Executive Summary

T
HE Philippines is abundantly
endowed with water resources. It
has 18 major river basins, 421
principal rivers, about 79 natural
lakes, and extensive coastline
that stretches 17,460 km. As of 2005, the
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)
has classified 62 percent of the 525 water
bodies according to their intended beneficial
usage. Of these, only five are Class AA, which
are intended for public water supply. Most of
the water bodies are classified as Class C,
intended for fishery, recreation, and supply
for manufacturing processes.
From 2001 to 2005, the EMB through its
Regional Offices have monitored 238 water
bodies either for classification or for regular
water quality monitoring. Depending on the
Regions’ resources, monitoring for these water
bodies is done monthly or quarterly.
Monitoring results showed that about 47
percent of water bodies have annual average
dissolved oxygen (DO) and biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) levels that are within
the prescribed criteria for each classification.
Notably, seven priority rivers demonstrate
improvement in DO level with Imus River in
Cavite showing the highest improvement of 77
percent from the 2003 baseline data. Moreover,
Caraga’s four rivers have maintained to have
the lowest BOD levels, signifying sustained
good water quality. Of the water bodies
meant to be sources of drinking water supply,
only 20 percent meet the criterion for total
suspended solids (TSS), confirming the effects
of sand and gravel quarrying activities and
runoff of sediments from denuded forests and
agricultural lands.
Through the Beachwatch Program of
EMB, 41 of the 57 priority bathing beaches
were monitored in 2005. Results show that 61
percent passed the Fecal Coliform criterion
of 200 MPN/100 mL for Class SB waters.
Significantly, the coastal waters of Boracay
have demonstrated improvement compared
to the levels measured in 1997 as the Fecal
and Total Coliform levels from 2003 to 2005
meet the respective criterion in all monitoring
stations. Water bodies with potential sources of
heavy metals were correspondingly monitored
for these elements. Results showed that
Dupon and Matlang Bays in Region 8 and
Murcielagos Bay in Region 9 have mercury
levels beyond the 0.002 milligram per liter
(mg/L) criterion.
Under the Tapwatch Program of EMB,
88 shallow wells in depressed areas were
monitored in 2005. Of these, 24 percent
were found potable and 31 percent were not
potable based on the Fecal Coliform standard.
The rest of the sites still require further
testing to conf irm potability. Suspected
sources of contamination are defective septic
tanks, garbage dumps, animal wastes, and
inadequately treated wastewater.
Rapid inventor y of pollution sources
revealed that domestic wastes are the major
source of pollution (33%), followed by livestock
(29%) and industrial sources (27%). Non-point
sources of pollution account for 11 percent of
the organic load contribution to water bodies.
In response to the growing problem in water
quality, the government enacted the Philippine
Clean Water Act in 2004 and its Implementing
Rules and Regulations the year after. Praised
for its innovations in water quality management,
the Act and its IRR require integrated approach,
stronger collaboration among stakeholders, and
promotion of co-ownership of the water bodies.
However, water quality management in the
country is still faced with the following key
challenges:
 Investments and Availability of Funds
Needed for Effective and Efficient
Enforcement
 Building Capacity, Resources, and
Information Infrastructure for Water
Quality Monitoring
NN
 Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms
and Sustaining Multi-Sectoral Participation WW
in Water Quality Management
QQ
 Water Quality Monitoring Information
through Networking, Data Sharing, and SS
Institutional Partnership
RR
 Intensified Information, Education
and Communication Campaign on 2001–2005
2001–2005
Water Quality Management and the
Requirements of the CWA
 Enforcing Appropriate Land Use Plans


Protection of Water Bodies from Domestic
Waste Contamination
Management of Non-point Sources of

 11
Pollution
 Management of Solid and Hazardous
Wastes
 Coastal Area Management to Avert
Impacts on Coastal Ecosystem
 Protection of Groundwater Quality
 Rehabilitation of Rivers
Introduction

T
HE Philippines is an archipelagic countr y
consisting of 7,107 islands. It has an area of
300,000 square kilometers (sq km) wherein 65
percent of its towns are coastal. It is politically divided
into 17 regions, namely:

 NCR – National Capital Region

 CAR – Cordillera Administrative Region
 Region 1 – Ilocos
 Region 2 – Cagayan Valley
 Region 3 – Central Luzon
 Region 4A – CALABARZON
 Region 4B – MIMAROPA
 Region 5 – Bicol Region
 Region 6 – Western Visayas
 Region 7 – Central Visayas
 Region 8 – Eastern Visayas
 Region 9 – Western Mindanao
 Region 10 – Northern Mindanao
 Region 11 – Southern Mindanao
 Region 12 – Central Mindanao
 Region 13 – Caraga
 ARMM – Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao

As of May 2000, the Philippine population is

estimated at 76.5 million, with an annual population
growth rate of 2.3 percent. About 50 percent is
concentrated in Luzon, especially in Metro Manila
where the current population is placed at 8 million
(daytime population is more than 10 million). Other
major cities are: Cebu, Davao, Zamboanga, Bacolod,
Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Angeles, Butuan, and Iligan.
The average population density nationwide is 202
persons per sq km.

National The country’s economic backbone is largely the

Water
agricultural sector, which produces crops such as rice,
corn, sugar, coconut, abaca, rubber, cotton, and castor
Quality
Qual- oil. Agriculture accounts for 30 percent of the gross
ity
Status
Status
domestic production (GDP). Most agricultural activities
are in various coastal plains and valleys.
Report

Another major contributor to the economy is the

mineral sector, which produces copper, chromite,
nickel, gold, and silver. Copper and nickel are major
export materials, which are either ref ined and


smelted in the country or exported as beneficiated ore
2 concentrates.

With respect to industries, there are about 15,000

establishments in the country, 69 percent of which
are located in Metro Manila, Region 3, and Region
4A-CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal,
and Quezon). The main manufacturing industries are
pulp and paper mills, sugar mills, alcohol distilleries,
Source: LLDA, 2005. food processing, plastic, and consumer goods. Due

to the large volume of industries in Metro
Manila, efforts have been made to locate large
manufacturing companies in other places
where power and water supply are also readily
available. Some of these companies are copper
smelter, glass plant, and steel mills.
The economic development of our country
points to water as one critical resource that
has to be managed effectively and efficiently.
With vast coastal areas and abounding water
reserves, the nation’s use of water resources
as essential raw materials is seen in livestock
and poultry production, crops’ irrigation,
aquaculture, manufacturing, and water
production by water districts. In 2005, the
fisheries sector alone contributed 2.15 percent
to the GDP as total fish production doubled
from 997,800 metric tons (MT) in 1998 to 1.9
million MT in 2005 (Figure 1). This amounted
to around PhP 49 billion, pegged at current
prices.
Water is also extensively used in power
generation. This is in line with the country’s
vision to use renewable and clean sources
of energy, as stated in the 2005 Philippine
Energy Plan. Notably, hydrothermal and
geothermal sources contributed 33 percent of
the total power mix in 2005 and is expected
to further increase in the future.
Tou r ism is a not her ke y e c onom ic
activity that has found wealth in our water
FIGURE 1. Quantity and Value of Fish Production, 1998-2005.
Source: Philippine Statistical Yearbook, 2006.

resources. With the diversity and richness
of our ecosystems, the government has been
marketing the Philippines as a major tourist
destination. Visitors from all over the world
pleasure on the fine sands of Boracay, dive
into the most colorful reefs of Anilao, ride the
whitewater rapids of Cagayan de Oro, thrill
in the water sports complex of Camarines
Sur, and feast on the freshest catch while
traversing Loboc River. This capitalization of
clean water has resulted to the increase in
visitor arrivals by more than 75 percent in
the last five years.
All of these water-dependent industries
provide employment opportunities to the
Filipino people. Agriculture, fishing, and
manufacturing comprise the largest portion
of t he Fi l ipi no work force. E cotour ism
development in many parts of the country
is also a channel to create more jobs and
showcase local products.
In view of the importance of clean water
to our economy and to public health, the
Philippines has been strengthening its
policies and programs toward clean and safe
water. The Millennium Development Goals
(MDG) underscore this importance by using
access to safe water as an indicator of our
country’s development. Altogether, these
magnify the overarching role of clean water
in the environmental, institutional, economic,
and social aspects.
N
W
2001–2005
 3
Overview of Water Bodies and Water Classification

T
HIS section introduces the water resources in the Philippines, efforts made on
water quality classification, and approaches used by the Environmental
Management Bureau (EMB) and other agencies to assess rivers, lakes, groundwater, and
coastal and marine waters.

FIGURE 2. Location of Major River Basins in the Philippines.

LUZON

VISAYAS

National

Water

Quality

Status

Report

 4 MINDANAO

Source: NWRC, 1976.


Water Resources in the Philippines
The Philippines is endowed with water
resources such as rivers, lakes, groundwater,
and coastal and marine waters.
Major River Basins
The country has 18 major river basins (Table
1) and 421 principal rivers as defined by the
National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
The largest river basin is the Cagayan River
Basin in Cagayan Valley, with a drainage area
of 25,649 sq km. It encompasses parts of
Isabela, Cagayan, Nueva Viscaya, and Quezon
Provinces. The second largest river basin is
the Mindanao River Basin or the Rio Grande
de Mindanao, which has a drainage area of
23,169 sq km and receives the waters from
Pulangi and Allah Valley River Basins. Aside
from fishing, the rivers are extensively used
for transporting people and products.
TABLE 1. Major River Basins in the Philippines.
Source: NWRC, 1976.
Lakes
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) reports that there are 79 lakes in the
country, mostly utilized for fish production.
In fact, 10 are considered major host for
aquaculture production (Table 2). Laguna
Lake is considered as the largest lake with a
total area of 3,813.2 sq km (watershed area
and lake proper). It is also considered as one
of the five largest lakes in Southeast Asia.
Lake Lanao, on the other hand, is the largest
lake in Mindanao and is one of 17 ancient
lakes on earth.

TABLE 2. Ten Major Lakes in the Philippines.
Source: BFAR, 2004.
Coastal and Marine Waters
Coastal and marine waters cover an area of
about 266,000 sq km, including bays and
gulfs. The country’s coastline stretches to
about 17,460 km and coral reefs cover an
area of about 27,000 sq km. Sixty-four of the
79 provinces are in coastal areas, which is
home to millions of people that
depend on aquatic resources
for livelihood. Moreover, coastal
fishing activities account for
97 percent of the total fish
production (46% aquaculture
and 51% municipal fishing).
Groundwater
In terms of groundwater, the
country has extensive reservoir
with an aggregate area of
about 50,000 sq km. It is
recharged by rain and seepage
from rivers and lakes. The N
Mines and Geoscience Bureau
W
(MGB) reported that favorable
groundwater basins are Q
underlaid by about 100,000 sq
S
km of various rock formations.
These are located in: R
2001–2005
 Northeast Luzon
 Central Luzon
 Laguna Lake basin

 Cavite-Batangas-Laguna basin
 Southeast Luzon 5
 Mindoro Island
 Negros Island
 Northeast Leyte
 Ormoc-Ka nanga basin
 Agusan-Davao basin
 Occidental Misamis basin
 Lanao-Bukidnon-Misamis basin
 
Overview of
Limited water supply for all small-scale
Water Bodies development is available in Panay, Cebu,
Bohol, Samar, Palawan, Basilan Islands,
and Water Zamboanga Peninsula, and the coastal
groundwater basins.
Classification
The MGB estimates that the country has
an annual water supply of 30 billion cubic
meters, which is almost 30 times the annual
domestic water supply requirement, assuming
an annual rainfall recharge of 0.3 meter.
However, most groundwater development is
within the upper 100 to 200 meters of various
formations. In Metro Manila, the deeper
Source: EMB Region 12
artesian aquifers are at 200 to 400 meters Source: EMB Region 12.
depth because of salt water intrusion at the
In view of the multiple uses of water, 133
upper portion of the ground formation.
water bodies have distinct classification in
their upstream, midstream, or downstream
Water Quality Classification sections. For instance, Marikina River in NCR
Water quality criteria are the benchmark is Class A in its upstream and Class C in its
against which monitoring data are compared downstream. In addition, Lipadas River in
to assess the quality of water bodies based on Region 11 has four classifications: Class AA in
established classifications. its upstream, Class A and B in its midstream,
and Class C in its downstream.
As of 2005, the EMB has classified 525
water bodies in terms of best usage and water Table 3 presents the breakdown of the
quality, representing 62.5 percent of the classified water bodies in the country. Of
inventoried water bodies in the country (2005). the classified inland surface water bodies,
Of these water bodies, 263 are principal rivers, five are Class AA. These are the upstreams
213 are minor rivers, 7 are lakes, and 42 are of Lipadas River in Davao City (Region 11),
coastal and marine waters (Figure 3). Baganga-Mahan-Ub River in Davao Oriental
(Region 11), Ginabasan River in Cebu (Region

FIGURE 3. Summary of Classified Water Bodies in the Philippines.

National

Water

Quality

Status

Report

 6

Sources: EMB, NWRB, BFAR.

 
TABLE 3. Number of classified water bodies. 7), Nagan River in Apayao (CAR), and Lake
Ambulalakaw in Benguet (CAR).

Two hundred three are classified as Class

A, 149 are Class B, 231 are Class C, and 23
are Class D.

For the classified coastal and marine water

bodies, 4 are Class SA, 20 are Class SB, 27
are Class SC, and 3 are Class SD.

Surprisingly, there are several important

coastal and marine waters that are still
unclassified. These include: Manila Bay
in NCR; Nasugbu Bay, Tayabas Bay, and
Balayan Bay in Region 4A; Albay Gulf in
Region 5; Panay Gulf in Region 6; Leyte Gulf
and Cancacao Bay in Region 8; Macajalar Bay
in Region 10; and Malalag Bay in Region 11.

Overall, Region 3 has the most number

of classified water bodies with 53 followed by
Region 5 with 50. The NCR and ARMM have
the least classified water bodies with five and
one respectively. Figure 4 presents the regional
distribution classified water bodies.

Note: There are 133 water bodies with two or more classification.
Source: EMB, 2005.

FIGURE 4. Distribution of Classified Water Bodies per Region.

2001–2005

 7

Source: EMB Region 11.

Source: EMB, 2005.

Water Quality Assessment

P
HILIPPINE water quality is assessed based on the set beneficial use as defined in the
DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 34, Series of 1990. Under this DAO, there are 33
parameters that define the desired water quality per water body classification. Accordingly,
a water body must meet all the criteria of each applicable parameter 100 percent of the time
to maintain its designated classification. In the absence of a water quality index, an interim
methodology based on compliance to DAO 90-34 water quality criteria is used for all surface
waters. Parameters monitored include:

 Dissolved oxygen (DO),

biochemical oxygen demand Box 1. Methodology for Assessing and
(BOD), total suspended Comparing Water Bodies
solids (TSS), total dissolved
WATER bodies were assessed based on the number of samples
solids (TDS), and heavy
meeting DAO 90-34 water quality criteria per parameter. The rating
metals for inland surface system used to assess and compare water bodies are shown below:
waters
 Fecal Coliform, nitrates, and
salinity (chloride content)
for groundwater as defined
in the Philippine National
Standards for Drinking
Water (PNSDW)
 DO, coliform, and heavy
metals for coastal and
marine waters

Moreover, biological para-

meters such as phytoplankton,
zooplankton, and benthos were Only water bodies with at least four sampling events,
monitored in selected water representing water quality during the dry and wet seasons were
included. The rating is based on the percentage of the total
bodies.
number of samples that passed the prescribed water quality
criteria. A 98 percent margin is given to consider sampling and
Inland Surface Waters computation errors.
From 2001 to 2005, the EMB
The results of water quality analysis are compared with the
monitored 196 inland surface designated water quality criteria for each sampling station. This
waters, comprising 192 rivers and scheme harmonizes rating for all types of water bodies, particularly
4 lakes. for those which have multiple water classifications.
National
Dissolved Oxygen
Water
Fish and other aquatic organisms
Quality need at least 5 milligrams per liter (mg/L) percent are considered to have good water
of oxygen to live. DO that is below this level quality and could be tapped as sources of
Status
cannot sustain aquatic life. A number of water supply (Figure 5). Most of these are
Report factors affect DO concentrations. Some of located in CAR and in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12,
these are: and Caraga.

 Water movement - The more movement Forty percent recorded fair water quality,
in water, the more oxygen is dissolved. almost half of which comply with the DO


 Temperature - Low temperatures can
8 hold more DO than high temperatures.
 Pollution - Decreases oxygen
concentrations because of effluent or
runoff water with constituents that have
high oxygen demand to decompose.
Of the 196 monitored inland surface
waters, only 127 meet the required four
sampling events, as described in Box 1. Using
the methodology for DO, approximately 47
criterion. However, certain sampling instances
exhibited exceedances, particularly during the
dry season.
The remaining 13 percent showed poor
water quality. These are the four rivers in
NCR—San Juan River, Parañaque River,
Navotas-Malabon-Tullahan-Tinejeros River,
and Pasig River; Guadalupe River in Region
7; Meycauayan and Bocaue Rivers in Region
3, and Calapan River in Region 4B.

FIGURE 5. DO Compliance Rating of the Monitored
Water Bodies in the Philippines, 2001–2005.
Source: EMB, 2005.
Low DO levels are the result of the
discharge of domestic and industrial wastes
from communities and industrial sites in the
area.
Under the Sagip Ilog Program, the EMB
has selected 19 priority rivers for monitoring
(Table 4). These rivers are prioritized to comply
with the DAO 90-34 criteria by year 2010
and should show 30 percent increase in DO
levels using the 2003 monitoring results as
baseline.
Priority rivers that showed significant
signs of improvement are: Imus River in Region
4A, Mogpog River in Region 4B, and Panique
River in Region 5; whose DO levels failed to
meet the criterion in 2003, but have DO levels
TABLE 4. Change in DO Levels of the Priority Rivers from 2003 to 2005.
Notes:
• Decrease in DO is equivalent to lowering of average DO concentration from the 2003 levels.
• Improved DO levels indicate that river quality is getting better.
Source: EMB, 2005.

complying with the criterion in 2005. Other
rivers with improvement are: Balili River in
CAR, Ylang-ylang River in Region 4A, Anayan
and Malaguit Rivers in Region 5, and Iloilo
River in Region 6. Unfortunately, despite the
improvements, Balili, Ylang-ylang, and Iloilo
Rivers still did not meet the criterion.
Several activities were undertaken to
achieve these increases in DO. These are:
 Mapping out of industries, non-point
and domestic sources
 Prioritization and intensified inspection
of industries and commercial
establishments
 Close coordination with Local
Government Units (LGUs) and other
stakeholders in the monitoring of
pollution sources
Most priority rivers located in the urbanized
areas of the NCR and Region 3 show poor water
quality and continue to exhibit deteriorating
DO levels. The Marilao River in Bulacan
exhibited the most significant decrease with
62 percent.
The Luyang and Sapangdaku Rivers in
Region 7 and Cagayan de Oro River in Region
10 exhibited decreased in DO, but are still
within the prescribed criterion.
2001–2005
 9
 
Water
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Quality BOD determines the amount of ox ygen
required for the decomposition of organic
Assessment matter from a pollution source. The demand
for oxygen does not occur directly where the
effluent or runoff water is discharged, but is
manifested somewhere downstream where
decomposition finally occurs. Thus, higher
BOD value indicates more pollution.
Of the 107 water bodies that meet the
requirements in Box 1, about 47 percent
(Figure 6) were found to show good water
quality. Lowest BOD levels were recorded
at the four rivers in Caraga (Taganito,
Magallanes, Taguibo, and Bislig Rivers) with
BOD levels below 1 mg/L, implying that
there are low organic pollution sources from
surrounding areas.
In addition, about 41 percent show fair
water quality while the remaining 12 percent
have poor water quality. The highest BOD
was recorded at the downstream section
of Bulua Creek in Region 10. This signifies
high organic discharges from manufacturing
facilities, runoff from livestock production,
and discharges from households.
FIGURE 6. BOD Compliance Rating per Water Body Classification.
National
Water
Quality
Status
Report
 10
Source: EMB, 2005.
There are three rivers (Guadalupe River
in Region 7, Balili River in CAR, and San
Juan River in NCR), which recorded zero
percent compliance of all samples with the
BOD criterion. The San Juan River recorded
an average BOD of 40 mg/L from 2001 to
2005.
Table 5 presents the change in BOD levels
of the 19 priority rivers in the country from
2003 to 2005. Signs of improvement are noted
in nine priority rivers. These are:
 Marikina, San Juan, and Parañaque
Rivers in NCR
 Bocaue River in Region 3
 Ylang-ylang River in Region 4A
 Calapan River Region 4B
 Anayan River in Region 5
 Luyang and Sapangdaku Rivers in
Region 7
However, despite the improvement in
BOD levels, only Bocaue River had significant
improvement to comply with the criterion.
Calapan, Luyang, and Sapangdaku Rivers
have BOD levels complying with the criterion
since 2003. The rest still have BOD levels
exceeding the criterion particularly rivers
in NCR.
Not ably, i mprovements i n
BOD levels are attributed to the
industry regulatory programs and
continuous monitoring activities of
EMB, in close coordination with
LGUs and other stakeholders.
On the contrar y, there are
also rivers that have deteriorated
significantly. Meycauayan River
in Reg ion 3 showed the most
significant increase in BOD at 213
percent, followed by Pasig River
(126%), and Balili River (116%).
 
TABLE 5. Change in BOD Levels of the Priority Rivers from 2003 to 2005.
Distinguishing
between DO and BOD
RESPIRATION by aquatic animals,
decomposition, and various
chemical reactions consume
oxygen. Oxygen is measured in
its dissolved form as dissolved
oxygen (DO). If more oxygen
is consumed than is produced,
* dissolved oxygen levels decline and
some sensitive animals may move
away, weaken, or die.

Biochemical oxygen
demand, or BOD, measures the
amount of oxygen consumed by
microorganisms in decomposing
organic matter in stream water.
BOD directly affects the amount
of dissolved oxygen in rivers and
streams. The greater the BOD, the
* more rapidly oxygen is depleted
in the stream. This means less
oxygen is available to higher forms
of aquatic life. The consequences
*
of high BOD are similar as those
* for low dissolved oxygen: aquatic
organisms become stressed,
suffocated, and died.
Notes:
• *Compared with the 2004 BOD sampling results due to the lack of monitoring data in 2003.
• Reduction in BOD signifies improvement in water quality while increase in BOD means decrease in water
quality.
Source: EMB, 2005.

Box 2. Pasig River Water Quality

THE PASIG River

system in Metro
Manila runs from the
N
mouth of Laguna Lake
down to Manila Bay. It W
receives wastewater
discharges from Q
the cities of Pasig,
Quezon City, Manila, S

and Marikina, the

R
municipalities of San
Juan and Pateros, 2001–2005
and part from the
cities of Taguig, and
Makati. The River is


classified as Class C
and must maintain a
11
BOD level of not more
than 7 mg/L. Based
on monitoring results
from 2001 to 2005,
the annual average Average BOD of Pasig River at various stations based on monitoring results from 2001 to 2005.
BOD level of the River system still shows stress brought by pollution load into the river. Highest BOD levels are
apparent at the Sanchez Station, located near the mouth of the San Juan River. However, signs of improvement
in BOD at monitoring stations in Bambang and Marikina were noted in 2005 when compared with the BOD
levels in 2003 and 2004.

Source: PRRC, 2005.

 
Water
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Quality TSS measures the amount of undissolved
solid particles in water such as silt, decaying
Assessment plant and animal matter, and domestic and
industrial wastes. It is indicative of the extent
of sedimentation resulting from land-based
activities. The higher the TSS value, the
lower is the ability of the water to support
aquatic life due to reduced light penetration
affecting plant photosynthesis. It also causes Source: PRRC, 2005.
clogging of fish gills, which affects respiratory
processes and increases the absorption of heat
that results in higher water temperatures,
among others.
In addition, 69 percent have fair TSS
DAO 90-34 requires that water bodies levels while 8 percent have poor TSS levels.
used as a source of water supply should not These rivers with poor water quality are:
have TSS levels above 25 mg/L for Class AA Pampanga River in Region 3, Bicol River in
and 50 mg/L for Class A. There are limited Region 5, and Iponan and Alubijid Rivers in
monitoring data at the upstream sections of Region 10. Compliance with the TSS criteria
rivers where pristine water quality conditions of these Class AA/A waters ranged from 0 to
generally occur. These upstream sections are 43 percent. The highest TSS levels were noted
generally tapped for water supply and are at Pampanga River wherein all samples failed
classified as Class AA or Class A. the Class A TSS criterion.

Forty-six monitored Class AA/A water
bodies meet the requirements in Box 1. Of
these, two water bodies have two classifications.
These are Nagan and Baganga-Mahan-ub
Rivers. Hence, a total of 48 classifications
for 46 water bodies. About 23 percent have
good water quality (Figure 7). These are:
Nagan (upstream and downstream), Akutan,
and Tanudan Rivers in CAR; Laoag River in
Region 1; Mabayuan River in Region 3; Saaz
and Patalon Rivers in Region 9; Sibulan
and Manurigao Rivers in Region 11; and
National
Cabadbaran River in Caraga.
Water
The high percentage of exceedances to the
TSS criteria for Class AA/A waters confirm the
effects of sand and gravel quarrying activities
and runoff of sediments from denuded forests
and agricultural lands.
Among all regions endowed with Class
AA/A waters, Region 10 has the most number
(10) of water bodies affected by increased TSS
(Table 6). This is followed by Region 11 with
six, Regions 3, 6, 12, and CAR with three each,
Region 9 with two, and the remaining regions
with one each.

Quality
TABLE 6. Level of Compliance to TSS Criteria.
Status

Report

FIGURE 7. TSS Compliance Rating of the Monitored

Water Bodies in the Philippines, 2001–2005.

 12

Source: EMB, 2005.

Source: EMB, 2005.

 
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
TDS is generally used as an aggregate
indicator of the presence of a broad array of
chemical contaminants. The primary sources
of TDS in receiving waters are agricultural
runoff, leaching of soil contamination, and
point source water pollution from industrial
or domestic sewage.

DAO 90-34 requires TDS levels of not more

than 500 mg/L for Class AA waters and 1,000
mg/L for both Class A and D waters. Other
Source: EMB Region 11, 2005.
water classifications have no TDS criteria.
Figure 8 presents the compliance rating of
water bodies monitored for TDS.

FIGURE 8. TDS Compliance Rating of the Monitored
Water Bodies in the Philippines, 2001–2005.
Thirty monitored Class AA/A water bodies
meet the requirements in Box 1. Of these,
three water bodies have two classifications;
hence, a total of 33 classifications. About 55
percent have good TDS levels while 42 percent
have fair TDS levels. Only Marilao River has
poor water quality, with annual average TDS
levels ranging from 1,785 to 3,265 mg/L.

Source: EMB, 2005.

Box 3. Sand and Gravel Quarrying

THE MINING and quarrying sector contributed about 1.17 percent to the GDP in 2005. In monetary terms,
national mineral production amounted to about PhP 48 billion, with approximately 73 percent from metallic
production and 27 percent from non-metallic production. National sand and gravel production reached PhP 6
billion and formed 47.21 percent of the total non-metallic mineral production.
N
Although the annual contribution of the mining Sand and gravel quarrying activities induce transport of sediments, affects
and quarrying sector to the overall economy has turbidity of waters, and impacts the photosynthetic activity in the river system. W
been relatively modest over the years, the sector
contributed largely to LGU revenues through Q
permitting fees and taxes. Sand and gravel
production also increased over the years, from S

35.26 million cubic meters in 2001 to 36.79

R
million cubic meters in 2005.
2001–2005
Reserves of sand and gravel materials are
found in rivers. The exploitation of these reserves
is usually granted to various construction firms,


business enterprises, and private individuals.
If done unsustainably, water quality problems
13
caused by quarrying, particularly pollution,
siltation, and sedimentation in some quarrying
areas can be extensive. Source: www.geocities.com/sogodbay/subangdaku.html

Such situations call for effective control mechanisms, stringent policies implemented in the LGU level, and
efficient monitoring of environmental conditions in the quarry sites. An important monitoring tool is a database
of quarry sites, which includes information on the reserves in all river beds, control map of concession areas,
volume allowed and actual extraction, period of operation, water quality of the river, and activities in the
surrounding area.
 
Water
Heavy Metals
Quality Heavy metals in ionic form are soluble in
water. When discharged into water bodies,
Assessment they settle in sediments at the bottom of
rivers and eventua lly into bays. These
metals become pollutants when they occur
in concentrations large enough to have an
adverse effect on the ecosystem and public
health. In concentrations higher than those
specified to maintain healthy waterways,
heavy metals can become toxic to aquatic
life and harmful to people who consume
contaminated seafoods.

He av y met a ls a r e p a r a met er s not

regularly monitored by EMB. These are
included in monitoring activities only for
those receiving water bodies where mining,
electroplating, tanning, and other similar
activities are operating.

A mong inla nd sur face waters, only

Meycauayan, Bocaue, and Marilao Rivers are
monitored for heavy metals. Annual average
monitoring results of Meycauayan River in
2001, 2003, and 2004 show exceedances in
chromium (2001), cadmium (2001), and lead
(2004). Monitoring results of Bocaue River
indicate that the River passed the criteria for
chromium, copper, and cadmium. However,
it showed high lead concentrations in all its
sampling stations particularly during the
dry season in 2004. Similarly, Marilao River
showed exceedances in lead and cadmium in
its Class A and C waters. Potential sources
of heavy metals are tanneries, electroplating,
and other similar industries located in
National
nearby areas.
Water
Mining activities are known sources of
Quality
heavy metals. As such, monitoring activities
Status for mining sites include heavy metals. One
significant case of heavy metal contamination
Report
was reported in Mt. Diwalwal.
Source: DENR-MGB.
The Diwalwal gold rush area in Mt.
D iwat a , Mon k ayo, C omp o st el a Va l le y
p r o v i nc e h a s b e e n t he s it e of c r ude
a nd semi-mecha ni zed t y pes of mining
o p e r a t i o n s . It i nv ol v e s t ho u s a nd s of
miners, local entrepreneurs, and service
providers.
Comprehensive studies on the extent
of pollution and siltation resulting from
these mining operations undertaken by
the MGB-British Geological Survey-United
Na t i o n s I ndu st r i a l a nd D e v e l o p me nt
Organization (UNIDO) Project in 1998 and
EMB showed elevated levels of mercur y
in some locations of Naboc River. Regular
environmental monitoring conducted by
MGB revealed and confirmed the mercury
conta mination in the R iver as well as
the ricefields in lower and upper Naboc
C om mu na l I r r igat ion S ystem. On t he

 14
basis of these findings, the LGU-Monkayo
approved Municipal Ordinance No. 96-05
and enforced the environmental rules and
regulations provided for under Republic Act
(RA) 7942. Since then, the concentration
levels of mercury in some locations have
improved while other areas still need to
be rectified.

Source: DENR-MGB.

C y a n i d e l e v e l s i n m o st s a mp l i n g
locations were within limits. However, MGB
Region 11 reported in December 2003 that
mercury levels were found to be beyond
the 0.002 mg/L criterion in filtered water
sa mples in some monitor ing locat ions
in Naboc River. Likewise, cyanide were
detected in the mixing zone at Sitio Deptro,
Upper Ulip.
Cont i nuous monitor ing of mercur y
and cyanide levels in rivers and creeks
traversing Small Scale Mining Areas in
some parts of Eastern Mindanao is being
undertaken by the MGB and EMB. Recent
repor ts showed merc u r y a nd c ya n ide
levels within the set criteria in any of the
filtered water samples taken from parts of
Hijo, Masara, Kingking, Manat, Matiao,
Napnapan, and Agusan Rivers.
Biological Monitoring (Laguna Lake)
Very limited information is available about
biological monitoring of water bodies. Of all
the lakes in the country, Laguna Lake is the
most frequently monitored.
Water
LLDA records show that algal bloom in
Laguna Lake is often associated with blue- Quality
green algae Microcystis aeruginosa. There are
also records of bloom caused by Oscillatoria Assessment
sp. and Anabaena sp. The high concentration
of nitrogen and phosphorus in water and calm
weather conditions during summer favor the
rapid multiplication of algae.
The Lake supports 34 species of zooplankton
(water flea, fairy shrimp, or “kuto”) belonging
to three major groups as: Rotifera, Cladocera,
and Copepoda. The Rotifera is the most diverse
(23 species), followed by Cladocera (7 species)
and Copepoda (4 species). Brachionus has the
most number of species while the rest of the
genera have one or two species.
Animals inhabiting the substratum of
the Lake, otherwise called benthic fauna or
benthos, are in Figure 9.
FIGURE 9. Benthos in Laguna Lake.

Phytoplankton or algae refers to

microscopic aquatic plants commonly found
in water bodies. It has a significant role in
aquatic productivity since it provides food and
oxygen necessary for the survival of aquatic
plants. It occupies the first link in the food
chain. The second link is occupied by the
Source: LLDA, 2005.
zooplankton, as it consumes and feeds on
algae in water.
N

Did you know Q

that... S

R
• plankton and benthos
are often used as Sources: www.nies.go.jp, www.acadweb.wwu.edu, Hazel Caasi.
2001–2005
bio-indicators in monitoring water quality because of their responsiveness to various changes in environmental
conditions and their sensitivity to stresses?


• plankton are small plants (phytoplankton), animals (zooplankton), and bacteria that live in open water and are
transported only by the currents? Plankton are the number one food source for fish in lakes, being the base of
the food web in our aquatic ecosystems. And since plankton are highly sensitive to environmental change, they 15
are excellent indicators of water quality and lake conditions. When there are high concentrations of nitrogen and
phosphorus in the lake, some plant plankton reproduce rapidly.

• benthos include animals inhabiting in sediments or living in other available bottom substrates of freshwater,
estuarine and marine systems. Examples of these are insect larvae, aquatic snails, beetles, shrimps, and
mussels. Caddisflies (Trichoptera) and mayflies (Ephemeroptera) belong to the most sensitive groups of benthos.
Such organisms are often absent even at mild levels of organic pollution. Midge larvae (Diptera) and worms
(Oligochaeta), on the other hand, can tolerate low DO and high organic pollution; thus can be indicative of poor
water quality.

Groundwater FIGURE 10. Results of Coliform Monitoring in Groundwater
by EMB under the Tapwatch Program.
Protecting groundwater quality
is critical to ensure continuous
supply of potable water. Similarly,
preventing groundwater
contamination is important
considering the difficulties and
cost requirements in remediating
contaminated groundwater.

The PNSDW is used as

standards for groundwater quality
assessment. Available relevant
parameters to indicate the
degree of pollution include: Fecal
Coliform and nitrates. Though
not directly related to pollution,
salinity or chloride content is
also a common parameter for
groundwater quality to indicate Source: EMB, 2005.
the level of contamination from
saline water. The 2005 Tapwatch monitoring program
of EMB monitored 88 shallow wells (Figure
Fecal Coliform 10) in depressed areas in the country. Of
Fecal Coliform bacteria are microscopic these, 21 sites were found to contain potable
organisms that indicate significant content groundwater, while 27 failed to meet the
of pathogens from feces of warm-blooded Fecal Coliform standard. The remaining
animals. When Fecal Coliform bacteria are 40 sites required further testing to confirm
present in high numbers, this means that potability.
the water has received fecal matter from one
source or another. Fecal Coliform bacteria Specifically, the sampling sites found not
are disease-carrying organisms and have potable are located in the following:
important implication to human health.
 Region 1 - San Fernando, La Union
 Region 2 - Cagayan, Nueva Viscaya
Box 4. Groundwater Monitoring  Region 3 - Pampanga
 Region 4B - Oriental Mindoro
National
in Selected Areas by Using
 Region 6 - Iloilo City
Water Isotope and Chemical Techniques  Region 7 - Cebu City
Quality  Region 8 - Leyte
THE PHILIPPINE Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
initiated a groundwater monitoring research by  Region 9 - Zamboanga City
Status
using isotope and chemical techniques. PNRI  Region 11 - Davao City
Report investigated the effect of agricultural activities
within the watershed in Davao City. Sampling was Suspected sources of well contamination
undertaken for major ions and trace metals. Various are defective septic tanks without bottom
parameters lining, garbage dumps, animal wastes, and
were also
inadequately treated wastewater.
measured.

 16
Results of
trace metal
determination
in groundwater
Cities and municipalities have been ap-
proving plans and specifications of buildings
and other structures with open-bottom septic
from wells tanks, in accordance to the Sanitation Code
showed that of the Philippines. Open-bottom septic tanks
the levels
and leaching tile fields allow accumulated
of lead and
cadmium Source: PNRI, 2005. human wastes to percolate downward and
were below the detection limits of 0.005 mg/L for contaminate groundwater.
lead and 0.002 mg/L for cadmium. These values
are below the maximum allowed levels of 0.01
mg/L and 0.003 mg/L for lead and cadmium,
respectively.

Nitrates
Nitrates in sampled shallow wells indicate
possible groundwater pollution. The PNSDW
limits nitrate levels to 50 mg/L. In Metro
Cebu, groundwater samples taken from 25
wells by NWRB in 2004 had nitrate values of
about 30 mg/L. The highest nitrate level (80
mg/L) was recorded in San Vicente, Liloan.
Sources of nitrate contamination are leaching
from septic tanks, municipal garbage dumps,
and fertilizer runoffs. Based on the Sanitation
Code of the Philippines, community wells for
water supply should be constructed not less
than 25 meters from septic tanks.
From 2001 to 2002, the MGB Region 12
monitored selected stations in the region.
Monitoring results showed that all stations
met the 50 mg/L standard for nitrates.
However, nitrates were detected in 15 percent
of the stations. The highest recorded nitrate
value was 8 mg/L at Barangays Lambingi,
Banga, Buto, Tantangan in South Cotabato;
and Poblacion and Malapatan in Sarangani.
Conceptual Model of Groundwater Pollution
Source:http://www.euwfd.com/html/groundwater.html
Water
Salinity (Chloride Content)
Groundwater in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu Quality
is affected by saline water as determined by
the increasing chloride content in water. Assessment
Excessive groundwater withdrawal results to
the lowering of water levels that subsequently
cause landward movement of seawater. Present
groundwater level maps indicate degenerating
condition based on monitoring from 1994 to
2004. The greatest decline in water level of 80
to 100 meters was experienced in the Pasig-
Taytay area in Metro Manila. In Metro Cebu,
water levels in the well fields of Mandaue and
Consolacion lie as much as 20 meters below
sea level.
Eight sites within Metro Manila and
immediate vicinities have been identified by
NWRB as in need of urgent attention because
of over-abstraction that would further induce
saltwater intrusion. These are the cones of
depression located in the following areas:
 Guiguinto
 Bocaue-Marilao
 Meycauayan-North Caloocan
 Navotas-Caloocan-West Quezon City
 Makati-Mandaluyong-Pasig-Pateros
 Parañaque-Pasay
 Las Piñas-Muntinlupa
 Dasmariñas, Cavite
Electrical conductivity, which gives an
indication of salinity, shows that the coastal
strip in Metro Manila affected by seawater
intrusion ranges from 2 to 5 km from the
shoreline.
2001–2005
17
 
Water
Coastal and Marine Waters FIGURE 12. Average DO in Various Stations in Sarangani Bay.
Quality With over 60 percent of the population living
along coastlines and depending on coastal and
Assessment marine resources for livelihood, protecting
and preserving the quality of coastal and
marine waters are of paramount importance
in assuring sustainable development. Aside
from food production, the beauty of these
waters are the country’s prime asset in
building the tourism industry.

Under the Beachwatch Program of EMB,

a total of 57 bathing beaches nationwide were
prioritized for monitoring and protection.

Dissolved Oxygen
Of the 26 coastal and marine water bodies
monitored that meet the requirements in Box
1, about 54 percent (Figure 11) still have good
water quality while the remaining 46 percent
show fair water quality. Average DO of all
water bodies complied with the criterion of 5
mg/L except for the Cansaga Bay in Region 7.
This Bay registered an average of 4.7 mg/L in
2002. There is no coastal and marine water
body rated as “poor”.
FIGURE 11. DO Compliance Rating of Monitored
Coastal and Marine Waters.
Source: EMB, 2005.
Coliform
Coliform are good indicators of other disease-
causing bacteria or organisms in water. It is
a popular indicator for water potability and
is equally important for water bodies that
are used for contact recreation (swimming,
bathing, etc.), as high coliform levels may
cause diseases to the users, i.e., swimmers.
Total and Fecal Coliform are two common
expressions for measuring coliform. Of more
significance is Fecal Coliform since it indicates
the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli (E.
coli), disease-causing agents that cause many
water-borne diseases.

In June 2005, EMB monitored 41 priority

bathing beaches for Fecal Coliform in five
consecutive sampling events. Samples were
National compared with the Fecal Coliform criterion
of 200 MPN/100 mL for Class SB waters.
Water
Monitoring results (Figure 13) indicate that
Source: EMB, 2005.
Quality 34 bathing beaches passed the Fecal Coliform
criterion and only seven failed. Results
Status
further showed that Region 5 has the best
One of the most important coastal water
Report status having all of its seven stations earning
body in the country is Sarangani Bay in
satisfactory rating. On the other hand, Region
Region 12. This water body is a protected
3 has the lowest compliance status, with three
seascape and is closely monitored by EMB
of five sampling stations failing the criterion.
and other stakeholders. It is an important
fishing ground of tuna, tuna-like species,

 18
and other marine resources. The 2001 to
2005 monitoring results for Sarangani Bay
generally show compliance as the annual
averages are all within their respective
criterion (Figure 12). However, it is evident
that the DO of the Bay is slowly decreasing.
Annual averages of all Class SB and SC
stations have decreased by 21 and 7 percent,
respectively.

Source: EMB Region 8.

 Water
FIGURE 13. Number of Sampling Stations Passing (Failing) Coliform Water Quality Criteria.
Quality

Assessment

Source: EMB, 2005.

Box 5. Water Quality Monitoring in Boracay

ONE of the important coastal waters is the waters of Boracay, being the number one tourist destination in the country.
Its coastal waters are mainly classified as Class SB, except for three stations which are classified as Class SC. The
overall recreational value of coastal waters like Boracay is measured in part by its suitability for swimming or overall
water contact activities, as determined by the presence of Fecal and Total Coliform.
N
In 1997, the DENR issued Fecal and Total Coliform Geometric Means for Stations 1 to 9, 12,
a report on the high levels & 14 to 15 of Boracay Coastal Water, 2003-2005. W
of coliform (Escherichia coli)
in the waters of Boracay. Q
Improper sewage disposal was
S
identified as the source of high
E. coli levels. Tourist arrivals R
to the island soon plunged
by as much as 10 percent, 2001–2005
from 163,727 in 1996 to
135,944 in 1998. In response,
the government pushed for


the full implementation of a
proper sewerage system to 19
prevent water-borne and water-
related diseases. Hence, the
commencement of Boracay’s
two water utilities: the Boracay
Tubi System, which began
operating in 1999, and the
Boracay Water and Sewerage
System in January 2002. Source: EMB Region 6, 2006.

As a result, annual average geometric means of the Fecal and Total Coliform count from 2003 to 2005 met the
criteria for Class SB in all monitoring stations. Subsequently, tourist arrivals in the province of Aklan escalated to
428,751 in 2004, and further increased to 499,452 in 2005.
 
Water
Heavy Metals
Quality Heavy metals accumulate mostly in sediments
and eventually enter the food chain. Heavy
Assessment metals monitored in coastal and marine
waters include: mercury, lead, copper, and
cadmium.

Of the 77 coastal and marine waters in the

country, only three are regularly monitored
by EMB for mercury. These are Dupon and
Matlang Bays in Leyte and Murcielagos Bay
in Zamboanga del Norte. As shown in Figure
14, the annual concentrations of mercury for
the three water bodies are within the criterion
of 0.002 mg/L.

As for lead monitoring in coastal and

marine waters, only three have complete one-
year monitoring data. These are Dupon and
Matlang Bays in Leyte and Camotes Bay in
Cebu. As shown in Table 7, all annual average
lead concentrations are within the set criterion
for Class SB waters.

The unpublished report of MGB on

the “Assessment of possible effects of the Source: MGB, 2005.
abandoned Bagacay Mine on Taft River and the
Coastal and Nearshore/Offshore Environment
TABLE 7. Lead Monitoring Results for
of Taft, Eastern Samar” showed that marine Selected Coastal and Marine Waters in Leyte and Cebu.
water samples from nearshore areas of Taft,
Eastern Samar have mercury, lead, copper,
and cadmium levels within the water quality
criteria under DAO 90-34.

Source: EMB, 2005.

National

Water FIGURE 14. Monitoring Results of Mercury for Selected Coastal and Marine Waters.
Quality

Status

Report

 20

Source: EMB, 2005.

 
Biological Monitoring (Manila Bay)
From 39 samples collected in Manila Bay in
February 2005, there were two divisions and/
or classes identified for the phytoplankton
community: Baccilariophyceae and
Dinophyceae. Bacillariophyceae or the diatom
group accounted for 52 percent of the total
standing crop (Figure 15). The top five most
dominant representatives of diatoms were
Chaetoceros spp (90,033 cells/L), Rhizosolenia
hebetata (36,200 cells/L), Skeletonema
costatum (15,700 cells/L), Rhizosolenia sp.
(12,900 cells/L), and Bacteriastrum varians
Source: EMB, 2005.
(9,050 cells/L). The zooplankton group
shared 43 percent while the dinophyceae or
dinoflagellates contributed 5 percent to the
total standing crop. FIGURE 15. Relative Abundance of
Plankton Community
in Manila Bay.
Among the zooplankton community,
copepod was observed throughout the Bay as
the most dominant genus which comprised
29.8 percent of the total zooplankton. Copepods
are widely distributed throughout the world’s
ocean and are one of the most important
components of the plankton community. They
play a crucial role in the marine food chain
being important diet components of many Source: EMB, 2005.
fishes, seabirds, and whales.

Box 6. Toxicity Testing of Metal Contaminants for Biological Organisms

TOXICITY testing is the determination of a substance effect on a test organism under defined conditions.
Toxicity test results are useful references in the formulation of marine environmental criteria. The EMB-
RDD Toxicity Testing Wet Laboratory conducted a 96-hour acute toxicity test to produce toxicity data under
local conditions and establish corresponding test protocols. Milkfish (Chanos chanos) fry in 1.0 to 1.6 cm in
length were used as test organisms with the median lethal concentration or LC50 as test endpoint. The test
substances were arsenic (As), nitrate (NO3), cyanide (CN), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd).
N
For each toxicity test run, 400 milkfish fry were acclimated in basins containing sand filtered seawater with
pre-adjusted salinity for a period of 10-14 days prior to the definitive test run. Twelve 4-L test jars were used W

consisting of two replicates for control and five test concentrations. Fish were scooped out randomly from
Q
the acclimation basin and 10 were placed randomly into each test jar. Sample of the test jar solutions were
analyzed to determine actual concentrations of the toxicant. Mortalities were recorded for 1, 2, 4, 24, 48, 72, S
and 96-hour observations and testings for DO, pH, salinity, and water temperature were conducted. Mortalities
after 96-hour exposure and the actual concentrations of the toxicant were used in the determination of the R
LC50 values using the EFFL software. Toxicity test results showed the following ranges of 96-hour LC50 values
2001–2005
for the test substances:

Test Substance Lowest 96-hr LC50 Value* Highest 96-hr LC50 Value*
Mercury 0.006 mg Hg/L 0.179 mg Hg/L
Cadmium
Arsenic
Nitrate
**8.57 mg Cd/L
41.83 mg As/L
140.99 mg NO3/L
32.71 mg Cd/L
311.38 mg As/L
373.30 mg NO3/L
 21

* Spearman-Karber Method
** 95% Lower and Upper Confidence Limits

The LC50 values indicated decreasing toxicity of the test substances to milkfish fry with mercury being the
most toxic (0.006 mg Hg/L) and nitrate being the least toxic (140.99 mg NO3/L). Toxicity testing activities are
on-going, further tests are envisioned using more test organisms and substances. The results of these testing
are important in rationalizing the water quality criteria for coastal and marine waters.
 
Water
Sources of Pollution
Quality Water pollution occurs when a water body is
adversely affected due to the addition of large
Assessment amounts of foreign materials into water. In
general, when it is unfit for its intended use,
water is considered polluted. There are two
general types of pollution: point source and
non-point source. Point source means any
identifiable pollution source with specific
discharge point into a particular water
body. Examples include discharges from a
wastewater treatment plant or septic tanks.
Non-point sources, on the other hand, have
no identifiable source and include runoff from
irrigation or rainwater that picks up pollutants
from farms and urban areas.
Point Sources
Most surface and coastal waters are under
severe environmental stress from point sources
of pollution. Human settlements, farming, and
industry all contribute to pollution of water
bodies. Using BOD as the measure of pollution
load, it is estimated that 3.8 million MT of BOD
was generated by pollution sources in 2005.
Considered as major sources of water
pollution are domestic wastewater discharges,
representing 33 percent (Figure 16), as more
than 90 percent of inadequately treated
domestic sewage are discharged into surface
waters. These discharges contain bacteria and
viruses, which threaten human health.
Agriculture and livestock sources are
National second (29%) in terms of BOD load, while the
industry sector is third (27%). Agriculture
Water and livestock activities include the raising or
Quality production of hogs, chicken, cattle, and other
dairy farming activities, which generate high
Status organic wastewater. A number of these farms,
Report including backyard animal farms, have no
appropriate wastewater treatment facilities.
Moreover, industrial operations are major
contributors of heavy metals and hazardous
wastes.

22
Alternatives to conventional sewage
treatment are now being introduced. Wetlands
are being designed to serve as simple and
low-cost wastewater treatment plants that use
natural processes for filtration and cleaning.
Partially treated sewage can also be used for
fish propagation.
Waste minimization also offers potential
savings. Companies that have instituted
cleaner production (CP) efforts have been
FIGURE 16. Pollution from Key Potential Sources.
Non-Point Sources
11% Domestic Sources
33%
Industry
27%
Agriculture-Livestock
29%
able to reduce the volume of wastewater by
as much as 60 percent with treatment and
recycling.
Very few cities have sewage treatment
facilities, greatly increasing the risk of
diarrhea and other gastrointestinal diseases.
Agricultural and industrial discharges are
oftentimes mismanaged. Special concerns
include:
 Fecal discharge from human and
animals which transports a variety
of bacteria and viruses that threaten
human health
 High salinity which can occur naturally
or as part of poor irrigation practices
 Nitrate pollution, primarily from
fertilizers and animal manures
 Water
Non-Point Sources
Non-point sources are runoffs from urban, Computation of Pollution Quality
agricultural, and forestry activities. Using Load Contribution
the current land use, the estimated annual Assessment
pollution from non-point sources is 435,000 Domestic (Municipal) BOD Contribution.
Calculated by differentiating the urban and rural
MT of BOD. This estimate excludes runoffs
population per region (based on year 2000
from land fills and dumpsites. Agricultural population projected to year 2005) and applying
runoff contributes about 74 percent, followed the following BOD factors:1
by forest runoff (23%) and urban runoff (3%).
Figure 17 presents the pollution from key  Urban – 53 grams BOD per person per day
non-point sources.  Rural – 37 grams BOD per person per day

Industrial BOD Contribution. Estimated by

FIGURE 17. Pollution from Key Non-Point Sources.
industry type using the World Health Organization
Urban Runoff (WHO) Rapid Assessment of Source of Air, Water,
3% Forest Runoff and Land Pollution. The annual BOD generation
Agricultural Runoff was calculated by multiplying the annual volume
23% of production per industry type by the appropriate
74%
pollution load factor in the WHO method. Adjustments
were made on the average treatment efficiencies
attained by the industry sector.

Agricultural BOD Contribution. Calculated

by using animal type and the number of heads of
livestock and poultry. Pollution load factors are
based on the WHO Rapid Assessment Method.

Non-point BOD Contribution. Estimated

by using the land area for agriculture, forest, and
urban uses and multiplying with the following nitrate
factors:2

 Urban – 913 kg nitrogen (N) per sq km per year

Non-point sources of pollution from
logging and agricultural operations add
sediment and organic matter. Subsequently,
this could adversely affect the habitat of river
organisms and can smother coastal fishing
grounds.
 Forest – 491 kg N per sq km per year
 Agriculture – 1,892 kg N per sq km per year
The computed nitrogen load was converted to
BOD load by multiplying with 1.3 kg BOD per kg N.
Sources: 1. Philippine Environment Monitor, 2003;
2. ENRAP Study, 1998
N

Box 7. Laguna Lake Water Quality Q

THE LAGUNA Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has been assessing the impact of various development activities on the S
water quality of Laguna Lake and its connecting river systems.
R
Fifteen out of 22 major rivers draining into the Lake are being monitored by the LLDA. Results show that based on annual
2001–2005
averages, the rivers in the northern industrialized areas are highly polluted, while those in the less industrialized portions
of South and East Bays are complying with the BOD criterion.

Pangil, Bay, Sta. Cruz, and Pagsanjan Rivers showed annual average concentrations that consistently passed the
Class C DO criterion of 5 mg/L minimum for fishery over the five-year period (2001–2005). Marikina, Mangangate,
Tunasan, San Pedro, Cabuyao, San Cristobal, San Juan, Siniloan, and Sapang Baho Rivers showed non-compliance.

Water quality in five sampling points of the Lake is monitored for similar parameters. BOD concentration in all stations
23

consistently met the Class C BOD criterion during the five-year monitoring
period. The increasing trend in BOD from 2002 to 2004 was attributed to the
Pasig River backflow, which was significant in 2004. DO concentration was
above the minimum limit of 5 mg/L throughout the monitoring period.

The results of the Waste Load Model showed that in 2004, about 77 percent of
BOD load in the Laguna de Bay came from households, 11 percent from industry,
and 12 percent from land runoff. Excessive BOD levels lead to oxygen depletion,
which in turn leads to death of fishes. Other parameters monitored by the LLDA
include: Total Coliform count, nitrogen load, and total phosphorus.
Source: LLDA, 2005
 
Water
Major Water-Related Incidents The estimated total damage is around PhP 423
Quality From 2001 to 2005, several water-related million. Another minor fish kill was reported
incidents occurred that impact water quality in Dalipuga, Iligan in the same year. In 2003,
Assessment and ultimately water resources. These include a fish kill in Ilagan, Isabela resulted to more
oil/chemical spills and illegal dumping of than PhP 4.9 million damage.
wastes, which resulted in fish kills and water
body contamination. In a case study on the influence of
mariculture activities on Cape Bolinao in
Oil Spills
FIGURE 18. Chemical and Oil Spill Incidents from 2001–2005.
Records from
the Philippine
Coast Guard
(PCG) from
2001 to
2005 showed
a relatively
constant
trend of oil
spill incident,
except in
2001 and
2005 where
huge volume
of spills were
recorded
(Figure 18).
Twenty-five
percent of the
spills were
due to illegal
discharges, Source: PCG, 2005.
22 percent
were caused
by accidental discharges and overflow, 6 Pangasinan, it was found that the increase
percent from leakages, another 6 percent and expansion of mariculture activities are
from ship sinking, and 13 percent were reflected in the changes in water quality over
undetermined. Other reasons (28%) include the years. Prior to a major fish kill in 2002,
National
pipe bursting and other container failures. there have been increases in: ammonia (110%),
Water nitrite (30%), nitrate (25%), phosphate (400%),
In December 2005, an oil spill incident TSS (222%); and chlorophyll-a (140%). The
Quality
occurred within the vicinity of Sitio Bubog, said fish kill incident was attributed to the die-
Status Brgy. Semirara, Caluya, Antique. Around off of a dinoflagellate bloom associated with
210,000 L of oil and fuel were released, nutrient-rich waters, and the high organic
Report
affecting 236 hectares (ha) of mangrove areas, loading from unconsumed fish feeds.
40 sq m of marine forest areas, and 5 km of
the Semirara Island shoreline.

Fish Kills
 24
Dumping of organic wastes in the sea resulted
to fish kill and sudden increase of E.coli
in Zamboanga in 2004. This affected three
barangays and caused health problems to
127 victims.

In 2002, Pangasinan had the most

number of recorded fish kills. These incidents
occurred in Bolinao, Dagupan, and Binmaley.
Source: www.pcij.org.
 
PSP in the Philippines: three
decades of monitoring a disaster
Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) caused
by red tide episodes is of significant public
health concern in the Philippines. Blooms of
red tide occurred 135 times in 27 different
coastal waters of the country between 1983
and 2005 with a total of 2,161 reported PSP
cases and 123 fatalities.

To address the growing problem on PSP

a strategy to mitigate the impact has been
implemented. PSP monitoring program has
been in place for more than two decades
now. In the last five years, episodes of red
tide blooms persisted in the country. However
during 2000, 2001 and 2004, there was no
reported incident of PSP though blooms were
apparent in Philippines’ coastal areas. In
2002, 2003, and April 2005, a total of 54 PSP
incidents and six fatalities were reported.
Source: MGB, 2005.

Mine Spills In October to November 2005, the EMB

On October 11 and 31, 2005, mine tailings
spill incidents occurred at the Rapu-Rapu
Polymetallic Project in Rapu-Rapu, Albay.
Mine tailings or wastewater from the mill
plant were released to the surrounding creeks
and flowed into the sea, reportedly killing
some fish, shrimps, and crustaceans.
Following the fish kill incidents, the
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
(BFAR) received several fish kill samples
submitted for analysis. Analytical results
confirmed the presence of cyanide in the
fishes.
and MGB Region 5 conducted monitoring of
water bodies from the mine plant to creeks
leading to the coastal waters of Rapu-Rapu.
About 40 cyanide measurements were done
within this period. Highest measurement
(31.7 mg/L) was recorded at the upper Alma
Creek, exceeding the criterion of 0.05 mg/L.
Hollowstone Creek registered the second
highest measurement at 19.6 mg/L. Cyanide
level in both creeks as well as in other
water bodies up the offshore marine waters
of Binosawan and Malobago continued to
register cyanide readings beyond the criterion N
until end of November.
W

Q
Box 8. Addressing Abandoned Mine Sites
S

THROUGH a technical assistance from World Bank (WB), MGB initiated the semi-detailed assessment of R
22 abandoned/inactive mine sites in the country from 2000 to 2002. One of the key objectives of the
assessment was to assess water pollution, water availability, and hydrological impacts resulting from 2001–2005
the mines’ operations. Using risk-based assessment, prioritization of the 22 sites was established and
appropriate rehabilitation/remediation plans were formulated including estimated cost. More importantly,
the study was used to document lessons learned and provide policy recommendations.

As an offshoot of the study, the Mineral Action

Plan and the DENR General Plan of Action include
the detailed study of the seven sites prioritized for
 25

subsequent rehabilitation/remediation. Among

these sites, the Philippine Pyrite Corp. in Bagacay,
Hinabangan, Western Samar was ranked as the site
that posed the highest risk to human health and the
environment. It was likewise chosen as the first pilot
area for remediation/rehabilitation.

Source: MGB, 2003.

 
Water
Sewerage and Sanitation and surface water. As
Quality The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reported compared to other key Sanitation Code
that approximately one percent of the country’s cities in Asia, Manila Requirements
Assessment population have access to sewerage systems, ranks 16 th in terms of
74 percent rely on on-site sanitation systems percentage of population THE SANITATION Code of the
with access to sewerage. Philippines prescribes the
like sanitary toilets and septic tanks, and
following:
25 percent do not have access to sanitation
services and discharge untreated wastes The Department of • Compulsory tapping to
directly into rivers and land. Health (DOH) reported existing sewerage systems
that diarrhea, a water- • Use of approved individual
In Metro Manila, about 11 percent (Figure borne disease, remains excreta and sewage
19) of the population is serviced by a sewerage the leading cause of disposal systems including
morbidity for the past the design and construction
system. The remaining population rely on
of septic tanks, leaching tile
septic tanks, pit latrines, or none at all. 10 to 15 years, though at
field, and house sewers
Approximately 2.2 million septic tanks do not a declining rate. Diarrhea • Treated effluent should
have enough leaching fields, are irregularly and gastroenteritis are conform to the prescribed
(if ever) desludged, or are inappropriately major causes of child quality standards under DAO
designed; thus achieving minimal treatment mortality in the 1 to 4 90-35 prior to discharge into
and consequently contributing to pollution of and 5 to 9 age brackets. a stream or water body
waterways and risks to public health. Source: PD 856.

Outside of Metro Manila, only

three public sewerage systems FIGURE 19. Percentage of Manila Population
operate (Table 8). These are located Served by Sewerage and Sanitation Systems.
in the cities of Baguio, Zamboanga,
and Vigan. All of these systems were
built by the Americans in the late
1920s or early 1930s. These systems
cover limited areas in the downtown
business districts and serve an
insignificant portion of the urban
population of the host cities. The
two independent sewerage systems
in Bacolod City serve housing
developments, each containing
less than 200 households; while
the communal toilets in Dagupan
National
City are used by some 40 to 60
Water households.
Quality
Sewerage access has always
Source: MWSS, 2005.
Status lagged behind water supply
development. However, it is
Report
important to complement water
supply with sewerage because of the
impact on the quality of groundwater

TABLE 8. Sewerage and Sanitation Systems Outside Metro Manila.

 26

Source: WB Water and Sanitation Program – East Asia and the Pacific, 2003.
 Water
In November 2004, the WHO reported that
88 percent of diarrhea cases are attributable Did you Quality
to unsafe water supply and inadequate know
sanitation and hygiene. With improved
that... Assessment
sanitation or sewerage systems, the incidence
of diarrhea is expected to be reduced by about • septic tanks
32 percent. In addition, improved hygiene only serve as
education and promotion of hand-washing preliminary
can further reduce diarrhea cases by 45 treatment
percent. systems
and require
regular
The status of urban sanitation in the pumping
Philippines reveals the lack of programs or out to remove excessive sludge or scum
investments in sewerage and sanitation. before it accumulates and reduces
Despite the WHO’s report on the need for settling efficiency?
improvement in sanitation as the most
effective mean to reduce diarrheal diseases, • the Manila Water Company and Maynilad
Water Services provide free septic tank
investments in urban sanitation in the
desludging services as part of their
Philippines total only 1.5 percent of that spent sanitation program? These septage or
on urban water supply. semi-liquid wastes from septic tanks
are transported to septage treatment
Without signif icant improvement in plants before releasing them to rivers and
domestic wastewater management, it will streams.
continue to become the largest contributor to Source: MWSS, 2005
pollution loading.

Box 9. Willingness-to-Pay Survey for Sanitation Facilities

A WILLINGNESS-TO-PAY survey in Metro Manila was conducted by MWSS in 2005. The survey revealed that over
90 percent place significant value on toilets for their health and that poor sanitation is responsible for various
diseases in the community and contribute to the pollution of river systems, groundwater, and waterways.
Although 70 percent of the respondents are not familiar with the concept of wastewater treatment, 90 percent
would like to see a wastewater treatment facility established to serve their community. In addition, about 70
percent are willing to pay an average of 20 percent of their water bill for improvement in their wastewater
disposal systems.
N
In general, the responses indicate that Metro Manila populace from all income levels are concerned about
the current sewage management, understand the implications of inadequate sanitation, and are willing to W
contribute for an improvement in the system.
Q
Source: MWSS, 2005
S

Conceptual Model of Sewerage System 2001–2005

27

Source: www.southeastwater.com.au/sew/
Water Quality Management Policies and Programs
T
HIS section discusses the legal and policy issuances on water quality management,
updates on the implementation of the Philippine Clean Water Act (CWA) of 2004 and
its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and programs and initiatives of government
agencies, institutions, and donor agencies in improving water quality in the country.
Legal and Policy
The Philippines has an extensive water and
water-related legislation and regulations that
provide the legal bases for programs on water
quality management. From 2001 to 2005, one
major legislation on water quality management
was passed. This was RA 9275, otherwise
known as the Philippine Clean Water Act and
signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo on March 22, 2004.
The Act provides for a comprehensive
water quality management policy for the
country and pursues a policy of economic
growth in a manner consistent with the
protection, preservation, and revival of the
quality of fresh, brackish and marine waters
nationwide.
Since its enactment, progress has
been made towards the implementation of
various provisions of the law. As the primary
agency responsible for the formulation and
implementation of plans and programs
pertaining to water quality management,
the DENR had promulgated the following
regulations:
 DAO 2005-10 (IRR of RA 9275).
Applies to water quality management of
all water bodies and to the abatement
National and control of pollution from land-based
sources. Water quality standards and
Water regulations as well as the civil liability
Quality and penal provisions of the CWA will
be enforced irrespective of pollution
Status sources.
Report  DAO 2003-27 (Self-Monitoring
Report). Adopts a modified self-
monitoring report (SMR) system
as part of DENR’s compliance
monitoring system. The SMR has two
basic objectives: (1) Allows firms to

demonstrate their compliance with
28
environmental regulations to include
Presidential Decree (PD) 984, PD 1586,
RA 6969, and RA 8749; and (2) Requires
DENR to confirm that firms comply with
environmental regulations.
 DENR Memorandum Circular 2003-
008 (Procedural and Reference
Manual for DAO 2003-27). Provides
the framework for a self-monitoring
program for industries, specifically in
the evaluation and assessment of the
Pollution Control Officer reports of
individual firms.
 DAO 2003-26 (Revised Industrial
EcoWatch System). Amended the
Implementing Guidelines of DAO
98-51, adopting the Industrial
EcoWatch as part of the compliance
monitoring system of the DENR. The
System promotes compliance through
public disclosure of environmental
performances of the regulated
community.
 DENR Memorandum Circular 2003-26
(Procedural Manual for DAO 2003-
26). Provides the framework in the
implementation of the public disclosure
scheme under the Industrial EcoWatch
System. Coverage of the System is
initially limited to water quality,
specifically: BOD and TSS.
 DAO 1990-34 (Revised Water Usage
and Classification/Water Quality
Criteria). Amended Sections 68 and
69, Chapter III of the 1978 National
Pollution Control Commission Rules
and Regulations, which provides for the
classification and water quality criteria
of all Philippine water bodies according
to their beneficial uses.
 DAO 1990-35 (Revised Effluent
Regulations). Amended the effluent
regulations of 1982 and provides the
effluent standards for all industrial and
municipal wastewater effluents prior to
discharge to receiving water bodies.
 DAO 1994-26A (Philippine Standards
for Drinking Water 1993). Amended
the 1978 National Standards for
Drinking Water specifying the
requirements for the acceptable values
of parameters in measuring water
quality. The standard delineated values
 

conforming with medical, health, and

aesthetic requirements to include
microbiological, physical, chemical,
and radiological compositions of water.
This DAO implements the provisions
of Section 9, the Prescribed Standards
and Procedures of Chapter II of PD 856
(Sanitation Code of the Philippines).
 NWRB Amended IRR of PD 1067
(The Water Code of the Philippines).
Provides for the appropriation,
utilization, control, conservation, and
protection of waters, watersheds, and
related land resources in the country.
 LLDA Board Resolution No. 25,
Series of 1996 (Implementation
of the Environmental User Fee
System in the Laguna Lake Region).
Requires the implementation of the
Environmental User Fee System (EUFS)
starting 1997 to enhance the water
quality of the lake and provides lake The following regulations have been
users with an incentive to reduce promulgated by other government agencies
pollution and allocate their prevention in support to the DENR’s mandate on water
and abatement resources efficiently. quality management:
 LLDA Board Resolution No. 33,
Series of 1996 (IRR of the EUFS in  BFAR IRR of Republic Act 8550
the Laguna Lake Region). Provides the (The Philippine Fisheries Code of
implementing guidelines of the EUFS as 1998). Provides for the development,
approved under Board Resolution No. management, and conservation of the
25, Series of 1996. fisheries and aquatic resources in the N
 LLDA Board Resolution No. country.
W
191, Series of 2003 (Policy  DOH IRR of PD 856 (Sanitation Code
Guidelines Governing Fastfood of the Philippines). Provides for the Q
Stores, Restaurants, and Similar standards and procedures on specific
S
Establishments within the Laguna sections of the Code particularly on
Lake Region). Expands the coverage Section II (Water Supply) and Chapter R
of the EUFS to cover the fastfood XVII (Sewage Collection and Disposal,
2001–2005
stores and restaurant sector within the Excreta Disposal and Drainage).
Laguna Lake Region.  PCG Memorandum Circular No. 03-94
 LLDA Memorandum Circular No. (Prevention, Containment, Abatement,
and Control of Marine Pollution).

2004-3, Series of 2004 (IRR for
Resolution No. 191, Series of
2003. Provides the framework for
implementing the EUFS for fastfood
stores, restaurants, and similar
establishments within the Laguna Lake
Region.

Provides for the implementing guidelines
29
pursuant to RA 3931, PD 984, PD
600, and PD 979 as rationalized in
accordance with the International
Convention for Prevention of Pollution
from Ships, MARPOL 73/78.
 
Water
 P C G M e m o r a n d u m C i r c u l a r 0 1-
Quality 05 (Revised Rules on Prevention,
Containment, Abatement, and Control of
Management Marine Pollution). Provides implementing
guidelines pursuant to the above-
Policies and mentioned authorities as rationalized
in accordance with the International
Programs Convention for the Prevention of Pollution
from ships, MARPOL 73/78.
 PCG Memorandum Circular 02-05
(Prevention of Pollution by Garbage
from Ship). Provides implementing rules
to prevent pollution by garbage from ships
within the territorial and archepelagic
waters of the Philippines.
 PCG Memorandum Circular 03-05
(Rules and Regulations for Tank
Cleaning Operations and the Collection
and Disposal of Diluted Oil and
Other Substances). Applies to all tank
cleaning operations and the collection and
disposal of diluted oil within the territorial
jurisdiction of the Philippines.
 PCG Memorandum Circular 04-05
(Accreditation of Oil Water Separators,
Oil Containment, Recovery and
Dispersal Equipment and Chemical
Dispersant). Prescribes the procedures for
the accreditation of chemical dispersant,
oil containment, recovery dispersal
equipment and oil separators; prescribes
requirements to be observed by the
subjects of this circular, and to impose the
corresponding sanctions for its violation.
 PCG Memorandum Circular 07-05
(Prevention of Pollution by Sewage from
Ships). Provides implementing rules to
prevent pollution by sewage from ships.
 PCG Memorandum Circular 01-06 (Rules
Prohibiting the Dumping of Wastes
and other Harmful Matters). Prescribes
the procedures and policies for the proper
dumping of wastes and other harmful
matters into Philippines waters to prevent
pollution which may create hazards to
human health, marine life, and other
resources; damage amenities; or interfere
with other legitimate uses of the sea.

Box 10. Wastewater Charge System

IN ACCORDANCE with RA 9275 and its IRR as embodied in DAO 2005-10, the
DENR issued the guidelines for the computation of the Wastewater Charge
System in all management areas including the Laguna Lake Region and
Regional Industrial Centers. The system establishes the economic incentives
for polluters to modify production or management processes or to invest
in pollution control technologies to reduce the amount of water pollutants
generated and discharged to waterways.

Initially, the DENR has established the use of BOD or TSS as the priority
National
pollutant parameters in the computation of the wastewater discharge fee. The
Water
steps in computing for the wastewater discharge fee are as follows:

Quality
Step 1: Compute for the net concentration of priority pollutant (mg/L)
Status
Net concentration = (Concentration of Effluent) – (Concentration of Intake Water)
Report

Step 2: Compute for the annual volumetric effluent flowrate (m3/year)

Annual Flowrate = [Ave. daily effluent flowrate, m3/day] x [No. of discharge days per year]

30 Step 3: Compute for Net Waste Load (kg/year)

Net Waste Load (kg/year) = [Net Concentration, mg/L] x [Annual Flowrate, m3/year] x 0.001

Step 4: Compute for the Wastewater Discharge Fee using PhP5.00/kg as fee per kg of pollutant

Wastewater Discharge Fee = (Net Waste Load, kg/year) x (PhP5/kg of pollutant)

Source: DAO 2005-10

  Water
TABLE 9. Implementation progress of the Clean Water Act.
Quality

Management

Policies and

Programs

2001–2005

31

Legend:

 no action

 initial steps

 outcome evident
 
Water
Water Quality Management Programs
Quality
Water quality management in the Philippines  Fully implement the Ecological Solid
is spearheaded by the EMB of DENR. Other Waste Management Act (RA 9003) and
Management
bureaus and attached agencies of DENR like the CWA
the MGB, LLDA, NWRB, Forest Management  Continue classification of unclassified
Policies and
Bureau (FMB), and Coastal and Marine water bodies nationwide
Management Office (CMMO) are likewise  Improve river water quality by
Programs
water quality managers. In support to the implementing the Sagip-Ilog Program
DENR’s mandate, other government agencies,  Conduct water pollution discharge
financing institutions, and donor agencies inventory on point and non-point
have also implemented programs and activities sources
on water quality management.  Monitor industrial effluent of all
industries
Department of Environment and  Continuously implement the Tapwatch
Natural Resources (DENR) Program to assist priority communities
in improving drinking water quality in
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB). all 320 urban barangays nationwide
To meet its objectives of improving the quality  Continuously pursue the “Beachwatch”
of the country’s water bodies, particularly program on beaches frequently visited
the 19 priority water bodies, the EMB is by local and foreign tourists
implementing the following programs and  Conduct of Information, Education and
activities: Communication (IEC) campaigns on
water quality management

Box 11. EMB’s Water Quality Management Milestones

 Classified 525 water bodies as of 2005
 Improved BOD and DO levels of 11 rivers under the Sagip Ilog Program, with reduction ranging from 8 to 74
percent in 2005 as compared to 2003 levels. Six rivers are already within the standards.
 Issued 2,755 wastewater discharge permits valid from 2005 to 2010
 Issued 263 Notice of Violations (NOVs) and 14 Cease and Desist Orders to industrial facilities found in violation of
the CWA
 Issued 163 NOVs to facilities found operating without the necessary permits including Environmental Compliance
Certificate
 Evaluated performance of 108 industrial and commercial establishments: 9 Green, 57 Blue, 20 Red, 14 Black,
and 8 still undergoing assessment under the Industrial Beachwatch Program
 Assisted the concerned LGUs and DOH
National in the preparation of the Water Quality
Improvement and Management Plans
Water
for 27 sites found not potable under the
Quality
Tapwatch program
 Notified the concerned resort owners
Status and LGUs of the 7 beaches who failed to
meet the allowable Fecal Coliform count
Report out of 41 beaches under the Beachwatch
Program
 Conducted IEC campaigns through the
Environmental Education and Information
Division
 Completed a 15-minute video documentary

32 


on the CWA
Produced a 60-seconder television plug on clean water aired on television channels nationwide
Produced 4,000 copies of instructional poster calendar on the CWA (“Save Water…Save Lives”)
Produced 15,000 copies each of English and Filipino versions of the Environmental Information Sheets on the CWA
 Co-organized with the WB, on-the-spot poster making and essay writing contests on “Save Water…Save Lives”
 Conducted clean up in different esteros in the country, alongside “Bawas Balot, Bawas Basura” campaigns in selected markets
nationwide
 Co-organized with the Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management,
a national assembly on water resources management with the theme: Conserving Our Water Resources: The Challenges for the
Academe
 Recognized 40 laboratories nationwide, covering 27 parameters for water and wastewater
 Surveyed 24 major dumpsites across the country, collected leachate and groundwater samples, and subsequently
analyzed for physico-chemical, metals, and organics

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). To
complement EMB’s programs on water quality
management while pursuing its vision towards
responsible mineral resources development,
the MGB implemented the following programs
and projects:
 Mining environment and protection
program. Forty-nine (49) river systems
covering 442 ha of areas affected by
operating/abandoned mines were
assessed for water quality in 2004 for
future rehabilitation/enhancement
programs.
 Groundwater assessment. As of 2004,
a total of 37,520 ha were covered by
groundwater surveys to identify possible
sources of groundwater to support the
future needs of communities for domestic
and agricultural uses.
Laguna Lake Development Authority
(LLDA). As the water quality manager of
Laguna Lake, the LLDA is implementing
several programs and projects to preserve
and protect the lake. LLDA’s water quality
management milestones are as follows:
 Issued 678 discharge permits in 2005,
a 100 percent increase compared to
issuances in 2001
 BOD and DO concentrations of the
lake consistently met the water quality
criteria for Class C water
 Twelve out of 24 microwatersheds have
undergone the Laguna de Bay Watershed
Environmental Action Planning
process resulting to the identification
of 17 sub-projects on ecotourism, solid
waste management, and wastewater
management
National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
The following programs have been spearheaded
by the NWRB in relation to water resources
assessment:
 Improvement of National Water Data
C ol lect ion Net work for St rea m f low,
Groundwater, and Water Quality (2000–
2001)
 Water Resources Assessment for Prioritized
Critical Areas (2004)
 National Water Information Network Phase
1 and 2 (2000-2004)
 Water
Quality
Forest Management Bureau (FMB). Mandated
to provide support for the effective protection,
Management
development, occupancy management, and
conservation of forest lands and watersheds.
Policies and
One of its programs that impact water quality
improvement is the formulation of a national
Programs
watershed management strateg y and a
long-term program of investments for the
sustainable management of watersheds. Key
outputs of the program include:
 Handbook on Philippine Strategy
for Improved Watershed Resources
Management
 Guideline for Watershed Resource
Management and Development
 National Watershed Information System
 Preparation of Watershed Plans
Other important milestones include the
conduct of survey and mapping, establishment
of soil control measures, and enrichment of
riverbank stabilization.
Coastal and Marine Management Office
(CMMO) . Mandated to be the nationa l
coordinating office of DENR for coastal and
marine resource environment management
and development. Since its establishment,
CMMO has:
 Formulated the Integrated Coastal
Management Framework
 Organized “Month of the Ocean” and
“International Coastal Clean-up”
celebrations N
 Coordinated all DENR programs and
projects related to coastal and marine W
environment including, but not limited Q
to, the following:
S
• Coastal Resource Management R
Project
2001–2005
• Southern Mindanao Integrated
Coastal Zone Management Project
• Partnership in Environmental

Management for the Seas of
East Asia and the Manila Bay 33
Environmental Management Project
• USAID-Assisted Ecogovernance
Program (Coastal Component)
 
Water
Other Government Agencies
Quality
Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission
Management (PRRC). Created by virtue of Executive Order
(EO) 54, as amended by EO 65 in January
Policies and 1999. The PRRC is composed of government
agencies, private sectors, and non-government
Programs organizations (NGOs). It was created to
ensure that the waterway is rehabilitated to
its historically pristine condition. Programs
implemented include the following:

 Environmental Management
• Implementation of EUFS
• Institutionalization of river modeling
• Establishment of the database on
industrial pollution from point
sources
• Education and training on CP and
waste minimization
• Construction of a septage treatment
plant to serve about 37,000
households in Makati, San Juan,
Pateros, Taguig, and Mandaluyong
• Acquisition of 36 vacuum tankers to Source: EMB, 2005.
transport septage from households
 Housing and Resettlement
• A total of 39 out of the 53 target
areas were cleared from informal
settlers
• A total of 6,115 out of the initial
target of 10,000 families were
relocated between 1999 and 2005,
with resettlement sites located in Realizing the important role of Metro
Taguig, Cavite, and Rizal Manila LGUs in the rehabilitation of Pasig
 Flood Control – Through the Belgian- R iver, pa r ticipating L GUs through the
National
assisted Dredging and Sanitation MMDA established 10-meter environmental
Works for Pasig River and the Japan protection areas as linear park for riverbank
Water International Cooperation Agency use and protection. It cooperated with the
Quality
(JICA)-assisted rehabilitation and program in the relocation of informal settlers
expansion of Flood Control Operation along the riverbanks.
Status and Warning System, Pasig-Marikina-
Report
Laguna Lake Watershed
 Development of 8.2 km Linear Parks and
four Urban Renewal Areas
FIGURE 20. Solid Waste Collection at Pasig River by MMDA using Ecolmare Boats.

Met r o M a n i l a D e v e lopme nt

34
Authority (MMDA). The MMDA as
co-chair of the PRRC, implements
programs to upgrade the conditions
of the River’s general environs and
maintain the Class C water quality
rating (Figure 20).

Source: EMB, 2005


Department of the Interior and Local
G over nment ( DIL G ) . Through t he
Philippine Center for Water and Sanitation-
International Training Network Foundation,
the DILG assisted LGUs in the mobilization
of communities a nd in orga ni zing the
Barangay Water and Sanitation Association.
The goal of the project is to achieve sustained
improvements in community managed water
supply and sanitation services designed to
benefit 910 barangays in the fifth and sixth
class municipalities in the provinces of
Ilocos Sur, Nueva Vizcaya, Oriental Mindoro,
Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan.
 LGU Urban Water and Sanitation Project,
1998–2003 (WB). With a budget of
US$68 million, the project aimed to
improve water supply, household toilets,
on-site sanitation facilities, and micro-
drainage infrastructure.
 Water Districts Development Project,
1997–2005 (WB). Budgeted at US$81
million, the project helped participating
LGUs and water districts plan and
implement sewerage and sanitation
investments.
TABLE 10. MTSP Component Timetable.
Source: MWSS, 2005.
Water
Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage
System (MWSS). The feasibility study and Quality
design for the Manila Third Sewerage Project
(MTSP) was formulated by MWSS and the Management
Manila Water Company Inc. (MWCI). The
project was undertaken through a loan from Policies and
the WB. Project components include the
upgrading of existing treatment facilities Programs
in sewered areas, provision of secondary
treatment facilities for specific catchments
currently served by combined sewerage
systems, and improvement of sanitation
conditions generally in low-income areas.
Treatment facilities will also be provided
for the septage generated in the thousands
of individual septic tanks located in the
concession area of MWCI.
The objectives of the MTSP include the
reduction of waterways pollution within
Metro Manila and Manila Bay, reduction
of health hazards from sewage exposure,
and gradual improvement in the sewerage
services through expansion of the septage
management program.
The package components of the MTSP are
to be implemented within a five-year duration
period. Table 10 shows the timetable of
implementation of the project components.
From 1996 to 2004, the MWSS implemented
the Manila Second Sewerage Project (MSSP)
through a US$76 million loan from the WB.
The project aimed to improve the quality of
sanitation services and enable the MWSS to:
1) expand septage management program and
N
improve sewerage services; and 2) reduce
pollution in waterways and Manila Bay. W
Q
2001–2005
35
 
Water
Industrial Technology Development
Quality Institute of the Department of Science and Box 12. ITDI-DOST Compilation of
Technology (ITDI-DOST). Mandated to render Best Available Technologies (BAT)/
Management a variety of services to local industries and Best Environmental Practices (BEP)
conduct research and development activities
Policies and focused on seven major areas, namely: food THROUGH the IPCT Program of ITDI-DOST, a
processing, materials science, chemicals and clearinghouse for BAT and BEP was established.
Programs minerals, electronics and process control, Information are compiled through the Environmental
fuels and energy, microbiology and genetics, Technology Compilation Database and in the BAT/BEP
industry guidebooks. The technologies are classified
and environment. Among its programs and
according to industry sector and application for easy
projects include: searching. The dissemination of these documents
does not necessarily suggest performance superiority
 Environmental Technology Verification of a single technology. Rather, it aims to provide
and Environmental Technology Philippine industries general information on clean and
Evaluation - Process for developing, environmental technologies that have been proven
conducting, and reporting scientifically successful in improving a facility’s production efficiency
and environmental performance. BAT/BEP practices are
objective evaluations of industrial and
compiled for the following industry type:
environmental technologies to provide a
reasonable basis for future decisions by  Coconut Industry
technology enablers  Food Industry (Meat Processing)
 Integrated Program on Cleaner  Forest Products Industry (Wood Furniture)
Production Technologies (IPCT) - Provides  Livestock Industry
technical and technology assistance to  Metals Industry (Metal Finishing)
 Plastics Recycling Industry
the industry sector in the selection and
 Tannery Industry
implementation of CP technologies. It  Textile Industry
aims to sustain industrial economic
growth and improve environmental Industries are encouraged to share successful BAT/BEP
quality through reduction and control by filling-out a downloadable guide (www.cptech.gov.ph),
of industrial pollution. It ensures that which requires the following minimum information:
transfer of environmental technologies
 Principle of the technology/practice
were sustainable through:
 Special features and applications
 Track record
• Conduct of CP audits and recommend  Technology references
eco-efficient practices and technologies
for the industry sector and the general
public
• Undertake policy research,
National
technology assessment, feasibility
Water and technical studies
• Enhance technological capabilities
Quality
through manpower training,
Status infrastructure, and institution
building
Report
• Develop and maintain an
information system on evaluated
environmental technologies

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Implements

36
the Marine Environmental Protection
Program for maritime oil pollution prevention,
mitigation, and control. This Program involves
marine pollution monitoring and control,
which enhances the agency’s capability in
oil spill response operations and enforces all
applicable marine environmental laws and
regulations.

Source: PCG, 2005.


Source: EMB
NGO Efforts
Clean and Green Foundation – Piso Para sa
Pasig. The Clean and Green Foundation is the
private sector counterpart of the government’s
cleaning and greening programs since the
Ramos administration. It initiated the Piso
Para sa Pasig (PPP) campaign to raise people’s
awareness on the government’s efforts to
rehabilitate the Pasig River. Through the
foundation, Grancevola boats from Italy were
acquired for the mechanized collection of
solid waste from the Pasig River. The PPP is
also implementing the Cleanest and Greenest
Barangay Contest along the Pasig, San Juan
and Marikina riverbanks as well as other
contests such as the mock Gawad Walis
at Paso and the Most Improved Barangay
Contest.
Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM). An organization
concerned with mobilizing communities for
sustainable rehabilitation of the Pasig River.
SPM can be credited for the development of
the Clean River Zone Model as the blueprint
for the communities along the Pasig River,
which succeeded in implementing solid
waste reduction programs for riverside
communities. Its most popular programs are
the institutionalized Lason Awards, the Most
Improved Industry Awards, and the Dangal
ng Pasig Awards that call attention to the
polluting and the environment-conscious
firms along the Pasig River.
Haribon Foundation. The Haribon Foundation
for the Conservation of Natural Resources is
a membership organization dedicated to the
conservation of Philippine biodiversity. It aims
to build a constituency for environmental
issues that will call for prioritizing conservation
actions on habitats and sites, based on solid
scientific and socio-economic research.
 Water
Quality
Management
Haribon Foundation implemented
the Community-Based Coastal Resource
Policies and
Management in Bolinao, Pangasinan with
support from the Coastal Resource Research
Programs
Network and the International Development
Research Center-Canada. The project aims
to improve sustainability of community-
based coastal resource management in
terms of community organization and coastal
livelihood development activities through
appropriate management, enhanced selection
and implementation of criteria for livelihood
activities, improved individual and group
capacities and installation of better sustaining
mechanisms.
Bantay Kalikasan’s Save the La Mesa
Watershed. Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch)
was launched by the ABS-CBN Foundation
as a response to the worsening state of the
environment, especially in Metro Manila. In
its desire to provide a healthy environment for
the development of children, the Foundation
has focused on the revitalization of the 2,700
ha, largely denuded La Mesa
Watershed.
The La Mesa Watershed
covers an area of 2,700 ha
(2,000 ha of forest lands and
700 ha of reservoir/lake). About
1.5 million liters of water run
through the La Mesa reservoir everyday to
supply the water requirements of 12 million N
residents of Metro Manila.
W
Because of the importance of the Q
watershed, the Bantay Kalikasan launched
S
in June 1999, a reforestation program to stop
forest denudation and secure the water source R
of Metro Manila residents.
2001–2005
Currently, through Bantay Kalikasan’s
initiative, a total of 88 percent has been

reforested of the total areas needing
rehabilitation with an overall average survival 37
rate of 92.5 percent. Seventy-three Philippine
endemic tree species were planted such as
Banaba, Betis, Kamagong, Dao, Guijo, Ipil,
Mahogany, Molave, Narra, Nato, Supa, and
Lauan. A La Mesa Watershed Management
Framework Plan was prepared including the
rehabilitation of the La Mesa Ecopark.
 
Water
Academic Institutions’ Initiatives in in Cavite, and the Seven Lakes of San
Quality Water Quality Management Pablo. Series of umbrella researches
documented physico-chemical and
Management Various academic institutions are actively biological parameters of these inland
pursuing studies on water quality management. and coastal waters. In addition, the ES
Policies and Their activities range from regular water quality Department also pursues research on
monitoring to special studies on analytical various toxicity tests and wastewater
Programs method formulation and/or validation and treatment technologies using locally
testing of substances to assess impacts available materials.
on water pollution. Some of the leading  Marine Science Institute – University of
institutions in water quality management the Philippines, Diliman. The UP MSI,
include: designated as the National Center of
Excellence in the Marine Sciences in
 Central Philippines University, Iloilo 1994, is tasked to pursue research,
City. The College of Engineering at the teaching, and extension work in marine
Central Philippines University in Iloilo biology, marine chemistry, physical
City initiated an in-house capacity oceanography, marine geology, and
building program in conducting water related disciplines. Current research
quality testing and treatment. The areas of the MSI cover plankton ecology,
program recognizes that the need coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove
for clean and safe water should be ecosystem and the impacts of human
integrated in the educational agenda. activities in these ecosystems. At the
 Department of Environmental Science chemical oceanography laboratories of
– Ateneo de Manila University. MSI, scientists also study nearshore and
Recognized by CHED as a Center of open water nutrient and trace element
distribution and fluxes.
 National Hydraulic Research Center
– University of the Philippines, Diliman.
The NHRC is a unit of the University
of the Philippines, Diliman, under the
umbrella of the College of Engineering–
National Engineering Center. Recent
research
projects include
the “Hydraulic
Model Tests for
the Laoag River
Source: www.ateneo.edu/depts/es

National
Basin Flood
Water Control and
Sabo Project
Quality
(2002–2003)”
Status through the
Department of
Report
Public Works
and Highways
and the Policy
Development in Environmental Science, Research
the ES Department commits providing Paper on the

38
sustainable solutions to the challenge of
air and water quality and environmental
management. The department has
Proposed Water
Resources
Policy of the
conducted baseline studies and Philippines,
water quality monitoring of various 2002 with
water bodies such as the Manila Bay, PCAMRD-
Marikina River, the La Mesa Watershed, DOST.
Boac River in Marinduque, Indang River

 Research
and
Analytical
Services
Laboratory
of the
National Source: www.nsri.upd.edu.ph/rasl
Sciences
Research Institute, UP Diliman. The
Research and Analytical Services
Laboratory renders chemical analytical
services, conducts research on validation
and development of methods and on
laboratory chemical waste management,
and generates baseline information on
toxic trace metals and trace organics
in the Philippine environment. The
laboratory is one of the few institutions
that focus on monitoring and assessing
water pollutants not normally included
in the routine water quality monitoring.
Some of their researches include:
 Water
 Water Resources Center – University of
San Carlos. The WRC was established Quality
in 1975 as a combined effort of
concerned institutions and the Management
academe in Cebu and Mandaue to
promote better understanding of water Policies and
and the environment. In Region 7,
WRC operates more than 100 rainfall Programs
monitoring stations, seven of which have
evaporation gauges. The active river
discharge monitoring stations more than
10, five of which are equipped with a
data logger (a diver) which records water
levels continuously.

• Monitoring endocrine disrupting

chemicals (organochlorine pesticides,
polychlorinated biphenyls,
alkyphenols, phthalates) in rivers
and bays of La Union, Marinduque,
Palawan, Bulacan, Batangas, Manila,
Bataan and Subic
• Monitoring persistent organic
pollutants pesticides in a pasture-
farm area in Angat, Bulacan,
Pangasinan, and Laguna River
Source: www.engg.upd.edu.ph/nhrc

Systems
• Monitoring mercury in selected types Source: www.wrc.usc.edu.ph
of fish sold in Nepa-Q-Mart
N
• Monitoring arsenic in selected
groundwater wells used for Public W
Water Supply
Q

Outputs of their researches are useful S

in policy formulation, particularly in
R
rationalizing and or developing water
quality criteria appropriate for the local 2001–2005
conditions.


Source: www.nsri.upd.edu.ph/rasl

39
 
Water
Financing Institutions
Quality In support of the implementation of the Clean The Land Bank of the Philippines (Land
Water Act, the DBP provided support to the Bank) provides loans for LGUs to finance
Management EMB in the conduct of the series of Public infrastructure and other socio-economic
Consultations of the Implementing Rules development projects under the L GU’s
Policies and and Regulations of the RA 9003. These were local development plan. Part of the loan
held in NCR, Pampanga, Cebu, Davao, and purpose is for the construction, installation,
Programs Cagayan de Oro from January to February improvement, expansion, operation, and
2005. maintenance of waste disposal systems.

With the enactment of the Philippine Clean

Water Act, the Bank supported the financing of Donor Agencies
investment projects involving water pollution The Philippines is a recipient of official
control and water conservation. development assistance for water quality
management. Its main donors are: the
The Development Bank of the Philippines government of Japan through the JICA and
(DBP) has PhP 15.7 billion of total credits for JBIC, ADB, USAID, United Nations system,
projects in pollution abatement and control, and the WB.
clean technology, and other environment
m a n a gement act iv it ies. Its va r ious Grants have been provided by bilateral
environmental investment facilities include agencies as environmental assistance, while
the Environmental Infrastructure Support loans to finance investments in environment
Credit Program (EISCP), Industrial Pollution projects have been provided by ADB, JBIC,
Control Lending Program (IPCLP)-Phase II, and WB. Donor agencies activity on water
Credit Line for Solid Waste Management, and quality management in the Philippines include
Urban Water and Sanitation Project. These the following:
facilities collectively support investments in:
 Integrated Coastal Resources
 Clean technology and pollution control Management Project (ICRMP), 2001–2002
 Efficient management of natural (ADB/GEF). Budgeted at US$1.3 million,
resources the project assisted the Government in
 Improvement of occupational health and formulating an investment project for
safety an ICRMP. Part of its objectives includes
 Monitoring equipment control of coastal pollution.
 Environmental infrastructure
projects under Build Operate Transfer
arrangement or its
National
variants Box 13. DBP: Sustaining Environmental
Water  Establishment of Lending Activities
Environmental
Quality
Management System DBP has assisted close to a hundred
Status and certification industrial enterprises through the EISCP
under ISO 14001 and IPCLP that includes sugar milling,
Report piggery, poultry, paper manufacturing,
 Solid waste
furniture manufacturing, printing, power,
management for LGUs and food and beverage.
 Efficient production
and environment- These industries have shown
friendly technologies substantial reduction in waste generation

40
Target market of these
facilities include: small and
medium enterprises in the
food processing industry,
piggeries, slaughterhouses,
leather ta nning, meta l
working, and furniture
sectors.
and investments made have been critical
for more efficient processes. In 2003,
EISCP-funded projects were able to
reduce organic water pollutant loading by
as much as 7,400 metric tons BOD.
Projects that were implemented by
these industrial enterprises include the construction of wastewater/
sewage treatment plants, CP projects that reduce water consumption,
and waste recycling and recovery programs.
 Water

 Capacity Building for Environmental design, facilitate public awareness Quality

Management in Mining, 1999–2002
(JICA). With a budget of US$2.4 million,
the project strengthened the capacity
and capability of the MGB in mine
environmental management, especially
on water and soil pollution that are
attributable to mining activities.
 Local Initiative for Affordable Wastewater
Treatment (LINAW), 2004–2006
(USAID). The project helped LGUs
develop wastewater systems that use
appropriate, low-cost technologies to
reduce water pollution and comply
with the requirements of the CWA.
LINAW works with LGUs and other
stakeholders in a participatory process
to identify pilot project priorities, explore
appropriate technology and financing
solutions (e.g., loans, public-private
partnerships, user fees), support project
raising campaigns, and improve or
develop relevant policies. Management
 Sustainable Coastal Tourism in Asia
Philippines, 2004–2007 (USAID). Aimed Policies and
for the protection of the coastal and
marine ecology in six coastal sites to Programs
promote tourism and increase the
capability of the local community
and tourism industry to manage
these resources. Specific activities
include: assistance to hotels, resorts,
and diveshop operators to implement
activities that will lead to the reduction
of environmental impacts; and to
increase efficiency and support
LGUs, communities, and other local
stakeholders to implement solid waste
and wastewater management programs.

Box 14. Manila Bay Environmental Management Project (MBEMP)

TO ADDRESS the complex issues of Manila Bay, the DENR implemented the Manila Bay Environmental
Management Project in 2000, under the regional program Building Partnership on Environmental
Management for the Sea of East Asia supported by GEF/UNDP/IMO.

The project aims to develop innovative partnerships to bring together the LGUs, national government
agencies, the private sector, the civil society, scientific and technical communities, international and donor
communities to plan, develop, and manage under a common framework the coastal and marine resources of
Manila Bay.

The project has the following Economic Valuation of Major Uses and Habitats of Manila Bay in Million Pesos
components:

 Manila Bay Coastal Strategy N

 Refined Risk Assessment
 Environmental Investment W
 Oil Spill Contingency Plan
Q
 Coastal and Land & Sea Use Zonation
Plan S
 Institutional Arrangement
 Operational Plan for the Manila Bay R
Coastal Strategy
 Integrated Environmental Monitoring 2001–2005

Program
 Stakeholders’ Participation
 Environmental and Resources


Source: MBEMP, 2005.
Valuation
 Integrated Information Management System 41

In a study conducted in 2005, the initial economic valuation of major uses and key habitats amounts to PhP
8.3 billion, which can be attributed to: offshore fisheries (PhP 641.3 million), aquaculture/mariculture (PhP
5.1 billion), ports and harbors (PhP 865.9 million), and tourism (PhP 1.97 billion). The total economic value
indicates that the Manila Bay is still useful and that a large amount will be lost if not managed properly. The
initial valuation of damages to health and ecosystems amounts to PhP 3.98 billion, which is about 50 percent
of the total use value. This indicates that ecological, economic, and social consequences of human activities
affect the economic value of the Bay.
Best Practices and Lessons Learned in Water Quality Management

T
HIS section presents best practices and lessons learned in water quality management,
including waste minimization or CP efforts that could be adopted by others. This
process will not only give credit to those “good performers”, but will also allow others to
duplicate the documented “best practice in water quality management”. In addition, this section
showcases efforts of government agencies, private sectors, business or industry associations,
LGUs, civil society, communities, and others.

River Water Quality

Management
Capacitating Communities in
Water Quality Monitoring through
Technology Transfer
Initiated as pa r t of the USA ID project and public health risks have been minimized
on Sustainable Agriculture and Natural through remediation. PWW volunteers have
Resources Management, the Philippine Water been active in educating their neighbors in
Watch (PWW) capacitated local farmers in water issues by giving presentations at village
understanding and performing water quality meetings and in schools.
monitoring that was focused
on drinking water quality and
its impact to public health.
Mor e over, lo c a l f a r mer s
developed the capacity to
address problems on bacterial
contamination, soil erosion,
and sedimentation.

I nt e r f a c i n g w it h t he
A l a b a m a Wa t e r Wa t c h
(AWW), a similar organization
i n t he Un it e d S t at e s of
America (USA), a successful
tech nolog y t ra nsfer was
demonst rated t hrough
excha nges in technolog y
National
adoption. For instance, after
Water the PWW volunteers used the Source: www.pww.com.
Easygel rapid method for E.
Quality
coli testing, it was adopted
Status by the AWW. In the same manner, methods The pioneering effort of the PWW has
for TSS and stream discharge sampling that attracted local and national attention, with
Report
were initially used in the Philippines were great potential to impact water policy. The data
later used in Alabama, USA. and the process of community-based water
quality monitoring have been incorporated
T he P W W prog ra m resu lted to t he into the Natural Resource Management Plan
formation of three active groups in Mindanao of the Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon.

 42
and Bohol. Together, they have collected
thousands of stream water samples. This
multi-year information documents a clear
gradient of declining water quality across four
sub-watersheds of the Manupali River, which
is related to human population, deforestation,
and agricultural development. Drinking water
supplies have been identified as contaminated,
The local government of the Province of
Sarangani initiated a similar water quality
monitoring program in their region. Moreover,
the PWW data were used by the Philippine
Institute for Development Studies to advise
Congress on the value of community-based
water monitoring during the formulation of
the CWA.

Lake Water Quality
Management
Holistic and Integrated Lake
Management
Laguna Lake is one of Southeast Asia’s largest
inland water bodies. Since its establishment
in 1966 through RA 4850, the LLDA has
been protecting and preserving the quality
of the Lake as well as the 21 river systems
that flow into it. The holistic and integrated
approach that LLDA is implementing not only
reduces pollution draining into the lake and
improves lake water quality but also becomes
the benchmark in water quality management.
Some of the best practices that LLDA carries
out include:
 Controlling point source of pollution
through the EUFS – A market-based
instrument that encourages companies
to invest in and operate pollution
prevention/abatement systems within
their establishment. Applying the
“Polluter Pay Principle”, the system
provides direct accountability for
damage inflicted to the Lake. Since the
implementation of EUFS in 1997, the
LLDA observed decreasing annual BOD
loadings from 5,402 MT in 1997 to 193
MT in 2004 (Figure 21) generated by 222
firms.
 Cleaning up river system by creating
additional livelihood – Tagged as
‘Environmental Army”, this group
convenes monthly to haul out wastes
FIGURE 21. BOD Load Monitoring of Laguna Lake.
Source: LLDA, 2005.

from various rivers in the Lake’s basin.
Once biodegradable river wastes are
collected, these are fed into drum kilns,
until they are carbonized and later
pulverized. The carbon particles are
then mixed with a binder and pressed
into their final shape and form. After
which, these are dried, packed, and
sold for PhP 15/pack of 25 pieces.
The briquette-shaped charcoal is
more solid and slower to burn than
the flake-shaped charcoal being sold
commercially. It provides livelihood to
Source: LLDA, 2005.
N
poor fisherfolk and creates opportunities
W
for small business enterprises around
the Laguna Lake Region, in the Q
provinces of Rizal and Laguna, and in
S
Metro Manila. Though the project offers
a host of environmental benefits and R
provides livelihood opportunities for the
2001–2005
marginalized sectors, marketability of
the briquettes has become a stumbling
block for the project’s sustainability.

Local acceptability and finding potential
investors are some of the issues that 43
have to be solved. However, despite
the set-back in the marketability of the
converted wastes, the environmental
army initiative on river clean-up
has created an advocacy among the
communities to take active roles in
river/lake rehabilitation.
 
Best
 Creating lake protection
Practices and management advocacy
through international
and Lessons and local collaborations
– A pioneering partnership
Learned among government, civil
society, and the private
in Water sector in the spirit of Agenda
21, CLEAR (Conservation of
Quality Laguna de Bay’s Environment
and Resources) aimed at
Management increasing environmental
awareness among
stakeholders by soliciting Source: LLDA, 2005.

support in a unified effort to conserve

the Lake’s resources. Programs in the
first five-year plan include: biodiversity
survey, environmental education,
community lake monitoring programs,
lake forum, and advocacy & publicity
campaigns to encourage stakeholder
support.

LGU in the Frontline for the Conservation and Protection of Lake Buhi
L a ke B u h i is t he h abit at of
t he S i n a r a p a n (Mys t i c h th ys
luzonensis), the world’s smallest
edible fish, and at least seven
other native fish species. It is the
primary source of livelihood of
about 60 percent of its surrounding
population. It serves as a reservoir
for a hydroelectric power plant,
which generates 1.2 megawatts
of electricity for the Luzon grid.
In addition, the la ke is used
National
extensively for navigation and
mobility.
Water

Quality
Given its unique and diverse
environment, Lake Buhi and its
Status watershed are categor ized as
Report
extremely high critical by the
Philippine National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan.
Source: www.unilever.com/Images/Living Lakes.

To conser ve a nd protect t he B u h i to save the Buhi watershed. The 2005

ecosystem, the municipal government of Buhi accomplishments of the unit include:

 44
together with concerned government agencies
intervened and served as co-managers for
the Buhi watershed. On November 4, 2004,


Profiling of Lake Buhi
Development of the Lake Buhi
the Sangguniang Bayan of Buhi passed Sustainable Development Project
Resolution No. 163 authorizing Mayor Diones  Assistance to EMB-DENR in water
N. Belza to designate an Executive Officer to quality monitoring and sampling
formulate and implement plans and programs  Mobilization and coordination of Lake
Buhi clean-up activities

Coastal and Marine Water Quality Management
Model Sanitation Project Cleans
Lilo-an’s Coast
Lilo-an’s beaches used to be highly popular
destinations of visitors from Cebu City and
nearby urban areas. However, due to water
pollution coming from the Lilo-an public
market, the number of visitors dropped
dramatically while industries that thrive on
tourism faced serious customer decline.
Using a locally fabricated “Rotating
Biological Contactor,” the wastewater
treatment facility now treats 60 to 100 cubic
meters of wastewater daily. The facility, built
right in the middle of residential houses,
collects wastewater from households and
the public market through Lilo-an’s existing
canal system. It removes 90 to 95 percent of
the biodegradable organisms and releases
the treated water safely back into the ocean.
Treated water, in turn, helps reduce disease-
causing coliform bacteria and makes Lilo-
an’s coastal waters safe for swimming and
other beach activities. Inaugurated in 2005,
the facility was the brainchild of a unique
partnership among the Lilo-an municipal
government, the DENR, and the ADB.
With a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
signed with the LGU, the operations and
maintenance responsibilities was transferred
to the Lilo-an Community Multi-Purpose
Cooperative. To fast-track the recovery of
project costs, project stakeholders agreed to
take up several income-generating activities.
Presently, Fecal Coliform levels are
within the criteria along the Lilo-an coastline.
People once again enjoy the clear waters of
Lilo-an, bringing hopes of a thriving tourism
industry and a prosperous economy. Other
communities now look up to the Lilo-an
experience as a model sanitation project and
are now interested in pursuing their own.
Source: EMB Region 7, 2005.
 Best
Practices
Community-Based Coastal Resource
and Lessons
Management in Bolinao, Pangasinan
The KAISAKA (Kaisahan ng mga Samahan
Learned
ng Alay sa Kalikasan) is a Bolinao fishers’
federation comprised of eight fishers’
in Water
communities. With the help of Haribon
Foundation, the KAISAKA, together with
Quality
representatives from various sectors of
Bolinao, began an advocacy campaign to
Management
tackle the issue of massive fishkills in the
bay. The campaign bore fruit in the form of
a moratorium on fish pens and fish cages
which, due to their increasing numbers
and densities, has affected Bolinao’s marine
environment. Series of dialogues among
the local government units of Bolinao, the
Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource
Management Council and KAISAKA resulted
in a resolution for a Coastal and Fisheries
Resource Management Ordinance for Bolinao,
Pangasinan.
The KAISAKA’s
work on marine
sanctuary protection,
community fisheries
management and
planning, sustainable
livelihoods and small-
scale aqua-cultural
development has
attracted a host of
admirers who view Source: www.reefbase.org.
Bolinao as a model
in community N
developmental work. Among its visitors were
W
students of the Social Work Department
of Lutheran College, Japan; Cambodian Q
delegates from Participatory Management
S
of Mangrove Resources; students of Asian
Social Institute; staff of Institute for Studies R
in Asian Church and Culture; and students of
2001–2005
International Institute of Rural Reconstruction.
A people’s organization’s (Samahan ng
Maliliit na Mangingisda ng Victory or SMMV)

work on resource management caught the
attention of GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical 45
Company and Rotaract Parañaque which gave
commitments of support to SMMV’s mangrove
reforestation project.
 
Best
Controlling Point Sources of Pollution
Practices

and Lessons Public-Private Sectors’ Collaboration
to Promote CP
Learned Promotion and adoption of CP is one key
strategy that is strengthened under the
in Water CWA to prevent point sources of pollution.
Inter-agency collaboration has demonstrated
Quality success in transforming the paradigm of
industries to focus on an integrated, preventive
Management environmental strategy to processes, products,
and services to increase efficiency and reduce
risks to humans and the environment. A
successful collaboration was illustrated by
the Metro Cebu Environmental Initiatives
Council (MCEIC) and its partner agencies and
industries in Region 7.
To give due recognition, a MOA
was signed in April 2004 by
the MCEIC, Pollution Control
Association of the Philippine,
Inc. Region 7, Cebu Chamber
of Commerce and Industry,
Inc., and the DENR-Region 7.
Signatories of the MOA agreed that companies
that document and submit their CP practices
be given due recognition. A total of 21 firms
submitted their CP program documentation
and were then reduced to 10, following this
set of criteria:
 Innovativeness of CP Technique Used
 Pollution/Waste Reduction Attained
 Cost Savings Result
 Increase in Production Efficiency
 Proper Resource Use/Management
These firms were given “Award for
Outstanding Cleaner Production
Practices” in June 2005. Among those
awardees with CP that prevent water
pollution are shown in Table 11.
As an added incentive,
Region 7 granted the awardees
environmental permits with
five-year continuous validity.

Source: DBP, 2005.

TABLE 11. Summarized Costs and Benefits of the CP Success Stories in Cebu.
National

Water

Quality

Status

Report

 46

Source: DBP, 2005.


LGU Taking the Lead in Combating
Water Pollution
The City of Muntinlupa is one of the recipients
of the LINAW project. Operating under a two-
track program, LINAW supports development
of “rapid response” solutions that address
immediate pollution problems through specific
on-the-ground interventions.
For the second track, LINAW addresses
more significant wastewater challenges that
require more comprehensive assistance in
planning, project design, technology and
financing solutions, project packaging, and
outside funding
Through this project, Muntinlupa City
constructed a low-cost treatment facility
for the Muntinlupa Public Market. It is the
first low-cost, low-maintenance wastewater
treatment facility for a public market in the
Philippines. Located in Barangay Alabang, the
public market contains 1,448 stalls and has
about 4,800 vendors and workers and 4,500
average daily customers. Polluted
wastewater from the wet and FIGURE 22. Advocacy Campaign of Muntinlupa City.
eatery sections of the market and
the public toilets used to drain
directly into a creek that leads
to Laguna Lake. The wastewater
treatment facility reduced the
BOD from more than 600 mg/L to
less than 30 mg/L, which is within
the Class C effluent standard.
 Best
Practices
and Lessons
Learned
From a project to a system…
Moving forward, Muntinlupa City leveraged
in Water
on the LINAW project to address sewage
issue of the city. Cognizant to the need for
Quality
the community’s involvement, the Public
Information Office of the City spearheaded an
Management
awareness campaign called Poso Negro (Figure
22). This campaign stresses on the importance
of preventing groundwater contamination
through the proper maintenance of septic
tanks, also known as Poso Negro. It is an
original concept by the City that aims at
convincing households to do their share
in treating wastewater by maintaining
or constructing a proper septic tank for
household effluents, the idea being a poso
negro need not be “negro,” and that there is
such a thing as “clean sewage” if household
wastes are treated properly.

LINAW provided technical

assistance to Muntinlupa City N
to design the treatment facility
and oversee the construction. W

The construction costs, which Q

were paid by the city government,
amounted to PhP 6.7 million S

(US$130,000). Operation and R

maintenance costs were estimated
at PhP 27,000 per month, but 2001–2005

the city will save PhP 25,000 in

water bills because of the treated
water reuse. For comparison, a
conventional wastewater treatment
plant for this market would have
cost more than PhP 10 million in
 47

construction costs, PhP 50,000 in

operation and maintenance costs
per month.

Source: www. muntinlupacity.gov.ph.

Challenges

T
HE 2003 Philippine Environment Monitor identified major water quality challenges
that the country needed to improve the quality of its surface, ground, and coastal
waters. These water quality challenges include:

 Public disclosure and participation

 Wastewater management in urbanized and coastal tourist centers
 Stimulating revenues and investments
 Effective regulations

Since then, the government pursued
aggressive strategic plans to address the
seemingly decreasing trend of the quality
of our water bodies. The 2004-2010 MTDP
included in its five thrust for the environment
and natural resources sector the creation of
healthier environment for the population. This
implies safe drinking and bathing waters and
water bodies that foster production of our
aquatic resources. Considerable progress
on water quality management have been
achieved - marked by the passing of the CWA
and its IRR. Table 12 shows the initial actions
addressing past challenges in water quality
management.
The tasks for DENR and its partner
agencies in implementing the CWA and its
IRR are daunting notwithstanding the high
expectation and scrutiny of the populace on
the Act’s immediate and effective enforcement.
Hereunder are additional challenges in
meeting the country’s goal of providing clean
water.

TABLE 12. Updates/Actions Done to Address Past Challenges.

National

Water

Quality

Status

Report

 48

Investments and Availability of
Funds Needed for Effective and
Efficient Enforcement
One of the greatest challenges to water
quality management in the Philippines is the
availability of funds to mobilize resources for
effective and efficient enforcement. Donor
agencies have noticed this need and have
been providing technical assistance to the
government in implementing the CWA.
Reviewing the status of implementation
of the Act shows that a number of statutory
requirements still need further action. This
includes the designation and operationa-
lization of WQMAs. The preparation of a 10-
year WQMA Action Plan is required by the
Act, following the completion of the framework
for each designated WQMA. Considering the
number of water bodies and potential WQMAs
in the country, the preparation of the WQMA
Action Plan would entail substantial resources
to implement.
In addition, activities and programs
are needed to classify groundwater sources
and prepare the national vulnerability map,
incorporating the prevailing standards
and methodologies. The provision of other
infrastructure facilities to improve pollution
control programs, particularly sewerage and
sanitation, also require considerable amount
of funds.
Building Capacity, Resources,
and Information Infrastructure

program is limited to the downstream and
populated sections of water bodies because
of constraints in resources and difficulty in
accessing upper reaches of river basins.
To make water quality monitoring more
effective, the EMB needs to upgrade its
laboratory facilities and equipment, acquire
more portable testing equipment, increase
manpower complement and resources, and
link with LGUs and other stakeholders in its
monitoring activities.
Strengthening Institutional
Mechanisms and Sustaining
Multi-Sectoral Participation in
Water Quality Management
Sustainable management of water resources
will be achieved only if all sectors of society
find effective means of working together (in
partnership). The lack of participation is often
a result of the following:
 Barriers to access information
 Distance from the main administrative
center
 Lack of information
 Bureaucratic red tape and institutions
that do not respond to public service
 Inadequate financial resources
 Lack of infrastructure, capacity and
skilled resources
 Inadequate systems of financial
accountability
N
 Insufficient transparency in decision-
making W

for Water Quality Monitoring Q

One of the key challenges to water quality
management is to build the capacity of
EMB and its Regional Offices on data
collection, data compilation and management,
data assessment and interpretation, and
information reporting. An element of such
capacity building is technological and
includes the wide deployment of water quality
monitoring and analysis equipment.
There is a lack of coordinated and
integrated approach to policy formulation and S
implementation at the central government
R
level, which often results to failure in
providing appropriate budgetary allocations 2001–2005
for policy priority areas. There is also lack of
coordination among agencies and differing
objectives between national and regional levels
of government.
 49

Based on the annual Key Result Areas

of the EMB, each Regional Office targets to
monitor about four to eight water bodies and
classify about three water bodies annually.
Current water classification and monitoring

Source: Innogy, 2007.

 
Challenges
Water Quality Monitoring
Information through
Networking, Data Sharing, and
Institutional Partnership
Adequate water quality monitoring data
and long-term monitoring program are
required to determine the extent of water may be helpful in the future. In addition,
quality degradation. Information is critical more information campaign is necessary to
for decision-making at all levels. However,
keep the general public and stakeholders
current data collection on water quality and
informed of the provisions and requirements
related social indicators is poor. Information
of the CWA.
gathering and analysis also tend to take
place on an ad hoc basis, responding to
political and social demands, other than being
coordinated and planned in a rational manner.
Enforcing Appropriate Land Use
Most existing data are also not accessible to Plans
stakeholders who need these information for Existing urban infrastructure is not adequate
decision-making. to accommodate increasing urbanization and
population pressures. Unfortunately, this
There are also important water quality has resulted in water pollution, unsanitary
indicators such as heavy metals, nitrates, conditions in squatter areas, open dumpsites,
phosphates, sediments, among others, that and degradation of agricultural land and
may have an impact on water quality; but do forests. Coastal areas are particularly
vulnerable and hard hit because of their
not have enough information due to lack of
complex ecosystems and the many demands
resources for monitoring.
placed on them.

Unfortunately, while there are efforts
from various sectors (i.e., government,
NGOs, industry, etc.), water quality
monitoring programs lack coordination from
Intensified IEC Campaign on
Water Quality Management and
National the Requirements of the CWA
Water management is a global as well as national
Water
concern. Public access to environmental data
has increasingly become a component of water
Quality
management policies. This is due in part to the
Status
increase in sustainable development ideology.
Report Sustainable development, however, demands
that information be available and be utilized
in an effort to increase public understanding
and involvement. It recognizes that public
education is critical to long-term change.
There is a need for the LGUs to integrate
water quality management in the development
of land use plans, particularly to consider
high impact land use activities. Low land
productivity, prevalence of squatters,
and inappropriate settlements within
environmentally-critical areas all contribute
to the degradation of water bodies.
Protection of Water Bodies from
Domestic Waste Contamination
Further deterioration of the quality of
groundwater, surface waters, and coastal
and marine waters as a result of untreated or
partially treated domestic wastes disposal will
continue unless programs for the improvement
of sewage treatment for highly urbanized


50 The general public has the right to
be informed of the water quality status of
important water bodies to plan and work
toward an environmentally and economically
healthy watershed. The development of a water
quality index that would increase appreciation
by the general public of water quality status
areas and septic treatment for less urbanized
districts are provided.
Urban sanitation improvements are
generally expensive. In addition, densely
populated urban housing rarely has the space
or ground conditions necessary for septic
drainage fields required under the Sanitation
Code of the Philippines.

Efforts must be made to finance the
Source: EMB, 2005.
construction of new or improvement of
existing sewage treatment facilities. Loan
facilities available from government banks
that extend services for water supply and
drainage should also include projects on
sanitation and sewerage. These banks should
be encouraged to provide special low interest,
long-term payment loans for projects that
would address the protection of waterways.
Moreover, the awareness of the general public
on proper sanitation practices should be a
relentless campaign.
The LGUs have an important responsibility
in providing sanitation services. They should
encourage and assist water service providers to
establish sanitation units wherever possible.
Management of Non-point
Sources of Pollution
Non-point source of pollution is a type of
pollution that is not generated from a discrete
conveyance like a discharge pipe, but is
generated during rainfall events. Agricultural
runoff is the largest type of non-point source
of pollution that needs to be addressed to
improve water bodies’ attainment of designated
beneficial uses (i.e., fishing and swimming).
Under the CWA, the DENR needs to
categorize point and non-point sources of
pollution. Initial efforts are underway towards
the development of the guideline, which
will become the fundamental foundation in
developing the non-point source management
plan of water bodies.
Management of Solid and
Hazardous Wastes
Solid and hazardous waste management is an
environmental problem in the Philippines that
has reached critical proportions. The growing
population as well as the rapidly increasing
consumption and urbanization have resulted
to the generation of more wastes needing
appropriate disposal systems.
S ol id waste m a na gement is t he
responsibilit y of L GUs under R A 9003
while the law regulating hazardous waste

management (RA 6969)
is under DENR. However,
at the current rate of
implementation of R A
9003, full compliance
of LGUs with the law is
difficult to achieve due
to a number of factors
such as lack of political
w ill, huge capita l
investment requirements
and insufficient funds,
i nadequate tech n ic a l
c apac it y, a nd l ack of awa r eness a nd
willingness by stakeholders to reduce and
recycle wastes. To date, only 12 percent of
municipal solid wastes are recycled or reused.
Open dumps and improper waste disposal
practices continue to exist.
Waste d isposa l problem is f u r t her
compounded by hazardous wastes (including
healthcare wastes) being mixed with ordinary
garbage in the entire waste stream. Wastes
that are not collected or improperly disposed
off, end up in rivers and coastal waters that
lead to further contamination and pollution.
Coastal Area Management
to Avert Impacts on Coastal
Ecosystem
In many parts of the country, economic
development has been most active in coastal
zones, putting enormous pressures on coastal
ecosystems. Coastal and marine water
pollution has increased mainly due to direct N
discharges from rivers, increased surface
runoff and drainage from expanding coastal
W
areas, oil spills and other contaminants Q
from shipping, and domestic and industrial
S
effluent.
R
The unsatisfactory water quality of a
2001–2005
number of coastal waters are also due to poor
land stewardship. Landscape and human
activities have diverse and far-reaching

effects. As coastlines are reclaimed to build
communities, entire watersheds and coastal 51
resources are affected. Coastal erosion,
resulting from increased land subsidence
from groundwater extraction and off-shore
quarrying of sand and dredging are other
notable problems in some places.
 
Challenges
Protection of Groundwater Quality
The threat of groundwater contamination
comes from unsewered domestic wastewater,
industrial wastewater discharge on land and
improper activities in the storage, treatment,
transport and disposal of industrial solid and
liquid waste, leaching of municipal garbage
dumps, leaking underground petroleum
storage tanks, application of fertilizers and
pesticides and improper irrigation practices.
Increasing abstraction of groundwater
resources for potable water supply has also
affected groundwater quality. Over-extraction
has resulted in aquifer depletion, land
subsidence, and groundwater salinization.
The management of groundwater resources
requires the regulation of pumping in areas
where aquifer conditions have reached the
unsustainable extraction levels. Development
plan in these areas should include prevention
of further decrease in yield and sea water
intrusion. The system should be supported by
an improved database on the yield potential
and recharge rates of aquifers to determine
the allowable extraction levels.
The use of groundwater as a source
of drinking water manifests the urgent
need to protect it from various sources of
contamination. Surface waters are amply
protected by the implementation of effluent
standards and setting of ambient water
quality criteria whereas groundwater quality
policies are well defined. While disposal of
liquid and solid wastes is generally prohibited
National inland, some guidelines are needed to clarify
the issues and make the enforcement of the
Water regulations to protect groundwater quality
Quality more effective.
Status
Report
 52
Rehabilitation of Rivers
Many rivers in the country have become
degraded, largely through the increased
impact of human activities, resulting in
poor water quality and reduced amenity and
aesthetic value. The degradation has been
recognized with the resulting poor water
quality conditions of about 10 percent of
monitored rivers in the country in 2001 to
2005.
Over the past years, we have undertaken
rehabilitation efforts in Pasig River and
Laguna de Bay. However, these initiatives were
primarily driven by agencies created by the
Government to implement various approaches
for river/lake rehabilitation and restoration.
The complete restoration of large water bodies
may be unrealistic because of the manifold
functions they serve. It is not surprising,
therefore, that rehabilitation attempts so
far have only recovered stretches or certain
features of the water bodies.
Engineering techniques such as
channel restoration and maintenance, river
bank enhancement/buffer zones and by
infrastructure investments in waste disposal
systems within the catchment are important
in the improvement of degraded water bodies.
More importantly, rehabilitation projects
should involve stakeholders and make better
use of existing knowledge when they plan,
execute, and evaluate the water body.
With the designation of the Water
Quality Management Area (WQMA) and its
Governing Board, a holistic approach to water
quality management will be achieved. The
rehabilitation program becomes a concerted
effort of various stakeholders like DENR, LGUs
and NGOs.
The WQMA should be able to integrate
rehabilitation into future management to
efficiently achieve goals. It should incorporate a
general understanding of water body functions
into the practice of rehabilitation by defining
tangible and attainable targets deduced from
ecologically intact or pristine references. The
WQMA should not be mistaken as a regulatory
body but should rather function as a body
formed to integrate programs and ensure
water protection or rehabilitation. Lessons
learned from existing rehabilitation efforts in
the country will be helpful in the design of the
WQMA action plan.
Source: EMB, Region 3.
Source: EMB

The implementation of the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 by

the DENR, other national government agencies, LGUs, private sector,
civil society, and other concerned entities require appropriate planning
processes, regulations, capital investments, and resources. It is evident
that more actions and resources are needed to build on existing water
quality management programs.

Due recognition should be made on the interrelationships and

collaboration among agencies and stakeholders responsible in addressing
water quality problems. With the overlapping of functions, mandates,
and activities among agencies, an integrated water quality management N

framework is needed to address these challenges. The framework should W

pave the foundation for a cohesive direction, involving stakeholder
participation towards the implementation of various water quality Q

management strategies. S

The active involvement and participation of stakeholders should be R

enhanced in implementing water quality management programs. It should 2001–2005

promote a sustainable proactive approach to managing water quality
particularly at the local level.

Successful water quality management requires a strong community-

based effort with diverse stakeholder involvement, good partnership
building with consensus, and effective and collaborative decision making
 53

on best management practices.

The challenge is to internalize the message that water is an important

resource and that everyone has to play a role in the conservation and
management of our water resources.

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 Philippines
at a Glance

2001–2005

 55

Sources: BAS, NSO, DOH.

National

Water

Quality

Status

Report

 56