-2010)

Month Rainfall Temperature (°C) Relative

Humidity Wind Cloud Amount

(okta) No. of Days with Thunderstorm

No. of Days with Lightning Amount (mm) No. of Rainy Days Max. Min. Mean Direction Speed (mps)

January 18.5 3 32.4 22.7 27.5 80 E 2 5 0 0 February 14 2 32.6 22.9 27.8 79 E 2 4 0 0 March 15.4 2 33.2 23.6 28.4 78 E 2 4 0 1 April 38.1 3 34 24.3 29.1 77 E 2 4 2 4 May 198.1 12 33.4 24.4 28.9 81 E 1 5 8 13

June 360.8 19 31.7 23.9 27.8 87 S 1 7 11 14 July 479.9 23 30.9 23.4 27.1 88 S 1 7 9 12 August 466.3 22 30.9 23.4 27.2 88 S 2 7 7 9 September 447.1 21 31.1 23.5 27.3 88 SW 1 7 9 11 October 250.8 17 31.8 23.5 27.7 87 E 1 6 7 11 November 118.6 9 32.5 23.6 28.1 83 E 2 5 2 6 December 74 6 32.3 23.2 27.8 82 E 2 5 1 2 ANNUAL 2,481.7 139 32.2 23.5 27.9 83 E 2 6 56 83

Source: PAGASA (Data retrieved from https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-normal-values)

Table 22: Climatological Extremes in Coron, Palawan (1950-2012)

Month Highest Temperature Lowest Temperature Greatest Daily Rainfall Amount Highest Wind Speed °C Date °C Date mm Date mps Direction Date

January 36.4 1/26/1996 12.2 1/15/1974 103.9 1/1/1960 22 SE 1/25/1975

February 36.1 2/11/1998 13.3 2/9/1974 67.8 2/2/2001 16 E 2/17/1985 March 37.4 3/14/1950 13.4 3/16/1974 56.2 3/27/1982 24 S 3/27/1982 April 37.6 4/29/2003 14 4/1/1974 81.8 4/9/1956 16 E 4/12/1986 May 37.6 5/8/2002 18.1 5/26/1977 185.9 5/17/1966 25 SW 5/26/2006 June 36.5 6/2/1993 17.6 6/12/1977 173.3 6/6/2009 18 SW 6/23/2011 July 35.7 7/14/1996 17.1 7/22/1977 190.5 7/28/1962 15 SW 7/21/1999 August 34.7 8/14/1998 17 8/16/1977 317.6 8/13/1979 18 SW 8/1/2009

September 34.6 9/1/1988 17.4 9/3/1977 266.1 9/19/1997 20 SSW 9/27/2011 October 36.6 10/15/1996 17.2 10/8/1973 289.4 10/13/1970 21 E 10/29/1995 November 37 11/21/1995 16.1 11/29/1977 172.6 11/13/1990 40 E 11/13/1990 December 35.2 12/2/1998 14.7 12/17/1977 223.3 12/4/1972 32 W 12/6/1993 ANNUAL 37.6 4/29/2003 12.2 1/15/1974 317.6 8/13/1979 40 E 11/13/1990 Period of Record 1950-2012 1950-2012 1949-2012 1966-2012 Source: PAGASA (Data retrieved from https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-extremes)

https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-normal-values

https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-extremes

57

Figure 12: Climatological Map of the Philippines

SOURCE: DOST-PAGASA

PROJECT AREA (Coron, Palawan)

58

Figure 13: Frequencies of Tropical Cyclones in the Philippines

SOURCE: DOST-PAGASA

PROJECT AREA (Coron, Palawan)

59

d. Climate Change Projections

120. In November 2011, DENR-EMB released Memorandum Circular No. 005 (MC 2011-005),

which mandates the inclusion of DRR and CCA in the PEISS, to “ensure that the project is resilient and that their environmental impact do not exacerbate natural hazards or climate change’s effects on human or natural systems”. The following sections present the most recent PAGASA climate observations and projections covering the Province of Palawan.11

121. Seasonal Temperature Changes. Between 1951 and 2015 the annual mean

temperature in the Philippines rose by 0.68°C or about 0.1°C per decade. The annual maximum

temperature increased by approximately 0.05°C per decade, while the annual minimum

temperature increased more rapidly at 0.15°C per decade. Temperatures are projected to

increase relatively uniformly across the country under both moderate (RCP 4.5) and high (RCP

8.5) emission scenarios. Table 23 shows the baseline (1971-2000) seasonal temperature in

Palawan and the range of model outputs of the projected seasonal changes in the mid-21st century

(2036-2060) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios.

Table 23: Projected Seasonal Change in Mean Temperature in Palawan (2036-2065)

Season Observed (1971-2000)

Projected (2036-2065) Moderate Emission (RCP 4.5)

High Emission (RCP 8.5)

Lower Median Upper Lower Median Upper DJF Change (°C) - 1 1.3 1.6 1.2 1.6 1.9

Temperature (°C) 26.9 27.9 28.2 28.5 28.1 28.5 28.8 MAM Change (°C) - 1 1.2 1.6 1.3 1.7 2.1

Temperature (°C) 28.1 29.1 29.3 29.7 29.4 29.8 30.2 JJA Change (°C) - 0.9 1.2 1.6 1.3 1.5 2

Temperature (°C) 27.3 28.2 28.5 28.9 28.6 28.8 29.3 SON Change (°C) - 1 1.1 1.7 1.3 1.5 2.1

Temperature (°C) 27.4 28.4 28.5 29.1 28.7 28.9 29.5 Source: DOST-PAGASA, Observed and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines, 2018. (Table B-2) Notes: DJF = December, January, February; MAM = March, April, May; JJA = June, July, August; SON = September, October, November; RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways

122. Seasonal Rainfall Changes. Changes in rainfall over the Philippines have been found

out to vary spatially. Table 24 shows the baseline (1971-2000) seasonal rainfall for Palawan and

the range of model outputs of the projected seasonal changes in the mid-21st century (2036-2060)

under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios.

123. As shown, the projected change in rainfall from climate models is much more variable than

it is for temperature. The early dry season, DJF, has the lowest rainfall and the median projection

is for no change under RCP 4.5 and for a slight increase under RCP 8.5. The median projection

for rainfall at the end of the dry season, MAM, is for a decrease. The early wet season has the

highest rainfall, and the median projection is for a decrease in rainfall under both scenarios with

a more significant decrease projected for RCP 4.5. The only projections for an increase in early

11 PAGASA. (2018). Observed Climate Trends and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines.

60

wet season rainfall are from the upper projections of the model ensemble, and only for RCP 8.5.

The most pessimistic models project a decrease in early wet season rainfall of 25% under both

scenarios. The median projection for the late wet season, SON, is for a decrease in rainfall under

both scenarios, but there is a wide range values of the projected changes with upper projections

of an increase of 10-11% under both scenarios.

124. For the RCP 4.5 scenario, the lower and median outputs from the model ensemble are for

a decrease in rainfall for all seasons, and for JJA even the upper model projection is for no

change. Under the RCP 8.5 scenario, the lower outputs from the model ensemble are for

decreases in rainfall for all seasons, while the median outputs are for a small increase in the early

dry season and a decrease for the rest of the year.

Table 24: Projected Seasonal Change in Total Rainfall in Palawan (2036-2065)

Season Observed

(1971-2000)

Projected (2036-2065) Moderate Emission (RCP 4.5) High Emission (RCP 8.5)

Lower Median Upper Lower Median Upper

DJF Change (%) - -9.9 0.0 26.8 -17.8 4.3 14.2 Rainfall (mm) 101.8 91.8 101.8 129.1 83.6 106.2 116.3

MAM Change (%) - -10.6 -7.4 10.3 -16.2 -3.6 9.2 Rainfall (mm) 189.3 169.2 175.3 208.9 158.6 182.4 206.7

JJA Change (%) - -25.7 -12 1 -25 -5.6 12.9 Rainfall (mm) 781.7 581.1 688.2 789.3 586.2 737.8 882.5

SON Change (%) - -14.3 -8.1 10.2 -22.5 -6.2 11.1

Rainfall (mm) 640.6 548.7 588.9 705.7 496.5 601 711.5 Source: DOST-PAGASA, Observed and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines, 2018. (Table B-1) Notes: DJF = December, January, February; MAM = March, April, May; JJA = June, July, August; SON = September, October, November; RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways

125. Sea Level Rise. The sea level has risen by nearly double the global average rate of sea

level rise over certain parts of the Philippines from 1993 to 2015. Projections reveal that sea level

in the country is expected to increase by approximately 20 cm by the end of the 21st century

under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Such projected increase in sea level might worsen storm surge

hazards particularly on coastal communities. Palawan was identified by the University of the

Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Climate Change Program as one of the ten provinces that will be

most affected by a one-meter sea level rise.

126. Figure 14 shows the sea level changes in the Philippine region from 1993 to 2015,

produced from the AVISO Satellite observations. As shown, sea level around Palawan has been

rising by approximately 4.5 mm per year over the period of 1993 to 2015.

127. Kahana et al. (2016) estimate the future regional sea level change for the Philippines using

global mean sea level changes from the IPCC AR5 that used 21 coupled (CMIP5) GCMs and

adjusting with regional non-uniform patterns of sea level change around the Philippines12. The

12 Kahana et al. (2016). Projections of mean sea level change for the Philippines. UK Met Office.

61

regional components were derived from a ‘scaling factor’ based on the ‘fingerprint’ data from Slangen et al. (2014)13 and were relatively uniform across the Philippines.

128. Figure 15 shows the resultant projected sea level rise for Palawan out to 2100. The central

line represents the mean of the model ensemble and the multi-model standard deviation is used

as the range represented by the colored shading. As shown, by 2040, sea level is projected to be

19 cm higher under RCP 4.5 and 20 cm by RCP 8.5 scenario.

Figure 14: Sea Level Changes in the Philippine Region from 1993-2015

SOURCE: Kahana et al., (2016). Projections of mean sea level change for the Philippines.

13 Slangen et al. (2014). Projecting twenty-first century regional sea-level changes, Climate Change, 124(1-2), 317–

332.

62

Figure 15: Time Series of the Mean Sea Level Change in Palawan relative to 1986-2005

Source: Kahana et al. (2016). Projections of mean sea level change for the Philippines.

63

e. Ambient Air Quality

129. Table 25 presents the secondary information on the ambient air quality in Coron for August

to October 2020 gathered from Air Matters14 Parameters covered are nitrogen dioxide (NO2),

sulfur dioxide (SO2), suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and

ozone (O3). The readings are compared with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values

as per DAO 2000-81 (IRR of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 or RA 8749). As shown, the

detected levels of all parameters are within acceptable levels.

Table 25: Ambient Air Quality Data in Coron (August to October 2020)

Parameter Unit Average Daily Readings National Ambient Air Quality

Guideline Values Aug Sep Oct

NO2 μg/Ncm 1 1 1 150* SO2 μg/Ncm 1 1 1 180* PM10 μg/Ncm 5 4 6 150* PM2.5 μg/Ncm 3 3 4 50* CO μg/Ncm 76 74 91 35,000** O3 μg/Ncm 37 41 48 140

Notes: (*) 24-hour averaging time; (**) 1-hour averaging time References: Air Matters, 2020 (https://air-quality.com/place/philippines/coron/2c5848ef?lang=en&standard=aqi_us); DAO 2000-81 (IRR of Republic Act 8749); DAO 2013-13 (Establishing the Provisional National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values for Particulate Matter 2.5)

130. Air quality in the rural areas is relatively good except for occasions of agricultural burning.

Open burning of solid wastes is strictly prohibited in the municipality. Air pollution can also be

linked to the increase in vehicular traffic particularly in the poblacion (or urban centers). Most

commercial establishments have their own generator sets to support operations during power

outages. These are also potential sources of air pollutants particularly gaseous emissions. Site-

specific ambient air quality monitoring may be conducted as part of the post-ECC requirements

for the project.

a. Topography15

131. Coron’s terrain is generally rugged and mountainous. Mountain ranges cross Busuanga

Island, running in almost every direction extending down to the sea. Among the tallest mountain

peaks in Coron are the: Tundarala with an elevation of 1,040 ft, Cabugao – 1,000 ft, Manaepet –

960 ft, Calindo – 930 ft, and Singay – 870 ft. Coron Island and the other smaller islands are

practically all mountains if not solid rocks. The level lands are made up of broken narrow coastal

plains, deep valleys squeezed between mountains and plateaus. The topography and slope maps

of Coron are presented in Figure 16 and Error! Reference source not found., respectively.

132. Water Supply Subproject. The proposed water supply intake is situated in a very steeply

sloping area with slopes ranging from 30 to 50%. While the proposed locations of the Water

14 Air Matters, 2020 https://air-quality.com/place/philippines/coron/2c5848ef?lang=en&standard=aqi_us , 15 Coron SEPP, 2018

https://air-quality.com/place/philippines/coron/2c5848ef?lang=en&standard=aqi_us

https://air-quality.com/place/philippines/coron/2c5848ef?lang=en&standard=aqi_us

64

Treatment Plant (WTP) and Water Storage Tank are both characterized by moderately steep

terrain with slopes ranging from 8 to 18%.

133. Sanitation Subproject. The proposed RAC WWTP site is nearly level with slopes ranging

from 3 to 8%, while the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site is rolling to hilly with slopes raging from

18 to 30%. The proposed locations of the sewer lines have varying slopes ranging from 0 to 30%

(level to hilly terrain).

134. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The proposed drainage line locations have

level to rolling terrain with slopes that range from 0 to 18%.

135. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. The structures will not be located on land.

b. Geology

136. The geologic settings of the various barangays of the Municipality of Coron are divided

into three: Cretaceous, Oligo-Miocene, and those with unknown setting. Nineteen (19) out of the

23 barangays of Coron are of the cretaceous setting, which covers the largest area of the forest

lands. On the other hand, only Banuang Daan and Cabugao are within the Oligo-Miocene

geologic setting, and 12 barangays belong to an unknown geologic setting.

137. Coron is widely dominated by Permian Limestone of Jurassic origin. Large granite rock

formations make up most of its islands. Generally, it is assessed as the Northern Palawan Block,

which is extensively underlain by metamorphic rocks. This rock formation has been catalyzed

under Luminangcong Formation, interspersed with sedimentary deposits from Guinio Formation,

and then formed as the Coron Limestone. Its geology is underlain by chert and recent alluvial

deposit. Good outcrops of folded and fractured chert beds are exposed along the cliffs and foot

slopes of the hills in the northern and southern portions of the island.

65

Figure 16: Topographic Map of Coron Municipality

Source: Coron FLUP, 2014 (as cited in the Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2022)

66

Figure 17: Slope Map of Coron Municipality


67

Figure 18: Geologic Map of Coron Municipality


68

c. Soils

138. Soil Types. The municipality has recorded four (4) soil types: Coron Clay Loam,

Busuanga Loam, Mountain Soils, and Hydrosol.

Table 26: Soil Types in Coron Municipality

Description Area Covered (ha) Share in Total Land Area (%)

Coron Clay Loam 30,824.16 44.51 Busuanga Loam 7,500.00 10.83 Mountain Soils (Undifferentiated) 24,353.04 35.17 Hydrosol 6,570.00 9.49

TOTAL 89,247.00 100.00 Source: Coron FLUP, 2014 (as cited in the Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020).

139. The soils of Coron, particularly those located in plains, valleys, plateaus, are made up of

salty clay loam. Some portion of the coastal plains on the South are concentrated with hydrosol,

while some valleys have rich Busuanga Loam. The soils in the mountains and hillsides have poor

fertility and rocky in nature suitable for the growth of grass and ironwood. Meanwhile, the lowland

areas are found to be suitable for rice, root crops, and tree crops. Soils in the plain are made up

of alluvial deposits and generally lack internal drainage, while those in the uplands are residual

soils formed from underlying bedrock with excessive external drainage.

140. Soil Quality. To establish the baseline soil quality in the proposed locations of the priority

subprojects, sub-surface soil sampling was conducted on November 30, 2020 at three sampling

points:

• Soil Sampling Point 1: Near the proposed site of Tagumpay WWTP in Brgy.

Tagumpay;

• Soil Sampling Point 2: At the proposed site of RAC WWTP in Barangay VI

(Poblacion); and

• Soil Sampling Point 3: At the proposed site of WTP near Brgy. San Nicolas’ boundary with Brgy. Guadalupe.

141. The location map with photos and coordinates of the soil sampling points is provided in

Figure 19. Laboratory analyses of the collected soil samples were performed by the CRL

Environmental Corporation, a DENR-recognized laboratory based in Clark Freeport Zone,

Pampanga.

142. Parameters analyzed were pH, Potassium, Total Nitrogen, Total Organic Matter, Total

Phosphorus, Heavy Metals (Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, Mercury), and Volatile

Organic Compounds (Gasoline Range Organics, C10-C14, C15-C28, C29-C36). The results of

the soil quality analysis are summarized in Table 27 and detailed in the laboratory report in

Appendix B-1 of this document.

69

143. In the absence of Philippine soil quality standards during the conduct of this study, the soil

quality analysis results for heavy metals are compared with the soil remediation intervention

values specified in Annex 1 (Table 1) of the Dutch Soil Remediation Circular 2013 (version of 1

July 2013). The intervention values for soil remediation indicate when the functional properties of

the soil for humans, plants, and animals are seriously impaired or in danger of being so. They are

representative of the level of contamination above which a case of soil contamination is deemed

to be severe.

144. As presented, the detected levels of heavy metals and volatile organic compounds tested

in the soil samples were way below the respective threshold limits/intervention values.

70

Figure 19: Soil Sampling Location Map

Sampling Point Description/Location Coordinates Soil-1 Near the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site in Brgy. Tagumpay 11.993611° N, 120.218056° E

Soil-2 At the proposed RAC WWTP site in Barangay VI (Poblacion) 12.018611° N, 120.189167° E

Soil-3 At the proposed WTP site near Brgy. San Nicolas’ boundary with Brgy. Guadalupe 12.061944° N, 120.184722° E

Notes: Map generated in Google Earth Pro; Photo insets taken in November 2020.

71

Table 27: Results of Soil Quality Analysis

Parameter Unit Detected Level at the Sampling Point

(Values in red exceed the reference standard/s) Dutch Intervention Value

Soil-1 Soil-2 Soil-3 (Dutch Soil Remediation Circular 2013)

A. WET CHEMISTRY

pH pH 3.4 3.0 3.9 N/A Potassium mg/kg 244 336 744 N/A Total Nitrogen mg/kg 209 152 167 N/A Total Organic Matter % w/w 2.48 0.34 0.74 N/A Total Phosphorus mg/kg 320 172 204 N/A B. HEAVY METALS Arsenic mg/kg 2.6 3.9 3.7 76 Cadmium mg/kg ND ND ND 13

Chromium mg/kg 17 7.8 46 * Copper mg/kg 31 10 18 190 Lead mg/kg ND ND ND 530 Mercury mg/kg ND ND ND - C. VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS Gasoline Range Organics μg/kg-dry ND ND ND

5,000** C10-C14 mg/kg-dry ND ND ND

C15-C28 mg/kg-dry ND ND ND C29-C36 mg/kg-dry ND ND ND Notes: ND = Not Detected | mg/kg = Milligrams per kilogram | μg/kg = Micrograms per kilogram | (*) = No guideline value at present | (**) = Aggregate value for mineral oils | N/A = Not applicable References: Dutch Soil Remediation Circular, 2013, Annex 1, Table 1

72

145. There are two rivers in the municipality of Coron that have economic and environmental

significance, namely Banga River and San Nicolas River. Both are sources of water that supply

commercial irrigation systems in the locality. There are several other smaller rivers, but these are

mostly intermittent and unnavigable. Other water resources that can be found in Coron are springs

(such as the Makinit Hot Spring in Barangay Tagumpay) and lakes (Kayangan Lake and

Barracuda Lake).

a. Surface Water Quality

146. To determine the current water quality of the surface water bodies that traverse or are

near the proposed subproject sites, surface water sampling was conducted in November and

December 2020 at six (6) sampling points:

• Surface Water Sampling Point 1: Near the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site in Brgy.

Tagumpay;

• Surface Water Sampling Point 2: Near the proposed Sewer Pumping Station 1 site

in Barangay I (Poblacion);

• Surface Water Sampling Point 3: Near the proposed RAC WWTP site in Barangay

VI (Poblacion);

• Surface Water Sampling Point 4: At Mabentagen Dam in Barangay VI (Poblacion);

• Surface Water Sampling Point 5: At the downstream portion of San Nicolas River;

• Surface Water Sampling Point 6: At Kadyang Falls in Brgy. San Nicolas.

147. The location map with photos and coordinates of the surface water sampling points is

provided in Figure 20. Laboratory analyses of the collected water samples were performed by

the DOST MIMAROPA Region Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory.

148. Parameters analyzed were Color, pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Ammonia,

Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Iron, Oil and Grease, Phosphate, and Fecal Coliform. The

results of the surface water quality analysis are summarized in Table 28 and detailed in the

laboratory report included in Appendix B of this document.

149. The test results were assessed based on the applicable guideline values stated in the

Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) for Class C

water bodies: 1) Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources;

2) Recreational Water Class II – For boating, fishing, or similar activities; and 3) For agriculture,

irrigation, and livestock watering. The results are discussed below.

a) Physical Parameters: Color, pH, and TSS

150. All sampling points met the DENR guideline values for both Color and TSS.

73

151. In terms of pH, the detected levels in two sampling points (SW-5 and SW-6) were outside

(lower than) the prescribed range of 6.5 to 8.5 by DENR for Class C water bodies. According to

the World Health Organization (WHO), natural waters can be of lower pH, as a result of, for

example, acid rain or higher pH in limestone areas.

b) Chemical Parameters: Ammonia, BOD, Oil and Grease, and Phosphate

152. The detected levels of all chemical parameters analyzed in all stations passed the water

quality guidelines (WQG) for Class C water bodies.

153. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicates the amount of Dissolved Oxygen removed

during decomposition of organic matter in a given time. It is therefore a general indicator of

contamination due to biodegradable organics. The BOD concentrations detected in all sampling

points ranged from 1.67 to 2.30 mg/L, which were way below the maximum allowable level of 7

mg/L for Class C water bodies.

c) Microbiological Parameters: Fecal Coliform

154. However, the Fecal Coliform counts in all sampling stations ranged from 350 to over 1,600

MPN/100 mL, exceeding the maximum allowable level of 200 MPN/100mL for Class C water

bodies.

74

Figure 20: Surface Water Sampling Location Map

Sampling Point Description/Location Coordinates SW-1 Near the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site in Brgy. Tagumpay 11.994167° N, 120.217222° E SW-2 Near the proposed Sewer Pumping Station 1 site in Barangay I (Poblacion) 11.998333° N, 120.212222° E SW-3 Near the proposed RAC WWTP site in Barangay VI (Poblacion) 12.015556° N, 120.191389° E SW-4 At Mabentagen Dam in Barangay VI (Poblacion) 12.029444° N, 120.204444° E SW-5 At the downstream portion of San Nicolas River 12.080278° N, 120.211111° E SW-6 At Kadyang Falls in Brgy. San Nicolas 12.083333° N, 120.232500° E

Notes: Map generated in Google Earth Pro; Photo insets taken in November and December 2020.

75

Table 28: Results of Surface Water Quality Analysis

Parameter Unit Detected Level at the Sampling Points

(Values in red exceed the reference standard/s) Guideline Value

for Class C Water Body SW-1 SW-2 SW-3 SW-4 SW-5 SW-6 (DAO 2016-08)

A. PHYSICAL Color TCU 5 10 5 5 5 5 75 pH pH 6.5 6.9 6.7 6.5 6.0 6.4 6.5 – 9.0 Total Suspended Solids mg/L 7.50 4.00 4.12 3.70 3.70 ND 80 B. CHEMICAL Ammonia mg/L ND ND 0.0972 ND ND ND 0.05 Biochemical Oxygen Demand

mg/L 2.22 1.67 2.20 1.90 2.30 2.14 7

Iron - - - - - ND Oil and Grease mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 2 2 Phosphate mg/L 0.2844 0.1763 0.0541 0.0603 0.0491 0.0491 0.5 C. MICROBIOLOGICAL Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL >1,600 >1,600 >1,600 920 540 350 200 Notes: (*) = No guideline value at present | TCU = True Color Unit | mg/L = Milligrams per liter | MPN/100mL = Most probable number per 100 mL Reference: DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016)

76

b. Groundwater Quality

155. To determine the current water quality of the groundwater sources situated within or near

the proposed subproject sites, groundwater sampling was conducted in November and December

2020 at six (6) sampling points:

• Groundwater Sampling Point 1: Household groundwater source near the proposed

Tagumpay WWTP site;

• Groundwater Sampling Point 2: Household groundwater source in Barangay II

(Poblacion);

• Groundwater Sampling Point 3: Household groundwater source in Barangay VI

(Poblacion);


RAC WWTP site in Barangay VI (Poblacion);


WTP site in Brgy. Guadalupe; and

• Groundwater Sampling Point 6: Household groundwater source in Brgy. San

Nicolas.

156. The location map with photos and coordinates of the groundwater sampling points is

provided in Figure 21. Laboratory analyses of the collected water samples were performed by

the DOST MIMAROPA Region Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory.

157. Parameters analyzed were pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Ammonia, Oil and Grease,

Phosphate, Cadmium, Lead, and Fecal Coliform. The results of the groundwater quality analysis

are summarized in Table 29 and detailed in the laboratory report included in Appendix B of this

document.

158. The test results were assessed based on the applicable guideline values stated in the

Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) of 2017 (DOH AO 2017-0010) and

the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) for Class A

water bodies of Public Water Supply Class II intended as sources of water supply requiring

conventional treatment to meet the latest PNSDW. The results are discussed below:

a) Physical Parameters: pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

159. In terms of pH, the detected levels in four sampling points (GW-1, GW-3, GW-4, and GW-

5) were outside (lower than) the prescribed range of 6.5 to 8.5 by DOH for drinking water and by

DENR for Class A water bodies. As mentioned, natural waters can be of lower pH, as a result of,

for example, acid rain or higher pH in limestone areas. Although pH usually has no direct impact

on water consumers, it is one of the most important operational water quality parameters. Careful

attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of water treatment to ensure satisfactory water

clarification and disinfection. For effective disinfection with chlorine, the pH should preferably be

less than 8.0. The pH of the water entering the distribution system will be controlled to minimize

the corrosion of water mains and pipes in household water systems. Failure to do so can result in

contamination of drinking water and in adverse effects on its taste, odor, and appearance.

160. In terms of TDS, the detected levels in almost all sampling points were way below the

maximum allowable limit of 600 mg/L for drinking water as per PNSDW 2017. The exception was

GW-1 (near the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site), which recorded a TDS level of 2,020 mg/L,

significantly exceeding the limit. TDS is the term used to describe the inorganic salts and small

amounts of organic matter present in solution in water. The principal constituents are usually

calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium cations and carbonate, hydrogen carbonate,

chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions. Water with extremely low concentrations of TDS may also be

unacceptable to consumers because of its flat, insipid taste; it is also often corrosive to water

supply systems.

b) Chemical Parameters: Ammonia, Oil and Grease, and Phosphate

161. Ammonia was detected in only one sampling point, GW-6 (groundwater source in Brgy.

San Nicolas proper), but the recorded concentration (0.0110 mg/L) met the DENR guideline value

of 0.05 mg/L for Class A water bodies. Natural levels of Ammonia in groundwater are usually

below 0.2 mg/L. Higher natural contents (up to 3 mg/L) are found in strata rich in humic

substances or iron or in forests. According to WHO, the presence of Ammonia at higher than

geogenic levels is an important indicator of fecal pollution.

162. For Oil and Grease, the detected levels in two sampling points (GW-4 and GW-6)

exceeded the DENR guideline value of 1 mg/L for Class A water bodies.

163. All sampling points met the DENR guideline value for Phosphate (0.5 mg/L).

c) Heavy Metals: Cadmium and Lead

164. Cadmium was not detected in all sampling points. On the other hand, Lead was recorded

in two sampling points (GW-5 and GW-6), with levels exceeding the common DOH and DENR

guideline value of 0.01 mg/L. Lead is present in tap water to some extent as a result of its

dissolution from natural sources, but primarily from household plumbing systems in which the

pipes, solder, fittings, or service connections to homes contain lead. Lead can also be released

from flaking lead carbonate deposits on lead pipe and from iron sediment from old galvanized

plumbing that has accumulated lead from lead sources such as plumbing and service

connections, even when the water is no longer plumbosolvent. Lead is a cumulative general

poison, with infants, children up to six years of age, the fetus and pregnant women being the most

susceptible to adverse health effects. Its effects on the central nervous system can be particularly

serious.

d) Microbiological Parameters: Fecal Coliform

165.

78

Figure 21: Groundwater Sampling Location Map

Sampling Point

Description/Location Coordinates

GW-1 Household groundwater source near the proposed Tagumpay WWTP site 11.993611° N, 120.217778° E GW-2 Household groundwater source in Barangay II (Poblacion) 11.998333° N, 120.206389° E GW-3 Household groundwater source in Barangay VI (Poblacion) 12.001389° N, 120.198611° E GW-4 Household groundwater source near the proposed RAC WWTP site in Barangay VI (Poblacion) 12.019167° N, 120.192778° E GW-5 Household groundwater source near the proposed WTP site in Brgy. Guadalupe 12.065278° N, 120.186111° E GW-6 Household groundwater source in Brgy. San Nicolas 12.078056° N, 120.194167° E


Table 29: Results of Groundwater Quality Analysis


(Values in red exceed the reference standard/s)

Guideline Value for Class A Water

Body

Maximum Allowable Level

for Drinking Water Quality

GW-1 GW - GW-3 GW-4 GW-5 GW-6 (DAO 2016-08) (DOH AO 2017-0010)

A. PHYSICAL pH pH 6.0 6.7 5.7 5.2 6.2 6.9 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 2,020 232 48.0 117 50.0 38.0 * 600 B. CHEMICAL Ammonia mg/L ND ND ND ND ND 0.0110 0.05 * Oil and Grease mg/L 1 <1 1 2 <1 2 1 * Phosphate mg/L 0.1477 0.2042 0.4740 0.0491 0.0682 0.1420 0.5 * C. HEAVY METALS Cadmium mg/L ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.003 0.003 Lead mg/L 0.0135 ND ND ND 0.0306 0.0219 0.01 0.01 D. MICROBIOLOGICAL Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL 1,600 6.8 140 40 22 31 <1.1 <1.1 Notes: ND = Not Detected | (*) = No guideline value at present | mg/L = Milligrams per liter | MPN/100mL = Most probable number per 100 milliliters References: DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016); DOH AO 2017-0010 (Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water of 2017)

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c. Coastal/Marine Water Quality

166. Coron’s coastline is irregular all along its three sides giving rise to several bays. The most prominent bays are: Coron Bay on the south, Carascas (Borac) Bay on the east, and

Maricaban Bay on the north.

167. Situated in between Busuanga and Culion Islands, Coron Bay is presently classified

as “Class SB” Coastal and Marine Waters pursuant to DENR MC 2009-17. The beneficial uses

of water bodies under “Class SB” water are: 1) Tourist zones and marine reserves primary

used for recreational activities such as bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc. established under

existing laws and/or declared as such by the appropriate government agency; 2) Recreational

Water Class I (areas regularly used by the public for bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.); and

3) Fishery Water Class I (spawning areas for Chanos chanos or “Bangus” and similar species).

168. To establish the baseline coastal water quality near the proposed subproject sites,

sampling was conducted in November and December 2020 at six (6) sampling points along

Coron Bay coastal area:

• Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Point 1: Coron Bay coastal area in Barangay VI

(Poblacion);

• Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Point 2: Coron Bay coastal area of Barangay V

(Poblacion);

• Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Point 3: Coron Bay coastal area of reclamation

in Barangay II (Poblacion);

• Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Point 4: Coron Bay coastal area near the

proposed Sewer Pumping Station 6 site in Brgy. Tagumpay;

• Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Point 5: Coron Bay coastal area in Brgy.

Tagumpay;

• Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Point 6: Coron Bay coastal area near the

proposed Sewer Pumping Station 7 site in Brgy. Tagumpay.

169. The location map with photos and coordinates of the coastal water sampling points is

provided in Figure 22 Laboratory analyses of the collected water samples were performed by

the DOST MIMAROPA Region Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory. Parameters

analyzed were pH, TSS, Ammonia, Oil and Grease, Phosphate, and Fecal Coliform.

170. The results of the coastal water quality analysis are summarized in Table 30 and

detailed in the laboratory report included in Appendix B of this document. The test results

were analyzed based on the applicable guideline values stated in the Water Quality Guidelines

and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) for Class SB water bodies.

a) Physical Parameters: pH and TSS

171. The pH levels detected in all sampling stations were within the acceptable range of 7.0

to 8.5 for Class SB water bodies.

172. In terms of TSS, the detected levels in all sampling stations ranged from 0 (not

detected) to 41.4 mg/L, which were all below the maximum allowable level of 50 mg/L for

Class SB water bodies. This is consistent with the 2019 EMB MIMAROPA monitoring results

for TSS, which were within the acceptable range of 22 to 30 mg/L.

b) Chemical Parameters: Ammonia, Oil and Grease, and Phosphate

173. Ammonia was detected in only two sampling points—CW-2 (0.0590 mg/L) and CW-4

(0.0463 mg/L)—with the former slightly exceeding the maximum allowable level of 0.5 mg/L

for Class SB water bodies.

174. For Oil and Grease, the detected levels in three sampling points—CW-4 (12 mg/L),

CW-5 (21 mg/L), and CW-6 (12 mg/L)—significantly exceeded the DENR guideline value of 2

mg/L for Class SB water bodies.

175. All sampling points met the DENR guideline value for Phosphate (0.5 mg/L). This is

consistent with the 2019 EMB MIMAROPA monitoring results for Phosphate, which were

within the acceptable range of 0.02 to 0.16 mg/L.

c) Microbiological Parameters: Fecal Coliform

176. In terms of microbiological quality, the Fecal Coliform counts in three sampling stations

(CW-2, CW-5, and CW-6) were way below the maximum allowable level of 100 MPN/100mL

for Class SB water bodies. Conversely, the three other stations (CW-1, CW-3, and CW-4)

recorded levels greater than 1,600 mg/L, significantly exceeding the DENR guideline value.

82

Figure 22: Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Location Map

Sampling Point Description/Location Coordinates CW-1 Coron Bay coastal area in Barangay VI (Poblacion) 12.003056° N, 120.191667° E CW-2 Coron Bay coastal area of Barangay V (Poblacion) 11.998333° N, 120.197778° E CW-3 Coron Bay coastal area of reclamation in Barangay II (Poblacion) 11.994444° N, 120.206111° E CW-4 Coron Bay coastal area near the proposed Sewer Pumping Station 6 site in Brgy. Tagumpay 11.991111° N, 120.213889° E CW-5 Coron Bay coastal area in Brgy. Tagumpay 11.989444° N, 120.217222° E CW-6 Coron Bay coastal area near the proposed Sewer Pumping Station 7 site in Brgy. Tagumpay 11.988889° N, 120.226944° E


Table 30: Results of Coastal Water Quality Analysis


(Values in red exceed the reference standard/s)

Guideline Value for Class SB Water

Body

CW-1 CW-2 CW-3 CW-4 CW-5 CW-6 (DAO 2016-08)

A. WET CHEMISTRY pH pH 8.1 8.3 8.2 8.2 7.0 8.1 7.0 – 8.5 Total Suspended Solids mg/L 41.4 20.8 ND 9.75 8.50 13.5 50 B. CHEMICAL Ammonia mg/L ND 0.0590 ND 0.0463 ND ND 0.05 Oil and Grease mg/L <1 <1 <1 12 21 12 2 Phosphate mg/L 0.1654 0.0491 0.0521 0.1568 0.0699 0.0491 0.5 C. MICROBIOLOGICAL Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL >1,600 6.1 >1,600 >1,600 17 11 100 Notes: (-) = Not monitored | (*) = Geomean | mg/L = Milligrams per liter | MPN/100mL = Most probable number per 100 mL Reference: DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016)

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177. Identification of Hazards. The Coron Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and

Management Plan (MDRRMP) covers the period 2013 to 2020 and states that the plan

“addresses the vulnerability and risks by natural and human induced disaster in the communities” and notes that it “has been crafted based on experience before and after the onslaught of typhoon

Yolanda”. The Plan outlines the previous “calamities”, and a comprehensive list of hazards is presented (Table 31).

Table 31: Identified Natural Hazards Impacting Municipality of Coron

Hazard Triggering Phenomena Vulnerable Barangay

Flood (River and Coastal)

Typhoons Portion of; Poblacion 6, Decalachao, Borac, Guadalupe, Bintuaan

Typhoon/Storm/ Wave Surges

Meteorological – cyclones, Hydrological – typhoons, Earthquakes – tsunami Volcano – tsunami

Bulalacao, Lajala, Malawig, Tara and Turda

Landslide Typhoons Banuang Daan, Cabugao, Poblacion VI, V, IV, Tagumpay, Borac, Bintuan, Guadalupe, Marcilla.

Forest Fire Climatological – extreme temperature, drought

Bintuan, Decalachao, Pobiacion VI

Disease Biological – Diarrhea, Dengue All 23 Barangays Siltation Mining Bintuan, Tagumpay, Poblacion II Pestilence (Rats, Golden Kuhol, and Black

bug San Nicolas, Guadalupe, San Jose, Decalachao, Bintuan, Turda, Borac

Coconut Infestation Typhoons Bulalacao, Malawig Source: Coron Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan, 2011

178. The Coron Climate Change Action Framework focuses on climate change, but the hazards

identified cover most of the disaster risks identified for Coron except tsunami and earthquakes.

The five (5) major hazards identified during the Municipal Climate and Disaster Risk Assessment

(CDRA) are:

(i) Typhoon; (ii) Increased temperature and prolonged dry season; (iii) Sea level rise; (iv) Storm surge; and (v) Landslides.

179. These hazards are influenced by the following climate change stimuli: increased

temperature, decreased amount of precipitation/rainfall, extreme events, and sea level rise.

180. The projected increase in typhoon intensity due to climate change will lead to stronger

winds, and higher storm surges. The projected sea level rise will amplify these impacts. The

combination of sea level rise and higher storm surges exposes the coastline to increased erosion

and damage. Beaches will be eroded, and mangroves will be lost from deeper waters. Any tourist

infrastructure along the coastline will be exposed to inundation and damage from wind driven

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waves. Some project infrastructure components will potentially become exposed in the future.

Additionally, the stronger intensity will be felt across the city, meaning project infrastructure,

particularly buildings and planted trees, will be exposed to stronger winds in the future.

181. While droughts are considered to be a problem for Palawan, the area around Coron is not

an important food growing area, and there is little information regarding the extent of impacts of

drought on farmers in the area. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan

(MDRRMP) only lists drought as a contributing factor to forest fire hazards. The proposed project

infrastructure is planned to be installed along road corridors and within the urban area where

forest fires are not considered to be a problem. However, drought will impact local farmers and

requirements for an irrigation water supply to reduce these impacts (not part of this project) will

be considered for future plans for the region.

182. The Household and Commercial/Institutional Entities Survey for Coron, Palawan carried

out for the project asked specific questions about flooding. The survey found that flooding is not

a normal occurrence in Coron and is only experienced when there are heavy rains. When it does

occur, it normally only lasts a couple of hours, with only a few claiming it lasts more than a day.

Closure of businesses due to flooding is rare (5%) and there is very minimal property damage

among commercial establishments (10%). Very few households experienced property damage

(4%) and almost no economic loss experienced (2%). There are no indications from the survey

that there are changes in flooding levels or that the floods are worsening.

183. Based on the information presented in the CLUP and MDRRMP, the following hazards

are identified as potentially having an increased impact on project infrastructure due to climate

change; flooding, landslide, and storm surge. Due to the potential for drought to impact Kadyang

Falls, it is also considered as a hazard for water supply.

184. Current Exposure. The Coron CLUP identifies areas susceptible to the identified hazards

and presents maps of the spatial extent of exposure to each hazard. The hazard susceptibility

maps are presented from Figure 23 to Figure 27.

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Figure 23: Typhoon Hazard Map of Coron Municipality

Source: Coron MDRRMO, 2019

87

Figure 24: Drought Hazard Map of Coron Municipality


88

Figure 25: Sea Level Rise Hazard Map of Coron Municipality


89

Figure 26: Storm Surge Hazard Map of Coron Municipality


90

Figure 27: Landslide Hazard Map of Coron Municipality


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185. Identification of Exposed Project Infrastructure. This section identifies the proposed

infrastructure that will become exposed to hazards due to climate change. Detailed maps are

presented from Figure 28 to Figure 36.

(i) Water Supply

186. Under the RCP8.5 scenario, the median projection for rainfall is a decrease in average

annual rainfall of 10%, and the subsequent inputs into groundwater will also decrease to a similar

extent. The water supply could potentially see increased impacts of this decreased average

rainfall.

187. The proposed water pipeline near the coastline of Poblacion 5 and into Poblacion 3 is

close to the areas identified as exposed to sea level rise. Additionally, the pipeline on the inner

side of the harbor in Poblacion 2 will become increasingly exposed to high tide events. The

proposed extension of the water pipeline to Tagumpay is also exposed to sea level rise.

188. The proposed water transmission main route is planned near the coastline in Poblacion 1

along the coast to the Port and to a storage tank above. This is also the lower boundary of a

moderate landslide area. Other parts of the current pipe network will also potentially be exposed

to sea water contamination through degraded or damaged pipes as sea level rises.

189. The proposed WTP site (Guadalupe) is located away from the coast and the impacts of

sea level rise and storm surge. The site is moderately susceptible to landslide. Mention the

location of WTP in relation to hazards identified (flooding).

(ii) Sanitation

190. Much of the proposed sewage lines are not exposed to sea level rise and most are not

exposed to storm surge. However, the pumping stations and nearby pipes, being at the lowest

levels and near the coast, will be increasingly exposed to high tide events. Any sewage lines that

cross streams and drains will be protected from floods, with the designed flood level based on

events 12% higher than at present.

191. Existing septic tanks will become more exposed to localized flooding during higher rainfall

events.

192. Both proposed WWTP sites (Coron Urban Center and Tagumpay) are located away from

the coast and the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge. Because of the elevation and the

location of the site at the base of a slope, at the later engineering stage an assessment of local

slope stability and hydrology will be required.

(iii) Drainage

193. Based on the projected increase in extreme rainfall events of 12% by 2040 under RCP8.5,

the entire drainage network across Coron will be exposed to extreme rainfall events 12% greater

than the current event size and will handle increased waterflows. Additionally, the waterways are

currently not physically identified, and the existing design might not take into consideration the

complete catchment area, so even larger drains may be required.

194. The drainage network components that are close to the coast are exposed to sea level

rise and storm surge. Increasing sea levels will reduce the efficiency of outlets as they are covered

by sea water at high tides for longer periods each day.

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Figure 28: Exposure of Water Supply Infrastructure to Flooding

Source: STDP Coron Sector Feasibility Study Volume 6: Climate Change and Adaptation Assessment, 2020

93

Figure 29: Exposure of Water Supply Infrastructure to Landslide


94

Figure 30: Exposure of Water Supply Infrastructure to Storm Surge


95

Figure 31: Exposure of Sanitation Infrastructure to Flooding


96

Figure 32: Exposure of Sanitation Infrastructure to Landslide


97

Figure 33: Exposure of Sanitation Infrastructure to Storm Surge


98

Figure 34: Exposure of Drainage Infrastructure to Flooding


99

Figure 35: Exposure of Drainage Infrastructure to Landslide


100

Figure 36: Exposure of Drainage Infrastructure to Storm Surge


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Ecological Resources16

195. The Municipality of Coron is likewise considered as one of the most diverse ecosystems

in the country. Like many areas in Palawan it is endowed with abundant natural resources both

terrestrial and marine, including manganese deposits.

196. An initial screening using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) was

conducted to identify the biodiversity features present (i.e. focus on the location of the proposed

intake at the Kadyang Falls, which is located at the most sensitive area compared to the other

subproject components). See generated detailed report on the IBAT Screening in Appendix C.

197. The IBAT screening results show that there are four key biodiversity areas, three protected

areas and one Alliance for Zero Extinction site found within the default 50-km radius, and that the

subproject sites is likely to be a critical habitat. The results also identified 52 IUCN Red List

species of concern in the areas surrounding both subproject sites. Hence, during the detailed

design phase, a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment will be undertaken to check whether

any of these species, including those species and areas locally identified but not identified in the

IBAT Screening (see discussions on terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and protected areas in this

section of the IEE), would qualify the areas, which encompass the subproject sites, as critical

habitats. The results of critical habitat assessment will provide recommendations on how potential

impacts of the subproject to these species and critical habitat could be avoided or mitigated.

These recommendations will be included or integrated in the updating of this IEE and EMP.

a. Land Cover and Forest Resources

198. The NAMRIA land cover map of Coron as of 2015 is presented in Figure 37.

199. Water Supply Subproject. The proposed water supply infrastructures (intake, storage

tank/reservoir, and WTP) are all located in Open Forest areas.

200. Sanitation Subproject. The proposed RAC WWTP site is in a Built-up area, while the

Tagumpay WWTP site is situated in an area with Brush/Shrub land cover. The proposed sewer

lines will mostly traverse Built-up areas, Brushland/Shrublands, and areas devoted to annual

crops.

201. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The proposed drainage lines will be located in

built-areas of Coron’s urban center (población).

202. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. The structures will not be located on land.

16 Coron Framework 2006

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Figure 37: Land Classification Map of Coron Municipality

Source: NAMRIA

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b. Terrestrial Ecology

203. The following information on the terrestrial biodiversity of Coron are lifted from the 2006

Coron Framework, as cited in the Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2017-

2022.

(i) Flora

204. The dominant families identified in Coron in terms of biomass and areas covered are

Dipterocarpacea family in mid-slopes, the molave type of forest in the foothills, and the brushlands

and grasslands in undulating and level areas.

205. Mainland Coron is widely vegetated with dipterocarps, katmon, akle, antipolo, kamagong,

lanete, limuran, mangkono, molave, narra, and palasan, while 25% of Coron island’s rolling and steep hills are covered by tree species, such as amugis, dungon, ipil, and taluto. Moreover, old

growth forests are encountered in parts of barangays Borac and San Nicolas. Grasslands are

widely observed in barangays San Jose, Decalachao, Guadalupe, Bintuan and San Nicolas.

Lastly, dipterocarps, ipil, and other important forest tree species are found in San Nicolas, Borac,

and Bintuan. Table 32 presents the conservation status of the flora species recorded based on

the IUCN Red List and DAO 2017-11 (Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Plants and

Their Categories).

Table 32: Conservation Status of Flora Species Recorded in Coron Municipality

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status

IUCN Category DAO 2017-11

Akle Albizia acle - - Amugis Koordersiodendron pinnatum - CR Antipolo Artocarpus blancoi VU - Dungon Heritiera sylvatica - - Ipil Intsia bijuga VU VU Kamagong Diospyros philippinensis EN VU Katmon Dillenia philippinensis NT - Limuran Calamus ornatus - OTS Mangkono Xanthostemon spp. - VU Molave Vitex parviflora VU EN Narra Pterocarpus indicus VU VU Palasan Calamus merrillii - OTS Palawan Lanete Wrightia palawanensis - VU Taluto Pterocymbium tinctorium LC - Notes: CR = Critically Endangered; EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; OTS = Other Threatened Species; LC = Least Concern; (-) Not listed References: Coron Framework, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020); IUCN Red List; DAO 2017-11

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(ii) Fauna

206. There are about 361 species from 26 orders and 91 families of wildlife observed in the

Municipality of Coron. Moreover, a total of 125 terrestrial species were observed with the following

breakdown: 84 species of birds from 33 families representing 38.5% of Palawan bird species; 22

mammals from 11 families or 37.9 of recorded Palawan mammals, 15 reptiles from seven families

or 23.4% of Palawan reptiles; and four amphibians from three families or 19% of Palawan

amphibians.

207. Coron is also known for its rare species, such as egret, stork, tern, Philippine Cockatoo,

Chestnut-winged Cuckoo, Black-Nest Swiftlet, Blue-winged Pitta, Flycatchers, Palawan Tree

Shrew, Lesser Bamboo Bat, Bearded Pig, Pond Turtles, Griffin’s Skink, White-striped Snake, and

Philippine Discoglossid Frog. However, the municipality is also a sanctuary for endangered

species of Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Blue-naped Parrot, Palawan flycatcher, Philippine

pangolin, Calamian Deer, and Philippine crocodile. Table 33 presents the conservation status of

the fauna species recorded based on the IUCN Red List and DAO 2019-09 (Updated National

List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and Their Categories).

Table 33: Conservation Status of Fauna Species Recorded in Coron Municipality

Common Name Scientific Name Conservation Status

IUCN Category DAO 2019-09

Mammals Calamian Deer Cervus porcinus

calamianensis EN EN

Griffin’s Skink Dasia griffini VU - Lesser Bamboo Bat Tylonycteris pachypus LC - Palawan Bearded Pig Sus ahoenobarbus NT VU Palawan Tree Shrew Tupaia palawanensis LC - Philippine Pangolin Manis culionensis CR EN Birds Black-Nest Swiftlet Aerodramus maximus LC - Blue-headed Racquet-Tail Prioniturus platenae VU VU Blue-naped Parrot Tanygnathus lucionensis

salvadorii NT CR

Blue-winged Pitta Pitta moluccensis LC - Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus LC - Palawan Flycatcher Ficedula platenae VU VU Palawan Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron emphanum

(napoleonis) VU EN

Philippine (Red-vented) Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia CR CR Reptiles Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis CR CR Amphibians Philippine Discoglossid (Flat-headed) Frog

Barbourula busuangensis NT VU

Notes: CR = Critically Endangered; EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; OTS = Other Threatened Species; LC = Least Concern; (-) = Not listed References: Coron Framework, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020); IUCN Red List; DAO 2019-09

105

208. Meanwhile, insectivores and carnivores appeared to dominate among the fauna species

indicating that more prey species are found in the area, which support the predators. Pollinator

species were least abundant because of their highly specialized diet. Pollen and seed eaters are

few due to their seasonal food resource.

a. Coastal and Marine Habitats

209. Mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds (dense and sparse) covering a total area of

14,505.46 ha comprise the coastal and marine habitats in the Municipality of Coron. The area

distribution by type in each barangay is presented in Table 34.

Table 34: Coastal/Marine Habitats per Barangay in Coron Municipality (2006)

Barangay Area Covered by Type of Habitat (ha) Total Area

Covered (ha) Mangrove Forest

Coral Reef Seagrass (Dense)

Seagrass (Sparse)

URBAN Barangay I (Pob.) 5.95 - 1.51 - 7.46 Barangay II (Pob.) - - - - - Barangay III (Pob.) - - 0.51 - 0.51 Barangay IV (Pob.) - - - - - Barangay V (Pob.) 49.00 34.45 44.66 - 128.11 Barangay VI (Pob.) 104.95 4.83 19.05 - 128.83 Tagumpay 105.39 384.34 80.81 8.76 807, 0.00 RURAL Banuang Daan - 102.19 21.30 - 123.49 Bintuan 687.51 511.95 357.55 133.83 1972, 0.00 Borac 45.32 945.17 222.17 0.51 1329, 0.00 Buenavista 79.80 58.28 235.25 1.59 565 Bulalacao 165.81 2,861.68 469.43 4.04 836,861 Cabugao 30.60 1,137.46 197.36 2.81 453,137 Decabobo 99.35 270.48 175.10 8.49 694 Decalachao 324.39 90.84 63.97 - 479.20 Guadalupe 180.13 105.92 231.26 - 517.31 Lajala 142.23 361.99 165.04 0.73 867 Malawig 0.54 181.70 335.20 3.59 722 Marcilla 221.18 379.63 61.08 3.93 846 San Jose 133.36 176.74 98.24 9.24 574, 0.00 San Nicolas 79.08 4.27 54.45 4.50 271 Tara 19.65 ND ND ND 19.65 Turda 210.68 657.54 523.77 5.47 1641, 0.00

TOTAL 2,690.80 8,269.45 3,357.71 187.50 447,316.00 Reference: Coron Framework, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020)

210. As presented, the barangays with the highest aggregate mangrove, coral reef, and

seagrass cover as of 2006 were: Bulalacao (3,500.96 ha or 24.14% of the municipal total), Bintuan

(1,690.84 ha or 11.66% of the municipal total), Turda (1,397.46 ha or 9.63% of the municipal

total), Cabugao (1,368.23 or 9.43% of the municipal total), and Borac (1,213.17 ha or 8.36% of

the municipal total).

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(i) Mangrove Forests: Coron has a total mangrove area of 2,690.80 ha, of which 25.55% is found in Barangay Bintuan. There are 18 true and 20 associate mangrove species recognized to exist in Coron. These species belong to 14 families and 27 genera of vascular plants. The most widely distributed species in Coron include: Rhizophora apiculate; Rhizophora mucronate; Xylocarpus granatum; Bruguiera gymnorrhiza; Rhizophora stylosa; Bruguiera cylindricam; Lumnitzera littorea; Ceriops tagal; Ceriops decandra; and Heritiera littorea. The most abundant species are: Rhizophora apiculate; Rhizophora mucronate; Xylocarpus granatum; Bruguiera gymnorrhiza; and Rhizophora stylosa.

(ii) Coral Reef: Coron serves as a home for coral reefs covering a total of 8,269.45 ha and dispersed within the whole locality. Bulalacao has the highest number of corals, with a total of 2,861.68 ha, or 34.61% of the total corals existing in the whole municipality, while the urban barangays (Poblacion I, II, III, and IV) lack the presence of coral reefs.

As of 2006, a total of 342 species distributed among 47 families of reef and reef-associated fish were recorded to be present in Coron. These were comprised of rabbitfish (Siganidae), eagle ray (Myliobatidae), snapper (Lutjanidae), bream (Lethrinidae), soldierfish (Holocentridae), sweetlips (Haemulidae), anchovy (Engraulidae), pufferfish (Tetraodontidae), filefish (Monacanthidae), wrasse (Labridae), cardinal fish (Apogonidae), several species of parrotfishes, jacks (Carangidae) and damselfish (Pomacentridae).

Furthermore, the most dominant species among the 47 fish families are Pomacentridae (53 species), Labridae (49 species), Chaetodontidae (27 species), Scaridae (24 species), and Acanthuridae and Serranidae with 18 species each. The most prevailing fish families in terms of the frequency of occurrence in the stations surveyed are: parrotfishes (Scaridae), damselfishes (Pomacentridae), wrasses (Labridae), butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae), and snappers (Lutjanidae). However, the most common and often recorded species found in Coron were the spiny chromis (Acanthochromis polyacanthus), the staghorn damselfish (Amblyglyphidodon curacao), the Pacific longnose parrotfish (Hipposcarus longiceps), the barhead spinefoot (Siganus virgatus), and the small-toothed whiptail (Pentapodus caninus), and vermiculated angelfish (Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus).

(iii) Seagrass Communities: About nine (9) species of sea grass are found in Coron: Enhalus acoroides (most abundant); Thalassia hemprichii; Halophila ovalis; Syringodium isoetifolium; Halodule pinifolia; Cymodocea rotundata; C. serrulate; Holodule unniervis; and Halophila sp. (minor or decipiens). The municipality has comparably wider cover of dense seagrass than sparse seagrass. Dense seagrass is mostly found in Bulalacao, while sparse seagrass is most common in Barangay Bintuan.

b. Coastal/Marine Biodiversity

211. Dugongs, although seldom sighted in Coron, have been reported to be observed in the

near shore waters of Bulalacao, Decabobo, Malawig, Marcilla, San Jose, Tara, and Turda.

Similarly, common sightings of dolphins in most island barangays (Cabilauan Island) were

reported. On the other hand, whales were mostly found in deep, offshore waters between Tara,

Malawig, and Turda.

107

212. Sea turtles were mostly situated among inland barangays where one species (leatherback

turtles) was often spotted. In addition, turtle nests were reportedly found all over the municipality’s small islands, particularly in the northeastern parts (Malpagalen, Deboyoyan, Dimampalic,

Camanga, Lagat, and Tinul).

213. Protected areas are portions of land and water set aside for its unique physical and

biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and protected against

destructive human occupation. The NIPAS Act of 1992 or RA 7586, as amended by the E-NIPAS

Act of 2018 or RA 11038, provides for the establishment and management of a comprehensive

system of protected areas in the country. As of 2015, there are nine (9) proclaimed protected

areas in the Province of Palawan as shown in Table 35. One of these (Coron Island Protected

Area) is situated in the Municipality of Coron.

Table 35: Proclaimed Protected Areas in the Province of Palawan

Name of Protected Area Legal Basis Location Area (ha)

Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape

Proclamation No. 342, Series of 2000

Taytay 200,115

Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape


Mantalingahan Mountain Range (Quezon, Rizal, Española, Brooke’s Point, Bataraza

120,457

Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park

Republic Act 10067 Sulu Sea (Cagayancillo) 97,030

El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area


Potions of El Nido and Taytay municipalities

89,134.76

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Proclamation No. 212, Series of 1999 (amending Proclamation No. 835, Series of 1971)

Northwestern Puerto Princesa City

22,202

Coron Island Protected Area

Proclamation No. 219, Series of 1967 (as National Reserve)

Small islands in the Province of Palawan

-

Proclamation No. 1801, Series of 1978 (as a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve)

Certain islands, coves, and peninsulas in the country

-

Proclamation No. 2152, Series of 1981 (as a Mangrove Swamp Forest Reserve)

Entire Province of Palawan and certain parcels of the public domain and/or parts of the country

-

Community Forest Stewardship Agreement (CFSA) issued by DENR to the Tagbanua Foundation of Coron Island in 1990

Coron Island (Coron) 7,748

Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary

Presidential Proclamation No. 1578, Series of 1976)

Calauit Island (Busuanga) 3,400

Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary


Rasa Island (Narra) 1,983

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Name of Protected Area Legal Basis Location Area (ha)

Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary

Administrative Order No. 14, Series of 1960

Ursula Island, Sulu Sea (Bataraza)

17.20

References: DENR MIMAROPA Region; PCSD (https://pcsd.gov.ph/protected-areas-palawan/)

214. Among the priority subprojects, only the Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure

Subproject will be situated within the vicinity of the Coron Island Protected Area. This initial

assessment shall be subject to ground validation with the concerned agencies/offices (i.e., EMB

MIMAROPA, PCSD, DENR-CENRO Coron, PAMB/PASu-CIPA).

215. Owing to the unique ecological features of Coron Island, piling legal instruments have

been issued purposely to protect this valuable resource. The island, including its surrounding

islets, was first declared a National Reserve by virtue of Proclamation No. 219 on July 2, 1967. In

1978, another Proclamation No. 1801 declared the island a Tourist Zone and Marine Reserve.

This facilitated the transfer of the management to the Philippine Tourism Authority. This was

followed by Proclamation No. 2152, declaring the entire province a Mangrove Swamp Forest

Reserve. Subsequently, in 1990, a Community Forest Stewardship Agreement (CFSA) covering

about 7,748 ha was issued by DENR to the Tagbanua Foundation of Coron Island. Finally, with

the passage of the NIPAS Act in 1992, the island was listed part of the priority protected areas in

the country.

216. Consequently, on June 5, 1998, Coron Island was recognized as an ancestral domain with

the issuance of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claim (CADC) No. 134 to the Tagbanuas. The

claim, which includes the Tagbanua ancestral fishing grounds, covered 22,248 ha, operated via

a framework management plan prepared by the aforementioned IPs. Presently the Tagbanuas

manage their claimed site following the provisions in their management plan.

217. On the other hand, institutionalization of Coron Island’s Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) is still blurred. Various bodies have been organized to focus on special areas within

the island, but most are short-lived. Although a Protected Area Office (PAO) headed by a

Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) was set up in 1997, the PAMB has not been organized

considering the unresolved conflict between the DENR and the Tagbanuas. Present protection

activities undertaken in the island include patrolling and law enforcement, research and

monitoring, information campaigns, as well as coordination and networking.17

218. Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) Zones. The ECAN of Coron contains

opportunities for both conservation and development. Table 36 shows the area distribution of

each ECAN Zone of Coron.

17 PCSD. The Coron Island Protected Area: Towards Preserving the Cultural Heritage vis-à-vis the Valuable Ecological Resource. Retrieved from: https://pcsd.gov.ph/protected-areas-palawan/coron-island-protected-area/

https://pcsd.gov.ph/protected-areas-palawan/

https://pcsd.gov.ph/protected-areas-palawan/coron-island-protected-area/

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Table 36: Proposed ECAN Zones of Coron Municipality

Component ECAN Zones Sub-Zones Area (ha) Share in Total Area (%)

Terrestrial

Core Zone 3,992 6

Buffer Zone Restricted Use 9,807 15 Controlled Use 14,926 23 Traditional Use 1,123 2

Multiple Use Zone 28,716 44 Tribal/Ancestral Lands Tribal/Ancestral Zone 6,171 10

TOTAL 64,735 100 Source: Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2022

a) Core Zone

219. Core Zones refer to lands that need to be strictly protected and maintained free from

human disruption.

b) Buffer Zone

220. Buffer Zone refers to areas that have regulated use. It is divided into sub-zones: Restricted

Use, Controlled Use, and Traditional Use.

221. Restricted Use sub-zones refer to the inner barriers that surround the Core Zones.

Activities held in here are limited and non-consumptive. Controlled Use sub-zones refer to the

outer protective barriers that encircle the Core Zones and Restricted Use areas. Extraction of

natural resources may be allowed in these areas. Lastly, Traditional Use sub-zones refer to edges

of intact forests where traditional land use is already stabilized or is being stabilized.

222. The proposed water supply intake under the Water Supply Subproject is located within the

Restricted Use Zone.

c) Multiple Use Zone

223. Multiple Use Zones refer to the available lands for human settlements and agriculture

development and comprise about 44% of the total municipal land area.

224. The proposed sites for the WTP and storage tank/reservoir under the Water Supply

Subproject are situated within this zone. The Sanitation and Drainage/Urban Design subprojects

will likewise be located within this zone.

225. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). There are 10 established Marine Protected Areas

(MPAs) in the municipality of Coron. The application for MPA in each community is initiated by

different private entities like ECOFISH, Malampaya Foundation, FAO, etc. However, the nearest

political unit or community is envisioned to manage the known MPAs in Coron, namely: Lajala,

Balisungan, Minugbay-Malbato-Tagpi, Bulalacao, Siete Picados, Sangat-Decalve, Marcilla,

Bintuan, Decabobo, and San Jose. Aside from the barangay level management and

administration, the municipal government and various foundations involved in some operations in

the identified areas put efforts in serving the purpose of MPA.

110

Figure 38: ECAN Zones Map of Coron Municipality

Source: Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2022

111

Economic Development

226. The main industries of Coron are fisheries and tourism. Fisheries in Coron involve

production of fresh fish and marine products that include squid, lobster, octopus, caulerpa as well

as other high-value items. The Calamianes Islands to which Coron belongs to is the center of the

live reef food fish trade’s (LRFFT) center. LRFFT is a multi-million-peso industry which exports

live fish to consumers overseas. Seaweed farming and pearl farming are also major activities in

the fisheries sector (Coron SEPP, 2018).

227. Prior to the tourism boom in recent years, fishing and agriculture were the main industries

in Coron. Fisherfolk population in barangays close to the town center has dwindled as many

fishers have shifted to tourism as their primary income source. However, fishing remains the main

livelihood in remote coastal barangays.

228. From January to September 2019, total fish volume recorded by the Bureau of Fisheries

and Aquatic Resources (Field Unit 4B) was 107,777 kg. The most dominant species was rabbitfish

or siganids (often caught in seagrasses and coral reef areas), followed by the yellow tailed scad

and Indian mackerel, which are common small pelagic species.

229. Other common commercially important species reported by the Coron Municipal

Agriculturist Office were oxeye scad, bigeye scad, slipmouth, threadfin bream, and little tuna. The

most common gears used by small fishers are hook and line and gillnet. Average catch per

fisherman per fishing trip is 6.6 kg.

230. Tourism is a major industry due to dive sites, beaches, lakes, and other natural attractions

within the municipality. Tourist arrivals increased from 114,310 in 2014 to 182,838 in 2017,

registering a growth of nearly 37.48% during the 3-year period. Local revenue from tourism

activities which includes tax on amusement places, and revenue from contractors for the same

period, 2014 to 2017, increased from PHP 4,514,164.41 to Php 9,708,565.55, growing by 53.5%

in three years (Coron SEPP, 2018).

a. Power Supply

231. Calamian Islands Power Corporation (CIPC) was the company to undertake and hold

responsibility in the construction and operation of an 8 MW bunker- and 750 kW diesel-fired power

plants in the municipalities of Coron and Busuanga. In August 2011, CIPC entered into a 15-year

Power Sale Agreement with Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative (BISELCO) covering the total

capacity of the project.

232. BISELCO Distribution System voltage is 13.2 kV multi-grounded radial system which exits

from the power plant at the high voltage side of the step-up transformer. It provides electricity to

the fishing, farming, and tourism activities. It gives light to residential consumers and small

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commercial stores, hotels, restaurants, and lodging houses. As development progresses, new

barangays and sitios were energized causing the increase in demand for residential connections.

233. Energy consumption rates increase during summer and December while energy

consumption decreases during the rainy season. It is unfortunate that beginning 2007, BISELCO’s demand is considered suppressed due to the power plant capacity. This is made worse by

frequent power plant downtime.

234. There are two power plants in Coron, one is at Barangay Guadalupe and the other is at

Barangay VI (Poblacion), which caters the mainland barangays. The local government,

international non-government agencies and foundations provide island barangays with solar

panels.

Water Supply

235. Service Providers. There are two water providers supplying water to the urban barangays

of Coron: 1) Coron Rural Waterworks and Sanitation Association (CRWSA), a non-profit rural

water works association; and 2) Mactan Rock Industries, Inc. (MRII), a private water supply

operator based in the Province of Cebu.

236. MRII, the larger provider, is in a joint venture with Coron LGU, with the LGU retaining 10%

of gross revenue. The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) oversees the commercial

regulation of the joint venture of CRWSA and Tubig Pilipinas.

237. Water Resources. Both water supply providers abstract water from the Mabentagen Dam

located in Barangay VI (Poblacion). Records indicate the current abstraction capacity at the

CRWSA intake is 565 m3/day. However, on-site assessment of the existing water source revealed

that there are no production meters installed at the source. Those production meters would be

designed to measure the production/ extraction levels regularly. The joint venture of MRII and the

LGU abstracts water at a point located at around 20 m downstream of the extraction point of the

CRWSA. MRII also provides water supply to a Level II system using five (5) pumping stations with

unknown capacities.

238. System Facilities. CRWSA is operating and maintaining 16 km of pipeline with pipe

diameters ranging from two to six inches. Operating line pressure is unknown since line pressure

monitoring activity is not included in the day-to-day system operations of the CRWSA due to lack

of instrumentation.

239. Water storage with a capacity of eight cubic meters is part of the system operations. This

storage capacity is relatively small to address the peaking hour/day demand according to the

requirements prescribed by the LWUA Methodology Manual, i.e., 20% of the supply capacity.

240. MRII is operating and maintaining a compact Water Treatment Plant (treatment-based

filtration) at the Mabentagen riverbank, at around 10 m from the center of the river, with two

production meters installed at the outlet.

241. Figure 39 shows the existing water supply network in Coron.

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Figure 39: Existing Water Supply Network in Coron

Reference: STDP Coron Sector Feasibility Study Volume 2: Water Supply, 2020

114

242. Current Water Demand. Table 37 presents CRWSA data on annual water consumption,

average daily water consumption, and number of connections from 2014 to 2018. The number of

system losses cannot currently be determined.

Table 37: CRWSA Service Area Water Consumption Data (2014-2018)

Year Annual Water Consumption

(m3/annum) Average Daily Water Consumption

(m3/day) No. of Household

Connections

2014 202,590 555.04 597 2015 213,934 586.12 635 2016 213,693 585.46 604 2017 221,540 606.95 644 2018 235,731 645.83 660

Reference: CRWSA Operational Information, 2019 (as cited in the STDP Coron Sector Feasibility Study Volume 2: Water Supply, 2020)

243. MRII system supplies seven (7) urban barangays, namely Barangays I, II, III, IV, V, VI

(Pob.), and Tagumpay. Based on the latest records provided by MRII, metered water is installed

across 1,740 connections—1,523 residential and 197 commercial. On the other hand, CRWSA

system recorded an average demand of 645 m3/day in 2018, while records provided by MRII

showed an average water production of about 3,035 m3/day and billed volume in the order of

2,457 m3/day. Therefore, the total water demand is in the order of 3,680 m3/day.

244. Quality of Water Supplied. Concerning the water quality, CWRSA usually takes water

samples every three months at the water source and selected sampling points within the

distribution system. CWRSA then sends the water samples to Manila for laboratory analysis. The

only treatment CRWSA is applying in its system is chlorination installed at the water reservoir.

Since the water source is surface water, raw water is exposed to many potential pollutants.

Chlorination primarily addresses only bacteriological impurities.

245. Unlike CRWSA, MRII was unable to provide a copy of the results of water sample analysis,

both from the source and the distribution system. A lack of water quality daily monitored results

in a significant health risk to the local population.

246. Future Projections and Level of Service. Projected water demands for the Coron urban

area have been estimated based on per capita water demand for the resident population, tourism

projects, and other commercial and institutional water demands as outlined in the Section design

criteria. The water production requirement has been estimated taking into account an estimated

25% non-revenue water. Table 38 shows the expected water demand in Coron by 2025.

Table 38: Projected Water Demand in Coron (2025)

Parameter Unit Estimates for Coron (2025)

Estimated Covered Resident Population 21,395 Equivalent Tourist Population 3,510

Total Population (including tourists) 24,906 Domestic Water Demand lpcd 100 Tourist Water Demand lpcd 150 Total Domestic Water Demand m3/day 2,140 Total Tourist Water Demand m3/day 527

115

Parameter Unit Estimates for Coron (2025)

Other Commercial & Institutional Water Demand (20% over Treated Domestic)

m3/day 428

Industrial m3/day - Average Daily Water Demand m3/day 3,094 Peak Daily Water Demand (1.3*Average Daily Water Demand) m3/day 4,022 Non-Revenue Water (25% of Average Daily Water Demand) m3/day 774

TOTAL AVERAGE DAILY WATER PRODUCTION m3/day 3,868 TOTAL PEAK DAILY WATER PRODUCTION m3/day 5,028

Reference: STDP Coron Sector Feasibility Study Volume 2: Water Supply, 2020

247. In addition, by 2025, it is assumed that the planned 50-ha reclamation area in Coron will

be completed and fully operational. Out of the 50 ha planned, 10 ha currently exists and are

already included in the water demand projection (Investment Plan Stage). The forecast of the

water demand for the remaining 40 ha is calculated based on the average population density of

the Población barangays and Tagumpay area.

248. The water demand requirement for this area is calculated based on per capita water

demand for the resident population, tourism projects, and other commercial and institutional water

demands as outlined in the STDP Coron Sector Feasibility Study Volume 2 (Water Supply). Table

39 shows the estimated water demand for the reclamation area.

Table 39: Reclamation Area Water Demand

Parameter Unit Estimates for the Reclamation

Area (2025)

Estimated Population Density “Average” inhabitant/km2 3,422.1 Covered Area (75% of 40 hectares) km2 0.3 Estimated Resident Population 1,027 Estimated Equivalent Tourist 1,027 Estimated Total Population 2,054

Domestic Water Demand lpcd 100 Tourist Water Demand lpcd 150 Total Domestic and Tourist Water Demand m3/day 2,140 Total Tourist Water Demand m3/day 257 Other Commercial and Institutional Water Demand (20% over Treated Domestic)

m3/day 21

Average Daily Water Demand m3/day 277 Peak Daily Water Demand (1.3*Average Daily Water Demand) m3/day 360 Non-Revenue Water (25% of Average Daily Water Demand) m3/day 69

TOTAL AVERAGE DAILY WATER PRODUCTION m3/day 346

TOTAL PEAK DAILY WATER PRODUCTION m3/day 450 Reference: STDP Coron Sector Feasibility Study Volume 2: Water Supply, 2020

249. Available Supply to Meet Demand. Current water supply coverage provided by CWRSA

and MRII from Mabentagen Dam for the seven barangays is only 45%. The remaining 55% of

households rely on alternative sources like polluted dug wells, shared connections, or refiling

stations for potable water. Supply to the informal settlements represents a serious health risk due

to nature of the connections, whereby the pipes from the water meter to the household are in

many cases submerged in highly polluted water. The current water supply system (water source

supply and distribution capacity) serving the seven urban barangays cannot meet the anticipated

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demands. Accordingly, a new reliable source of water is needed to meet the anticipated 2025

requirements.

c. Sewerage, Sanitation, and Drainage System

250. Currently in Coron there is no sewerage system and no septage pump out service, relying

on preliminary onsite treatment at the individual household level, discharged to the sea via a

combined drainage and sewerage network. Such scheme results in the contamination of Coron

Bay, which impedes bathing and recreational activities.

251. The current drainage system in the urban area of Coron is limited and largely consists of

open drains discharging to the sea at a number of outlets. There are no plans by the Municipality

to improve the drainage system which should focus on intercepting the drainage flows from the

higher elevations and reducing the number of outlets to the ocean. However, this needs to go

hand in hand with the re-location of informal settlers living along the coastline if the quality of

water along the shoreline is to be improved.

d. Transportation

252. In the municipality, the primary public transportation is tricycle within its 18 mainland

barangays. The five (5) remaining barangays are islands and can be reached through motorboats.

There are also public vans routing from the mainland barangays going to Francisco Reyes Airport

located at Barangay Decalachao, Coron and vice-versa.

253. With the booming tourism industry of Coron, air and sea travel become more accessible

and convenient for the tourists. The Cebu Pacific Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Skyjet Airlines

have everyday flights from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Paranaque) to Coron

(Francisco Reyes Airport, Decalachao). Direct flights are also available from either Cebu or Clark

to Coron. Moreover, Air Juan Airlines has a scheduled flight twice a week. There is also a private

airstrip located in Sitio Banga, Barangay VI (Poblacion) with runway dimension of about 850 by

28 meters. The seaport is located at Barangay Tagumpay which accommodates big vessel such

as 2 Go Travel. On the other hand, transportation from the Coron urban center to the island

barangays includes motorized and non-motorized boats.

254. Coron has a total of 233.415 km road networks which are classified into national and local

roads (provincial, city/municipality and barangay). More than half of the total road network

measuring 152.134 km is made up of gravel, while 16.2 km is still dirt road. Only the remaining

65.081 km is made up of concrete. This is quite problematic especially during rainy season where

most gravel and dirt are washed out making the roads unsafe for traveling. Also, concrete

municipal roads do not have safety road signs, drainage and culverts, and sidewalks. The

municipality has a total of 16 bridges in which 9 are made up of concrete and is therefore

considered as permanent bridge. All the bridges are along the national highway of Coron-

Busuanga Road Section.

117

Figure 40: Existing Sewerage and Septage Services in Coron

Source:

118

Figure 41: Existing Drainage Network in Coron

Source:

119

Figure 42: Existing Circulation Map of Coron

Source: Coron Municipal Planning and Development Office

120

255. Based on available GIS data, Coron is mostly composed of agriculture area which

constitute 53.13% of the total land area, while forest area makes up about 40.99%. Areas

dedicated for tourism only make up about 0.18% of the total land area. The rest of the municipal

land area are composed of built-up areas (commercial, industrial, institutional, residential, roads),

production areas, parks and open spaces, cemeteries, mangroves, rivers and creeks, water uses,

and marine areas.

256. Table 40 and Figure 43 to Figure 44 show the land use distribution and existing land use

map of Municipality of Coron, respectively.

Table 40: Land Use Distribution, Municipality and Urban Centers

Classification Total Urban Area

Area (ha) % Area (ha) % Agriculture Mixed 37,221.09 51.45% 2,502.70 31.63% Agriculture Rice 1,212.05 1.68% 61.19 0.77% Cemetery 5.57 0.01% 1.45 0.02% Commercial 156.39 0.22% 141.40 1.79% Forest 29,652.05 40.99% 4,719.41 59.65% Industrial 11.35 0.02% 2.50 0.03%

Institutional 82.67 0.11% 15.63 0.20% Mangrove 2,231.59 3.08% 236.85 2.99% Marine Area 1.86 0.00% 1.86 0.02% Parks and Open Space 8.05 0.01% 5.66 0.07% Production Area 4.63 0.01% 62.99 0.80% Residential 165.15 0.23% 58.53 0.74% Rivers & Creeks 713.40 0.99% Roads 171.97 0.24% 100.87 1.27%

Tourism 127.82 0.18% 1.41 0.02% Water Use 573.79 0.79% 0 0.00%

GRAND TOTAL 72,339.42 100.00% 7,912.46 100.00% Source: Urban Profile and Land Use | Note: Processed from Coron GIS data

257. The urban area, excluding islands, consists mainly of forest and agriculture area covering 59.65% and 32.4% of the total urban area, respectively. Built up areas account for around 4% of the total urban area: 0.74% are residential, 1.79% are commercial, 0.20% are institutional, and 1.27% are roads. Tourism areas cover about 0.02% of the urban area.

121

Figure 43: Coron Urban Barangays Existing Land Use Map (2014)

Source: Urban Profile and Land Use

122

Figure 44: Coron Urban Center Existing Land Use Map (2014)

Source: Urban Profile and Land Use

123

Social and Cultural Resources

258. This IEE considered the host barangays as primary stakeholders of the proposed Project.

Focused group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) have been conducted with

various sector representatives in Coron in January 2020. Documentation is provided in Part VII

(Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation).

259. Table 41 presents the population and annual average population growth rate (PGR) in the

region, province, and municipality that cover the project area.

Table 41: Population of MIMAROPA Region, Palawan Province, and Coron Municipality

Area Population

(2010) Population

(2015) Annual PGR (2010-2015)

MIMAROPA Region 2,744,671 2,963,360 +1.47% Province of Palawan (excluding Puerto Princesa City) 771,667 849,469 +1.85% Municipality of Coron 42,941 51,803 +3.64% Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) MIMAROPA Region

260. In 2015, Coron’s population was 51,803, of which 20.1% are located in the urban barangays. The average household size in Coron Municipality is four. Informal settlers represent

an important share of the population in the urban area (12.64% in 2015), including 1,300 families

affected by 2013 typhoon Yolanda.

261. The population density of the entire municipality of Coron is 0.72 persons/ha in year 2015.

Urban barangays have a density of 4.98 persons/ha, while rural barangays have a density of 0.46

person/ha. Barangay Poblacion II and Poblacion III have the highest densities at 96.8 persons/ha

and 89.37 person/ha, respectively. This is largely due to the small land area of the two barangays.

Poblacion VI has the lowest population density among the urban barangays at 1.05 persons/ha.

262. Coron18 has a population of 51,803 based on the 2015 Philippine Statistics Authority

Census of Population. The socioeconomic and physical profile compiled by the Municipal

Planning and Development Office (MPDO) estimates that 60% of the population are indigenous

people and are represented in most of the municipality’s 23 barangays. The MPDO identifies four

indigenous groups – Tagbanua, Cuyonen, Agutaynen and Cagaynen with a total population of

33,707. Table IV-22 shows the breakdown of the indigenous population per ethnolinguistic group:

18 In this document the name Coron, when used alone, refers to the municipality of Coron in general. When the island

of Coron is being referred to, Coron Island is used.

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Table 42: Breakdown of Indigenous Population per Ethnolinguistic Group

Indigenous Group Population %

Tagbanua 9,677 29% Cuyonen 20,916 62% Agutaynen 1,284 4% Cagayanen 1,830 5%

TOTAL 33,707 100% Source: Safeguard consideration: IP

263. The Cuyonen, Agutaynen, and Cagayanen are all originally from Cuyo and Agutaya in the

Cuyo Archipelago, and the islands of Cagayancillo, 150 kilometers to the south; the Tagbanua

are the only indigenous group that claim Coron as their ancestral homeland. The Tagbanua have

mandatory representation in the municipal and the legislative councils of 12 barangays, a right

that is stipulated in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.

264. For health care services, Coron has one district hospital (i.e., Coron District Hospital

located in Barangay V), one Rural Health Unit located in the Barangay II, Barangay Health

Stations in all barangays, and three private clinics. Furthermore, there are only one doctor, seven

nurses, one dentist, one rural sanitary inspector, 17 midwives, two laboratory aides, one medical

technician, four support staff, and 105 Barangay Health Workers, available to provide medical

services for residents and tourists in the municipality (Municipal Health Office, 2013).

265. In 2015, access to sanitary toilets was of 93% in the urban barangays, and of 70% in the

rural barangays. (Source: CBMS 2015-2016, Indigenous People not included in the Survey).

Prevalence of water borne diseases in the 2018 Municipality Morbidity Causes is highlighted by

DOH. In 2015, diarrhea was the eighth cause of morbidity (2,69%). Diarrheal diseases are more

prevalent during rainy seasons, and much of these patients are coming from rural, far flung, and

island barangays. There are a few cases among tourists but are usually erratic and isolated.

Outbreaks sometimes happen and prompt response from the LGU is being done in order to

suppress and control the situation. Figure 45: Existing Health Facilities Map of Coron

266. shows the existing health facilities map of Coron

267. As of 2013, the municipality of Coron has recorded a total of 86 schools. Of which, 40 are

daycare centers, 35 are elementary schools located in different barangays (31 public and 4

private) 10 secondary schools (7 public and 3 private) located in both urban and rural barangays.

Unfortunately, there are no secondary schools in the island barangays which implies hard access

to secondary education to those far off.

268. It is preferred by the people of Coron, Busuanga, Linapacan and Culion to send their children to

Puerto Princesa, Batangas or Manila, just to obtain a most desired college education. However,

due to financial constraints, it is estimated that only 20% of the high school graduates were able

to pursue higher education, while 80% were forced to stop schooling. It is in 1994 when a satellite

125

campus of Palawan State University (PSU) was established in Barangay VI (Poblacion). It offers

seven undergraduate degrees including Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary

Education, Hospitality Management, Tourism, Business Administration in Marketing and Financial

Management and Criminology. Figure 46: Existing Educational Facilities Map of Coron

269. and Figure 47: Existing Day Care Centers Map of Coron

270. shows the existing educational facilities map and existing day care centers map of Coron,

respectively.

271. In CBMS 2011-2013, there are 22 police officers in the municipality with a police-resident

ratio of 1:1875. With a national standard of 1:1500, the municipality still lacked six officers to reach

that standard. Fortunately, in 2016, PNP Coron has achieved the national standard for policemen

to resident ratio. On the other hand, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Coron has three

serviceable fire trucks, one fire pumps, eight fire hoses, two nozzles, and one suction hose. Also,

Central Bakery and Airport Fire Protection are existing providers of fire protection services.

Barangay councilors and volunteers work hand in hand in reinforcing safety measures throughout

the municipality.

126

Figure 45: Existing Health Facilities Map of Coron


127

Figure 46: Existing Educational Facilities Map of Coron


128

Figure 47: Existing Day Care Centers Map of Coron


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V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

272. This section will focus on the identification and analysis of the potential environmental impacts of the priority subprojects in Coron under STDP Outputs 1 and 2, namely: (i) Water Supply; (ii) Sanitation; (iii) Drainage; (iv) Urban Design; and (v) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure.

Project Areas of Influence and Sensitive Receptors

273. The “project areas of influence” and “sensitive receptors” were identified to delineate the scope of the environmental impact assessment. The delineation was based on the locations of

sensitive receptors such as communities and resources of environmental and economic

importance. These areas as listed in Table 43 were identified both for the construction and

operation phases of the project and were used in identifying appropriate mitigating measures.

Table 43: Project Area of Influence and Sensitive Receptors Throughout the Project Phases

Project Component

Project Area of Influence Sensitive Receptors Remarks

Construction Operations

Water Supply • Water source; streets where transmission mains and distribution network will be laid; access roads to the WTP and storage tanks site; WTP and storage tanks footprint

• Water source; Surrounding areas of the WTP and storage tanks

• Host communities of San Nicolas and Guadalupe

• Residents, commercial, establishments, and institutions along the roads where the water transmission and distribution lines will be laid


• Water supply beneficiaries

• Buffer zones within the perimeter of the source, WTP and storage tanks will be established.

Sanitation • Streets where sewer pipes will be laid; access road to the STP site; STP footprint; outfall of the STP

• Surrounding areas of the STP and lift stations; areas to be served by the septage management;

• Host communities of Barangay VI (Poblacion) and Brgy. Tagumpay

• Residents, commercial, establishments,

• Mixing zone for the outfall discharge will be established using modeling. Buffer zones within the perimeter of

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outfall of the STP

and institutions along the roads where the sewer lines will be laid


• Sanitation services beneficiaries

the WTP will be established.

Drainage and Urban Design

• Streets where drainage will be constructed or rehabilitated.


• Streets where drainage will be maintained; outfall.


• Host communities

• Commercial establishments and activities along drainage alignment

• Proper signages and demarcation of the outfall/ manholes to be established.

Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructures

• Specific areas where interventions will be constructed.

• Specific areas where interventions will be operated and maintained.

• Tourism activities (operators, tourists)

• Nearby Coron Island Protected Area

• Terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity

• Specific areas will still be identified but mostly in the islands.

Note: The identified area of influence and sensitive receptors may be subject to change during the detailed engineering desig n (DED) stage of the Project.

Positive Impacts and Environmental Benefits

274. Water Supply. With the improved water facilities, water losses will be 20% or below. The

water quality of the source will be likewise protected and maintained with improved intake

structures.

275. Sanitation. The construction of the sewerage network in Coron will target household and

commercial establishments sewerage coverage from 0% in 2020 to 50% by 2025 and 80% in

2040. The project will prevent discharge to raw sewage to the coastal environments. The septage

management project will enhance the performance of the on-site sanitation systems in the entire

municipality but providing regular septic tank desludging services. With about 2,438 and 1,035

m3/day sewage treated in 2030, about 988 and 448 kg BOD/day will be removed by Coron Urban

Center and Tagumpay WWTP, respectively. The STP will not only remove BOD but also nutrients

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such as ammonia and phosphorous which are primarily responsible to eutrophication of inland

and coastal water bodies.

276. Drainage and Urban Design. The expansion and upgrading of the drainage network aim

to prevent flooding especially during heavy rains. Upper river catchment area will have to be

protected from deforestation to avoid increase in rate of soil erosion caused by heavy water runoff.

Tree roots absorb water from the soil, making the soil dryer and able to store more rainwater.

Increased vegetation or ground cover will also prevent further soil erosion in riparian areas.

277. With the improvement of the drainage, illegal connection of sewer to the drainage will also

be removed. A prevention campaign shall be carried with local companies to avoid any discharge

of industrial waste in the drainage system, in particular from gasoline stations, hotels, etc. Oil

separators shall be made mandatory for gasoline stations. This will translate to better water quality

of the creeks and the coastal areas in Coron. The other minor point is to have the door opened

for mangrove reforestation downstream which is very useful in the outfall as it will diminish the

visual impact of the works. It will decrease the pollution load due to colloidal matter dragged during

the rainfall event. Mangrove reforestation can also be considered as erosion protection in the

outfalls.

278. One of the objectives of the urban design component of the project is to integrate the

‘greening aspect’ to infrastructures such as drainage and roadways. This approach will definitely improve water and air quality in the general areas of Coron.

279. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. In the islands, it is also equally important

to provide small-scale tourism support facilities, such as Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water

Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, and Shed House. Such basic utilities will improve the

accessibility and sanitation conditions in the island-hopping and diving sites, resulting to improved

marine water quality and overall environmental health in the tourist attractions.

280. Water Supply. By 2040, 90% of urban barangays have 24/7 coverage for water supply

which meets national drinking water standards. Service coverage will be expanded to 80%

between 2025 and 2030 before reaching the target of 90% by 2040.

281. Sanitation. The provision of sewerage system in Coron will translate to cleaner coastal

waters. Cleaner environment will promote more tourist arrivals and more economic activities for

the municipality. Health hazards from sewage contaminated drainage and floodwater will be

reduced with the proper collection of domestic wastewater.

282. Drainage and Urban Design. The improvement of the drainage will also consequently

improve the sidewalk making the urban and tourist centers more ‘walkable’ and ‘pedestrian friendly’. Such improvement will promote better tourist experience, community safety and potential

increase of economic activities in the area. Health hazards from exposure to flood will be reduced

with the improved drainage system.

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283. Improvement in the urban development design will translate to a more ‘livable’ municipality. The subsequent effects are cleaner environment, more potential for economic

activities from local and foreign tourists, and healthier residents.

284. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. Improvement and provision of basic

support facilities and utilities in the island-hopping and diving sites will gain more socio-economic

benefits with increased number of visitors going to these destinations.

Impacts and Mitigating Measures During Design Phase / Pre-Construction

Phase

285. During the feasibility study stage, the sourcing of raw water from the Kadyang Falls would

pose potential shortage of water supply during the lean flow season wherein discharge rate is

only at approximately 2.6 MLD. The proposed withdrawal rate and design of the WTP is at 4 MLD,

and the lean season flow rate is obviously not enough to fully operate the WTP. Withdraw of the

entire 2.6 MLD will not be an environmentally sound option as downstream ecology and socio-

economic uses and users will be affected. This source sustainability issue should be studied and

addressed during the details design phase.

286. Mitigation Measures. During the detailed design phase, the following will be undertaken:

(i) An environmental flow (e-flows) and sustainability analysis to ensure that the water

withdrawal from the source will not impact downstream ecology and socio-

economic uses and users. From these e-flows and sustainability analyses, the

limits of water withdrawal for the various seasons, with emphasis on the low flow

seasons, will be defined and integrated into the final detailed design of the water

supply system; and

(ii) With utmost consideration to environmental impacts, identify and consider other

possible sources of raw water, such as deep tube wells, necessary to augment the

raw water supply particularly during the lean flow season.

287. These impacts are associated with planning on the site selection. They include impacts

due to encroachment of sensitive areas and impacts on the people who might lose their properties

or livelihoods due to the development of the proposed subproject sites. However, in the case of

the subprojects, the infrastructures will be built or installed on government-owned lands and

existing road alignments with rights-of-way. Hence, no significant impacts due to location is

anticipated. While the intake location (Kadyang Falls) is within an ancestral domain, a free prior

informed consent and other compliance requirements under relevant IR and IP laws will be

secured and complied with by the project during the detailed design stage.

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288. The impact of climate change is significant for the project. The designs of the intake, WTP,

WWTP, water pipelines, sewer lines, pumping stations and related infrastructures, need to

consider future changes in climate patterns such as flooding due to extended monsoon seasons

and increased level of precipitation, droughts, and increased global temperature, among others.

The subproject components, including the lands on which these are erected, are prone to either

flooding or soil erosion due to river systems and coastal area bordering the sites. The design for

the subproject components should consider the following:

(i) Likely changes in the climatic conditions with respect to temperature, flooding, salinity, and acidity, including drainage aspects; and

(ii) Likely impacts on land surfaces and runoff due to climate change-induced heavier and more erratic rainfall.

289. Mitigation Measures. The impacts of climate change will be mitigated upfront during the

design and planning stage for the infrastructures. Among these measures are the following:

(i) Sufficient drainage facilities within the WTP, WWTP, and pumping stations that could convey storm water during heavy downpour based on future scenario of rainfall; by either increasing the throughput capacity of canals or installing additional drains; and

(ii) Increasing the elevation of facility components that are likely to be flooded.

290. The island of Coron and its surrounding waters are rich in biodiversity and host to many

important species. An initial critical habitat screening has been undertaken as part of overall

environmental assessment for the project. The Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT)

was initially used to screen and assess potential risks on the protected areas or critical habitat

that may exist around the project sites (default area of analysis of 50 km radius). Initial screening

results show that the area of analysis is likely a critical habitat, including identified protected areas

and key biodiversity areas. In view of this, the project is deemed to have the potential threat to all

these biodiversity assets and features. See summary discussions in Section IV and the complete

results of IBAT Screening in Appendix C.

291. Mitigation Measures. During the detailed design phase, a biodiversity and critical habitat

assessment following IFC Performance Standard 6 Criteria will be undertaken to determine if the

project will pose significant impact to the biodiversity features identified in the IBAT Screening,

including assessment on whether or not any of the IUCN Red List Species of concern would

qualify the project area as critical habitat. The assessment will also provide recommendations on

how to mitigate any adverse findings or impacts to any biodiversity features in the area These

recommendations will be considered and included in the updating of this IEE and the EMP during

the detailed design phase.

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292. During the project preparation up to pre-construction phase, a disposal site shall be

identified. Without any designated disposal site, spoils and construction wastes will end up

unmanaged, or worse result to further environmental and social impacts such as siltation of

canals, pollution of receiving bodies of waters (rivers and coastal waters), and inconvenience to

the people and communities surrounding the project sites. Therefore, PMU shall identify approved

disposal sites for (i) spoils that will be generated during excavation and construction activities,

and (ii) residual sludge from the WWTPs during the operation phase. For spoils generation during

construction phase, PMU shall inform the contractor of this approved disposal sites as early as

possible prior to construction activities.

293. For all the subproject, mapping of existing trees at the proposed sites and alignments shall be undertaken during the detailed design phase. The aim is to avoid, or minimize when avoidance is not possible, cutting of trees upfront during the design stage. In cases when cutting is not avoidable and when feasible, the affected trees will be considered by balling out and then replanting in a pre-determined site. Cutting of trees should be done sparingly as this can affect the flight path or migration paths of migratory birds in Coron.

294. Once a particular contract is awarded, the contractor shall immediately undertake all pre-

construction works to ensure environmental impacts are avoided at the projects sites, including

movements and way of life of local people in the different sections of water pipe, sewer and

drainage alignments. Without these plans in place, impacts at various fronts (environmental,

social, health, etc.) can occur simultaneously beyond control. Therefore, no works shall be

undertaken unless the following have been complied with by the contractor:

(v) Develop a Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan (CESHSMP) that is approved by PMU based on the EMP of this IEE report;

(vi) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the water pipe, sewer and drainage alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or construction works;

(vii) Develop a Spoil Management Plan to manage any excess spoils generated during construction and O&M activities; and

(viii) Develop a specific Health and Safety Plan, that will include a Health and Safety COVID-19 Plan in accordance with relevant government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as World Health Organization. 2020.

295. Unplanned construction of camps without basic amenities could result in stress of workers

and degradation of the local environment. It is important that these camps be provided with

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sanitary amenities at designated areas. Contractors shall establish these construction camps

following local standards or regulations, if any. Separately, contractors may follow the guidance

note developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for

Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) entitled “Workers’ accommodation: processes and

standards (A guidance note by IFC and the EBRD), 2009”.

296. Prior to construction, necessary permits and clearances will be already secured. Among

these are the following:

• Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Clearance; • ECAN/SEP Clearance; • Environmental Compliance Certificates; and • National Water Resources Board (NWRB) Permit (for water supply subproject).

297. One combined preliminary resettlement action plan (PRAP) has been prepared for Coron

Subproject components of water supply, wastewater treatment and storm water drainage. Details

of the involuntary resettlement (IR) impacts, mitigation measures, resettlement implementation

and budget are given in the PRAP (STDP Coron Feasibility Study Volume 9 - first issuance dated

December 23, 2020). PRAP will be updated into RAP after the detailed engineering designs

(DED) have been completed in the project implementation phase.

298. Water Supply Subproject. The subproject is proposed to include development of new

water intake structure in Kadyang Falls for 4,000 m3/day flow to meet the 2025 water demand in

Coron. The water intake structures are not expected to have any IR impact as the site is located

on public land and it is free of encumbrances. The waterfall, used by both locals and tourists for

swimming, is not impacted. Kadyang Falls has been claimed by IPs for ancestral domain

application. The gravel access road is reasonable and does not require upgrading or widening.

However, the final approach to the water intake is a narrow path and some vegetation and trees

will be cleared during construction. The construction can be done manually with reasonably

lightweight materials and therefore no widening is needed. The path is mainly located on public

land, but one (1) house will have impact on narrow strip of land for the access path and raw water

transmission line. Kadyang Falls provides water for both Coron and San Nicolas. With the

increased uptake of water from Kadyang Falls the access to resource (water) may be limited to

residence of San Nicolas.

299. A new WTP comprising of settling tank, primary and secondary filtration, and chlorination

is proposed to be constructed in Guadalupe area. WTP will require acquiring private non-

productive land of 5,000 m2, which is currently used as a borrow site. In addition, the existing

access road to the WTP site will need upgrading and this will impact one secondary structure

(storage / sunroof). The structure can be moved back and re-constructed on-site.

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300. The raw water transmission mains and the treated water transmission mains have total

length of 8,500 m. There are IR impact on secondary structures, trees, and temporary impacts

along the alignment. Construction of transmission mains will be within the existing right-of-way

(ROW) of the roads. Encroachment on private peoples’ secondary structures, such as fences, gates and posts, and trees, will be impacted along the ROW.

301. The subproject is proposed to construct a new water storage tanks close to Mabentagen

Dam. Both tanks require land acquisition of an area of 50 x 50 m (total of 5,000 m2) of private

land. The existing road to the Mabentagen Dam and storage tanks will be used, and it does not

require upgrade or widening.

302. The treated water distribution network is proposed to include expansion of the network for

Poblacions 1 to 6 and Tagumpay areas for a total length of 15,750 m. The distribution network

pipeline will run along the existing roads whereas the household connections are done as rake

branches to service several near-by houses at the same time for ulterior connections to their

houses. The pipeline installation will cross existing pavement of the gas-station and other

secondary structures requiring temporary demolition and restoration of the concrete slabs,

driveways, and pavement within the ROW. The re-establishment of these temporary impacts will

be the responsibility of the construction contractor. Businesses along the route will also be

temporarily affected during the construction period, which will be mitigated with continuous access

as detailed in the environmental management plan (EMP).

303. Sanitation Subproject. Coron Urban Center WWTP site will be located in the western

part of Coron, along the main road going to the airport and near the new Coron stadium project.

The site has been deforested many years ago, and it is currently unused and free of

encumbrances. The site is public land, and hence does not require land acquisition. However, the

construction may cause IR impacts on secondary structures at the entrance of the access road

to the WWTP. The layout of the plant was prepared taking into consideration the construction of

the treatment works away from the existing buildings on the south and west sides of the site.

304. Tagumpay WWTP site will be located in the Eastern part of Coron in Barangay Tagumpay

along the main road and few kilometers away from the Port. The site is privately owned, requiring

land acquisition. The site is currently heavily forested with no structures or economic activity.

There is an existing secondary road leading to a small settlement alongside the proposed WWTP.

This will be upgraded as access road (there will be no IR impact on the upgrade). The treated

wastewater discharge pipe will be located along the secondary road and will cross the main road

to reach the shoreline. The discharge pipe will require land acquisition for narrow strip of land to

reach the outfall location.

305. A new wastewater collection system in Coron and Tagumpay, including sewer line and

associated seven (7) pumping stations (PS) is proposed for wastewater collection. The routing of

sewer mains in Coron Urban Center will follow the main roads within the existing road alignments

and ROW. The gravity lines will be 200 to 500 mm diameter. A 0.50-m wide clearance is reserved

as minimum to allow a proper compaction around sewer mains. As the sewer mains are located

in the middle of the road, IR impacts are not anticipated.

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306. The pumping stations will be wet well type in depth of 2.7 to 5.5 m and width of 0.8 to 3

m, and the pump stations will be located within roads ROW. The size of the excavation for the

pumping stations must include space around the structure to allow enough clearance for backfill

compaction. Access for operation vehicle shall be provided to each PS. Construction of PS 5 and

PS 3 will cause IR impact.

307. Household connections will be designed during the detailed engineering design (DED).

The network operator will do household connections for the rest of the households to the network

progressively during and after the construction work. This is to be managed according to service

regulations (tariff for connection, interface between domestic plumbing and public collector, etc.).

Therefore, there will be no IR impacts on household connections.

308. Drainage Subproject. It is proposed to construct storm water drains and improve the

existing small culverts and ditches which have been installed by local people in Coron Urban

Center. The drainage lines will cause significant IR impact as the existing street/alley widths are

not wide enough to accommodate the drains without removal of the structures.

309. The drainage outlets are located in areas which are occupied by informal settler families

(ISFs). The quality of water that is discharged into the sea from the drainage at the moment is

heavily polluted. However, a treatment plant is not proposed, but rather screened catch basins

and deep sumps (every 20 m) are recommended along the drainage network to spread the solid

waste and dust pollution management along the system. This will minimize the need for additional

land acquisition for several wastewater treatment plants and pump stations for the storm water.

A buffer area of 6 x 6 m is required at the downstream of all outfalls. The drainage outfalls will

cause significant IR impact as the outfall areas are fully occupied by ISFs.

310. Existing thalwegs (number 5 and 6) are proposed to be improved by deepening them. The

improvement will cause IR impact. Also, it is proposed to build a retention basin in lieu of the pitch

in Coron School of Fisheries in Catchment No. 54 through deepening the existing pitch and

allowing it to fill up during rainfall events.

311. During the field assessment it was found that there are Tagbanua in Barangays Poblacion 1–6 and in Barangay Tagumpay. Table V-2 lists the indigenous population in the proposed project sites.

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Table 44: Indigenous Population in the Proposed Project Sites

Project Component Location IP Presence

Name Population

Sewage Treatment Plant Poblacion 1–6

Tagbanua 73 Cuyonon 3,739

Tagumpay Tagbanua 214 Cuyenen 1,129

Drainage Poblacion 1–6

Tagbanua 73 Cuyonon 3,739

Tagumpay Tagbanua 214 Cuyonon 1,129

312. Water Supply Subproject. The source of the proposed water system development

project is Kadyang Falls, which is within the ancestral domain claim of the Tagbanua of Barangay

San Nicolas. During community consultations, the indigenous Tagbanua and other members of

Barangay San Nicolas expressed their concerns about the proposed water system project. The

main issue raised involved the volume of water produced by Kadyang Falls. Community members

say the water is currently insufficient to meet the needs of the whole barangay, especially during

the dry season. There were three main apprehensions raised by both the farmers and IP

community during the consultations: (i) the water supply is currently insufficient for household use

during the dry season; (ii) the volume of water is also insufficient for irrigation purposes, especially

during the summer months; (iii) there is no provision in the technical design for improving the

existing domestic water supply system in Barangay San Nicolas. Concerns specific to the

Tagbanua IP community involve possible restricted access to non-timber forest products near the

water source, which provide them additional income.

313. The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 states that any development, exploitation, or

utilization of natural resources within ancestral domains are subject to free and prior informed

consent (FPIC). The source of the proposed water system project is within the ancestral domain

of the Tagbanua, which requires the FPIC process to ascertain the views and secure the consent

of the affected indigenous communities.

314. The next step on the part of the project is to work with the technical team to collect detailed

data specific to community members' concerns, e.g.:

• What does the existing barangay water supply system include?

• What are the domestic water needs of the barangay? How can these needs be better

met?

• How many hectares of rice land use water from Kadyang Falls for irrigation in the wet

season? In the dry season?

• With Kadyang Falls as the source, is it possible to meet both existing domestic and

agricultural water supply needs?

• In the technical summary, there was a mention of a possible need for supplementary

deep wells. Where will the wells be located? Are these for domestic use in San

Nicolas? Are they hand pump wells? It is important to improve the present water

system of San Nicolas apart from improving the water system in Coron Town.

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315. Sanitation and Drainage Subproject. Once the final locations are identified for the

sewerage treatment plant and drainage system improvements, the project will ensure that IPs (i)

will not become vulnerable because of the proposed project (ii) will be meaningfully consulted,

and (iii) will be fully entitled based on income and property loss. These safeguards will be

addressed in the project’s RP The Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) will designate a section to the

discussion of the level of impacts on the affected IPs and ensure that all relevant concerns will be

addressed in the RP.

316. The location of the proposed STP and drainage system improvement projects are not in

an area that is claimed, owned, or used by indigenous people. There are no ancestral domain or

land claims in the proposed project sites.

317. Whenever possible, the hiring of construction workers will prioritize local residents to

reduce the number of migrant workers.

318. During construction, workers will be exposed to air emissions, noise, vibration,

construction-generated sewage, potentially hazardous substances, social conflicts with

communities, and transmittable diseases in the community such as COVID-19. Presence of

workers from outside the site may cause some social issues such as potential for conflict with

local residents, risk spread of communicable diseases including STIs and HIV and potential

gender-based violence (GBV) related concerns.

319. The proposed mitigation measures are the following:

• Induction of all workers on project requirements regarding safeguards (including child

protection), GRS and CCP requirements;

• Agreement to and implementation of protocols (including code of conduct) concerning

the workers contact with the local communities;

• Contractor compliance with environmental and occupational health and safety

guidelines;

• Provision and mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers;

• Adequate work site lighting, water supply, sanitation facilities and safe access;

• Security at contractor’s camp and yard to control unauthorized access and prevent entry of the public (especially children);

• Women participation in addressing GBV issues will be set in an environment where

women can openly converse with about these concerns.

320. Gravel and sand for infrastructures using concrete will be procured from existing quarries

or batching plant plants with valid government permits. Wood for formworks must not be from

illegally cut trees.

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Water Supply Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During

Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases

321. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Water Supply Subproject during the

Construction Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 45: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Water Supply Subproject


Environmental Component likely to



Site development (earth-movement and civil works) – Water Supply Intake, Water Treatment Plant, and Storage Tank/Reservoir





















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• Provision of early warning devices/road signs.



• Compliance with DOLE Department Order 13, which specifies provisions for safety of operators of heavy equipment and the regular inspection and maintenance of equipment by certified mechanics and operators. This is to ensure that all equipment will work properly during operation of which to avoid threats to the operator himself and workers on site.











• Following international best practices on community and occupational

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health and safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines on Construction and Decommissioning Activities.




Coordination with the local PESO and concerned LGUs for the hiring process Adherence to the local ordinance on hiring prioritization

a. Land

322. The proposed Water Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on Land during

its Construction Phase:

323. Soil erosion and sedimentation. Earthworks will be carried out during dry periods as

much as possible to avoid erosion especially after heavy rains. Before construction, contractors

will include site-specific drainage and soil erosion control measures as part of their work plan,

which may include the following:

• Implement construction in staged sections, with one section completed and stabilized

before beginning the next;

• Construct intercepting channels and drains to prevent runoff entering construction

sites and to divert runoff from sites to existing drainage or open ground;

• Stabilize all cut slopes, embankments, and other erosion-prone working areas;

• Provide temporary detention ponds or containment to control silt runoff;

• Strip and stockpile topsoil, and cover (by geotechnical cloth) or seed temporary soil

stockpiles; and

• Properly slope or re-vegetate disturbed surfaces e.g., pipeline trenches and cut banks.

324. Loss of vegetation. Land clearing will entail the removal of some vegetation onsite to

make way for the project facilities. This impact will be limited to the site development area and

only where necessary. The surrounding vegetation may be preserved to act as natural buffer zone

for the project site. Cutting of trees will be done in accordance with the terms and conditions

stipulated in the permits issued for the project. Management plans and protection/conservation

strategies may also be implemented.

325. Threat to biodiversity. To identify and address potential risks to biodiversity in the project

area during the Construction Phase, the Proponent shall establish a monitoring system for

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reporting and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and coordinate with DENR-

CENRO and Coron LGU for implementation of appropriate protection/conservation strategies, if

necessary.

326. Ground vibration. Operation of heavy equipment may result to some ground vibration.

To address potential impacts on sensitive receptors, nearby residents shall be notified about the

use of heavy equipment.

327. Generation of excavation/construction spoils and debris. Earth movement and civil

works have the potential to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of

excavation and construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the

start of construction activities. The project will:

• Require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of excess excavation spoils;

• Undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites prior to actual construction.

328. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Aside from construction spoils and debris,

domestic solid wastes are also expected to be generated with the influx of workers in the

construction site. A Solid Waste Management Plan with provisions on waste reduction/avoidance,

proper segregation, recycling, collection, and disposal shall be put into place at the start of the

Construction Phase. Below is a simplified Waste Management Flow during the Construction

Phase:

• Solid waste generated are collected within the site;

• Reusable and recyclable waste materials are placed in the Materials Recovery Facility

(MRF) and may be sold to local junkshop; and

• Residual (non-recyclable) wastes are collected and disposed through an authorized

third-party service provider

329. Generation of hazardous wastes. Typical in most construction works, use of oil products

and other hazardous materials are expected in the construction activities. Fuel, oil, grease, paints,

and solvents associated with the operation of heavy equipment may accidentally be released to

the environment during construction and adversely affect water quality and aquatic life. Mitigation

measures include:

• Prepare a hazardous substances management plan and an emergency response

plan;

• Refuel and service equipment only in specified areas adequately equipped to avoid

leaks and spills that could contaminate soil and water resources;

• Locate storage area away from watercourses, flood-prone areas, work camps, and

danger areas;

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• Regularly check containers for leakage and undertake necessary repair or

replacement;

• Provide spill kits in the vicinity of the storage and fuel/oil areas and train workers in

their deployment;

• Ensure all storage containers are in good condition with proper labeling;

• Store waste oil used lubricant and other hazardous wastes in tightly sealed containers

to avoid contamination of soil and water resources; and

• Proper transport and disposal of used oil and grease and other hazardous waste by

accredited transporter and treater.

330. Management of hazardous wastes shall be in accordance with the guidelines and

requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the

Management of Hazardous Wastes).

331. Physical cultural resources. There are no identified cultural sites within or near the

proposed locations of the Water Supply Subproject components. Chance-find procedures must

be developed and included in the EMP. In the event that any artifacts are found for instance during

excavation, works in the site will be stopped immediately, the site will be secured and cordoned

off, and the proper authority will be notified (i.e., local government unit or the National Historical

Commission).

Water

332. The proposed Water Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on Water during


333. Water logging. Ponding water construction area shall be drained or removed prior to

commencement of the construction activities. Drainage system must be established onsite.

334. Siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water bodies. Earth movement

can potentially result to siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water bodies. To

address this, siltation ponds, silt traps, and erosion barriers may be established, and

silt/sediments shall be removed regularly.

335. Wastewater from equipment cleaning. Improper storage and handling of fuel, as well

as wash-down water for equipment and vehicles could contaminate soil or surface waterways.

Construction may cause a temporary impact on waterways when adjacent to the construction

sites. The following measures will be implemented to minimize impact of water pollution.

• Avoid construction during heavy rains (i.e., minimize works on rainy season, from May

to October);

• Minimize open excavation areas;

145

• Provide drains to manage runoff entering construction sites;

• Wash water from construction sites will be collected in sedimentation tanks or retention

ponds to remove silts and oil; and

• Storage facilities for fuels, oil, and other hazardous materials will be within secured

areas on impermeable surfaces and provided with bunds and cleanup installations.

336. Generation of domestic wastewater. Aside from solid waste, wastewater is also

expected to be generated with the influx of workers in the construction site. Labor camps must

have sanitation facilities (i.e., toilet, shower, etc.) and proper treatment for the sewage generated.

Basic housekeeping policies shall be implemented.

Air

337. The proposed Water Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on Air during its

Construction Phase:

338. Generation of dust. This shall be mitigated though the following measures: avoidance of

unnecessary earth movement; regular watering of construction sites that will generate dust;

avoidance of long exposure of excavated soil piles to strong winds by applying canvas covers.

Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction

workers.

339. Generation of air emissions. Air pollution sources during construction include dust from

earth excavation, filling, loading, hauling, bare earth surfaces, uncovered construction areas, and

vehicle movements on unpaved roads, especially in windy days; aggregate preparation and

concrete-mixing; and vehicle and machinery gaseous emissions.

340. The following mitigation measures to reduce impacts on air quality may be implemented:

• Water spraying of exposed construction sites where fugitive dust is being generated;

• Dust mitigation and suppression especially near sensitive receptors (e.g., schools,

hospitals, residential areas);

• Cover of trucks when transporting, fine material, to avoid spillage or dust generation;

• Implement speed limits for vehicles entering construction sites;

• Regular maintenance of project vehicles to minimize greenhouse gas emissions;

• Avoid idling of vehicles and/or equipment when not in use;

• Provide buffer to minimize foul odor; and

• Proper collection and disposal solid wastes, prohibiting solid waste burning.

341. Generation of noise. Construction works will involve the use of excavators, bulldozers,

scrapers, dredgers, concrete-breaker, mixers, trucks, and other heavy machinery. Noise and

146

vibration will be generated but will be temporary and localized. The following mitigation measures

will be implemented:

• Properly maintain construction vehicles and machineries to minimize noise;

• Use noise attenuation devices and methods for high noise equipment operating within

150 m of the sensitive sites such as school and health centers;

• Regulate the operation of machinery, and movement of heavy vehicles during

nighttime;

• Provide noise barriers around noise sources during construction;

• Provide appropriate earmuffs/earplugs to workers; and

• Conduct regular consultations with stakeholders near construction sites to identify

noise disturbance and gather community feedback.

People

342. The proposed Water Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on People during


343. Health hazards from dust emissions. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as

N95 masks, shall be provided to construction workers.

344. Increased traffic volume along access roads and threat to road/public safety.

Congestion and risk of accidents due to vehicular traffic may increase during construction works.

This will cause temporary inconvenience and nuisance to residents, commercial establishments,

and visitors. Traffic safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction, such

as but not limited to the following:

• Securing the construction sites by providing security fence and clear signage/warning

signs at construction sites in view of the public;

• Prior notification of/coordination with the host community on schedule of construction

activities;

• Heavy machinery will not be used at night;

• Operating construction night light in the vicinity of construction sites;

• Informing the local community and employees alike about the grievance redress

mechanism (GRM) for the project;

• Provision of security personnel in hazardous areas to restrict public access;

• Provision of adequate alternative access for public passages, as necessary; and

• Ensuring that any access to properties or establishments that have been disrupted or

blocked by the ongoing construction activities are restored as quickly as possible.

147

345. Community and occupational health and safety. Use of heavy equipment brings

physical hazards such as noise and vibration, dust, falling objects, excavation, fire hazards, and

chemical hazards. Environmental, health and safety protocols should be observed at all times

during the construction, such as but not limited to the following:



• Provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas

346. Considering the most recent COVID-19 threat, the following measures will be

implemented to manage risks on construction sites and in workers’ housing.

• Avoid physical interaction and maintain physical distancing requirements;

• Limit the capacity of common areas to 50%;

• IEC on COVID-19 to be included in toolbox meetings of workers;

• Regular cleaning and disinfection particularly heavily trafficked areas and common

areas;

• Promote good personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing with soap and water

or alcohol gel;

• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face mask, face

shield, etc.;

• Monitoring of health status of workers and visitors before entering the site and housing;

• Provision of adequate ventilation in indoor spaces; and

• If possible, workers should eat outdoors or at different times.

347. Possible increase in crime incidence. Increase in income can introduce and expose

workers and the community to vices that tend to undermine morality. If not properly handled,

addiction to such vices may contribute to social problems, such as destruction of family and values

and increase in crime rate. The project management shall work closely with both the barangay

and municipal LGUs and PNP in law enforcement to avoid vice-related problems in the

community. In addition, a drug and alcohol-free work environment will be strictly implemented.


Operations Phase are summarized in the following table.

148

Table 46: Matrix of Key Impacts during Operations Phase – Water Supply Subproject


Environmental Component likely to be

Affected Potential Impact


Water Supply System Operation and Maintenance – Water Supply Intake, Water Treatment Plant, and Storage Tank/Reservoir

Land/Water Generation of domestic solid wastes by personnel

Implementation of a solid waste management plan consistent with the local scheme and regulations


Development and implementation of a Hazardous Waste Management Plan that complies with RA 6969

Water Generation of domestic wastewater by personnel


Proper and regular maintenance of standby generator set and service vehicles


Coordination with the host municipal and barangay LGUs for the implementation of a traffic management scheme


Provision of proper training on occupational health and safety Provision of PPE Regular health check-up for the personnel



a. Land


its Operations Phase:

350. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Operations and maintenance activities and

personnel will generate solid wastes, which will be managed in accordance with the Solid Waste

Management Plan consistent with the local disposal regulations and the Ecological Solid Waste

Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003).

351. Generation of hazardous wastes. Management of hazardous wastes shall be in

accordance with the guidelines and requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised

Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes).

Water

352. The proposed Water Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on Water during

its Operations Phase:

353. Generation of domestic wastewater. Aside from wastewater from the quarterly cleaning

of equipment and vehicles, domestic wastewater will also be generated by the operations and

maintenance personnel. Sanitation facilities (i.e., toilet, shower, etc.) shall be provided and basic

housekeeping policies shall be implemented.

149

Air

354. The proposed Water Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on Air during its

Operations Phase:

355. Generation of air and noise emissions. Air emissions are also expected to come from

heavy equipment and vehicles used as part of the facility operations. Emissions may also come

from the operation of generator sets especially during power outages. Mitigating measures may

include the following:

• Ensure proper operation of the treatment facilities and inspection of conditions of lift

stations;

• Regular inspection and maintenance of the backup power supplies and the associated

automatic transfer switch of the backup power at the lift stations to ensure

uninterrupted operation during power failure;

• Proper and regular maintenance of generator sets.

People



357. Traffic congestion during leak repair. Pipe maintenance activities may cause temporary

obstruction along the road along which the water lines are located. A traffic management scheme

shall be implemented in coordination with the concerned barangay/s to improve traffic flow

efficiency and promote road safety during maintenance activities.

358. Community and occupational safety and health risks. Environmental, health, and

safety protocols should be observed at all times during the operations phase, such as but not

limited to the following:

• Requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE; and


359. Considering the most recent COVID-19 threat, the following measures will be

implemented to manage risks in the workplace.

• Avoid physical interaction and maintain physical distancing requirements;

• Limit the capacity of common areas to 50%;

• IEC on COVID-19 to be included in toolbox meetings of workers;

• Regular cleaning and disinfection particularly heavily trafficked areas and common

areas;

150

• Promote good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water

or alcohol gel;

• Provide appropriate PPE, such as face mask, face shield, etc.;

• Monitoring of health status of workers and visitors before entering the facility;

• Provision of adequate ventilation in indoor spaces; and

• If possible, workers should eat outdoors or at different times.


Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 47: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Water Supply Subproject





Decommissioning Land Generation of demolition debris and solid wastes


Termination People Loss of employment Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment Provision of compensation for affected personnel/re-training if possible

a. Land


its Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase:

362. Generation of demolition debris and solid wastes. Demolition activities will generate

debris and solid wastes. Improper disposal of such materials can be avoided by addressing the

issue prior to the start of construction activities. The project will:

• Require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of demolition debris;

• Undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites prior

to actual demolition.

Water

363. The proposed Water Supply Subproject will not entail significant negative impacts on

Water during its Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase.

151

Air

364. The proposed Water Supply Subproject will not entail significant negative impacts on Air

during its Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase.

People



366. Loss of employment. Termination of employment is the main impact on People during

the project’s Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase. To address such adverse impact, the

following measures shall be implemented:

• Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment;

• Provision of compensation for affected personnel; and

• If possible, provision of re-training of personnel in preparation for other job openings.

Sanitation Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During

Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases

367. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Sanitation Subproject during the Construction

Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 48: Matrix of Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Sanitation Subproject





Site development (earth-movement and civil works) – WWTP and Sewer Pipelaying










152








People Community and Occupational Safety and Health impacts





















• Compliance with DOLE Department Order 13, which specifies provisions for safety of

153





operators of heavy equipment and the regular inspection and maintenance of equipment by certified mechanics and operators. This is to ensure that all equipment will work properly during operation of which to avoid threats to the operator himself and workers on site.

















a. Land

368. Soil erosion and sedimentation. Earthworks will be carried out during dry periods as

much as possible to avoid erosion especially after heavy rains. Before construction, contractors

will include site-specific drainage and soil erosion control measures as part of their work plan,

which may include the following:

154

• Implement construction in staged sections, with one section completed and stabilized

before beginning the next;

• Construct intercepting channels and drains to prevent runoff entering construction

sites and to divert runoff from sites to existing drainage or open ground;

• Stabilize all cut slopes, embankments, and other erosion-prone working areas;

• Provide temporary detention ponds or containment to control silt runoff;

• Strip and stockpile topsoil, and cover (by geotechnical cloth) or seed temporary soil

stockpiles; and

• Properly slope or re-vegetate disturbed surfaces e.g., pipeline trenches and cut banks.

369. Loss of vegetation. Land clearing will entail the removal of some vegetation onsite to

make way for the project facilities. This impact will be limited to the site development area and

only where necessary. The surrounding vegetation may be preserved to act as natural buffer zone

for the project site. Cutting of trees will be done in accordance with the terms and conditions

stipulated in the permits issued for the project. Management plans and protection/conservation

strategies may also be implemented.

370. Threat to biodiversity. To identify and address potential risks to biodiversity in the project

area during the Construction Phase, the Proponent shall establish a monitoring system for

reporting and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and coordinate with DENR-


necessary.




372. Generation of excavation/construction spoils and debris. Earth movement and civil

works have the potential to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of

excavation and construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the

start of construction activities. The project will require the contractors to submit a plan for the

disposal of excess excavation spoils; and undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites prior to actual construction.





Construction Phase. Below is a simplified Waste Management Flow during the Construction

Phase:

• Solid waste generated are collected within the site;

155

• Reusable and recyclable waste materials are placed in the Materials Recovery Facility

(MRF) and may be sold to local junkshop; and

• Residual (non-recyclable) wastes are collected and disposed through an authorized

third-party service provider





measures include:


plan;




danger areas;


replacement;


their deployment;









376. Physical cultural resources. There are no identified cultural sites within or near the

proposed locations of the Sanitation Subproject components. Chance-find procedures must be

developed and included in the EMP. In the event that any artifacts are found for instance during

excavation, works in the site will be stooped immediately, the site will be secured and cordoned

off, and the proper authority will be notified (i.e., local government unit or the National Historical

Commission).

156

Water

377. Water logging. Ponding water construction area shall be drained or removed prior to

commencement of the construction activities. Drainage system must be established onsite.

378. Siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water bodies. Earth movement

can potentially result to siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water bodies. To

address this, siltation ponds, silt traps, and erosion barriers may be established, and

silt/sediments shall be removed regularly.

379. Wastewater from equipment cleaning. Improper storage and handling of fuel, as well

as wash-down water for equipment and vehicles could contaminate soil or surface waterways.

Construction may cause a temporary impact on waterways when adjacent to the construction

sites. The following measures will be implemented to minimize impact of water pollution.

• Avoid construction during heavy rains (i.e., minimize works on rainy season, from May

to October);

• Minimize open excavation areas;

• Provide drains to manage runoff entering construction sites;

• Wash water from construction sites will be collected in sedimentation tanks or retention

ponds to remove silts and oil; and

• Storage facilities for fuels, oil, and other hazardous materials will be within secured

areas on impermeable surfaces and provided with bunds and cleanup installations.





Air




Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction

workers.




concrete-mixing; and vehicle and machinery gaseous emissions.

383. The following mitigation measures to reduce impacts on air quality may be implemented:

157


















nighttime;





People

385. Health hazards from dust emissions. PPE, such as N95 masks, shall be provided to

construction workers.




and visitors. Traffic safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction.

387. Disruption of utilities and services. Proposed subprojects with pipe laying and

excavation may disrupt existing utilities during construction. Construction activities may affect the

existing water supply, electricity post, and communication lines. Prior to construction activities,

the project will:

158

• Coordinate with utility providers to obtain information about locations of services and

utilities;

• Coordinate with the other utility companies regarding potential disruptions;

• Make provisions to preserve the operation of current facilities; and,

• Notify affected households and establishments well in advance of disruptions.

388. Community and occupational safety and health risks. Environmental, health and

safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction, such as but not limited

to the following: (i) requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE; (ii) supervision of all civil and

electro-mechanical works by trained engineers; and (iii) provision of first-aid stations, safety

equipment and signage in working areas COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face

mask and social distancing, shall likewise be observed at all times.







390. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Sanitation Subproject during the Operations

Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 49: Impacts of the proposed Sanitation Subproject during the Operations Phase





WWTP Operation and Maintenance including Septic Tank Desludging




Development and implementation of a Hazardous Waste Management Plan that complies with RA 6969


Operations manual will be followed to ensure that effluent from the two STPs meets government standards as well as proper treatment and disposal of residual sludge


Proper and regular maintenance of standby generator set and service vehicles


Coordination with the host municipal and barangay LGUs for the implementation of a traffic management scheme


Provision of proper training on occupational health and safety Provision of PPE

159





Regular health check-up for the personnel










a. Land

391. The proposed Sanitation Subproject may entail the following impacts on Land during its

Operations Phase:

392. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Operations and maintenance activities and

personnel will generate solid wastes, which will be managed in accordance with the Solid Waste

Management Plan consistent with the local disposal regulations and the Ecological Solid Waste

Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003).




Water

394. Generation of effluent. Potential sources of water pollution during operations are leaks

from sewage pipes and improper treatment of sewage, septage and backwash water. Septage

spills from septic tank desludging activities due to accidents can seriously threaten the health and

safety of personnel and the residents nearby.

395. To further assess the impact of potential discharges to the coastal area, a simplified two-

dimensional transport-dispersion model was applied to predict the likely degree of pollution from

the potential discharges the study area under a worst scenario event of easterly and

southwesterly wind forcing. Figure 48 presents the location map and computational domain for

the study area.

160

Figure 48: Study Area for the Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model in Coron

Note: Maps generated by Study Team thru Google Earth

161

396. The mesh for the computational domain forming triangular elements was generated by

inserting at least 400 nodes within the study area. The open sea boundary was specified by tidal

variations that approximate a sinusoidal function. The model was then run for the predominant

eastern wind direction at an average wind speed of 5 meters per second (m/s) during summer,

and southwesterly wind direction at an average wind speed of 3 m/s. For transport dispersion

study, it is assumed that the discharges an initial pollutant load of 100 units. The volumetric decay

parameter of fecal coliform is set to 1.3 x 10-4 per second, assuming a T90 of 5 hours based on

the literature value.

397. The numerical model solves shallow water flow and transport equations using Galerkin

finite element method. The shallow-water hydrodynamic equations used for depth average flow

consist of the equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. This assumption

is reasonable for the study area as the depth of flow is small compared with the horizontal length

scales involved, resulting to depth-average equations. The flows are approximated in a numerical

finite element grid and calculated based on information on the bathymetry, bed resistance

coefficients, wind field and boundary conditions.

398. The transport-dispersion model simulates the spreading of a substance in the environment

under the influences of the fluid flow and existing dispersion processes including the decay of the

contaminant. The transport equation is given by the following equation:

Figure 50: Transport-Dispersion Model Equation

𝝏𝑪𝝏𝒕 = 𝑫𝒙 𝝏𝟐𝑪𝝏𝒙𝟐 + 𝑫𝒚 𝝏𝟐𝑪𝝏𝒚𝟐 − 𝑼𝝏𝑪𝝏𝒙 − 𝑽𝝏𝑪𝝏𝒙 + 𝑾− 𝜶𝑪

Where: C = Pollutant Concentration U and V = Velocity in the x and y-direction within each element taken from the

solution of the hydrodynamic model

Dx = Longitudinal Dispersion Coefficient Dy = Transversal Dispersion Coefficient W = Pollutant Loading Rate α = Volumetric Decay Parameter

As for the far-field dispersion such as that of fecal coliform (FC), α is computed from ln(10)/T90. Note that T90 is the time needed for 90% of the FC to die off. Thus, this transport water quality model

simulates the fate of a substance, such as FC, in the water environment under the influence of tidal

flows and dispersion processes and subject to the FC die-off.

Source: Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model for Coron, 2020

399. Results obtained from the transport-dispersion model for fecal coliform in Coron study

area is shown Error! Reference source not found. and summarized below.

162

400. For the STP and multiple discharge scenarios under the easterly wind forcing, the general

direction of the spreading moves toward the northwest and southwest of the discharge with mixing

along the current direction. The predicted pattern of plume dispersion under an easterly wind

during summer suggests the impact would extend to the whole study area under a worst scenario

of multiple discharges. On the other hand, for the STP and multiple discharge scenarios under

the southwesterly wind forcing, the predicted pattern of plume dispersion is similar to that of the

easterly wind forcing but with more pronounced dispersion eastward.

Figure 51: Predicted Fecal Coliform Dispersion in Coron Study Area

(a) Predicted fecal coliform dispersion in terms of percentage of the initial pollutant load (% load)

from STP discharges after 1 day of simulation for easterly (left) and southwesterly (right) wind forcing

Easterly Wind Forcing

Southwesterly Wind Forcing

(b) Predicted fecal coliform dispersion in terms of percentage of the initial pollutant load (% load) from

multiple inland discharges after 1 day of simulation for easterly (left) and southwesterly (right) wind forcing



(c) Predicted fecal coliform dispersion in terms of percentage of the initial pollutant load (% load) from

multiple outfall discharges after 1 day of simulation for easterly (left) and southwesterly (right) wind forcing



Source: Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model for Coron 2020 Note: These predictions using a simplified transport model would require validation once site-specific data become available. Further refinement of the model including the assumptions used for simulation are required in future works.

163

401. To minimize potential impacts to water quality, the following mitigating measures may be

implemented:

• Ensure proper operation of the treatment facilities and regular monitoring of effluent

streams;

• Provision of spill control and cleaning equipment in vacuum trucks;




• Regular inspection and maintenance of pumping systems and emergency backup

systems to ensure that these are in good working conditions;

• Written standard operating procedures manual to be available at the facilities to

provide guidance to the wastewater system staff on how to handle unplanned outages

and emergencies.

402. Generation of sludge. Prior to disposal, sludges must comply with the Toxicity

Characteristics Leaching Procedure (TCLP) limits specified in DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures

and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes) previously presented in Section II-

B.5 of this IEE Report.

Air

403. Generation of gaseous pollutants. During operation, possible sources of air pollution

are the following: gaseous pollutants emitted from the sewage lift stations and WWTP. Other

nuisance may come from the operation of generator sets especially during power outages.

Mitigating measures may include the following:

• Ensure proper operation of the treatment facilities and inspection of conditions of lift

stations;




• Proper and regular maintenance of generator sets.

People

404. The proposed Sanitation Subproject may entail the following impacts on People during its

Construction Phase:

405. Emission of unpleasant/nuisance odors. Odorous components are usually limited to

the inlet works, pumping stations, intermediate sewage or sludge wet wells, and sludge

processing units. Activated sludge tanks, as well as secondary clarifiers, are usually not

concerned if well operated (aerobic conditions).

164

406. In order to prevent from odor formation, some general design rules and standards

practices are taken into account such as the implementation of the odor management plan,

avoiding the exposure of raw sludge to the atmosphere, tanks covering under negative ventilation,

minimal sludge and wastewater retention times within the storage tanks or pumping stations and

avoiding turbulence.

407. Furthermore, as the treatment facility is located within an area of high potential for tourism,

an exhaust air control unit will be installed aiming at minimizing the air pollutants from the inlet

works, the storage of treatment by-products (screenings, grease, sludge) and sludge dewatering

building. An activated carbon filter will be implemented.

408. Traffic congestion during leak repair. Pipe maintenance activities may cause temporary

obstruction along the road along which the water lines are located. A traffic management scheme

shall be implemented in coordination with the concerned barangay/s to improve traffic flow

efficiency and promote road safety during maintenance activities.

409. Community and occupational safety and health risks. Sewage spills due to accidents

can seriously threaten the health and safety of personnel. Methane gas may accumulate within

the confined spaces of the structure and may be explosive in certain concentrations range. To

address the health and safety risk of the sewerage system:

• facility hazards identification will be conducted during the initial operation phase of the

pumping stations and updated as necessary;

• a written facility health and safety manual will be prepared.

• training of workers and managers on how to prevent and respond to accidents and

emergencies.

410. Environmental, health and safety protocols should be observed at all times during the

conduct of maintenance activities, such as but not limited to the following: (i) requiring all

personnel to wear proper PPE; and (iii) provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and

signage in working areas. COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face mask and social

distancing, shall likewise be observed at all times.

411. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Sanitation Subproject during the

Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 50: Matrix of Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Sanitation Subproject





Decommissioning Land Generation of demolition debris and solid wastes


165





Termination People Loss of employment Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment Provision of compensation for affected personnel/re-training if possible

a. Land



413. Generation of demolition debris and solid wastes. Demolition activities will generate

debris and solid wastes. Improper disposal of such materials can be avoided by addressing the

issue prior to the start of construction activities. The project will:

• Require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of demolition debris;

• Undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites prior to actual demolition.

Water

414. The proposed Sanitation Subproject will not entail significant negative impacts on Water


Air

415. The proposed Sanitation Subproject will not entail significant negative impacts on Air


People

416. The proposed Sanitation Supply Subproject may entail the following impacts on People

during its Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase:

417. Loss of employment. Termination of employment is the main impact on People during

the project’s Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase. To address such adverse impact, the

following measures shall be implemented:

• Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment;

• Provision of compensation for affected personnel; and

• If possible, provision of re-training of personnel in preparation for other job openings.

Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures

During Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases

166

Table 51: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject





Earth-movement and civil works




• Securing of Tree Cutting Permit (TCP)






• Installation of silt traps prior to excavation activities









Use of heavy equipment Land Ground vibration • Application of non-vibration techniques during construction, if possible





167



























• Following international best practices on community and occupational health and safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines on

168





Construction and Decommissioning Activities.








a. Land

418. The proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject may entail the following impacts on

Land during its Construction Phase:

(i) Soil erosion/loss of topsoil, loss of vegetation, generation of construction debris, water logging from earth movement and civil works;

(ii) Ground vibration and generation of hazardous wastes (used oil, etc.) from the use of heavy equipment; and

(iii) Generation of domestic solid waste from construction workers.

419. Soil erosion. Earthworks will be carried out during dry periods as much as possible to

avoid erosion especially after heavy rains.

420. Loss of vegetation. Cutting of trees will be done in accordance with the terms and

conditions stipulated in the permits issued for the project. Management plans and

protection/conservation strategies may also be implemented.

421. Generation of construction debris. Earth movement and civil works have the potential

to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of excavation and

construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the start of

construction activities. The project will require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of

excess excavation spoils and undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites prior to actual construction.

169








measures include:


plan;




danger areas;


replacement;


their deployment;













Construction Phase.

Water


Water during its Construction Phase:

(i) Possible siltation and increase of turbidity on nearby surface water due to site development activities; and

(ii) Generation of domestic wastewater by construction workers.

170

427. Siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water. Earth movement can

potentially result to siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water bodies. To address

this, siltation ponds, silt traps, and erosion barriers may be established, and silt/sediments shall

be removed regularly.





Air


Air during its Construction Phase:

(i) Generation of dust from site development activities (earth movement);

(ii) Generation of air emissions and noise from the use of heavy equipment.




PPE, such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction workers.




concrete-mixing; and vehicle and machinery gaseous emissions. The following mitigation

measures to reduce impacts on air quality may be implemented:














171





nighttime;





People


People during its Construction Phase:

(i) Health hazards from dust emissions during site development;

(ii) Increased traffic volume along the access roads to the project site, threat to road/public safety, and community and occupational safety and health risks from the use of heavy equipment; and

(iii) Increased traffic volume along the access roads to the project site, community and occupational safety and health risks, and possible increase in crime incidence with the influx of construction workers.

434. Health hazards from dust emissions. PPE, such as N95 masks, shall be provided to

construction workers.




and visitors. Traffic safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction.

436. Disruption of utilities and services. Proposed subprojects with pipe laying and

excavation may disrupt existing utilities during construction. Construction activities may affect the

existing water supply, electricity post, and communication lines. Prior to construction activities,

the project will:

• Coordinate with utility providers to obtain information about locations of services and

utilities;

• Coordinate with the other utility companies regarding potential disruptions;

• Make provisions to preserve the operation of current facilities; and,

• Notify affected households and establishments well in advance of disruptions.



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equipment and signage in working areas COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face








439. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject

during the Operations Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 52: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject





Drainage System Maintenance










a. Land


Water during its Operations Phase:

441. Generation of solid wastes/garbage from maintenance activities. The project

management shall coordinate with the LGU for the handling, collection, and disposal of solid

waste from routine clean-up and maintenance of the drainage canals.

Water

442. The proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject is not expected to entail significant

negative impacts on Water during its Operations Phase.

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Air


negative impacts on Air during its Operations Phase.

People


People during its Operations Phase:

445. Community and occupational safety and health risks during maintenance activities.

Environmental, health and safety protocols should be observed at all times during the conduct of

maintenance activities, such as but not limited to the following: (i) requiring all personnel to wear

proper PPE; and (iii) provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas.

COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face mask and social distancing, shall likewise be

observed at all times.

446. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject

during the Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 53: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject





Backfilling Land Sourcing of backfill materials

• Coordination with LGU for the source of material

Air Generation of dust • Immediate sprinkling of water to prevent dust re-suspension.


a. Land


Land during its Abandonment Phase:

448. Sourcing of backfill materials. Abandonment of the drainage systems will mainly entail

sourcing and use of backfill materials, which shall be coordinated with the Coron LGU. Backfill

materials shall be free from refuse, large debris that can cause the backfill not to compact.

Water


negative impacts on Water during its Abandonment Phase.

174

Air


Air during its Abandonment Phase:




PPE, such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction workers.

People


negative impacts on People during its Abandonment Phase.

Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Impacts and Mitigating

Measures During Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment

Phases

453. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure

Subproject during the Construction Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 54: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject





Civil works and installation of small-scale infrastructure facilities (Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, Shed House)















• Provision of portalets

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a. Land

454. The proposed Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject may entail the

following impacts on Land during its Construction Phase:

(i) Generation of construction debris and threat to biodiversity from construction activities and civil works; and

(ii) Generation of domestic solid waste by construction workers.

455. Generation of construction debris. Earth movement and civil works have the potential

to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of excavation and

construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the start of

construction activities. The project will require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of

excess excavation spoils and undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites prior to actual construction.

456. Threat to biodiversity. Concerns were raised by stakeholders on the potential impacts

of construction activities to the edible-nest swiftlet population, particularly in the proposed sites

for the tourism support infrastructures. Since the proposed interventions (i.e., Floating

Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, and Shed House) are small in

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scale and will not entail major construction works, significant disturbance to the surrounding

ecology (including the edible-nest swiftlet population) is not expected.

457. To identify and address potential risks to biodiversity in the project area during the

Construction Phase, the Proponent shall establish a monitoring system for reporting and

identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and coordinate with DENR-CENRO and Coron

LGU for implementation of appropriate protection/conservation strategies, if necessary.

458. Generation of domestic solid waste. Aside from construction spoils and debris,




Construction Phase.

Water


following impacts on Water during its Construction Phase:





Air


following impacts on Air during its Construction Phase:

462. Generation of noise. Noise from civil works will be generated but will be temporary and

localized. The following mitigation measures will be implemented: (i) perform noise-generating

activities during daytime; (ii) properly maintain construction equipment to minimize noise; and (iii)

provide appropriate earmuffs/earplugs to workers.

People


following impacts on People during its Construction Phase:





equipment and signage in working areas. COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face


177


Subproject during the Operations Phase are summarized in the following table.

Table 55: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject





Small-Scale Infrastructure Operation and Maintenance (Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, Shed House)

Land, Water, People




Water Management of domestic wastewater









a. Land


following impacts on Land during its Operations Phase:

467. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Tourism activities will generate solid wastes,

which will be managed in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Plan consistent with the

local disposal regulations and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003).

Water


following impacts on Water during its Operations Phase:


expected to be generated with the influx of tourists. Basic housekeeping policies shall be

implemented to keep the sanitation facilities operational.

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Air

470. The proposed Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject is not expected to

entail significant negative impacts on Air during its Operations Phase.

People


entail significant negative impacts on People during its Operations Phase.


Subproject during the Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following

table.

Table 56: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase – Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject





Decommissioning and removal of small-scale infrastructure facilities






Land, Water, People



a. Land


following impacts on Land during its Abandonment Phase:

474. Generation of demolition debris, threat to biodiversity, and generation of hazardous

wastes (PV panels) from decommissioning/demolition activities;

475.

476. Generation of demolition debris. Demolition spoils and debris shall be segregated

according to recyclability and hauled by duly licensed traders.

477. Threat to biodiversity. As with the Construction Phase, potential risks to biodiversity in

the project area are also expected during the project’s Abandonment Phase. To identify and address these risks, the Proponent shall continue implementing a monitoring system for reporting

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and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and maintain coordination with the DENR-


necessary.




Water


entail significant negative impacts on Water during its Abandonment Phase.

Air


entail significant negative impacts on Air during its Abandonment Phase.

People


entail significant negative impacts on People during its Abandonment Phase.

Indirect, Induced and Cumulative Impacts

482. Indirect impacts are adverse and/or beneficial environmental impacts which cannot be

immediately traced to a project activity but can be causally linked. Induced impacts are adverse

and/or beneficial impacts on areas and communities from unintended but predictable

developments caused by a project which may occur later or at a different location. Cumulative

impacts are the combination of multiple impacts from existing projects, the proposed project, and

anticipated future projects that may result in significant adverse and/or beneficial impacts that

would not be expected in case of a stand-alone project.19

483. Indirect and induced impacts. The project is expected to result in few indirect or induced

impacts such as increased urban development in areas where service facilities are improved

which are not consistent with the existing land use plan of the municipality. Such in-migration and

additional stress on resource needs should be further related to the assimilative capacity of Coron.

484. Cumulative impacts. During construction period, other infrastructure projects such as

road repair or road widening activities may be implemented the same time with the proposed

subprojects. As such, potential localized impacts may be felt to a greater extent in the project

influence areas (i.e., additional dust generation from road construction).

19 ADB. 2011. Sourcebook for Safeguard Requirement 1: Environment. ADB, Manila.

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Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

485. The following discussions are the considerations for climate change resilience.

486. The design and construction will follow the ADB Guidelines on Climate Proofing

Investment in the Water Sector: Water Supply and Sanitation.

487. When carrying out the detailed assessment of the adequacy of supply from Kadyang Falls,

a 10% drop in average precipitation will be incorporated in the modeling of the potential water

supply.

488. During extreme weather when the intake is exposed to flooding, installation of 1.5 x 0.5 m

silt traps (Coanda screen) at the upstream of the river will protect the water supply from turbidity.

489. The proposed sections of water pipeline near the coastline of Poblacion 5, Poblacion 3

and on the inner side of the harbor in Poblacion 2 that will become increasingly exposed to high

tide events as sea level rises, will be protected to some extent as mechanisms are developed to

protect the urban infrastructure through improvements to coastal structures as sea level

inundation occurs. The proposed extension of the water pipeline to Tagumpay and the design of

general waterfront infrastructure in this area will incorporate coastal protection.

490. As sea level rises, parts of the current pipe network will become exposed to sea water

contamination through degraded or damaged pipes, and the entire network near the coastline

should be assessed.

491. The proposed water transmission main route along the lower boundary of a moderate

landslide area is located alongside a major road and the pipe can be expected to be protected

along with other urban infrastructure.

492. The small section of the proposed water transmission line for treated water is located in

steep erosion-prone area. Soil condition in this section is a sandy clay type that easily to erode if

disturb by excavation work of pipeline trenching. Clearing work on top of the drainage line berm

and covering of pipeline with concrete are the adaptation strategies in this landslide prone area.

493. The route of the proposed water transmission main crosses a number of streams and in

the urban center the main and other pipes cross the creek/drains. Pipeline river crossing structure

will be constructed along waterways.

494. Much of the proposed sewage lines are not exposed to sea level rise and most is not

exposed to storm surge. However, two pumping stations and nearby pipes, being at the lowest

levels and near the coast, will be increasingly exposed to high tide events and will require

protection from inundation during storm surge and extreme high tides. The pumping stations will

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be constructed on concrete structure elevated at min 1.5m above sea level to be protected from

flooding. Pumps selected will be rated for flood protection. Any sewage lines that cross streams

and drains will require protection from floods, with the designed flood level 12% higher than at

present.

495. Both sites of Coron Center WWTP and Tagumpay WWTP site are located in high elevation

area, thus it would require an assessment of local slope stability and hydrology at the final

engineering stage.

496. The improvements to the drainage are in themselves a climate change adaptation. By

improving and reconnecting drains, the ability of the city to recover from high rainfall events will

be improved. In the future the drainage infrastructure will cater to higher flood levels across the

city and higher sea level at all outlets along the coast. The design of the proposed drainage

infrastructure used a rainfall amount based on the 10-year return period as used by DPWH (the

authority designing the highway). The stream flow used in the design will account for extreme

rainfall events 12% greater than the current event size to incorporate larger extreme rainfall.

497. The drainage network is exposed to sea level rise and storm surge close to the coast but,

the improved/rehabilitated structures are designed to be under water. All structures near the coast

are designed for a sea level rise of 0.2 m by 2040.

498. To further protect the drainage network close to the coast from storm surge and coastal

flooding, the illegal structures in the mangroves (e.g., Poblacion area) will be removed and infilled

with seedlings. Behind the mangroves, any land between 0 and 1 masl will be set aside for retreat

and will be infilled with facultative mangroves (e.g., nipa and native plants). This will be done by

the LGU of Coron.

499. Short sections of some drains are located downslope of areas designated as moderately

exposed to landslide, and slopes nearby drains in these sections will be monitored for stability.

500. By assisting the Coron LGU to develop climate change sensitive planning, the project has

been designed to decrease the sensitivity of Coron to the impacts of Climate Change, to improve

the resilience of the community, and to improve the adaptive capacity of the LGU and the

community. Each component contributes to improving increase the capacity of Coron to adapt to

climate change in a number of ways; by improving health and wellbeing, reducing negative health

impacts, improve the ability of HHs to prepare for and recover from Typhoons and other disasters,

improving ability to grow gardens, and contribute to retaining visitors for longer thus improving

incomes.

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501. The government of the Philippines has a number of national strategies to reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, and where possible these will be incorporated into the project. Some

of the project components also contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

502. General mitigation measures developed by the National government such as the use of

biofuels, light vehicle technologies, four-stroke tricycles will be used as part of the overall project

strategy where possible and will contribute to mitigation. Road / improvement and maintenance

is also an important mitigation strategy by reducing fuel use through transport inefficiencies. The

concentration of tourism infrastructure and improvements to the functioning of the tourist port will

also reduce the need for transport and encourage walking.

503. Trees that are planted as part of the touristic improvements will act as a CO2 sink.

504. The waste management project components, including composting of organic waste;

controlled wastewater treatment; recycling and waste minimization are greenhouse gas emission

reduction strategies. In particular emissions of the more potent greenhouse gases methane and

N2O from anaerobic decomposition will be reduced. Emissions of CO2 and pollutants from

burning rubbish will be reduced.

505. Agricultural mitigation includes improved crop and grazing land management to increase

soil carbon storage; restoration of cultivated degraded lands; improved rice cultivation techniques

and livestock and manure management to reduce CH4 emissions; improved nitrogen fertilizer

application techniques to reduce N2O emissions, and improvements in crop yields.

Social and Gender

506. Access to safe water supply is an issue in Coron where most residents depend on

domestic water from refilling stations for drinking water. Others from rural barangays still source

out their water supply from dug wells, streams and rivers posing adverse impacts to the health

conditions of the population particularly children and the elderly. Women, too, as the nurturer of

the household’s health well-being are burdened by taking care of sick members whilst also having

problems with how to manage household coffers. Accordingly, significant numbers of households

do not connect to the water supply system by the two private providers because of poor service

delivery and the poor quality of potable water. Others are poor and could not afford the monthly

water fee.

507. The project will construct and improve the water supply facilities in Coron and this is

foreseen to have adverse impacts to the population especially the vulnerable group such as

exposure to dust, noise, bad smell from chemicals/fuel and muddy environment resulting in an

increase in the incidence of respiratory tract-related diseases. Likewise, an emergence of traffic

and other accidents affecting mobility of children to schools, women to markets and the elderly to

hospitals. Workers, too, will take longer time to travel to their workplaces.

183

508. To ensure that these anticipated adverse impacts are mitigated, there is a need for the

project to:

• conduct separate regular consultations with men and women during the technical

design stage to draw from them their views and opinions on the preferred features of

the water supply facilities since men and women have different preferences and

demands and that both will equally benefit from the completed project; also to gather

their recommendations on the measures to mitigate the adverse impacts;

• consider proximity of level II water systems (communal faucets) to the location of

houses of beneficiaries to ensure safety of women and girls who will fetch water

particularly at nighttime.

• during construction, a pre-construction conference should be held attended by men

and women to present the program of work (PoW), the social safeguards plans (RP,

EMP and IPDP), including the GAP so that beneficiaries are aware of these and

support project staffs in monitoring of the safeguards plans implementation,

• labor core issues on child labor, involvement of women as unskilled workers but

ensuring their safety and health in a sanitary workplace;

• due to influx of construction workers from outside of Coron, likely incidence of human

trafficking (sexual harassment, rape), emergence of diseases such as HIV/AIDs and

STIs, hence, project to embark on an information dissemination campaign to men and

women, girls and boys as well as the civil works contractors and their workers to raise

awareness on these social and health issues; hence preventing their incidence

• construction schedule to consider peak hours during the day when there is an

increased mobility/movement among people and the sleeping time/rest hours at night

and during daytime;

• Contractor to install safety signages and lights in construction sites; planks in areas

where people and pedestrians walk/traverse.

• O&M policies to include local ordinances for the safety and upkeep of the completed

facilities; charging of affordable user fees to defray expenses for O&M ; and formation

of a group to upkeep the water supply facilities e.g. monitor water quality, monitor

functionality of structures etc.

509. Access to sanitary toilets and sewerage facilities such as WWTPs are important social

and community needs to ensure a healthy atmosphere in the home and good community hygiene

and sanitation. As found out, although most, households have pour flush and pit latrine toilets,

there are no septic tanks built in these toilet facilities particularly those houses in the coastal areas

whose outfall is the Coron Bay contaminating the waters in the bay affecting aquatic resources.

These are hygiene and sanitation issues which will be addressed by the project. Safeguards

considerations during the design, construction and operation and maintenance phases (O&M) of

the project cycle are necessary to ensure community health and hygiene conditions among

project beneficiaries in the area. These safeguards measures include:

510. During the design stage:

184

• Ensure that septic tanks will be constructed away from water supply sources with a

25-m radius as per WHO standards;

• Available lands legally owned by the household owner where the toilet facilities will be

put up or in lands illegally occupied by informal settlers, however ensure appropriate

compensation package and relocation schemes for affected households/persons and

additional compensation for affected vulnerable group;

• Separate toilets for women and men in public toilets to be constructed which are well-

illuminated for safety at night of women and girls as well as with a steady supply of

water, equipped with wash basin and trash bins; and toilet bowls must consider safety

and specific needs of girl, children, elderly women/men, persons with disabilities and

LGBTS, the doors of public toilets must not face busy streets.

• Design consideration on the topography and slope of land where sanitation facilities

will be constructed to address issues of stagnant waters which invite vectors like

mosquitoes carrying malaria and hemorrhagic dengue fever as well as likely flooding

during the rainy season. These measures to be discussed during public consultations

with women and men and the vulnerable group during the design stage

511. During construction

• The project, through implementation of its stakeholders’ communication strategy

(SCS) must convene all women and men, vulnerable group to a pre-construction

conference to present and discuss the program of work (POW); safeguards plans (RP,

EMP, IPDP); women’s participation as unskilled construction workers and the labor core issues as one GAP performance target;

• Conduct of information dissemination on the social issues i.e. Gender-based violence

in the construction sites (human trafficking, rape, sexual harassment), socially related

diseases such as HIV/AIDS and STIs;

• Health and hygiene information dissemination to school children, barangay

constituents supported by IEC materials produced in the local dialect spoken and

locally context with the culture and traditions of IPs;

• Formation of a community-based construction monitoring group with multi-sector

representation (women, men, IPs youth) as support to the project management and

construction supervisor/consultant; and

• Timely response to complaints and grievances as well as compensation payments of

affected households and persons particularly those affected households headed by

vulnerable group

512. During O&M

• Formation of an all-women’s O&M group for upkeep of public toilets;

• O&M ordinances for the safety of users and protection of the facilities from vandals;

• Charging a minimal and affordable user fee for use of the public toilets;

• Regular maintenance of the WWTPS charged to funds of the O&M operator after

handover; and

185

• Regular sludging of the septic tanks to ensure their life span; regulate volume of

human waste/sludge

513. STDP will install new drainage lines and rehabilitation of existing lines estimated total

length is 23 km in Poblacion 1-6 and Tagumpay, the urban barangays. Construction and

rehabilitation activities will experience some negative impacts to the residents as well as to the

immediate environment unless safeguards measures are installed to avoid or minimize these

impacts. Among others, these negative impacts could be the following:

• Non-involvement of project beneficiaries during the design of the drainage facilities

where their needs and preferences as well as experiences in the use of the existing

drainage facilities for rehabilitation were not captured by design engineers; Design

process highly technical in nature and not socio-technical endangering beneficiary

ownership and safekeeping of completed facilities during O&M;

• No regular community information dissemination on status of design and construction

activities resulting in fake news, fears, doubts and speculations among beneficiaries

which may adversely affect beneficiary support and commitment to the project

• exposure to noise, dust, bad smell from chemicals/fuel and muddy areas in the

construction site resulting in impacts to health of local residents especially children

and the elderly i.e. rise in the incidence of respiratory diseases such cough, colds,

fever and allergy to dust;

• Health impacts of environmental hazards to household members become a burden to

women whose reproductive gender role demands taking care of sick family members.

Likewise, as the household’s financial manager, her difficulty in allocating funds for

health purposes from the meagre household income.

• Risk to traffic accidents and congestions affecting mobility to and from places within

the area of beneficiaries particularly women, children, elderly and PWDs

514. In response to the abovementioned issues, the following safeguards measures will be

employed:

515. During the design stage:

• Drainage routes must not pass through densely populated areas where more physical

and economic assets will be impacted and as much as possible avoid land acquisition;

location will be in public lands;

• Conduct public consultations to gather comments and recommendations of the

beneficiaries on the best design features of the drainage facilities considering their

experiences with flooding

• Embark on an information dissemination activity to disclose to beneficiaries the

detailed engineering design and get their comments before this is finalized;

• Design consideration on the topography and slope of land where drainage facilities

will be constructed to address technical issues such as backflows and capacity of the

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drainage pipes to hold large volumes of storm run off during heavy rains to prevent

massive flooding; location of drainage outfalls to consider soil types to avoid erosion

and heavy siltation.

516. During construction

• The project, through implementation of its stakeholders communication strategy (SCS)

must convene all women and men, vulnerable group to a pre-construction conference

to present and discuss the program of work (POW); the safeguards plans (RP, EMP,

IPDP) ; women’s participation as unskilled construction workers and the labor core issues as one GAP performance target ;

• Conduct of information dissemination on the social issues i.e. Gender-based violence

in the construction sites (human trafficking, rape, sexual harassment), socially related

diseases such as HIV/AIDS and STIs;

• Formation of a community-based construction monitoring group with multi-sector

representation (women, men, IPs youth) to support project management and

construction supervisor/consultant;

• Timely response to complaints and grievances as well as compensation payments of

affected households and persons particularly those affected households headed by

vulnerable group;

• Civil works contractor to install safety signages and lighting along construction routes;

install planks in areas where there are households and business establishments to

ensure that daily activities are not disrupted and that movements of people are not

stifled.

• Construction schedule to consider peak hours during the day when there is an

increased mobility/movement among people and the sleeping time/rest hours at night

and during daytime;

• Regular tripartite coordination meetings among contractor, project management and

construction supervisor/consultant to ensure no delays/slippage in construction

schedules; meetings to focus on beneficiaries’ views and complaints; status of

physical and financial accomplishments as per Pert-CPM and the POW.

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VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES

Water Supply Subproject

517. Water Source/Intake. The area below the Kadyang Falls has already been partially

developed with a weir and small intake structure for an existing rural waterworks system,

supplying 2,592 m3/day during the dry season. This amount, plus the water available at

Mabentagen Dam, will be barely adequate to meet the demand of Coron’s urban area. Kadyang

Falls plays an essential role for the residents of San Nicolas because it serves as a resource of

water for domestic use.

518. The estimated amount of water will not meet future demand in 2025 if the areas

surrounded by the Kadyang Falls already use this water. This will have a direct impact on those

areas (e.g., San Nicolas) by creating an unintended water shortage and maybe a future conflict.

Allowance for environmental flows and the existing rural water supply project in San Nicolas being

supplied from Kadyang Falls need to be taken into account. During the detailed design phase, an

environmental flow (e-flows) and sustainability analysis will be undertaken to ensure that the water

withdrawal from the source will not impact downstream ecology and socio-economic uses and

users. From these e-flows and sustainability analysis, the final detailed design of the water supply

system will provide the limit of withdrawal at various seasons of the year, especially during the

low flow season.

519. The Kadyang Falls is the nearest and most practical location to source raw water for the

municipality of Coron. As evidenced by the results of water quality analyses (see Section IV) on

surface waters in the area, the water from the Kadyang Falls has the best quality in terms of

microbiological parameter, which is one of the most important quality parameter for drinking water.

Other surface waters are proven to be very high in terms of coliform count, primarily due to

agricultural and domestic discharges along these bodies of water.

520. Water Treatment Plant Sites. Two sites were identified during the field survey as being

feasible for the construction of the WTP (private sites). The land-use type in the areas is almost

forest. The two sites identified are not near or within any ecologically sensitive areas as these are

located in the Multiple Use Zone of the island where development activities may be undertaken.

These sites are also located away from the coast and the impacts of sea level rise and storm

surge is unlikely (see Figure 26 and Figure 27 for the sea level rise hazard map and storm surge

hazard map, respectively). The sites are also moderately susceptible to landslide (see Figure 28

for the landslide hazard map). However, site 1 is already occupied: involuntary resettlement or

displacement of the affected population is required in this case.

521. Involuntary resettlement and impacts on land, structures, and other assets and income

will be avoided and minimized as much as possible, making the site 2 most preferred since it is

currently unoccupied. Only limited and temporally negative impacts are expected during the

construction phase, but it concerns both sites.

188

522. Other Auxiliaries. The proposed transmission route has been defined with the aim to

avoid settlements and to minimize the resettlement of people.

523. The new water storage tanks will be constructed near Mabentagen Dam and will require

a total area of 1,225 m², with none involving relocation: two sites were selected (private sites).

524. Because usually there will not be permanent supervision of the site, the intake structure

is designed to minimize the maintenance requirements during the year. One important aspect is

to ensure that particles (debris or silt particles > 1mm) are screened before being conveyed to the

transmission. Accordingly, three main options for intake types have been analyzed:

525. Flat Plate Downward Sloping Screens. Flow distribution through the flat plate downward

sloping screen is often not uniform since the water depth over the upstream end of the screen is

more significant than over the downstream end. This obviously occurs because water is removed

from the column as it passes over the screen. The extra depth at the upstream end provides

additional head that drives more water through that portion of the screen. The extra depth and

associated flow concentration are often made worse by the hydraulics of the transition onto the

screen.

526. Contoured Sloping Screens. Contoured downward sloping screen has been built in

segments, so, as the flow changes, more or fewer screen segments are operated. The Coanda

feature helps correct the non-uniformity of flow distribution. The Coanda shape is designed to

follow more or less the nappe of water as if it were free spilling. By following that contour, the

head driving flow through the screen can be more uniform.

527. Upward Sloping Screens. Upward Sloping Fixed Plate Screen. This is the reverse of

downward slanted screens; its profile rises in the direction of the water flow. Water does not drop

through the screen; the screen is backwatered from below. Water drops over the downstream

end of the screen creating the debris bypass. The downstream end of the screen might narrow

gradually to reduce the bypass dimension and, therefore, the bypass flow. This kind of intake is

more straightforward than traditional intakes in three ways: (i) no moving parts, (ii) no

sophisticated secondary filtration, and (iii) low maintenance.

528. Pipe in Trench. In “the pipe in trench” solution, the pipe will be buried in an excavated trench. In sections of the pipeline, it will have to be supported by piles due to weak soil. In the

areas where the groundwater is high, the pipe will be backed against uplift. This can be achieved

by approximately 2-m earth cover, but further anchoring may be necessary (this may also act as

anchoring against uplift where piling is used). Construction of a pipe in the trench shall take into

account the high groundwater and poor soil conditions. Construction will be limited to the dry

season (approximately six months a year). Once the pipe is buried, it will need little operation and

maintenance. Access for inspection and cleaning arrangements shall be installed for routine

189

maintenance; however, the system shall be designed to minimize such maintenance (e.g. by

keeping a high water velocity in the pipeline).

529. Pipe on Surface. In this option, the pipe is constructed at the surface level and supported

by concrete pillars. The solution will remove complications related to excavation of the trench,

and installation will be easier than for a pipe in a trench. However, there are distinct disadvantages

in this solution: The pipe will effectively be a barrier throughout the land and restrict movement

across the line, although installing crossings arrangements could mitigate this. The pipe will be

highly visible and may be a solid waste disposal or the target of vandalism with a severe impact

on the water supply to Coron.

530. Pipe Material. Several types of pipe material have been considered to achieve the

optimum combination of strength, hydraulic performance, and cost (including installation costs).

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), and galvanized steel (GI) in diameters ranging from

DN50 to DN150 were mainly used in the present. Pipes that are manufactured in Philippines are

given preference. At present, the pipes made in the Philippines are High-Density Polyethylene

Pipes (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (PVC), Iron Pipes (GI) and Steel pipes. Other materials

usually applied in pipelines for water supply are concrete pipes, cast iron, and glass-reinforced

plastic (GRP).

531. Intake. The following table shows the main advantage and disadvantages of the proposed

intake options.

Table 57: Least-Cost Technically Feasible Option

Screen Type Advantage + Disadvantage - Downward flat plate screen

• Automatic cleaning device (no required maintenance)

• Ease of construction

++ • Non-distribution flow across the screen if the water depth of the upstream end being more significant than that at the downstream end.

• Require up to a meter of head to operate successfully.

--

Downward sloping plate screen

• Automatic cleaning device

• Uniform flow distribution through the screen

• Debris is automatically swept off the screen

• Ease of construction

+++ • Require up to a meter of head to operate successfully.

-

Upward Sloping Fixed Plate Screen

• Uniform flow distribution through the screen

• The screen is relatively simple

++ • Debris is not automatically swept off the screen. Require an automatic cleaning device that can add significantly to the cost of the screen.

-

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532. Transmission Lines. The transmission line, including pipe cost, accounts for a large part

of the overall estimate, and any savings in the transmission line will have an impact on the total

cost. The primary considerations were on DI and HDPE/PVC pipes, although GRP and concrete

pipes were also considered. HDPE, PVC, and GRP are typically unaffected by water. GI and Steel

are affected by the aggressivity of water. However, steel pipes can be epoxy coated and cement

lined and therefore protected from the water. GI, though protected by galvanizing zinc, are more

vulnerable to aggressive water than the coated steel. Concrete pipes are not suitable because

their hydraulic properties are inferior to those of Steel, HDPE, PVC, and GRP. Besides, they are

cumbersome to install and are readily affected by the aggressivity of water.

533. Concrete pipes are not recommended due to its high weight, lower hydraulic parameters,

and the need for corrosion protection (the raw water is corrosive in the wet season). Furthermore,

the cost of concrete pipes is not lower than GRP pipes if manufactured under controlled conditions

with the proper required surface protection. HDPE is superior to PVC because it is a softer, more

bendable plastic than PVC. It doesn’t need sand bed, but sieved earth. Finally, easier to install,

quicker than PVC and even cheaper according to the gain of time and no need to put sand bed.

Additionally, it has higher strength, is harder, and can withstand higher temperatures and more

abrasion than PVC. It can be delivered in longer standard lengths; therefore, fewer joints and

lower transport costs, its use of fusion-welded joints offers significantly improved leak tightness

over PVC. Some of the main factors that affect the other considered pipe materials are compared

in the following table.

Table 58: Pipe Material Comparison

Features Steel GRP HDPE

Corrosion protection

Need for linings, coatings, cathodic protection,

cement lining, wraps or other protection, wraps or other forms of corrosion

protection

Not required Not required

Hydraulic characteristics

Declines over time. Essentially constant over

time. Essentially constant over

Time.

Higher friction Low friction loss because of extremely smooth bore

Low friction loss because of extremely smooth bore

Accommodates only small changes in line direction

without fittings or differential settlement.

Accommodates only small changes in line direction


Accommodates larger changes in line direction


Jointing Spigot and Socket Reka Coupling fusion-welded joints offer

significantly improved leak tightness

Handling

Nestable, therefore, has low transport costs

Can be rolled therefore has low transport costs

Heavy Lightweight less

expensive handling equipment

Lightweight less expensive handling

equipment

6m and 12m lengths Long standard lengths, therefore, fewer joints

Long standard lengths, therefore, fewer joints

Manufacturing Local Imported to confirm Local

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Features Steel GRP HDPE

Cost Median Highest Lowest

534. Intake. The intake option downward slopping plate screen is preferred due to its simple

construction, hydraulic performance, ease of maintenance, and lowest cost. Construction must

take place in the dry season when the water level is low, which limits the period for installation. A

concrete chamber will be constructed beneath the screen, where water is gravity-diverted to the

WTP via the DN290.

535. Pipe Installation and Materials. It is recommended to construct the pipes in an

excavated trench by the side of the road. Effectively this will result in the closing of parts of the

roads during the construction periods and relocation of affected traffic for periods up to several

months for each section. Pipes will be PE for initial diameters up to 80 mm, and larger pipes are

generally HDPE up to DN300. Larger diameters (DN350 and upwards) are Steel (St) or ductile

iron (DI) pipes.

536. Steel pipes are also considered in sections where: (i) The static hydraulic pressure in the

pipe exceeds 25 bars, (ii) the required pipe diameter exceeds that of locally manufactured PVC

pipes, (iii) the required pipe diameter exceeds that of locally manufactured PVC pipes, (iv) there

is a road, a river, or ditch crossing, (v) the ground is exceptionally rocky or exceptionally soft, and

(vi) aboveground pipelines are required. Steel pipes used in the design have both internal and

external protection, i.e. epoxy or cement lined internal coating and epoxy outer coating.

537. WTP Site. To avoid any involuntary resettlement or displacement of the affected

population and the cost of such operations, it is recommended to build the WTP on unoccupied

land (Option 2). This final recommendation is subject to land availability and area.

Sewerage System Subproject

538. Location and Topography. A topography survey was realized in March 2020. Design of

gravity and pumping mains is based on this survey. The topographic survey shows that a full

gravity system is not feasible in the site area to convey sewerage flows in the WWTP. Sewer lines

are expected to follow existing or projected road alignments. PS will be sited within roads right of

way where all other services (power, water and communications) are currently located.

539. The routing of sewer mains in Coron urban center shall follow the main roads. All

sewerage flow will be conveyed to the proposed PS and then pumping mains shall convey

wastewater flows to the WWTP located on the available sites: RAC Site and Tagumpay via

Busuanga Road.

540. Pumping mains length, between the PS and the connected downstream gravity lines, is

reduced to a minimum with detailed topographical survey information. The main purpose of such

arrangements is to reduce energy consumption at the PS and to avoid septic conditions in the

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pumped sewage flow at minimum flow conditions. Each PS shall be equipped with the following

utilities: (i) Power Supply to the grid, (ii) Water Supply, and (iii) Overflow connection to the nearest

drainage system. Pumping Stations PS3 and PS4 are subject to Coastal Flooding. As their

locations are constrained to the network characteristics, pumps and other equipment are rated

for flood protection. None of the PS is exposed to storm surge hazard.

541. Pumping sewage flows to the WWTP can be made through two alternatives: (i) Wet well

PS and mains; and Direct-In Line Pumping (DIP) System. The material of gravity pipes will be

PVC CR 16 or GRP. Concrete pipe is excluded to collect wastewater. The choice between PVC

and GRP depends on the soil constitution. The material of pumping mains will preferably be cast

iron because of its durability. HDPE pipes could be envisaged. However, HDPE is a temperature

sensitive material; the length of the pipe expanding with increasing temperature.

542. Pumping Stations and Pumping Mains. The wet well PS is the traditional way to lift

effluents. Sewerage is collected through gravity lines and collected into the wet well. Submersible

pumps are installed in the wet well. The sewerage is then pumped to an upper level gravity line.

Main advantages of this installation are: (i) well known and worldwide system to lift sewerage,

and (ii) Simple operation.

543. Main disadvantages are: (i) a wet well and a valve are required which induce important

civil engineering works, and (ii) if sewerage stays too long in the pumping well, dangerous gases

can be generated, as well as smells. The created H2S can also deteriorate the structure of the

wet well as well as non-protected metallic elements.

544. Level measurement equipment will be installed in the wet well (US probe secured with

float switches) to order the start and stop of the pumps. The pumps will be equipped with

frequency converter to decrease the consumption of energy at the pumps start. Hydraulic

equipment will be provided for each pump (gate valve, non-return valve). An access trap will be

implemented above each pump, and a guidance bar and lifting chains will be installed for each

pump. A permanent hoist shall be provided on large pumping stations. However, for smaller

pumping stations, a mobile hoist will be sufficient.

545. DIP System. DIP System lift effluents directly from downstream without storage. Working

is based on almost permanent pumping and depending on the inlet flow. Variable Speed Drives

allow for continuous modulated pumping directly from the effluent inlet.

546. Main advantages of this installation are: (i) life of equipment is longer with dry pumps

without any equipment corrosion, (ii) the absence of storage of wastewater that eliminates

wastewater issues like dangerous gases (H2S), smells, sand and grease accumulation, and (iii)

DIP installation is less deep than classic pumping stations, and there are no structural erosion nor

obstructed float switches.

547. Main disadvantages are: (i) DIP pumps may pump air as well as sewerage, creating air

bubbles in high points of the sewer line, (ii) Operation of DIP is more expensive than a classic

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pumping station (high energy due to continuous pumping), and (iii) A small vacuum pump has to

be Evaluation of least cost technically feasible options.

548. The following table shows the comparison of the two scenarios.

Table 59: Comparison of PS and DIP System

Criteria Wet Well PS DIP System

Technical

Use Well known and worldwide system Still exceptional use H2S Development Risk of H2S development No risk of H2S Odor Effluent odor No odor Storage of Effluent Required No storage

Operation Operation Simple Need skilled operator Energy Intermittent pumping Continuous pumping

CAPEX CAPEX + ++

549. In any case, H2S treatment, with injection of air or chemicals, shall be installed at the

pumping stations to decrease the septicity of the sewerage and to increase the lifetime of the

facilities and equipment. Note that developed surface areas of both equipment are similar.

550. Due to energy saving objectives, the traditional wet well pumping station is preferred.

Wastewater Treatment Subproject

551. The local government has proposed only one site for Coron Urban Centre and Tagumpay

WWTPs. No alternative sites were available.

552. Rationale. For both Tagumpay and Coron WWTPs, the raw sewage water

characterization is mainly domestic pollution, and the applicable treated wastewater standards

will be as stringent for Tagumpay and Coron WWTPs. Then, the proposed biological treatment

technology, conventional activated sludge strengthened by a tertiary treatment, is appropriate for

these sites.

553. Furthermore, it has been decided not to undertake this technical options analysis on

septage treatment alternatives, as there is currently no existing septage treatment plants, it is

advisable not to program additional investments but to co-treat septage at each WWTP. However,

in the coming years, as a consequence of the implementation of two wastewater treatment plants,

the amount of sludge produced is expected to increase.

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554. Sewage sludge is often reported as biosolids. Sludge management, as well as solid waste

management, will then become an increasing matter of concern in Coron, due to the large

capacities of the WWTPs.

555. This section aims at identifying the appropriate technologies dedicated to the sludge

treatment line.

556. Description of the Proposed Option. The particular characteristics of sewage sludge

vary depending on the type of wastewater pollution, domestic or industrial, and the type of

treatment technology, however, for Coron, it will be mainly composed of organic and mineral

constituents, which is relevant for agricultural purpose. However, some undesirable contaminants

are also encountered, such as heavy metals; pathogenic micro-organisms; and Trace Organic

Contaminants (TOC).

557. As a consequence, the direct application of sewage sludge to the land creates a potential

exposure and risk of contamination for human health. Taking into consideration a conventional

sludge treatment line including sludge dewatering, the estimated sludge production to final

disposal for both sites would be:

• Coron WWTP: from 2,100 to 3,800 tons/year, for years 2030 and 2040, respectively;

and

• Tagumpay WWTP: from 1,000 to 1,600 tons/year, for years 2030 and 2040,

respectively.

558. As previously stated, sludge treatment and final disposal will be a potential issue in the

coming years as sludge will be the main treatment by-product of the WWTPs.

559. The basic goals before final disposal are to reduce the sludge volume and stabilize the

organic content of the sludge, depending on the final disposal alternative. The reduction of sludge

volume can be performed by conventional thickening and dewatering equipment and enhanced

using advanced technologies such as anaerobic digesters. In the first years of operation, it is

recommended to equip both WWTPs with conventional sludge treatment technologies only.

560. Furthermore, sludge digesters are sensitive to operate, and specific skills will be required

on-site. In addition, it is essential to ensure that both plants will receive sufficient loads in the first

year before financing any additional advanced and expensive equipment.

561. With respect to sludge stabilization, it shall be noted that co-composting will be promoted.

562. Even if the Province Project promoted the direct construction of digestion processes for

each WWTP, taking into consideration the previous observations, it is then suggested to follow a

two-stage development approach including:

• For the short term (by the year 2030 and financed through this project): conventional

thickening or dewatering equipment; and

• For the long term (after 2030 and by the year 2040, out of scope): sludge digestion.

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563. It shall be noted that this two steps approach allows:

• The construction of a primary treatment at the long term horizon, producing primary

sludge, valuable sludge which will enhance biogas production, in comparison with

excess sludge; and

• To avoid the construction of additional activated sludge reactors, as a fraction of the

wastewater will be degraded at the primary treatment stage, reinforced by an anoxic

tank.

564. Sludge Final Disposal and National Regulation. The selection of an on-site sludge

treatment technology is directly linked to final sludge disposal. Several final disposal alternatives

do exist, such as: (i) agricultural use of sludges, (ii) disposal in landfill, and (iii) incineration. As

previously presented, national regulation regarding sludge is regulated by the “Philippine Regulations on Sanitation and Wastewater Systems – Volume 2 SEC 22”. This provides some general limitations for municipal sludge disposal on land or other disposal methods such as

incineration and landfill.

565. It shall be noted that only stabilized sludge can be surface applied to land used for

agricultural purposes or pasture.

566. Composting, which is the main biological stabilization process, was promoted at the

Master Plan level with the construction of a new composting facility in the existing dumpsite. This

solution aims at producing a stable end product called humus.

567. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act 2000 specifies that “Compost products intended to be distributed commercially shall conform with the standards for organic fertilizers set

by the DA (Department of Agriculture)”.

568. Comparison of Sludge Thickening and Dewatering Treatment Technologies. The

following table provides a comparison of sludge treatment alternatives, which can be divided into

two main categories, namely: (i) Thickening equipment; and (ii) Dewatering equipment.

Table 60: Comparison of Sludge Treatment Alternatives

Solution Dynamic

Thickening Dewatering Centrifuge

Screw Press Filter Press

Description • Available technologies: Gravity belt thickener or draining drum

• Depending on the equipment. With respect to gravity belt filters, drainage is carried out

• Very conventional separation process in domestic and industrial WWTPs using the effect of centrifugal for an enhanced

• Principle based on mechanical system by means of an auger pushing the sludge towards an annular clearance

• Technology: belt filter press

• It consists of two endless, tensioned and porous belts

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Solution Dynamic



through a moving belt

settling of particles

Dewatering / Thickening mode

• Thickened sludge

• Mechanical centrifuges can produce both thickened sludge and dewatered sludge with the same equipment

• Different equipment to obtain thickened sludge or dewatered sludge

• Dewatered sludge only

Main advantages

• Lower chemical consumption in comparison with dewatering solutions: polymer treatment rate is 3-5 kgPoly/TonDS against 9-10 kgPoly/TonDS for dewatering

• Can be operated using very diluted sludge

• Compact • Lower electrical

consumption in comparison with dewatering solutions

• Reliability and robustness

• Appropriate for all sludge types

• Possibility to produce thickened or dewatered sludge with the same equipment

• Relatively compact, the dewatering building remains salubrious and clean

• Energy efficiency

• No specific skills required to operate

• Minimized noise

• Sludge dryness and associated reduction of the sludge amount

• Lower costs associated to sludge transportation and final disposal

Main drawbacks

• Sludge is only thickened and remains liquid, which means that the associated costs for sludge transportation and final disposal will be higher.

• Thickened sludge is approx. 3,5 times less concentrated than dewatered sludge

• Odors

• High polymer consumption

• High energy consumption

• Protection against noise is essential

• Specialized maintenance

• In comparison with dewatering centrifuges, would require an over consumption of polymer to reach an equivalent sludge dryness

• Investment cost slightly higher than dewatering centrifuges

• Footprint: a larger building will be required in comparison with the other solutions

• Use of several chemical reagents for sludge conditioning (ferric chloride used in conjunction with polymer on organic sewage sludge)

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Solution Dynamic



Performances (sludge final concentration or dryness)

• Concentration: 50-60 gDS/l (liquid)

• 20% dryness • 18% dryness • 25-30% dryness, higher dry solids content for mechanical dewatering

• Production of a "cake" which can be qualified as solid

Chemical reagent consumption for sludge conditioning

• Polymer: 3-5 kgPoly/TonDS




• Ferric Chloride: 4-10%FeCl3/DS

Electrical Consumption

• 25-50 kWh/TonDS

• 120-200 kWh/TonDS

• 8-30 kWh/TonDS

• 25-35 kWh/TonDS

569. Thickening equipment can include: (i) static thickeners (not presented here, mainly

applicable with primary sludge), (ii) dissolved air flotation (not presented here, for ease of

operation and OPEX reduction), (iii) gravity belt thickeners; and (iv) draining drums. With respect

to dewatering equipment, it includes: (i) screw press, (ii) sludge drying beds and planted filters

(not presented here due to the important footprint requirements), (iii) dewatering centrifuges; and

(iv) Filter Press.

570. It shall be noted that centrifuges can produce with the same equipment both thickened

and dewatered sludge. Although the same objective is foreseen for both equipment, i.e., reduction

of the water content which means the reduction of the overall sludge volume, thickening

equipment cannot be directly compared to dewatering equipment, as the alternatives for final

disposal will differ.

571. It shall be noted that thickening and dewatering technologies can be associated in the

same plant too. Furthermore, for these capacities of treatment plants and the amount of sludge

produced, dewatering shall be promoted to reduce the transportation costs to the final disposal

site and to improve the sludge handling conditions.

572. The alternatives for final sludge disposal in Coron were discussed at the Master Plan

level, and co-composting was promoted with a new composting facility to be constructed at the

existing dumpsite. The expected sludge characteristics at the entrance of the Composting site

were not communicated, however, dewatered sludge shall be produced. Table VI-4 provides the

comparison of sludge treatment alternatives.

573. Sludge Stabilization. As per the “Philippine Regulations on Sanitation and Wastewater Systems – Volume 2 SEC 22”, only stabilized sludge can be surface applied to land used for agricultural purposes or pasture and the level of stabilization is subject to the appreciation of the

198

regulatory agency. Composting is relevant with respect to the national legal aspects as this

process will conduct to the final stabilization of sludge, through a thermophilic reaction, enabling

pathogen removal.

574. Taking into consideration the development of a future digestion process unit in Coron

Urban Centre WWTP and based on the previous analysis, the sludge treatment technology will

rely on a dewatering equipment.

575. Additionally, to reduce the chemical reagents consumption in this insular context and as

composting does not require such a high level of sludge dryness, filter press solution is discarded.

Dewatering centrifuges are widely spread and reliable, however, a specialized maintenance might

be required.

576. It is then suggested to promote dewatering screw press for both sites.

Septage Management Subproject

577. As previously described, the selection of technical options is dictated by the several on-

going projects for sewage treatment in Coron. Two new WWTP will be developed, one covering

the Western sector, namely Coron Urban Centre WWTP. Tagumpay WWTP will be dedicated to

the Eastern sector. There is no point to finance additional treatment facilities dedicated to septage

as septage co-treatment is widely common with some adjustments and improvements of the plant.

578. Septage receiving stations will be implemented in both WWTPs to provide more flexibility

and a geographic rationale with respect to septage pump-out service. Among the technical

approaches for septage co-treatment:

• Addition to the water treatment line:

(1) Injection point at the headworks of the plant;

(2) The septage will be preliminary treated before injection, including screening

and intermediate storage for low flow distribution to the water treatment line;

and

(3) More commonly practiced and recommended.

• Addition to the sludge treatment line:

(1) The potential of septage for dewatering is reported to be low;

(2) It might affect the performance of the overall system depending on the ratio

of septage to sewage sludge; and

(3) Not recommended.

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579. As reported, Coron will be equipped with a sludge digester in the future (out of scope).

However, septage co-digestion is not recommended as it might lower the performances of the

process.

Drainage Subproject

580. Urban drainage is limited to drainage of existing concrete roads. In Coron, this is mainly

limited to the core center of the city. Drainage is normally implemented on both sides of the road,

where many formal and informal buildings are present in existing areas and developing

elsewhere. Some of these constructions are clearly encroaching on the road right of way, as a

temporary facility (equipment stored at nighttime such as tables/chairs).

581. For Coron, the drainage infrastructure is designed as a combined sidewalk and drainage

network. Sidewalk will inevitably be required in this area to secure locals and tourists.

582. The proposed drainage network follows the natural topography and discharges at low

points of the road. As much as possible, the few existing cross-drains will be re-used to limit the

cost of road cutting and reinstatement.

583. The technical options which have been studied during this feasibility study are listed in this

paragraph.

584. Network. Several types of network design have been studied. The following table

summarizes the different benefits and drawbacks of each option. All types of network are being

implemented all over the world, but their suitability mainly depends on the local context and its

constraints.

Table 61: Technical Evaluation of Network Type Options

Advantages Drawbacks

Buried circular pipe

• Best hydraulic performance minimizing siltation

• Widely available on standard sizes and precast

• Will block solid waste from entering the network with screen catch basins

• Good skills and specific attention and time is required for the backfill phase below the median line of the pipe

• Cover of minimum 0.3 m under pedestrian ways or 0.8 m under roads is required, deepening the network and the outfalls

• Need storage area for the precast pipes • Maintenance will be difficult through

manholes and may require specific equipment (trucks)

Buried box culvert

• Can be cast in situ or pre-cast • Construction is easier than for pipe

(especially for the backfill) • Will block solid waste from entering

the network with screen catch basins

• Cover of minimum 0.3 m under pedestrian ways or 0.8 m under roads is required, deepening the network and the outfalls

200

• Lower flows will remain longer in the network than with circular pipe

• Maintenance will be difficult through manholes and may require specific equipment (trucks)

Side-walk box-culvert

• Can be cast in situ or pre-cast (especially for the top cover)

• Invert level is minimized since the culvert is laid directly under the natural terrain level

• Provide a protected / elevated sidewalk for pedestrian

• Will block solid waste from entering the network with screen catch basins

• Maintenance will be eased by the possibility to remove the sidewalk cover (need to implement removable cover slabs)

• Lower flows will remain longer in the network than with circular pipe

• Larger sizes of drains will encroach on the road and may require to deepen the culvert

• Might be slightly more liable to solid waste disposal (illegal by removal of cover)

Open channel

• Can be easily implemented by deepening side of the roads

• Does not necessarily require concreting

• Maintenance can easily be made, and the maintenance requirement is easily visible

• Very prone to solid waste disposal and blockage

• Prone to encroachment by buildings / shops etc.

• Deep channels could be dangerous and a risk for falling and drowning

585. The technical recommendation in the context of Coron is to prefer the sidewalk box culvert

solution. Indeed, the area is very popular, and many tourists are walking along the side of the

road, the sidewalk box culvert would have two purposes: drainage and protected pedestrian ways.

Moreover, it represents a good option in terms of maintenance by minimizing the risk of solid

waste disposal while allowing maintenance to be performed easily. Finally, the area along the

shoreline being flat and close to the sea level, it is essential to keep the upstream assets as

shallow as possible, to avoid deepening of the network at the downstream flat size and outfalls

under sea level. This will be even more relevant for the reclamation area drainage network.

586. Buried circular pipes could, however, be proposed as cross-drains. These drains would

indeed be installed under the road and would be more appropriate. It is essential that these drains,

which will not be easily accessible from the top, induce the best hydraulic performance to ensure

self-flushing of the pipe during high intensity rainfall event. Maintenance shall be minimum on

these specific drains.

587. Open channels are particularly not recommended in the urban context, for security reason,

but could be easily implemented for road drainage in rural areas. Cover slabs will be proposed as

an improvement work for existing open channels which have sufficient capacity and would not

require upsizing.

588. Treatment Works. It is reminded here that a sewage project is proposed to be implemented

in parallel to this drainage project. This is the imperative constraint to reduce pollution conveyed

to the sea by the drainage system.

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589. After separating sewage from the drainage, pollution conveyed by the drainage network

will mainly be made of: (i) solid wastes/debris; (ii) silt/sand/dust; and (iii) hydrocarbon/oil product

from road or petrol station runoff.

590. It is emphasized here that hydrocarbon pollution is mainly carried by suspended solids

and stopping dust pollution will treat most of the oil pollution. In France, this type of pollution is

treated only for very high traffic areas, for petrol station areas, or parking lots. Moreover, this

pollution is usually much diluted in heavy rainfall events, but more concentrated during the first

rains while the asphalt surfaces are washed out by storm water runoff. Thus hydrocarbon and

other dust pollution control system should be designed for the affected areas and the first hours

of rainfall event.

591. For solid wastes, the following solutions are analyzed below: screened catch basins, deep

sump catch basins and sand boxes. For dust pollution, the solutions analyzed are deep sump

catch basins, sand boxes and settling tanks. For hydrocarbon pollution, biological filter and oil

separators are presented. The following table provides the technical evaluation of treatment works

options.

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Table 62: Technical Evaluation of Treatment Works Options

Pollution Treated Advantages Drawbacks

Screened catch basins

• Solid wastes • Easy to implement / can be furnished as an individual equipment or built in situ

• Avoid solid wastes from entering the system, thus less maintenance is required

• None really (need to correctly design the catch basin to ensure it will allow the design flow to enter the drainage system)

Deep sumps

• Solid wastes • Dust • Hydrocarbon

(partly)

• Block solids and dust in the sump location avoiding settling of solids / dust in the conduits

• Regular maintenance is limited to the sumps. Full system maintenance can be spaced in time

• Multiple purposes (solid / dust collector + velocity breaker)

• Need to regularly maintain / clean the deep sumps

• Stagnant water in the deep sumps could result in odor generation during long dry period if not regularly maintained

Sand boxes


(partly)

• Block solid and dusts from being conveyed through the downstream network

• Open box will have a visual impact: visible debris are more likely to be regularly cleaned

• Easy to maintain

• Require 10 x 10 m space area to be installed

• Need regular maintenance • Might be used as dumping

site, education / marking is required to avoid illegal waste dumping

Settling tanks


(partly)

• Allow solid waste and other particles to settle, hydrocarbon pollution will be partly trapped

• Can act as a flow regulator to limit downstream flow and infrastructure size

• Require large area to install the settling tank (design is based on rain return period of one month + storage of that flow during around 15h)

• Generate sludge to be regularly emptied and sent to STP

• Can treat only a limited flow (by-pass is required above the design flow)

Biological filter

• Dust • Hydrocarbon

• Treat hydrocarbon with the highest results

• Require large area to install this filter

• Require regular maintenance / bio-filter is sensitive to variation in flow and pollution level

• Operation of such filter requires specific skills


Oil separator

• Dust • Hydrocarbon

• Treat hydrocarbon with good results, design can be adapted to the required level of treatment

• Require large area to install this filter

• Require regular maintenance

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Pollution Treated Advantages Drawbacks

• Operation of such separator requires no skill

• Construction / design of this filter is basic and robust

• Maintenance is required once in a year: emptying of the filter with the help of a vacuum truck


592. Out of these solutions, several are suggested for implementation. The following

recommendations are made as to where these solutions shall be proposed:

• Screened catch basins and deep sumps are prescribed all along the drainage network

to spread the solid waste and dust pollution management along with the system and

minimize maintenance recurrences.

• Sand boxes are proposed upstream of road crossings. Road crossings will not be

easily accessible for maintenance and will be protected from blockages and siltation

as could be seen on the context assessment. They will also be recommended at

outlets (see next paragraph).

• Oil separators are recommended for all parking lots and petrol station area. Installation

of such treatment work shall be enforced to all petrol station owner, while the LGU

shall make sure to install such works for all parking lots / bus terminal etc.

593. Settling tanks are not suggested in this context. They would require extensive land which

is not available and usually are only required in case of heavy traffic area which is not the case in

Coron. Moreover, as per feedback from French studies, it seems that more than 15 hours of

retention would be required for proper remediation of the storm water. It does not seem

appropriate to invest in such a large installation for a limited impact on effluent quality.

594. Biological filters have not been identified as an adequate solution for Coron. Indeed, they

would require operational and maintenance skills to ensure producing quality effluent while similar

results could be attained with the oil separators that require fewer skills for maintenance.

595. Outlets. In the context of Coron, the drainage system outlets usually discharge in small

esteros flowing directly to the sea sometimes through mangrove area. All outlets will be protected

and marked with a concrete structure to protect them from being crushed and blocked. Few

equipment could be proposed, such as screen and flap valve. One last suggestion is the

implementation dry-weather pumping station. The reasons for adopting or not one of other of the

solutions are described in the following table.

Table 63: Technical Evaluation of Outlets Options


Concrete protection of outlets

• Avoid crushing of the pipe to maintain discharge

• Concrete structure in natural environment to be minimized

Outlet screen • Avoid solid to be discharge into the natural environment

• Require regular maintenance to avoid blocking of the outlet and decrease of its capacity

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Outlet flap valve

• Avoid sea water / esteros water to enter the drainage system

• Require regular maintenance and thus easy access to the flap valve

• If the flap valve is under water during high tide, specific material is required to avoid saline water damage and blockage of the valve

Dry-weather pumping station

• Transfer dry-weather flow to the sewage network

• Avoid pollution of the natural environment by illegal sewage connection to the drainage network

• O&M cost is linked with energy cost for pump operation

• Maintenance of the PS is required to check the operation of the pump and remove any solid waste of sludge

• Storing of dry-weather sewage might generate odor

• Require space to implement a wet-well and its appurtenances such as electric cabinet, valve chamber and overhead small crane (to maintain the pump)

596. For Coron's context, no specific equipment is proposed at the outlets. Screen would be

useless as catch basins' screens, deep sumps and sand boxes will already have stopped solid

wastes before they reach the outlet. Flap valves are not recommended because of their

maintenance issue (the drainage network has been designed taking into account the high tide

level as a downstream constraint so that water can enter the system).

597. Regarding dry-weather PS, as a sewage project is being proposed in parallel of the

drainage, these PS would be pointless. They could be recommended as a temporary solution

until the sewage system is operational. However, they would need to pump the sewage up to the

treatment plant, which is under construction and located a few kilometers away, thus creating

pumping high head requirement. If a temporary solution is required by Coron's LGU to treat the

drainage effluent before the sewage project is implemented, it is recommended is to implement

the dry-weather pumping station as a separate project.

598. Velocity Breaker. High velocity in the drainage system could lead to damage to the

conduits and improper transfer of the storm water. To limit velocity in the system, several options

have been analyzed: deep sumps, grouted riprap, wooden log, waterfalls. The following table

provides the technical evaluation of velocity breaker options.

Table 64: Technical evaluation of velocity breaker options


Deep sumps

• Multiple purposes (solid / dust collector + velocity breaker)

• Small multiple infrastructures to be implemented

• Regular maintenance is required to clean all the deep sumps to ensure depth of the sumps remains lower than the pipe invert level

Offsets • Break the velocity along with the network, with small infrastructure works, limiting the protection requirements

• Design shall be detailed to ensure protection of the downstream network where the storm water will fall

Grouted riprap

• Robust, long lasting structure • Only has a limited impact on flow velocity

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• Would limit the already limited natural infiltration

Wooden log

• Natural aspect • Would break velocity for low flow but no impact for higher flows

Waterfalls • Will ensure velocity break even for larger flows

• Can be implemented with limited concreting

• Require detailed design to ensure proper design of the hydraulic jump reinforcement structure

599. Deep sump catchbasins have already been proposed for their capacity to stop solid waste

conveyance in the drainage system.

600. For Coron, high velocity has been observed in the drainage model at several locations

linked with the natural slope of the terrain. Offsets are proposed along the network to break the

velocity on the full length of high velocity flows.

601. Retention Structures. Apart from settling purpose, already described in the treatment

works section, retention structures can aim at reducing downstream flow and thus limiting the

network size. In this case, the retention basin shall be located upstream enough to store part of

the storm water and restitute part of it to the network.

602. The natural topography of Coron is not particularly favorable to this solution: upstream

urbanized part of the catchments would require extensive excavation to flatten the mountain for

building retention basin, and the area is already densely developed.

603. However, large catchment areas in the east side of Coron would require a network of large

size (box culvert above 1.5 m side). These catchments are still developing, and some areas for

implementation of the retention basins could be identified. This study is presented in the preferred

option chapter.

604. Types of network are the only design components which could have a significant impact

on the project cost, since the other topics are punctual assets to be implemented for which no

options are really feasible or recommendable. Punctual assets, if deemed too costly, could simply

be removed from the project design and cost.

605. The first 3 options of network design cost have been studied here. Indeed, open channel

is not recommended in the Coron urbanizing environment since many pedestrians, hotels,

buildings, shops are being built on both side of the road. Cost comparison is based on the

maximum flow transferred by a square culvert (buried or sidewalk) or by a buried circular pipe

(two classes are evaluated). It shall be noted here that for the same slope (0.005 m / m), a square

box culvert of X m side would convey a flow approximately 1.2 times higher than a circular pipe

of diameter X m.

606. Circular pipes are much more expensive than box culverts for the same flow. This is mainly

explained since square infrastructures will require less space than circular pipe for the same flow,

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as highlighted by the arrows showing the dimensions of the infrastructures. Sidewalk box culverts

are the cheapest solution as they are laid just under the terrain surface and require minimum

excavation.

607. This cost analysis review comforts the technical analysis recommending the use of

sidewalk box culvert.

608. As presented in the two previous paragraphs, the preferred option for Coron drainage

network is sidewalk box culvert which maximizes the technical advantages and minimizes the

cost. As also presented in the proposed option paragraph, other assets are recommended in

addition to the sidewalk box culvert. These assets will optimize the operation and maintenance

requirements and ensure the proper functioning of the drainage network and minimum impact on

its environment.

609. As a reminder, these solutions are the following: screened catch basins, deep sumps,

sand boxes upstream of road crossings and at outlets, oil separator for petrol stations and parking

lots, and retention basins to limit the large drain size requirement.

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VII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION

Consultation and Participation During Project Preparation

610. Meaningful consultation is one of the most vital features of the ADB IP safeguards. It

provides the opportunity for indigenous people to be heard, recognized, and responded to.

Meaningful consultation is a process that: (i) begins early in the project preparation stage and is

carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the project cycle; (ii) provides timely disclosure of

relevant and adequate information that is understandable and readily accessible to affected

people; (iii) is undertaken in an atmosphere free of intimidation or coercion; (iv) is gender inclusive

and responsive, and tailored to the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups; and (v)

enables the incorporation of all relevant views of affected people and other stakeholders into

decision making, such as project design, mitigation measures, the sharing of development

benefits and opportunities, and implementation issues.

611. Recognizing the important role of indigenous people in tourism development, three

separate consultations with project affected indigenous people and other stakeholders were

conducted. The dialogues provided the opportunity for the participants to raise their concerns

concerning the proposed project and make recommendations to further refine the project design.

Initial community consultations were conducted between October and December 2019.

Indigenous leaders, elders, and indigenous women shared their views on their experience and

participation in the tourism industry in Coron. Participants were asked about their perspectives

regarding the strengths and weaknesses of their involvement in managing and developing tourism

activities. The consultations conducted during the project preparation stage are detailed in Table

VII-1. The table summarizes the number of people consulted both men and women during project

preparation from October to December 2019.

Table 65: Consultations during Project Preparation from October to December 2019

Date Activity Men Women TOTAL October 14, 2019


4 0 4

October 14, 2019


1 0 1

November 8, 2019


October 14, 2019


4 0 4

October 14, 2019


1 0 1

November 8, 2019


October 14, 2019


4 0 4

October 14, 2019


1 0 1

November 8, 2019



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Reference: STDP Coron Feasibility Study Volume 10: Indigenous Peoples Plan, 2020

612. The results of the initial consultations were summarized based on the perceived positive

and negative impacts of tourism, community needs, and proposed program support for indigenous

communities. The results were incorporated in the project design in order to refine the safeguard

plans and ensure that any impacts on indigenous people can be mitigated. Following is a general

summary of results of the consultations held in all the barangays, both IP and non-IP.

613. Perceived Positive and Negative Impacts of Tourism. On the positive side, tourism has

provided employment opportunities to work as laborers in the construction industry, as tourist boat

operators, boatmen, and as tourist guides. Additionally, one of the barangays is receiving a 30%

share of the earnings from tourism activities from the Municipal Tourism Office, which manages

tourism operations in the barangay. In 2018, they received ₱200,000, which they used to repair their water system and maintain the marine park in their barangay. On the negative side, tourism

has resulted in high prices of commodities, an increase in the amount of waste generated,

particularly plastic bottles, and exposure to aspects of foreign cultures that are incompatible with

traditional values.

614. Community Needs and Preferences. One of the major concerns in the barangay is

insufficient water supply. The participants mentioned that they need assistance for infrastructure

development such as: (i) improvement of water supply, (ii) additional toilets near tourist sites, (iii)

small projects such as concreting of roads, and (iv) improvement of docking facilities. The

implementation of small-scale infrastructure projects will lead to better management of tourist

destinations and ultimately, more tourist arrivals, which means higher income for the people.

615. Proposed Program Support. During the discussions with indigenous leaders, the need

to provide support for capacity building was emphasized. The leaders proposed an additional

training on tourism and financial management to improve their organizational capacity. During the

consultations the following livelihood initiatives were identified as important for the economic

development of the barangays: (i) seaweed farming and processing, (ii) processing of cashew

nuts, (iii) mud crab farming, (iv) milkfish culture and pond management, (v) tourism homestay, (vi)

mangrove and kayak tour, (vii) handicraft making, (viii) organic vegetable farming, and (ix)

Tagbanua culture tour operations. Participants also stressed the importance of providing capacity

building to ensure that livelihood projects will be successful. Some of the livelihood projects,

especially handicraft making, will benefit indigenous women and provide additional income for the

household.

616. The results of the initial consultations provided direction for the design of the proposed

projects with indigenous communities, projects that foster full respect for their identity, dignity,

human rights, livelihood systems, and cultural uniqueness. The projects will allow them to receive

culturally appropriate social and economic benefits. Conducting consultations at an early stage

helps ensure that the project will not have adverse impacts on affected indigenous groups and

they can fully participate during project design. The output of the consultations will also allow

indigenous women’s concerns and development goals to be given full consideration.

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Table 66: Briefing with Barangay San Nicolas

Date Activity Summary of Discussion Action Points/Next Steps

25 June 2020

Briefing with Barangay San Nicolas

• IP Specialist Ms Jane Austria-Young discussed briefly the PHP - Sustainable Tourism Development Project emphasizing that it is not a Project under DENR but of the Department of Tourism to be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It was also explained that the ADB, as a funding agency, requires meaningful consultation with indigenous peoples/communities in order to determine project impacts to their livelihood, cultural and social systems. The participants were informed that one of the projects to be funded under STDP is the water supply system and Kadyang Falls was identified as the source. For the proposed project, another tank will be constructed which will be used to supply potable drinking water to Poblacion barangays.

• It was also clarified that the activity is not yet the actual consultation regarding the water supply project. The briefing aims to serve as a venue to present to them the project details, identify stakeholders currently benefitting from the source and plan for the upcoming consultation.

• The Cuyonen famer president expressed his apprehension if the same source will be used to provide water to the Poblacion. He said that the water from the existing tank is being distributed to the barangay proper but the supply is not enough for all the barangay residents. The water is mainly being used for drinking and irrigation. However, due to inadequate water supply during summer, they will do their laundry or even take a bath in the river. There is already an existing tank within the source built through a cooperative (CWDA) where almost all the barangay residents are members.

• They requested for a copy of the technical design and proposed having a discussion between the Tagbanua, Cuyonen and non-IPs to ensure that they will not be affected in case the source will also cater Poblacion barangays.

• Site inspection to be conducted with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas to determine if water supply will be enough to also cater Poblacion barangays

• Joint consultation with IPs and non-IPs

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• The farmer president could not confirm if the source is covered within the ancestral domain claim. Similarly, the barangay chairperson is aware that there is an on-going CADT application in Barangay San Nicolas but could not confirm the boundary or the extent of the claim.

• Households residing near the source are Cuyonen and Cagayanen. They are into farming – planting rice and vegetables.

• Barangay San Nicolas has a population of more than 2,000 persons, 30% of the population are Tagbanua.

30 June 2020

Community Consultation with Representatives of Barangay San Nicolas

• Mr. Conrad Balbatun of NCIP was asked about the FPIC process to be undertaken if the source (Kadyang Falls) is within the ancestral domain. He explained that only validation and not the full-blown FPIC will be required since the proponent of the water supply project is the LGU and project is categorized as basic services. The processing and issuance of the Certification Precondition will be up to the regional level but will be concurred by the assigned ethnographic commissioner.

• A field-based validation team shall be formed comprising staff from the NCIP provincial office and community service center. The team shall check if indeed the project is needed by the indigenous community if it is included in their plan and the project’s impact on their culture and livelihood. A MOA will be executed between TIEZA, LGU and IP community.

• The measurement of the ancestral domain claim in San Nicolas is 8,000 ha based on the maps that were acquired from SARAGPUNTA. Mr. Balbutan clarified that there is no actual measurement yet since the survey has not been completed and titled properties will also be excluded.

• Mr. Balbatun confirmed the presence of Tagbanua in San Nicolas but there is a need to validate when it comes to their exact location particularly if there are Tagbanua households residing near the source.

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• After MPDC Mike briefed the participants on the STDP, Ms. Violeta Abaca expressed her opposition to the project. She verbalized that as the resource is within their ancestral domain, they should be the first ones benefiting from it and the water should not be distributed anywhere else.

• One of the perceived positive impacts of the water supply project is that it would help in terms of the over-all development of San Nicolas as more tourists will be coming in. However, Ms. Violeta said that this will limit their access to the source, and they could no longer obtain non-timber products freely.

• Mr. Balbutan raised a concern regarding the proposed technical design that was presented. He said that the design was only specific on how water will be distributed to the Poblacion barangays. He emphasized that the water system design for San Nicolas should also be taken into consideration. It is necessary to ensure that the existing water system is also in good condition.

• As more communities including tourists would benefit from the source, this may result to the scarcity of water supply and destruction of the watershed. In order to address this, tree planting in the area was proposed as a mitigating measure.

• During the consultation, it was also learned that there are rice fields near Kadyang Falls. According to the farmers, the water is no longer enough for irrigation at the moment and the situation may even get worse if the source will be shared with other barangays. The lack of irrigation will make their land unsuitable for farming. The farmers’ association is composed of 34 members mostly Cagayanen and Cuyonin.

• The facilitator explained that the project is still at the feasibility stage and it will not push through without FPIC. They were assured that project will go through with the required process and the local government shall ensure that

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their concerns and apprehensions will be heard.

617. Environmental Safeguards Consultations. Along with other safeguards consultants,

FGDs and KIIs were conducted in January 2020 at the Coron Municipal Hall. Participants were

composed of representatives from various sectors in the host municipality. The consultations on

environmental issues were facilitated by the International Environmental Specialist of EGIS.

618. During the meeting, stakeholder representatives were informed regarding the STDP and

the priority subprojects, which earned general support in anticipation of potential benefits,

especially on local employment and revenue. The documentation of consultation activities is

compiled in Annex of STDP Coron Feasibility Study Volume Add whether or not the stakeholders

expressed any negative comments or concerns, especially about environment impacts.

Consultation and Participation Activities during the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Pandemic

619. The COVID-19 pandemic has required new ways of engaging indigenous communities in

a situation where the government-imposed restriction of movement poses unique challenges.

While no other method can be nearly as effective as face-to-face meetings, innovative community

engagement tools may hold answers for effective ways to conduct consultations during a

pandemic without putting lives at risk. The IPP is designed to ensure that indigenous communities

continue to be meaningfully consulted and actively participate in spite of the current crisis. Online

platforms, where the internet speed allowed, or telephone calls piped through a loudspeaker

where it did not, served as a substitute for in-person group discussions (See Annex on

Stakeholder Engagement during COVID-19).

620. The initial face-to-face consultations held before the pandemic proved helpful in building

trust and rapport with the communities. The post lockdown online meetings served as a means

to gain the perspective of affected indigenous communities and indigenous peoples organizations

and their assisting NGOs and to fully disclose information about the proposed project, its

components, and its activities. The formal online meetings with provided the opportunity to obtain

information about their opinions, needs and priorities. It was also a venue to solicit input on the

project’s beneficial impacts and mitigating measures. The online consultation process posed challenges, especially in areas where connectivity was an issue, but they provided a venue for

communities to express their issues and concerns regarding the proposed projects.

621. The online consultations were conducted between June and August 2020 in four

barangays—San Nicolas, Lajala, Banuang Daan, and Cabugao. The following methods were

used to obtain the perspectives of the affected indigenous communities: (i) online formal meetings

with community representatives and indigenous peoples organizations, indigenous women and

youth, and assisting NGOs; and (ii) one-on-one phone interviews with customary leaders, leaders

of indigenous peoples organizations, and municipal and barangay indigenous peoples mandatory

representatives. For affected indigenous communities with no access to online platforms, the IP

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social team designated a point person with a dedicated phone line for direct communication with

the affected household. A total of 102 participants were consulted including 54 men and 48

women. The following table lists the details of the online consultations conducted from June to

August 2020.

Table 67: Online Consultation Activities during COVID-19

Project Component


Urban Water Supply Project

June 25, 2020 Orientation on the proposed water system development project with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas

20 9 29

June 25, 2020 Phone interview with the chairperson of the indigenous peoples’ organization (IPO) Katutubong Pamayanang Tagbanua ng San Nicolas

1 1

June 30, 2019 Community consultation with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas and interview with NCIP Staff

9 11 20

July 20, 2020 Community consultation with representatives from Barangay San Nicolas

12 6 18

Small Scale Infrastructure Development

June 26, 2020 Community consultation with Tagbanua Tribe of Coron Island Association (TTCIA) officers

3 3

June 26, 2020 Consultation with Barangay Lajala hairperson and barangay indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR)

1 1 2

July 3, 2020 Consultation with Barangay Lajala IPO and indigenous women

3 13 16

July 30, 2020 Consultation with Cabugao indigenous women

3 3

August 4, 2020

Consultation with representatives from Banuang Daan and indigenous women

3 3 6

Tourism Development

July 6, 2020 Phone interview with the Coron municipal planning development officer

1 1

July 14, 2020 Phone interview with Coron municipal IPMR

1 1

August 1, 2020

Phone interview with Dionesia Banua, former NCIP commissioner for the island groups

1 1

August 2, 2020

Phone interview with Roy Dabuit, former NCIP commissioner for the island groups

1 1

August 4, 2020

Phone interview with the Coron municipal tourism officer

1 1


622. The main goal the online round of consultations was to (i) provide the affected indigenous

communities with adequate information about the project, including the preliminary design of each

component, and (ii) emphasize the importance of safeguarding indigenous rights in the

development process. Participants were asked to share their views on both potential positive and

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negative impacts on indigenous communities’ economic, social, and cultural systems. Add

whether or not the stakeholders expressed any negative comments or concerns, especially about

environment impacts.

Field Visits Separate Consultations with Indigenous Women

623. Recognizing that for indigenous Tagbanua, leadership positions are usually held by men

and traditional cultural practices often discourage women from participating in decision making at

the community level, the team developed culturally appropriate methods for consulting indigenous

women without offending the customary leaders. This was done by explaining to the leaders that

it is important that indigenous men and women to have equal access to project information and

that a separate meeting specific to women is needed since men and women have different

perspectives when it comes to tourism development.

624. Tagbanua women are often reluctant to participate in public meetings but during the

women-only consultations they expressed themselves freely. Focus group discussions specific to

Tagbanua women were conducted in San Nicolas, Cabugao, and Banuang Daan where women

shared their concerns and preferences in respect to the projects. Their input focused mostly on

the welfare of their households and their community:

(i) In Barangay San Nicolas indigenous women voiced the following concerns:

a. If the barangay must share its water source with the poblacion, doing so may result in a scarcity of water for its residents’ own domestic use.

b. Once the water intake infrastructure in place, there might be restrictions that bar entry to the area and keep the Tagbanua from utilizing traditional non-timber forest products, especially pandan leaves used for making sleeping mats and baskets.

(ii) In Barangay Cabugao, indigenous women expressed their needs and preferences with special focus on livelihood activities:

a. Indigenous women would like to set up a souvenir shop at Kayangan where they can sell their products.

b. They would like training in mat weaving and the production of other handicrafts in order to improve the design of what they are already making and expand their range of salable products.

c. The women are also interested in learning how to sew bed sheets and pillowcases.

(iii) In Barangay Lajala, indigenous women identified the following concerns and proferences:

a. The women are worried about the clash of cultures that takes place as a result of tourism. Tourists, out of carelessness or ignorance, sometimes fail to respect local customs and moral values. Indigenous women are concerned that the younger generation will be influenced by foreign cultures.

b. They also indicated interest in engaging in tourist-centered livelihood activities, e.g., the making and selling of mats, food products, and baskets.

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Consultation and Participation Mechanisms during Project Implementation

625. The IPP is designed to ensure that indigenous communities continue to be meaningfully

consulted and actively participate throughout the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism

Development Project.

626. Ensure Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC). Meaningful consultation involves

recognizing the right of the affected indigenous peoples to (i) be informed, (ii) be consulted, (iii)

determine their own development priorities, and (iv) exercise the right to accept or reject

development initiatives. Based on the FPIC Guidelines of 2012, projects undertaken by national

government agencies or local governments will be validated to determine if they coincide with or

complement the development priorities of the community and will not in any way adversely affect

their well-being. Before project implementation, TIEZA and the municipal government of Coron,

in line with the mandated FPIC process, will coordinate with NCIP to obtain the consent of the

Tagbanua communities. This will involve field validations, which include interviews with elders,

leaders, and other community members. TIEZA is responsible for securing the certificate

precondition and other validation documents, as the project cannot begin without community

approval.

627. Culturally Appropriate Facilitation Techniques throughout Project Implementation.

To ensure the meaningful participation of indigenous peoples, the project will utilize culturally

appropriate consultation methods that encourage active community engagement at all stages of

STDP activities. The project will ensure that the consultation process is conducted in a language

that the indigenous group can understand and is comfortable with, preferably their own language.

This is an important consideration, as the affected indigenous group will be able to fully

understand all the issues involving the project and to actively participate in the consultation

meetings. An experienced project facilitator who can present the technical information clearly and

a manner that is easily understandable should be hired. Translation of technical terms in native

language is also critical to guarantee an effective consultation process.

628. The following strategies will be adopted to ensure meaningful consultation and the

informed participation of indigenous peoples in the project:

(i) Project facilitators will gather information concerning the indigenous groups’ history, livelihood, social organization, gender relations, leadership structure, customary political system, and traditional decision making practices. This information is essential to determine the most culturally appropriate strategies to engage the communities.

(ii) During consultations particular attention will be paid to cultural sensitivities. For example, an affected indigenous community might need to conduct “…important rituals and ceremonies that may be required at different points of project implementation. An initiative to provide clean water supply, for instance, should consider whether the water sources traditionally belong to the same communities, and should avoid taking water from certain springs or certain sites along a river considered sacred. Relocating to a new settlement may need to be preceded by traditional rituals, both in the originating village and the area of destination. There

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may be certain dates or time of day believed unfavorable for people to move or start building houses or communal facilities.”

(iii) Members of indigenous households will be given priority to benefit from remuneration for work provided during project implementation.

(iv) Consultation across project stages will be documented, including records of discussions with recognized elders, leaders, and indigenous women.

629. The Central Project Management Office (CPMO) will oversee the consultation process

based on the project’s time frame. The Regional Project Management Office (RPMO) is responsible for ensuring that indigenous people actively participate in all stages of project

implementation. During the detailed design stage, consultations will be held in each affected

barangay to inform indigenous communities about the project and its scope, project activities,

implementation schedule, and expected impacts. The project team will develop culturally

appropriate information and education materials to aid in information dissemination.

630. The project will conduct separate meetings with indigenous women and other vulnerable

households to gain their perspective on project activities. All views, opinions, issues and concerns

documented during the meetings will be shared with the CPMO and RPMO and serve as input

for project planning, design, and implementation. Any stakeholder issues, complaints or

grievances expressed in consultation meetings or brought to the attention of the CPMO or RPMO

will also be fully documented serve as the basis for subsequent adjustments to project planning

and implementation.

Participation of Indigenous Women and Vulnerable Sectors

631. In most indigenous communities, “Indigenous leaders are often elderly men and there may not be any tradition for consulting women, letting women speak up at meetings—let alone

including women in decision-making processes. And indigenous leadership may be a group of

elderly men and women and there may not be any tradition for consulting younger people–men

or women.” The indigenous communities in the project areas are patriarchal, where social institutions privilege men. Customary law places men as lawmakers and major decision makers

and women are largely excluded from decision-making processes. There have been recent efforts

on the part of NGOs working with the indigenous communities to encourage indigenous peoples

organizations to include women in development activities and ensure that women assume

leadership positions in the organizations.

632. ADB Safeguards Requirements for Indigenous Peoples stipulates that consultations

should be gender inclusive, responsive, and tailored to the needs of disadvantaged and

vulnerable groups. This IPP will complement the project’s Gender Action Plan (GAP), which addresses women’s participation in the project and ensures that gender equality measures will benefit women in general, with a specific focus on indigenous women.

633. The following measures will help ensure the meaningful participation of indigenous women

in STDP activities:

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(i) Analyze the cultural barriers that hinder the participation of indigenous women in community decision making or in public meetings.

(ii) Understand indigenous groups’ customary laws and practices and identify those that respect and promote women’s rights and which, if any, may be harmful to indigenous women (e.g., their role and participation in decision making vis-à-vis customary practices).

(iii) Address gender issues by talking with and asking questions of the indigenous men and women in the community. The dialogue will provide an accurate understanding of gender from the people’s perspective since indigenous knowledge systems and practices vary from one society to another.

(iv) Based on the information gathered in the community, design consultation and participation mechanisms that are not in conflict with local customs and cultural norms.

(v) Organize separate women-only discussion groups where women will feel free to express themselves. Meetings and consultations should be conducted at a time, which women find convenient, and in a place that they are comfortable with.

634. Indigenous women in the project areas are often reluctant to participate in public meetings

so it is important for project implementers to understand the cultural barriers identified in the social

impact assessment. Information gathered during the assessment can be used to develop culture

and gender sensitive consultation and participation mechanisms. As stated in the ADB IP

Safeguards Planning and Implementation Good Practice Sourcebook, addressing gender issues

will be done with care, as sometimes forcing the issue may expose the very people whom

participation is meant to help to unnecessary risks. It is important not to rush the integration of

women’s issues in the context of indigenous communities. It is better to constantly be alert for possible entry points for introducing change that would increase the visibility of women’s issues and their participation in the program.

Information Disclosure

635. At the start of project implementation, the IPP, RP, Environment Management Plan (EMP),

and the GAP are the basic reference of the CPMO for safeguards monitoring. For the IPP, the

summary and major points this safeguards document will be disclosed at the municipal and

barangay public meetings including all relevant stakeholders. Indigenous women representing

affected households will be present at the disclosure meetings. Disclosure of project information

will be made available to the indigenous communities and beneficiaries in the form of leaflets or

brochures translated into the local language.

636. For indigenous communities where a large number of the adults cannot read, materials

will be produced in popularized form. In addition to printed material, project implementers will use

visual presentations and other culturally appropriate means to share pertinent project information.

Posters and flyers will be displayed in strategic locations in the indigenous communities, barangay

halls, markets, and places within the community where most people congregate.

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637. The IPP monitoring will form part of the project’s semi-annual safeguards, monitoring

reports that will be posted on the ADB website. Summaries of the monitoring reports will be posted

in barangay offices and tribal halls and delivered to IPs through their tribal representatives.


project implementation.




the project cycle.

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VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM

640. Part of the ADB SPS 2009 requirements is the establishment of a grievance redress

mechanism (GRM) designed to receive and facilitate resolution of the concerns and grievances

of project-affected persons, including workers and external stakeholders, about the

borrower's/client's social and environmental performance at project level. Scaled to the risks and

impacts of the project, the GRM should address the affected person's concerns and complaints

promptly, using an understandable and transparent process that is gender responsive, culturally

appropriate, and readily accessible to all segments of the affected person.

641. Such mechanism is also an important tool to educate stakeholder regarding the project’s development and to check whether the project has negative or positive effects or perception. It

will strengthen the knowledge of the people with regard to the positive impacts of the project, as

well as the effort of the monitoring team together with the project proponent in resolving

unfavorable events, if any.

642. A multi-tier common GRM will be put in place to provide a time-bound and transparent

mechanism in receiving and resolving social and environmental concerns linked to the

Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP or overall project). It will provide an accessible,

inclusive, gender-sensitive, responsive, and culturally appropriate platform for receiving and

facilitating resolution of affected persons' grievances. The GRM described below has been

developed during the project preparation and will be presented in continuing consultation activities

under the project. Public awareness campaign will be conducted to ensure that awareness on the

project and its grievance redress procedures is generated and shared with affected persons and

other stakeholders. The campaign will ensure that the poor, vulnerable and others are made

aware of this mechanism. The Environmental Safeguard Officer of STDP’s project management unit (PMU) will have the overall responsibility for timely grievance redress on environmental

safeguards issues. Likewise, the Social Safeguards Officer of the PMU will have the overall

responsibility on social safeguard issues.

643. Who can complain. A complaint may be lodged by stakeholders who may be directly,

indirectly, materially, and/or adversely affected by the project. A representative can lodge a

complaint on behalf of the affected person/s or any stakeholder, provided that such representative

identifies the affected person/s and includes evidence of the authority to act on their behalf.

644. What the grievance/complaint should contain. Any concerns pertaining to safeguard

compliance – environment, involuntary resettlement, and indigenous people, design related

issues, compensation, service delivery or any other issues or concerns related to the project. The

complaint must contain name, date, address/contact details of the complainant, location of the

problem area, along with the problem. Sample grievance registration form is Appendix D.

645. Where and how to file a complaint. A contractor’s site office will be the primary point for

receiving and lodging any complaint. Apart from that, grievances or suggestions from affected

persons can be dropped into suggestion boxes or conveyed through phone calls or e-mails.

Affected persons or any complainant will also be able to lodge grievances personally to the

220

Grievance Redress Committee (GRC). The PMU officers and/or Tourism Infrastructure and

Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) field personnel and/or LGU representatives will be able to

correctly interpret/record verbal grievances of non-literate persons and those received over

telephone. The concerned contractor’s Environmental Officer or any designated person from the contractor’s side will monitor these grievances and use dedicated register books. If possible, take immediate necessary actions to redress minor complaints and inform the complainant as well as

the PMU of the resolution. The time period to resolve any grievances at different levels of GRC is

presented below.

646. Documentation. Documentation of the complaints is important and must contain name of

the complainant, date of receipt of the complaint, address/contact details of the person, location

of the problem area, and how the problem was resolved. ESO and SSO of PMU, with support

from LIC and PDSC, will have the overall responsibility for timely grievance redress, and for

registration of grievances, related disclosure, and communication with the aggrieved party. All the

documents made available to the public at the community level (at barangay halls/offices) and

will include information on the contact number, address and contact person for registering

grievances, and will be disseminated throughout the project area by the PMU.

647. Grievance/Problem resolution through participatory process. Efforts must be made

by the PMU with the support of environmental / social safeguard consultants to resolve problems

and conflicts amicably through participatory process with the community and relevant local

government. In case of grievances that are immediate and urgent in the perception of the

complainant, the contractor will provide the most easily accessible or first level of contact for the

quick resolution of grievances. Contact phone numbers and names of the concerned staff and

contractors will be posted at all construction sites at visible locations.

648. Grievance Redress Committee. A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be

established to address the grievance of persons affected due to implementation of the project.

The compositions of the GRC are provided in table below:

Table 68: Composition of Grievance Redress Committees Level 1:Site level GRC Level 2: PMU Level GRC Level 3: Steering Committee

Level GRC

• Environmental Officer of Contractor;

• Social Safeguards Officer of Contractor;

• Contractor’s site engineer • TIEZA Field Engineer

• Barangay representative • IP / NGO / CBO

Representatives (as appropriate) - Member

• Project Director, PMU – Chair

• Deputy Project Director, PMU – Member

• Environmental Safeguards Officer, PMU –Member

• Social Safeguards Officer, PMU – Member

• City/Municipal LGU Representative - Member

• LIC / PDSC Consultants –Members

• IP / NGO / CBO Representatives (as appropriate) - Member

• Chief Operating Officer, TIEZA – Chair

• Assistant Chief Operating Officer, TIEZA - Member

• Project Director, STDP – Member

• Environmental Safeguards Officer, PMU –Member

• Social Safeguards Officer, PMU – Member

• IP / NGO / CBO / LGU Representatives (as appropriate) - Member

649. Grievance Redress Process and Timeframe:

221

(i) 1stlevel grievance: In case of grievances that are immediate and urgent in the perception of the complainant, he/she can first lodge his/her complaint with the contractor’s Site Engineer. Complaints and grievances will be heard by the Environmental Officer and/or Social Safeguard Officer of Contractor, and focus group discussions may be undertaken at the barangay level if necessary. The grievance will need to be resolved within 7 days from the date of receipt of the complaint. If the grievance cannot be addressed at first level, then it should be escalated to second level. The affected person can approach the PMU GRC.

(ii) 2nd level grievance: All grievances that cannot be redressed at first level will be

brought to the 2nd level with the GRC at PMU. The GRC will try to resolve the complaints/ grievances raised by the complainant, facilitated by the PMU Environmental and/or Social Safeguards Officers within a period of 14 days from the date of receipt of the complaint at the 2nd level. If the grievance cannot be addressed at 2nd level, then the complaint should be escalated to third level. The Environmental Safeguards Officer or Social Safeguard Officer of PMU will communicate all decisions taken by the GRC to the complainant.

(iii) 3rd level grievance: All the grievances that cannot be not addressed at 2ndlevel will be brought to the 3rd level with the GRC at the Steering Committee Level. The Steering Committee GRC will meet as may be necessary (based on grievances lodged) to deliberate on the grievances brought to the committee. The Steering Committee GRC will resolve the grievance within 14 days of receiving the complaint at the 3rd level. The Environmental Safeguards Officer or Social Safeguard Officer of PMU will communicate all decisions taken by the GRC to the complainant.

650. The process of the GRM is given in Figure 1 below.

222

Figure: Grievance Redress Mechanism

ACOO = Assistant Chief Operating Officer, CBO = community-based organization, COO = Chief Operating Officer, DPD = Deputy Project Director, ESO = Environmental Safeguards Officer, IP = indigenous peoples, LIC = loan implementation consultants, LGU = local government unit, NGO = nongovernment organization, PD = Project Director, PMDSC = project management, design and supervision consultant, PMU = project management unit, SSO = Social Safeguards Officer, TIEZA = Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority

651. In case of any inter-departmental or inter-jurisdictional coordination required for resolution

of specific grievances, the PMU will refer the matter directly to the Head (or equivalent), PMU for

inter-departmental coordination and resolution. The project GRM notwithstanding, an affected

person shall have access to the country's legal system at any stage, and accessing the country's

legal system can run parallel to accessing the GRM and is not dependent on the negative outcome

of the GRM.

652. Periodic community meetings with affected communities to understand their concerns and

help them through the process of grievance redress (including translation from local

dialect/language, recording and registering grievances of non-literate affected persons and

explaining the process of grievance redress) will be conducted if required. The above GRM will

be discussed with the different stakeholders during continuing stakeholder consultation meetings.

These meetings will be held with community members (beneficiaries) and the concerned local

government personnel where civil works are proposed. The process and timelines for grievance

redress and contact details of the persons responsible for grievance redress will be shared in the

223

stakeholder meetings. Action taken in respect of all complaints will be communicated to the

complainant by letter, over phone or e-mail as the case may be.

653. Consultation arrangements for GRM - This will include group meetings and discussions

with affected persons, to be announced in advance and conducted at the time of day agreed on

with affected persons and conducted to address general/common grievances; and if required with

the ESO / SSO of PMU and LIC / PMDSC for one-to-one consultations. Non-literate affected

persons/ vulnerable affected persons will be assisted to understand the grievance redress

process. At the site office the of contractor, contractor’s Environmental Officer or Social Safeguards Officer will assist the non-literate affected persons to lodge complaints and with

follow-up actions at different stages in the process.

654. Documentation and record keeping. All GRC documents will be maintained by

contractor and PMU. Record of all complaints received, and action taken will be maintained at

both at the field level and the PMU. This information will be available for review and verification

by ADB or any third party. PMU will act as secretariat to the GRCs. All the grievance records will

be updated regularly and easily accessible on-site.

655. Information dissemination methods of the GRM: GRC procedures and operational

rules will be publicized widely through community meeting and pamphlets in local language so

that the affected persons are aware of their rights and obligation, and procedures of grievance

redress.

656. Grievances received, and responses provided will be documented and reported back to

the affected persons. The number of grievances recorded and resolved and the outcomes will be

displayed/disclosed in the PMU and project website. The phone number where grievances are to

be recorded will be prominently displayed at the construction sites.

657. Costs: All costs involved in resolving the complaints (meetings, consultations,

communication and reporting/information dissemination) will be borne by the PMU.

658. ADB Accountability Mechanism: If the established GRM is not in a position to resolve

the issue, the affected person also can use the ADB Accountability Mechanism through directly

contacting (in writing) the Complaint Receiving Officer (CRO) at ADB headquarters. Before

submitting a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, it is recommended that affected people

make a good faith effort to resolve their problems by working with the concerned ADB operations

department (in this case, the Philippines Country Office). Only after doing that, and if they are still

dissatisfied, they could approach the Accountability Mechanism. The ADB Accountability

Mechanism information will be included in the project-relevant information to be distributed to the

affected communities, as part of the project GRM.

659. Culturally Appropriate Grievance Redress Mechanism. The ADB SPS states that the

borrower/client is required to establish and maintain a grievance redress mechanism to ensure

effective resolution of indigenous beneficiaries’ concerns and grievances about program implementation.

224

660. The GRM staff will ensure that indigenous beneficiaries are oriented on the project GRM

processes. The goal of the GRM is to capture and resolve all grievances effectively. It serves as

both a venue for program beneficiaries to voice their concerns and a general guide for staff on

how to handle and resolve grievance that are raised.

661. Indigenous Peoples’ Conflict Resolution Practices. Conflicts between two or more

indigenous people will be addressed by the community in the context of customary laws and

dispute resolution mechanisms. If invited, project-related staff and other stakeholders, e.g.,

barangay or municipal officials, may participate in the process, but their role will be defined by the

officiating tribal leader or council of leaders. Inter-community conflicts will be addressed by the

communities themselves according to their customary or agreed upon dispute resolution

processes. If an outside facilitator, mediator, or arbiter is required or requested, the project

implementing and monitoring units will seek the intervention of the LGU to assume the role. This

guideline applies to conflicts or disputes between the affected indigenous group and any of the

project units or other groups or individuals involved in project implementation.

662. For project related grievances, the GRM procedures will be followed. At the core of the

GRM will be a dedicated division based at the CPMO. The fulltime function of the division is to

record and monitor the resolution of grievances. It will build the capacity of people and institutions

involved to resolve complaints. It will also maintain a grievance database to ensure efficient and

effective tracking of the resolution of complaints.

IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

663. The project will inevitably create various impacts, both positive and negative, throughout

the Pre-Construction, Construction, Operational, and Abandonment Phases. Prevention and/or

mitigation measures will be implemented to avoid and/or lessen the adverse impacts of the

project.

Environmental Management Plan

664. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) presents the mitigation and enhancement

principles, practices, and technologies aimed at minimizing and/or eliminating the potential

impacts of the project to its surrounding environment. The EMP is a dynamic document that may

be updated any time during project implementation if it is found inadequate. Corrective actions or

additional mitigation measures may be included. The Project Management Unit (PMU) is

responsible for updating the IEE and EMPs based on the detailed design and submit to ADB for

clearance.

Table 69, Table 70, Table 71, and Table 72 present the summary matrices of mitigating and

enhancement measures for the identified potential impacts in each development phase of the

Water Supply, Sanitation, Drainage, and Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure subprojects,

respectively. The responsible parties, estimated costs, and guarantees involved are also specified

in the matrices.

225

Table 69: Environmental Management Plan – Water Supply Subproject





Responsible Entity

Cost, PHP Guarantee /

Financial Arrangements

DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Acquisition of applicable permits, licenses, and clearances, including right-of-way





• Identify and include locations of water/gas pipes, power/telephone lines and any other infrastructure on the proposed pipeline and sewer network alignments, and redesign layouts to avoid any damage on such infrastructure;





TIEZA; LGU; EGIS

Minimal Pre-Construction expenses

226





Responsible Entity




Sourcing of Water People/IP Potential conflict of use of water resource

• Ascertain flow and conduct inventory of users downstream

• Provide alternative, reliable, and safe water supply to existing users

• Secure NWRB permit

TIEZA, LGU, EGIS

Pre-Construction expenses

Biodiversity and Ecology

Potential extinction of various biodiversity species / assets of Coron Reduced environmental flow leading to potential extinction of aquatic species and riparian ecology

• Undertake biodiversity and critical habitat assessment following IFC Guidance Note 6.

• Undertake environmental flow assessment in the Kadyang Falls and downstream areas.

• Include in the water supply design (WTP, etc) the limit on water withdrawal to ensure required minimum environmental flow and discharge is maintained at all seasons (particularly during dry seasons or low flow seasons) in the Kadyang Falls.

TIEZA, LGU, EGIS

Part of PMDSC cost

Design/Pre-Construction expenses



• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the WTP, Intake and other allied infrastructures.



TIEZA, Design Team (PMDSC)

Part of PMDSC cost




Indiscriminate disposal of spoils and other construction


TIEZA, Coron LGU

Part of TIEZA/Coron LGU cost


227





Responsible Entity



wastes will lead to siltation of canals, pollution of receiving bodies of waters (rivers and coastal waters), and inconvenience to the people and communities surrounding the project sites

• PMU to inform and provide access/authority to all contractors on the use of the identified disposal site.

Mapping of Existing Trees at Subproject Sites

Land, People, Biodiversity and the General Environment




TIEZA, Coron LGU






No civil works shall proceed unless

the following have been complied

with by the contractor:


(ii) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the water pipe alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor

Contractor Contractor’s Cost


228





Responsible Entity



shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or construction works;













TIEZA; LGU Minimal Pre-Construction expenses

CONSTRUCTION PHASE Site development (earth-movement and

Land Soil erosion/ • Limiting earth movement to areas where necessary


Minimal Contractor’s EMP

229





Responsible Entity



civil works) – Water Supply Intake, Water Treatment Plant, and Storage Tank/Reservoir

Loss of topsoil due to earth movement

Land Loss of vegetation

• Limiting vegetation clearing to areas where necessary




Will depend on the trees that will be affected

Contractor’s EMP










Covered by contract amount of Contractor

Contractor’s EMP




Contractor’s EMP; Site Inspection Report






People Community and occupational

• Following international best practices on community and


Covered by contract

Contractor’s EMP; Site

230





Responsible Entity



safety and health risks

occupational health and safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines on Construction and Decommissioning Activities.


amount of Contractor

Inspection Report






Minimal Contractor’s EMP; Site Inspection Report





















• Provision of safety lighting fixtures to ensure that even




231





Responsible Entity



during night time, the road works are well illuminated for pedestrians or motorists.







15,000 per quarter

Contractor’s MOA





30,000 per quarter

Contractor’s MOA





• Following international best practices on community and occupational health and safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)


50,000 per year

Contractor’s MOA

232





Responsible Entity



Guidelines on Construction and Decommissioning Activities.






TIEZA; LGU Minimal Contractor’s MOA

OPERATIONS PHASE Water Supply System Operation and Maintenance – Water Supply Intake, Water Treatment Plant, and Storage Tank/Reservoir



TIEZA; LGU 5,000 per month

EMoP



TIEZA; LGU 10,000 per month

EMoP



TIEZA; LGU 50,000 per quarter

EMoP



TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP









233





Responsible Entity




ABANDONMENT PHASE Decommissioning Land Generation of

solid wastes and other scraps


TIEZA; LGU To be determined

EMP

Termination People Loss of employment

• Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment



EMP

234

Table 70: Environmental Management Plan – Sanitation Subproject


Environmental Component likely to be Affected

Potential Impact Options for Prevention or Mitigation or

Enhancement Responsible

Entity Cost, PHP

Guarantee / Financial

Arrangements






• Identify and include locations of water/gas pipes, power/telephone lines and any other infrastructure on the proposed sewer network alignments, and redesign layouts to avoid any damage on such infrastructure;





TIEZA; LGU; EGIS


235





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements




• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the WWTPs and other allied infrastructures.




Part of Project Cost

Design expenses






TIEZA, Coron LGU

Part of Coron LGU Cost







TIEZA, Coron LGU



236





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements






the contractor:


(ii) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the sewer alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or construction works;


• Develop a specific Health and Safety Plan, that will include a Health and Safety COVID-19 Plan in accordance with relevant government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as World Health Organization. 2020.







• Contractors shall follow the guidance note developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) entitled “Workers’



237





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements

accommodation: processes and standards (A guidance note by IFC and the EBRD), 2009”.




TIEZA; LGU


CONSTRUCTION PHASE Site development (earth-movement and civil works) – WWTP and Sewer Pipelaying









Will depend on the trees that will be affected

Contractor’s EMP










Contractor’s EMP





238





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements




































239





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements







15,000 per quarter

Contractor’s MOA





30,000 per quarter

Contractor’s MOA








50,000 per year

Contractor’s MOA

240





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements





TIEZA; LGU

Minimal Contractor’s MOA

OPERATIONS PHASE WWTP Operation and Maintenance including Septic Tank Desludging



TIEZA; LGU

5,000 per month

EMoP



TIEZA; LGU

10,000 per month

EMoP


• Operations manual will be followed to ensure that effluent from the two STPs meets government standards as well as proper treatment and disposal of residual sludge

TIEZA; LGU

Part of the operation’s cost

EMoP



TIEZA; LGU

50,000 per quarter

EMoP



TIEZA; LGU

Minimal EMoP





TIEZA; LGU

Minimal EMoP

241





Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements




TIEZA; LGU

Minimal EMoP








TIEZA; LGU Contractor

Minimal Covered by contract amount of Contractor

EMoP Contractor’s MOA

ABANDONMENT PHASE Decommissioning Land Generation of solid

wastes and other scraps • Implementation of a solid waste

management plan consistent with the local scheme and regulations

TIEZA; LGU

To be determined

EMP



TIEZA; LGU

To be determined

EMP

242

Table 71: Environmental Management Plan – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject





Responsible Entity








• Identify and include locations of water/gas pipes, power/telephone lines and any other infrastructure on the proposed pipeline alignments, and redesign layouts to avoid any damage on such infrastructure;





TIEZA; LGU; EGIS


243





Responsible Entity






• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the Drainage infrastructures.





Design Expenses






TIEZA, Coron LGU

Coron LGU Cost







TIEZA, Coron LGU



244






the contractor:


(ii) Develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas along the sewer alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office. Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or construction works;












245

Local sourcing of labor





CONSTRUCTION PHASE Earth-movement and civil works









Depending on number of trees to be cut or balled-out

Contractor’s EMP











Contractor’s EMP


• Installation of silt traps prior to excavation activities (Refer to other preventive measures listed in Para 318).









246













Use of heavy equipment
























247














Contractor’s MOA





PHP 50,000 throughout construction period

Contractor’s MOA





• Following international best practices on community and occupational health and safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)


PHP 50,000 throughout construction period

Contractor’s MOA

248

Guidelines on Construction and Decommissioning Activities.










EMP

OPERATIONS PHASE Drainage System Maintenance






• Provision of PPE • Regular health check-up for the

personnel






ABANDONMENT PHASE Backfilling Land Sourcing of backfill

materials • Coordination with LGU for the

source of material TIEZA; LGU To be

determined EMP

Air Generation of Dust • Immediate sprinkling of water to prevent dust re-suspension.



EMP

249

Table 72: Environmental Management Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Subproject


Environmental Component Likely to be

Affected



Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements

PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE Acquisition of applicable permits, licenses, and clearances, including right-of-way

People Disclosure of project components and activities





• Consider potential impacts from extreme climate change scenario in designing the small scale tourism infrastructures.





Design Expenses





CONSTRUCTION PHASE Civil works and installation of small-scale infrastructure facilities (Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, Shed House)





Contractor’s EMP




TIEZA; LGU; Contractor; ENTRMPA Office





Covered by contract

Contractor’s EMP; Site

250



Affected



Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements

amount of Contractor

Inspection Report





Contractor’s EMP






Contractor’s MOA



• Provision of portalets



Contractor’s MOA










Contractor’s MOA

251



Affected



Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements





OPERATIONS PHASE Small-Scale Infrastructure Operation and Maintenance (Floating Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, Shed House)

Land, Water, People




TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMP and EMoP






Water Generation of wastewater from toilets.

• The toilets will be connection to a properly designed septic tank and leach field (with regular desludging).

TIEZA; LGU Part of the operation’s cost

EMP and EMoP

Water Harming of marine ecosystems at the intake point

• Ensure that there is no marine ecosystem that will be destroyed near the intake point.










252



Affected



Entity Cost, PHP


Arrangements







TIEZA; LGU Part of the operation’s cost

EMP and EMoP

ABANDONMENT PHASE Decommissioning and removal of small-scale infrastructure facilities




To be determined

Contractor’s EMP




TIEZA; LGU; Contractor; ENTRMPA Office


Land, Water, People




To be determined

Contractor’s EMP

253

665. During the construction phase of the different subprojects, the designated contractor shall

be responsible for the implementation of the Construction Environmental Program, under the

supervision of the Proponent and in accordance with the ECC conditions. The program shall

include specific actions and measures such as:

• Provision of workers’ accommodation in compliance with the IFC/EBRD Guidance on Workers’ Accommodation);

• Provision of liquid and solid waste handling/disposal facilities;

• Avoidance of unnecessary earth movement;

• Worker and project site safety programs, including emergency response plans;

• Proper storage and disposal of hazardous wastes (i.e., used oil, etc.) in accordance

with DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the Management of

Hazardous Wastes);

• Reduction/elimination of pollution sources; and

• Proper demobilization procedures (i.e., clean-up of construction sites,

replacement/replanting of removed trees/revegetation).

666. Solid wastes will inevitably be generated during the Construction and Operations phases

of the different subprojects. To address this concern, a Solid Waste Management Plan will be

adopted with the aim to reduce and properly manage solid wastes that will be generated from the

Project activities, thereby also reducing operational costs from handling, storage, and disposal of

solid wastes. The following measures are recommended:

• Implementation of waste reduction/avoidance and segregation policy for all

construction and operations personnel;

• Provision of solid waste handling and storage facilities, such as dumpsters, trash cans

in common areas and strategic locations;

• Composting of biodegradable wastes, such as food wastes and yard trimmings;

• Recovering of recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, and metals; and

• Collection and disposal of residual and other general solid wastes in accordance with

the local solid waste collection schedule.




668. A health and safety policy will be formulated and implemented in all of the project phases

based on the IFC General Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines. This policy will

undergo continuous improvement to adapt to the existing conditions. Such policy will not only

reduce the likelihood of injuries or fatalities that may affect its personnel, but also protect valuable

equipment and properties against damages.

• All management, technical, and non-technical personnel shall undergo specialized

training courses to familiarize themselves to the operations and maintenance of the

project’s various facilities;

• Emergency response plan shall be updated regularly, and emergency drills shall be

performed regularly to improve personnel’s response technique and time; • Audits shall be conducted by the management and personnel, with possible

assistance from various safety consultants;

• Personnel shall undergo scheduled annual health check-ups;

• Safety signage, adequate illumination, anti-skid steps and guard rails, fire

extinguishers, first-aid kits, and other safety features shall be established throughout

the project’s facilities; • Personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes safety boots, hard hats, gloves,

safety goggles (in some instances) shall be mandatory for construction workers

(during Construction Phase) and personnel (during Operations Phase) working on the

project.

669. To protect the health and safety of workers as well as communities potentially affected by

ADB-financed and/or administered projects, contractors are required to conduct a COVID-19 risk

assessment and to incorporate COVID-19 health risks as part of their health and safety (H&S)

plans, which are part of their site-specific contractor EMP (CEMP). These H&S plans should be

aligned with any government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or

in the absence thereof, with international good practice guidelines as may be updated from time

to time. The plans need to include sensitization measures to ensure proper briefings and

education / capacity development materials and proper signage for the workers. The contractors’ H&S plans should be reviewed and cleared by the Engineer or supervision consultant in

consultation with public health inspectors of the area, local medical officers, and other relevant

health specialists.

670. The Engineer (or supervision consultant) shall be adequately staffed to undertake

professional review and make recommendations to the EA and monitor the contractors’ H&S plans. The TOR of the Engineer (or supervision consultant) reflects the need to supervise and

report on the contractors’ H&S plans, including COVID-19 risk management. The contractors’ EMP, including the H&S plan, shall be cleared by the Engineer (or supervision consultant) prior

to mobilization of construction workers.

671. For all works contracts, contract provision on H&S shall include the requirement to submit

a specific COVID-19 risk management plan (as part of the H&S plan) showing what type of

arrangements the contractor will take to address this risk.

672. Quarterly project progress reports and the semi-annual environment monitoring reports

shall report on the findings of the project-level COVID-19 risk assessment and risk mitigation

measures, shall confirm that such mitigation measures have been incorporated in all the

contractors’ H&S plans before works resumed/commenced at the site; and shall report on H&S

plan implementation progress.

673. The proposed subprojects are expected to contribute additional vehicular traffic in the

project area during the Construction and Operations phases. To mitigate this impact, a traffic

management scheme shall be implemented to improve traffic flow efficiency and promote road

safety in the project area. The recommended traffic management measures are as follows:

• Regulation of truck deployment (scheduling of transport during off-peak hours);

• Imposition of local speed limits;

• Provision of safety barriers, warning signs and/or lights within the vicinity of the

subproject sites;

• Provision of adequate parking spaces within the subproject sites, as may be

necessary; and

• Designation of personnel to regulate vehicle movement in and out of the subproject

site.

Information, Education and Communication Plan

674. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for the project will be

conducted for all phases of its development, which would allow regular feedback mechanism for

issues and concerns. The contents of IEC will be based on the action or operation plans and will

be monitored for evaluation.

675. Feedback mechanism is a very important tool to educate people regarding the project’s development: whether it has negative or positive effects or perception. It will strengthen the

knowledge of the people with regards to the positive impact of the project, as well as the effort of

the monitoring team in resolving unfavorable events, if there are any.

676. Integral to the IEC is the regular reporting on the progress of its operations. IEC activities

should be conducted to establish transparency and develop a partnership with the host

communities.


project implementation. Posters about project info/progress shall be included in LGU bulletin

boards, among others.




the project cycle.

Environmental Monitoring Plan

679. The Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) presents a set of critical environmental

parameters that will allow the Proponent to ensure environmental compliance and sustainability

of the project operations.

680. The EMoP allows monitoring, verification, and performance of the necessary corrective

measures towards the mitigation of the identified environmental impacts. Information obtained

during the EMoP implementation can be used in examining the short- and long-term effects of the

project’s various environmental aspects, from which future strategies on environmental enhancement measures can be formulated.

681. Table 73, Table 74, Table 75, and Table 76 present the proposed EMoP that will be

implemented in each development phase of the Water Supply, Sanitation, Drainage/Urban

Design, and Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure subprojects, respectively. Shown in the

matrix are the concerns, parameters to be monitored, as well as the corresponding sampling and

measurement plan (method, frequency, location), lead person, and annual estimated cost.

682. The Proponent will monitor its compliance through regular submission of Self-Monitoring

Report (SMR) and Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) to the DENR-EMB.

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Table 73: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Water Supply Subproject




PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES Water supply availability at Kadyang Falls

Volume of water supply Water flow measurement


Minimal





Minimal













Minimal






Minimal

Baseline flora biodiversity assessment



Once Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor


Baseline fauna biodiversity assessment


Field survey Once Project Site TIEZA; LGU; Contractor


OPERATIONAL PHASE Water supply availability at Kadyang Falls

Volume of water supply; Water flow measurement


Minimal

Effluent Discharge pH, TSS, Chloride, Fluoride, Iron


Quarterly Effluent discharge point TIEZA; LGU; Contractor






Minimal






Minimal

Flora biodiversity assessment



After the construction phase (to monitor the



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effects of construction) Every 3 to 5 years after the construction phase.

Fauna biodiversity assessment


Field survey After the construction phase (to monitor the effects of construction) Every 3 to 5 years after the construction phase.






Loss of employment



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Table 74: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Sanitation Subproject




PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES Solid and hazardous waste generation




Minimal













Minimal






Minimal

OPERATIONAL PHASE Effluent Discharge BOD, Fecal Coliform,

Ammonia, Nitrate, Phosphate, Oil and Grease, Surfactants Heavy metals (in first 2 years of operation) – if undetected/below acceptable standard, other parameters may suffice


Quarterly Effluent discharge point



Sewage Sludge Quality

Heavy metals Grab sampling and laboratory analysis

Prior to disposal

Sludge stream flow TIEZA; LGU; Contractor


Solid and hazardous waste generation




Minimal






Minimal

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Emission of unpleasant odors

No. of complaints from nearby community




Minimal




Loss of employment



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Table 75: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject







Daily Construction areas DOT; LGU; Contractor

Minimal




DOT; LGU; Contractor



Semi-annually Project Site DOT; LGU; Contractor






Minimal






Minimal

OPERATIONAL PHASE




Daily/weekly Project Site DOT; LGU; Contractor

Minimal






Minimal



Daily/weekly Project Site DOT; LGU To be determined


Once DOT; LGU To be determined

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Table 76: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject







Daily Construction areas DOT; LGU; Contractor

Minimal





Minimal






Minimal

OPERATIONAL PHASE Solid waste generation




Minimal

Marine water quality Fecal coliform Grab sampling and laboratory analysis

Quarterly Marine waters surrounding the project site



Emission of unpleasant/nuisance odors

No. of complaints from tourism operators/tourists




Minimal




To be determined


Once Administration office of the project site


To be determined

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Emergency Response Plan

683. Identification of Potential Emergencies. Emergencies are unforeseen events or

episodes that are caused by natural forces and circumstances that may result to negative effects

to people, property, and the surrounding environment. As a preliminary step in developing an

effective emergency response policy, it is important to identify the potential emergency scenarios

that would most likely occur. The following table lists some of the emergencies that could happen

in the course of the implementation/operation of the different subprojects.

Table 77: Emergency Scenarios for the Project

Emergency Situation Possible Causes Potential Effects

Fire • Electrical short-circuits • Overloading of equipment • Accidental ignition of

combustible materials



Release of toxic substances

• Equipment malfunction • Accidental spillage • Man-made errors

• Health hazards to the employees, workers, and nearby communities

• Degradation of affected parameter (i.e. contamination of soil and water)

Occupational accidents • Improper training and supervision of personnel

• Equipment and facility failure • Lack of full understanding

regarding the surrounding environment


• Partial and total loss of equipment

Earthquakes • Movement/rupture of nearby fault lines

• Failure of concrete structures (i.e., collapse, breach, etc.)

• Injuries and fatalities to personnel and nearby communities

• Disrupt movement of goods (supplies and materials) and services when roads, bridges, ports are damaged which can effect construction schedules.

Extreme Weather Events/Flooding/ Storm Surge

• Extreme weather events • Power outage • Partial or total loss of

equipment and property • Injuries and fatalities to

personnel • Disrupt movement of goods

(supplies and materials) and services when roads, bridges, ports are damaged which can effect construction schedules.

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684. Emergency situations may also require different levels of classification and response

procedures, depending on the degree of situations. These levels will be referred to as: 1) Incident;

2) Emergency; and 3) Crisis.

a) Incident situations present minor events that may require partial or total mobilization of the proposed Project’s resources to effectively deal with an accident. An episode may present very minimal injuries and/or partial damages to property.

b) Emergency situations require the utilization of all resources, with the assistance of local emergency responders, and additional resources from the main office. This episode may present serious injuries and some fatalities and could result to severe or total damage to the property.

c) Crisis situations are the worst conditions, which require the utilization of full resources, and possibly, assistance from the national government to address the event. An episode may present multiple fatalities, destruction of facilities, and severe/total damage to the surrounding community.

685. Emergency Plan. The Emergency Plan is a management structure that is intended as a

guide for the personnel during emergency situations. Forming the Emergency Plan requires the

Proponent to select among the different skills and knowledge of its personnel at the Project. The

selection process will involve background checks, training and skills learning, and voluntary

application of selected personnel. The proposed project may follow the schematic diagram and

procedures presented in Figure IX-1 and Table IX-8. The roles and responsibilities of each

personnel involved in the Emergency Plan are listed in Table IX-9.

686. The designation of the personnel and their corresponding responsibilities may be changed

during different types of emergency scenarios that were previously identified in this section.

Therefore, if such case will exist, designated personnel should be properly and adequately trained

to deal with each type of emergency.

Figure 49: Emergency Response Plan

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Table 78: Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios

Emergency Situation


Fire • Orientation and training of personnel on fire safety

• Conduct of regular fire drills

• Installation and regular testing of firefighting devices (i.e. fire hoses, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, sprinkler system)

• Installation and regular calibration of Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS)

• Regular inspection of electrical equipment and lines for any defect or malfunction, and replacement, as necessary

• Securing of all flammable items in

• Notice for personnel to keep calm and alert to prevent further injuries; to follow emergency evacuation procedures; and to report immediately any presence of smoke, spark, or open flame to authorized personnel

• Immediate use of fire extinguishers, only if the fire can still be contained

• Disconnection of electrical or fuel connections and shutdown of all affected equipment

• Removal of all flammable materials from the fire scene to avoid further contact, if possible

• Prohibition of returning to the fire scene, as long as necessary, unless declared for safe entry

• Checking for personnel that may be trapped, injured, or needs further assistance

• Reporting of any important incident that require immediate attention


• If fire damage is minimal, or if facility is recoverable,

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Emergency Situation


proper containers and storage facilities

• Strict implementation of “No Smoking” policy in plant facilities

• Placement of emergency numbers and communication equipment in conspicuous areas for easier notification

• Designation of emergency exits (free from obstruction) and evacuation procedures

• Regular maintenance of plant equipment

• Wearing of proper fire protection attire (i.e. fire suit, boots, breathing apparatus) by responders

• Prohibition of using or pouring of water over fuel or alcohol fires, and electrical fires

implementation of necessary corrective measures to prevent the accident from re-occurring

Release of Toxic Substances (e.g., fuel, hazardous waste)

• Regular visual inspection for potential leaks and corrosion

• Inspection of facilities, containers, and equipment for any sign of leaks or spills

• Notice for personnel to report the occurrence immediately to supervisor; to follow strictly instructions of supervisor in charge of cleaning operations

• Ceasing of operations in the area affected by spillage and stop appropriate source

• Stop vehicle engines in the affected area

• Ceasing of operations or any movement until clearance is given

• Immediate clean-up of all spills using proper conditions, including stoppage and containment of spill or leak

• Implementation of measures to prevent re-occurrence of the incident

Occupational Hazards

• Provision of basic PPE • Formation of an

emergency response team for each department

• Provision of first-aid kits and emergency equipment on critical workstations

• Training of personnel on proper equipment handling and other safety practices

• Posting of safety reminders on workstations

• Provision of safety features, such as adequate lighting,

• Immediate reporting of any accident, especially those considered life-threatening

• Immediate application of first-aid

• Removal of affected personnel from the accident site

• Bringing of affected personnel to the nearest first aid station or hospital if necessary

• Performing of corrective measures on equipment and procedures

• Provision of additional safety procedures, equipment, and training

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Emergency Situation


guide rails, and safety signage

• Adequate ventilation will be provided to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 and to reduce the buildup of methane and other harmful gases in the sewage/septage treatment facilities.




Earthquake • Conduct of necessary preparations, including equipment and facility checks, to prevent injuries in an event of an earthquake

• Securing of all loose items to prevent falling

• Placement of heavy materials near the ground

• Storage of flammable items in designated safe areas

• Notice for personnel to keep calm and alert to prevent further injuries; to protect themselves by getting under sturdy structures and stay away from sharp, flammable, or heavy items; and to prepare for immediate evacuation of the facility, if necessary


• If there are no threats of aftershocks, checking for personnel that may be trapped, injured, or needs further assistance

• Prohibition of returning to the facility if it is deemed structurally unstable, or declared unsafe

• Thorough inspection of the facility premises for any unusual crack/gap in the ground or walls

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Emergency Situation


• Orientation of personnel on safe locations, emergency response equipment, and evacuation routes

• Conduct of regular earthquake drills

• Checking for possible fires and advise authorities for appropriate response


• Inspection of the facility for any major structural defect, crack, unstable item, and other potential hazards

• If earthquake damage is minimal or facility is recoverable, implementation of corrective measures to prevent the further hazards from affecting personnel and property

Extreme Weather / Flooding / Storm Surge

• Securing of all loose items (i.e., lamp post, roofs, loose planks, and other light materials) by adding extra guy wires or reinforcing materials

• Removal of obstructions to the drainage system

• In case of storm warning from PAGASA, monitoring of important weather forecast/ parameters, such as path and intensity of the storm

• Notice for personnel to avoid staying outdoors; to stay away from items that may be blown away by strong winds and from electrical mains

• Continuous monitoring of the weather conditions


• Inspection of facility for any major structural defect, crack, unstable item, and other potential hazards

• Repair of broken power lines, fuel lines, and other utilities, if necessary


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Table 79: Roles and Responsibilities in the Emergency Plan

Emergency Response Personnel Roles and Responsibilities

Incident Commander • Overall in-charge of operations during an event of an emergency

• Gives direction and orders to the response teams in managing the emergency

Safety Officer • Supervises the daily safety performance of operations and maintenance procedures, including emergency response procedures

Liaison Officer • Secures the necessary permits and training certification for the personnel

Public Information Officer • Performs communication duties to the media, government officials, and the local population

• Issues relevant warnings and advisories to concerned authorities

Operations Team • Performs the actual response, rescue, and retrieval of personnel and equipment during an event of an emergency

Planning/Intelligence Team • Devices programs and policies for proper response procedures

• Informs the operations team regarding the nature and type of response procedure for the Operations Team

• Identifies potential hazards and performs recommendations to authorities

Logistics Team • Provides the necessary supplies and equipment for the Operations Team

• Provides additional support/assistance to the Operations Team

Finance and Administration Team

• Provides the assessment of expenses and allocates the necessary financial resources for the other Teams

• Performs the disbursement of claims and compensation for affected personnel, property, and the community

Implementation Arrangements

687. TIEZA acts as Department of Tourism’s implementing arm in providing support infrastructures and facilitating investments in tourism enterprise zones (TEZ) nationwide. This is

carried out through its main functions — infrastructure development; designation, regulation and

supervision of TEZs; and management of its existing assets or facilitation of their privatization;

among others. In the fulfillment of this mandate, TIEZA is undertaking various infrastructure

development activities to ensure the continuing contribution of the tourism sector in the economic

development of the country. STDP is one of these initiatives aimed at improving tourism activities

in Coron and El Nido in Palawan, and at the same time safeguarding the fragile and sensitive

environment.

688. TIEZA is the executing agency of the project, while TIEZA and Department of Tourism

(DOT) are the joint implementing agencies. A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be created

under the overall supervision of TIEZA and DOT. The PMU will ensure that the project will be

implemented in accordance with the ADB SPS and relevant government laws, rules and

regulations, including the PD 1586 (Philippine EIS System) and RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste

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Management Act of the Philippines), among others. A steering committee will be established to

provide overall policy guidance and oversee the overall implementation of the project. The

committee will be chaired by TIEZA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), while the Undersecretary of Legal and Special Concerns will act as vice-chairperson. Steering committee members include:

Assistant COO (ACOO) Administration and Finance Sector, ACOO Architectural and Engineering

Service Center; ACOO Tourism Enterprise Management Sector; and ACOO Assets Management

Sector.

689. The PMU will be supported by a project design and supervision consultant (PDSC) that

will provide all necessary expertise in implementing Design-Build-Operate (DBO)

subprojects/components at varying degrees during design phase and pre-construction phase,

construction phase, and operation phase; and a loan implementation consultant (LIC) team of

individual consultants that will provide support to supervision and monitoring subprojects covered

by civil works contracts. The roles and responsibilities of PDSC are discussed below.

690. The local government units (LGUs) of Coron and El Nido will support PMU, PDSC and

LIC in implementing the project at their respective localities. Each LGU will have a dedicated focal

person who will support the implementation of the project on the ground.

691. DBO and civil works contractors and subcontractors undertaking the works will be

responsible for ensuring that their activities comply with the environmental and social safeguard

requirements of the contracts including the technical specifications. The contractors will prepare

their respective Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan

(CESHSMP) based on the subproject’s final EMPs, and report progress of implementation to the PMU. EMPs are designed to ensure that appropriate environmental and social management

practices are applied throughout the implementation period, and the CESHSMPs should likewise

reflect the same. The contractors will be required to employ a full-time health and safety officer

and an environmental officer as necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements concerning

environmental, health, safety, social and labor regulations during the entire implementation

period.

692. Environmental Safeguards Implementation Arrangements for the Coron

Subproject. Based on the overall implementation arrangement, figure below depicts the

implementation arrangement for environmental safeguards specific to the Coron Subproject.

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Figure 53 Environmental Safeguards Implementation Arrangement

ADB = Asian Development Bank, C/MENRO = City or Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, DBO = design-build-operate, H&S = health and safety, LGU = local government unit, LIC = loan implementation consultant, PDSC = project design and supervision consultant, PMU = project management unit, TIEZA = Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority.

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693. Project Management Unit. An Environmental Safeguards Officer (ESO) will be assigned

in PMU to ensure efficient overall implementation of environmental safeguards. The ESO will be

supported by Project Engineers at the TIEZA field office in Coron, and a team of experts through

the PDSC in monitoring the implementation of various tasks under the project. With support, the

ESO will have the following responsibilities:

(i) Review and confirm draft IEE including EMPs are finalized based on final detailed designs;

(ii) Update the final IEE including EMPs if changes in detailed design of any subproject (DBO or Civil Works) occur during implementation phase;

(iii) Ensure that EMPs are included in bidding documents and contracts (DBO or Civil Works);

(iv) Ensure that bidding and contract documents include specific provisions requiring contractors to comply with: (i) all applicable labor laws and core labor standards on (a) prohibition of child labor as defined in national legislation for construction and maintenance activities; (b) equal pay for equal work of equal value regardless of gender, ethnicity, or caste; and (c) elimination of forced labor; and with (ii) the requirement to disseminate information on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, to employees and local communities surrounding the project sites;

(v) Review and approve CESHSMPs of contractors; (vi) Provide oversight on environmental management aspects of subprojects and

ensure EMPs and CESHSMPs are implemented by contractors; (vii) Establish a system to monitor environmental safeguards of the project including

monitoring the indicators set out in the monitoring plan of the EMPs; (viii) Facilitate and confirm overall compliance with all government laws, rules and

regulations regarding sites, and environmental clearances as well as any other environmental requirements as relevant. This includes securing of ECC under PD 1586 (Philippine EIS System), relevant clearances, if any, under RA 7611 (Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act, and compliance with the requirements of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines), among others;

(ix) Review, monitor and evaluate effectiveness with which the EMPs/CESHSMPs are implemented, and recommend necessary corrective actions to be taken; Consolidate monthly environmental monitoring reports from contractors and

submit semi-annual environmental monitoring reports to ADB;

(x) Ensure timely disclosure of final IEEs/EMPs in project website and in a form accessible to the public;

(xi) Address any grievances brought about through the grievance redress mechanism (GRM) in a timely manner as per the IEEs;

(xii) Undertake regular review of safeguards-related loan covenants, and the compliance during program implementation; and

(xiii) Organize periodic capacity building and training programs on safeguards for project stakeholders, PMU, and contractors.

694. Project Design and Supervision Consultant (PDSC). The PDSC team will have an

Environment Specialist Consultant who will assist PMU in the review and updating of all

necessary environmental safeguard documentation as required by ADB SPS and national laws,

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regulations, policies and guidelines applicable to the project. Specific tasks of the Environment

Specialist Consultant are the following:

(i) Support the PMU ESO in fulfilling all responsibilities as enumerated in the preceding paragraph;

(ii) For subprojects covered by civil works contracts: a. finalize the IEE including EMPs based on final detailed designs and in

accordance with ADB SPS and national laws, regulations, policies and guidelines;

b. conduct meaningful consultations and ensuring issues/concerns/suggestions raised are incorporated in the design and updated/final IEE reports;

c. ensure relevant provisions from the updated/final IEE report and EMPs are incorporated in the bid and contract documents;

d. update the final IEE reports including EMPs if changes in detailed design occur during implementation period;

(iii) For subproject covered by DBO contracts: a. ensure draft IEE report is included as part of the bid and contract

documents that will be floated for bidding; b. ensure bid and contract documents stipulates the requirement for the DBO

Contractor to finalize the draft IEE report during the detailed design phase, and submit to PMU for review;

c. review the final IEEs including EMPs prepared by the DBO Contractor;\ d. ensure that the DBO Contractor updates the final IEEs including EMPs if

changes in detailed design occur during the implementation period; (iv) Conduct of due diligence of associated facilities and/or audit of existing facilities, if

any, during the detailed design phase, as defined in ADB SPS; (v) Establish GRM and ensuring members of the grievance committee have the

necessary capacity to resolve project-related issues/concerns; (vi) Conduct safeguards capacity building, together with the social safeguard experts,

to ensure PMU has the capacity to implement, monitor, and report on implementation of EMPs/CESHSMPs, resettlement plans and indigenous peoples plans (if any);

(vii) Monitor day to day the implementation of EMPs/CESHSMPs at all works sites, including all potential safeguard issues identified in the safeguard documentation mentioned above; and

(viii) Monitor any unanticipated environmental risks or impacts that may arise during construction, implementation or operation of the project that were not considered in the IEE report and EMPs. Prepare corrective action plans and ensure that these are implemented by the contractor and reported accordingly in environmental monitoring reports to ADB.

695. Civil Works Contract and Contractor. The IEE with EMPs is to be included in bidding

and contract documents and verified by PMU. Contractors will be required to designate their

respective Health and Safety Experts and Environmental Safeguards Experts to ensure

implementation of EMPs/CESHSMPs during civil works. Contractors are to carry out all

environmental mitigation and monitoring measures outlined in their contracts. The contractors will

be required to submit to PMU, for review and approval, Contractors’ Environment, Social, Health

and Safety Management Plans (CESHSMPs) including (i) proposed sites/locations for

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construction work camps, storage areas, hauling roads, lay down areas, disposal areas for solid

and hazardous wastes; (ii) specific mitigation measures following the approved EMP; (iii)

monitoring program as per EMP; and (iv) budget for CESHSMP implementation. No works can

commence prior to approval of CESHSMP.

696. A copy of the EMPs/approved CESHSMPs will be kept on-site during the construction

period at all times. Non-compliance with, or any deviation from, the conditions set out in the

EMPs/CESHSMPs constitutes a failure in compliance and will require corrective actions.

697. A summary of environmental management responsibilities for the project is presented in

Table 80.

Table 80: Institutional Arrangement for EMP Implementation

Project Implementation Organization

Management Roles and Responsibilities

Asian Development Bank (ADB)

• Review and clear IEEs/EMPs. • Review bidding documents and clear CEMPs. • Review executing agency and implementing agency’s submissions

for procurement of goods, equipment, works and services. • Conducts project review missions, midterm review mission and

project completion review mission to assess project implementation progress of all outputs, compliance of project to covenants including safeguards requirements.

• Provide environmental and social safeguards capacity building to the PMU during missions and remotely as required.

• Review semi-annual and annual environmental and social monitoring report.

Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority (TIEZA) as executing agency

• Guide and monitor overall project execution. • Financial and procurement oversight. • Ensure flow of funds to the implementing agency and the timely

availability of counterpart funding. • Review and coordinate evaluation of bids for works, goods, and

consultant services. LGU as implementing agency for infrastructure components

• Responsible for overall project implementation and monitoring at the implementing agency level.

• Ensure adequate funding available for the PMU. • Submit semi-annual and annual monitoring reports to ADB. • Assist in resolving complaints brought through the Grievance

Redress System (GRS) that have not been resolved at lower levels. Project Management Unit (PMU)

• Responsible for overall project management, implementation, and monitoring.

• Responsible for the application of ECC and other environmental clearances.

• Update the IEE and EMPs based on the detailed design and submit to ADB for clearance.

• Ensure environmental safeguard concerns are incorporated in the detailed engineering design.

• Disclose safeguard documents, as appropriate. • Submit monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual monitoring

report to TIEZA and ADB • Review contractor’s monthly reports.

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Project Implementation Organization

Management Roles and Responsibilities

• Implement the GRS and maintain records of complaints/grievances. • Ensure the contractor observes the GRS requirements. • Ensure contractor compliance with required resources for mitigation

measures as reflected in the EMP. PMU Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer

• Ensure IEE/EMPs are updated based on the final detailed designs and their disclosure in locations and form accessible to the public.

• Coordinate with the preparer of bid documents for the inclusion of IEE/EMPs in the bidding documents and civil works contracts incorporating environmental criteria in the evaluation of bids.

• Ensure required government permits and clearances acquired prior to actual construction activities.

• Establish system for monitoring environmental and social safeguards of the Project as described in the IEE/EMPs.

• Review, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented mitigation measures and recommend corrective actions whenever necessary.

• Prepare monthly environmental monitoring reports for consolidation to the semi-annual monitoring reports for TIEZA and ADB.

• Ensure GRS is activated prior to the start of construction. • During construction, conduct site visits and coordinate with the

project engineers to ensure that required environmental and social mitigation measures are implemented at the construction sites.

• Provide training for contractors’ environment and safety officers to ensure they understand the EMP requirements.

• Coordinate with the contractors’ EHSO to ensure that environmental and social awareness trainings for workers are done.

Contractors • Understand the EMP requirements and allocate necessary resources for implementation.

• Employ a full-time health and safety officer (EHSO) and an environmental officer as necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements concerning environmental, health, safety, social and labor regulations during construction.

• EHSO also provides capacity building and training for workers on EMP requirements as needed.

• Implement construction activities with the required mitigation measures.

• Conduct environmental and social monitoring as required by EMP. • Act promptly on complaints and grievances concerning the

construction activities in accordance with the project’s GRS. • Submit monthly progress reports on EMP implementation to PMU. • Draft CEMP that addresses as minimum the requirement of the EMP

prior to commencement of the project; full implementation of CEMP and update if necessary.

• Submit monthly progress reports on EMP implementation to PMU and semi-annual monitoring reports.

• Acquire necessary permits prior to construction.

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X. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

698. An IEE is deemed sufficient for the STDP given its categorization as Category B for Environment and Category C for both Involuntary Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples as per ADB SPS 2009. 699. This IEE has been undertaken based on preliminary and conceptual design as indicated in the STDP feasibility study for Coron. During the detailed design phase, it is highly recommended that the following important aspects be undertaken to ensure compliance with the ADB SPS requirements, and include the outcomes in the updating of the IEE:

(i) An environmental flow (e-flows) and sustainability analysis to ensure that the water withdrawal from the source will not impact downstream ecology and socio-economic uses and users. From these e-flows and sustainability analyses, the limits of water withdrawal for the various seasons, with emphasis on the low flow seasons, will be defined and integrated into the final detailed design of the water supply system; and

(ii) With utmost consideration to environmental impacts, identify and consider other possible sources of raw water, such as deep tube wells, necessary to augment the raw water supply particularly during the lean flow season.

700. In view of the limitations of conducting field activities and meaningful consultations due to COVID-19, some field level and project level activities have not been robust. Therefore, following are the major recommendations that should be undertaken prior to award of contract and execution of works:

(i) Follow up meaningful consultations with stakeholders and affected people in all subproject sites to present the developments under the project during the detailed design phase, including the final detailed designs of the various subprojects as they become available;

(ii) Gathering supplemental baseline data, if any, in addition to primary and secondary data used in this IEE, at all subproject sites;

(iii) Undertake a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment in relation to the locations of the subprojects following IFC Performance Standard 6 Criteria. This will determine if the subprojects pose significant impact to the biodiversity features identified in the IBAT Screening. This shall include assessment on whether or not any of the IUCN Red List Species of concern, including those species and areas locally identified but not identified by the IBAT Screening, would qualify the subproject areas as critical habitat. The assessment will also provide recommendations on how to mitigate any adverse findings or impacts to any biodiversity features in the area, including recommendations on how to ensure protection of the biodiversity species that qualify the area as critical habitat; and

(iv) Include results of the above tasks in the updating of the IEE or in new environmental assessment activities as may be required.

701. The Water Supply Subproject is envisaged to be awarded under a DBO Contract modality. Therefore, it is recommended that all specific environmental safeguards actions required of the contractor during all phases of implementation should be defined in the DBO bidding and contract documents. Consistent with all the requirements indicated in this IEE report, the following are important elements that should be discussed and/or integrated in the bidding and contract documents:

(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract

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c. The overall objective of the DBO Contract is to provide the local government of Coron, Palawan, Philippines with an expansion of the public water supply capacity and coverage to areas Coron town, and provide the people of Coron with access to continuous potable piped water supply. The subproject will ensure universal access to water services, covering all poor and vulnerable households, delivering significant benefits in the subproject area.

d. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement, construction, and operation of an intake, transmission mains, water treatment plant (WTP) and distribution network, including treated water storage facilities and other allied infrastructures. The water supply infrastructure shall be designed and built following international best practices and consistent with the requirements of relevant national government agencies. The ultimate goal is to provide drinking water that is compliant with the National Drinking Water Quality Standards (or equivalent).

(ii) DBO Contract Management. The subproject execution shall be supported by a DBO Contract management approach that will ensure timely delivery of the scope of works. The contract management system throughout the Contract term shall, without limitation, cover the following: a. Subproject and contract management including program and





e. Communication management towards the public. (iii) Design, Procurement, and Shipment. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities

during design phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: (xi) Elaborate the arrangement for the timely design, procurement, materials

testing and shipment under the scope of the DBO Contract; (xii) Prepare all engineering studies needed to complete the subproject

design, including additional surveys (if necessary) such as the environmental flows assessment for the Kadyang Falls and downstream area, and biodiversity and critical habitat assessment covering the areas of the subproject;

(xiii) Elaborate comprehensively the concept and final detailed design of the entire facility, including all data from where the final detailed design is based;

(xiv) Prepare CESHSMP based on the EMP of the draft IEE, and secure approval of the CESHSMP from PMU;

(xv) Finalize the draft IEE based on the final detailed design of the water supply system, including final alignments of raw water transmission mains and treated water distribution network, and submit to PMU;

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(xvi) Comply with all the requirements of Presidential Decree 1586 and other national and local government regulations related to drinking water supply;

(xvii) Update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report and submit to PMU (for subsequent submission to and approval by EMB Regional Office;

(xviii) Secure all necessary statutory clearances, permits and licenses required for the execution of subproject, including the corresponding Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from EMB Regional Office;

(xix) Ensure the timely procurement, and shipment of all materials and goods, equipment and components that are needed for the subsequent construction activities; and

(xx) The Contractor’s responsibilities with respect to design, procurement, and shipment shall be embedded in its quality management plan which shall indicate clear responsibilities of all involved parties and assure hold points for relevant design and construction activities.

(iv) During Construction Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the construction stage shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: h. Mobilize all Contractor’s personnel and sub-contractors, and erect

temporary facilities at the site; i. Prepare the site for construction and manage all construction works on

the site; j. Ensure timely delivery of all materials and goods to the site, as well as

unloading, unpacking, inspection, installation and testing of equipment; k. Integrate Works to ensure safety of personnel, assets and environment; l. Connect site infrastructure to utilities (water, sewerage, power); m. Ensure timely construction, assembly and erection of the Works to fulfil


n. Facilitate all inspections required by the representatives of the executing or implementing agency, or any third party engaged by the executing or implementing agency.

(v) During Commissioning Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the commissioning phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: e. Prepare and submit relevant Contractor’s documents including


f. Carry out pre-commissioning and commissioning including tests of individual equipment and allied components of the water supply system (intake, pumps, WTP, mains and distribution lines, storage tanks, etc.);

g. Allow relevant government agencies and/or Coron LGU and/or PMU (on behalf of the implementing agency) to review all documentation prior, during and after construction of the facility, including where necessary, visits to the site; and assess whether the water supply system components have been constructed according to the required specifications;

h. Await assessment or validation report from such relevant government agencies and/or Coron LGU and/or PMU, which may provide acceptance or approval of the facility that it can commence operation.

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(vi) During Operation Phase. The Contractor shall provide the necessary training of personnel of the main operator (and/or any third party as may be selected by the implementing agency in the future). Subsequently, the Contractor shall handover the facility to said operator.

702. Likewise, the Wastewater Treatment Facility Subproject is envisaged to be awarded under a DBO Contract modality. Therefore, it is also recommended that all specific environmental safeguards actions required of the contractor during all phases of implementation should be defined in the DBO bidding and contract documents. Consistent with all the requirements indicated in this IEE report, the following are important elements that should be discussed and/or integrated in the bidding and contract documents:

(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract. The overall objective of the DBO Contract is to provide the local government of Coron, Palawan, Philippines with a sustainable and inclusive sewerage system in view of the expanding population and economic activities in this tourism town. The subproject will focus on creating sewer networks, wastewater treatment plants and septage management facilities. The subproject will also build the capacity of Coron LGU in planning, implementation, and operation and maintenance (O&M) of sewerage system covering all poor and vulnerable households, delivering significant benefits in the area. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement, construction, and operation of a sewer network, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and allied infrastructures. The infrastructures shall be designed and built following international best practices and consistent with the requirements of relevant national government agencies. The ultimate goal is to efficiently collect wastewater and septage from households and treat them accordingly to compliance with the effluent standards set by the DENR prior to discharge.

(ii) DBO Contract Management. The subproject execution shall be supported by a

DBO Contract management approach that will ensure timely delivery of the scope of works. The contract management system throughout the Contract term shall, without limitation, cover the following: f. Subproject and contract management including program and


g. Quality assurance and management plan; h. Contractor’s Environmental, Social and Health and Safety Management

Plan (CESHSMP); i. Health and Safety Management Plan, including Health and Safety


j. Communication management towards the public.

(iii) Design, Procurement, and Shipment. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during design phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding and contract documents, the following: (xi) Elaborate the arrangement for the timely design, procurement, materials

testing and shipment under the scope of the DBO Contract;

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(xii) Prepare all engineering studies needed to complete the subproject design, including confirmatory wastewater characterization and quantification (if necessary), terrain and hydraulics surveys, etc.;

(xiii) Elaborate comprehensively the concept and final detailed design of the entire facility, including all data from where the final detailed design is based;

(xiv) Prepare CESHSMP based on the EMP of the draft IEE, and secure approval of the CESHSMP from PMU;

(xv) Finalize the draft IEE based on the final detailed design of the wastewater treatment facilities, including final alignments of sewer network, and submit to PMU;

(xvi) Comply with all the requirements of Presidential Decree 1586 and other national and local government regulations related to wastewater treatment, management and disposal;

(xvii) Update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report and submit to PMU (for subsequent submission to and approval by EMB Regional Office;

(xviii) Secure all necessary statutory clearances, permits and licenses required for the execution of subproject, including the corresponding Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) from EMB Regional Office;

(xix) Ensure the timely procurement, and shipment of all materials and goods, equipment and components that are needed for the subsequent construction activities; and

(xx) The Contractor’s responsibilities with respect to design, procurement, and shipment shall be embedded in its quality management plan which shall indicate clear responsibilities of all involved parties and assure hold points for relevant design and construction activities.








commissioning plan, operation and maintenance manuals, and as-built

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drawings; b. Carry out pre-commissioning and commissioning including tests of

individual equipment and allied components of the wastewater treatment facility (sewer network, WWTPs, pump stations, etc.);

c. Allow relevant government agencies and/or Coron LGU and/or PMU (on behalf of the implementing agency) to review all documentation prior, during and after construction of the facility, including where necessary, visits to the site; and assess whether the wastewater treatment facility components have been constructed according to the required specifications;


(vi) During Operation Phase. The Contractor shall provide the necessary training of personnel of the main operator (and/or any third party as may be selected by the implementing agency in the future). Subsequently, the Contractor shall handover the facility to said operator. In the event that the Contractor is also the operator, all responsibilities for training, monitoring and maintaining compliance rests with the contractor.

703. During construction, anticipated project impacts on noise, dust, traffic, health, and safety

will be localized, temporary, intermittent in nature and can be readily addressed through

implementation of the measures outlined in the EMP. Land clearing and grading will be limited to

areas where necessary. A detailed tree inventory and survey will be undertaken as part of the

tree cutting permit application in coordination with the concerned DENR office.

704. During operation, the project is expected to have positive social impacts in

terms of generation of local benefits. It is expected to generate/contribute additional

local employment and livelihood opportunities and local government revenues.

705. The Proponent is fully committed to its environmental and social responsibilities, including

compliance with national environmental, health, and safety regulations and ADB SPS

requirements.

706. Should there be changes in the project scope or location of the facilities that would result

to significant impacts not included in this assessment, an updated or a new IEE/EIA Report will

be prepared.

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XI. REFERENCES

ADB. (2019). The Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies. Manila. https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/am-content/484066/action-plan-flyer-20190430.pdf

ADB. (2018). Philippines: Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023 – High and Inclusive Growth. Manila. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/456476/cps-phi-2018-2023.pdf

NEDA. (2017). Philippine Development Plan, 2017–2022. Pasig. http://pdp.neda.gov.ph/

NEDA. (2016). AmBisyon Natin 2040. Pasig. http://2040.neda.gov.ph/

Official Website of the DENR-MIMAROPA Region. https://mimaropa.denr.gov.ph

Official Website of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. https://www.iucn.org/

Official Website of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. https://pcsd.gov.ph

Official Website of the Provincial Government of Palawan. https://palawan.gov.ph

Official Website of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. https://en.unesco.org/

PCSD. (2018). PCSD Staff Citizen’s Charter of 2018. Retrieved from https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PCSDS-Citizens-Charter-2018.pdf

PCSD. (2014). Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014 (“Revised Guidelines in the Implementation of the SEP Clearance System”). https://pcsd.gov.ph/2017/08/11/revised-pcsd-administrative-order-no-06/

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). (2017). Municipality of Coron ECAN Resource Management Plan (2017-2022). Retrieved from https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/e-library

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/am-content/484066/action-plan-flyer-20190430.pdf

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/456476/cps-phi-2018-2023.pdf

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/456476/cps-phi-2018-2023.pdf

http://pdp.neda.gov.ph/

http://2040.neda.gov.ph/

https://mimaropa.denr.gov.ph/

https://www.iucn.org/

https://pcsd.gov.ph/

https://palawan.gov.ph/

https://en.unesco.org/

https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PCSDS-Citizens-Charter-2018.pdf

https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/PCSDS-Citizens-Charter-2018.pdf

https://pcsd.gov.ph/2017/08/11/revised-pcsd-administrative-order-no-06/

https://pcsd.gov.ph/2017/08/11/revised-pcsd-administrative-order-no-06/

https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/e-library

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XII. APPENDICES

Appendix A: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist Appendix B: Baseline Environmental Sampling Results Appendix C: Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Proximity Report

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Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist

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Baseline Environmental Sampling Results

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Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Screening Report

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Sample Grievance Registration Form

SAMPLE GRIEVANCE REGISTRATION FORM (To be available in the local language)

The _____________________________________Project welcomes complaints, suggestions, queries and comments regarding project implementation. We encourage persons with grievance to provide their name and contact information to enable us to get in touch with you for clarification and feedback. Should you choose to include your personal details but want that information to remain confidential, please inform us by writing/typing *(CONFIDENTIAL)* above your name. Thank you.

Date Place of registration

Contact Information/Personal Details

Name Sex ▪ Male ▪ Female

Age

Home Address

Barangay / Town

District Phone no. E-mail

Complaint/Suggestion/Comment/Question Please provide the details (who, what, where and how) of your grievance below. If included as attachment/note/letter, please tick here: How do you want us to reach you for feedback or update on your comment/grievance?

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Registered by: (Name of Official registering grievance)

Mode of communication: ▪ Note/Letter ▪ E-mail ▪ Verbal/Telephone

Reviewed by: (Names/Positions of Official(s) reviewing grievance)

Action Taken:

Whether Action Taken Disclosed:

▪ Yes ▪ No

Means of Disclosure:

Philippines: Sustainable Tourism Development Project Coron

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