001 Iee en

Initial Environmental Examination
Document Stage: Draft

Project Number: 53191-001
June 2021
Philippines: Sustainable Tourism Development

Project
El Nido
Prepared by the Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority for the Asian Development
Bank.
CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS
(as of 05 May 2021)
Currency unit – Philippine Peso (PHP)

PHP1.00 = $0.021
$1.00 = PHP48.03
ABBREVIATIONS
ADB – Asian Development Bank

AO – Administrative Order
BMB – Biodiversity Management Bureau
CLUP – Comprehensive Land Use Plan
DAO – DENR Administrative Order
DENR – Department of Environment and Natural Resources
DOE – Department of Energy
DOH – Department of Health
DOLE – Department of Labor and Employment
DOST – Department of Science and Technology
DOT – Department of Tourism
ECA – Environmentally Critical Areas
ECAN – Environmentally Critical Areas Network
ECC – Environmental Compliance Certificate
ECP – Environmental Critical Project
EIA – Environmental Impact Assessment
EIS – Environmental Impact Statement
EMB – Environmental Management Bureau
EMP – Environmental Management Plan
EMoP – Environmental Monitoring Plan
ENTRMPA El Nido – Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
FGD – Focused Group Discussion
IEC – Information and Education Campaign
IEE – Initial Environmental Examination
IRR – Implementing Rules and regulations
LGU – Local Government Unit
MHO – Municipal Health Office
MRF – Materials Recovery Facility
NIPAS – National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992
PAMB – Protected Area Management Board
PAGASA – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical
Services Administration
PCSD – Palawan Council for Sustainable Development
PD – Presidential Decree
PEISS – Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System
PSA – Philippine Statistics Authority
RA – Republic Act
REA – Rapid Environmental Assessment
SEP – Strategic Environmental Plan
SMR – Self-Monitoring Report
SPS – Safeguard Policy Statement
STDP – Sustainable Tourism Development Project
STP – Sewage Treatment Plant
TIEZA – Tourism Infrastructure and Economic Zone Authority
WHO – World Health Organization
WWTP Wastewater Treatment Plant
NOTE
In this report, "$" refers to United States dollars.
This initial environmental examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein
do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may
be preliminary in nature. Your attention is directed to the “terms of use” section on ADB’s website.
In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation
of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian
Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any
territory or area.
CONTENTS
Pages
A. Introduction 8
B. Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework 8
C. Description of the Project 5
D. Description of the Environment 5
E. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures 9
I. Conclusion and Recommendation 6
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK 3
A. National Policies, Legal and Regulatory Framework 3
B. Relevant Global Commitments and International Obligations 14
C. ADB Safeguard Requirements 18
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT 26
A. Project Rationale 26
B. Project Components 27
C. Project Location 32
D. Development Plan, Description of Project Phases, and Corresponding
Timeframes 38
E. Labor Requirements 42
F. Project Cost 42
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT 46
A. Physical Resources 46
B. Ecological Resources 80
C. Economic Development 91
D. Social and Cultural Resources 102
V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 104
A. Project Areas of Influence and Sensitive Receptors 104
B. Positive Impacts and Environmental Benefits 104
C. Impacts and Mitigating Measures During Design and Pre-Construction Phase 106
D. Solid Waste Management Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During
Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases 110
E. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During
Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases 126
F. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Impacts and Mitigating Measures
During Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases 137
G. Indirect, Induced, and Cumulative Impacts 142
H. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions 143
I. Social and Gender 144
VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES 145
A. Solid Waste Management Subproject 145
B. Drainage Subproject 151
VII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION 158
A. Consultation with Different Stakeholders (Pre-COVID-19 Pandemic) 158
B. Field Visits (Pre-COVID-19 Pandemic) 160
C. Online Consultations with Different Stakeholders 160
VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 163
IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 168
A. Environmental Management Plan 168
B. Information, Education and Communication Plan 196
C. Environmental Monitoring Plan 196
D. Emergency Response Plan 201
E. Implementation Arrangements 206
X. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION 211
XI. REFERENCES 216
XII. APPENDICES 217
A. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist 219
B. Baseline Environmental Sampling Results 230
C. Documentation of Focused Group Discussions (January 16-17, 2020) 250
D. Documentation of Stakeholders Consultation for the Corong-Corong Wastewater
Treatment Facility Subproject (Online) 257
E. Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Screening Report 265
F. Sample Grievance Registration Form 295
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: ECC Coverage Screening of Priority Subprojects under STDP per PEISS Guideline 3
Table 2: Dutch Soil Quality Guidelines for Intervention or Remediation 10
Table 3: Philippine Water Quality Guidelines Applicable to the Project Area 11
Table 4: Philippine General Effluent Standards Applicable for the Subprojects 11
Table 5: National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (24-Hour Averaging Time) 12
Table 6: Philippine Standards for Noise in General Areas 12
Table 7: IFC-EHS Noise Level Guidelines 12
Table 8: Summary of Laws, Regulations and Standards relevant to the Subprojects in El Nido19
Table 9: Solid Waste Management Subproject Components 24
Table 10: Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Components 25
Table 11: Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject Components 26
Table 12: Project Implementation Schedule 34
Table 13: Estimated Labor Requirements for the Priority Sub-projects 37
Table 14: Summary of Project Costs 39
Table 15: Urban Infrastructure Opex 40
Table 16: Climatological Normal Values in Coron, Palawan (1981-2010) 44
Table 17: Climatological Extremes in Coron, Palawan (1950-2012) 44
Table 18: Projected Seasonal Change in Mean Temperature in Palawan (2036-2065) 46
Table 19: Projected Seasonal Change in Total Rainfall in Palawan (2036-2065) 47
Table 20: Ambient Air Quality Data in El Nido (August to October 2020) 50
Table 21: Slope Classes in El Nido Municipality 51
Table 22: Soil Types in El Nido Municipality 55
Table 23: Results of Soil Quality Analysis 57
Table 24: Results of Groundwater Quality Analysis 62
Table 25: Results of Surface Water Quality Analysis 65
Table 26: Results of Coastal Water Quality Analysis 69
Table 27: Land Cover Classification in El Nido Municipality 74
Table 28: Conservation Status of Flora Species Recorded in El Nido Municipality 76
Table 29: Observed, Threatened, and Endemic Fauna in El Nido (2006) 77
Table 30: Conservation Status of Endemic Fauna Species Recorded in El Nido 77
Table 31: Coastal/Marine Habitats per Barangay in El Nido Municipality (2006) 78
Table 32: Protected Area Coverage of El Nido Municipality 80
Table 33: ECAN Zones in El Nido Municipality 82
Table 34: Road Inventory in El Nido (2019) 90
Table 35: Land Use Distribution, Municipality and Urban Centers 93
Table 36: Population of MIMAROPA Region, Palawan Province, and El Nido Municipality 95
Table 37: Project Area of Influence and Sensitive Receptors Throughout the Project Phases 97
Table 38: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Solid Waste
Management Subproject 101
Table 39: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Solid Waste
Management Subproject 108
Table 40: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase –
Solid Waste Management Subproject 113
Table 41: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Drainage and
Urban Design Subproject 115
Table 42: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Drainage and Urban
Design Subproject 121
Drainage and Urban Design Subproject 126
Table 44: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Small-Scale
Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject 127
Table 45: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Small-scale Tourism
Support Infrastructure Subproject 130
Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject 131
Table 47: Requirements for Collection and Treatment 135
Table 48: Requirements for Sanitary Landfill 136
Table 49: Design Parameters for Sanitary Landfill 136
Table 50: Comparative Analysis of Basal Liner Options 138
Table 51: Comparative Analysis of Leachate Treatment Options 139
Table 52: Comparative analysis of LFG treatment options 139
Table 53: Technical evaluation of network type options 140
Table 54: Technical Evaluation of Treatment Works Options 143
Table 55: Technical Evaluation of Outlets Options 145
Table 56: Technical Evaluation of Velocity Breaker Options 145
Table 57: Consultations during Project Preparation from October to December 2019 147
Table 58: Environmental Safeguards Consultations on Infrastructure Interventions in January
2020 148
Table 59: Online Consultation Activities during COVID-19 149
Table 60: Highlights of the Online Consultations 150
Table 61: Environmental Management Plan – Solid Waste Management Subproject 156
Table 62: Environmental Management Plan – Drainage Subproject 163
Table 63: Environmental Management Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure
Subproject 167
Table 64: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Solid Waste Management Subproject 171
Table 65: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Drainage Subproject 173
Table 66: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure
Subproject 174
Table 67: Emergency Scenarios for the Project 175
Table 68: Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios 176
Table 69: Roles and Responsibilities in the Emergency Plan 178
Table 70: Institutional Arrangement for EMP Implementation 180
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of El Nido 7
Figure 2: El Nido Solid Waste Management Subproject Site Location and Access Road 28
Figure 3: El Nido Solid Waste Management Subproject General Layout 29
Figure 4: El Nido Drainage Subproject Drainage Alignment 30
Figure 5: El Nido Drainage Subproject Proposed Drainage System for Corong-Corong 31
Figure 6: El Nido Drainage Subproject Drainage Alignment 32
Figure 7: Climatological Map of the Philippines 43
Figure 8: Frequencies of Tropical Cyclones in the Philippines 45
Figure 9: Sea Level Changes in the Philippine Region from 1993-2015 48
Figure 10: Time Series of the Mean Sea Level Change in Palawan relative to 1986-2005 49
Figure 11: Slope Map of El Nido Municipality 52
Figure 12: Land Management Unit Map of El Nido Municipality 53
Figure 13: Soil Texture Map of El Nido Municipality 54
Figure 14: Soil Sampling Location Map 56
Figure 15: Watershed Map of El Nido Municipality 58
Figure 16: Groundwater Sampling Location Map 61
Figure 17: Surface Water Sampling Location Map 64
Figure 18: Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Location Map 68
Figure 19: Projected Urban Expansion and Flooding Hazard in El Nido Urban Center 71
Figure 20: Projected Urban Expansion and Storm Surge Hazard in El Nido Urban Center 72
Figure 21: Projected Urban Expansion and Rain-Induced Landslide Hazard in El Nido Urban
Center 73
Figure 22: Land Cover Map of El Nido Municipality 75
Figure 23: Protected Area Map of El Nido Municipality 81
Figure 24: ECAN Zones Map of El Nido Municipality 83
Figure 25: Existing Water Supply System in El Nido 85
Figure 26: ENWSS Monthly Water Production (2019) 86
Figure 27: Water Supply Service Coverage by Barangay in El Nido (2019) 86
Figure 28: Sewerage and Septage Collection Services in El Nido 88
Figure 29: Drainage System in El Nido Urban Center (Ongoing and Proposed Works) 89
Figure 30: Existing Road Network in El Nido Urban Center 91
Figure 31: Existing Road Network of El Nido Municipality 92
Figure 32: El Nido Existing General Land Use Map 94
Figure 33: Study Areas for the Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model in El Nido 123
Figure 34: Transport-Dispersion Model Equation 124
Figure 35: Predicted Fecal Coliform Dispersion in El Nido Study Areas 125
Figure 36: Emergency Response Plan 176
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Introduction
1. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
is developing the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP), which will assist the
government in promoting tourism development and transforming El Nido into a sustainable,
inclusive, resilient, and competitive tourism center. It builds on the strength of the tourist
destination, particularly its pristine and rich natural resources, by sustainably managing and
conserving natural capital, and improving the areas that will contribute to the industry’s
competitiveness.
2. The STDP is aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan 2017-2022, which aims
to achieve competitive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable development, targeting hotspots such
as Coron and El Nido. The project is listed as part of the Transforming Communities towards
Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism (TouRIST) Program recently launched by the
Department of Tourism (DOT) in coordination with various government agencies and local
stakeholders and in partnership with multilateral development banks.
3. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report is prepared in accordance with ADB
Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS), 2009 requirements for the following identified priority
subprojects under STDP Output 1 (Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement) including the
small-scale tourism support infrastructure subproject under Output 2 (Sustainable Natural
Resource Management) in the Municipality of El Nido:
(i) Solid Waste Management (SWM);

(ii) Drainage and Urban Design; and
(iii) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure.
B. Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework
4. The following matrix presents a list of laws, regulations, and standards that apply to each
of the STDP priority subprojects in El Nido. Relevant international best practices are also
presented in case no applicable national legislation exists. Examined alternatives are also listed
in the last column.
All subprojects must secure the necessary environmental permits particularly the Strategic
Environment Plan (SEP) Clearance and the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) prior to
start of construction. The application process has started both for the SWM and drainage
subprojects. As part of the application process for SEP Clearance, the implementing agency is
currently preparing to submit to PCSD the ‘proof of authority’ over the lot where the subproject
will be constructed, including copies of the land titles or tax declarations. After securing the SEP
Clearance, the application of the ECC can proceed. The technical scoping with the EMB-
MIMAROPA for the sanitary landfill was conducted on 11 August 2020. The ECC application
document will be finalized during the detailed engineering design phase of the project and will be
subsequently submitted to EMB to initiate the ECC application review process. Based on the EMB
guidelines, a public hearing for the sanitary landfill subproject will be required after the submission
of the ECC application document.
Summary of Applicable Laws, Regulations and Standards Relevant to the STDP Subprojects in El Nido
Environment International
Category Best Practice in
Specific Applicable
case No Examination of
Subprojects Components Laws/Regulations * and
National Alternatives
PEISS ADB Specific Provisions
Legislation
Exists
Solid Waste ● Category 3 B B PD 1586 PEISS IFC EHS for ● Sanitary Landfill
Management sanitary landfill ECC is required as per PD Waste siting
● 3 km access roads 1586. This will be secured from Management ● Technical options
● Composting EMB Regional Office and Facilities (2007) for collection
● Support facilities processing may take 3 to 6 for SLF closure ● Technical options
including leachate months after filing. standards for disposal: basal
treatment and gas Prerequisites are LGU line system,
collection endorsements, zoning, PAMB leachate
and PCSD clearances. management
RA 7611 Strategic system, landfill
Environmental Plan for gas management
Palawan Act ● Technical options
Any development must for treatment of
conform with RA 7611. All organic waste
projects / undertakings covered ● Bio-digesters
by the SEP Clearance System compared with
are required to secure ECAN composting
Zoning Certification and SEP
Clearance from PCSD.
RA 9003 Ecological Solid
Waste Management Act
Site clearance and permit to
Operate from the EMB, MGB,
and National Solid Waste
Management Commission. Site
clearance should be secured
prior to ECC application. Note
that a site clearance was
already given to the proposed
Barotuan SLF.
RA 8749 Philippine Clean Air
Act
INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate permission.
Secure Permit to Operate Air
Pollution Source Installation
(PTO-APSI) per DAO 2000-81
RA 6969 Toxic Substances,
Hazardous and Nuclear
Waste Control Act
Secure Hazardous Waste
Generator’s ID (HWID) per
DAO 2013-22
DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting
Permits
Secure Tree Cutting Permits
(TCP)
RA 9275 Clean Water Act
Discharge permit (DP) for the
leachate treatment plant per
DAO 2016-08; may be applied
during construction but will be
issued only during operation
when effluent can be sampled
and analyzed. Processing
period is 3 months after filing.
Environmental sanitation
clearance from DOH
Application to be submitted at
the DOH Regional office before
operations; processing period
is within 6 months after filing.
Drainage ● Construction of B B PD 1586 PEISS IFC EHS for Several types of:
additional drainage ECC is required as per PD Water and ● Urban drainage
network 1586. This will be secured from Sanitation (2007) networks
● Rehabilitation of EMB Regional Office and for storm water ● Water treatment
existing drains and processing may take 3 to 6 discharges equipment
existing outfalls months after filing. through outfall ● Outlet options
● Retention basins Prerequisites are LGU ● Velocity breaker
endorsements, zoning, PAMB options
and PCSD clearances. ● Retention basin
RA 7611 Strategic structures and
Environmental Plan for locations
Palawan Act
Any development must
conform with RA 7611. All
projects undertakings covered
by the SEP Clearance System
are required to secure ECAN
Zoning Certification and SEP
Clearance from PCSD.
RA 9275 Clean Water Act
DP is not required for drainage
outfalls not used as part of the
combined sewerage network.
Buffer zones for outfall will be
guided by local regulations.
DAO 2004-52 Tree Cutting
Permits
Secure Tree Cutting Permits
(TCP)
Urban Design Integration of greening C/D C RA 7160 or Local No specific
measures into the Government Code and guideline for
design of the drainage relevant municipal urban design
improvements where ordinances
feasible Urban development must be
consistent with the municipal
CLUP
Small-Scale ● Installation of C/D C ● PD 856 Code on No specific
Tourism Support buoys Sanitation guideline for
Infrastructure ● Floating trails ● NIPAS/E-NIPAS Act small-scale
● Water supply ● DAO 2013-19 tourism support
system Interventions must be infrastructure
● Sanitation facilities consistent with NIPAS/E-
● Tourist shelter NIPAS and other proclamation
on protected areas and reserve
● DAO 2009-09
● BMB Technical Bulletin
2016-03
Design criteria for interventions
installed and/or constructed
within protected areas
Note: All subprojects will be covered by the SEP and ECAN requirements as previously discussed under RA 7611.
C. Description of the Project
6. The identified priority subprojects in El Nido under STDP Outputs 1 and 2 are as follows:
1. Solid Waste Management Subproject
7. The El Nido Solid Waste Management (SWM) Subproject will have the following
components: (a) household waste collection system (the capacity of the household waste
collection fleet will be increased by the acquisition of three compactor collection trucks of 10m3
capacity); (b) recyclables (the use of the MRFs will be improved by both proper signage at the
MRFs and a communication campaign about their use); (c) bio-wastes ( dedicated collection
service for market waste and household bio-waste will be implemented in the urban barangays);
(d) hazardous wastes (dedicated containers for collection of hazardous wastes will be provided
in the MRFs recycling points) and (e) new sanitary landfill to replace the existing one).
2. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject
8. The El Nido Drainage Subproject will have the following components: (a) Network with
sidewalk box culvert; (b) cover slab proposed as an improvement work for existing open channels
which have sufficient capacity and would not require upsizing; (c) treatment works with screened
catch basins and deep sumps (every 20 m), sand boxes upstream of road crossings, oil
separators at the bus terminal on the reclamation; retention basin and outlets.
9. The El Nido Urban Design Subproject will have the following components: (a) definition of
touristic amenities to be developed, related to infrastructure (that does not need additional public
space); and (b) integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements
where feasible.
3. Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
10. The El Nido Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject will have the following
components: (a) installation of buoys; (b) floating trails; (c) water supply system; (d) sanitation
facilities; and (e) tourist shelters.
11. All proposed priority subprojects will be situated within the territorial jurisdiction of the
Municipality of El Nido, Province of Palawan, Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), Philippines. Situated
between the geographical coordinates of 11°11'24.97" North latitude and 119° 30'29.53" East
longitude, the Municipality of El Nido is located on the Northern tip of Palawan Island on the
western side of Central Philippines. It is considered a first-class municipality and a part of the
Province of Palawan.
12. El Nido has a total land area of 923.26 km 2 mostly on the Palawan mainland with the rest
distributed in 45 islands. Boundary Dispute with Taytay. There is a boundary issue involving
Barangay Bagong Bayan in El Nido and Barangay Cataban in the Municipality of Taytay.
D. Description of the Environment
1. Physical Resources
INTERNAL. This information is accessible to ADB Management and staff. It may be shared outside ADB with appropriate
permission.
13. Climate. The Municipality of El Nido, Palawan mainly belongs under Type I climate based
on the Modified Corona Classification with two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April
and wet for the rest of the year. The monitoring records of climatological normals (1981-2010)
and extremes (1949-2012) are taken at the nearest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and
Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Weather Station located in Coron, Palawan.
14. Sea Level Rise. The sea level has risen by nearly double the global average rate of sea
level rise over certain parts of the Philippines from 1993 to 2015. Projections reveal that sea level
in the country is expected to increase by approximately 20 cm by the end of the 21st century
under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Such projected increase in sea level might worsen storm surge
hazards particularly on coastal communities. Palawan was identified by the University of the
Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) Climate Change Program as one of the ten provinces that will be
most affected by a one-meter sea level rise. Sea level around Palawan has been rising by
approximately 4.5 mm per year over the period of 1993 to 2015.
15. Air quality. Secondary information on the ambient air quality in El Nido for August to
October 2020 gathered from Air Matters Parameters covered are nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur
dioxide (SO2), suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO), and
ozone (O3). The readings are compared with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values
as per DAO 2000-81 (IRR of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 or RA 8749). As shown, the
detected levels of all parameters are within acceptable levels.
16. There are no available primary air quality and noise data for El Nido. In general, air
pollution is linked to the increase in vehicular traffic particularly in the poblacion (or urban centers).
Most commercial establishments have their own generator sets to support operations during
power outages. These are also potential sources of air pollutants particularly gaseous emissions.
Air quality in the rural areas is relatively good except for occasions of agricultural burning. Open
burning of solid wastes is strictly prohibited in the municipality.
17. Topography. El Nido is characterized by rugged hills and mountainous terrain. Small
patches of lowlands occur on minor coastal plains and some stream alluvial valleys.
18. The proposed SLF site in Barangay Barotuan is characterized by level to nearly level
terrain with slopes ranging from 0 to 3%. The coastal areas of barangays Buena Suerte,
Masagana, and Corong-Corong where the proposed drainage network and urban design
interventions will be situated likewise have level to nearly level topography with slopes ranging
from 0 to 3%.
19. Geology and Soil. The geology of El Nido is comprised mainly of sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Era and the soils in the municipality are
primarily clay loam and sandy clay loam.
20. The proposed SLF is situated in the central portion of Barangay Barotuan in which the
land management unit identified is broad alluvial valley bordered by metamorphic hills. The land
management units identified in the coastal area of barangays Buena Suerte, Masagana, and
Corong-Corong are beach ridges or swales lined by metamorphic hills in the eastern side.
21. The detected levels of heavy metals tested in the soil samples collected at the proposed
subproject sites were way below the respective threshold limits/intervention values.
permission.
22. Natural Hazards. The west coast of Palawan on which El Nido is located is protected
from a direct onshore landfall of typhoons travelling in this direction. However, as a typhoon is
moving into the South China Sea El Nido is exposed to onshore winds. A typhoon passing closer
to El Nido would result in higher storm surge with additional localized enhancements. It is difficult
to convert projected changes in rainfall into any meaningful measure of changes to landslides.
The intensity of extreme rainfall events is projected to increase by 12%, and this has the potential
to increase the frequency of landslide events in the areas already identified as susceptible. The
locations of landslides are determined by topography, geological and soil conditions and the
vegetation cover.
2. Ecological Resources
23. El Nido has what is considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Like
many areas in Palawan, it is protected by legislation for its flora and fauna, both terrestrial and
marine, and pristine geologic formations.
24. Critical Habitat. An initial screening using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool
(IBAT) was conducted to identify the biodiversity features present within the two areas of interest
in El Nido (i.e. locations of the proposed sanitary landfill under the SWM subproject in Barangay
Barotuan and of the drainage subproject in the El Nido town proper. The IBAT screening results
show that there are two key biodiversity areas and five protected areas found within the default
50-km radius. However, per ECAN zoning, the subproject sites are located in the Multiple Use
Zones, which are practically built-up areas and where development activities may be permitted
(see discussion on ECAN zones below).
25. The location of the proposed SLF is near the boundary of the ECAN Buffer Zone. Hence,
as a precautionary approach during the detailed design phase, a confirmatory biodiversity and
critical habitat assessment will be undertaken to check whether any of the species identified in
the IBAT screening, including those species or areas locally identified but not identified in the
IBAT screening (see discussions on terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and protected areas in this
section of the IEE), will be impacted during the construction and operation phases of the SLF.
The results of assessment will provide recommendations on how potential impacts of the SLF to
these species could be avoided or mitigated. These recommendations will be included or
integrated in the updating of this IEE and EMP.
26. Terrestrial Ecology. About one third (35.56%) of El Nido’s total land area is classified as
forest land (open and closed forest). Approximately 11.65% is classified as agricultural land
(perennial and annual croplands), and less than 1% is built-up (human settlements). Other land
covers are shrubs (31.25%), wooded grassland (14.82%), grassland (0.87%), and mangrove
forest (4.83%). Open or barren lands account for 0.01%, and inland waters take up 0.13% of the
municipal land area.
27. Aside from coastal (mangrove) forest, four types of terrestrial natural forests are found in
the municipality: 1) Lowland evergreen rainforest comprised of old growth and secondary growth
forests are found in the hills and mountains of the municipality’s mainland; 2) Semi-deciduous
forest type located on gentler slopes; 3) Forest over limestone is composed of plants species
highly adaptive to both acidic and basic soils and to exposed, dry and windy conditions; and 4)
Beach forest is found on the sandy fringes of the small islands.
28. The Drainage Subproject will be concentrated in the built-up area of Barangay Corong-
Corong. The proposed site for the New Sanitary Landfill Facility (SLF) component of the Solid
permission.
Waste Management Sub-project in Barangay Barotuan is a titled lot classified as agricultural land,
with naturally occurring shrubs and planted trees (cashew). The Small-Scale Tourism-Support
Infrastructure Subproject will not be located on land.
29. Aquatic and Marine Ecology. Mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds (dense and
sparse) covering a total area of 2, 734.12 ha comprise the coastal and marine habitats in the
Municipality of El Nido.
30. A total of 42 common finfish species, 38 shell species, 14 other invertebrate species, six
(6) mammals and reptiles, nine (9) marine plants including mangrove, algae, and seagrasses,
and five (5) unnamed species were identified by the respondents during the conduct of
Participatory Coastal Resources Assessment in 2006.
31. Protected Areas. About 48.8% of the Municipality of El Nido is covered by the El Nido-
Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area (ENTMRPA).
32. Among the priority subprojects, only the Solid Waste Management Subproject in Brgy.
Barotuan is situated outside the ENTMRPA boundaries. This initial assessment shall be subject
to ground validation with the concerned agencies/offices (i.e., EMB MIMAROPA, PCSD,
ENTMRPA Protected Area Management Office).
33. ECAN Zones. Three (3) ECAN zones were delineated in the Municipality of El Nido: the
Core Zone; the Buffer Zone; and the Multiple Use Zone. Core Zones refer to lands that need to
be strictly protected and maintained free from human disruption. Buffer Zones refer to areas that
have regulated use and are divided into sub-zones: Restricted Use (inner barriers that surround
the Core Zones); Controlled Use (outer protective barriers that encircle the Core Zones and
Restricted Use areas); and Traditional Use. Multiple Use Zones refer to the available lands for
human settlements and agriculture development and comprise about 56.51% of the municipality’s
total area.
34. The proposed location of the SLF under the Solid Waste Management Subproject and the
proposed drainage network under the Drainage/Urban Design Subprojects fall within the Multiple
Use Zone.
3. Economic Resources
35. Industries. The main forms of livelihood in the municipality are farming, fishing, and
tourism.
36. Infrastructure Facilities. Presently, the municipality’s electrical power needs are
supplied by the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) and the distributor is the Palawan
Electrical Cooperative (PALECO). Water supply services in the Municipality of El Nido are being
provided by the El Nido Water and Sanitation System (ENWSS), an Office created by virtue of
Municipal Ordinance No. 018. This Office, being managed by the Municipal Government, was
established in 2017 and is attached to the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office
(MEEDO). The construction of a sewerage system is nearing completion and will be managed by
the MEEDO.
permission.
37. Entry points by air to El Nido are the Lio Airport, San Vicente Airport, and Puerto Princesa
International Airport. As for internal connectivity, El Nido is linked by good national roads to the
provincial capital (Puerto Princesa City) and by vans and buses.
38. Land Use. Based on available GIS data, El Nido is mostly composed of forest area, which
constitutes 71.76% of the total municipal land area, while agricultural areas make up about
25.91%. Residential Areas (0.68%) still constitute most of the urban uses, followed by commercial
areas (0.16%), including tourism establishments. Areas dedicated for tourism only make up about
0.77% of the total land area.
39. The urban center (locally referred to as the “población”) consists of four (4) barangays and
makes up about 4.17% of the total land area of the municipality. The urban core, excluding
islands, consists mainly of forest area which covers 83.62% of the total area of the urban
barangays. Built-up areas account for around 4% of the total land area in the urban center: 0.89%
are residential, 2.41% are commercial, 0.31% are institutional, and 0.47% are transport facilities
and roads. Tourism areas cover about 0.92% of the urban center
4. Social and Cultural Resources
40. Population. For the municipality’s population and demographics, data from the National
Statistics Office (2015) shows that El Nido has a population of 41,606 corresponding to a total of
9,490 households. With a population density of 0.82 people/km 2. Urban barangays have a density
of 1.95 persons/ha while rural barangays have a density of 0.51 person/ha. Barangay Maligaya
and Masagana have the highest densities at 16.6 persons/ha and 10.8 person/ha, respectively.
The two barangays have smallest land areas in El Nido. The rest of the urban barangays have
densities of less than 2 person/ha.
41. Indigenous People. There are two (2) indigenous groups in El Nido: Cuyonon and
Tagbanua which constituted about 40% of the total population of 41,606 in 2015. The Cuyonons
have presence in all the 18 barangays while the Tagbanuas are in Barangays Bucana, Mabini,
New Ibajay and Teneguiban. The representation of IPs in the local government unit of El Nido is
embodied through Datu Prospero Castro, the Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory
Representative (IPMR). He is a Cuyonon. Out of the 18 barangays, 10 already have barangay
IPMRs while the remaining 7 have recognized tribal chieftains. Some of them are on the process
of completing their requirements to be submitted to NCIP for the issuance of Certificate of
Affirmation.
E. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
1. Project Areas of Influence and Sensitive Receptors
42. The “project areas of influence” and “sensitive receptors” were identified to delineate the
scope of the environmental impact assessment. The delineation was based on the locations of
sensitive receptors such as communities and resources of environmental and economic
importance. The table below present the project influence areas identified both for the
construction and operation phases of the project and were used in identifying appropriate
mitigating measures.
Project Area of Influence and Sensitive Receptors Throughout the Project Phases
Project Project Area of Influence Sensitive Receptors
Remarks
Component Construction Operations
permission.
Solid Waste Access roads and Landfill site and ● Host community Buffer zones around
Management the landfill site in contingent areas; of Brgy. the landfill perimeter
Barangay areas served by Barotuan must be
Barotuan the solid waste ● Nearby established.
collection ENTRMPA
including roads ● Nearby
leading to the agricultural
landfill activities
Drainage Streets where Streets where ● Host -
drainage will be drainage will be communities
constructed or maintained; ● Commercial
rehabilitated. outfall. activities along
drainage
alignment
Urban Design Footprint where Footprint where ● Host Specific areas will
intervention will be intervention will communities still be identified.
constructed. be constructed.
Small-scale Specific areas Specific areas ● Tourism Specific areas will
Tourism where where activities still be identified but
Support interventions will interventions will (operators, mostly in the
Infrastructure be constructed. be operated and tourists) islands.
s maintained.
Note: The identified area of influence and sensitive receptors may be subject to change during the detailed
engineering design (DED) stage of the Project.
2. Positive Impacts and Environmental Benefits
43. Solid Waste Management. The operation of the sanitary landfill aims to increase solid
waste collection coverage from 43% to 60% by 2025. The engineered landfill will provide final
disposal for residual wastes which may end up in the streets and the coastal areas of El Nido.
Door to door collection of household wastes will be progressively extended to the rural barangays
reducing the incidents of open burning of solid wastes including plastic wastes. The operation of
the MRFs will be enhanced and waste diversions will be increased, creating opportunity for
income to be generated from the sale of reusables and recyclables. The use of the MRFs will be
improved by both proper signage at the MRFs and a communication campaign about their use.
44. Drainage and Urban Design. The expansion and upgrading of the drainage network aim
to prevent flooding especially during heavy rains. With the improvement of the drainage, illegal
connection of sewer to the drainage will also be removed. A prevention campaign shall be carried
with local companies to avoid any discharge of industrial waste in the drainage system, in
particular from gasoline stations, hotels, etc. Oil separators shall be made mandatory for gasoline
stations. This will translate to better water quality of the creeks and the coastal areas in El Nido.
45. One of the objectives of the urban design component of the project is to integrate the
‘greening aspect’ to infrastructures such as drainage and roadways. This approach will definitely
improve water and air quality in the general areas of El Nido. Improvement in the urban
development design will translate to a more ‘livable’ municipality. The subsequent effects are
cleaner environment, more potential for economic activities from local and foreign tourists, and
healthier residents.
46. Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. In the islands, it is also equally important
to provide proper waste management facilities such as solid waste bins or receptacles and
properly designed sanitation facilities. Such small-scale tourism support facilities, such as Floating
permission.
Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, and Shed House. Such basic
utilities will improve the accessibility and sanitation conditions in the island-hopping and diving
sites, resulting to improved marine water quality and overall environmental health in the tourist
attractions.
3. Managing Anticipated Adverse Impacts During Various Phases of Project

Implementation
a. Solid Waste Management Subproject
Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Solid Waste Management Subproject
Environmental
Project Phase/ Component Options for Prevention or
Potential Impact
Environmental Aspect Likely to be Mitigation or Enhancement
Affected
● DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Acquisition of People Disclosure of project ● Submission of complete
applicable permits, components and requirements for processing of
licenses, and activities all permits
clearances, including
right-of-way
Local sourcing of labor People Increased ● Coordination with the local
employment PESO and concerned LGUs
opportunities for the hiring process
● Adherence to the local
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
Site of Sanitary Biodiversity and Extinction of various ● Undertake biodiversity and
Landfill Ecology biodiversity assets critical habitat assessment
of El Nido and following IFC Guidance Note
species in nearby 6.
protected areas. ● Include recommendations of
biodiversity and critical habitat
assessment in the updating of
the IEE and EMP
Climate Change Overall Project Extreme ● Consider potential impacts
and Target climate/weather from extreme climate change
Beneficiaries events as floods, scenario in designing the SLF
typhoons, etc. and other allied infrastructures.
including other ● Torrential rainfall during the
natural calamities monsoon should be
such as earthquake considered in the design.
can damage the ● Design all infrastructures by
entire infrastructure considering the highest flood
project. level (HFL) information of last
25 years.
Work Plans During Land, People, Without the required No civil works shall proceed unless
Contractor and the General work and site plans the following have been complied
Mobilization Environment in place, impacts at with by the contractor:
various fronts
(environmental, (i) Develop a Contractor’s
social, health, etc.) Environment, Social, Health
can occur and Safety Management Plan
(CESHSMP) that is approved
permission.
simultaneously by PMU based on the EMP of
beyond control. this IEE report; and
(ii) Develop a specific Health and
Safety Plan, that will include a
Health and Safety COVID-19
Plan in accordance with
relevant government
regulations and guidelines on
COVID-19 prevention and
control, or in the absence
thereof, to international good
practice guidelines such as
World Health Organization.
2020.
Setting Up of People, Unplanned • Provide camps with sanitary
Construction Camps Workers, and construction of amenities at designated areas.
General camps without basic • Contractors shall follow the
Environment amenities could guidance note developed by
result in stress of the International Finance
workers and Corporation (IFC) and
degradation of the European Bank for
local environment. Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) entitled
“Workers’ accommodation:
processes and standards (A
guidance note by IFC and the
EBRD), 2009”.
● CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Site development Land Soil erosion/ ● Limiting earth movement to
(earth-movement and Loss of topsoil due areas where necessary
civil works) and use of to earth movement
heavy equipment Land Loss of vegetation ● Limiting vegetation clearing to
areas where necessary
● Securing of Tree Cutting
Permit (TCP)
Land Threat to ● Establishment of monitoring
biodiversity system for reporting and
identifying wildlife sighted
within the project area
● Coordination with ENTRMPA
Office and El Nido LGU for
implementation of
protection/conservation
measures
● Implementation of the
recommendations of a critical
habitat assessment
undertaken during the detailed
design phase.
Land Ground vibration ● Application of non-vibration
techniques during
construction, if possible
● Notification of nearby residents
about use of heavy equipment
permission.
● Compliance with road weight
limit standards to avoid ground
vibration (hauling trucks)
Land Generation of ● Implementation of a solid
construction spoils waste management plan
and debris consistent with the local
scheme and regulations
Land, Water Water logging ● Construction of appropriate
drainage system on-site
Land, Water Generation of ● Proper handling of hazardous
hazardous wastes wastes onsite
(used oil, etc.) ● Treatment and disposal of
hazardous wastes through a
DENR-accredited TSD Facility
Water Possible siltation ● Installation of silt traps prior to
and increase of earthmoving/excavation
turbidity on nearby activities
surface water
(shallow river
located north of the
project site)
Air Generation of dust ● Limiting earth movement to
● Avoidance of long exposure of
excavated soil piles to strong
winds by applying canvas
covers
Air Generation of air ● Proper and regular
emissions and noise maintenance of heavy
equipment
● Performing of noisy activities
during daytime
People Threat to ● Provision of early warning
road/public safety devices/road signs
● Installation of barricades to
ensure that construction is
isolated from the public
● Coordination with the host
barangay
People Community and ● Requiring all personnel to
occupational safety wear proper and complete
and health risks PPE
● Supervision of all civil and
electro-mechanical works by
trained engineers
● Provision of first-aid stations,
safety equipment and signage
in working areas
● Implementation of COVID-19
safety protocols
● Following international best
practices on community and
occupational health and safety
such as those in Section 4.3 of
World Bank Environmental
permission.
Health and Safety (EHS)
Guidelines on Construction
and Decommissioning
Activities.
Influx of construction Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid
workers domestic solid waste management plan
wastes consistent with the local
Water Generation of ● Implementing basic
domestic housekeeping policies
wastewater ● Provision of sanitation facilities
(i.e., toilet, shower, etc.)
People Increased traffic ● Coordination with the host
volume along the municipal and barangay LGUs
access roads to the for the implementation of a
project site traffic management scheme
trained engineers
in working areas
safety protocols
People Generation of ● Priority hiring of qualified
employment and residents of the host LGU
livelihood ● Coordination with the local
opportunities PESO and concerned
municipal and barangay LGUs
for the hiring process
People Possible increase in ● Coordination with barangay
crime incidence officials to ensure peace and
order among workers and
community members
● OPERATIONS PHASE
Sanitary Landfill Land Littering in the ● Installation of litter fence
Facility Operation and landfill area and ● Preservation of surrounding
Maintenance including along access road vegetation to act as natural
use of heavy due to strong winds buffer
equipment and ● Immediate application of soil
vehicles (collection cover on the landfill
earth covering, ● Covering of collection trucks to
levelling and prevent collected waste from
compaction) flying out due to strong winds
Land Erosion at waste ● Implementation of slope
containment area protection measures
● controlling the height of soil
cover
● Installation of storm water
drainage system
permission.
implementation of
measures
habitat assessment
design phase.
techniques, if possible
Land, Water Generation of ● Establishment of leachate
leachate collection pond
● Offsite treatment of excess
leachate
Water Generation of ● Collection in the leachate pond
wastewater from
vehicle washbay
equipment
during daytime
● Preservation of surrounding
vegetation to act as natural
buffer
Air Generation of ● Proper and regular
gaseous maintenance of standby
pollutants/landfill generator set and service
gas vehicles
People Nuisance odors ● Operate the facility according
to design and capacity.
permission.
● Immediate landfilling and
avoidance of unmanaged
wastes at the site.
● Immediate application of soil
cover, which is a mandatory
requirement and routine
activity in landfill operations.
vegetations to act as natural
buffer
trained engineers
in working areas
safety protocols
● Restrict entry of wastepickers
such as those in Sections 1.2
and 1.3 of World Bank
Environmental Health and
Safety (EHS) Guidelines on
Waste Management Facilities.
People Safety and health ● Immediate application of soil
hazards from cover
possible vector ● Use of approved vector
infestation control, as needed
Influx of operations Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid
and maintenance domestic solid waste management plan
personnel wastes consistent with the local
People Community and ● Provision of proper training on
occupational safety occupational health and safety
and health risks ● Requiring all personnel and
visitors to wear proper and
complete PPE
● Regular health check-up for
the personnel
in working areas
safety protocols
permission.
additional residents of the host LGU
employment and ● Coordination with the local
livelihood PESO and concerned
opportunities municipal and barangay LGUs
community members
● ABANDONMENT PHASE
Closure of Disposal Water Possible seepage of ● Implementation of Safe
Cell leachate from the Closure and Rehabilitation
cell and leachate Plan (SCRP) or equivalent
holding pond plan applicable for SLF, as
may be required by any
relevant guidelines under RA
9003 in the future.
● Ensure proper drainage to
minimize seepage of rainwater
that will enhance generation of
leachate
● Continuous monitoring of
groundwater and downstream
creek
Air Potential release of ● Proper installation of gas vents
landfill gases ● Continuous monitoring of
ambient air quality
Termination of People Loss of employment ● Provision of 6 months’ notice
employment about the impending
termination of employment
● Provision of compensation for
affected personnel/re-training
if possible
community members
b. Drainage Subproject
Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Drainage Subproject

Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Acquisition of People Negative • Submission of complete
applicable permits, implications of not requirements for processing of
licenses, and following legal all permits
clearances, including requirements • Provision in the design and
right-of-way budget for the relocation of the
Delay in the existing utility infrastructures,
execution of works. wherever required;
permission.
• Identify and include locations
Disruption of and operators of these utilities
Utilities/services in the detailed design
documents to prevent
unnecessary disruption of
services during construction
phase;
• Identify and include locations of
water/gas pipes,
power/telephone lines and any
other infrastructure on the
proposed drainage alignments,
and redesign layouts to avoid
any damage on such
infrastructure;
• Require contractors to prepare
a contingency plan to include
actions to be taken in case of
unintentional interruption of
services;
• Utilities will only be removed
and relocated with proper
agency approvals and
permission;
• Informing all schools, places of
worship, and affected
communities well in advance;
• If utilities are damaged during
construction, it will be reported
to the PMU and utility authority
and repairs will be arranged
immediately at the contractor’s
expense; and
● Reconnection of utilities will be
completed at the shortest
practicable time before
construction commences.
Climate Change Overall Project Extreme • Consider potential impacts
and Target climate/weather from extreme climate change
Beneficiaries events as floods, scenario in designing the
typhoons, etc. drainage infrastructures.
including other • Torrential rainfall during the
natural calamities monsoon should be considered
such as earthquake in the design.
can damage the • Design all infrastructures by
entire infrastructure considering the highest flood
project. level (HFL) information of last
25 years.
Identification of Land, People, Indiscriminate • TIEZA to identify and designate
Disposal Sites and the General disposal of spoils a dedicated disposal site for
Environment and other spoils and other construction
construction wastes wastes
will lead to siltation • TIEZA to inform and provide
of canals, pollution access/authority to all
of receiving bodies
permission.
of waters (rivers contractors on the use of the
and coastal waters), identified disposal site.
and inconvenience
to the people and
communities
surrounding the
project sites
Work Plans During Land, People, Without the required No civil works shall proceed unless
Contractor Mobilization and the General work and site plans the following have been complied
Environment in place, impacts at with by the contractor:
various fronts
(environmental, (i) Develop a Contractor’s
social, health, etc.) Environment, Social, Health
can occur and Safety Management Plan
simultaneously (CESHSMP) that is approved
beyond control. by PMU based on the EMP of
this IEE report;
(ii) Develop a Traffic Management
Plan covering all areas along
the drainage alignments, in
coordination with local traffic
enforcement office. Contractor
shall have Traffic Management
Plan in place prior to
excavation or construction
works;
(iii) Develop a Spoil Management
Plan to manage any excess
spoils generated during
construction and O&M
activities; and
• Develop a specific Health and
Safety Plan, that will include a
Health and Safety COVID-19
Plan in accordance with
relevant government
regulations and guidelines on
COVID-19 prevention and
control, or in the absence
thereof, to international good
practice guidelines such as
World Health Organization.
2020.
Setting Up of People, Unplanned • Provide camps with sanitary
Construction Camps Workers, and construction of amenities at designated areas.
General camps without basic • Contractors shall follow the
Environment amenities could guidance note developed by
result in stress of the International Finance
degradation of the European Bank for
local environment. Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) entitled
“Workers’ accommodation:
processes and standards (A
permission.
guidance note by IFC and the
EBRD), 2009”.
employment PESO and concerned LGUs
opportunities for the hiring process
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
Earth-movement and Land Soil erosion/ ● Limiting earth movement to
civil works Loss of topsoil due areas where necessary
to earth movement
Land Loss of vegetation ● Limiting vegetation clearing to
Permit (TCP)
implementation of
measures
habitat assessment
design phase.
construction debris waste management plan
consistent with the local
and increase of excavation activities
turbidity on nearby
surface water
covers
People Health hazards from ● Implementation of dust control
dust emissions measures (use of canvas
covers)
● Provision of PPEs (such as
N95 masks) for dust emissions
trained engineers
permission.
in working areas
safety protocols
such as those in Section 4.3 of
Guidelines on Construction
and Decommissioning
Activities
Use of heavy Land Ground vibration ● Application of non-vibration
equipment techniques during
emissions and maintenance of heavy
noise equipment
during daytime
occupational safety wear proper PPE
and health risks ● Supervision of all civil and
trained engineers
permission.
in working areas
People Generation of ● Coordination with the local
additional PESO and concerned LGUs
employment and for the hiring process
livelihood ● Adherence to the local
opportunities ordinance on hiring
prioritization
community members
Drainage System Land Generation of solid ● Coordination with the LGU for
Maintenance wastes/garbage handling, collection, and
from maintenance disposal of collected solid
activities wastes
and health risks ● Provision of PPE
the personnel
employment for the hiring process
opportunities ● Adherence to the local
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
Backfilling Land Sourcing of backfill ● Coordination with LGU for the
materials source of material
Air Generation of dust ● Immediate sprinkling of water
to prevent dust re-suspension.
● Concreting of exposed area.
c. Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure
Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Small-Scale Tourism Support

Infrastructure Subproject
Environmental
Project Phase/ Component Options for Prevention or Mitigation
Potential Impact
Environmental Aspect Likely to be or Enhancement
Affected
Acquisition of People Disclosure of ● Submission of complete
applicable permits, project requirements for processing of
licenses, and components and all permits
clearances, including activities
right-of-way
Climate Change Overall Project Extreme • Consider potential impacts from
and Target climate/weather extreme climate change
Beneficiaries events as floods, scenario in designing the small
typhoons, etc. scale tourism infrastructures.
permission.
natural calamities monsoon should be considered
such as in the design.
earthquake can ● Design all infrastructures by
damage the considering the highest flood
entire level (HFL) information of last
infrastructure 25 years.
project.
employment PESO and concerned LGUs for
opportunities the hiring process
ordinance on hiring prioritization
Civil works and Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
installation of small- construction management plan consistent
scale infrastructure debris with the local scheme and
facilities (Floating regulations
Buoys/Trails, Small Land Threat to ● Establishment of monitoring
Water Supply System, biodiversity system for reporting and
Sanitation Facilities, identifying wildlife sighted within
Shed House) the project area
implementation of
measures
habitat assessment undertaken
during the detailed design
phase
Air, People Generation of ● Performing of noisy activities
noise (localized during daytime
disturbance)
People Temporary halt ● Coordination with concerned
of tourism LGUs and tourism operators
activities regarding construction activities
Influx of construction Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
workers domestic solid management plan consistent
wastes with the local scheme and
regulations
wastewater ● Provision of portalets
People Community and ● Requiring all personnel to wear
occupational proper PPE
safety and health ● Supervision of all civil and
risks electro-mechanical works by
trained engineers
in working areas
permission.
additional PESO and concerned LGUs for
employment the hiring process
Small-Scale Land, Water, Improved ● Development of operations
Infrastructure Operation People accessibility and manual and training for staff
and Maintenance sanitation ● Enhancement through IEC on
(Floating Buoys/Trails, conditions at the safety protocols (including
Small Water Supply tourism COVID-19 measures), water
System, Sanitation attractions conservation, proper solid
Facilities, Shed House) waste disposal, and hygiene
practices
● Installation/posting of signage
promoting proper use of
facilities and hygiene practices
Water Management of ● Routine/preventive
domestic maintenance of sanitation
wastewater facilities to sustain functionality
opportunities (for ● Adherence to the local
the maintenance ordinance on hiring prioritization
of facilities)
Influx of tourists Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
domestic solid management plan consistent
regulations
Water Generation of ● Routine/preventive
Decommissioning and Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
removal of small-scale demolition debris management plan consistent
infrastructure facilities with the local scheme and
regulations
identifying wildlife sighted within
the project area
implementation of
measures
Land, Water, Generation of ● Management and disposal of
People hazardous hazardous wastes (PV panels)
wastes (PV in accordance with RA 6969
panels)
permission.
F. Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation
47. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the environmental safeguards team (international and
local) conducted participatory methods to determine the environmental and social issues faced
by different stakeholders based on their involvement in tourism activities and the potential impact
of the various subprojects proposed to the environment. The consultations during the FS stage
provided an opportunity for the different sectors to analyze the situation of the coastal resources
in El Nido and proposed livelihood options sensitive to the conditions of women in the project
area.
48. The following table summarizes the number of people consulted both men and women
during project preparation from October to December 2019.
Consultations during Project Preparation from October to December 2019
Date Activity Men Women TOTAL
November 13, Key Informant Interview with Municipal IPMR with 1 1
2019 Tourism Office Staff and Site Visit in the Poblacion
November 15, Community Consultation in Barangay Bebeladan 15 8 23
2019
November 15, Site Visit in Mangrove Ecopark, Barangay Corong- 1 1
2019 Corong and Key Informant Interview with Barangay
Corong-Corong IPMR
November 16, Site Visit and Consultation with Tagbanua IP Community 5 7 12
2019 in Sitio Catuldan, Barangay Teneguiban
November 16, Key Informant Interview with Barangay Teneguiban Tribal 1 1
2019 Chieftain
November 19, Key Informant Interview with Remedios Cabral in 1 1
2019 Barangay New Ibajay
December 14, Community Consultation in Barangay Aberawan 6 4 10
2019
December 14, Community Consultation in Barangay Bebeladan 22 13 35
2019
December 15, Community Consultation in Barangay Corong-Corong 9 5 14
2019
December 15, Consultation in Barangay Officials of Villa Libertad 6 6
2019
December 16, Livelihood Validation Workshop 13 4 17
2019
TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS 78 36 121
Reference: STDP El Nido Feasibility Study Volume 10 (Due Diligence Report: Social Safeguards), 2020
49. Environmental Safeguards Consultations. Along with other safeguards consultants, FGDs and
KIIs were conducted last January 16 and 17, 2020 at the El Nido Municipal Hall. Participants were
composed of representatives from various sectors in the host municipality. The consultations on
environmental issues were facilitated by the International Environmental Specialist of EGIS.
50. During the meeting, stakeholder representatives were informed regarding the STDP and the priority
subprojects, which earned general support in anticipation of potential benefits, especially on local
employment and revenue. Potential project impacts and mitigating measures were discussed.
Environmental Safeguards Consultations on Infrastructure Interventions in January 2020
permission.
January 16, Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) on Infrastructure 11 3 14
2020 Interventions – with community/barangay
representatives, including IPMRs
2020 Interventions – with key Municipal LGU officials and
representatives from local NGOs
51. Due to travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic, the IP Safeguards team conducted
online consultations instead of face-to-face from July to August 2020. The online consultations
mainly covered information dissemination about the project, project scope, technical design,
identified positive and negative impacts, and involvement of local people in different activities of
the project. The IP Safeguards team designed and implemented the online discussions with a
total of 53 participants attended the consultation.
52. The following table shows the online activities conducted as a substitute for face-to-face
consultation. The team conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions as the
main methodology to ensure that the different stakeholders were meaningfully consulted even
during the pandemic.
Other Online Consultation Activities during COVID-19
STDP Components Date Activity Men Women TOTAL
Sewage Treatment, July 21, Consultation with Barangay Corong- 6 3 9
Septage Treatment, 2020 Corong
Urban Drainage, July 24, Phone Interview with Barangay 1 1
Urban Design 2020 Corong-Corong IPMR
Solid Waste July 22, Consultation with Barangay Barotuan 13 22 35
Management 2020
August 3, Phone Interview with Barangay 1 1
2020 Barotuan IP Representative
May 12, Phone consultation with Barangay 1 6 7
2012 Barotuan community members
regarding contents of IEE and
mitigation measures
Small-Scale Site July 23, Phone Interview with Barangay 1 1
Infrastructure 2020 Bebeladan IP Representative
July 27, Phone Interview with Buena Suerte 1 1
2020 Barangay Chairperson
Tourism July 20, Phone Interview with El Nido Tourism 1 1
Development 2020 Officer
July 20, Phone Interview with NCIP Roxas 1 1
2020 Community Service Center Staff
July 20, Phone Interview with Municipal IMPR 1 1
2020
August 1, Phone interview with Dionesia Banua 1 1
2020
August 2, Phone Interview with Roy Dabuit 1 1
2020
53. As part of the due diligence exercise, various stakeholders were engaged in the consultation
process by the Department of Tourism in partnership with local government of El Nido, which were
permission.
conducted online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of the consultation is to present
the overall situation of the tourism industry in the country, information on the STDP and its components.
The consultation provided the opportunity for the different stakeholders involved to assess the positive and
negative impacts as well as the project benefits. For detailed information, minutes of the online
consultations is appended as Annex 4 of the STDP El Nido Feasibility Study Volume 10 (Due Diligence
Report: Social Safeguards). A consultation was also conducted via phone to share the findings of the IEE
and present the mitigation measures in place, with focus on the issues raised by the community during the
July 22, 2020 consultation.
54. Consultations with project-affected stakeholders will continue during detailed design and project
implementation.
G. Grievance Redress Mechanism
55. The PMU will establish and operate the grievance redress mechanism (GRM). The PMU
will be responsible for ensuring the coordination of the GRM at the local level and for appointing
the responsible staff member. Day to day activities will include maintaining the grievance register,
organizing investigations, acknowledging and communicating results to the affected person(s),
and monitoring the resolution of the issue. The PMU will be the key contact point for local
government representatives who may require information about the project or who have an issue
they would like to discuss. The PMU will issue public notices and leaflets in English and Tagalog.
These notices will inform people and organizations in El Nido about the GRM. The relevant
contact phone number, address, and email address will be disseminated. A Grievance Redress
Committee (GRC) will be established to investigate on and address all grievances.
56. A multi-tier common GRM will be put in place to provide a time-bound and transparent
mechanism in receiving and resolving social and environmental concerns linked to the project. It
is designed to provide an accessible, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and culturally appropriate
platform for receiving and facilitating resolution of affected persons’ grievances. Public awareness
campaign will be conducted to ensure that awareness on the project and its grievance redress
procedures is generated and shared with affected persons and other stakeholders. The campaign
will ensure that the poor, vulnerable and others are made aware of this mechanism. Full
description and discussion about the GRM is in Part VIII of this IEE report. The Environmental
Safeguard Officer of PMU will have the overall responsibility for timely grievance redress on
environmental safeguards issues. Likewise, the Social Safeguards Officer of PMU will have the
overall responsibility on social safeguard issues.
57. The PMU will maintain a complaints database that indicates the name and gender of the
complainant, the nature of the issue, the date the report was received, when the issue was dealt
with and the result. Grievance disputes and resolutions will be reported regularly in project
quarterly reports. The results will be disaggregated by gender.
H. Environmental Management Plan
1. Environmental Management Plan
58. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) presents the mitigation and enhancement principles,
practices, and technologies aimed at minimizing and/or eliminating the potential impacts of the project to
its surrounding environment. The EMP is a dynamic document that may be updated any time during project
implementation if it is found inadequate. Corrective actions or additional mitigation measures may be
permission.
included. The Project Management Unit (PMU) is responsible for updating the IEE and EMPs based on the
detailed design and submit to ADB for clearance.
2. The detailed EMPs covering all development phase of the Solid Waste
Management, Drainage, and Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure
subprojects are presented in Section 9. Information Education and
Communication Plan
59. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for the project must be
conducted for all phases of its development, which would allow regular feedback mechanism for
issues and concerns. The contents of IEC will be based on the action or operation plans and will
be monitored for evaluation.
60. Feedback mechanism is a very important tool to educate people regarding the project’s
development: whether it has negative or positive effects or perception. It will strengthen the
knowledge of the people with regards to the positive impact of the project, as well as the effort of
the monitoring team in resolving unfavorable events, if there are any.
61. Integral to the IEC is the regular reporting on the progress of its operations. IEC activities
should be conducted to establish transparency and develop a partnership with the host
communities.
3. Environmental Monitoring Plan
62. The following matrices present the proposed EMoP that will be implemented in each
development phase of the Solid Waste Management and Drainage subprojects, respectively.
Shown in the matrix are the concerns, parameters to be monitored, as well as the corresponding
sampling and measurement plan (method, frequency, location), lead person, and annual
estimated cost.
The Proponent will monitor its compliance through regular submission of Self-Monitoring Report
(SMR) and Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) to the DENR-EMB.
permission.
Environmental Monitoring Plan – Solid Waste Management Subproject
Sampling & Measurement Plan Annual
Parameter to be Responsibilit
Concern Estimated
Monitored Method Frequency Location y
Cost
PRE-CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTRUCTION PHASES
Solid waste Weight or volume of Weighing/log- Daily Construction areas DOT; LGU; Minimal
generation wastes generated book recording Contractor
Soil quality of Heavy metals Grab sampling Quarterly Onsite and adjacent DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
adjacent lots and laboratory lots Contractor per event per
analysis station
Groundwater Fecal Coliform, Heavy Grab sampling Quarterly Nearby groundwater DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
quality metals and laboratory sources Contractor per event per
analysis station
Siltation of nearby TSS Grab sampling Semi-annually Surface water DOT; LGU; Php 1,000 per
surface water and laboratory upstream and Contractor event per
analysis downstream near station
project site
Air quality TSP and noise Air sampling and Semi-annually Project Site DOT; LGU; Php 40,000
analysis Contractor per event per
station
Employment Number of locally Logbook/ Daily Administration office DOT; LGU; Minimal
employed personnel database of the project site Contractor
registration
Occupational No. of work-related Logbook/ Daily Administration office DOT; LGU; Minimal
health and safety illnesses/injuries database of the project site Contractor
No. of safety man-hours registration
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Effluent Discharge Color, Temperature, pH, Grab sampling Quarterly Effluent discharge DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
COD, TSS, TC, and laboratory point Contractor per event per
Ammonia, Nitrate, analysis station
Phosphate, Sulfate,
Chloride, Oil and Grease
Soil quality Heavy metals Grab sampling Quarterly Onsite and adjacent DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
and laboratory lots Contractor per event per
analysis station
quality metals and laboratory sources; Contractor per event per
analysis Groundwater station
monitoring wells
downgradient of the
SLF site
Solid waste Weight or volume of Weighing/log- Daily/weekly Project Site DOT; LGU; Minimal
health and safety illnesses/injuries database of the project Contractor
DECOMMISSIONING/ABANDONMENT PHASE
Demolition spoils Weight (kg); no. of items Weighing/log- Daily/weekly Project Site DOT; LGU To be
and solid wastes book recording determined
monitoring wells
downgradient of the
SLF site
Loss of No. of affected Database Once DOT; LGU To be
employment employees registration determined
Environmental Monitoring Plan – Drainage Subproject
Concern Estimated
Cost
project site
station
registration
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Environmental Monitoring Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
Concern Estimated
Cost
registration
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Marine water Fecal coliform Grab sampling Quarterly Marine waters DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
quality and laboratory surrounding the Contractor per event per
analysis project site station
Emission of No. of complaints from Logbook/databa Daily Administration office DOT; LGU; Minimal
unpleasant/nuisanc tourism se registration of the project Contractor
e odors operators/tourists
Demolition spoils Weight (kg); no. of items Weighing/log- Daily/weekly Project Site DOT; LGU; To be
and solid wastes book recording Contractor determined
Loss of No. of affected Database Once Administration office DOT; LGU; To be
employment employees registration of the project site Contractor determined
4. Emergency Response Plan
63. The following table lists some of the emergencies that could happen in the course of the
implementation/operation of the different subprojects.
Emergency Scenarios for the Project
Emergency Situation Possible Causes Potential Effects
Fire ● Electrical short-circuits ● Partial or total loss of equipment
● Overloading of equipment and property
● Accidental ignition of ● Injuries and fatalities to
combustible materials personnel
Release of toxic ● Equipment malfunction ● Health hazards to the
substances ● Accidental spillage employees, workers, and
● Man-made errors nearby communities
● Degradation of affected
parameter (i.e. contamination of
soil and water)
Occupational accidents ● Improper training and ● Injuries and fatalities to
supervision of personnel personnel
● Equipment and facility failure ● Partial and total loss of
● Lack of full understanding equipment
regarding the surrounding
environment
Earthquakes ● Movement/rupture of nearby ● Failure of concrete structures
fault lines (i.e., collapse, breach, etc.)
● Injuries and fatalities to
personnel and nearby
communities
Extreme Weather ● Extreme weather events ● Power outage
Events/Flooding/ Storm ● Partial or total loss of equipment
Surge and property
personnel
Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios

Emergency Preparation Response Recovery
Situation
Fire ● Orientation and ● Notice for personnel to ● Prohibition of returning
training of personnel keep calm and alert to to the fire scene, as
on fire safety prevent further injuries; long as necessary,
● Conduct of regular fire to follow emergency unless declared for
drills evacuation safe entry
● Installation and regular procedures; and to ● Checking for personnel
testing of firefighting report immediately any that may be trapped,
devices (i.e. fire hoses, presence of smoke, injured, or needs
fire extinguishers, spark, or open flame to further assistance
smoke detectors, authorized personnel ● Reporting of any
sprinkler system) ● Immediate use of fire important incident that
● Regular inspection of extinguishers, only if require immediate
electrical equipment the fire can still be attention
and lines for any defect contained ● Securing of important
or malfunction, and items and equipment
permission.
replacement, as ● Disconnection of from unauthorized
necessary electrical or fuel access from outsiders,
● Securing of all connections and after the building is
flammable items in shutdown of all declared safe for re-
proper containers and affected equipment entry
storage facilities ● Removal of all ● If fire damage is
● Strict implementation flammable materials minimal, or if facility is
of “No Smoking” policy from the fire scene to recoverable,
in plant facilities avoid further contact, if implementation of
● Placement of possible necessary corrective
emergency numbers ● Wearing of proper fire measures to prevent
and communication protection attire (i.e. the accident from re-
equipment in fire suit, boots, occurring
conspicuous areas for breathing apparatus)
easier notification by responders
● Designation of ● Prohibition of using or
emergency exits (free pouring of water over
from obstruction) and fuel or alcohol fires,
evacuation procedures and electrical fires
● Regular maintenance
of plant equipment
Release of ● Regular visual ● Notice for personnel to ● Immediate clean-up of
Toxic inspection for potential report the occurrence all spills using proper
Substances leaks and corrosion immediately to conditions, including
(e.g., fuel, ● Inspection of facilities, supervisor; to follow stoppage and
hazardous containers, and strictly instructions of containment of spill or
waste) equipment for any sign supervisor in charge of leak
of leaks or spills cleaning operations ● Implementation of
● Ceasing of operations measures to prevent
in the area affected by re-occurrence of the
spillage and stop incident
appropriate source
● Stop vehicle engines in
the affected area
● Ceasing of operations
or any movement until
clearance is given
Occupation ● Provision of basic PPE ● Immediate reporting of ● Performing of
al Hazards ● Formation of an any accident, corrective measures
emergency response especially those on equipment and
team for each considered life- procedures
department threatening ● Provision of additional
● Provision of first-aid ● Immediate application safety procedures,
kits and emergency of first-aid equipment, and
equipment on critical ● Removal of affected training
workstations personnel from the
● Training of personnel accident site
on proper equipment ● Bringing of affected
handling and other personnel to the
safety practices nearest first aid station
● Posting of safety or hospital if necessary
reminders on
workstations
● Provision of safety
features, such as
permission.
adequate lighting,
guide rails, and safety
signage
Earthquake ● Conduct of necessary ● Notice for personnel to ● If there are no threats
preparations, including keep calm and alert to of aftershocks,
equipment and facility prevent further injuries; checking for personnel
checks, to prevent to protect themselves that may be trapped,
injuries in an event of by getting under sturdy injured, or needs
an earthquake structures and stay further assistance
● Securing of all loose away from sharp, ● Prohibition of returning
items to prevent falling flammable, or heavy to the facility if it is
● Placement of heavy items; and to prepare deemed structurally
materials near the for immediate unstable, or declared
ground evacuation of the unsafe
● Storage of flammable facility, if necessary ● Thorough inspection of
items in designated ● Shutdown of all gas the facility premises for
safe areas and electric equipment any unusual crack/gap
● Orientation of in the ground or walls
personnel on safe ● Checking for possible
locations, emergency fires and advise
response equipment, authorities for
and evacuation routes appropriate response
● Securing of important
items and equipment
from unauthorized
access from outsiders,
after the building is
declared safe for re-
entry
● Inspection of the
facility for any major
structural defect, crack,
unstable item, and
other potential hazards
● If earthquake damage
is minimal or facility is
recoverable,
implementation of
corrective measures to
prevent the further
hazards from affecting
personnel and property
Extreme ● Securing of all loose ● Notice for personnel to ● Inspection of facility for
Weather / items (i.e., lamp post, avoid staying outdoors; any major structural
Flooding / roofs, loose planks, to stay away from defect, crack, unstable
Storm and other light items that may be item, and other
Surge materials) by adding blown away by strong potential hazards
extra guy wires or winds and from ● Repair of broken
reinforcing materials electrical mains power lines, fuel lines,
● Removal of ● Continuous monitoring and other utilities, if
obstructions to the of the weather necessary
drainage system conditions ● Securing of important
● In case of storm ● Shutdown of all gas items and equipment
warning from and electric equipment from unauthorized
PAGASA, monitoring access from outsiders,
of important weather after the building is
permission.
forecast/ parameters, declared safe for re-
such as path and entry
intensity of the storm
5. Implementation Arrangements
64. TIEZA is the project executing agency, and the main implementing entity for the
infrastructure components. The LGU of El Nido will provide support to the Project Management
Unit. The PMU will ensure that the project will be implemented in accordance with the Philippine
EIS System and with the ADB’s SPS.
65. Contractors and subcontractors undertaking the works will be responsible for ensuring
that their activities comply with the environmental and social safeguard requirements of the
contract including the technical specifications. The contractor will implement the project’s EMP
and will report regularly to the PMU. EMPs are designed to ensure that appropriate environmental
and social management practices are applied throughout the construction period. The contractor
will be required to employ a full-time health and safety officer and an environmental officer as
necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements concerning environmental, health, safety,
social and labor regulations during construction.
66. In case of design, build and operate (DBO), the EA would ensure that an environmental
unit with full time Environmental Officer and full time Health and Safety Officer within the
contractor’s organization will be set up to ensure the (a) updating of the IEE and EMP based on
the detailed engineering, (b) implementation of all appropriate mitigating and enhancement
measures; and (c) reporting of environmental compliance.
Institutional Arrangement for EMP Implementation

Project
Implementation Management Roles and Responsibilities
Organization
Asian Development ● Review and clear IEEs/EMPs
Bank (ADB) ● Review bidding documents and clear CESHSMPs
● Review executing agency and implementing agency’s submissions for
procurement of goods, equipment, works and services
● Conducts project review missions, midterm review mission and project
completion review mission to assess project implementation progress of
all outputs, compliance of project to covenants including safeguards
requirements
● Provide environmental and social safeguards capacity building to the
PMU during missions and remotely as required.
● Review semi-annual and annual environmental and social monitoring
report
Tourism Infrastructure ● Guide and monitor overall project execution
and Economic Zone ● Financial and procurement oversight
Authority (TIEZA) as ● Ensure flow of funds to the implementing agency and the timely
executing agency availability of counterpart funding
● Review and coordinate evaluation of bids for works, goods, and
consultant services
TIEZA as ● Responsible for overall project implementation and monitoring at the
implementing agency implementing agency level
● Ensure adequate funding available for the PMU
permission.
● Submit semi-annual and annual monitoring reports to ADB
● Assist in resolving complaints brought through the Grievance Redress
Mechanism (GRM) that have not been resolved at lower levels
Joint TIEZA-DOT ● Review and confirm draft IEE including EMPs are finalized based on final
Project Management detailed designs;
Unit (PMU) ● Update the final IEE including EMPs if changes in detailed design of any
subproject (DBO or Civil Works) occur during implementation phase;
● Ensure that EMPs are included in bidding documents and contracts (DBO
or Civil Works);
● Ensure that bidding and contract documents include specific provisions
requiring contractors to comply with: (i) all applicable labor laws and core
labor standards on (a) prohibition of child labor as defined in national
legislation for construction and maintenance activities; (b) equal pay for
equal work of equal value regardless of gender, ethnicity, or caste; and (c)
elimination of forced labor; and with (ii) the requirement to disseminate
information on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, to
employees and local communities surrounding the project sites;
● Review and approve CESHSMPs of contractors;
● Provide oversight on environmental management aspects of subprojects
and ensure EMPs and CESHSMPs are implemented by contractors;
● Establish a system to monitor environmental safeguards of the project
including monitoring the indicators set out in the monitoring plan of the
EMPs;
● Facilitate and confirm overall compliance with all government laws, rules
and regulations regarding sites, and environmental clearances as well as
any other environmental requirements as relevant. This includes securing
of ECC under PD 1586 (Philippine EIS System), relevant clearances, if
any, under RA 7611 (Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act,
and compliance with the requirements of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of the Philippines), among others;
● Review, monitor and evaluate effectiveness with which the
EMPs/CESHSMPs are implemented, and recommend necessary
corrective actions to be taken;
● Consolidate monthly environmental monitoring reports from contractors
and submit semi-annual environmental monitoring reports to ADB;
● Ensure timely disclosure of final IEEs/EMPs in project website and in a
form accessible to the public;
● Address any grievances brought about through the grievance redress
mechanism (GRM) in a timely manner as per the IEEs;
● Undertake regular review of safeguards-related loan covenants, and the
compliance during program implementation; and
● Organize periodic capacity building and training programs on safeguards
for project stakeholders, PMU, and contractors.
Contractors ● Understand the EMP requirements and allocate necessary resources for
implementation.
● Update the environmental safeguards documents based on the scope of
work issued (i.e., revision of IEE report and DED-based EMP)
● Employ a full-time full time Environmental Officer and a full time H&S
officer as necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements
concerning environmental, health, safety, social and labor regulations
during construction.
● Environmental Officer and H&S Officer to provide capacity building and
training for workers on EMP and H&S requirements as needed.
● Implement construction activities with the required mitigation measures.
● Conduct environmental and social monitoring as required by EMP.
permission.
● Act promptly on complaints and grievances concerning the construction
activities in accordance with the project’s GRM.
● Submit monthly progress reports on EMP implementation to PMU.
● Draft CESHSMP that addresses as minimum the requirement of the EMP
prior to commencement of the project; full implementation of CESHSMP
and update if necessary.
● Submit monthly progress reports on EMP and H&S implementation to
PMU and semi-annual monitoring reports.
● Acquire necessary permits prior to construction.
I. Conclusion and Recommendation
67. During construction, anticipated project impacts on noise, dust, traffic, health, and safety
will be localized, temporary, intermittent in nature and can be readily addressed through
implementation of the measures outlined in the EMP. Land clearing and grading will be limited to
areas where necessary. A detailed tree inventory and survey will be undertaken as part of the
tree cutting permit application in coordination with the concerned DENR/CENRO office.
68. During operation, the project is expected to have positive social impacts in terms of
generation of local benefits. It is expected to generate/contribute additional local employment and
livelihood opportunities and local government revenues.
69. The Proponent is fully committed to its environmental and social responsibilities, including
compliance with national environmental, health, and safety regulations and ADB SPS
requirements.
70. This is a feasibility study phase IEE and should there be changes in the project scope,
location and/or design of the facilities that would result to significant impacts not included in this
assessment, an updated or a new IEE report or EIA report, as the case may be, will be prepared.
Results of IEE updating or new environmental assessment will be communicated in consultation
activities that will be undertaken on a continuing basis during the project implementation.
71. Likewise, in view of the limitations of conducting field activities and meaningful
consultations due to COVID-19, some field level and project level activities have not been robust.
Therefore, following are the major recommendations that are to be undertaken prior to award of
contract and execution of works:
(i) Follow up meaningful consultations with stakeholders and affected people in all
subproject sites to present the developments under the project during the detailed
design phase, including the final detailed designs of the various subprojects as
they become available;
(ii) Gathering supplemental baseline data, if any, in addition to primary and secondary
data used in this IEE, at all project sites;
(iii) Undertake a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment in relation to the locations
of the subprojects following IFC Performance Standard 6 Criteria. This will
determine if the subprojects, particularly the sanitary landfill, pose significant
impact to the biodiversity features identified in the IBAT Screening. This shall
include assessment on whether or not any of the IUCN Red List Species of
concern, including those species and areas locally identified but not identified by
the IBAT Screening, would qualify the subproject areas as critical habitat. The
assessment will also provide recommendations on how to mitigate any adverse
findings or impacts to any biodiversity features in the area, including
recommendations on how to ensure protection of the biodiversity species that
permission.
qualify the area as critical habitat; and
(iv) Include results of the above tasks in the updating of the IEE or in new
environmental assessment activities as may be required.
72. The SLF component of the SWM subproject is envisaged to be awarded under a DBO Contract
modality. Therefore, it is recommended that all specific environmental safeguards actions required of the
contractor during all phases of implementation should be defined in the DBO bidding and contract
documents. Consistent with all the requirements indicated in this IEE report, the following are important
elements that should be discussed and/or integrated in the bidding and contract documents:
(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract.

a. The overall objective of the DBO Contract is to provide the local
government of El Nido, Palawan, Philippines with a a fully functional,
efficient and environmentally compliant sanitary landfill facility (and allied
components). This facility will ensure prevention or reduction of negative
effects on the environment, in particular, pollution of surface water,
groundwater, soil and air; as well as reduction of risks to human health
arising from landfilling of waste.
b. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement,

construction, and operation of a sanitary landfill facility and its allied
components. The sanitary landfill facility shall be designed and built
following international best practices and consistent with the requirements
of Republic Act 9003 (Philippines’ Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
of 2000). The design shall consist of the following main elements, among
other sub-elements that will be defined thoroughly in the bidding and
contract documents:
i Site development plan, which shall include site layout, final site
preparation/construction methodology, number of cells, phasing,
bunding, cover materials, landscaping, etc.;
ii Engineering calculations from where the site development plan is
based;
iii Technical description of other allied infrastructures to be built,
such as access road, office building, accommodation facilities,
weighbridge, wheel cleaner, perimeter fence, etc.;
iv Groundwater and surface water management, which shall include
groundwater control measures, surface water collection system,
and groundwater and surface water monitoring points;
v Lining systems, that shall describe the kind of liners to be installed
in consideration of the type of wastes to be landfilled (hazardous,
non-hazardous);
vi Leachate management, that shall include leachate volume
quantification, composition/content analysis, leachate collection
and removal system, storage, treatment process, and recirculation
(if required as part of design);
vii Landfill gas management, that shall include gas quantification,
landfill gas control, collection, venting or flaring, and other safety
measures related to landfill gas management; and
viii Capping design and construction.
permission.
(ii) DBO Contract Management. The project execution shall be supported by a DBO
Contract management approach that will ensure timely delivery of the scope of
works. The contract management system throughout the Contract term shall,
without limitation, cover the following:
a. Project and contract management including program and arrangement for
timely delivery of design, procurement, construction and assembly,
commissioning and operation, reporting and resource management;
b. Quality assurance and management plan;
c. Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan
(CESHSMP), and all other environmental safeguards plans as required in
the IEE (e.g. Spoils Management Plan, Traffic Management Plans, etc.);
d. Health and Safety Management Plan, including Health and Safety
COVID-19 Plan (HS-C19 Plan), in accordance with the relevant
government regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and
control, or in the absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines
such as those from the World Health Organization; and
e. Communication management towards the public.
(iii) Design, Procurement, and Mobilization. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities

during design phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding
and contract documents, the following:
a. Elaborate the arrangement for the timely design, procurement, materials
testing and shipment under the scope of the DBO Contract;
b. Prepare all engineering studies needed to complete the project design,
including additional surveys (if necessary) such as geotechnical,
topographic survey or any other relevant studies;
c. Elaborate comprehensively the concept and final detailed design of the
entire facility, including all data from where the final detailed design is
based;
d. Prepare CESHSMP based on the EMP of the draft IEE, and secure
approval of the EMP from PMU or PIU at El Nido LGU;
e. Finalize the draft IEE based on the final detailed design of the sanitary
landfill, and submit to PMU;
f. Update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report and submit to
PMU (for subsequent submission to and approval by EMB Regional
Office;
g. Secure all necessary statutory clearances, permits and licenses required
for the execution of project, including the corresponding Environmental
Compliance Certificate (ECC) from EMB Regional Office;
h. Comply with all other requirements of Presidential Decree 1586, Republic
Act 9003, Republic Act 7611, and other relevant national laws, rules and
regulations discussed in this IEE report;
i. Ensure the timely procurement, and shipment of all materials and goods,
equipment and components that are needed for the subsequent
construction activities; and
j. The Contractor’s responsibilities with respect to design, procurement, and
shipment shall be embedded in its quality management plan which shall
indicate clear responsibilities of all involved parties and assure hold points
for relevant design and construction activities.
permission.
(iv) During Construction Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the
construction stage shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding
a. Mobilize all Contractor’s personnel and sub-contractors, and erect
temporary facilities at the site;
b. Prepare the site for construction and manage all construction works on
the site;
c. Ensure timely delivery of all materials and goods to the site, as well as
unloading, unpacking, inspection, installation and testing of equipment;
d. Integrate works to ensure safety of personnel, assets and environment;
e. Connect site infrastructure to utilities (water, sewerage, power);
f. Ensure timely construction, assembly and erection of the works to fulfil the
scope of the contract and all other requirements per contract documents;
and
g. Facilitate all inspections required by the representatives of the executing
or implementing agency, or any third party engaged by the executing or
implementing agency.
(v) During Commissioning Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the
commissioning phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the
bidding and contract documents, the following:
a. Prepare and submit relevant Contractor’s documents including
commissioning plan, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings;
b. Carry out pre-commissioning and commissioning including tests of
individual equipment and allied components of the landfill facility;
c. Allow the TIEZA and/or DENR-EMB-SWMD and/or El Nido LGU to review
all documentation prior, during and after construction of the facility,
including where necessary, visits to the site; and assess whether the
landfill has been constructed according to the required specifications;
d. Await assessment or validation report from TIEZA and/or DENR-EMB-
SWMD and/or El Nido LGU, which may provide acceptance or approval
of the facility that it can commence operation.
(vi) During Operation Phase. The Contractor shall provide the necessary training of
personnel of the of El Nido LGU as main operator (and/or any third party as may
be selected by the implementing agency in the future). Subsequently, the
Contractor shall handover the facility to the operator. In the event that the
Contractor is also the operator, all responsibilities for training, monitoring and
maintaining compliance rests with the contractor.
permission.
I. INTRODUCTION
1. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippines was a rapidly emerging
ecotourism and resort destination in Southeast Asia with coastal marine resources serving as the
main attraction. In 2019, Philippines recorded 8.3 million international tourist arrivals, and 114
million domestic trips It is the country’s third largest source of foreign exchange earnings, after
overseas remittances, and electronics products. Tourism’s share of gross domestic product
(GDP) has more than doubled over the past decade from 5.9% in 2009, to 12.7% in 2019.
Tourism’s direct gross value added in 2019 was estimated at $49.6 billion. The sector also
employed 5.7 million people. Surveys of international tourism to the country indicate that 70% of
international arrivals and at least 35% of domestic travelers visited a coastal area and used
coastal and marine natural resources.
2. Increased promotion in domestic and international markets and improved air, sea, and
road connectivity have led to the rapid growth of tourism northern Palawan, particularly in the
Municipality of El Nido. However, the limited capacity of existing urban services infrastructure has
resulted in an unsustainable pattern of tourism and urban development in the municipality. The
lack of a systematic approach to the delivery of urban services poses a growing health risk to
tourists and residents, and a reputational risk to the Philippine tourism brand.
3. At the request of the Government of the Philippines, the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
is developing the Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP), with the goal to assist
the government in promoting tourism development and transforming El Nido into a sustainable,
inclusive, resilient, and competitive tourism center. It builds on the strength of the tourist
destination, particularly its pristine and rich natural resources, by sustainably managing and
conserving natural capital, and improves on areas that will contribute to the industry’s
competitiveness.
4. The STDP has three major outputs or components, which will be further discussed in Part
III (Description of the Project) of this report:
(i) Output 1: Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement

(ii) Output 2: Sustainable Natural Resources Management
(iii) Output 3: Enterprise Development
as Coron and El Nido. The project is part of the Transforming Communities towards Resilient,
Inclusive and Sustainable Tourism (TouRIST) Program recently launched by the Department of
Tourism (DOT) in coordination with various government agencies and local stakeholders and in
partnership with the World Bank and ADB. The STDP is expected to contribute to the reduction
of poverty, income inequality, and unemployment—which forms part of the Philippine
Development Plan (PDP) 2017-20221 objectives anchored in the longer-term vision espoused in
Ambisyon 2040.2
6. The STDP is consistent with the ADB Strategy 2030 and supports the key operational
priorities of tackling climate change, making cities more livable, and strengthening governance
and institutional capacity. It contributes to ADB’s commitment to accelerate blue investment in
1 NEDA. 2017. Philippine Development Plan, 2017–2022. Pasig.

2 NEDA. 2016. AmBisyon Natin 2040. Pasig.
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Asia and the Pacific through the Oceans Financing Initiative, working across the four areas of
blue economy, ecosystem management, pollution control, and sustainable infrastructure. 3 It is
also aligned with the Philippine Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023, especially in promoting
local economic development pillar.4
7. This Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) Report is prepared in accordance with the
2009 ADB Safeguard Policy Statement (SPS) requirements for the following identified priority
subprojects under STDP Output 1 (Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement) including the
small-scale support infrastructure under Output 2 (Sustainable Natural Resource Management)
in the Municipality of El Nido:
(i) Solid Waste Management Subproject;

(ii) Drainage and Urban Design Subproject; and
(iii) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject.
8. This IEE Report is organized into 12 major parts/sections:
(i) Part I – Introduction presents the purpose of the report and the extent of the IEE
study;
(ii) Part II – Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework provides an overview of
the national policies, legal and regulatory framework, global commitments and
international obligations, and the ADB safeguard requirements that are applicable
to the project under study;
(iii) Part III – Description of the Project provides a brief description of the project and
subprojects, including the rationale, location, components, and proposed schedule
of implementation;
(iv) Part IV – Description of the Environment presents baseline information
gathered about the project-affected area, including the physical resources,
ecological resources, economic development, and social and cultural resources;
(v) Part V – Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures
presents the potential significant impacts of the proposed project to various
aspects of the environment during the different phases of its implementation, as
well as the corresponding measures or interventions that can address the identified
impacts;
(vi) Part VI – Analysis of Alternatives presents the alternatives considered for the
priority subprojects, including siting and type of technology;
(vii) Part VII – Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation presents the
information disclosure, consultation, and participation undergone and yet to be
conducted for the project throughout its implementation;
(viii) Part VIII – Grievance Redress Mechanism presents the grievance redress
mechanism that will be put into place during the project implementation;
(ix) Part IX – Environmental Management Plan presents the details of the proposed
mitigation measures for the anticipated impacts of each subproject, including
responsible parties, estimated costs, and guarantees;
(x) Part X – Conclusion and Recommendation provides a synthesis of the IEE
Report and key recommendations;
(xi) Part XI – References contains a list of reference documents and related articles
cited in the IEE Report;
3 ADB. 2019. The Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies. Manila.
4 ADB. 2018. Philippines: Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023 – High and Inclusive Growth. Manila.
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(xii) Part XII – Appendices is a compilation of attachments and related documents and
details cited in the IEE Report for additional reference.
II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
9. This section provides an overview of the national policies, legal and regulatory framework,
global and international commitments and obligations, as well as the ADB safeguard requirements
that will govern the priority subprojects under the STDP.
A. National Policies, Legal and Regulatory Framework
1. Presidential Decree No. 1586: The Philippine Environmental Impact

Statement System
10. The Philippine Government requires certain projects to undergo Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) by virtue of Presidential Decree (PD) 1586 or the Philippine Environmental
Impact Statement System (PEISS) established in 1978. The PEISS is originally devised as an
administrative procedure for an action-forcing policy that requires proponents of development
projects to systematically study and disclose the environmental impacts of the proposed projects
prior to implementation. Under the PEISS, projects are screened according to the following
categories:
(i) Category A – Projects or undertakings which are classified as environmentally

critical (ECPs) under Presidential Proclamation No. 2146 (1981), Proclamation No.
803 (1996), and any other projects that may later be declared as such by the
President of the Philippines. Proponents of these projects implemented from 1982
onwards are required to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
(ii) Category B – Projects or undertakings which are not classified as ECP under
Category A, but which are likewise deemed to significantly affect the quality of the
environment by virtue of being located in Environmentally Critical Area (ECA), as
declared under Proclamation 2146 and according to the parameters set forth in the
succeeding sections. Proponents of these projects implemented from 1982
onwards are required to secure an ECC.
(iii) Category C – Project or undertakings not falling under Category A or B which are
intended to directly enhance the quality of the environment or directly address
existing environmental problems.
(iv) Category D – Projects of undertakings that are deemed to unlikely cause
significant adverse impact on the quality of the environment according to the
parameters set forth in the Screening Guidelines. These projects are not covered
by the PEISS and are not required to secure an ECC. However, such non-
coverage shall not be construed as an exemption from compliance other laws and
government permitting requirements.
11. The agency responsible for EIA review and approval is the Environmental Management
Bureau (EMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Table 1
presents the initial ECC coverage screening for the priority subprojects using EMB project
screening guidelines. The table indicates the project threshold, PEISS category and the required
environmental document to be prepared to secure the ECC.
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Table 1: ECC Coverage Screening of Priority Subprojects under STDP per PEISS
Guideline
EMB MC 2014-005 ECC Coverage Screening
Brief Description and Project Document
Subproject PEISS
Components Project Type Size / Required for
Category
Threshold ECC
Solid Waste For collection 3.8.2 Sanitary Categorie B: Non-ECP Environmenta
Managemen ● Improvement of landfill for s 2 to 4 l Impact
t household domestic Disposal Statement
collection system wastes only Facilities (EIS)
● Improvement of OR
MRF for Category
collection of 1 with
recyclables capacity
● Implementation of ≥15
collection of tons/day
market waste and
household bio-
waste
● Construction of
temporary
storage area for
hazardous waste
For disposal
● Construction of
new sanitary
landfill
● 26,000 m3 of void
space by 2025
and 335,000 m3
by 2042
● The total site will
cover an area of
95 500 m²
● A new access
road (7m wide,
1,500 m long)
● Leachate
treatment
Drainage Construction and 3.7.2 Other <50 km B: Non-ECP Initial
rehabilitation of pipelines/cable Environmenta
network, treatment s l Examination
works, retention (IEE)
basin, outlets, Checklist or
velocity breaker and Report
deepening works in
esteros/thalwegs
Urban Touristic amenities to Projects Not C/D: Not covered
Design be developed related intended to applicable Enhancemen but may
to infrastructure directly t measures/ submit
Integration of enhance the insignificant Project
greening measures quality of the adverse Description
into the design of the environment impact (PD) when
drainage getting a
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EMB MC 2014-005 ECC Coverage Screening

Brief Description and Project Document
Subproject PEISS
Components Project Type Size / Required for
Category
Threshold ECC
improvements where Certificate of
feasible Non
Small-Scale Small meeting/lecture Small- Coverage
Tourism rooms; floating water scale
Support quality monitoring
Infrastructur platform; mooring
e buoys; training and
monitoring facility;
and on-land facilities
(i.e., eco-toilets,
waste receptacles,
visitor shelters,
interpretation stands)
2. Republic Act 7611: Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act
12. In addition to complying with PD 1586, any development in the Province of Palawan must
conform with Republic Act (RA) 7611, otherwise known as the “Strategic Environmental Plan
(SEP) for Palawan Act”, which provided for the adoption of a comprehensive framework for the
sustainable development of Palawan compatible with protecting and enhancing the natural
resources and endangered environment of the province.
13. The legal effects of the SEP are threefold: 1) SEP as framework to guide government
agencies in plans, programs, and projects (PPPs) affecting the environment and natural
resources of Palawan; 2) SEP to be incorporated in the Regional Development Plan
(MIMAROPA); and 3) All LGUs and NGAs to coordinate and align their projects and budgets with
the projects, programs, and policies of the SEP.
14. There SEP philosophy of sustainable development has three features (RA 7611, Section
2) that guide the direction of Palawan’s development: a) ecological viability, which means keeping
intact the physical and biological cycles that maintain the productivity of ecological systems; b)
social acceptability, which pertains to participatory processes, people’s commitment, equity in
resource access, and equitable distribution of benefits; and c) integrated approach or looking at
the Palawan region from a wider perspective and taking advantage of the opportunity for
coordination and sharing that the region represents.
15. RA 7611 also provided for the creation of the Palawan Council for Sustainable
Development (PCSD) Staff, primarily responsible for the governance and implementation of, and
provision of policy direction to, the SEP.
16. Environmentally Critical Areas Network. The balance between development and
conservation is realized through the SEP’s main strategy, the Environmentally Critical Areas
Network (ECAN), a graded system of protection and development control, management, and
utilization of the province’s natural resources. The ECAN ensures that most critical areas are
protected, and development areas are properly utilized and enhanced.
17. The main areas covered by the ECAN are classified under three (3) main components: 1)
Terrestrial; 2) Coastal/Marine; and 3) Tribal Ancestral Lands. The Terrestrial component consists
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of the mountainous, low hills, and lowland areas of Palawan. The Coastal/Marine component
includes the whole coastline up to the open sea characterized by active fisheries and tourism
activities. The management philosophy in coastal/marine areas are equitable access to the
resource and responsible management by the local community. Lastly, the Tribal Ancestral Lands
comprise both land and sea areas traditionally occupied by indigenous cultural communities;
these areas are treated in the same graded system of control and prohibition with strong emphasis
in cultural considerations. The SEP provides and defines a special kind of zonation to satisfy the
material and cultural needs of the tribes through consultative processes and cultural mapping of
the ancestral lands.
18. In the protected portion of the coastal and marine environment, the legal and policy
framework for tourism is based upon the combination of ordinances at the Municipality and
Barangay level. Ordinances are required for the creation and resourcing of MPAs usually
implemented by the communities in their vicinity. Most MPAs have been put in place to allow
fisheries to recover. Here, tourism is usually seen as one of the primary activities with the
capability of providing a sustainable income for conservation and alternative livelihoods.
19. The ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of El Nido is shown in Figure 1. The map
specifically indicates the zones with delineation for areas with restricted, controlled, traditional
and mixed uses.
20. ECAN Zoning Certification. All projects and undertakings covered by the SEP Clearance
System are required to secure ECAN Zoning Certification from the PCSD Staff, who shall
determine the corresponding ECAN zone where the project is to be located and the category of
the project, which shall be reflected in the Certification. Projects are categorized into the following
based on their location and expected environmental impacts:5
(i) Category A – Projects located outside of ECAs that are pollutive and/or extractive
as listed in Annex 1-A of the Revised PCSD Administrative Order (AO) No. 06,
Series of 2014.
(ii) Category B – Projects located outside of ECAs that are non-pollutive or have
minimal environmental impact and/or extractive as listed in Annex 1-B of the
Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014.
(iii) Category C – Projects determined to have minimal environmental impacts that are
considered non-pollutive and/or non-extractive as listed in Annex 1-C of the
Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014, shall be exempted from securing SEP
Clearance.
(iv) Category D – Soft impact projects that are non-pollutive and non-extractive
located in Restricted Zones as listed in Annex 1-D of the Revised PCSD AO No.
06, Series of 2014.
21. All other projects not included in any of the categories listed shall be considered as under
Category A. For a project certified by the PCSD Staff Executive Director as falling under
Categories A, B, or D, the proponent shall proceed to secure the ECAN Board endorsement as
provided under Sections 7 to 11 of the Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014. For a project
certified under Category C (exempted projects), no further evaluation shall be required. However,
the proponent shall submit a copy of the ECAN Zoning Certification to the ECAN Board for
information. In case the ECAN Board contests the certification of the PCSD Staff Executive
5 PCSD. (2014). Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014 (“Revised Guidelines in the Implementation of the SEP
Clearance System”), Chapter II, Section 4
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Director, the ECAN Board and the PCSD Staff shall exert all efforts to resolve the conflict. In case
resolution is not possible at their level, the same shall be brought before the PCSD Staff for final
decision.
22. SEP Clearance. The SEP Clearance is the document issued by the PCSD Staff Executive
Director certifying that, upon subjecting to review, evaluation, and validation by PCSD Technical
Staff, the proposed project was in accordance with RA 7611. Further, the proponent has complied
with all the requirements of the SEP Clearance System and that the proponent was committed to
institute all mitigating measures as provided for in the EIS or IEE and to comply with all the
stipulated terms and conditions. The DENR shall not issue an ECC, Certificate of Non-Coverage
(CNC), license, permit, and similar instruments without the SEP Clearance issued under Revised
PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014, in accordance with the Memorandum of Agreement between
DENR and PCSD dated December 29, 1994 and Department of Justice (DOJ) Opinion Nos. 90
and 136, S. 1994.
23. Other permitting entities are likewise enjoined to require the proponents to secure an SEP
Clearance prior to the issuance of permits, licenses, and other similar instruments. Moreover,
proponent shall be required to secure the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the
concerned indigenous people or indigenous cultural communities as provided for under the
Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) or RA 8371. Such requirement shall be indicated
in the terms and conditions of the SEP Clearance, as may be necessary.
24. The detailed steps and requirements on how to obtain the ECAN Zoning Certification and
SEP Clearance are provided in the PCSD Staff Citizen’s Charter of 2018.
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Figure 1: ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of El Nido
Source: Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020
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25. Palawan Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan. As the operational plan
of the SEP framework and ECAN strategy, the PSDSAP is conceived as the “green blueprint” for
sustainable development of Palawan Province. It aims to create the necessary environmental,
socio-cultural, economic, and institutional conditions towards the establishment of a green (or
environmentally sensitive) economy in the province.
26. The PSDSAP contains a menu of actions formulated in the context of poverty reduction
and biodiversity conservation and aimed to coherently address the emerging and pervasive
threats in the conservation of Palawan environment and the pursuit of economic development.
The document is a local counterpart of the Philippine Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan
(PBSAP), which is drafted as one of the country’s obligations under the United Nations
Convention on Biodiversity (UN CBD).
27. In the geographic context of the ECAN, a green economy for Palawan means economic
industries co-existing with protected areas. Hence, the ECAN-based strategy of PSDSAP is: “the
maintenance of ECAN Core Zones, the wise use of ECAN Buffer Zones, and the sustainable
management of ECAN Multiple Use Zone.”
3. Republic Act 7586: National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act
of 1992 and Republic Act 11038: Expanded National Integrated Protected
Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018
28. Protected areas are portions of land and water set aside for its unique physical and
biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and protected against
destructive human occupation. They serve as important stocks of natural, cultural, and social
capital, yielding flows of economically valuable goods and services that benefit society as a whole.
They are also key to buffering unpredictable impacts of impending climate change.
29. The National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992 or RA 7586 was
enacted to address concerns on ecological conservation and sustainable development in the
country. This is in response to the Philippines’ commitment to the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in
1992, where it is also a signatory and where global environmental concerns were discussed. The
law is also in recognition and awareness of the invariable decline of the country’s biologically
unique environment. The Act accentuates collaborative partnership among national government,
local government, and concerned private organizations in the effective administration of these
resources. It encompasses terrestrial, wetlands, and marine ecosystems with remarkable
biological importance.
30. The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and the DENR have control and
administration in all declared Protected Areas. The PAMB is composed of members coming from
different sectors (i.e., the DENR, local government units, non-government organizations, private
sector, people’s organizations, etc.). It serves as the governing and policy making body of the
protected area and oversees its general management.
31. In 2018, RA 7611 was amended through RA 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated
Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act of 2018, which expands the areas covered and the
number of protected areas and national parks declared as mandated by legislations or laws and
imposes a stricter penalty and higher fines against violators of the law.
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32. The PCSD, as the administrative body implementing RA 7611, is also the one mandated
to implement the NIPAS Act in the province as declared by the Department of Justice (DOJ)
Opinion No. 90, Series of 1994, and Opinion No. 136 later in the same year.
4. Republic Act 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000
33. For the Solid Waste Management Subproject, implementation shall be guided by the
relevant provisions of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or RA 9003 and its
IRR (DAO 2001-34). The policy is based on the management of waste in the following hierarchy:
(i) Reduction or avoidance and minimization of waste generated at source (i.e.,

households, commercial establishments, etc.);
(ii) Reuse, recycling, and resource recovery of wastes at the barangay level;
(iii) Efficient collection, proper transfer, and transport of wastes by the city/municipality;
and
(iv) Efficient management of residuals and of final disposal sites and/or any other
related technologies for the destruction/reuse of residuals.
34. In 2005, the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) issued the
guidelines on categorized disposal facilities (sanitary landfills) through NSWMC Resolution No.
6, Series of 2005. The following year, DENR Administrative Order No. (DAO) 10, Series of 2006,
was issued in support of the NSWMC resolution. The guidelines are promulgated in order to
support LGUs in their planning and implementing strategies on ecological solid waste
management through a set of categories on disposal facilities, specifying realistic categories and
reasonable conditions for meeting legal requirements.
5. Other Applicable Laws, Regulations, and Standards
35. The following environmental laws and regulations are also applicable to this Project:
(i) PD 856: The Code on Sanitation of the Philippines (1975) including Department of
Health (DOH) Administrative Order (AO) No. 2014-27 for the Water Safety Plan
requirement;
(ii) PD 1067: The Water Code of the Philippines (1976) and its IRR;
(iii) RA 6969: Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990
and its IRR, i.e., DENR Administrative Order No. (DAO) 1992-29, as implemented
by DAO 2004-36, as amended by DAO 2013-22;
(iv) RA 8749: Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and its IRR, i.e., DAO 2000-81;
(v) RA 9275: Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 and its IRR, i.e., DAO 2005-10 and
latest DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of
2016);
(vi) RA 9593: Tourism Act of 2009 and its IRR;
(vii) RA 9729: Climate Change Act of 2009 and its IRR, i.e., Climate Change
Commission (CCC) Administrative Order No. 2010-10;
(viii) RA 10121: Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Act of
2010 and its IRR;
(ix) RA 10629: An Act Providing for the Retention by the Protected Area Management
Board of Seventy-Five Percent (75%) of the Revenues Accruing to the Integrated
Protected Areas Fund (IPAF), amending for the purpose Section 16 of Republic
Act No. 7586, otherwise known as the “National Integrated Protected Areas
System Act of 1992”;
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(x) DAO 2004-52: The Revised Guidelines in the Issuance of Cutting/Harvesting

Permits in Private Titled Lands;
(xi) DAO 2009-09: Standard Design and Specifications of Signs, Buildings, Facilities
and Other Infrastructure that may be Installed and/or Constructed within Protected
Areas;
(xii) DAO 2013-19: Guidelines on Ecotourism Planning and Management in Protected
Areas;
(xiii) DENR Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Technical Bulletin No. 2016-03:
Standard and Climate Resilient Design of Protected Area Information Center and
Signs and Markers; and
(xiv) DOLE Department Order No. 2018-198: Implementing Rules and Regulation of
Republic Act No. 11058 entitled “An Act Strengthening Compliance with
Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations
Thereof.”
36. Applicable standards for the subprojects include water quality guidelines, effluent
standards, noise and air ambient quality guidelines, soil remediation guidelines, and drinking
water quality standards. Relevant prescriptive values are discussed in the succeeding
paragraphs.
37. Soil Quality Guidelines and Remediation Criteria. The Philippines does not have
background soil quality guidelines. In the absence of such standards, internationally accepted
guidelines are adopted. One reference currently accepted by EMB-DENR is the Dutch Soil
Remediation Circular of 2013 (version of 1 July 2013; formerly known as Dutch Intervention
Values or DIV). The values indicate when the functional properties of the soil for humans, plant,
and animal life are seriously impaired or threatened. Usually in the conduct of environmental site
assessments, soil quality (total assay) is compared to these values to assess requirement of
cleanup or remediation. Table 6 indicates soil criteria which may be used for the project.
Table 2: Dutch Soil Quality Guidelines for Intervention or Remediation

Parameter Standard Intervention Values (mg/kg)
Arsenic 76
Cadmium 13
Copper 190
Lead 530
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon 5,000*
Notes: (*) Aggregate value for mineral oils | Source: Dutch Soil Remediation Circular 2013
38. Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards. The Water Quality
Guidelines (WQG) and General Effluent Standards (GES) were adopted and promulgated
pursuant to Section 19e and 19f of Republic Act (RA) 9275, otherwise known as the Philippine
Clean Water Act of 2004. It is issued under DAO 2016-08 with objectives of providing guidelines
and classification of water bodies in the Philippines; determining time trends of
deterioration/enhancement in water quality; setting limits for effluent discharges; evaluating the
need for taking actions in preventing, controlling, or abating, water pollution; and designating
water quality management areas (WQMA).
39. The WQG applies to all water bodies in the country. The GES, meanwhile, applies to all
point sources of pollution, regardless of volume, that discharge to receiving body of water or land.
The GES shall be used regardless of the industry category. Table 2 presents relevant parameters
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from WQG while Table 3 presents the portions of the GES that will be applied to the subproject
particularly for wastewater discharges.
Table 3: Philippine Water Quality Guidelines Applicable to the Project Area

Water Classification
Parameter Unit
Class A Class B Class C Class SA Class SB
pH - 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 9.0 7.0 – 8.5 7.0 – 8.5
Temperature* °C 26 – 30 26 – 30 25 – 31 26 – 30 26 – 30
Color TCU 50 50 75 5 50
Fecal Coliform MPN/100m <1.1 100 200 <1.1 100
L
BOD mg/L 3 5 7 n/a n/a
Nitrate mg/L 7 7 7 10 10
Phosphate mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.1 0.5
Total Suspended mg/L 50 65 80 25 50
Solids
Ammonia mg/L 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.04 0.05
Oil and Grease mg/L 1 1 1 1 2
● Class A: Public Water Supply Class II – intended as sources of water supply requiring conventional
treatment (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection) to meet latest PNSDW;
● Class B: Recreational Water Class I – intended for primary contact recreation (bathing, swimming,
etc.);
● Class C: 1. Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and aquatic resources; 2.
Recreational Water Class II – for boating, fishing, or similar activities; 3. for agriculture, irrigation,
and livestock watering;
● Class SA: 1. Protected Waters or water designated as national or local marine parks, reserves,
sanctuaries, and other areas established by law (Presidential Proclamation 1801 and other existing
laws), and/or declared as such by appropriate government agency, LGUs, etc.; 2. Tourist Zones –
for ecotourism and recreational activities; 3. Recreational Water Class I – intended for primary
contact recreation (bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.);
● Class SB 1: Fishery Water Class II or waters suitable for commercial propagation of shellfish and
intended as spawning areas for milkfish (Chanos chanos) and similar species; 2. Tourist Zones –
for ecotourism and recreational activities; 3. Recreational Water Class I – intended for primary
contact recreation (bathing, swimming, skin diving, etc.).
Notes: (*) The natural background temperature as determined by EMB shall prevail if the temperature is l ower or
higher than the WQG; provided that the maximum increase is only up to 10% and that it will not cause any risk to
human health and the environment; MPN/100mL – Most Probable Number per 100 milliliters; n/a – Not Applicable;
TCU – True Color Unit.
Source: DAO 2016-18
Table 4: Philippine General Effluent Standards Applicable for the Subprojects

Parameter Unit
pH - 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.0 6.0 – 9.5 NDA 6.0 – 9.0
Temperature °C Change 3 3 3 NDA 3
Color TCU 100 100 150 NDA 100
Fecal Coliform MPN/100mL 4 200 400 NDA 200
BOD mg/L 20 30 50 NDA 30
Nitrate mg/L 14 14 14 NDA 20
Phosphate mg/L 1 1 1 NDA 1
Total Suspended mg/L 70 85 100 NDA 70
Solids
Ammonia mg/L 0.5 0.5 0.5 NDA 0.5
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Parameter Unit
Oil and Grease mg/L 5 5 5 NDA 5
Chloride mg/L 350 350 450 NDA n/a
Fluoride mg/L 2 2 2 NDA 3
Iron mg/L 5 5 7.5 NDA 7.5
Surfactants mg/L 2 3 15 NDA 500
Notes: NDA – No Discharge Allowed; n/a – Not Applicable
Source: DAO 2016-18
40. Ambient Air Quality and Noise Guidelines. This national ambient air quality guideline
value is under Rule VII Section 1 stipulated in the DAO 2000 – 81, the IRR of the Philippine Clean
Air Act of 1999. The 24-hour averaging time national ambient air quality guideline values are
shown in Table 5.
Table 5: National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (24-Hour Averaging Time)
Parameter Standard Value (µg/Ncm)
NO2 150
SO2 180
Suspended Particulate Matter
● Total Suspended Particles (TSP) 230
● Particulate Matter (PM) 10 150
Source: DAO 2000-81
41. Table 6 presents the Philippine standards for noise in general areas as stipulated under
the National Pollution Control Commission (NPCC) Memorandum Circular No. 002, Series of
1980.
Table 6: Philippine Standards for Noise in General Areas

Area Description Maximum Allowable Noise Level,
Category dB(A)
Daytime Morning/ Nighttim
Early e
Evening
Class AA Generally quiet areas such as areas within 100 50 45 40
meters from school sites, nursery schools,
hospitals, and special homes for the aged
Class A Areas primarily used for residential purposes 55 50 45
Class B Areas zoned or used as a commercial area 65 60 55
Class C Areas zoned or used as a light industrial area 70 65 60
Class D Areas zoned or used as a heavy industrial area 75 70 65
Notes: Morning = 5AM to 9AM; Daytime = 9AM to 6PM; Early Evening = 6PM to 10PM; Nighttime = 10PM to 5AM
Reference: NPCC Memorandum Circular No. 1980-002
42. In addition, Table 7 presents the International Finance Corporation – Environmental,

Health and Safety Guidelines (IFC-EHS) for noise level at different receptor. Noise impacts should
not exceed the levels presented in the table below or result in a maximum increase in background
levels of 3 dB at the nearest receptor off-site.
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Table 7: IFC-EHS Noise Level Guidelines

One Hour LAeq (dBA)
Receptor
Daytime (07:00 – 22:00) Nighttime (22:00 – 07:00)
Residential; institutional; educational 55 45
Industrial; commercial 70 70
Source: IFC-EHS Guidelines
B. Relevant Global Commitments and International Obligations
43. The following are some of the current environmental and natural resources agreements
ratified by the Republic of the Philippines and those entered into by the DENR 6.
1. The Ramsar Convention or Convention on Wetlands of International

Importance (1971)
44. The Convention on Wetlands or Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that

provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and
wise use of wetlands and their resources. It was adopted by participating nations in Ramsar, Iran
on 2 February 1971 and came into force on 21 December 1975. It is the only global treaty to focus
on a single ecosystem.
45. Wetlands are described by the Convention and by the Joint DENR-DA-PCSD
Administrative Order No. 2004-01 as areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or
artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt,
including areas of marine water where the depth at low tide does not exceed six meters. There
are currently 170 Ramsar member countries and 2,341 Ramsar sites with a total area of 252.42
million hectares (ha). Currently, the Philippines has seven sites included in the Ramsar List of
Wetlands of International Importance, with a combined surface area of around 245,000 ha. Two
of these sites are located in Palawan, namely the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Ramsar Site
No. 1010) with 96,828 ha and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Ramsar
Site No. 2084) with 22,202 ha.
46. The Convention’s “wise use” concept, defined as “the maintenance of [a wetland’s]
ecological character, achieved through the implementation of ecosystem approaches, within the
context of sustainable development”, is compatible with the sustainable management of the
aquatic ecosystems of Palawan.
2. United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992)
47. Recognizing the importance of the earth's biological resources, the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) established an Ad Hoc Working Group of Technical and Legal
Experts in May 1999 to prepare an international legal instrument for the conservation and
sustainable use of biological diversity. The text of the legal instrument was discussed and agreed
upon in Nairobi on 22 May 1992 and it was called the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
It aims to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable use of components of biological
diversity and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic
resources. The Convention was opened for signature of UN member states on 5 June 1992 at
6 DENR International Agreements on Environment and Natural Resources: https://intl.denr.gov.ph/
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the Rio Earth Summit or the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. It
entered into force on 29 December 1993.
48. The National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plan (NBSAP), which under Article 6 of the
Convention is the principal instrument for implementing the Convention at the national level was
prepared in 1997, updated in 2002 and again updated with the 2015-2028 Philippine Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan (PBSAP). The PBSAP 2015-2028, adopted in 2016, integrates and
mainstreams CBD objectives into the national development and sectoral planning framework that
includes measurable targets for CBD commitments. The PBSAP lists 113 actions that cover nine
thematic areas, namely, forest, coastal and maritime, inland wetlands, cave and cave systems,
protected areas, agrobiodiversity, urban biodiversity, invasive alien species and access and
benefit-sharing. It involves more than 50 national and attached agencies as responsibility centers
supported by other sectors in the society, such as the academe, local governments, and civil
society.
49. The First National Biodiversity Congress was held in Quezon City, Philippines on 22-24
May 2017 in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity. Organized by BMB and
UNDP, the theme was "Upwelling of Lessons, Sustaining Community Benefits in the Conservation
of Landscapes and Seascapes."
50. As part of the country's commitments to the CBD, the BMB has been conducting regional
consultation workshops for the preparation and submission of the 6th National Report to the CBD
and the development of regional targets in support of the PBSAP.
3. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
51. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an

international treaty that recognizes that the climate system is a shared resource. The objective of
the convention is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level
that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. It sets the
overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to: (a) gather and share information on
greenhouse gases (GHG), national policies and best practices; (b) launch national strategies for
addressing GHGs and adapting to expected impacts, including the provision of financial and
technical support to developing countries; and (c) cooperate in preparing for adaptation to climate
change impacts.
52. Kyoto Protocol (1997). The Kyoto Protocol (KP), otherwise called the "climate protocol,"
is an international emissions reduction treaty under the UNFCCC. Adopted in 1997, the protocol
commits 43 Annex I countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions for the 1st commitment
period 2008-2012 by at least 5% below or equal to the level of their emissions in the base year
1990. The Protocol entered into force on 16 February 2005.
53. The KP put forth three market-based mechanisms in order to assist Annex I countries or
the industrialized nations to meet their commitments: (1) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM),
(2) Joint Implementation (JI), and (3) International Emissions Trading. CDM is relevant for
developing countries since it allows entities in the industrialized nations to support GHG mitigation
projects in developing countries and purchase credits generated by the latter.
54. Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol (2012). During the 8th session of the
Conference of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP) held in Doha, Qatar, on 8 December 2012,
the parties adopted the Doha amendment to the KP by decision 1/CMP.8 in accordance with
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Articles 20 and 21 of the Kyoto Protocol. Article 1, Section B of the Amendment states that the
following list shall replace the list under the heading "Greenhouse Gases" in Annex A to the Kyoto
Protocol: Greenhouse gases—carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O),
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen
trifluoride (NF3).
55. While the Philippines has no commitments to reduce its GHG emissions under the KP, its
focus under the said protocol is the CDM. Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol provides for the CDM,
one of three modalities for developed countries to transfer greenhouse emission reduction
technologies to developing or underdeveloped countries (non-Annex I countries). The latter group
of countries can sell certified emission reductions (CERs), or carbon credits, to the developed
countries. A CER is a form of payment to the project proponent to reduce its GHG emissions.
Projects eligible under the CDM are those that contribute to emission reduction such projects on
renewable energy, energy efficiency improvement and reduction of specific industrial emissions.
56. Paris Agreement (2015). In December 2015 during the 21st Conference of Parties to the
UNFCCC (COP21), the parties adopted the landmark Paris Agreement. The Philippine
Government was one of the parties that signed the Paris Agreement.
57. The central aim of the Paris Agreement is to strengthen the global response to the threat
of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise in this century well below 2 degrees
Celsius (°C) above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase
even further to 1.5°C. The agreement also aims to increase the ability of countries to deal with
the impacts of climate change, and to make finance flows consistent with a low GHG emissions
and climate-resilient pathway.
58. Under the Paris Agreement, each Party shall communicate, at five-year intervals,
successively more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). By 2020, parties
whose NDCs contain a time frame up to 2025 are requested to communicate a new NDC and
Parties with an NDC time frame up to 2030 are requested to communicate or update these
contributions. Successive NDCs are supposed to signify "a progression beyond the Party's then
current NDC and reflect its highest possible ambition."
59. In the UNFCCC's 24th Conference of Parties (COP24) in Katowice, Poland in December
2018, some 195 countries that are parties to the Convention including the Philippines, adopted a
set of guidelines for operationalizing the 2015 Paris Agreement called the 'Paris Rulebook.' This
included the technical details of the Paris Agreement, new finance goals of US$100 billion a year
by 2020 and how countries provide information about their climate actions, mitigation, and
adaptation measures. In COP24, the Philippines expressed its commitment to continue to
champion the following concerns of developing countries: financing for technology development,
transfer and diffusion, and capacity-building; that developed countries have clear programs for
delivery; clarity and acceptability of the time frame of the Paris Agreement programs to enable
developing countries like the Philippines to build their national capacities to avoid future
generation of GHGs and to survive the intensifying impacts of climate change through anticipatory
adaptation.
4. United Nations Convention on Sustainable Development (2012)
60. Also known as Rio+20 or Earth Summit 2012, the United Nations Convention on
Sustainable Development (UNCSD) is the third conference on Sustainable Development. It
followed the 1992 Earth Summit/United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
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(UNCED). UNCSD is the key forum for the consideration of issues related to the integration of the
three dimensions of sustainable development: economic development, social inclusion, and
environmental protection. As such, its mandate is not limited to environmental issues.
61. The conference produced the nonbinding document, "The Future We Want", where heads
of state of 192 governments in attendance (including the Philippines) agreed to the 27 principles
intended to guide countries in future sustainable development and the commitment to promote a
sustainable future. The document also reaffirms the previous Earth Summit (1992) outcomes,
including the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, Agenda 21, and Forest
Principles.
62. The Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) was created through
Executive Order 370 series of 1996 to integrate the principles of sustainable development into
Philippine national programs, policies, and plans. The PCSD submitted the National Report on
Rio+20 Conference in 2011.
63. DENR currently serves as the chair for the Committee on the Conservation and
Management of Resources for Development, which focuses on the physical dimensions of the
environment such as the atmosphere, biodiversity, water, and land resources.
64. The United Nations Sustainable Development Summit held on 25 September 2015
reaffirmed the global commitment towards sustainable development through the adoption of a
new framework to guide development efforts from 2015 to 2030. The Sustainable Development
Agenda 2030 sets the global priorities through 17 Sustainable Development Goals and 169
targets which cover the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of development. Some
goals directly related to the environment include, 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, 13: Climate
Action, 14: Life on Water, and 15: Life on Land.
5. Other Notable Intergovernmental Agreements and Programs
65. The Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous

Wastes and Their Disposal (1989) – is a comprehensive global environmental treaty that aims
to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects resulting from the
generation, management, transboundary movement, and disposal of hazardous and other
wastes. Parties to the Basel Convention are obliged to ensure that hazardous and other wastes
are managed and disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
66. UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve Program – In 1990, two years before the
passage of RA 7611, the global community recognized the international significance of the entire
region of Palawan by including it in the global network of biosphere reserves (BRs) under the Man
and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO).
67. The MAB Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish
a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments. It
combines the natural and social sciences with a view to improving human livelihoods and
safeguarding natural and managed ecosystems, thus promoting innovative approaches to
economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally
sustainable.
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68. The Palawan BR has a total area of 1,150,800 ha covering the entire province. The three
functions of BRs are (1) biodiversity conservation, (2) development that is socio-culturally and
ecologically sustainable, and (3) logistical support for demonstration projects, environmental
education and training, and research and monitoring related to issues of conservation and
sustainable development.7 These functions are already well-integrated into the SEP framework.
69. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2001) – is a global

treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs),
which are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely
distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms, and are toxic to both
humans and wildlife. Parties to the Stockholm Convention are enjoined to reduce or eliminate
releases of POPs into the environment, including those unintentionally formed and released from
waste incinerators and co-incinerators of municipal, hazardous, or medical waste or of sewage
sludge, among other source categories. Governments must require the use of best available
techniques (BAT) and promote best environmental practices (BEP) for new sources within four
years after the Convention come into force for the country.
C. ADB Safeguard Requirements
70. ADB is committed to ensuring the environmental sustainability of the projects it supports.
Its 2009 Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) has three safeguard requirements (SR) described
below:
71. ADB’s Safeguard Requirements 1 (SR1) on Environment outlines the requirements

that borrowers/clients are required to meet when delivering environmental safeguards for projects
supported by the ADB. It discusses the objectives and scope of application and underscores the
requirements for undertaking the environmental assessment process. These requirements
include: (i) assessing impacts; (ii) planning and managing impact mitigations; (iii) preparing
environmental assessment reports; (iv) disclosing information and undertaking consultation; (v)
establishing a grievance mechanism; and (vi) monitoring and reporting.
72. ADB’s Safeguard Requirements 2 (SR2) on Involuntary Resettlement outlines the

requirements that borrowers/clients are required to meet in delivering involuntary resettlement
safeguards to projects supported by ADB. It discusses the objectives, scope of application, and
underscores the requirements for: (i) undertaking the social impact assessment and resettlement
planning process; (ii) preparing social impact assessment reports and resettlement planning
documents; (iii) exploring negotiated land acquisition; (iv) disclosing information and engaging in
consultations; (v) establishing a grievance mechanism; and (vi) resettlement monitoring and
reporting.
73. ADB’s Safeguard Requirements 3 (SR3) on Indigenous Peoples outlines the

requirements that borrowers/clients are required to meet in delivering indigenous peoples
safeguards to projects supported by ADB. It discusses the objectives and scope of application,
and underscores the requirements pertaining to: (i) undertaking the social impact assessment
and planning process; (ii) preparing social impact assessment reports and planning documents;
(iii) disclosing information and undertaking consultation, including ascertaining consent of affected
Indigenous Peoples community to selected project activities; (iv) establishing a grievance
mechanism; and (v) monitoring and reporting. This set of policy requirements will safeguard
indigenous peoples' rights to maintain, sustain, and preserve their cultural identities, practices,
7
1995 Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves
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and habitats and to ensure that projects affecting them will take the necessary measures to protect
these rights.
74. Project Categorization. ADB carries out project screening and categorization at the
earliest stage of project preparation when sufficient information is available. The SPS provides
guidance on the environment category of projects based on the degree of anticipated
environmental impacts. ADB environmental safeguards objectives are: (i) to ensure the
environmental soundness and sustainability of projects and (ii) to support the integration of
environmental considerations into the project decision-making process. ADB environmental
safeguards are triggered if a project is likely to have potential environmental risks and impacts.
The initial process of categorization involves filling out a sectoral rapid environmental assessment
(REA) checklist. A project is classified as one of the four environmental categories (A, B, C, or FI)
based on the most environmentally sensitive component. Categories are as follows:
(i) Category A: Project that is likely to have significant adverse environmental impacts which
are irreversible, diverse, or unprecedented. These impacts may affect an area larger than
the sites or facilities subject to physical works. An environmental impact assessment (EIA),
including an environmental management plan (EMP), is required.
(ii) Category B: Project with potential adverse environmental impacts that are less adverse
than those of category A projects. These impacts are site-specific, few if any of them are
irreversible, and in most cases mitigation measures can be designed more readily than
for category A projects. An initial environmental examination (IEE), including an EMP, is
required.
(iii) Category C: Project that is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts.
An EIA or IEE is not required, although environmental implications need to be reviewed.
(iv) Category FI: Project is classified as category FI if it involves the investment of
ADB funds to, or through, a financial intermediary.
75. Environmental screening is based on the subproject’s location and its potential risks and
impacts based on the types and scope of works and activities in relation to the existing
environmental conditions. For a subproject with multiple components, each component is
assessed as to its type, location, scale, environmental sensitivity, and the magnitude of its
potential environmental impacts. The detail of the environmental assessment (through the IEE)
will be proportionate with the significance of the potential impacts and risks.
76. Initial screening using ADB REA checklists for urban development projects (Appendix A)
was conducted in relation to the SWM and drainage components of the El Nido subproject, and
results show that the subproject components are unlikely to cause any significant adverse
impacts, and therefore classified under Category B per ADB SPS. Thus, this IEE report has been
prepared in accordance with ADB SPS requirements for project with Category B classification.
77. Environmental Management Plan. An EMP is be prepared, implemented, and monitored

to address all potential environmental impact and manage residual impacts and risks to
acceptable levels. The level of detail and complexity of the EMP and the priority of the identified
measures and actions are commensurate with the project’s impact and risks. The EMP also
identifies the resource requirements, institutional mechanisms including possible capacity
building requirements for its implementation and monitoring.
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78. Public Disclosure. Upon review and confirmation that a safeguard document complies
with the requirements of ADB SPS, ADB will post such safeguard document on its website as well
as disclose relevant information in accessible manner in local communities:
(i) for environmental category A projects, draft EIA report at least 120 days before Board
consideration;
(ii) final or updated EIA and/or IEE upon receipt; and
(iii) environmental monitoring reports submitted by the PMU during project
implementation upon receipt.
79. Consultation and Participation. The project needs to carry out meaningful consultation8
with affected people and other concerned stakeholders, including civil society, and facilitate their
informed participation. The consultation process and its results are to be documented and
reflected in the environmental assessment report.
80. Grievance Redress Mechanism. The project needs to establish a mechanism to receive
and facilitate resolution of affected peoples’ concerns, complaints, and grievances about the
project’s environmental performance. The grievance mechanism shall be scaled to the risks and
adverse impacts of the project. As of the ADB loan processing period for the project, a grievance
redress mechanism (GRM) has been proposed and discussed in detail in Section VIII below. This
proposed GRM shall be approved and endorsed by the executing agency and/or implementing
agency.
81. Monitoring and Reporting. The project needs to monitor, measure and document the
progress of implementation of the EMP. If necessary, the project will identify the necessary
corrective actions, and reflect them in a corrective action plan. The project will prepare and submit
to ADB semi-annual environmental monitoring reports that describe progress with implementation
of the EMP, and compliance issues and corrective actions, if any. For the SWM subproject that is
likely to have environmental impacts during operation phase, reporting will continue until ADB
issues a project completion report.
82. Unanticipated Environmental Impacts. Where unanticipated environmental impacts

become apparent during implementation, the project needs to update the environmental
assessment and EMP or prepare a new environmental assessment and EMP to assess the
potential impacts, evaluate the alternatives, and outline mitigation measures and resources to
address those impacts.
83. Pollution Prevention and Control Technologies. During the design, construction, and
operation of the project, the project will apply pollution prevention and control technologies and
practices consistent with international good practice, as reflected in internationally recognized
standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines. These
standards contain performance levels and measures that are normally acceptable and applicable
to projects. When government regulations differ from these levels and measures, the project will
achieve whichever is more stringent. If less stringent levels or measures are appropriate in view
8 Per ADB SPS, 2009, meaningful consultation means a process that (i) begins early in the project preparation stage
and is carried out on an ongoing basis throughout the project cycle;1 (ii) provides timely disclosure of relevant and
adequate information that is understandable and readily accessible to affected people; (iii) is undertaken in an
atmosphere free of intimidation or coercion; (iv) is gender inclusive and responsive, and tailo red to the needs of
disadvantaged and vulnerable groups; and (v) enables the incorporation of all relevant views of affected people and
other stakeholders into decision making, such as project design, mitigation measures, the sharing of development
benefits and opportunities, and implementation issues.
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of specific project circumstances, the project will provide full and detailed justification for any
proposed alternatives that are consistent with the requirements presented in ADB SPS.
84. Occupational Health and Safety. The project9 shall ensure that workers10 are provided
with a safe and healthy working environment, considering risks inherent to the sector and specific
classes of hazards in the subproject work areas, including physical, chemical, biological, and
radiological hazards. The project shall ensure to take steps to prevent accidents, injury, and
disease arising from, associated with, or occurring during the course of work by (i) identifying and
minimizing, so far as reasonably practicable, the causes of potential hazards to workers; (ii)
providing preventive and protective measures, including modification, substitution, or elimination
of hazardous conditions or substances; (iii) providing appropriate equipment to minimize risks and
requiring and enforcing its use; (iv) training workers and providing them with appropriate
incentives to use and comply with health and safety procedures and protective equipment; (v)
documenting and reporting occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents; and (vi) having
emergency prevention, preparedness, and response arrangements in place.
85. Community Health and Safety. The project needs to ensure to identify and assess the
risks to, and potential impacts on, the safety of affected communities during the design,
construction, operation, and decommissioning of the subproject components, and will establish
preventive measures and plans to address them in a manner commensurate with the identified
risks and impacts.
86. The project shall ensure to apply preventive and protective measures for both
occupational and community health and safety consistent with international good practice, as
reflected in internationally recognized standards such as the World Bank Group’s Environmental,
Health and Safety Guidelines.11 The project shall also adhere to necessary protocols in response
to emerging infectious diseases such as the corona virus disease (COVID-19) consistent with the
guidelines of relevant government healthcare agencies and the World Health Organization.
87. Physical Cultural Resources. The project is responsible for siting and designing the
subprojects to avoid significant damage to physical cultural resources. Such resources likely to
be affected by the subproject components will be identified, and qualified and experienced experts
will assess the potential impacts on these resources using field-based surveys as an integral part
of the environmental assessment process.
88. Environmental Audit. When a project involves existing activities or facilities, the project
is responsible to ensure that relevant external experts will perform environmental audits to
determine the existence of any areas where such facilities may cause or is causing environmental
risks or impacts. If the project does not foresee any new major expansion, the audit constitutes
the environmental assessment for the project.
89. Bidding and Contract Documents. The IEE report, which contains the EMP, needs to
be included in bidding and contract documents and verified by the project. The project shall also
ensure that bidding and contract documents include specific provisions requiring contractors to
9 In case where responsibility is delegated to subproject contractors during construction phase, the project shall ensure
that the responsibilities on occupational health and safety as described herein are i ncluded in the contract
documents.
10 Including nonemployee workers engaged by the project through contractors or other intermediaries to work on project
sites or perform work directly related to the project’s core functions.
11 World Bank Group, 2007. Environmental, Health, and Safety General Guidelines. Washington, DC.
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(i) comply with all other conditions required by ADB,12 and (ii) to submit to the project’s PMU, for
review and approval, a Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan
(CESHSMP), including (i) proposed sites/locations for construction work camps, storage areas,
hauling roads, lay down areas, disposal areas for solid and hazardous wastes; (ii) specific
mitigation measures following the approved EMP; (iii) monitoring program as per EMP; and (iv)
budget for CESHSMP implementation, among others as may be required. No works can
commence prior to approval of CESHSMP. A copy of the EMP and/or approved CESHSMP will
be kept on site during the construction period at all times. Non-compliance with, or any deviation
from, the conditions set out in the EMP and/or CESHSMP constitutes a failure in compliance and
shall require corrective actions.
90. Conditions for Award of Contract and Commencement of Work. The project shall not
award any works contract until (i) relevant provisions from the EMP are incorporated into the
works contract; (ii) the IEE report is updated to reflect project’s final detailed design and the project
has obtained ADB’s clearance of such updated IEE report; and (iii) DENR-approved EIS (i.e. EIA
in compliance with ECR, 1997) and other necessary permits from relevant government agencies
have been obtained. For “design, build, and operate” type contracts, PMU shall ensure no works
for a subproject which involves environmental impacts shall commence until (i) relevant provisions
from the EMP are incorporated into the works contract; and (ii) this IEE report is updated to reflect
subproject’s detailed design and PMU has obtained ADB’s clearance for such updated IEE.
91. Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment. The ADB also requires the identification
of climate change risks to specific subproject early in the project cycle. Preliminary climate risk
screening initially assesses the sensitivity of the project components to climate conditions, i.e.,
how climate parameters and projected sea level rise will have impacts on project design, design,
construction materials to be used, construction schedules, and possible adaptation strategies.
Technical guidelines have been developed by ADB to guide project proponents in the climate risk
and vulnerability assessment.13 Particularly for water and sanitation investments, ADB also
published the Guidelines on Climate Proofing Investment in the Water Sector: Water Supply and
Sanitation14 detailing a step-by-step methodology in identifying appropriate climate adaptation
techniques into water supply and sanitation sector investment projects.
92. The Preliminary Climate Risk Screening is included as part of the initial screening done
using ADB REA Checklists, which are attached as APPENDIX A of this document.
93. Table 8 presents a summary of governing environmental rules and regulations that may
be applicable to the subproject. The table lists applicable laws, the guidelines, and other
alternatives in the absence of specific Philippine standards. Following requirements of ADB SPS,
the overall project, which includes the El Nido subproject covered in this IEE, shall apply pollution
prevention and control technologies and practices consistent with international good practice, as
reflected in EHS Guidelines. When the government regulations differ from these levels and
measures, the project shall achieve whichever is more stringent. If less stringent levels or
12 Contractors to comply with (i) all applicable labor laws and core labor standards on (a) prohibition of child labor as
defined in national legislation for construction and maintenance activities; (b) equal pay for equal work of equal value
regardless of gender, ethnicity, or caste; and (c) elimination of forced labor; and with (ii) the requirement to
disseminate information on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, to employees and local communities
surrounding the project sites.
13
ADB. 2014. Climate Risk Management in ADB Projects. Manila.
14
ADB. 2016. Guidelines for Climate Proofing Investment in the Water Sector: Water Supply and Sanitation. Manila.
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measures are appropriate in view of specific project circumstances, TIEZA through PMU will
provide full and detailed justification for any proposed alternatives that are consistent with the
requirements presented in ADB SPS.
Table 8: Summary of Laws, Regulations and Standards relevant to the STDP Subprojects
in El Nido
Environment Internatio
Category nal Best
Specific Applicable Practice
Laws/Regulations * in case Examination of
Subprojects Components
and No Alternatives
PEISS ADB
Specific Provisions National
Legislati
on Exists
Solid Waste ● Category 3 B B PD 1586 PEISS IFC EHS ● Technical
Managemen sanitary ECC is required as for options for
t landfill per PD 1586. This Waste collection
● ~ 3 km will be secured from Manage ● Technical
access EMB Regional Office ment options for
roads and processing may Facilities disposal:
● Compostin take 3 to 6 months (2007) basal line
g after filing. for SLF system,
● Support Prerequisites are closure leachate
facilities LGU endorsements, standard manageme
including zoning, PAMB and s nt system,
leachate PCSD clearances. landfill gas
treatment RA 7611 Strategic manageme
and gas Environmental Plan nt
collection for Palawan Act ● Technical
Any development options for
must conform with treatment
RA 7611. All projects of organic
undertakings covered waste
by the SEP ● Bio-
Clearance System digesters
are required to compared
secure ECAN Zoning with
Certification and SEP composting
Clearance from
PCSD.
RA 9003 Ecological
Solid Waste
Management Act
Site clearance and
permit to Operate
from the EMB, MGB,
and National Solid
Waste Management
Commission. Site
clearance should be
secured prior to ECC
application. Note that
a site clearance was
already given to the
permission.
24
Category nal Best
and No Alternatives
PEISS ADB
Legislati
on Exists
proposed Barotuan
SLF.
RA 8749 Philippine
Clean Air Act
Secure Permit to
Operate Air Pollution
Source Installation
(PTO-APSI) per DAO
2000-81
RA 6969 Toxic
Substances,
Hazardous and
Nuclear Waste
Control Act
Secure Hazardous
Waste Generator’s ID
(HWID) per DAO
2013-22
DAO 2004-52 Tree
Cutting Permits
Secure Tree Cutting
Permits (TCP)
RA 9275 Clean
Water Act
Discharge permit
(DP) for the leachate
treatment plant per
DAO 2016-08; may
be applied during
construction but will
be issued only during
operation when
effluent can be
sampled and
analyzed. Processing
period is 3 months
after filing.
Environmental
sanitation clearance
from DOH;
application to be
submitted at the DOH
Regional office
before operations;
processing period is
within 6 months after
filing.
permission.
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Category nal Best
and No Alternatives
PEISS ADB
Legislati
on Exists
Drainage ● Constructi B B PD 1586 PEISS IFC EHS Several types
on of ECC is required as for Water of:
additional per PD 1586. This and ● Urban
drainage will be secured from Sanitatio drainage
network EMB Regional Office n (2007) networks
● Rehabilitati and processing may for storm ● Water
on of take 3 to 6 months water treatment
existing after filing. discharg equipment
drains and Prerequisites are es ● Outlet
existing LGU endorsements, through options
outfalls zoning, PAMB and outfall ● Velocity
● Retention PCSD clearances. breaker
basins RA 7611 Strategic options
Environmental Plan ● Retention
for Palawan Act basin
Any development structures
must conform with and
RA 7611. All projects locations
undertakings covered
by the SEP
Clearance System
are required to
secure ECAN Zoning
Certification and SEP
Clearance from
PCSD.
RA 9275 Clean
Water Act
DP is not required for
drainage outfalls not
used as part of the
combined sewerage
network. Buffer
zones for outfall will
be guided by local
regulations.
DAO 2004-52 Tree
Cutting Permits
Secure Tree Cutting
Permits (TCP)
Urban Integration of C/D C RA 7160 or Local No
Design greening Government Code specific
measures into and relevant guideline
the design of municipal ordinances for urban
the drainage Urban development design
improvements must be consistent
where feasible with the municipal
CLUP
permission.
26
Category nal Best
and No Alternatives
PEISS ADB
Legislati
on Exists
Small-Scale ● Installation C/D C ●
PD 856 Code on No
Tourism of buoys Sanitation specific
Support ● Floating ● NIPAS/E-NIPAS guideline
Infrastructur trails Act for small-
e ● Water ● DAO 2013-19 scale
supply Interventions must be tourism
system consistent with support
● Sanitation NIPAS/E-NIPAS and infrastruc
facilities other proclamation ture
● Tourist on protected areas
shelter and reserve
● DAO 2009-09
● BMB Technical
Bulletin 2016-03
Design criteria for
interventions installed
and/or constructed
within protected
areas
Note: All subprojects will be covered by the SEP and ECAN requirements as previously discussed
under RA 7611.
III. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
94. This section will focus on the description of components of the subproject in El Nido that
involve civil works as defined under STDP Outputs 1 and 2, namely: (i) Solid Waste Management
– Improvement of municipal solid waste management through segregation of waste at source,
improvement of collection and recycling services, and development of a new sanitary landfill; (ii)
Drainage and Urban Design – Upgrading of stormwater drainage to reduce flooding and marine
pollution from stormwater runoff; and (iii) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure –
Development of a pedestrian walkway connecting the public market to the beach in Corong
Corong and terminal and pontoon for tourist boats.
A. Project Rationale
95. As discussed in Part I (Introduction) of this report, the proposed STDP aims to promote
tourism development and transform the Municipality of El Nido into a sustainable, inclusive,
resilient, and competitive tourism center. It builds on the strength of the tourist destination,
particularly its pristine and rich natural resources, by sustainably managing and conserving
natural capital, and improves on areas that will contribute to the industry’s competitiveness,
namely urban environmental and health services, tourism infrastructure facilities, and enterprise
development.
permission.
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as Coron and El Nido. The project is listed as part of the TouRIST Program recently launched by
the DOT in coordination with various government agencies and local stakeholders and in
partnership with multilateral development banks. Moreover, the STDP is expected to contribute
to the reduction of poverty, income inequality, and unemployment—which forms part of the PDP
2017-2022 objectives anchored in the longer-term vision espoused in Ambisyon 2040.
97. Likewise, the STDP is consistent with the ADB Strategy 2030 and supports key
operational priorities of tackling climate change, making cities more livable, and strengthening
governance and institutional capacity. It contributes to ADB’s commitment to accelerate blue
investment in Asia and the Pacific through the Oceans Financing Initiative, working across the
four areas of blue economy, ecosystem management, pollution control, and sustainable
infrastructure. It is also aligned with the Philippine Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023,
especially in promoting local economic development pillar.
B. Project Components
1. Major Outputs of the STDP
98. The STDP will have three (3) major outputs described as follows:
99. Output 1: Urban infrastructure and services improved. The reliability of water supply
services in Coron will be improved through: (i) the development of a new surface water intake
with backup groundwater wells for dry season, to expand production capacity to 4,117 cubic
meters per day (m3/day); (ii) the construction of a 4,000 cubic meters (m 3) water treatment plant,
storage facilities, and transmission lines, and (iii) the expansion of the distribution network to
provide 900 additional connections, including up to 190 free connections for poor female-headed
urban households In Coron, two wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of 3,535
m3/day and sewerage network will be constructed with an initial 2,500 connections to be provided
free of charge to households. Fecal sludge collection services will be strengthened. In El Nido,
municipal solid waste management will be improved through segregation of waste at source,
improved collection and recycling services, and the development of a new sanitary landfill.
Stormwater drainage upgrades in both towns will reduce flooding and marine pollution from
stormwater runoff. The development of a pedestrian walkway connecting the public market to the
beach in Corong Corong and terminal and pontoon for tourist boats in El Nido, and street lighting
and pontoon in Coron, will create a more tourist-friendly environment. A strategy for improving
healthcare services for tourists and residents in both destinations will also be developed.
Institutional strengthening for local government units (LGUs) including promoting improved cost
recovery in urban services delivery through tariffs and tourism fees, will also be supported through
capacity development activities.
100. Output 2: Ecosystems at key tourism sites sustainably managed. Through the DOT,
the project will support the development and implementation of management plans for the key
marine and coastal tourism sites in four priority clusters in Coron and El Nido. The main activities
include (i) ecosystem rehabilitation in four sites including mangrove and seagrass restoration, (ii)
provision of alternative livelihood trainings in areas such as food processing and weaving for 200
people in fishing-dependent communities, particularly indigenous peoples and women, so that
they can benefit from tourism-related income-generating opportunities; (iv) installation of mooring
buoys, toilet and garbage disposal facilities at five priority tourism sites; (v) implementation of a
program to monitor site conditions such as water quality and climate change impacts; (vi)
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improved business planning for sustainable tourism management at eight sites, including the
development of a sustainable financing mechanism; (vii) implementation of a marine conservation
information, education and awareness campaign; and (viii) strengthening of government capacity
in protected area planning, management and enforcement.
101. Output 3: Productivity of tourism workers and MSMEs improved. The project will support DOT
to establish of 17 private sector-led skills training networks in areas including accommodation, food
services, dive operations, and tour operations using the enterprise-led learning network skills development
funding model.15 Participating firms in the networks will collectively nominate 1700 of their workers, and
identify common priority training needs, to be supported by the project. As part of the training program,
training in COVID-19 health and safety protocols, and gender sensitivity training will be provided. A specific
focus of the training will be digital skills enhancement for tourism workers. The project will also provide 60
matching grants to finance MSME investments needed to raise productivity and implement improved health
and safety protocols, such as through the adoption of digital systems for contactless payments and
bookings. A competitive selection process will be put into place, and those firms that meet the agreed
selection criteria will be eligible to have qualifying investments of up to $50,000 per firm, financed by the
project.16
2. Priority Subprojects
102. The components of the identified priority subprojects in El Nido under STDP Outputs 1
and 2 are presented as follows.
(i) Solid Waste Management Subproject. The El Nido Solid Waste Management
Subproject will have the following components:
Table 9: Solid Waste Management Subproject Components
Component Description
Collection Household Waste Collection System
● The capacity of the household waste collection fleet will be increased by the
acquisition of three compactor collection trucks of 10m 3 capacity.
● The door-to-door household waste collection will be progressively extended to the
rural barangays (starting with Villa Libertad, Bucana and Barotuan).
● All households collected will be supplied with standard 40-liter waste containers.
● A temporary storage area will be created at the entrance to the landfill with three
RC hoppers for temporary storage of C&D and oversize waste on a bring basis.
Recyclables
● The existing network of MRFs will be maintained: there will be one MRF in each
of the 18 barangays, plus 1 MRF near the main market in Corong-Corong. The
use of the MRFs will be improved by both proper signage at the MRFs and a
communication campaign about their use. A dedicated collection of the
recyclables from the MRFs will be implemented.
● The existing recycling workshop at Villa Libertad will be improved by increasing
and organizing the storage space and adding a plastic shredder to increase
capacity.
Biowaste
15 The model, which is based on the Irish SkillNet program, was successfully piloted in the Philippines with DOT under
TA 8334-PHI: Improving Competitiveness in the Tourism Sector.
16 Selection criteria will be developed during project implementation, and will be subject to agreement between ADB
and DOT, prior to any disbursement of loan and grant proceeds. MSME matching contribution to be determined
during implementation to consider the financial impact of COVID-19 on MSMEs. Female-owned MSMEs may require
a lower matching contribution given the disproportional impact of COVID-19.
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● A dedicated collection service for market waste and household biowaste will be
implemented in the urban barangays. The biowaste will go to the new anaerobic
digester at the WWTP in Villa Libertad.
Hazardous Waste
● Dedicated containers for collection of hazardous wastes will be provided in the
MRFs recycling points (23 containers in total).
● A temporary storage area for household hazardous waste will be created at the
landfill site, featuring standard 20’ shipping containers containing dedicated,
secure containers for the different types of household hazardous waste.
Disposal New Sanitary Landfill Facility (SLF)
The provision of new sanitary landfill to replace the existing dumpsite is
recommended.
● Open space: 26,000 m 3 of open space will be required by 2025 (335,000 m 3 by
2042)
● Site layout: The total site will cover an area of 95,500 m² (78% of the allocated
land plot, 122,940 m²). The landfill cells will cover a total area of 35,000 m² and
will be subdivided into nine cells of approx. 3,500 m² each, to be filled
sequentially over the course of the 20-year design life. The maximum height of
waste within the cells will be 13 m. The area immediately to the east of the landfill
will provide the potential for extension of the landfill in the future.
● Site access road: A new access road (7 m wide and 1,500 m long) will connect
the site to the main road along the El Nido-JCT New Ibahay Road (national
highway), south of Barangay Barotuan.
● Operating facilities: The site will be equipped with a reception area, including
weighbridge, a site office and facilities for personnel, and a garage.
● Leachate treatment: The leachate will drain to a leachate storage pond. The
majority of the leachate will be recirculated back into the landfill mass, with the
excess being transported off-site for treatment at the WWTP.
● Landfill gas (LFG) treatment system: It is recommended to select the flare stack
option.
(ii) Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The El Nido Drainage Subproject will
have the following components:
Table 10: Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Components
Drainage Sidewalk box culvert is the preferred option for Corong-Corong drainage network. The
Network proposed pipelines have a total length of 3.6 km, including 91% of box culverts (6% for
thalweg to be rehabilitated and 3% for cross drain under the national highway). Box
culverts sections range from 0.2 m x 0.2 m to 1.2 m x 1.2 m (0.3 m x 0.3 m section
represents 41% of total box culverts length)
Treatment ● Screened catch basins and deep sumps (every 20 m) are recommended all along
Works the drainage network.
● Sand boxes are proposed upstream of road crossings and will also be
recommended at outlets.
● Oil separators are recommended for 3 places located in front of the Public Market
(2 petrol stations and one bus terminal).
● A sewage project is proposed to be implemented in parallel of this drainage
project to reduce pollution conveyed to the sea by the drainage system.
Outlets ● Sand boxes are proposed at the outlets as catch basins’ screens, deep sumps
and sand boxes will stop solid wastes before they reach the outlet.
● If a temporary solution is required by El Nido’s LGU to treat the drainage effluent
before the sewage project is implemented, it is recommended to implement the
dry-weather pumping station as a separate project.
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Velocity Only one location faces high velocity (i.e., thalweg next to El Nido High School): in
Breaker addition to properly identify the banks of the thalweg to avoid storage and
construction, waterfalls/steps are recommended to ensure a sufficient effect of velocity
breaker during high intensity rainfall events.
Esteros / To preserve esteros, it is recommended that LGU identifies all of them and clearly
Thalwegs identifies and marks its banks (e.g., stones or trees/bushes) to avoid informal
settlements in their ways.
Additional The additional pontoon proposed at Corong-Corong, Takasan Area aims to provide
Pontoon at adequate facilities in an area which is currently being used and it is intended to use it
Corong- for dealing with the Tours A & B. Tour A being the most popular Tour, this pontoon
Corong would decongest the existing pontoon of Bacuit Bay near the Port which is dealing
Takasan with Tour A.
Area
There is currently an existing reinforced concrete pier and a quay. Since the
foundation portion of the pier appears to be in a reasonably good condition, the idea is
to repair with minor surfacing the top portion of the existing pier and quay and followed
by the installation of a floating pontoon at the end of the pier with a pedestrian access
between the two structures.
The pier is about 15 m long, currently founded on ten (10) reinforced concrete square
piles, which are in rather good condition; they are vertical, not cracked or settled, but 3
or 4 of them having been eroded by the waves require some minor surface repairs
(with epoxy mortar).
The proposed project to be funded by ADB would then include the construction of:
● A floating pontoon, 80 m long, at the end of the rehabilitated concrete pier, with
appropriate stair connection with the pier, as necessary;
● Support facilities such as (i) small passenger terminal building with facilities and
amenities for those boarding the out-rigger boats, and (ii) improvement of the
access lane to the pier.
Urban Design ● Definition of touristic amenities to be developed, related to infrastructure (that
does not need additional public space); and
● Integration of greening measures into the design of the drainage improvements
where feasible.
(iii) Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject. The El Nido Small-

Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject will have the following
components:
Table 11: Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject Components
Big Lagoon Design and Installation of Buoys
Island Floating Trails
Small Water Supply System (Level-II)
The proposed water supply project is for domestic purposes. It is not intended for
potable water. Sea water will be utilized as source of water for washing, cleaning, and
sanitary use (should be portable). The sea water will be tapped by constructing an
intake structure with filtering method to remove impurities and other materials from the
sea which serves as primary treatment, a solar pumping system will drive the product
sea water to the elevated tank further additional rainfed tank is provided for collecting
rainwater from the roofing facilities. The indicative investments are the following:
● 1-unit intake structure with filter.
● Pump house with 1 HP solar pump and 5KW solar panel.
● Elevated stand tank with prefabricated 2 m3 capacity stainless tank.
● Rainfed PVC tank 0.5 cum capacity.
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● Communal faucet.
● Landscaping.
Sanitation Facilities
The sanitation facilities are composed of one-unit Eco-toilet 2 separate rooms (male
and female). The indicative investments:
● 6 m2 toilet facility (1 unit 2 rooms).
● Plumbing works.
● STP type septic tank.
Tourist Shelter
The proposed shed house is made of GI steel framing and PVC roofing materials that
prevent from rusting with built in plastic long chairs (facing 2 sides and one long table
at the center). The purpose is for tourists to rest and relax temporarily. It can be
occupied by at least to a maximum of 10 persons.
Covered Interpretation Stand
Natnat Design and Installation of Buoys
Beach Floating Trails
Small Water Supply System (Level-II)
The proposed water supply project is for domestic purposes, not intended for potable
water. Sea water will be utilized as source of water for washing, cleaning, and sanitary
use. The sea water will be tapped by constructing an intake structure with filtering
process to remove impurities and other materials from the sea which serves as
primary treatment, a solar pumping system will drive the product sea water to the
elevated tank further additional rainfed tank is provided for collecting rainwater from
the roofing facilities. The indicative investments are the following:
● 1-unit intake structure with filter chamber.
● Pump house with 1 HP solar pump and 5 KW solar panel.
● Elevated 2 m 3 tank.
● Rainfed tank 1 m 3 capacity.
● Landscaping.
The sanitation facilities are composed of one-unit toilet with 2 separate rooms (male
and female) and modular STP that will collect both sanitary and human waste. The
indicative investments are the following:
● 6 m2 toilet facility (1 unit 2 rooms).
● Plumbing works.
● STP (Maybe not if using eco toilets)
Shed House
South Design and Installation of Buoys
Miniloc, El Floating Trails
Nido, Small Water Supply System (Level-II)
Palawan The proposed water supply project is for domestic purposes not intended for potable
water therefore a sea water will utilize as source of water for washing, cleaning and
sanitary use. The sea water will be tapped by constructing an intake structure with
filtering process to remove impurities and other materials from the sea which serves as
primary treatment, a solar pumping system will drive the product sea water to the
elevated tank further additional rainfed tank is provided for collecting rainwater from
the roofing facilities. The indicative investments are the following:
● 1-unit intake structure with filter chamber.
● Pump house with 1 HP solar pump and 5 KW solar panel.
● Elevated 2 m3 tank.
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● Rainfed tank 1 m3 capacity.

● Landscaping
The sanitation facilities are composed of one-unit toilet 2 separate rooms (male and
female) and STP type that will collect both sanitary and human waste. The indicative
investment are the following:
● toilet facility (1 unit 2 rooms)
● Plumbing works.
● STP type septic tank
Shed House
C. Project Location
103. All proposed priority subprojects will be situated within the territorial jurisdiction of the
Municipality of El Nido, a first-class municipality in the Province of Palawan, MIMAROPA Region
(formerly Region IV-B), Philippines. The location maps of the proposed subprojects are shown in
Figures 2 to 6.
104. Situated between the geographical coordinates of 11°11'24.97" North latitude and 119°
30'29.53" East longitude, El Nido is located on the northern tip of Palawan Island on the western
side of Central Philippines. It has a total land area of 923.26 km2 mostly on the Palawan mainland
with the rest distributed in 45 islands. It is composed of four (4) urban barangays (Maligaya, Buena
Suerte, Masagana, and Corong-Corong) and 14 rural barangays (Aberawan, Bagong Bayan,
Barotuan, Bebeladan, Bucana, Mabini, Manlag, New Ibajay, Pasadeña, San Fernando, Sibaltan,
Teneguiban, Villa Libertad, and Villa Paz). Barangay Buena Suerte is comprised of land areas in
the mainland and areas on Cadlao Island. There is a boundary issue involving Barangay Bagong
Bayan in El Nido and Barangay Cataban in the Municipality of Taytay.
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Figure 2: El Nido Solid Waste Management Subproject Site Location and Access Road
34
Figure 3: El Nido Solid Waste Management Subproject General Layout
Source: TA-
9554 – Reg: Southeast Asia Urban Services Facility, PHP: STDP Feasibility Study
35
Figure 4: El Nido Drainage Subproject Drainage Alignment
Source: TA-9554 – Reg: Southeast Asia Urban Services Facility, PHP: STDP Feasibility Study
36
Figure 5: El Nido Drainage Subproject Proposed Drainage System for Corong-Corong
37
Figure 6: El Nido Drainage Subproject Drainage Alignment
Alignment of proposed drain to replace the under-capacity pipe

Location of oil separators and their catchment area
laid under the one El Nido suite building
38
D. Development Plan, Description of Project Phases, and Corresponding Timeframes
105. The project will be implemented over a six-year period from 2021 to 2026, although most
project disbursement is scheduled for 2020 to 2025 with the last year mostly for payment of
retention payments for contractors after the handover and defects period at the end of their
contracts. A summary showing the scheduling by the main expenditure items including
contingencies is shown in Table 12 on the next page.
1. Pre-Construction Phase
106. The Pre-Construction Phase for all subprojects primarily involves the conduct of
preliminary site investigations and acquisition of the necessary permits, clearances, and similar
documentary requirements. Site preparation and clearing will be done prior to the construction of
the subprojects. The initial development of the area includes the enhancement of road networks
for increased accessibility and easier transport of materials and supplies.
2. Construction Phase
107. The Construction Phase for all subprojects mainly includes civil and earthworks;
procurement, shipping, site delivery, and installation of equipment; and construction of facilities.
Proper occupational health and safety procedures will be implemented to ensure the welfare of
the workers. Construction equipment and materials will be delivered to the site using the existing
road networks. Proper coordination will be done for vehicular traffic management during the
construction.
3. Operations Phase
108. All priority subprojects are expected to operate as long as serviceable and will require
regular and proper maintenance.
4. Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase
109. The priority subprojects are not expected to be abandoned within the years of their
planned operations. However, ceasing of operations, particularly of the major sub-components of
the Solid Waste Management component, may be necessary due to the following potential
scenarios:
(i) Unsustainable business operations due to economic downturns;

(ii) Changes in zoning and other related ordinances of the Municipality of El Nido;
(iii) Transfer of operations to other sites;
(iv) Accidents and emergencies (either natural or man-made) resulting to severe
facility damage and/or loss of human life; and
(v) Closure order from government agencies.
110. As such, if the abovementioned scenarios happen, which could result to the partial or total
closure of the facility, an Abandonment Plan will be initiated by the Proponent.
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Table 12: Project Implementation Schedule
40
Reference: STDP Feasibility Study, Project Evaluation Report, September 2020
42
E. Labor Requirements
111. The estimated labor requirement in each phase of the proposed subproject’s
implementation is specified in Table 13. The numbers are subject to change and will be updated
during the detailed design stage of the priority subprojects.
Table 13: Estimated Labor Requirements for the Priority Sub-projects

Estimated Labor Requirement Per
Implementation
Skills Requirement Priority Subproject
Phase
SWM DR UD TS
Pre-Construction ● Specialized technical ~5 ~5 ~5 ~5
skills/expertise on various
engineering and scientific fields
● Conduct complete feasibility study;
● Prepare detailed engineering
designs and drawings; and
● Facilitate permit requirements and
tender documents.
Construction ● Project managers, engineers, ~50 ~50 ~15 ~10
equipment operators, skilled and
non-skilled laborers
● Perform civil, architectural, and
electro-mechanical works.
Operation ● Operation and maintenance ~20 ~5 ~5 ~5
personnel; inspectors/technicians;
security personnel
● Oversee the entire operations of
the facility, including emergency
situations;
● Ensure the safety and welfare of its
personnel;
● Maintain conformity of the facility to
relevant government regulations,
including tax payments, ECC
compliance, etc.;
● Promote and uphold a harmonious
relationship with the host
community.
Decommissioning/ Implement the abandonment plan, as ~5 ~5 ~5 ~5
Abandonment necessary
Notes: SWM = Solid Waste Management Subproject; DR = Drainage Subproject; UD = Urban Design Subproject;
TS = Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
The numbers are subject to change and will be updated during the detailed design stage of the priority
subprojects.
F. Project Cost
1. Capital Costs
112. Cost estimates for the proposed six-year project have been prepared in Excel according
to the ADB and NEDA guidelines. The designs and civil works components are based upon
conceptual designs developed through the feasibility study with the cost estimates reflecting
current prices for materials, equipment and civil works in the Philippines and comparable
international standards. Cost estimates for all training, technical assistance and support activities
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are also based on current costs prevailing in mid-2020 in the Philippines. A summary of the key
assumptions is included below:
(i) Costs are expressed in PHP and US$ at an exchange rate of PHP48 = US$1.00
that applied in April 2021.
(ii) Value Added Tax (VAT) of 12% is included in all costs. The conversion of foreign
costs to local costs uses constant purchasing parity (CPP) which automatically
adjusts the exchange rate for the difference in inflation for domestic and
international costs resulting in a progressive depreciation of the PHP against the
US$;
(iii) Costs are assumed to be free of customs and excise duty;
(iv) Costs are divided between foreign exchange and local costs according to the
source of the cost item and its breakdown;
(v) A physical contingency of 10% added to all the capital investment costs;
(vi) Project implementation period of just of 5 years starting in quarter four of 2021 until
2026;
(vii) Project life of 20 years is assumed including the implementation period of six years;
(viii) Interest incurred during construction (IDC) is financed by TIEZA;
(ix) Tax is financed by TIEZA; and
(x) El Nido providing counterpart contribution of municipal land for project assets
under Output 1.
113. The project investment cost is estimated at US102.6 million including taxes and duties
and physical and price contingencies. The project will be funded by an ADB ordinary capital
resources loan of US$100.8 million. TIEZA contribute $0.5 million for interest during construction.
Coron LGU and El Nido LGU will contribute $0.3 million, and $0.5 million respectively, towards
land acquisition (Coron), and Output 2 and 3 recurrent costs. The project will also be financed
through a $0.5 million grant from the Republic of Korea e-Asia Knowledge and Partnership Fund.
.
114. A summary of the project costs is presented in Table 14 on the next page.
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Table 14: Summary of Project Costs
2. Operation and Maintenance Costs
115. The operation and maintenance (Opex) costs associated with the new capital investment
in the urban infrastructure are estimated for when the new facilities of WWTP, WTP, Septage and
SLF are fully operational and at full capacity in 2030. A summary of the Opex costs is provided in
the following table.
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Table 15: Urban Infrastructure Opex
Reference: STDP Feasibility Study Volume 12 (Economic Analysis), 2020
3. Project Benefits
116. Tourism. The main impact and benefit from the project are the impact on the sustainable
tourism for El Nido. The project will support managed and sustainable numbers of tourist to ensure
that the natural resources and managed sustainably and that tourist have a better experience in
an unpolluted and unspoiled environment. As part of the project planning projected tourist visits
for El Nido for the without project and with project situation have been prepared. For the future
with project situation the number of visitors is assumed to be managed at a sustain able level, but
the average length of stay will increase as tourists spend more time in the location.
117. In the without project situation control of tourism is unmanaged so that eventually the
number of annual tourists stagnates as the natural environment deteriorates due to the
inadequate utility services and pollution.
118. In the future with project situation with managed tourist numbers the average length of
stay (ALOS) is projected to increase. From 3.6 days in 2020 to 5.0 days per visit for El Nido by
2030 and 7.0 days by 2040. The average daily expenditure (ADE) per tourist is assumed to remain
the same in constant price term: PHP 6,900/day for El Nido.
119. Combining the number of tourists with the ALOS and ADE provides an estimate of the
total expenditure and revenue to the locations generated by tourist. Tourist expenditure is
projected to increase dramatically as a result of the project. The incremental income in constant
prices is projected to progressively increase from PHP966 million (US$ 19.3 million) in 2021 to
PHP 33,761 million (US$ 675.23 million) by 2040.
a) Foreign Tourist Expenditure
120. A mix of domestic and foreign tourists visit El Nido. For El Nido the currently 60% of all
tourist arrivals are foreigners and this is projected to decrease to 50% by 2040.
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b) Incremental Benefit from Tourism
121. The incremental economic benefit from the increase in tourist arrivals depends on whether
that are domestic or foreign tourists. The increased expenditure by domestic tourists in El Nido
cannot be considered as an economic benefit to the national economy as the increased
expenditure by domestic tourists detracts from their expenditure in other parts of the Philippines
economy. This has been ignored as an economic benefit.
122. For international tourists, however, it can be assumed the most of the incremental
expenditure is a net benefit to the economy in so much that the tourists chose to visit El Nido
exclusively and would not be spending their tourist dollars in some other part of the country.
123. Not all the increased expenditure can be counted as a benefit. The costs of the inputs
associated with the expenditure have to be excluded and only the margin over the expenditure
counted as an economic benefit. For the purpose of the analysis the economic margin is taken
as 10% of the incremental expenditure by foreign tourists.
124. The economic impact of Output 2 and Output 3 are directly related to tourism and can be
considered as being included in the incremental benefits.
125. Urban Infrastructure. Urban infrastructure developed by the project will also contribute
to an improved environment and living conditions in the LGUs and support the sustainable
management of increased tourism. The urban infrastructure developed by the project includes
revenue-generating utilities (water supply, sanitation, and SWM) where user fees (tariffs) are
collected and contribute directly to the Opex, and non-revenue generating where there are no
direct service charges and Opex is covered by general revenue and property and business taxes.
Where possible the direct economic benefit has been quantified.
IV. DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
A. Physical Resources
1. Atmosphere
126. Climate pertains to the average long-term weather of an area and is typically determined
over a period of at least 30 years. It is an essential environmental factor as it affects general
growth and development. In the Philippines, climate is classified into four (4) types based on the
rainfall distribution and pattern. As presented in the climatological map of the Philippines in Figure
7, the project area (El Nido, Palawan) mainly belongs under Type I climate based on the Modified
Corona Classification with two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet for the
rest of the year.
127. The monitoring records of climatological normals (1981-2010) and extremes (1949-2012)
at the nearest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration
(PAGASA) Weather Station located in Coron, Palawan are presented in Table 16 and Table 17,
respectively. Discussion for each parameter is presented below:
a. Rainfall
128. As presented in Table 16, precipitation is lowest in the month of February with a historical
mean rainfall of about 14 millimeters (mm); it is highest in July with 479.9 mm. The annual mean
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number of rainy days is 139. In terms of extremes (Table 17), the greatest daily rainfall amount
recorded in the area (317.6 mm) occurred on August 13, 1979.
129. Tropical cyclones or typhoons are the most influential factors that bring considerable
rainfall in the Philippines. Typhoons usually occur in the country from June to December, with
highest frequencies during the months of July and August. The mean annual number of typhoons
that pass through the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) is about 20. As shown in Figure 8,
an average of one (1) tropical cyclone passes by the project area every year.
b. Temperature
130. As presented in Table 16, April is the hottest month of the year, with a recorded mean
temperature of 29.1 degrees Celsius (°C), while July is the coldest, with an average temperature
of 27.1°C. In terms of extremes (Table 17), the highest temperature recorded in the area was
37.6°C on May 8, 2002 and April 29, 2003; the lowest recorded temperature was 12.2°C on
January 15, 1974.
c. Surface Wind
131. Wind directions are influenced by monsoons: Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) from October
to April and Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) from May to September. As presented in Table 16,
the prevailing wind in the area comes from the eastern direction (January to May and October to
December), while winds from the south are felt from June to August and from the southwest during
the month of September. In terms of extremes (Table 17), the highest wind speed recorded in the
area was 40 meters per second (m/s) on November 13, 1990.
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Figure 7: Climatological Map of the Philippines
PROJECT AREA
(El Nido, Palawan)
SOURCE: DOST-PAGASA
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Table 16: Climatological Normal Values in Coron, Palawan (1981-2010)

Rainfall Temperature (°C) Wind No. of Days
Relative Cloud
with No. of Days
Month Amount No. of Rainy Max Mea Humidit Directio Speed Amount
Min. Thunderstor with Lightning
(mm) Days . n y n (m/s) (okta)
m
January 18.5 3 32.4 22.7 27.5 80 E 2 5 0 0
February 14 2 32.6 22.9 27.8 79 E 2 4 0 0
March 15.4 2 33.2 23.6 28.4 78 E 2 4 0 1
April 38.1 3 34 24.3 29.1 77 E 2 4 2 4
May 198.1 12 33.4 24.4 28.9 81 E 1 5 8 13
June 360.8 19 31.7 23.9 27.8 87 S 1 7 11 14
July 479.9 23 30.9 23.4 27.1 88 S 1 7 9 12
August 466.3 22 30.9 23.4 27.2 88 S 2 7 7 9
September 447.1 21 31.1 23.5 27.3 88 SW 1 7 9 11
October 250.8 17 31.8 23.5 27.7 87 E 1 6 7 11
November 118.6 9 32.5 23.6 28.1 83 E 2 5 2 6
December 74 6 32.3 23.2 27.8 82 E 2 5 1 2
ANNUAL 2,481.7 139 32.2 23.5 27.9 83 E 2 6 56 83
Source: PAGASA (Data retrieved from https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-normal-values)
Table 17: Climatological Extremes in Coron, Palawan (1950-2012)

Highest Temperature Lowest Temperature Greatest Daily Rainfall Amount Highest Wind Speed
Month
°C Date °C Date mm Date m/s Direction Date
January 36.4 1/26/1996 12.2 1/15/1974 103.9 1/1/1960 22 SE 1/25/1975
February 36.1 2/11/1998 13.3 2/9/1974 67.8 2/2/2001 16 E 2/17/1985
March 37.4 3/14/1950 13.4 3/16/1974 56.2 3/27/1982 24 S 3/27/1982
April 37.6 4/29/2003 14 4/1/1974 81.8 4/9/1956 16 E 4/12/1986
May 37.6 5/8/2002 18.1 5/26/1977 185.9 5/17/1966 25 SW 5/26/2006
June 36.5 6/2/1993 17.6 6/12/1977 173.3 6/6/2009 18 SW 6/23/2011
July 35.7 7/14/1996 17.1 7/22/1977 190.5 7/28/1962 15 SW 7/21/1999
August 34.7 8/14/1998 17 8/16/1977 317.6 8/13/1979 18 SW 8/1/2009
September 34.6 9/1/1988 17.4 9/3/1977 266.1 9/19/1997 20 SSW 9/27/2011
October 36.6 10/15/1996 17.2 10/8/1973 289.4 10/13/1970 21 E 10/29/1995
November 37 11/21/1995 16.1 11/29/1977 172.6 11/13/1990 40 E 11/13/1990
December 35.2 12/2/1998 14.7 12/17/1977 223.3 12/4/1972 32 W 12/6/1993
ANNUAL 37.6 4/29/2003 12.2 1/15/1974 317.6 8/13/1979 40 E 11/13/1990
Period of Record 1950-2012 1949-2012 1966-2012
Source: PAGASA (Data retrieved from https://data.gov.ph/?q=dataset/climatological-extremes)
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Figure 8: Frequencies of Tropical Cyclones in the Philippines
PROJECT AREA
(El Nido, Palawan)
SOURCE: DOST-PAGASA
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d. Climate Change Projections
132. In November 2011, DENR-EMB released Memorandum Circular No. 005 (MC 2011-005),
which mandates the inclusion of DRR and CCA in the PEISS, to “ensure that the project is resilient
and that their environmental impact do not exacerbate natural hazards or climate change’s effects
on human or natural systems”. The following sections present the most recent PAGASA climate
observations and projections covering the Province of Palawan. 17
133. Seasonal Temperature Changes. Between 1951 and 2015 the annual mean
temperature in the Philippines rose by 0.68°C or about 0.1°C per decade. The annual maximum
temperature increased by approximately 0.05°C per decade, while the annual minimum
temperature increased more rapidly at 0.15°C per decade. Temperatures are projected to
increase relatively uniformly across the country under both moderate (RCP 4.5) and high (RCP
8.5) emission scenarios. Table 18 shows the baseline (1971-2000) seasonal temperature in
Palawan and the range of model outputs of the projected seasonal changes in the mid-21st century
(2036-2060) under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios.
Table 18: Projected Seasonal Change in Mean Temperature in Palawan (2036-2065)

Projected (2036-2065)
Observed
Moderate Emission (RCP
Season (1971- High Emission (RCP 8.5)
4.5)
2000)
Lower Median Upper Lower Median Upper
DJF Change (°C) - 1 1.3 1.6 1.2 1.6 1.9
Temperature (°C) 26.9 27.9 28.2 28.5 28.1 28.5 28.8
MAM Change (°C) - 1 1.2 1.6 1.3 1.7 2.1
Temperature (°C) 28.1 29.1 29.3 29.7 29.4 29.8 30.2
JJA Change (°C) - 0.9 1.2 1.6 1.3 1.5 2
Temperature (°C) 27.3 28.2 28.5 28.9 28.6 28.8 29.3
SON Change (°C) - 1 1.1 1.7 1.3 1.5 2.1
Temperature (°C) 27.4 28.4 28.5 29.1 28.7 28.9 29.5
Source: DOST-PAGASA, Observed and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines, 2018. (Table B-2)
Notes: DJF = December, January, February; MAM = March, April, May; JJA = June, July, August; SON =
September, October, November; RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways
134. Seasonal Rainfall Changes. Changes in rainfall over the Philippines have been found to
vary spatially. Table 19 shows the baseline (1971-2000) seasonal rainfall for Palawan and the
range of model outputs of the projected seasonal changes in the mid-21st century (2036-2060)
under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios.
135. As shown, the projected change in rainfall from climate models is much more variable than
it is for temperature. The early dry season, DJF, has the lowest rainfall and the median projection
is for no change under RCP 4.5 and for a slight increase under RCP 8.5. The median projection
for rainfall at the end of the dry season, MAM, is for a decrease. The early wet season has the
highest rainfall, and the median projection is for a decrease in rainfall under both scenarios with
a more significant decrease projected for RCP 4.5. The only projections for an increase in early
wet season rainfall are from the upper projections of the model ensemble, and only for RCP 8.5.
The most pessimistic models project a decrease in early wet season rainfall of 25% under both
scenarios. The median projection for the late wet season, SON, is for a decrease in rainfall under
17
PAGASA. (2018). Observed Climate Trends and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines.
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both scenarios, but there is a wide range values of the projected changes with upper projections
of an increase of 10-11% under both scenarios.
136. For the RCP 4.5 scenario, the lower and median outputs from the model ensemble are for
a decrease in rainfall for all seasons, and for JJA even the upper model projection is for no
change. Under the RCP 8.5 scenario, the lower outputs from the model ensemble are for
decreases in rainfall for all seasons, while the median outputs are for a small increase in the early
dry season and a decrease for the rest of the year.
Table 19: Projected Seasonal Change in Total Rainfall in Palawan (2036-2065)

Projected (2036-2065)
Observed Moderate Emission (RCP
Season High Emission (RCP 8.5)
(1971-2000) 4.5)
Lower Median Upper Lower Median Upper
DJF Change (%) - -9.9 0.0 26.8 -17.8 4.3 14.2
Rainfall (mm) 101.8 91.8 101.8 129.1 83.6 106.2 116.3
MAM Change (%) - -10.6 -7.4 10.3 -16.2 -3.6 9.2
Rainfall (mm) 189.3 169.2 175.3 208.9 158.6 182.4 206.7
JJA Change (%) - -25.7 -12 1 -25 -5.6 12.9
Rainfall (mm) 781.7 581.1 688.2 789.3 586.2 737.8 882.5
SON Change (%) - -14.3 -8.1 10.2 -22.5 -6.2 11.1
Rainfall (mm) 640.6 548.7 588.9 705.7 496.5 601 711.5
Source: DOST-PAGASA, Observed and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines, 2018. (Table B-1)
Notes: DJF = December, January, February; MAM = March, April, May; JJA = June, July, August; SON =
September, October, November; RCP = Representative Concentration Pathways
137. Sea Level Rise. The sea level has risen by nearly double the global average rate of sea
level rise over certain parts of the Philippines from 1993 to 2015. Projections reveal that sea level
in the country is expected to increase by approximately 20 cm by the end of the 21 st century under
the RCP 8.5 scenario. Such projected increase in sea level might worsen storm surge hazards
particularly on coastal communities. Palawan was identified by the University of the Philippines
Los Baños (UPLB) Climate Change Program as one of the ten provinces that will be most affected
by a one-meter sea level rise.
138. Figure 9 shows the sea level changes in the Philippine region from 1993 to 2015,
produced from the AVISO Satellite observations. As shown, sea level around Palawan has been
rising by approximately 4.5 mm per year over the period of 1993 to 2015.
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Figure 9: Sea Level Changes in the Philippine Region from 1993-2015
Source: Kahana et al. (2016). Projections of mean sea level change for the Philippines.
139. Kahana et al. (2016) estimate the future regional sea level change for the Philippines using
global mean sea level changes from the IPCC AR5 that used 21 coupled (CMIP5) GCMs and
adjusting with regional non-uniform patterns of sea level change around the Philippines 18. The
regional components were derived from a ‘scaling factor’ based on the ‘ﬁngerprint’ data from
Slangen et al. (2014)19 and were relatively uniform across the Philippines.
140. Figure 10 shows the resultant projected sea level rise for Palawan out to 2100. The central
line represents the mean of the model ensemble and the multi-model standard deviation is used
as the range represented by the colored shading. As shown, by 2040, sea level is projected to be
19 cm higher under RCP 4.5 and 20 cm by RCP 8.5 scenario.
18
Kahana et al. (2016). Projections of mean sea level change for the Philippines. UK Met Office.
19 Slangen et al. (2014). Projecting twenty-ﬁrst century regional sea-level changes, Climate Change, 124(1-2), 317–
332.
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Figure 10: Time Series of the Mean Sea Level Change in Palawan relative to 1986-2005
Source: Kahana et al. (2016). Projections of mean sea level change for the Philippines.
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e. Ambient Air Quality
141. Table 20 presents the secondary information on the ambient air quality in El Nido for
August to October 2020 gathered from Air Matters20 Parameters covered are nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), suspended particulate matter (PM 10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide
(CO), and ozone (O3). The readings are compared with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline
Values as per DAO 2000-81 (IRR of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 or RA 8749). As shown,
the detected levels of all parameters are within acceptable levels.
Table 20: Ambient Air Quality Data in El Nido (August to October 2020)
Average Daily Readings National Ambient Air
Parameter Unit
Aug Sep Oct Quality Guideline Values
NO2 μg/Ncm 1 1 1 150*
SO2 μg/Ncm 1 1 1 180*
PM10 μg/Ncm 5 4 5 150*
PM2.5 μg/Ncm 3 3 3 50*
CO μg/Ncm 80 71 88 35,000**
O3 μg/Ncm 36 39 46 140
Notes: (*) 24-hour averaging time; (**) 1-hour averaging time
References: Air Matters, 2020 (https://air-quality.com/place/philippines/el-
nido/096d5e8b?lang=en&standard=aqi_us);
DAO 2000-81 (IRR of Republic Act 8749); DAO 2013-13 (Establishing the Provisional National Ambient Air Quality
Guideline Values for Particulate Matter 2.5)
142. Air quality in the rural areas is relatively good except for occasions of agricultural burning.
Open burning of solid wastes is strictly prohibited in the municipality. Air pollution can also be
linked to the increase in vehicular traffic particularly in the poblacion (or urban centers). Most
commercial establishments have their own generator sets to support operations during power
outages. These are also potential sources of air pollutants particularly gaseous emissions. Site-
specific ambient air quality monitoring may be conducted as part of the post-ECC requirements
for the project.
2. Topography and Soils
a. Topography
143. El Nido is characterized by rugged hills and mountainous terrain. Small patches of
lowlands occur on minor coastal plains and some stream alluvial valleys.21 The coastal boundary
of the municipality extends 11 km offshore. The highest elevation is 630 m above sea level, at the
Peak of Mt. Inupawan in Barangay Pasadeña. The area distribution of slope categories observed
in El Nido is presented in Table 21 and illustrated in Figure 11.
20
Air Matters, 2020 (https://air-quality.com/place/philippines/el-nido/096d5e8b?lang=en&standard=aqi_us
21
El Nido FLUP 2015 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020).
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Table 21: Slope Classes in El Nido Municipality

Area Covered Share in Total Land Area
Slope Description
(ha) (%)
0-3% Level to nearly level 10,994 20.18
3-8% Nearly level; gently sloping 4,526 8.31
8-18% Undulating to rolling; moderately steep 5,959 10.94
18-36% Rolling to hilly; steeply sloping 14,693 26.97
36-50% 10,391 19.07
Very steeply sloping
>50% 7,913 14.53
TOTAL 54,476 100
Source: El Nido CLWUP 2003-2012 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan
2015-2020).
144. As presented, roughly 61% of the municipality’s total land area is classified as rolling to
very steeply sloping (>18% slope), while about 28% are classified as level to gently sloping (0-
8% slope), suitable for agricultural and urban development. The remaining 11% are undulating to
rolling areas (8-18% slope), mostly corresponding to the lower hill slopes, including the upper
reaches of stream valleys.
145. Solid Waste Management Subproject. The proposed SLF site in Barangay Barotuan is
characterized by level to nearly level terrain with slopes ranging from 0 to 3%.
146. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The coastal areas of barangays Buena Suerte,
Masagana, and Corong-Corong where the proposed drainage network and urban design
interventions will be situated likewise have level to nearly level topography with slopes ranging
from 0 to 3%.
b. Geology
147. The geology of El Nido is comprised mainly of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks from
the Paleozoic and Mesozoic Era. There were also some geological faults identified along the
boundary of Villa Libertad and Pasadeña which gave rise to the Makinit Hotsprings (Forest Land
Use Plan, 2015).
148. Solid Waste Management Subproject. The proposed SLF is situated in the central
portion of Barangay Barotuan in which the land management unit identified is broad alluvial valley
bordered by metamorphic hills.
149. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The land management units identified in the
coastal area of barangays Buena Suerte, Masagana, and Corong-Corong are beach ridges or
swales lined by metamorphic hills in the eastern side.
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Figure 11: Slope Map of El Nido Municipality

EL NIDO SOLID WASTE SUB-PROJECT DRAINAGE AND URBAN DESIGN SUB-PROJECT
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Figure 12: Land Management Unit Map of El Nido Municipality
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Figure 13: Soil Texture Map of El Nido Municipality
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c. Soils
150. Soil Type. As illustrated in Figure 13 and described in Table 22, the predominant soil
types in El Nido are clay loam and sandy clay loam (shaded with green and orange, respectively).
Table 22: Soil Types in El Nido Municipality

Soil Type Characteristics
San Manuel An alluvial soil found in the stream alleys in the northern part of the municipality.
Clay Loam Generally, this soil type has deemed profile, well drained and easy to cultivate. It is
generally known as soil with reasonably high inherent productivity.
Aborlan Loam Also occurs as relatively extensive polder alluvial terraces in the northwest. This soil
is typically poor in nutrients, has composed subsoil and tends to be acidic. Although
the slope is not limiting (i.e., less than 18%), inherent problems, or this soil make it
less suitable for crop production.
Tapul Clay Identified on the low foothills on the Midwestern side of the municipality. This soil
Loam type is deep, well drained, has good structure and permeability. Its distinguishing
feature is its reddish brown color. This soil type occurs mainly as an upland soil
subject to erosion if cultivated
Tagburos Clay Another soil identified only on limited areas adjacent to Tapul soil. It is fairly deep
Loam with brown to dark brown profile. Erosion hazard is high due to higher amount of
surface run-off than that can be absorbed by the soil.
Coron Clay The most extensive soil type in El Nido. Revived mainly from hard metabolic rocks,
Loam this soil is shallow. The clay loam to clayey soil is brown to dark brown, well drained
with occasional rock fragments. This soil occurs mostly on steep to very steep
slopes of hills.
Hydrosol This is a miscellaneous type representing the mangrove covered tidal flats. Only
four spots of hydrosol occur in El Nido. This land is mostly flooded due to tidal
intrusion. This poorly drained soil has quite variable texture
Beach Sand Another miscellaneous soil type occurring in small patches along some portions of
the coasts. It consists mainly of sandy deposits accumulated by wave action. The
highly permeable soil is loose and deficient in nutrients.
Rough Another miscellaneous type of land occurring in the central portion of the
Mountainous municipality. The highland divides the area into western and eastern sides. The
Land soils are undifferentiated, but mostly shallow and eroded.
Source: DENR MIMAROPA, 2015 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan
2015-2020)
151. Soil Quality. To determine the existing soil quality prior to development, sub-surface soil
sampling was conducted on August 2-3, 2020 at three sampling points, of which two are located
in Barangay Barotuan (proposed site for the New SLF component under Solid Waste
Management Subproject), while one is in Barangay Corong-Corong. The location map with photos
and coordinates of the soil sampling points is provided in Figure 14. Laboratory analyses of the
collected soil samples were performed by a DENR-recognized laboratory. The results of the soil
quality analysis are summarized in Table 23 and detailed in the laboratory report in APPENDIX
B-1 of this document.
152. In the absence of Philippine soil quality standards during the conduct of this study, the soil
quality analysis results for heavy metals (i.e., Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Lead, and
Mercury) are compared with the soil remediation intervention values specified in Annex 1 (Table
1) of the Dutch Soil Remediation Circular 2013 (version of 1 July 2013). The intervention values
for soil remediation indicate when the functional properties of the soil for humans, plants, and
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animals are seriously impaired or in danger of being so. They are representative of the level of
contamination above which a case of soil contamination is deemed to be severe.
153. As presented, the detected levels of heavy metals tested in the soil samples were way
below the respective threshold limits/intervention values.
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Figure 14: Soil Sampling Location Map
Sampling Point Description/Location Coordinates

Soil-1 At the proposed SLF site in Brgy. Barotuan 11.295949° N, 119.458562° E
Soil-2 At the proposed SLF site in Brgy. Barotuan 11.294969° N, 119.458945° E
Soil-3 At the back of El Nido Central Market in Brgy. Corong-Corong 11.170858° N, 119.393523° E
Notes: Map generated in Google Earth Pro; Photo insets taken in August 2020.
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Table 23: Results of Soil Quality Analysis

Detected Level at the Sampling Point
(Values in red exceed the reference Dutch Intervention Value
Parameter Unit standard/s)
(Dutch Soil Remediation Circular
Soil-1 Soil-2 Soil-3
2013)
A. WET CHEMISTRY
pH pH 4.7 5.1 5.8 N/A
Potassium mg/kg 432 356 366 N/A
Total Nitrogen mg/kg 213 215 213 N/A
Total Organic Matter % w/w 1.72 1.36 0.71 N/A
Total Phosphorus mg/kg 162 116 239 N/A
B. HEAVY METALS
Arsenic mg/kg 12 11 13 76
Cadmium mg/kg 0.6 ND 0.7 13
Chromium mg/kg 6.4 4.4 6.7 *
Copper mg/kg 5.8 4.1 26 190
Lead mg/kg 6.4 4.4 31 530
Mercury mg/kg ND ND ND -
C. VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
Gasoline Range Organics μg/kg-dry 100 ND 140
C10-C14 mg/kg-dry 3.3 3.4 3.6
5,000**
C15-C28 mg/kg-dry ND ND ND
C29-C36 mg/kg-dry 1.2 3.4 3.0
Notes: SOIL = Soil Sampling Point | ND = Not Detected | mg/kg = Milligrams per kilogram | μg/kg = Micrograms per kilogram | (*) = No guideline v alue at
present | (**) = Aggregate value for mineral oils | N/A = Not applicable
References: Dutch Soil Remediation Circular, 2013, Annex 1, Table 1
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3. Hydrology
154. El Nido has thirteen (13) major river systems, which drain several watersheds in the
municipality (see Figure 15). Due to the municipality’s limited water sources, the local government
of El Nido has proposed to utilize other watersheds in the area such as: Barok River and Garo
River in Barangay Mabini; Madurian Falls in Barangay San Fernando; Manlag River and
Bulalacao Waterfalls in Barangay Pasadeña; Siwangwang Falls in Barangay Sibaltan; Magwawa
Falls, and Cataban Falls in Barangay Villa Paz; as well as the Buyong Falls located in the adjacent
Municipality of Taytay.
Figure 15: Watershed Map of El Nido Municipality
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a. Groundwater Quality
155. To determine the current water quality of the groundwater sources situated within or near
the proposed subproject sites, groundwater sampling was conducted on August 3-4, 2020 at six
(6) sampling points, of which three are located in Barangay Barotuan, while the other three are in
Barangay Corong-Corong. The location map with photos and coordinates of the groundwater
sampling points is provided in Figure 16. Laboratory analyses of the collected water samples
were performed by the DOST MIMAROPA Region Regional Standards and Testing Laboratory.
The results of the groundwater quality analysis are summarized in Table 24 and detailed in the
laboratory report included in APPENDIX B-2 of this document.
156. The test results were analyzed based on the applicable guideline values stated in the
Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW) of 2017 (DOH AO 2017-0010) and
the Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) for Class A
water bodies or Public Water Supply Class II intended as sources of water supply requiring
conventional treatment to meet the latest PNSDW. The results are discussed below.
a) Physical Parameters: pH and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
157. In terms of pH, the detected levels in all sampling points ranged from 5.45 to 6.30, which
were outside (lower than) the prescribed range of 6.5 to 8.5 by DOH for drinking water and by
DENR for Class A water bodies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), natural
waters can be of lower pH, as a result of, for example, acid rain or higher pH in limestone areas.
Although pH usually has no direct impact on water consumers, it is one of the most important
operational water quality parameters. Careful attention to pH control is necessary at all stages of
water treatment to ensure satisfactory water clarification and disinfection. For effective disinfection
with chlorine, the pH should preferably be less than 8.0. The pH of the water entering the
distribution system must be controlled to minimize the corrosion of water mains and pipes in
household water systems. Failure to do so can result in contamination of drinking water and in
adverse effects on its taste, odor, and appearance.22
158. In terms of TDS, the detected levels in all sampling points ranged from 75 to 193 mg/L,
which were way below the maximum allowable limit of 600 mg/L for drinking water as per PNSDW
2017. TDS is the term used to describe the inorganic salts and small amounts of organic matter
present in solution in water. The principal constituents are usually calcium, magnesium, sodium,
and potassium cations and carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions.
Water with extremely low concentrations of TDS may also be unacceptable to consumers
because of its flat, insipid taste; it is also often corrosive to water supply systems.23
b) Chemical Parameters: Ammonia, Oil and Grease, and Phosphate
159. In terms of Ammonia, the detected Ammonia concentrations in GW-1 and GW-5 (3.071
and 1.737 mg/L) significantly exceeded the DENR guideline value of 0.05 mg/L for Class A water
bodies. Natural levels of Ammonia in groundwater are usually below 0.2 mg/L. Higher natural
contents (up to 3 mg/L) are found in strata rich in humic substances or iron or in forests. According
to WHO, the presence of Ammonia at higher than geogenic levels is an important indicator of
22
WHO. (2007). pH in Drinking-water. Revised background document for development of WHO Guidelines for
Drinking-water Quality.
23
WHO. (2003). Total dissolved solids in Drinking-water. Background document for development of WHO Guidelines
for Drinking-water Quality.
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fecal pollution.24 Conversely, all sampling points met the DENR guideline values for both Oil and
Grease and Phosphate.
c) Heavy Metals: Cadmium and Lead
160. In terms of Cadmium, four sampling points (GW-1, GW-2, GW-3, and GW-6) did not
register detectable levels of Cadmium. The other two sampling points (GW-4 and GW-5),
however, registered Cadmium levels (0.063 and 0.021 mg/L) that exceeded the common DOH
and DENR guideline value of 0.003 mg/L. Fertilizers produced from phosphate ores constitute a
major source of diffuse Cadmium pollution. The solubility of Cadmium in water is influenced to a
large degree by its acidity; suspended or sediment-bound Cadmium may dissolve when there is
an increase in acidity (Ros & Slooff, 1987). In natural waters, cadmium is found mainly in bottom
sediments and suspended particles (Friberg et al., 1986).25
161. For Lead, three sampling points (GW-1, GW-3, and GW-6) did not register detectable
levels of Lead. However, the other three sampling points (GW-2, GW-4, and GW-5) recorded
Lead levels that exceeded the common DOH and DENR guideline value of 0.01 mg/L. Lead is
present in tap water to some extent as a result of its dissolution from natural sources, but primarily
from household plumbing systems in which the pipes, solder, fittings, or service connections to
homes contain lead. Lead can also be released from flaking lead carbonate deposits on lead pipe
and from iron sediment from old galvanized plumbing that has accumulated lead from lead
sources such as plumbing and service connections, even when the water is no longer
plumbosolvent. Lead is a cumulative general poison, with infants, children up to 6 years of age,
the fetus and pregnant women being the most susceptible to adverse health effects. Its effects on
the central nervous system can be particularly serious.26
d) Microbiological Parameter: Fecal Coliform
162. In terms of microbial quality, all sampling points tested positive to Fecal Coliform
contamination, with most counts significantly exceeding the maximum allowable level of <1.1
MPN/100mL for both drinking water and Class A water bodies.
24 WHO. (2003). Ammonia in Drinking-water. Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-
water Quality.
25 WHO. (2011). Cadmium in Drinking-water. Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-
water Quality.
26 WHO. (2011). Lead in Drinking-water. Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water
Quality.
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Figure 16: Groundwater Sampling Location Map

GW-1 Household groundwater source in Brgy. Barotuan 11.305251° N, 119.449976° E
GW-4 Household groundwater source in Brgy. Corong-Corong 11.169958° N, 119.395067° E
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Table 24: Results of Groundwater Quality Analysis

Maximum Allowable
Guideline Value
Detected Level at the Sampling Points Level
for Class A Water
Parameter Unit (Values in red exceed the reference standard/s) for Drinking Water
Body
Quality
GW-1 GW-2 GW-3 GW-4 GW-5 GW-6 (DAO 2016-08) (DOH AO 2017-0010)
A. PHYSICAL
pH pH 6.14 5.45 5.74 6.30 5.98 5.71 6.5 – 8.5 6.5 – 8.5
Total Dissolved Solids mg/L 174 184 144 75 193 117 * 600
B. CHEMICAL
Ammonia mg/L 3.071 ND ND ND 1.737 ND 0.05 *
Oil and Grease mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 1 *
Phosphate mg/L 0.294 0.429 0.302 0.269 0.099 0.129 0.5 *
C. HEAVY METALS
Cadmium mg/L ND ND ND 0.063 0.021 ND 0.003 0.003
Lead mg/L ND 0.715 ND 0.063 0.021 ND 0.01 0.01
D.
MICROBIOLOGICAL
Fecal Coliform MPN/100m 920 49 >1,60 >1,60 <1.8 4.5 <1.1 <1.1
L 0 0
Notes: GW = Groundwater Sampling Point | ND = Not Detected | (*) = No guideline value at present | mg/L = Milligrams per lite r | MPN/100mL = Most probable
number per 100 milliliters
References: DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016); DOH AO 2017-0010 (Philippine National Standards for Drinking
Water of 2017)
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b. Surface Water Quality
163. To determine the current water quality of the surface water bodies that traverse or are
near the proposed subproject sites, surface water sampling was conducted on August 3-4, 2020
at six (6) sampling points, of which four are located in Barangay Barotuan, while the other two are
in Barangay Corong-Corong. The location map with photos and coordinates of the surface water
The results of the surface water quality analysis are summarized in Table 25 and detailed in the
Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) for Class C
water bodies: 1) Fishery Water for the propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources;
2) Recreational Water Class II – For boating, fishing, or similar activities; and 3) For agriculture,
irrigation, and livestock watering. The results are discussed below.
a) Physical Parameters: Color, pH, Temperature, Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
165. All sampling points met the DENR guideline values for both Color and Total Suspended
Solids (TSS). However, all stations had temperature readings ranging from 18.5 to 19.0°C, which
were significantly colder and way below the DENR-prescribed range of 25 to 31°C.
166. In terms of pH, the detected levels in four sampling points (SW 1, SW 2, SW 3, and SW
4) ranged from 5.71 to 6.26, which were outside (lower than) the prescribed range of 6.5 to 8.5
by DENR for Class C water bodies. As mentioned, natural waters can be of lower pH, as a result
of, for example, acid rain or higher pH in limestone areas.
b) Chemical Parameters: Ammonia, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Oil and

Grease, and Phosphate
167. The detected levels of all chemical parameters analyzed in all stations passed the water
quality guidelines (WQG) for Class C water bodies.
168. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) indicates the amount of Dissolved Oxygen removed
during decomposition of organic matter in a given time. It is therefore a general indicator of
contamination due to biodegradable organics. The BOD concentrations detected in all sampling
points ranged from 1.58 to 2.76 mg/L, which were way below the maximum allowable level of 7
mg/L for Class C water bodies.
c) Microbiological Parameters: Fecal Coliform
169. However, the Fecal Coliform counts in all sampling stations ranged from 240 to over 1,600
MPN/100mL, exceeding the maximum allowable level of 200 MPN/100mL for Class C water
bodies.
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Figure 17: Surface Water Sampling Location Map

SW-1 Upstream portion of shallow river in Brgy. Barotuan 11.295732° N, 119.466950° E
SW-2 Mid-stream portion of shallow river in Brgy. Barotuan 11.302567° N, 119.458530° E
SW-3 Downstream portion of shallow river in Brgy. Barotuan; Near Barotuan Bridge-I 11.304975° N, 119.449136° E
SW-4 Creek in Brgy. Barotuan 11.300507° N, 119.445695° E
SW-5 Upstream portion of creek in Brgy. Corong-Corong; Near El Nido Central Market 11.171475° N, 119.392915° E
SW-6 Downstream portion of creek in Brgy. Corong-Corong; Discharge point to Bacuit Bay 11.170460° N, 119.392478° E
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Table 25: Results of Surface Water Quality Analysis

Detected Level at the Sampling Points Guideline Value
Parameter Unit (Values in red exceed the reference standard/s) for Class C Water Body
SW-1 SW-2 SW-3 SW-4 SW-5 SW-6 (DAO 2016-08)
A. PHYSICAL
Color TCU 5 5 5 15 5 5 75
pH pH 5.80 5.82 6.26 5.71 8.04 8.1 6.5 – 9.0
Temperature °C 18.6 18.5 18.7 18.8 18.9 19.0 25 – 31
Total Suspended Solids mg/L ND ND ND 25.2 23.2 18.8 80
B. CHEMICAL
Ammonia mg/L ND ND ND 0.044 ND ND 0.05
Biochemical Oxygen mg/L 1.58 1.88 1.97 2.76 2.27 2.06 7
Demand
Oil and Grease mg/L <1 <1 <1 <1 <2 <1 2
Phosphate mg/L 0.121 0.027 0.030 0.104 0.037 0.035 0.5
C. MICROBIOLOGICAL
Fecal Coliform MPN/100m 240 540 >1,600 >1,600 540 540 200
L
Notes: SW = Surface Water Sampling Point | (*) = No guideline value at present | TCU = True Color Unit | mg/L = Milligrams pe r liter | MPN/100mL = Most
probable number per 100 mL
Reference: DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016)
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c. Coastal/Marine Water Quality
170. Bacuit Bay, located at the western side of the town of El Nido in the Province of Palawan,
is a wide body of marine water consisting of several limestone islands with white sand beaches
and home for exotic flora and fauna thus it is a perfect tourist destination. The bay is TIEZAted
with islands and islets, most of which are inhabited. Its clear blue waters are teeming with marine
life. It is home to dugongs, turtles, manta rays, species of fishes, and coral reefs. Some portions
of the bay have been declared as marine parks and reserves, marine sanctuary, and protected
areas for conservation of biodiversity.
171. The bay caters to fishing and tourism activities, the main source of income of the
municipality. The Bacuit Bay is a good place for scuba diving, island hopping, and recreational
tours. The municipal seaport is located in the bay and many marine vessels and pump boats
utilize the bay for navigation.
172. At present, the water classification of Bacuit Bay is Class SB: 1) Fishery Water Class II –
Waters suitable for commercial propagation of shellfish and intended as spawning areas for
milkfish (Chanos chanos) and similar species; 2) Tourist Zone – For ecotourism and recreational
activities; and 3) Recreational Water Class I – Intended for primary contact recreation (bathing,
swimming, skin diving, etc.).
173. To establish the baseline coastal water quality near the proposed subproject sites,
sampling was conducted on August 3, 2020 at six (6) sampling points along Barangay Corong-
Corong coastal area facing Bacuit Bay, in the vicinity of the proposed site for the Sanitation and
Drainage subprojects. The location map with photos and coordinates of the coastal water
The results of the coastal water quality analysis are summarized in Table 26 and detailed in the
Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016 (DAO 2016-08) for Class SB
water bodies and compared with the EMB MIMAROPA outfall water quality monitoring results for
Bacuit Bay – Station 4 (Outfall Corong-Corong) for the fourth quarter of 2019. The results are
discussed below.
a) Physical Parameters: pH and TSS
175. The pH levels detected in all sampling stations were within the acceptable range of 7.0 to
8.5 for Class SB water bodies.
176. In terms of TSS, four stations (CW-1, CW-2, CW-5, and CW-6) recorded TSS levels that
were way below the maximum allowable level of 50 mg/L. However, the other two stations (CW-
3 and CW-4) had TSS concentrations (188 and 136 mg/L) that were significantly higher than the
DENR guideline value, as well as the recorded average of 6 mg/L at Bacuit Bay ambient water
quality monitoring Station 9 (Corong-Corong Market).
b) Chemical Parameters: Ammonia, Oil and Grease, and Phosphate
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177. All sampling points met the DENR guideline values for both Ammonia and Phosphate.
However, the detected Phosphate concentrations in almost all sampling points except CW-5 were
marginally higher than the recorded average of 0.020 mg/L at Bacuit Bay ambient water quality
monitoring Station 9 (Corong-Corong Market).
c) Microbiological Parameters: Fecal Coliform
178. The Fecal Coliform counts in almost all sampling points were way below the maximum
allowable level of 100 MPN/100mL for Class SB water bodies. Only one station (CW-1 with 140
mg/L) exceeded the DENR guideline value. The recorded geomean Fecal Coliform count at
Bacuit Bay outfall water quality monitoring Station 1 (Outfall Corong-Corong) in the fourth quarter
of 2019 was 50,799 MPN/100mL—exponentially higher than the sampling results.
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Figure 18: Coastal/Marine Water Sampling Location Map

CW-1 El Nido Bay coastal area in Brgy. Masagana 11.182950° N, 119.392135° E
CW-2 El Nido Bay coastal area in Brgy. Buena Suerte 11.180845° N, 119.387494° E
CW-3 Bacuit Bay coastal area in Brgy. Corong-Corong 11.168551° N, 119.395109° E
Sustainable Tourism Development ProjectINITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT
El Nido, Palawan Section IV
Southeast Asia Urban Services Facility DESCRIPTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Table 26: Results of Coastal Water Quality Analysis

Guideline EMB MIMAROPA
Detected Level at the Sampling Points
Value Bacuit Bay Water Quality Monitoring
(Values in red exceed the reference
for Class SB Results
standard/s)
Parameter Unit Water Body (4th Quarter, 2019)
Ambient Station 9: Outfall Station 1:
CW CW CW CW CW (DAO 2016-
CW 6 Corong-Corong Outfall Corong-
1 2 3 4 5 08)
Market Corong
A. WET CHEMISTRY
pH pH 8.13 8.39 8.25 8.08 8.46 8.38 7.0 – 8.5 - -
Total Suspended mg/L 36 19.5 188 136 20 17 50 6 -
Solids
B. CHEMICAL
Ammonia mg/L ND ND ND ND ND ND 0.05 - -
Oil and Grease mg/L <1 <1 <1 5 5 6 2 - -
Phosphate mg/L 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.022 0.5 0.020 -
1 0 9 3 6
C.
MICROBIOLOGICAL
Fecal Coliform MPN/100 140 2.0 <1.8 <1.8 2.0 <1.8 100 - 50,799*
mL
Notes: CW = Coastal Waster Sampling Point | (-) = Not monitored | (*) = Geomean | mg/L = Milligrams per liter | MPN/100mL = Most probable number per 100
mL
Reference: DAO 2016-08 (Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards of 2016); EMB MIMAROPA Bacuit Bay Water Quality Monitoring Report ,
Fourth Quarter, 2019.
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4. Natural Hazards
a. Storm Surge and Flooding
179. Figure 19 shows the projected urban expansion and the associated flood hazards in El
Nido while Figure 20 estimates the potential storm surge. Typhoon generally passes from east
to west over the Philippines. The west coast of Palawan on which El Nido is located is protected
from a direct onshore landfall of typhoons travelling in this direction. However, as a typhoon is
moving into the South China Sea El Nido is exposed to onshore winds. A typhoon passing closer
to El Nido would result in higher storm surge with additional localized enhancements.
180. El Nido is located in a north-facing relatively shallow concave bay and the Dasallas and
Lee (2019) analysis indicates that the beach, particularly the central part, will experience
enhanced storm surge. While Cadlao Island will offer some protection, it will enhance setup of
northerly wind driven storm surge. Given that under the path of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, storm
surge was greater than 80 cm, setup due to the geography will lead to a storm surge of over 1.5
m if a typhoon passes over El Nido and this would be even higher if the typhoon moves slowly
into the West Philippine Sea.
181. Corong-Corong backs a shallow west-facing bay but is protected to some extent by the
extensive archipelago. The bay is also part of a much larger embayment of Bacuit Bay that
appears to have enhanced storm surge up 1.2 m during Typhoon Haiyan.
b. Landslides
182. It is difficult to convert projected changes in rainfall into any meaningful measure of
changes to landslides. The intensity of extreme rainfall events is projected to increase by 12%,
and this has the potential to increase the frequency of landslide events in the areas already
identified as susceptible. The locations of landslides are determined by topography, geological
and soil conditions, and the vegetation cover. Therefore, the current extent of areas exposed to
landslides is not expected to change. The flat coastal land in El Nido and Barangay Corong-
Corong are not susceptible to landslides except at the base of the surrounding hills. Figure 21
presents the rain-induced landslide hazard map.
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Figure 19: Projected Urban Expansion and Flooding Hazard in El Nido Urban Center
Source: El Nido Tourism and Urban Sector Development Roadmap, 2020
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Figure 20: Projected Urban Expansion and Storm Surge Hazard in El Nido Urban Center
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Figure 21: Projected Urban Expansion and Rain-Induced Landslide Hazard in El Nido Urban Center
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B. Ecological Resources27
183. El Nido has what is considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in the country. Like
many areas in Palawan, it is protected by legislation for its flora and fauna, both terrestrial and
marine, and pristine geologic formations.
1. Critical Habitat
184. An initial screening using the Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) was
conducted to identify the biodiversity features present within the two areas of interest in El Nido
(i.e. location of the proposed sanitary landfill under the SWM Subproject in Barangay Barotuan
and of the drainage in the El Nido town proper. See generated detailed report on the IBAT
Screening in Appendix E.
185. The IBAT screening results show that there are two key biodiversity areas and five
protected areas found within the default 50-km radius. However, per ECAN zoning, the subproject
sites are located in the Multiple Use Zones, which are practically built-up areas and where
development activities may be permitted (see discussion on ECAN zones below).
186. The location of the proposed SLF is near the boundary of the ECAN Buffer Zone. Hence,
as a precautionary approach during the detailed design phase, a confirmatory biodiversity and
critical habitat assessment will be undertaken to check whether any of the species identified in
the IBAT screening, including those species or areas locally identified but not identified in the
IBAT screening (see discussions on terrestrial and aquatic ecology, and protected areas in this
section of the IEE), will be impacted during the construction and operation phases of the SLF.
The results of assessment will provide recommendations on how potential impacts of the SLF to
these species could be avoided or mitigated. These recommendations will be included or
integrated in the updating of this IEE and EMP.
2. Terrestrial Ecology
a. Land Cover and Forest Resources
187. The land cover classification in El Nido as of 2015 is presented in Table 27 and illustrated
in Figure 22. As shown, about one third (35.56%) of El Nido’s total land area is classified as forest
land (open and closed forest). Approximately 11.65% is classified as agricultural land (perennial
and annual croplands), and less than 1% is built-up (human settlements). Other land covers are
shrubs (31.25%), wooded grassland (14.82%), grassland (0.87%), and mangrove forest (4.83%).
Open or barren lands account for 0.01%, and inland waters take up 0.13% of the municipal land
area.
Table 27: Land Cover Classification in El Nido Municipality

Land Cover Area Covered (ha) Share in Total Land Area (%)
Closed Forest 47 0.09
Open Forest 19,090 35.47
Shrubs 16,819 31.25
Wooded Grassland 7,974 14.82
Grassland 469 0.87
27
Except for the IBAT Screening results and discussions, all other sets of information were sourced from PCSD
ECAN Zoning Component, 2006.
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Land Cover Area Covered (ha) Share in Total Land Area (%)
Perennial Crop 1,524 2.83
Annual Crop 4,749 8.82
Built-up Areas 480 0.89
Open/Barren 5 0.01
Mangrove Forest 2,597 4.83
Inland Water 69 0.13
TOTAL 53,823 100.01
Source: PCSD, 2015 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020).
188. Aside from coastal (mangrove) forest, four types of terrestrial natural forests are found in
the municipality: 1) Lowland evergreen rainforest comprised of old growth and secondary growth
forests is found in the hills and mountains of the municipality’s mainland; 2) Semi-deciduous forest
type is located on gentler slopes; 3) Forest over limestone is composed of plants species highly
adaptive to both acidic and basic soils and to exposed, dry and windy conditions; and 4) Beach
forest is found on the sandy fringes of the small islands.
189. Solid Waste Management Subproject. The proposed site for the New Sanitary Landfill
Facility (SLF) component of the Solid Waste Management Sub-project in Barangay Barotuan is a
titled lot classified as agricultural land, with naturally occurring shrubs and planted trees (cashew).
190. Small-Scale Tourism-Support Infrastructure Subprojects are not located on land.
191. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The Drainage and Urban Design Subproject
will be concentrated in the built-up area of Barangay Corong-Corong.
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Figure 22: Land Cover Map of El Nido Municipality
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b. Terrestrial Biodiversity
192. The following information on the terrestrial biodiversity of El Nido are lifted from the
Sustainable Environmental Management Plan in Northern Palawan (SEMP-NP) of 2006, as cited
in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020. The data were
acquired from extensive field surveys and research studies covering selected barangays, islands,
and islets of the municipality.
(i) Flora
193. The floral survey recorded a total of 434 flora species, which translates to an overall
biodiversity index of 4.831. In addition, the distribution index is 0.795, which indicates a high
diversity index.
194. The most dominant flora species in El Nido are: carabao grass (Axonopus compressus),
Euphorbia Sp., Hagonoi (Chromolaena odorata), nito (Lygodium flexuosum), malatungaw
(Melastoma malabathricum), apitong (Dipterocarpus haseltii), cogon (Imperata cylindrica),
kalumpang (Sterculia foetida), bikal (Dinochloa acutiflora), Neotriwia sp., tagbak (Alpinia
elegans), siksik (Calamus sp.), dao (Draconto melondao), amugis (Koordesio dendronpinnatum),
and a rattan species (Calamus sp.). The local apitong (Dipterocarpus hasseltii), a dipterocarp
species, dominates the forest ecosystem in El Nido. Shrubs and grasses, such as cogon, bikal,
siksik, and rattan species, are also found in the landscape. These plants are indicators of open
canopy and disturbed forest.
195. Table 28 presents the conservation status of the flora species based on the IUCN Red
List and DAO 2017-11 (Updated National List of Threatened Philippines Plants and their
Categories).
Table 28: Conservation Status of Flora Species Recorded in El Nido Municipality

Conservation Status
Common Name Scientific Name
IUCN Category DAO 2017-11
Antipolo Artocarpus blancoi VU -
Apitong Dipterocarpus grandiflorus EN VU
Balakat-gubat Sapium luzonicum / Balakata luzonica VU VU
Batino Alstonia macrophylla LC -
Duguan Myristica philippensis VU OTS
Guijo Shorea guiso VU -
Hairy-leafed Apitong Dipterocarpus (philippinensis) alatus VU VU
Hasselt’s Panau Dipterocarpus hasseltii CR VU
Ipil Intsia bijuga VU VU
Isis Ficus ulmifolia VU -
Katmon Dillenia philippinensis NT -
Malakatmon Dillenia luzoniensis VU VU
Molave Vitex parviflora VU EN
Narra Pterocarpus indicus VU VU
Nato Palaquium luzoniense VU VU
Panau Dipterocarpus gracilis CR VU
Sakat Terminalia nitens VU -
Macaranga grandifolia VU -
Tagpo Ardisia squamulosa VU VU
Tanglin Adenanthera intermedia VU OTS
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Notes: CR = Critically Endangered; EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; OTS = Other

Threatened Species; LC = Least Concern; (-) Not listed
References: PCSD, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015 -2020);
IUCN Red List; DAO 2017-11
(i) Fauna
196. The fauna survey conducted in El Nido recorded a total of 98 species of vertebrate fauna,
which included 19 mammals, 66 birds, 8 reptiles, and 5 amphibians. Of these species, 15 were
identified as threatened and 19 were endemic as listed in Table 29.
Table 29: Observed, Threatened, and Endemic Fauna in El Nido (2006)

Vertebrate Group Observed Threatened Endemic
Mammals 19 4 6
Birds 66 10 12
Reptiles 8 0 0
Amphibians 5 1 1
TOTAL 98 15 19
Reference: PCSD, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020)
197. Survey results indicated a relatively high species endemism among the sampled sites in
El Nido, namely Cadlao Island, Mt. Cabengkukay, Mt. Pita, Mt. Suso, Mt. Ynangtagung, and Mt.
Nagbaklaw. Table 30 presents the conservation status of the endemic fauna species recorded
based on the IUCN Red List and DAO 2019-09 (Updated National List of Threatened Philippine
Fauna and Their Categories).
Table 30: Conservation Status of Endemic Fauna Species Recorded in El Nido

Municipality
Conservation Status
Common Name Scientific Name DAO 2019-
IUCN Category
09
Mammals
Northern Palawan Tree Squirrel Sundasciurus juvencus LC -
Palawan Stink Badger Mydaus marchei LC -
Philippine Pangolin Manis culionensis CR EN
Birds
Blue-headed Racquet-Tail Prioniturus platenae VU VU
Palawan Blue Flycatcher Cyornis lemprieri NT -
Palawan Hornbill Anthracoceros marchei VU VU
Palawan Peacock-Pheasant Polyplectron emphanum VU EN
(napoleonis)
Palawan Scops Owl Otus fuliginosus NT EN
Palawan Tit Periparus amabilis NT OTS
White-Vented Shama Copsychus niger LC -
Yellow-Throated Leafbird Chloropsis palawanensis LC -
Amphibian
Philippine Toad Ingerophrynus philippinicus LC -
Notes: CR = Critically Endangered; EN = Endangered; VU = Vulnerable; NT = Near Threatened; OTS = Other
Threatened Species; LC = Least Concern; (-) = Not listed
References: PCSD, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015 -2020);
IUCN Red List; DAO 2019-09
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198. For reptilian species diversity and richness, Mt. Pita recorded the highest reptilian species
diversity with an index value of 1.41, and Cadlao Island had the lowest value of 1.00. In terms of
amphibian species diversity and richness, Mt. Pita had the highest amphibian species diversity
index value of 1.41
3. Aquatic and Marine Ecology
a. Coastal/Marine Habitats
199. Mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds (dense and sparse) covering a total area of
2, 734.12 ha comprise the coastal and marine habitats in the Municipality of El Nido. The area
distribution by type in each barangay is presented in the following table.
Table 31: Coastal/Marine Habitats per Barangay in El Nido Municipality (2006)

Area Covered by Type of Habitat (ha) Total Share in
Mangrov Coral Seagrass Seagrass Area Municipal
Barangay
e Forest Reef (Dense) (Sparse) Covered Total (%)
(ha)
URBAN
Maligaya, Zone 1 5.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.14 0.19
Buena Suerte, Zone 2 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Masagana, Zone 3 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Corong-Corong, Zone 4 145.97 0.00 3.40 0.30 149.67 5.47
RURAL
Aberawan 128.87 0.00 0.02 0.00 128.89 4.71
Bagong Bayan 221.61 0.00 2.71 0.12 224.44 8.21
Barotuan 45.61 0.00 0.00 0.00 45.61 1.67
Bebeladan 562.20 15.44 6.92 7.50 592.06 21.65
Bucana 112.91 8.71 12.38 2.18 136.18 4.98
Mabini 260.27 0.00 0.59 0.00 260.86 9.54
Manlag 151.72 0.00 2.94 0.00 154.66 5.66
New Ibajay 414.76 0.00 3.22 0.00 417.98 15.29
Pasadeña 27.92 0.53 0.00 0.03 28.48 1.04
San Fernando 29.97 4.80 0.00 0.00 34.77 1.27
Sibaltan 158.63 0.60 3.62 0.00 162.85 5.96
Teneguiban 86.26 0.64 3.39 2.77 93.06 3.40
Villa Libertad 26.52 0.00 1.47 2.65 30.64 1.12
Villa Paz 266.74 0.00 2.09 0.00 268.83 9.83
TOTAL 2,645.10 30.73 42.75 15.55 2,734.12 100.00
Reference: PCSD, 2006 (as cited in the Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015 -
2020)
200. As presented, the barangays with the highest aggregate mangrove, coral reef, and
seagrass cover as of 2006 were: Bebeldan (592.06 ha or 21.65% of the municipal total), New
Ibajay (417.98 ha or 15.29% of the municipal total), Villa Paz (268.83 ha or 9.83% of the municipal
total), Mabini (260.86 or 9.54% of the municipal total), and Bagong Bayan (224.44 ha or 8.21%
of the municipal total).
(i) Mangrove: Mangrove species recorded in 2006 belong to the genus Rhizophora,
Bruguiera, Excoecaria, Xylocarpus, and Aegiceras. Commonly found species
within the mangrove area also include Acrostichum, Buchanania, Licuala, and
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Oncosperma. Charcoal making is considered as the primary cause of mangrove

depletion in the municipality.
(ii) Coral Reef: In a rapid resource assessment covering 25 sites, the highest hard
coral cover recorded was 35% located at the eastern side of Mabolo Island, while
the lowest was 9.56% at Dibulan Island (DENR MIMAROPA, 2015). Based on
2014 PCSD data, majority (55.4%) of the coral reef present in El Nido had fair coral
cover, 5.6% had good coral cover, 3% had very good coral cover, 38% had poor
coral cover and no reported cases of excellent coral cover. The poor condition of
most coral reefs on the western side was attributed to the presence of built-up
areas and tourism resorts, that discharged effluents and disposed solid wastes in
sea waters.
(iii) Seagrass: Sea grass beds occur mainly in intertidal or shallow, inshore beds over
sand, mud, and coral-sand substrates. They are significant breeding, spawning,
and nursery grounds for fish species and serve as important habitats for dugongs
and some species of marine turtle. Based on 2006 PCSD data, a good cover of
sea grass meadows was extensively found in the eastern portion of the
municipality’s coastal waters from New Ibajay to Sibaltan and inner Bacuit Bay
(Bebeladan), while narrower beds were observed in San Fernando, Corong-
Corong and North West Bacuit Bay. Other coastal barangays, such as Mabini,
Aberawan, Manlag, Lalutaya Island, Bucana, and Teneguiban had sparse
distributions of sea grass because of heavy siltation and strong wave action in
these areas.
b. Coastal/Marine Biodiversity
201. A total of 42 common finfish species, 38 shell species, 14 other invertebrate species, six
(6) mammals and reptiles, nine (9) marine plants including mangrove, algae, and seagrasses,
and five (5) unnamed species were identified by the respondents during the conduct of
Participatory Coastal Resources Assessment in 2006.
202. In an older report for the National Integrated Protected Areas Programme (NIPAP) in
2000, there were recorded sightings of four (4) types of marine turtles, namely the Hawksbill Turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricata), the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
(Lepidochelys olivaceae), and the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in the
municipal waters of El Nido the whole year round. Turtle Island was identified as the major marine
turtle nesting habitat in the municipality.
203. Bacuit Bay is also home to the dugong, dolphins, and marine turtles, many of which are
threatened species. Colorful coral reef fishes, butterflyfishes, parrotfishes, wrasses, triggerfishes,
angelfishes, surgeonfishes, damselfishes, emperors, snappers, groupers, and rabbitfishes are
also found in the bay.
4. Protected Areas
204. Protected areas are portions of land and water set aside for its unique physical and
biological significance, managed to enhance biological diversity, and protected against
destructive human occupation. The NIPAS Act of 1992 or RA 7586, as amended by the E-NIPAS
Act of 2018 or RA 11038, provides for the establishment and management of a comprehensive
system of protected areas in the country
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205. As of 2015, there are nine (9) proclaimed protected areas in the Province of Palawan,
namely Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Mt. Mantalingahan Protected
Landscape, Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park, El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource
Protected Area, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Coron Island Protected Area,
Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, Rasa Island Wildlife Sanctuary, and Ursula Island
Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary.
206. About 48.8% of the Municipality of El Nido is covered by the El Nido-Taytay Managed
Resource Protected Area (ENTMRPA). The protected area coverage per barangay is presented
in Table 32 and illustrated in Figure 23.
Table 32: Protected Area Coverage of El Nido Municipality

Total Area Area within Protected Area Share in Total Area
Barangay
(ha) (ha) (%)
URBAN
Maligaya, Zone 1 166 166 100
Buena Suerte, Zone 2 214 214 100
Masagana, Zone 3 231 231 100
Corong-Corong, Zone 4 2,691 2,331 86.6
RURAL
Aberawan 2,805 2,805 100
Bagong Bayan 487 487 100
Barotuan 2,166 876 40.4
Bebeladan 4,476 4,476 100
Bucana 2,399 1,354 56.4
Mabini 3,360 1,253 37.3
Manlag 4,836 4,831 99.9
New Ibajay 4,878 778 15.9
Pasadeña 4,028 3,843 95.4
San Fernando 2,194 485 22.1
Sibaltan 3,859 1,162 30.1
Teneguiban 4,450 0 0.0
Villa Libertad 4,197 2,657 63.3
Villa Paz 3,503 1,692 48.3
TOTAL 50,940 29,641 58.18
Source: PCSD, 2006 (as cited in Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource management Plan 2015-2020)
207. Among the priority subprojects, only the Solid Waste Management Subproject in Brgy.
Barotuan is situated near but outside the ENTMRPA boundaries. This initial assessment shall be
subject to ground validation with the concerned agencies/offices (i.e., EMB MIMAROPA, PCSD,
ENTMRPA Protected Area Management Office).
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Figure 23: Protected Area Map of El Nido Municipality
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208. Environmentally Critical Areas Network (ECAN) Zones. Three (3) ECAN zones were
delineated in the Municipality of El Nido: the Core Zone; the Buffer Zone; and the Multiple Use
Zone. The area distribution is presented in Table 33 and illustrated in Figure 24.
Table 33: ECAN Zones in El Nido Municipality

ECAN Zones Sub-Zones Area (ha)
Core Zone 16,898
Restricted Use 8,398
Buffer Zone Controlled Use 970
Traditional Use 16,908
Multiple Use Zone 11,929
Source: PCSD, 2006 (as cited in Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource management Plan 2015-2020)
a) Core Zone
209. Core Zones refer to lands that need to be strictly protected and maintained free from
human disruption.
210. Through mapping, it has been identified that out of the 35 small islands and islets, 12 are
delineated as Core Zones; these are Bolog, Calitan, Caverna, Comocutan, Diapila, Entalula,
Inambuyod, Inatulaa, Maatag, Malapacao, Tagbao, and Turtle islands. Meanwhile, seven (7)
islands have more than 90% of their total land area delineated as Core Zone; these islands are
Miniloc (99%), Tapiutan (98%), Cauayan (96%), Piocoton (92%), Matinloc (92%), Inabayatan
(91%), and Lagen (90%).
b) Buffer Zone
211. Buffer Zone refers to areas that have regulated use. It is divided into sub-zones: Restricted
Use, Controlled Use, and Traditional Use. Restricted Use sub-zones refer to the inner barriers
that surround the Core Zones. Activities held in here are limited and non-consumptive. Controlled
Use sub-zones refer to the outer protective barriers that encircle the Core Zones and Restricted
Use areas. Extraction of natural resources may be allowed in these areas. Lastly, Traditional Use
sub-zones refer to edges of intact forests where traditional land use is already stabilized or is
being stabilized.
c) Multiple Use Zone
212. Multiple Use Zones refer to the available lands for human settlements and agriculture
development and comprise about 56.51% of the municipality’s total area. The proposed location
of the SLF under the Solid Waste Management and the proposed drainage network under the
Drainage/Urban Design Subprojects fall within this zone.
213. Ten islands have been delineated as Multiple Use Zones due to the presence of human
settlements. These islands are Cadlao, Daracotan, Dilumacad, Lagen, Lalutaya, Malpacao,
Matinloc, North and South Guntao, and Tapiutan.
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Figure 24: ECAN Zones Map of El Nido Municipality

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C. Economic Development
1. Industries
214. Regarding the economic sector of the El Nido, a 2006 study by the PCSD states that the
main forms of livelihood in the municipality are farming, fishing, and tourism.
215. For the agricultural sector, the main cash crops are coconut, rice, and cashew, with
cashew considered as the crop with the greatest economic potential in the area. There are also
other crops planted in the municipality such as mangos, bananas and various roots and tubers.
However, irrigation systems and other infrastructure/personnel to support agriculture are limited
(i.e., roads) which contributes to the municipality not being food self-sufficient.
216. The study by PCSD also notes that El Nido is the third highest fish producing municipality
in Palawan. However, the general trend for the fisheries sector shows declining fish catch and an
increased amount of time spent fishing. Data from the CRM Office (2014) shows that the volume
of fish production in the municipality was 261.40 metric tons, which is lower compared to the
previous year’s volume of 432.23 metric tons.
217. Prior to the tourism boom in recent years, fishing and agriculture were the main industries
in El Nido. Fisherfolk population in barangays close to the town center has dwindled as many
fishers have shifted to tourism as their primary income source. However, fishing remains the main
livelihood in remote coastal barangays.
218. From January to September 2019, total fish volume recorded by the Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources (Field Unit 4B) was 107,777 kg. The most dominant species was rabbitfish
or siganids (often caught in seagrasses and coral reef areas), followed by the yellow tailed scad
and Indian mackerel, which are common small pelagic species. Other common commercially
important species reported by the El Nido Municipal Agriculturist Office were oxeye scad, bigeye
scad, slipmouth, threadfin bream, and little tuna. The most common gears used by small fishers
are hook and line and gillnet. Average catch per fisherman per fishing trip is 6.6 kg.
219. On the other hand, the tourism industry of El Nido saw a significant increase in the number
of tourist arrivals starting in 2010 (37,383) and further increased to a record high of 64,896 in
2013. The Municipal Tourism Office also categorized tourism sites into 4 main thematic areas in
the municipality such as marine-based nature tourism, agri-tourism zones, forest-based nature
tourism zones, and heritage tourism zones. These areas are evenly distributed throughout the
municipality’s mainland and islands/islets (Tourism Framework Plan, 2014). Tourist-related
businesses, such as tricycles for hire and boat rentals, are also prevalent in the municipality with
the Business Permits and Licensing Office recording 390 and 277 licensed tricycles and boats in
2015. However, data from the municipality’s Community-Based Monitoring System (2011)
indicates that despite the benefits of tourism and other industries, which contributed greatly to
96.22% employment rate, there is still 55.3% of the municipality’s households who have income
below the food threshold and 67.5% who have income below the poverty threshold.
2. Infrastructure Facilities
a. Power Supply
220. Presently, the municipality’s electrical power needs are supplied by the National Power
Corporation (NAPOCOR) and the distributor is the Palawan Electrical Cooperative (PALECO).
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Together they supply 24-hour electricity for 8 barangays (4 poblacion barangays and 4 urban
barangays), while the remaining 10 barangays are not covered by the power grid and thus only
have electricity for 12 hours each day supplied by solar panels or generators (Socio-Economic
Plan, 2013).
b. Water Supply
221. Water supply services in the Municipality of El Nido are being provided by the El Nido
Water and Sanitation System (ENWSS), an Office created by virtue of Municipal Ordinance No.
018. This Office, being managed by the Municipal Government, was established in 2017 and is
attached to the Municipal Economic Enterprise Development Office (MEEDO). The present
operations of ENWSS are briefly described as follows. A sewerage system in currently under
construction.
222. Figure 25: Existing Water Supply System in El Nido
223. ENWSS draws water from three (3) deep wells as shown in Figure 25. The water drawn
from Balones and Nunez Pumping Stations are being fed into the Cabugao Reservoir for
distribution. The operation of Maligaya Pumping Station, which pumps directly into the distribution
system, serves as a standby source to support the supply during dry season.
224. As of 2019, the monthly combined capacities of the deep wells are shown in Figure 26.
The average water production from month of January to September is 547 m 3/day.
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Figure 26: ENWSS Monthly Water Production (2019)
ENWSS Monthly Water Production

(m3/day)
700 647
580 588 599
600 553
506 523 519
500
408
400
300
200
100
0
J-19 F-19 M-19 A-19 M-19 J-19 J-19 A-19 S-19
225.
Source: El Nido Water and Sanitation System (ENWSS)
Figure 27: Water Supply Service Coverage by Barangay in El Nido (2019)
ENWSS Service Connections

(2019)
No. of Service
Type
Connections
Domestic 291
Commercial 224
Institutional 10
Source: ENWSS
Barangay
226. Based on the 2019 operational data/information from the ENWSS, the system is serving
the urbanized area of the four (4) urban barangays, although there are large areas of these
barangays with low population densities, which are not covered by the distribution system.
ENWSS’ records show that the current level of service in terms of service coverage is currently
at 12% within the four served barangays. The water supply service coverage details are shown
in Figure 27.
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c. Sewerage, sanitation, and drainage system
227. A sewerage system is currently under construction. Sanitation in the urban area relies
primarily on septic tanks, which are generally poorly maintained and infrequently pumped. Since
there is no piped sewerage system in the town, the urban drainage system operates as a
combined system, since the septic tank effluents are, in many cases, discharging either to the
stormwater main drain or to soil where it eventually seeps into the drainage system. A large
fraction of the wastewater is collected by the main channel, before being discharged directly into
El Nido Bay, with potential serious impact on the environment and public health.
228. Septage management is the responsibility of the ENWSS under the MEEDO. In 2014, it
was reported that a total of 52% of the urban population (or about 2,100 households), as well as
800 commercial and institutional establishments, were using septic tanks, many of which may be
unsealed and/or improperly designed thereby having limited impact in treating wastewater.
Furthermore, it was reported that some larger resorts had their own treatment plants; however,
the exact number, performances, and conditions of these systems was unknown. Some smaller
resorts relied on septic tanks.28
28
El Nido Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS), 2014
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Figure 28: Sewerage and Septage Collection Services in El Nido
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Figure 29: Drainage System in El Nido Urban Center (Ongoing and Proposed Works)
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d. Transportation
229. Entry points by air to El Nido are the Lio Airport, San Vicente Airport, and Puerto Princesa
International Airport. The private Lio Airport provides the fastest route thru the services of its
airline – Air Swift. Lio Airport provides limited access to tourists due to the ownership and the
terminal capacity. The area of the departure and terminal area are under the international
standard. The distances of San Vicente and Puerto Princesa from El Nido require longer travel
time. Another airport, the Taytay-Sandoval Airport is closer to El Nido but the airport and access
roads (although funded) are not yet complete.
230. As for internal connectivity, El Nido is linked by good national roads to the provincial capital
(Puerto Princesa City) and by vans and buses. The north-south road connections along the coast
of El Nido to Taytay up to Puerto Princesa are existing but with very few cutting across to provide
east-west connection to reduce travel time. Although most of the main spine road in El Nido are
concrete and paved in fair condition, common problems observed include: lack of road safety and
warning signs, unfinished construction of the shoulder, poorly compacted and eroding road
portions, and lack of temporary access among others. The road inventory in El Nido is presented
in Table 34.
Table 34: Road Inventory in El Nido (2019)
Road Category Length (km) %
National Highway 158 46%
Secondary Road 19 6%
Tertiary Road 16 5%
Barangay Road 117 34%
Feeder Road 32 9%
TOTAL 342 100%
Source: El Nido MPDO (2019)
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Figure 30: Existing Road Network in El Nido Urban Center
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Figure 31: Existing Road Network of El Nido Municipality
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3. Land Use
231. Based on available GIS data, El Nido is mostly composed of forest area, which constitutes
71.76% of the total municipal land area, while agricultural areas make up about 25.91%.
Residential Areas (0.68%) still constitute most of the urban uses, followed by commercial areas
(0.16%), including tourism establishments. Areas dedicated for tourism only make up about
0.77% of the total land area.
232. Figure 32 present the existing general and urban land use map of El Nido. A detailed
breakdown is provided in Table 35.
Table 35: Land Use Distribution, Municipality and Urban Centers

Total Urban Area
Classification
Area (ha) % Area (ha) %
Forest 45,137.46 71.76 2,194.92 83.62
Agricultural 16,300.39 25.91 296.26 11.29
Residential 429.96 0.68 23.47 0.89
Commercial 99.73 0.16 63.33 2.41
Institutional 55.56 0.09 8.19 0.31
Tourism 482.89 0.77 24.19 0.92
Industrial 5.03 0.01 0.00 0.00
Transport facilities and 220.45 0.35 12.42 0.47
roads
Parks/Open 2.57 0.00 0.22 0.01
Space/Recreation
Brush/shrubs/grassland 6.18 0.01 0.00 0.00
Inland water 164.20 0.26 1.94 0.07
GRAND TOTAL 62,904.42 100.00 2,624.94 100.00
Source: Processed from El Nido GIS data
Note: There is a discrepancy of about 30,000 ha between the municipal government’s official land area figure
of 92,326 ha and GIS data of the municipality. GIS mapping of the LGU only yields over 62,900 ha of land
area. This figure and the results of the GIS mapping are used by the Municipal Government for planning
purposes. Data from the GIS map on existing land use is presented in above table.
233. The urban center (locally referred to as the “población”) consists of four (4) barangays and
makes up about 4.17% of the total land area of the municipality. Excluding islands, the urban
barangays consist mainly of forest area, which covers 83.62% of their aggregate area. Built-up
areas account for around 4% of the total land area in the urban center: 0.89% are residential,
2.41% are commercial, 0.31% are institutional, and 0.47% are transport facilities and roads.
Tourism areas cover about 0.92% of the urban center.
234. Solid Waste Management Subproject. As shown in Figure 32, the existing general land
use in the proposed SLF site is Agricultural.
235. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. The proposed Drainage and Urban Design
Subprojects will be situated in the tourism and commercial zones of the urban barangays of Buena
Suerte, Masagana, and Corong-Corong.
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Figure 32: El Nido Existing General Land Use Map

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D. Social and Cultural Resources
1. Population and Communities
236. This IEE considered the host barangays as primary stakeholders of the proposed Project.
Focused group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) have been conducted with
various sector representatives in El Nido in January 2020. Documentation is provided in Part VII
(Information Disclosure, Consultation, and Participation).
237. Table 36 presents the population and annual average population growth rate (PGR) in the
region, province, and municipality that cover the project area.
Table 36: Population of MIMAROPA Region, Palawan Province, and El Nido Municipality
Population Population Annual PGR
Area
(2010) (2015) (2010-2015)
MIMAROPA Region 2,744,671 2,963,360 +1.47%
Province of Palawan (excluding Puerto Princesa City) 771,667 849,469 +1.85%
Municipality of El Nido 36,191 41,606 +2.69%
Sources: Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) MIMAROPA Region
238. For the municipality’s population and demographics, data from the National Statistics
Office (2015) shows that El Nido has a population of 41,606 corresponding to a total of 9,490
households. With a population density of 0.82 people/km 2.
239. Urban barangays have a density of 1.95 persons/ha while rural barangays have a density
of 0.51 person/ha. Barangay Maligaya and Masagana have the highest densities at 16.6
persons/ha and 10.8 person/ha, respectively. The two barangays have smallest land areas in El
Nido. The rest of the urban barangays have densities of less than 2 persons/ha.
2. Indigenous People
240. There are two (2) indigenous groups in El Nido: Cuyonon and Tagbanua which constituted
about 40% of the total population of 41,606 in 2015. The Cuyonons have presence in all the 18
barangays while the Tagbanuas are in Barangays Bucana, Mabini, New Ibajay and Teneguiban.
241. The representation of IPs in the local government unit of El Nido is embodied through Datu
Prospero Castro, the Municipal Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR). He is a
Cuyonon. Out of the 18 barangays, 10 already have barangay IPMRs while the remaining 7 have
recognized tribal chieftains. Some of them are on the process of completing their requirements to
be submitted to NCIP for the issuance of Certificate of Affirmation.
242. Barangay Corong-Corong has a population of 3,200 persons where majority are Cuyonon
and 10% are Bisaya. Residents of the barangay used to be engaged in farming, fishing and
harvesting of edilble’s bird’s nest. As Corong-Corong is an urban barangay and is part of the
Poblacion, almost 100% of its population are now engaged in the tourism industry.
243. Population by Indigenous Groups in the affected barangays are as follows (as of 2015):
Aberawan (1,305); Corong-Corong (2,804); Pasadena (2,001); and Bebeladan (2,171).
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244. There is one ancestral domain claim in the municipality and an on-going Certificate of
Ancestral Land Title (CALT) application represented by Mr. Israel D. Gomez. The application
covers 34 ha in Barangays Island-Obognon Cove and Buenta Suerte, Corong-Corong and
Cadlao.
3. Health and Sanitation Facilities
245. For health care services, El Nido has one Rural Health Center located in the Poblacion,
15 Barangay Health Stations, and five Satellite Clinics for the whole municipality. Furthermore,
there are only two doctors and nurses, assisted by 348 volunteer health workers, available to
provide medical services for residents and tourists (Rural Health Unit Accomplishment Report,
2014).
246. Currently, toilet blocks are established in these schools discharging to a septic tank. The
new sewerage main cluster tank is located within the El Nido Central School boundary and it is
assumed that the school will connect into the sewerage system. Similarly, the High School will be
in the service area of the proposed sewerage system.
247. Prevalence of waterborne diseases in El Nido is available for 2012, 2014, and 2016 from
the DOH. In 2012 and 2016, acute gastroenteritis was the fourth leading cause of morbidity.
Diarrheal diseases are more prevalent during rainy seasons, and much of these patients are
coming from rural, far flung, and island barangays. There are few cases among tourists but are
usually erratic and isolated. Outbreaks sometimes happen and prompt response from the LGU is
being done in order to suppress and control the situation
248. Based on the 2018 CBMS Census for El Nido, children mortality (under age 5) is 0.1% in
2018, well below the Philippine rate of 2.8%. Albeit some improvements between 2016 and 2018,
the health facilities in El Nido remain overstretched and understaffed and cannot meet the
increasing demand for quality health care services from the population, and local and foreign
tourists.
4. Education Facilities
249. Education in El Nido is covered by one (1) central school and 26 barangay schools for the
primary level, eight national high schools for the secondary level, and two universities for the
tertiary level. Moreover, there is an initiative for alternative learning systems and scholarships in
the municipality.
250. Two schools are located in the urban area: (i) El Nido Central Elementary School in
Maligaya, (ii) El Nido High School in Corong-Corong.
5. Peace and Order
251. For security in the area, there are 23 police stationed at the Municipal Police Station,
equating to a police-to-population ratio of 1:1,500 which is lower than the standard ratio of 1:1,000
or the ideal ratio of 1:500.
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V. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
252. This section will focus on the identification and analysis of the potential environmental
impacts of the priority subprojects in El Nido under STDP Outputs 1 and 2, namely: (i) Solid Waste
Management; (ii) Drainage and Urban Design; and (iii) Small-Scale Tourism Support
Infrastructure.
A. Project Areas of Influence and Sensitive Receptors
253. The “project areas of influence” and “sensitive receptors” were identified to delineate the
scope of the environmental impact assessment. The delineation was based on the locations of
sensitive receptors, such as communities and resources of environmental and economic
importance. These areas as listed in Table 37 were identified both for the construction and
operation phases of the project and were used in identifying appropriate mitigating measures.
Table 37: Project Area of Influence and Sensitive Receptors Throughout the Project
Phases
Project Project Area of Influence Sensitive Receptors
Remarks
Component Construction Operations
Solid Waste Access roads and Landfill site and ● Host community Buffer zones around
Management the landfill site in contingent areas; of Brgy. the landfill perimeter
Barangay areas served by Barotuan must be
Barotuan the solid waste ● Nearby established.
collection ENTRMPA
including roads ● Nearby
leading to the agricultural
landfill activities
● Other sensitive
receptors
identified in the
IBAT Screening
Drainage Streets where Streets where ● Host -
drainage will be drainage will be communities
constructed or maintained; ● Commercial
rehabilitated. outfall. activities along
drainage
alignment
Urban Design Footprint where Footprint where ● Host Specific areas will
intervention will be intervention will communities
still be identified.
constructed. be constructed.
Small-scale Specific areas Specific areas ● Tourism Specific areas will
Tourism where where activities still be identified but
Support interventions will interventions will (operators, mostly in the
Infrastructure be constructed. be operated and tourists) islands.
s maintained.
Note: The identified area of influence and sensitive receptors may be subject to change during the
detailed engineering design (DED) stage of the Project.
B. Positive Impacts and Environmental Benefits
1. Environmental Benefits
254. Solid Waste Management/Sanitary Landfill Facility. The operation of the sanitary
landfill aims to increase solid waste collection coverage from 43% to 60% by 2025. The
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engineered landfill will provide final disposal for residual wastes which may end up in the streets
and the coastal areas of El Nido. Door to door collection of household wastes will be progressively
extended to the rural barangays reducing the incidents of open burning of solid wastes including
plastic wastes.
255. Drainage and Urban Design. The expansion and upgrading of the drainage network aim
to prevent flooding especially during heavy rains. With the improvement of the drainage, illegal
connection of sewer to the drainage will also be removed. A prevention campaign shall be carried
with local companies to avoid any discharge of industrial waste in the drainage system, in
particular from gasoline stations, hotels, etc. Oil separators shall be made mandatory for gasoline
stations. This will translate to better water quality of the creeks and the coastal areas in El Nido.
256. One of the objectives of the urban design component of the project is to integrate the
‘greening aspect’ to infrastructures such as drainage and roadways. This approach will definitely
improve water and air quality in the general areas of El Nido.
257. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. In the islands, it is also equally important
to provide proper waste management facilities such as solid waste bins or receptacles and
properly designed sanitation facilities. Such small-scale infrastructures will enhance the water and
air quality in the areas frequented by tourists.
2. Socio-Economic Benefits
258. Solid Waste Management/Sanitary Landfill. The operation of the MRFs will be
enhanced and waste diversions will be increase creating opportunity for income to be generated
from the sale of reusables and recyclables. The use of the MRFs will be improved by both proper
signage at the MRFs and a communication campaign about their use. A dedicated collection of
the recyclables from the MRFs will be implemented. The existing recycling workshop at Villa
Libertad will be improved by increasing and organizing the storage space and adding a plastic
shredder to increase capacity.
259. A dedicated collection service for market waste and household bio-waste will be
implemented in the urban barangays. The bio-waste will go to the new anaerobic digester at the
WWTP in Villa Libertad.
260. Dedicated containers for collection of hazardous wastes will be provided in the MRFs
recycling points (23 containers in total) preventing public health hazards from improper handling
and disposal of these type of wastes.
261. Drainage and Urban Design. The improvement of the drainage will also consequently
improve the sidewalk making the urban and tourist centers more ‘walkable’ and ‘pedestrian
friendly’. Such improvement will promote better tourist experience, community safety and potential
increase of economic activities in the area. Health hazards from exposure to flood will be reduced
with the improved drainage system.
262. Improvement in the urban development design will translate to a more ‘livable’
municipality. The subsequent effects are cleaner environment, more potential for economic
activities from local and foreign tourists, and healthier residents.
permission.
106
263. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure. Improvement and provision of basic

support facilities and utilities in the island-hopping and diving sites will gain more socio-economic
benefits with increased number of visitors going to these destinations.
C. Impacts and Mitigating Measures During Design and Pre-Construction Phase
1. due to .
264. These impacts are associated with planning on the site selection. They include impacts
due to encroachment of sensitive areas and impacts on the people who might lose their properties
or livelihoods due to the development of the proposed subproject sites. In the case of the SWM
subproject, the SLF component will be located in Multiple Use Zone in the peripheries of El Nido
and site selection criteria were considered towards its identification which ensured the best
location with the minimum likely environmental impacts. This is discussed in detail in the
alternatives for site selection in Section VI below.
With regard to the drainage and other infrastructures, these will be built or installed on existing
road alignments with rights-of-way. Hence, no significant impacts due to location is anticipated.
Any impacts identified to occur during the construction phase will be mitigated through various
known engineering measures, which are included in the EMP and discussed in Section IX below.
2. Impacts due to Climate Change.
265. The impact of climate change is significant for the project. The design of the SWM, in
particular the SLF component, needs to consider future changes in climate patterns such as
flooding due to extended monsoon seasons and increased level of precipitation, droughts, and
increased global temperature, among others. The subproject components, including the lands on
which these will be erected, are prone to either flooding or soil erosion due to river systems and
coastal area bordering the sites. The design for the subproject components should consider the
following:
(i) Likely changes in the climatic conditions with respect to temperature, flooding,
salinity, and acidity, including drainage aspects; and
(ii) Likely impacts on land surfaces and runoff due to climate change-induced heavier
and more erratic rainfall.
266. Mitigation Measures. The impacts of climate change will be mitigated upfront during the
design and planning stage for the infrastructures. Among these measures are the following:
(i) Sufficient drainage facilities within the SLF site that could convey storm water
during heavy downpour based on future scenario of rainfall; by either increasing
the throughput capacity of canals or installing additional drains;
(ii) Apply appropriate slope grading to avoid water logging; and
(iii) Increasing the elevation of the entire SLF, which may likely flooded in the long
term.
3. Impact to Critical Habitat and Biodiversity.
267. El Nido and its surrounding waters (freshwater and marine) are rich in biodiversity and
host to many important species. An initial critical habitat screening has been undertaken as part
of overall environmental assessment for the project. The Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool
(IBAT) was initially used to screen and assess potential risks on the protected areas or critical
habitat that may exist around the project sites (default area of analysis of 50 km radius). Initial
permission.
107
screening results show that the area of analysis is likely a critical habitat, including identified
protected areas and key biodiversity areas. In view of this, the project is deemed to have the
potential threat to all these biodiversity assets and features. See summary discussions in Section
IV and the complete results of IBAT Screening in Appendix E.
268. Mitigation Measures. During the detailed design phase, a biodiversity and critical habitat
assessment following IFC Performance Standard 6 Criteria will be undertaken to determine if the
project will pose significant impact to the biodiversity features identified in the IBAT Screening,
including assessment on whether or not any of the IUCN Red List Species of concern would
qualify the project area as critical habitat. The assessment will also provide recommendations on
how to mitigate any adverse findings or impacts to any biodiversity features in the area These
recommendations will be considered and included in the updating of this IEE and the EMP during
the detailed design phase.
4. Disposal
269. During the project preparation up to pre-construction phase, PMU shall identify approved
disposal sites for spoils that will be generated during excavation and construction activities in the
drainage subproject. PMU shall inform the contractor of this approved disposal site as early as
possible prior to construction activities.
5. Contractor M
270. Once contract is awarded (DBO contractor for the SLF or Civil Works contractor for the
other subproject components), the contractor shall immediately undertake all pre-construction
works to ensure environmental impacts are avoided at the projects sites, including movements
and way of life of local people in the affected areas. No works shall be undertaken unless the
following have been complied with by the contractor:
(i) Develop a Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan
(CESHSMP) that is approved by PMU based on the EMP of this IEE report;
(ii) For the drainage subproject, develop a Traffic Management Plan covering all areas
along the alignments, in coordination with local traffic enforcement office.
Contractor shall have Traffic Management Plan in place prior to excavation or
construction works;
(iii) Develop a Spoil Management Plan to manage any excess spoils generated during
construction and O&M activities; and
(iv) Develop a specific Health and Safety Plan, that will include a Health and Safety
COVID-19 Plan in accordance with relevant government regulations and
guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, to
international good practice guidelines such as World Health Organization. 2020.
6. Construction
271. Unplanned construction of camps without basic amenities could result in stress of workers
and degradation of the local environment. It is important that these camps be provided with
sanitary amenities at designated areas. Contractors shall establish these construction camps
following local standards or regulations, if any. Separately, contractors may follow the guidance
note developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) entitled “Workers’ accommodation: processes and
standards (A guidance note by IFC and the EBRD), 2009”.
permission.
108
7. Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlements
272. One combined Preliminary Resettlement Action Plan (PRAP) has been prepared for El
Nido subproject components of solid waste and drainage. The details of the involuntary
resettlement (IR) impacts, mitigation measures, resettlement implementation and budget are
presented in the PRAP (STDP El Nido Feasibility Study Volume 9). The PRAP will be updated
into RAP after the detailed engineering designs (DED) have been completed in the project
implementation phase.
273. Solid Waste Management Subproject. The proposed new sanitary landfill is situated in
Barangay Barotuan, 19 km to the north of El Nido town center, along the El Nido Junction New
Ibajay road (national highway). The total site will cover an area of 95,500 m² (78% of the allocated
land plot of 122,940 m²). The area immediately to the east of the landfill will provide the potential
for extension of the landfill in the future.
274. The existing land cover of the site consists of naturally occurring shrubs and planted trees
(cashew), situated close to a zone of mostly agricultural land (rice fields). The site is found to be
outside but within a 1-km radius of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area
(ENTMRPA). The titled lot classified as agricultural land is privately owned and will require land
acquisition of 122,940 m2 from affected households (AHS). There are eight (8) structures nearby.
275. The existing farm track (1 to 2 m wide) will be upgraded to a new access road which will
connect the site to the main road in along the El Nido Junction-New Ibajay Road (national
highway), just south of the village of Barotuan. Construction of an upgraded access road is
proposed at 7 m wide and 1,490 m long to connect the site to the main road along the El Nido-Jct
New Ibajay road (national highway), south of the village of Barotuan. The construction of the
proposed access road will cause IR impact on agricultural land, shrub land and potential AHs
forest land.
276. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject. It is proposed to construct 3,600 m of storm
water drains in El Nido Proper town and Corong-Corong. Sidewalk box culvert is proposed for the
new drainage lines ranging from 0.2 x 0.2 to 1.2 x 1.2 m. Larger sized drains will encroach on the
road and may require deepening the culvert. During the DED, drainage slope shall be designed
to avoid sedimentations inside the box culvert. The drainage lines will cause significant IR impact
as the existing street/alley widths are not wide enough to accommodate the drains without
removal of the structures.
277. The drainage outlets are located in areas which are heavily built areas. A treatment plant
is not proposed for storm water drainage, but rather screened catch basins and deep sumps
(every 20 m) are recommended all along the drainage network to spread the solid waste and dust
pollution management along the system. This will minimize the need for additional land acquisition
for several wastewater treatment plants and pump stations for the storm water. A buffer area of
20 m x 20 m is required at the downstream of all outfalls. Many businesses will be impacted with
temporary impact on their mobile shops /equipment/materials, signposts, fences, gates, extended
eaves, etc.
8. Acquisition of Necessary Permits and Clearances
278. Prior to construction, necessary permits and clearances must be already secured. Among
these are the following:
permission.
109
(i) CENRO Clearance

(ii) ECAN Zoning Certification and SEP Clearance
(iii) Environmental Compliance Certificates
9. Indigenous People
279. The Cuyonons are identified by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples as
indigenous people. In the ADB Social Safeguards Policy, for a project to trigger the application of
the indigenous peoples safeguards the affected indigenous people must be both distinct and
vulnerable. When the project components are finalized, the following activities should be
conducted:
(i) Assess the social and economic situation of the affected Cuyonin in the proposed
project area;
(ii) Assess whether they are potentially vulnerable to being disadvantaged by the
project due to their distinct social and cultural identity.
10. Hiring of Workers
280. Whenever possible, the hiring of construction workers will prioritize local residents to
reduce the number of migrant workers.
281. During construction, workers will be exposed to air emissions, noise, vibration,
construction-generated solid wastes and sewage, potentially hazardous substances, social
conflicts with communities, and transmittable diseases in the community. Presence of workers
from outside the site may cause some social issues such as potential for conflict with local
residents, risk spread of communicable diseases including STIs and HIV and potential gender-
based violence (GBV) related concerns.
282. The proposed mitigation measures are the following:
(i) Induction of all workers on project requirements regarding safeguards (including

child protection), GRM and CCP requirements;
(ii) Agreement to and implementation of protocols (including code of conduct)
concerning the workers contact with the local communities;
(iii) Contractor compliance with environmental and occupational health and safety
guidelines;
(iv) Provision and mandatory use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers;
(v) Adequate work site lighting, water supply, sanitation facilities and safe access;
(vi) Security at contractor’s camp and yard to control unauthorized access and prevent
entry of the public (especially children);
(vii) Women participation in addressing GBV issues will be set in an environment where
women can openly converse with about these concerns.
11. Material Sourcing
283. A significant amount of gravel, sand and aggregates will be required for the civil
construction works of the project. These construction materials will be procured from existing
quarries or batching plant plants with valid government permits and operating in accordance with
the IFC Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Construction Materials
Extraction. Wood for formworks must not be from illegally cut trees.
permission.
110
D. Solid Waste Management Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During

Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases
284. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Solid Waste Management Subproject during
the Construction Phase are summarized in the following table.
Table 38: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Solid Waste
Management Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Site development Land Soil erosion/ ● Limiting earth movement to
(earth-movement and Loss of topsoil due areas where necessary
civil works) and use of to earth movement
heavy equipment Land Loss of vegetation ● Limiting vegetation clearing to
Permit (TCP)
Land Threat to biodiversity ● Establishment of monitoring
system for reporting and
implementation of
measures
habitat assessment
design phase
techniques during
construction spoils waste management plan
and debris consistent with the local
Land, Water Water logging ● Construction of appropriate
drainage system on-site
permission.
111
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
and increase of earthmoving/excavation
turbidity on nearby activities
surface water
(shallow river
located north of the
project site)
covers
equipment
during daytime
People Threat to road/public ● Provision of early warning
safety devices/road signs
barangay
trained engineers
in working areas
safety protocols
People ● Community and ● Requiring all personnel to
occupational wear proper and complete
PPE
permission.
112
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
safety and ● Supervision of all civil and
health risks electro-mechanical works by
trained engineers
in working areas
practices on community health
and safety such as those in
Section 4.3 of World Bank
Construction and
Decommissioning Activities
safety protocols
employment and residents of the host LGU
municipal and barangay LGUs
community members
a. Land
285. The proposed Solid Waste Management Subproject may entail the following impacts on
Land during its Construction Phase:
(i) Soil erosion/loss of topsoil, loss of vegetation, threat to biodiversity, generation of

excavation/construction spoils and debris, water logging from site development
activities;
(ii) Ground vibration and generation of hazardous wastes (used oil, etc.) from the use
of heavy equipment; and
(iii) Generation of domestic solid waste from construction workers.
286. Soil erosion and sedimentation. Earthworks will be carried out during dry periods as
much as possible to avoid erosion especially after heavy rains. Before construction, contractors
will include site-specific drainage and soil erosion control measures as part of their work plan,
which may include the following:
(i) Implement construction in staged sections, with one section completed and
stabilized before beginning the next;
(ii) Construct intercepting channels and drains to prevent runoff entering construction
sites and to divert runoff from sites to existing drainage or open ground;
permission.
113
(iii) Stabilize all cut slopes, embankments, and other erosion-prone working areas;
(iv) Provide temporary detention ponds or containment to control silt runoff;
(v) Strip and stockpile topsoil, and cover (by geotechnical cloth) or seed temporary
soil stockpiles; and
(vi) Properly slope or re-vegetate disturbed surfaces e.g., pipeline trenches and cut
banks.
287. Loss of vegetation. Land clearing will entail the removal of some vegetation onsite to
make way for the project facilities. This impact will be limited to the site development area and
only where necessary. The surrounding vegetation may be preserved to act as natural buffer zone
for the project site. Cutting of trees will be done in accordance with the terms and conditions
stipulated in the permits issued for the project. Management plans and protection/conservation
strategies may also be implemented.
288. Threat to biodiversity. To identify and address potential risks to biodiversity in the project
area during the Construction Phase, the Proponent shall establish a monitoring system for
reporting and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and coordinate with ENTRMPA
Office and El Nido LGU for implementation of appropriate protection/conservation strategies, if
necessary.
289. In addition, during the detailed design phase and prior to any construction
activity, a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment will be undertaken to check
whether any of the species identified in the IBAT screening would qualify the area of
the landfill site as critical habitat. If results of critical habitat assessment
concludes that the area is a critical habitat, the assessment will also provide
recommendations on how potential impacts of landfill construction could be avoided or
mitigated. These recommendations will be included or integrated in the updating of
this IEE and EMP.
290. Generation of excavation/construction spoils and debris. Earth movement and civil
works have the potential to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of
excavation and construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the
start of construction activities. The project will:
(i) Require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of excess excavation
spoils;
(ii) Undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested disposal sites
prior to actual construction.
291. Ground vibration. Operation of heavy equipment may result to some ground vibration.
To address potential impacts on sensitive receptors, nearby residents shall be notified about the
use of heavy equipment. Road weight limit standards shall also be complied with to
avoid/minimize ground vibration from hauling trucks going to and from the project site during
construction.
292. Generation of hazardous wastes. Typical in most construction works, use of oil products
and other hazardous materials are expected in the construction activities. Fuel, oil, grease, paints,
and solvents associated with the operation of heavy equipment may accidentally be released to
permission.
114
the environment during construction and adversely affect water quality and aquatic life. Mitigation
measures include:
(i) Prepare a hazardous substances management plan and an emergency response

plan;
(ii) Refuel and service equipment only in specified areas adequately equipped to avoid
leaks and spills that could contaminate soil and water resources;
(iii) Locate storage area away from watercourses, flood-prone areas, work camps, and
danger areas;
(iv) Regularly check containers for leakage and undertake necessary repair or
replacement;
(v) Provide spill kits in the vicinity of the storage and fuel/oil areas and train workers
in their deployment;
(vi) Ensure all storage containers are in good condition with proper labeling;
(vii) Store waste oil used lubricant and other hazardous wastes in tightly sealed
containers to avoid contamination of soil and water resources; and
(viii) Proper transport and disposal of used oil and grease and other hazardous waste
by accredited transporter and treater.
293. Management of hazardous wastes shall be in accordance with the guidelines and
requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the
Management of Hazardous Wastes).
294. Generation of domestic solid waste. Aside from construction spoils and debris,
domestic solid wastes are also expected to be generated with the influx of workers in the
construction site. A Solid Waste Management Plan with provisions on waste reduction/avoidance,
proper segregation, recycling, collection, and disposal shall be put into place at the start of the
Construction Phase. Below is a simplified Waste Management Flow during the Construction
Phase:
(i) Solid waste generated are collected within the site;

(ii) Reusable and recyclable waste materials are placed in the Materials Recovery
Facility (MRF) and may be sold to local junkshop; and
(iii) Residual (non-recyclable) wastes are collected and disposed through an
authorized third-party service provider
295. Physical cultural resources. There are no identified cultural sites within or near the
proposed SLF site. Chance-find procedures must be developed and included in the EMP. In the
event that any artifacts are found for instance during excavation, works in the site will be stooped
immediately, the site will be secured and cordoned off, and the proper authority will be notified
(i.e., local government unit or the National Historical Commission).
b. Water
Water during its Construction Phase:
(i) Water logging in construction sites and possible siltation and increase of turbidity
on nearby surface water due to site development activities;
permission.
115
(ii) Wastewater from cleaning of heavy equipment and vehicles; and

(iii) Generation of domestic wastewater by construction workers.
297. Water logging. Ponding water in the landfill area shall be drained or removed prior to
commencement of the landfill work. Drain slope shall be established during the landfill work to
avoid water ponding in the landfill area.
298. Siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water. Earth movement can
potentially result to siltation and increase in turbidity of the shallow river located north of the
proposed SLF site. To address this, siltation ponds, silt traps, and erosion barriers may be
established, and silt/sediments shall be removed regularly.
299. Wastewater from equipment cleaning. Improper storage and handling of fuel, as well
as wash-down water for equipment and vehicles could contaminate soil or surface waterways.
Construction may cause a temporary impact on waterways when adjacent to the construction
sites. The following measures will be implemented to minimize impact of water pollution.
(i) Avoid construction during heavy rains (i.e., minimize works on rainy season, from
May to October);
(ii) Minimize open excavation areas;
(iii) Provide drains to manage runoff entering construction sites;
(iv) Wash water from construction sites will be collected in sedimentation tanks or
retention ponds to remove silts and oil; and
(v) Storage facilities for fuels, oil, and other hazardous materials will be within secured
areas on impermeable surfaces and provided with bunds and cleanup installations.
300. Generation of domestic wastewater. Aside from solid waste, wastewater is also
expected to be generated with the influx of workers in the construction site. Labor camps must
have sanitation facilities (i.e., toilet, shower, etc.) and proper treatment for the sewage generated.
Basic housekeeping policies shall be implemented.
c. Air
Air during its Construction Phase:
(i) Generation of dust from site development activities (earth movement);

(ii) Generation of air emissions and noise from the use of heavy equipment.
302. Generation of dust. This shall be mitigated though the following measures: avoidance of
unnecessary earth movement; regular watering of construction sites that will generate dust;
avoidance of long exposure of excavated soil piles to strong winds by applying canvas covers.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction
workers.
303. Generation of air emissions. Air pollution sources during construction include dust from
earth excavation, filling, loading, hauling, bare earth surfaces, uncovered construction areas, and
vehicle movements on unpaved roads, especially in windy days; aggregate preparation and
concrete-mixing; and vehicle and machinery gaseous emissions.
permission.
116
304. The following mitigation measures to reduce impacts on air quality may be implemented:
(i) Water spraying of exposed construction sites where fugitive dust is being
generated;
(ii) Dust mitigation and suppression especially near sensitive receptors (e.g., schools,
hospitals, residential areas);
(iii) Cover of trucks when transporting, fine material, to avoid spillage or dust
generation;
(iv) Implement speed limits for vehicles entering construction sites;
(v) Regular maintenance of project vehicles to minimize greenhouse gas emissions;
(vi) Avoid idling of vehicles and/or equipment when not in use;
(vii) Provide buffer to minimize foul odor; and
(viii) Proper collection and disposal solid wastes, prohibiting solid waste burning.
305. The risk of air pollution and disturbance to residents related to air quality is low, because
due to the relatively small scope of project works; and the distance of sewage treatment plant and
landfill sites to the nearest residences.
306. Generation of noise. Construction works will involve the use of excavators, bulldozers,
scrapers, dredgers, concrete-breaker, mixers, trucks, and other heavy machinery. Noise and
vibration will be generated but will be temporary and localized. The following mitigation measures
will be implemented:
(i) Properly maintain construction vehicles and machineries to minimize noise;

(ii) Use noise attenuation devices and methods for high noise equipment operating
within 150 m of the sensitive sites such as school and health centers;
(iii) Regulate the operation of machinery, and movement of heavy vehicles during
nighttime;
(iv) Provide noise barriers around noise sources during construction;
(v) Provide appropriate earmuffs/earplugs to workers; and
(vi) Conduct regular consultations with stakeholders near construction sites to identify
noise disturbance and gather community feedback.
d. People
People during its Construction Phase:
(i) Health hazards from dust emissions during site development;

(ii) Increased traffic volume along the access roads to the project site, threat to
road/public safety, and community and occupational safety and health risks from
the use of heavy equipment; and
(iii) Increased traffic volume along the access roads to the project site, community and
occupational safety and health risks, and possible increase in crime incidence with
the influx of construction workers.
308. Health hazards from dust emissions. Personal protective equipment (PPE), such as
N95 masks, shall be provided to construction workers.
permission.
117
309. Increased traffic volume along access roads and threat to road/public safety.
Congestion and risk of accidents due to vehicular traffic may increase during construction works.
This will cause temporary inconvenience and nuisance to residents, commercial establishments,
and visitors. Traffic safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction, such
as but not limited to the following:
(i) Securing the construction sites by providing security fence and clear
signage/warning signs at construction sites in view of the public;
(ii) Prior notification of/coordination with the host community on schedule of
construction activities;
(iii) Heavy machinery will not be used at night;
(iv) Operating construction night light in the vicinity of construction sites;
(v) Informing the local community and employees alike about the grievance redress
mechanism (GRM) for the project;
(vi) Provision of security personnel in hazardous areas to restrict public access;
(vii) Provision of adequate alternative access for public passages, as necessary; and
(viii) Ensuring that any access to properties or establishments that have been disrupted
or blocked by the ongoing construction activities are restored as quickly as
possible.
310. Community and occupational health and safety. Use of heavy equipment brings
physical hazards such as noise and vibration, dust, falling objects, excavation, fire hazards, and
chemical hazards. Environmental, health and safety protocols should be observed at all times
during the construction, such as but not limited to the following:
(i) Requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE;

(ii) Supervision of all civil and electro-mechanical works by trained engineers;
(iii) Provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas; and
(iv) Following international best practices on community and occupational health and
safety such as those in Section 4.3 of World Bank Environmental Health and
Safety (EHS) Guidelines on Construction and Decommissioning Activities.29
311. Considering the most recent COVID-19 threat, the following measures will be
implemented to manage risks on construction sites and in workers’ housing.
(i) Avoid physical interaction and maintain physical distancing requirements;

(ii) Limit the capacity of common areas to 50%;
(iii) IEC on COVID-19 to be included in toolbox meetings of workers;
(iv) Regular cleaning and disinfection particularly heavily trafficked areas and common
areas;
(v) Promote good personal hygiene such as frequent hand washing with soap and
water or alcohol gel;
(vi) Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face mask, face
shield, etc.;
(vii) Monitoring of health status of workers and visitors before entering the site and
housing.
29 IFC World Bank Group. 2007. Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines – General EHS Guidelines:
Construction and Decommissioning.
permission.
118
312. Possible increase in crime incidence. Increase in income can introduce and expose
workers and the community to vices that tend to undermine morality. If not properly handled,
addiction to such vices may contribute to social problems, such as destruction of family and values
and increase in crime rate. The project management shall work closely with both the barangay
and municipal LGUs and PNP in law enforcement to avoid vice-related problems in the
community. In addition, a drug and alcohol-free work environment will be strictly implemented.
2. Operations Phase
the Operations Phase are summarized in the following table.
Table 39: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Solid Waste
Management Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Sanitary Landfill Land Littering in the ● Installation of litter fence
Facility Operation and landfill area and ● Preservation of surrounding
Maintenance including along access road vegetation to act as natural
use of heavy due to strong winds buffer
equipment and ● Immediate application of soil
vehicles cover on the landfill
● Covering of collection trucks to
prevent collected waste from
flying out due to strong winds
Land Erosion at waste ● Implementation of slope
containment area protection measures
● controlling the height of soil
cover
drainage system
Land Threat to biodiversity ● Establishment of monitoring
system for reporting and
implementation of
measures
Land, Water Generation of ● Establishment of leachate
leachate collection pond
● Offsite treatment of excess
leachate
permission.
119
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Water Generation of ● Collection in the leachate pond
wastewater from
vehicle washbay
equipment
during daytime
buffer
Air Generation of ● Proper and regular
gaseous maintenance of standby
pollutants/landfill gas generator set and service
vehicles
People Threat to road/public ● Provision of early warning
safety devices/road signs
People Nuisance odors ● Immediate application of soil
cover
buffer
trained engineers
in working areas
safety protocols
● Restrict entry of wastepickers
People Safety and health ● Immediate application of soil
hazards from cover
possible vector ● Use of approved vector
infestation control, as needed
permission.
120
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Influx of operations Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid
and maintenance domestic solid waste management plan
personnel wastes consistent with the local
and health risks ● Requiring all personnel and
visitors to wear proper and
complete PPE
the personnel
in working areas
safety protocols
employment and ● Coordination with the local
livelihood PESO and concerned
opportunities municipal and barangay LGUs
community members
a. Land
Land during its Operations Phase:
(i) Littering in the landfill area and along access road due to strong winds, erosion at
waste containment area, threat to biodiversity due to sanitary landfill operations;
(ii) Ground vibration and generation of hazardous wastes (used oil, etc.) from the
operation and maintenance of heavy equipment and vehicles; and
(iii) Generation of domestic solid waste by personnel.
315. Littering. In order to prevent the solid waste from littering or being blown out of the landfill
site to the surrounding areas, soil cover shall be laid as soon as possible during the landfill
operation. Sometimes due to insufficient soil cover etc., solid wastes will be exposed. In this case,
littering prevention facility shall be installed. Litter fences shall be about 3 to 4 times the height of
the perimeter fencing. Trees can also be planted surrounding the landfill site that will serve as
wind breakers and reduce littering.
permission.
121
316. Erosion at the waste containment area. Slope of waste containment shall be protected
from sliding or erosion. The height of soil cover shall be limited to the minimum but high enough
to protect it from the probable damages by landfill activities.
317. Threat to biodiversity. As with the Construction Phase, potential risks to biodiversity in
the project area are also expected during the project’s Operational Phase. To identify and address
these risks, the Proponent shall continue implementing a monitoring system for reporting and
identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and maintain coordination with the ENTRMPA
necessary.
318. Similarly, if the critical habitat assessment undertaken during the detailed design phase
concludes that the area is a critical habitat, the assessment will also provide recommendations
on how potential impacts of landfill operation could be avoided or mitigated. These
recommendations will be included or integrated in the updating of this IEE and EMP. The same
recommendations will be included in the O&M manual (or equivalent) that will be developed for
the sanitary landfill facility.
319. Ground vibration. Appropriate measures shall be taken for the type of vehicle/machine
and method of operation to minimize the level of noise and vibration caused of landfill machine,
vehicles and equipment used in the disposal site to control the level within the requirements of
the relevant rules and regulation.
320. Generation of hazardous wastes. Dedicated containers for collection of hazardous

wastes will be provided in the MRFs recycling points (23 containers in total). A temporary storage
area for household hazardous waste will be created at the landfill site, featuring standard 20’
shipping containers containing dedicated, secure containers for the different types of household
hazardous waste. Management of hazardous wastes shall be in accordance with the guidelines
and requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the
321. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Operations and maintenance activities and
personnel will generate solid wastes, which will be managed in accordance with the Solid Waste
Management Plan consistent with the local disposal regulations and the Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003).
b. Water
Water during its Operations Phase:
(i) Generation of leachate from sanitary landfill operations;

(ii) Generation of wastewater from routine cleaning and maintenance of heavy
equipment and vehicles; and
(iii) Generation of domestic wastewater by personnel.
323. Generation of leachate. The majority of the leachate will be recirculated back into the
landfill mass, with the excess being transported off-site for treatment at the WWTP in Barangay
Villa Libertad. The recirculation uses a pump in the leachate pond, with pressure lines leading
from the leachate pond up to the landfill surface, where the leachate enters the waste mass via
infiltration drains or wells.
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324. Generation of wastewater from cleaning. Preventive maintenance of the SLF

equipment and vehicles will include cleaning on a quarterly basis or as may be required. Site
drainage system will be constructed to receive and convey wastewater to be generated from the
cleaning.
325. Generation of domestic wastewater. Aside from wastewater from the quarterly cleaning
of equipment and vehicles, domestic wastewater will also be generated by the operations and
maintenance personnel. Sanitation facilities (i.e., toilet, shower, etc.) shall be provided and basic
housekeeping policies shall be implemented.
c. Air
Air during its Operations Phase:
(i) Generation of gaseous pollutants from the landfill; and

(ii) Generation of air emissions and noise from the use of heavy equipment and
vehicles.
327. Generation of gaseous pollutants from the landfill. Landfill gasses include harmful
substances, such as hydrogen sulfide, methane gas. Monitoring of landfill gasses is essentially
required to protect the health and safety of operation staff and the nearby communities. The
concentration and odor from the gasses shall be monitored and analyzed periodically in order to
grasp the conditions of the landfill and the potential impact to the environment. The data can also
be used to determine the state of stabilization of the landfill.
328. Generation of air emissions from heavy equipment and vehicles. Air emissions are
also expected to come from heavy equipment and vehicles used as part of the SLF operation.
Emissions may also come from the operation of generator sets especially during power outages.
Mitigating measures may include the following:
(i) Ensure proper operation of the treatment facilities and inspection of conditions of
lift stations;
(ii) Regular inspection and maintenance of the backup power supplies and the
associated automatic transfer switch of the backup power at the lift stations to
ensure uninterrupted operation during power failure;
(iii) Proper and regular maintenance of generator sets.
d. People
People during its Operations Phase:
(i) Nuisance odors from landfill operations and safety and health hazards from
possible vector infestation;
the use of heavy equipment and vehicles; and
(iii) Community and occupational safety and health risks and possible increase in
crime incidence with the influx of workers;
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330. Nuisance odors. The landfill activities should be carried out properly and management
effectively to reduce the emission of the unpleasant odor and minimize the impact to the
surrounding residents. However, it is possible for odor levels to increase on a sunny day following
a downpour. Immediate earth cover and/or daily earth cover shall be carried out as the most
effective measure to minimize odor problem. Spraying deodorants or other appropriate measures
shall be taken if the odor level is high in the peripheral area.
331. Possible vector infestation. Immediate earth cover and/or daily earth cover shall be
carried out as the most effective measure to control vectors such as rats, mice, mosquito, flies,
etc. and control of birds, dogs and other animals entering to the landfill area. Insecticide or
chemicals shall be applied as required for vector control.
332. Increased traffic volume along access roads. The proposed project is expected to
contribute additional vehicular traffic in the project area from personnel and visitors (including
potential tourists). To mitigate the said impact, the Proponent intends to coordinate with the host
LGU for the implementation of a traffic management scheme that can improve traffic flow
efficiency and promote road safety in the project area.
333. Community and occupational safety and health. Environmental, health, and safety
protocols should be observed at all times during the operations phase, such as but not limited to
the following:
(i) Requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE; and

(ii) Provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas.
334. Considering the most recent COVID-19 threat, the following measures will be
implemented to manage risks in the workplace.
(i) Avoid physical interaction and maintain physical distancing requirements;

(ii) Limit the capacity of common areas to 50%;
(iii) IEC on COVID-19 to be included in toolbox meetings of workers;
(iv) Regular cleaning and disinfection particularly heavily trafficked areas and common
areas;
(v) Promote good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing with soap and
water or alcohol gel;
(vi) Provide appropriate PPE, such as face mask, face shield, etc.;
(vii) Monitoring of health status of workers and visitors before entering the facility.
the Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following table.
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Table 40: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Decommissioning/Abandonment

Phase – Solid Waste Management Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Closure of Disposal Water Possible seepage of ● Implementation of Safe
Cell leachate from the Closure and Rehabilitation
cell and leachate Plan (SCRP) or equivalent
holding pond plan applicable for SLF, as
may be required by any
relevant guidelines under RA
9003 in the future.
minimize seepage of rainwater
that will enhance generation of
leachate
groundwater and downstream
creek
Air Potential release of ● Proper installation of gas vents
landfill gases ● Continuous monitoring of
ambient air quality
Termination of People Loss of employment ● Provision of 6 months’ notice
employment about the impending
● Provision of compensation for
affected personnel/re-training
if possible
community members
337. Abandonment Plan. In the interim, all closure and rehabilitation works shall be in
accordance with an approved Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan (SCRP). 30 However, any
equivalent plan applicable for SLF as may be required or promulgated under RA 9003 in the future
will be followed. In the event that no specific plan is required during the abandonment phase, the
project will ensure that the planning for closure of the SLF includes the elements per EHS
Guidelines on Waste Management Facilities, as follows:
(i) Development of a closure plan which specifies the necessary environmental objectives
and controls (including technical specifications), future landuse (as defined in consultation
with local communities and government agencies), closure schedule, financial resources,
and monitoring arrangements;
(ii) Evaluation, selection, and application of closure methods consistent with post- closure use
and which should include the placement of a final cover to prevent further impacts to
human health and the environment;
(iii) Application of final cover components that are consistentwith post closure use and local
climatic conditions. The final cover should provide long term environmental protection by
30 Under RA 9003, Safe Closure and Rehabilitation Plan (SCRP) is currently the requirement for safe closure and
rehabilitation of existing dumpsites. Any equivalent plan applicable for sanitary landfill that may be promulgated under
the law in the future will be followed by the project.
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preventing direct or indirect contact of living organisms with the waste materials and their
constituents; minimize infiltration of precipitation into the waste and the subsequent
generation of leachate; control landfill gas migration; and minimize long term maintenance
needs; and
(iv) Financial instruments in place to cover the costs of closure and post-closure care and
monitoring.
a. Land
338. The proposed Solid Waste Management Subproject is not expected to entail significant
negative impacts on Land during its Abandonment Phase.
b. Water
Water during its Abandonment Phase:
340. Possible seepage of leachate. Proper drainage must be ensured to minimized seepage
of rainwater into the landfill cells that may enhance generation of leachate. Water quality
monitoring of the nearby river and groundwater sources shall continue in the abandonment phase
of the facility.
c. Air
Air during its Abandonment Phase:
342. Potential release of landfill gases. Monitoring of the landfill gases shall be carried out
until the time as it is ensured that the level of landfill gases is low enough against the impact level
to the surrounding environment. Appropriate measures, such as periodical burning of methane
gas, may be taken to promote releasing gasses and earlier decomposition.
d. People
People during its Abandonment Phase:
344. Loss of employment. Termination of employment is the main impact on People during
the project’s Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase. To address such adverse impact, the
following measures shall be implemented:
(i) Provision of 6 months’ notice about the impending termination of employment;

(ii) Provision of compensation for affected personnel; and
(iii) If possible, provision of re-training of personnel in preparation for other job
openings.
345. Possible increase in crime incidence. Just like increase in income, termination of
employment can introduce and expose workers and the community to vices that tend to
undermine morality. If not properly handled, addiction to such vices may contribute to social
problems, such as destruction of family and values and increase in crime rate.
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E. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject Impacts and Mitigating Measures During
Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases
346. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject
during the Construction Phase are summarized in the following table.
Table 41: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Drainage
and Urban Design Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Earth-movement and Land Soil erosion/ ● Limiting earth movement to
civil works Loss of topsoil due areas where necessary
to earth movement
Land Loss of vegetation ● Limiting vegetation clearing to
Permit (TCP)
implementation of
measures
construction debris waste management plan
consistent with the local
and increase of excavation activities
turbidity on nearby
surface water
covers
People Health hazards from ● Implementation of dust control
dust emissions measures (use of canvas
covers)
N95 masks) for dust emissions
Use of heavy Land Ground vibration ● Application of non-vibration
equipment techniques during
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emissions and maintenance of heavy
noise equipment
during daytime
occupational safety wear proper PPE
and health risks ● Supervision of all civil and
trained engineers
in working areas
employment and for the hiring process
livelihood ● Adherence to the local
prioritization
community members
1. Land
347. The proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject may entail the following impacts on
Land during its Construction Phase:
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(i) Soil erosion/loss of topsoil, loss of vegetation, threat to biodiversity, generation of

construction debris, water logging from earth movement and civil works;
(ii) Ground vibration and generation of hazardous wastes (used oil, etc.) from the use
of heavy equipment; and
(iii) Generation of domestic solid waste from construction workers.
348. Soil erosion. Earthworks will be carried out during dry periods as much as possible to
avoid erosion especially after heavy rains.
349. Loss of vegetation. Cutting of trees will be done in accordance with the terms and
conditions stipulated in the permits issued for the project. Management plans and
protection/conservation strategies may also be implemented.
350. Threat to biodiversity. To identify and address potential risks to biodiversity in the project
area during the Construction Phase, the Proponent shall establish a monitoring system for
reporting and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and coordinate with ENTRMPA
necessary.
351. Generation of construction debris. Earth movement and civil works have the potential
to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of excavation and
construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the start of
construction activities. The project will require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of
excess excavation spoils and undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested
disposal sites prior to actual construction.
352. Ground vibration. Operation of heavy equipment may result to some ground vibration.
To address potential impacts on sensitive receptors, nearby residents shall be notified about the
use of heavy equipment.
353. Generation of hazardous wastes. Typical in most construction works, use of oil products
and other hazardous materials are expected in the construction activities. Fuel, oil, grease, paints,
and solvents associated with the operation of heavy equipment may accidentally be released to
the environment during construction and adversely affect water quality and aquatic life. Mitigation
measures include:
(i) Prepare a hazardous substances management plan and an emergency response

plan;
(ii) Refuel and service equipment only in specified areas adequately equipped to avoid
leaks and spills that could contaminate soil and water resources;
(iii) Locate storage area away from watercourses, flood-prone areas, work camps, and
danger areas;
(iv) Regularly check containers for leakage and undertake necessary repair or
replacement;
(v) Provide spill kits in the vicinity of the storage and fuel/oil areas and train workers
in their deployment;
(vi) Ensure all storage containers are in good condition with proper labeling;
(vii) Store waste oil used lubricant and other hazardous wastes in tightly sealed
containers to avoid contamination of soil and water resources; and
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354. Proper transport and disposal of used oil and grease and other hazardous waste by
accredited transporter and treaterManagement of hazardous wastes shall be in accordance with
the guidelines and requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards
for the Management of Hazardous Wastes).
355. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Aside from construction spoils and debris,
Construction Phase.
2. Water
Water during its Construction Phase:
(i) Possible siltation and increase of turbidity on nearby surface water due to site
development activities; and
(ii) Generation of domestic wastewater by construction workers.
357. Siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water. Earth movement can
potentially result to siltation and increase in turbidity of nearby surface water bodies. To address
this, siltation ponds, silt traps, and erosion barriers may be established, and silt/sediments shall
be removed regularly.
3. Air
Air during its Construction Phase:
(i) Generation of dust from site development activities (earth movement);

(ii) Generation of air emissions and noise from the use of heavy equipment.
PPE, such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction workers.
361. Generation of air emissions. Air pollution sources during construction include dust from
earth excavation, filling, loading, hauling, bare earth surfaces, uncovered construction areas, and
vehicle movements on unpaved roads, especially in windy days; aggregate preparation and
concrete-mixing; and vehicle and machinery gaseous emissions. The following mitigation
measures to reduce impacts on air quality may be implemented:
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(i) Water spraying of exposed construction sites where fugitive dust is being
generated;
(ii) Dust mitigation and suppression especially near sensitive receptors (e.g., schools,
hospitals, residential areas);
(iii) Cover of trucks when transporting, fine material, to avoid spillage or dust
generation;
(iv) Implement speed limits for vehicles entering construction sites;
(v) Regular maintenance of project vehicles to minimize greenhouse gas emissions;
(vi) Avoid idling of vehicles and/or equipment when not in use;
(vii) Provide buffer to minimize foul odor; and
(viii) Proper collection and disposal solid wastes, prohibiting solid waste burning.
362. The risk of air pollution and disturbance to residents related to air quality is low, because
due to the relatively small scope of project works; and the distance of sewage treatment plant and
landfill sites to the nearest residences.
363. Generation of noise. Construction works will involve the use of excavators, bulldozers,
scrapers, dredgers, concrete-breaker, mixers, trucks, and other heavy machinery. Noise and
vibration will be generated but will be temporary and localized. The following mitigation measures
will be implemented:
(i) Properly maintain construction vehicles and machineries to minimize noise;

(ii) Use noise attenuation devices and methods for high noise equipment operating
within 150 m of the sensitive sites such as school and health centers;
(iii) Regulate the operation of machinery, and movement of heavy vehicles during
nighttime;
(iv) Provide noise barriers around noise sources during construction;
(v) Provide appropriate earmuffs/earplugs to workers; and
(vi) Conduct regular consultations with stakeholders near construction sites to identify
noise disturbance and gather community feedback.
4. People
People during its Construction Phase:
(i) Health hazards from dust emissions during site development;

the use of heavy equipment; and
(iii) Increased traffic volume along the access roads to the project site, community and
occupational safety and health risks, and possible increase in crime incidence with
the influx of construction workers.
365. Health hazards from dust emissions. PPE, such as N95 masks, shall be provided to
construction workers.
366. Increased traffic volume along access roads and threat to road/public safety.
Congestion and risk of accidents due to vehicular traffic may increase during construction works.
This will cause temporary inconvenience and nuisance to residents, commercial establishments,
and visitors. Traffic safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction.
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367. Disruption of utilities and services. Proposed subprojects with pipe laying and
excavation may disrupt existing utilities during construction. Construction activities may affect the
existing water supply, electricity post, and communication lines. Prior to construction activities,
the project will:
(i) Coordinate with utility providers to obtain information about locations of services
and utilities;
(ii) Coordinate with the other utility companies regarding potential disruptions;
(iii) Make provisions to preserve the operation of current facilities; and,
(iv) Notify affected households and establishments well in advance of disruptions.
368. Community and occupational safety and health risks. Environmental, health and
safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction, such as but not limited
to the following: (i) requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE; (ii) supervision of all civil and
electro-mechanical works by trained engineers; and (iii) provision of first-aid stations, safety
equipment and signage in working areas COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face
mask and social distancing, shall likewise be observed at all times.
2. Operations Phase
during the Operations Phase are summarized in the following table.
Table 42: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Drainage and
Urban Design Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Drainage System Land Generation of solid ● Coordination with the LGU for
Maintenance wastes/garbage handling, collection, and
from maintenance disposal of collected solid
activities wastes
and health risks ● Provision of PPE
the personnel
employment for the hiring process
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
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a. Land
Water during its Operations Phase:
372. Generation of solid wastes/garbage from maintenance activities. The project

management shall coordinate with the LGU for the handling, collection, and disposal of solid
waste from routine clean-up and maintenance of the drainage canals.
b. Water
373. The proposed Drainage and Urban Design Subproject is not expected to entail significant
negative impacts on Water during its Operations Phase.
374. Water quality from drainages. Potential sources of water pollution during operations are
leaks from sewage pipes and improper treatment of sewage, septage, and leachate. Septage
spills from septic tank desludging activities due to accidents can seriously threaten the health and
safety of personnel and the residents nearby.
375. To further assess the impact of potential discharges to the coastal area, a simplified two-
dimensional transport-dispersion model was applied to predict the likely degree of pollution from
the potential discharges in two study areas:
(i) El Nido población/urban center coastal area; and

(ii) Corong-Corong coastal area under a worst scenario event of easterly and
southwesterly wind forcing.
376. Figure 38 presents the location map and computational domain for the study areas. The
mesh for the computational domain forming triangular elements was generated by inserting at
least 400 nodes within the study area. The open sea boundary was specified by tidal variations
that approximate a sinusoidal function. The model was then run for the predominant eastern wind
direction at an average wind speed of 5 meters per second (m/s) during summer, and
southwesterly wind direction at an average wind speed of 3 m/s. For transport dispersion study,
it is assumed that the discharges an initial pollutant load of 100 units. The volumetric decay
parameter of fecal coliform is set to 1.3 x 10-4 per second, assuming a T90 of 5 hours based on
the literature value.
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Figure 33: Study Areas for the Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model in El Nido
STUDY AREA 1: EL NIDO POBLACION
with the identified point discharge (i.e., OF-1) and computational domain
STUDY AREA 2: CORONG-CORONG

with the identified point discharges (e.g., EN-OF1) and computational domain
Note: Maps generated by Study Team thru Google Earth
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377. The numerical model solves shallow water flow and transport equations using Galerkin
finite element method. The shallow-water hydrodynamic equations used for depth average flow
consist of the equations for the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. This assumption
is reasonable for the study area as the depth of flow is small compared with the horizontal length
scales involved, resulting to depth-average equations. The flows are approximated in a numerical
finite element grid and calculated based on information on the bathymetry, bed resistance
coefficients, wind field and boundary conditions.
378. The transport-dispersion model simulates the spreading of a substance in the environment
under the influences of the fluid flow and existing dispersion processes including the decay of the
contaminant. The transport equation is given by:
𝜕𝐶 𝜕 2𝐶 𝜕2𝐶 𝜕𝐶 𝜕𝐶
= 𝐷𝑥 2 + 𝐷𝑦 2 − 𝑈 −𝑉 + 𝑊 − 𝛼𝐶
𝜕𝑡 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑦 𝜕𝑥 𝜕𝑥
Where: C = Pollutant Concentration

U and V = Velocity in the x and y-direction within each element taken from the
solution of the hydrodynamic model
Dx = Longitudinal Dispersion Coefficient
Dy = Transversal Dispersion Coefficient
W = Pollutant Loading Rate
α = Volumetric Decay Parameter
As for the far-field dispersion such as that of fecal coliform (FC), α is computed from ln(10)/T90. Note
that T90 is the time needed for 90% of the FC to die off. Thus, this transport water quality model
simulates the fate of a substance, such as FC, in the water environment under the influence of tidal
flows and dispersion processes and subject to the FC die-off.
Source: Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model for El Nido, 2020
Figure 34: Transport-Dispersion Model Equation
379. Results obtained from the transport-dispersion model for fecal coliform in El Nido study
areas 1 and 2 are shown in Figure 35 and summarized below.
380. For Study Area 1 (El Nido Poblacion), the general direction of spreading moves towards
the open sea west to northwest from the discharge with mixing along the current direction. The
predicted pattern of plume dispersion under an easterly wind during summer suggests the impact
would extend to about 600 m northwest of the discharge. On the other hand, the plume direction
tends to move in the north to northeast direction 300 m from the discharge.
381. For Study Area 2 (Corong-Corong) single discharge scenario (2a), the general direction
of the spreading moves towards the open sea south to southwest from the discharge with mixing
along the current direction. On the other hand, for multiple-discharge scenario (2b), the dispersion
tends to move towards the west of open sea in a more fan-like shape extending southwest and
west of the indicated discharges source, resulting to an impact that would extend to about 800 to
900 m from of the discharge.
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Figure 35: Predicted Fecal Coliform Dispersion in El Nido Study Areas

STUDY AREA 1: EL NIDO POBLACION
1) Predicted fecal coliform dispersion in terms of percentage of the initial pollutant load (% load)
from single STP discharge after 1 day of simulation for easterly (left) and southwesterly (right) wind forcing
Easterly Wind Forcing Southwesterly Wind Forcing

STUDY AREA 2: CORONG-CORONG
2a) Predicted fecal coliform dispersion in terms of percentage of the initial pollutant load (% load)
from single STP discharge after 1 day of simulation for easterly (left) and southwesterly (right) wind forcing

2b) Predicted fecal coliform dispersion in terms of percentage of the initial pollutant load (% load)
from multiple discharges after 1 day of simulation for easterly (left) and southwesterly (right) wind forcing

Source: Contaminant Transport Dispersion Model for El Nido, 2020
Note: These predictions using a simplified transport model would require validation once site-specific data become available. Further refinement of the model including
the assumptions used for simulation are required in future works.
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382. To minimize potential impacts to water quality, the following mitigating measures may be
implemented:
(i) Ensure proper operation of the treatment facilities and regular monitoring of effluent
streams;
(ii) Provision of spill control and cleaning equipment in vacuum trucks;
(iii) Regular inspection and maintenance of the backup power supplies and the
associated automatic transfer switch of the backup power at the lift stations to
ensure uninterrupted operation during power failure;
(iv) Regular inspection and maintenance of pumping systems to ensure that these are
in good working condition and emergency backup systems should be in place;
(v) Written standard operating procedures manual to be available at the facilities to
provide guidance to the wastewater system staff on how to handle unplanned
outages and emergencies.
c. Air
negative impacts on Air during its Operations Phase.
d. People
People during its Operations Phase:
385. Community and occupational safety and health risks during maintenance activities.
Environmental, health and safety protocols should be observed at all times during the conduct of
maintenance activities, such as but not limited to the following: (i) requiring all personnel to wear
proper PPE; and (iii) provision of first-aid stations, safety equipment and signage in working areas.
COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face mask and social distancing, shall likewise be
observed at all times.
during the Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following table.

Phase – Drainage and Urban Design Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Backfilling Land Sourcing of backfill ● Coordination with LGU for the
materials source of material
Air Generation of dust ● Immediate sprinkling of water
to prevent dust re-suspension.
● Concreting of exposed area.
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a. Land
Land during its Abandonment Phase:
388. Sourcing of backfill materials. Abandonment of the drainage systems will mainly entail
sourcing and use of backfill materials, which shall be coordinated with the El Nido LGU. Backfill
materials shall be free from refuse, large debris that can cause the backfill not to compact.
b. Water
negative impacts on Water during its Abandonment Phase.
c. Air
Air during its Abandonment Phase:
PPE, such as N95 masks, shall also be provided to construction workers.
d. People
negative impacts on People during its Abandonment Phase.
F. Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Impacts and Mitigating Measures

During Construction, Operation, and Decommissioning/Abandonment Phases
393. The anticipated key impacts of the proposed Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure
Subproject during the Construction Phase are summarized in the following table.
Table 44: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Construction Phase – Small-Scale
Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Civil works and Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
installation of small- construction management plan consistent
scale infrastructure debris with the local scheme and
facilities (Floating regulations
Buoys/Trails, Small Land Threat to ● Establishment of monitoring
Water Supply System, biodiversity system for reporting and
Sanitation Facilities, identifying wildlife sighted within
Shed House) the project area
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Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
implementation of
measures
Air, People Generation of ● Performing of noisy activities
noise (localized during daytime
disturbance)
People Temporary halt ● Coordination with concerned
of tourism LGUs and tourism operators
activities regarding construction activities
Influx of construction Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
workers domestic solid management plan consistent
regulations
wastewater ● Provision of portalets
People Community and ● Requiring all personnel to wear
occupational proper PPE
safety and health ● Supervision of all civil and
risks electro-mechanical works by
trained engineers
in working areas
a. Land
394. The proposed Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject may entail the
following impacts on Land during its Construction Phase:
(i) Generation of construction debris and threat to biodiversity from construction

activities and civil works; and
(ii) Generation of domestic solid waste by construction workers.
395. Generation of construction debris. Earth movement and civil works have the potential
to generate debris and spoils or excess materials. Improper disposal of excavation and
construction debris and spoils can be avoided by addressing the issue prior to the start of
construction activities. The project will require the contractors to submit a plan for the disposal of
excess excavation spoils and undertake inspection and approval of the contractors’ suggested
disposal sites prior to actual construction.
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396. Threat to biodiversity. Concerns were raised by stakeholders on the potential impacts
of construction activities to the edible-nest swiftlet population, particularly in the proposed sites
for the tourism support infrastructures. Since the proposed interventions (i.e., Floating
Buoys/Trails, Small Water Supply System, Sanitation Facilities, and Shed House) are small in
scale and will not entail major construction works, significant disturbance to the surrounding
ecology (including the edible-nest swiftlet population) is not expected.
397. To identify and address potential risks to biodiversity in the project area during the
Construction Phase, the Proponent shall establish a monitoring system for reporting and
identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and coordinate with ENTRMPA Office and El
Nido LGU for implementation of appropriate protection/conservation strategies, if necessary.
398. Generation of domestic solid waste. Aside from construction spoils and debris,
Construction Phase.
b. Water
following impacts on Water during its Construction Phase:
c. Air
following impacts on Air during its Construction Phase:
402. Generation of noise. Noise from civil works will be generated but will be temporary and
localized. The following mitigation measures will be implemented: (i) perform noise-generating
activities during daytime; (ii) properly maintain construction equipment to minimize noise; and (iii)
provide appropriate earmuffs/earplugs to workers.
d. People
following impacts on People during its Construction Phase:
404. Community and occupational safety and health risks. Environmental, health and
safety protocols should be observed at all times during the construction, such as but not limited
to the following: (i) requiring all personnel to wear proper PPE; (ii) supervision of all civil and
electro-mechanical works by trained engineers; and (iii) provision of first-aid stations, safety
equipment and signage in working areas. COVID-19 safety protocols, such as wearing of face
mask and social distancing, shall likewise be observed at all times.
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2. Operations Phase
Subproject during the Operations Phase are summarized in the following table.
Table 45: Matrix of Key Impacts and Mitigation during Operations Phase – Small-scale
Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Small-Scale Land, Water, Improved ● Enhancement through IEC on
Infrastructure Operation People accessibility and safety protocols (including
and Maintenance sanitation COVID-19 measures), water
(Floating Buoys/Trails, conditions at the conservation, proper solid
Small Water Supply tourism waste disposal, and hygiene
System, Sanitation attractions practices
Facilities, Shed House) ● Installation/posting of signage
promoting proper use of
facilities and hygiene practices
Water Management of ● Routine/preventive
opportunities (for ● Adherence to the local
the maintenance ordinance on hiring prioritization
of facilities)
Influx of tourists Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
domestic solid management plan consistent
regulations
Water Generation of ● Routine/preventive
a. Land
following impacts on Land during its Operations Phase:
407. Generation of domestic solid wastes. Tourism activities will generate solid wastes,
which will be managed in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Plan consistent with the
local disposal regulations and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003).
b. Water
following impacts on Water during its Operations Phase:
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expected to be generated with the influx of tourists. Basic housekeeping policies shall be
implemented to keep the sanitation facilities operational.
c. Air
410. The proposed Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject is not expected to
entail significant negative impacts on Air during its Operations Phase.
d. People
entail significant negative impacts on People during its Operations Phase.
3. Decommissioning/Abandonment
Subproject during the Decommissioning/Abandonment Phase are summarized in the following
table.

Phase – Small-scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
Environmental
Potential Impact
Affected
Decommissioning and Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid waste
removal of small-scale demolition debris management plan consistent
infrastructure facilities with the local scheme and
regulations
identifying wildlife sighted within
the project area
implementation of
measures
Land, Water, Generation of ● Management and disposal of
People hazardous hazardous wastes (PV panels)
wastes (PV in accordance with RA 6969
panels)
a. Land
following impacts on Land during its Abandonment Phase:
(i) Generation of demolition debris, threat to biodiversity, and generation of hazardous

wastes (PV panels) from decommissioning/demolition activities;
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414. Generation of demolition debris. Demolition spoils and debris shall be segregated
according to recyclability and hauled by duly licensed traders.
415. Threat to biodiversity. As with the Construction Phase, potential risks to biodiversity in
the project area are also expected during the project’s Abandonment Phase. To identify and
address these risks, the Proponent shall continue implementing a monitoring system for reporting
and identifying wildlife sighted within the project area and maintain coordination with the
ENTRMPA Office and El Nido LGU for implementation of appropriate protection/conservation
strategies, if necessary.
416. Generation of hazardous wastes. Management of hazardous wastes shall be in

accordance with the guidelines and requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised
Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes).
b. Water
entail significant negative impacts on Water during its Abandonment Phase.
c. Air
entail significant negative impacts on Air during its Abandonment Phase.
d. People
entail significant negative impacts on People during its Abandonment Phase.
G. Indirect, Induced, and Cumulative Impacts
420. Indirect impacts are adverse and/or beneficial environmental impacts which cannot be
immediately traced to a project activity but can be causally linked. Induced impacts are adverse
and/or beneficial impacts on areas and communities from unintended but predictable
developments caused by a project which may occur later or at a different location. Cumulative
impacts are the combination of multiple impacts from existing projects, the proposed project, and
anticipated future projects that may result in significant adverse and/or beneficial impacts that
would not be expected in case of a stand-alone project.31
421. Indirect and Induced Impacts. The project is expected to result in few indirect or induced
impacts such as increased urban development in areas where service facilities are improved
which are not consistent with the existing land use plan of the municipality. Such in-migration and
additional stress on resource needs should be further related to the assimilative capacity of El
Nido.
422. Cumulative Impacts. During construction period, other infrastructure projects such as
road repair or road widening activities may be implemented the same time with the proposed
31
ADB. 2011. Sourcebook for Safeguard Requirement 1: Environment. ADB, Manila.
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subprojects. As such, potential localized impacts may be felt to a greater extent in the project
influence areas (i.e., additional dust generation from road construction).
H. Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
423. The following discussions are the considerations for climate change resilience.
1. Measures to integrate Climate Change Resilience for Solid Waste

Management Component
424. Exposure of solid waste subproject to climate change impacts is relatively minimal,
however water management design for the landfill will be designed using the current
extreme rainfall event size +12%. The installation of non-critical solid waste management
components such as composting or recycling sorting infrastructure at the existing solid
waste site will require the formulation of a flood/storm surge risk assessment incorporating
a 0.20 m sea level rise by 2050, storm surge of 1.4 m and flood management plans using
the current extreme rainfall event size +12%.
2. Measures to integrate Climate Change Resilience for Urban Design

Component
425. By assisting the El Nido LGU to develop climate change sensitive planning, the project
has been designed to decrease the sensitivity of the municipality to the impacts of climate
change, to improve the resilience of the community, and to improve the adaptive capacity
of the LGU and the community. Each component contributes to improving increase the
capacity of the LGU to adapt to climate change in a number of ways; by improving health
and wellbeing, reducing negative health impacts, improve the ability of HHs to prepare for
and recover from Typhoons and other disasters, improving ability to grow gardens, and
contribute to retaining visitors for longer thus improving incomes.
426. The government of the Philippines has a number of national strategies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, and where possible these will be incorporated into the project.
Some of the project components also contribute to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
427. General mitigation measures developed by the National government such as the use of
biofuels, light vehicle technologies, four-stroke tricycles will be used as part of the overall
project strategy where possible and will contribute to mitigation. Road / improvement and
maintenance is also an important mitigation strategy by reducing fuel use through
transport inefficiencies. The concentration of tourism infrastructure and improvements to
the functioning of the tourist port will also reduce the need for transport and encourage
walking.
428. Trees that are planted as part of the touristic improvements will act as a CO2 sink.
429. Agricultural mitigation include; Improved crop and grazing land management to increase
soil carbon storage; restoration of cultivated degraded lands; improved rice cultivation
techniques and livestock and manure management to reduce CH 4 emissions; improved
nitrogen fertilizer application techniques to reduce NO emissions, and improvements in
crop yields.
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I. Social and Gender
1. Safeguard Considerations for Solid Waste Management Subproject
430. A sanitary landfill located on a 10-ha site in Barangay Barotuan will be constructed,
including an access road to the landfill as well as the installation and operation of a
composting facility. Households along the perimeter of the access roads as well as women
and men waste pickers will be affected. To ensure that the impact of the subproject to their
socio-economic activities will not situate them into further marginalization and extreme
poverty, the following safeguards considerations are proposed during the entire project
implementation cycle:
431. During design stage:
(i) Location of landfill must not affect groundwater sources for potable water and for
agriculture (irrigation, paddy fields) to avoid contamination;
(ii) Design consideration on the topography and slope of land where sanitary landfill
will be constructed; geo-technical studies;
(iii) Consultation with women and men waste pickers for possible permanent or
temporary relocation; alternative livelihood, income restoration schemes; census
data to be gathered to prevent illegal waste pickers from entering the premises;
(iv) Include a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the design so that waste pickers
can do sorting and sorted recyclables can be sold with junk dealers in the area;
(v) Consultation with households located within the peripheries of the access roads
focus on potential adverse impacts such as resettlement issues as well as
environmental hazards (e.g., dust, noise, accidents etc.);
(vi) Design of the access roads must consider frequency of garbage trucks disposal of
sanitary landfill; also construct drainage canal at the side of the access road to
prevent flooding ow water impounding that will create potholes later
(vii) Put a perimeter fence to the sanitary landfill to prevent entry of illegal waste pickers
and for safety of the sanitary landfill O&M equipment;
432. During construction stage:
(i) The project, through implementation of its stakeholders communication strategy

(SCS) must convene all women and men, vulnerable group to a pre-construction
conference to present and discuss the program of work (POW); the safeguards
plans (RP, EMP, IPDP) ; women’s participation as unskilled construction workers
and the labor core issues as one GAP performance target ;
(ii) Conduct of information dissemination on the social issues i.e. gender-based
violence in the construction sites (human trafficking, rape, sexual harassment),
socially-related diseases such as HIV/AIDS and STIs;
(iii) Health and hygiene information dissemination to school children, barangay
constituents supported by IEC materials produced in the local dialect spoken and
local context with the culture and traditions of IPs.
(iv) Information dissemination to households, business establishments and
public/private institutions on good solid waste management practices i.e. zero
waste management through waste segregation and practice of the 3 Rs (reduce,
reuse, recycle);
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(v) Formation of a community-based construction monitoring group with multi-sector

representation (women, men, IPs youth) as support to project management and
construction supervisor/consultant;
(vi) Timely response to complaints and grievances as well as compensation payments
of affected men and women waste pickers, households and persons along the
route of the access road particularly those affected households headed by
vulnerable group
(vii) Civil works contractor to install safety signages and lighting along construction
routes; install planks in areas where there are households and business
establishments to ensure that daily activities are not disrupted and that movements
of people are not stifled.
(viii) Construction schedule to consider peak hours during the day when there is an
increased mobility/movement among people within the site of the access roads
and the sleeping time/rest hours at night and during daytime;
(ix) Regular tripartite coordination meetings among contractor, project management
and construction supervisor/consultant to ensure no delays/slippage in
construction schedules; meetings to focus on beneficiaries’ views and complaints;
status of physical and financial accomplishments as per Pert-CPM and the POW.
433. During O&M:
(i) Capacity-building/enhancement of the staffs/workers of the O&M organization on

the correct O&M management of the sanitary landfill;
(ii) O&M ordinances on proper solid waste management and legal sanctions for erring
households for illegal dumping of their solid waste elsewhere
(iii) Re-study of the existing user fee for garbage collection to ensure that this is
affordable to poor households; conduct public consultations with solid waste
services;
(iv) Regular maintenance of the sanitary landfill and its equipment also the access
roads charged to funds of the O&M operator after handover of the completed
facilities;
(v) Organize a waste pickers group to do sorting of recyclables at the MRF built within
the sanitary landfill premises;
(vi) Secure and protect the sanitary landfill facility from vandals and illegal dumping of
solid waste by unauthorized group;
(vii) O&M organization may contract a private solid waste firm to be responsible for
solid waste collection, segregation, and disposal into the sanitary landfill.
VI. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
A. Solid Waste Management Subproject
1. Design Criteria and Standards
434. Collection and Treatment. In terms of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act 2000,
the following table shows the requirements for collection and treatment.
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Table 47: Requirements for Collection and Treatment

Issue Requirement
Waste collection Mandatory segregation at the source with provision of separate containers and
facilities to separate waste streams
Waste transport The use of separate collection schedules and/or separate trucks or haulers
shall be required for specific types of wastes.
Vehicles shall be designed to consider road size, condition, and capacity to
ensure the safe and efficient collection and transport of solid wastes.
Use of transfer stations where necessary. Transfer stations shall be designed
and operated for efficient waste handling capacity. The siting of the transfer
station shall consider the land use plan, proximity to the collection area, and
accessibility of haul routes to the disposal facility. The design shall consider
size and space sufficiency to accommodate the waste for storage and vehicles
for loading and unloading of wastes. All transfer stations will be located at
strategic sites and built up areas of Coron town, and will be far from
ecologically sensitive areas.
Recycling Implementation of reclamation programs and buy-back centers for recyclables
and hazardous wastes (such as tyres, batteries, etc).
Establishment of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay or
cluster of barangays, designed to receive, sort, process, and store
compostable and recyclable material efficiently and in an environmentally
sound manner.
Composting Compost products intended to be distributed commercially shall conform with
the standards for organic fertilizers set by the DA.
Landfill diversion The LGU shall divert at least 25% of all solid waste from waste disposal
facilities through reuse, recycling, and composting activities and other resource
recovery activities
435. Sanitary Landfill. In terms of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act 2000, the
following table shows the requirements for landfill.
Table 48: Requirements for Sanitary Landfill

Issue Requirement
Siting of sanitary The siting of sanitary landfills shall include consideration for: consistent with
landfills land use plan, accessible from highways, available earth cover material, the
residents, potential impacts to groundwater, budgetary constraints,
coordination with recovery and recycling projects, and a dedicated area for
containment of household hazardous wastes.
Design & The design & construction of sanitary landfills shall include consideration for:
construction of clay and geosynthetic liners, leachate collection and treatment system, landfill
sanitary landfills gas recovery system, groundwater monitoring system, daily and final cover,
and post-closure procedures.
436. Based on best practice and experience in similar contexts, the following table shows the
design parameters.
Table 49: Design Parameters for Sanitary Landfill

Parameter Requirement
Density of MSW in the landfill 0.8 t/m3 is assumed (representing a reasonable degree of
compaction using a dedicated waste compactor).
Ratio of daily cover to waste 15% by volume
Total capacity 20 years of operation and according to MSW generation projections
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Parameter Requirement
basal liner system Permeability <1x10-9 m/s
leachate drainage, leachate There are no national guidelines for quality of leachate for discharge
treatment (on or off site) Assume no direct discharge of untreated leachate to the
environment
Landfill gas drainage and No uncontrolled emissions of landfill gas
management
Void space requirements To take into account the need for daily and final cover of waste
437. Consideration has also been given to the recommendations of ADB ‘Integrated Solid
Waste Management for Local Governments, A Practical Guide (ADB, 2017).
438. Climate Change. The climate change will impact the MSW disposal and treatment system
considering the following:
(i) Sea level rise: +20 cm – design of structures will need to take this into account
(ii) Increase of the current rainfall intensity, duration, and frequency tables of 12% -
will impact the design of the composting and leachate treatment facilities.
2. Alternatives Related to Site or Location Selection for the Sanitary Landfill
439. Typical SLFs need relatively bigger land areas to satisfy the technical options and
requirements for landfill as discussed in detail below. The area should have no or minimal
environmental and social issues relating to the locational sensitivity. For example, a SLF site
might produce odors and may not be aesthetically pleasant, and in both cases, the site should be
in a peripheral area. Another important consideration is that, a SLF needs to be in an area that is
at considerable distance from residential communities to ensure no odor and other forms of
nuisance, including disease vectors, could propagate or proliferate during the operation phase.
The site also needs to be in an area where access road is available, or in the absence of any
access, the contours or terrains of lands leading to the site need to be relatively stable to allow
construction of new access road.
440. Multiple Use Zones in the peripheries of El Nido are limited. Thus, with respect to the
above site considerations, selection of the proposed location in Barangay Barotuan has been a
perfect choice in the assessment of TIEZA and the El Nido LGU. The area is located at the
peripheral area of the municipality, and has enough land area to accommodate the requirements
of the SLF. While near the Buffer Zone of the ECAN zoning of Palawan, the site is still within the
Multiple Use Zone where development activities may be undertaken. Any potential impacts to the
Buffer Zone will be mitigated through the EMP and recommendations to be to be taken from the
biodiversity and critical habitat assessment during the detailed design phase. The site is also
favorable in terms of general wind directions, which are predominantly the northeasterly (amihan)
or southwesterly (habagat). In either of the wind directions, no populated area will be affected
when the wind blows from the proposed site. The nearest populated area is in far northwestern
side, and impacts of the SLF to the area due to odor and other forms of nuisance are unlikely. All
these considerations and factors led to the selection of the proposed site, and no other better
area in El Nido is available.
3. Technical Option for Collection
441. System of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs): The development of the collection of
dry recyclables such as plastic bottles, aluminum and steel cans, paper, and cardboard, is
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considered problematic given that experience of recycling from the MRFs has not been positive.
However, it is acknowledged that there is potential for collecting recyclables in the long-term if
and when the market conditions are more favorable. In this case, it is a prerequisite of such a
system that there is a capacity in place to collect dry recycles in sufficient quantities and to be
able to store them temporarily and then transport to the recycling center or directly to off-takers.
Then, the locations of the new MRFs must be situated in proximity to the main market/shops in
the village center.
4. Technical Option for Disposal
442. General Requirements for the Landfill. In addition to the design parameters, the landfill
will meet the general requirements of a ‘controlled landfill’ as understood by the ADB guide on
integrated SWM32. Its design, construction, and operation must respect certain guiding principles:
(i) Reduce the potential impacts to the surrounding environment from windblown
waste, dust, and odors from the waste to be landfilled in the future;
(ii) Reduce the visual impact in the landscaping setting of the landfill;
(iii) Ensure that there is no uncontrolled loss of leachate to the environment (surface
water, groundwater);
(iv) Be relatively easy to operate and maintain;
(v) Be adapted to the local climatic conditions;
(vi) Have the capacity to be upgraded, if national standards change in the future, and
also provide capacity for future expansion after the 20-year design period.
443. Description of the Site for the Landfill. Regarding these requirements, the best and
available site for the future landfill is situated in Barotuan barangay, 19 km to the north of El Nido
town center, along the El Nido-Jct New Ibahay road (national highway). From the main road at
Barotuan, an existing track (1.45km) currently provides access to the site: as part of the site
development, a new barangay road will provide access to the landfill site. The site is not currently
connected to the electrical grid.
444. The existing land cover of the site consists of naturally occurring shrubs and planted trees
(cashew), situated close to a zone of mostly agricultural land (rice fields). The site is outside but
within a 1-km radius of the ENTMRPA.
5. Technical Options for the Landfill
445. Basal Lining System. At the time of writing of the current report, the geotechnical site
investigation of the site has not been carried out, and consideration of the options for the basal
lining system is based on the current understanding of the ground conditions.
446. The landfill cells will have a low permeability liner with a permeability less than 1x10 -9 m/s,
for which there are two options:
(i) Geomembrane liner, comprising a 2-mm thick high-density polyethylene (HDPE)

fusion-welded geomembrane. The HDPE geomembrane is generally protected by
a non-woven geotextile fabric.
(ii) Mineral liner, typically comprising a 1-m thick layer of imported clay, carefully
reworked, placed, and compacted in layers. In this case, possible sources of clay
would need to be identified. Alternatively, if there is no available source of clay in
32 Integrated Solid Waste Management for Local Governments, A Practical Guide’ ADB, 2017
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the proximity of the site, then it may be possible to rework and treat the site soils
with powdered bentonite to lower the permeability.
447. A comparative analysis of the liner options has been carried out based on the criteria listed
in the following table.
Table 50: Comparative Analysis of Basal Liner Options

Criteria HDPE Geomembrane Mineral Clay Liner
Availability of materials Easily available on the market No source identified
Requires trained installation
Requires appropriate plant (sheeps-
Ease of installation contractor (of which there are
foot roller) and expertise
many)
Need for controls during An installation QA/AC scheme is An installation QA/AC scheme is
construction necessary necessary
Degree of protection High Good
Permeability <1x10-12 m/s <1x10-11 m/s
Environmental protection
Excellent Excellent
efficiency
Long-term durability Good Excellent
Cost High High
448. Both options are efficient for environmental protection (i.e., water resources, soil pollution).
The preferred option is the HDPE geomembrane, due to its availability in the national market.
449. Leachate Management System. The leachate will be drained by gravity towards the
collection well at the low point and then, still by gravity, to the leachate storage lagoon (1200-m3
capacity). There are three options for the treatment of the leachate:
(i) On-site leachate treatment plant. There are many methods of leachate treatment
on the market: aerobic biological treatment (aerated lagoons, activated sludge);
anaerobic biological treatment; physio-chemical treatment; coagulation; and more
advanced techniques such as reverse osmosis, microfiltration, etc. In many
applications, a combination of these techniques is used in sequence to treat the
different pollutants in the leachate. In general, unless the requirement is for pre-
treatment only, then the leachate treatment plant is both complex and costly to
operate because of the need for technical supervision and the energy and reagent
requirements: this is considerably more so for small landfills where the cost per m 3
treated can be very high.
(ii) Off-site treatment at WWTP. This common solution for small landfills is generally
the most cost-effective treatment solution: the capital and operating expenses for
the treatment are shared with the WWTP.
(iii) Leachate recirculation. This solution pumps the leachate back into the waste mass,
which has a high capacity to absorb the leachate. This solution is adopted in many
countries as an active operational measure to accelerate the degradation of the
waste in the landfill and, thus, reducing the time required for the landfill to stabilize.
450. It should be remembered that an operating principle of the landfill should be to minimize
the production of leachate by using good landfill practices:
(i) Reduction of the operating surface of the waste to the minimum required;
(ii) Placing of daily and intermediate covers on the waste to reduce infiltration;
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(iii) Effective management of storm water on the site to avoid mixing rainwater with
leachate or allowing storm water to enter the waste mass.
451. The following table shows the comparative analysis of leachate treatment options.
Table 51: Comparative Analysis of Leachate Treatment Options

Criteria On-Site Treatment Off-Site Treatment Recirculation
Technical High, depending upon the None (on-site). Low. The only operating
complexity technology used. plant is the pumping
station.
Investment cost High, depending upon the None. Moderate. The
technology selected. recirculation system
requires a small pump,
distribution pipework, and
infiltration drains or wells.
Operating cost The operating costs per Moderate. There are Low. The only costs are
m3 treated are high for a two costs - the transport pump maintenance and
small leachate treatment cost by tanker, and the electricity.
plant, requiring workforce, cost charged by the
reagents, and electricity. WWTP for treating the
leachate.
Environmental Dependent upon the The transport of the The recirculation of the
impact degree of treatment leachate to the WWTP leachate into the waste
applied – for high-tech has an impact (GHG mass does promote the
solutions, such as reverse emissions, traffic degradation of the waste
osmosis, the discharge is circulation). Otherwise, and, thus, LFG
very clean. the impact of the emissions. It requires an
discharge is dependent effective operation of the
upon the quality of site and proper LFG
treatment at the WWTP. measures.
452. A combination of leachate recirculation and off-site treatment at WWTP are proposed. The
majority of the leachate will be recirculated back into the landfill mass, with the excess being
transported off-site for treatment at the WWTP. The recirculation uses a pump in the leachate
pond, with pressure lines leading from the leachate pond up to the landfill surface, where the
leachate enters the waste mass via infiltration drains or wells.
453. Landfill Gas (LFG) Management. There are three options for the treatment of the Landfill
Gas (LFG):
(i) Passive venting is the simplest solution but only for low LFG generation situations.
The LFG is extracted under atmospheric pressure (i.e. no pumped ventilation) and
generally passed through a bio-filter to reduce odors; there is no treatment of the
methane (CH4) in the LFG.
(ii) Active venting, with a flare stack, is a very common method for managing LFG
emissions at landfills. The LFG wells are vented by a blower, applying negative
pressure to the waste mass and extracting the LFG, which is then combusted in a
flare stack. Such a system can work full-time or intermittently, depending upon the
rate of production of LFG, but does require an LFG that is sufficiently rich in
methane.
(iii) Active venting with electricity generation. This system also uses a blower or
vacuum pump to extract the LFG, but instead of burning the LFG in a flare stack,
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it is used to drive a gas motor connected to an electrical generator. The electricity

that is produced can then be used for on-site purposes or injected into the local
network if a connection is available. To be economically viable, a minimum, steady
flow of good-quality LFG is necessary: the smallest gas motors typically operate
at an electrical power capacity of 250-300kW.
454. The following table shows the comparative analysis of LFG treatment options
Table 52: Comparative analysis of LFG treatment options

Passive
Criteria Active Venting + Flare Valorisation - Generation
Venting
Technical complexity Simple Moderate High
Operational Simple maintenance & Moderately difficult
Almost none
requirements monitoring maintenance & monitoring
Reduction of GHG
None Good Good
emissions
Capital costs Low Moderate High
Moderate to high but
Operating costs Very Low Low balanced by the value of
electricity produced
455. Based upon the above comparative analysis, the most suitable technical option is
considered to be the flare stack. This is a relatively cost-effective solution, easy to maintain, which
also meets the environmental requirements (reduction of GHG emissions, limiting of odors).
B. Drainage Subproject
456. Sites Availability, Description, and Recommendation. Urban drainage is limited to

drainage of existing concrete roads. In Corong-Corong, this is mainly limited to the National
Highway (NH) that passes through the area. The NH is currently being extended to a 4-lane road.
Sections have already been implemented as described in the previous section, requiring
extensive excavation on the mountain side in some places. It shall be noted that the excavation
made for road extension does not seem to allow for the implementation of a drainage network.
457. On both sides of the road, many formal and informal buildings are developing at a very
high pace. Some of these constructions are clearly encroaching on the road right of way, as a
temporary facility (equipment stored at nighttime such as tables/chairs). Drainage is usually
implemented on both sides of the road, which are already well occupied. Refer to the resettlement
paragraph for more detailed information about resettlement requirement. For Corong-Corong, the
drainage infrastructure is designed as a combined sidewalk and drainage network. Side-walk will
inevitably be required in this area to secure locals and tourists when walking along the main road
between hotels and the beach in Corong-Corong and El Nido Proper Town.
458. A topographical survey of the road center line has been completed in the coverage area.
The proposed drainage network follows the natural topography and discharges at low points of
the road. As much as possible, the few existing cross-drains will be reused to limit the cost of road
cutting and reinstatement. Some of the esteros flow through private properties which owners are
reluctant to allow, inducing design adjustments.
459. Proposed Technical Options. The technical options which have been studied during this
feasibility study are listed in this paragraph.
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1. Network
460. Several types of network design have been studied. The following table summarizes the
different benefits and drawbacks of each option. All types of network are being implemented all
over the world, but their suitability mainly depends on the local context and its constraints.
Table 53: Technical evaluation of network type options

Advantages Drawbacks
Buried circular Best hydraulic performance minimizing Good skills and specific attention and time
pipe siltation is required for the backfill phase below the
Widely available on standard sizes and median line of the pipe
precast Cover of minimum 0.3 m under pedestrian
Will block solid waste from entering the ways or 0.8 m under roads is required,
network with screen catch basins deepening the network and the outfalls
Need storage area for the precast pipes
Maintenance will be difficult through
manholes and may require specific
equipment (trucks)
Buried box Can be cast in situ or pre-cast Cover of minimum 0.3 m under pedestrian
culvert Construction is easier than for pipe ways or 0.8 m under roads is required,
(especially for the backfill) deepening the network and the outfalls
Will block solid waste from entering the Lower flows will remain longer in the
network with screen catch basins network than with circular pipe
Maintenance will be difficult through
manholes and may require specific
equipment (trucks)
Side-walk Can be cast in situ or pre-cast Lower flows will remain longer in the
box-culvert (especially for the top cover) network than with circular pipe
Invert level is minimized since the Larger sizes of drains will encroach on the
culvert is laid directly under the natural road and may require to deepen the culvert
terrain level Might be slightly more liable to solid waste
Provide a protected / elevated sidewalk disposal (illegal by removal of cover)
for pedestrian
Will block solid waste from entering the
network with screen catch basins
Maintenance will be eased by the
possibility to remove the sidewalk
cover (need to implement removable
cover slabs)
Open channel Can be easily implemented by Very prone to solid waste disposal and
deepening side of the roads blockage
Does not necessarily require Prone to encroachment by buildings / shops
concreting etc
Maintenance can easily be made, and Deep channels could be dangerous and a
the maintenance requirement is easily risk for falling and drowning
visible
461. The technical recommendation in the context of Corong-Corong is to prefer the sidewalk
box culvert solution. Indeed, the area is very popular, and many tourists are walking along the
side of the road, the sidewalk box culvert would have two purposes: drainage and protected
pedestrian ways. Moreover, it represents a good option in terms of maintenance by minimizing
the risk of solid waste disposal while allowing maintenance to be performed easily.
permission.
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462. Buried circular pipes could, however, be proposed as cross-drains. These drains would
indeed be installed under the road and would be more appropriate. It is essential that these drains,
which will not be easily accessible from the top, induce the best hydraulic performance to ensure
self-flushing of the pipe during high intensity rainfall event. Maintenance shall be minimum on
these specific drains.
463. Open channels are particularly not recommended in the urban context, for security reason,
but could be easily implemented for road drainage in rural areas.
2. Treatment works
464. It is reminded here that a sewage project is proposed to be implemented in parallel to this
drainage project. This is the imperative constraint to reduce pollution conveyed to the sea by the
drainage system. After separating sewage from the drainage, pollution conveyed by the drainage
network will mainly be made of (i) Solid wastes / debris, (ii) Silt / sand / dust, and (iii) Hydrocarbon
/ oil product from road or petrol station runoff
465. It is emphasized here that suspended solids are the main carrier of hydrocarbon pollution.
Therefore, stopping dust pollution present in the drainage flow will treat most of this pollution type.
In France, this type of pollution is treated only for very high traffic areas, petrol station areas, or
parking lots. Moreover, this pollution is usually much diluted in heavy rainfall events, but more
concentrated during the first rains when the asphalt surfaces are washed out by storm water
runoff. Thus, hydrocarbon and other dust pollution control system should be designed for the
affected areas and the first hours of rainfall event.
466. For solid wastes, the following solutions are analyzed in the following table: screened
catch basins, deep sump catch basins and sand boxes. For dust pollution, the solutions analyzed
are deep sump catch basins, sand boxes and settling tanks. For hydrocarbon pollution, biological
filter and oil separators are presented.
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Table 54: Technical Evaluation of Treatment Works Options

Pollution
Treated
Screened Solid wastes Easy to implement / can be None really (need to correctly design
catch basins furnished as an individual the catch basin to ensure it will allow
equipment or built in situ the design flow to enter the drainage
Avoid solid wastes from system)
entering the system, thus
less maintenance is
required
Deep Solid wastes Block solids and dust in the Need to regularly maintain / clean the
sumps Dust sumps location avoiding deep sumps
Hydrocarbon settling of solids / dust in Stagnant water in the deep sumps
(partly) the conduits could result in odor generation during
Regular maintenance is long dry period if not regularly
limited to the sumps. Full maintained
system maintenance can
be spaced in time
Multiple purposes (solid /
dust collector + velocity
breaker)
Sand boxes Solid wastes Block solid and dusts from Require 10 x 10 m space area to be
Dust being conveyed through installed
Hydrocarbon the downstream network Need regular maintenance
(partly) Open box will have a visual Might be used as dumping site,
impact: visible debris are education / marking is required to
more likely to be regularly avoid illegal waste dumping
cleaned
Easy to maintain
Settling Solid wastes Allow solid waste and other Require large area to install the
tanks Dust particles to settle, settling tank (design is based on rain
Hydrocarbon hydrocarbon pollution will return period of one month + storage
(partly) be partly trapped of that flow during around 15h)
Can act as a flow regulator Generate sludge to be regularly
to limit downstream flow emptied and sent to STP
and infrastructure size Can treat only a limited flow (by-pass
is required above the design flow)
Biological Dust Treat hydrocarbon with the Require large area to install this filter
filter Hydrocarbon highest results Require regular maintenance / bio-
filter is sensitive to variation in flow
and pollution level
Operation of such filter requires
specific skills
Can treat only a limited flow (by-pass
is required above the design flow)
Oil Dust Treat hydrocarbon with Require large area to install this filter
separator Hydrocarbon good results, design can Require regular maintenance
be adapted to the required Maintenance is required once in a
level of treatment year: emptying of the filter with the
Operation of such help of a vacuum truck
separator requires no skill Can treat only a limited flow (by-pass
Construction / design of is required above the design flow)
this filter is basic and
robust
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467. Out of these solutions, several are suggested for implementation. The following
recommendations are made as to where these solutions shall be proposed:
(i) Screened catch basins and deep sumps are prescribed all along the drainage
network to spread the solid waste and dust pollution management along with the
system and minimize maintenance recurrences.
(ii) Sand boxes are proposed upstream of road crossings. Indeed, road crossings will
not be easily accessible for maintenance and need to be protected from blockages
and siltation as could be seen on the context assessment. They will also be
recommended at outlets (see next paragraph).
(iii) Oil separators are recommended for all parking lots and petrol station area.
Installation of such treatment work shall be enforced to all petrol station owner,
while the LGU shall make sure to install such works for all parking lots / bus
terminal etc.
468. Settling tanks are not suggested in this context. Indeed, they would require extensive land
which is not available and usually are only required in case of heavy traffic area which is not the
case in El Nido. Moreover, as per feedback from French studies, it seems that more than 15 hours
of retention would be required for proper remediation of the storm water. It does not seem
appropriate to invest in such a large installation for a limited impact on effluent quality.
469. Biological filters have not been identified as an adequate solution for El Nido. Indeed, they
would require operational and maintenance skills to ensure producing quality effluent while similar
results could be attained with the oil separators that require fewer skills for maintenance.
3. Outlets
470. In the context of El Nido, the drainage system outlets usually discharge in small esteros
flowing directly to the sea sometimes through mangrove area. All outlets will be protected and
marked with a concrete structure to protect them from being crushed and blocked. Few equipment
could be proposed, such as screen and flap valve. One last suggestion is the implementation dry-
weather pumping station. The reasons for adopting or not one of other of the solutions are
described in the following table.
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Table 55: Technical Evaluation of Outlets Options

Concrete
Avoid crushing of the pipe to Concrete structure in natural environment to be
protection of
maintain discharge minimized
outlets
Avoid solid to be discharge into Require regular maintenance to avoid blocking of
Outlet screen
the natural environment the outlet and decrease of its capacity
Require regular maintenance and thus easy
access to the flap valve
Outlet flap Avoid sea water / esteros water
If the flap valve is under water during high tide,
valve to enter the drainage system
specific material is required to avoid saline water
damage and blockage of the valve
O&M cost is linked with energy cost for pump
operation
Maintenance of the PS is required to check the
Transfer dry-weather flow to the
operation of the pump and remove any solid
sewage network
Dry-weather waste of sludge
Avoid pollution of the natural
pumping Storing of dry-weather sewage might generate
environment by illegal sewage
station odour
connection to the drainage
Require space to implement a wet-well and its
network
appurtenances such as electric cabinet, valve
chamber and overhead small crane (to maintain
the pump)
471. For El Nido context, no specific equipment is proposed at the outlets. Indeed, screen would
be useless as catch basins' screens, deep sumps and sand boxes will already have stopped solid
wastes before they reach the outlet. Flap valves are not recommended because of their
maintenance issue (the drainage network has been designed taking into account the high tide
level as a downstream constraint so that water can enter the system).
472. Regarding dry-weather PS, as a sewage project is being proposed in parallel of the
drainage, these PS would be pointless. They could be recommended as a temporary solution
until the sewage system is operational. However, they would need to pump the sewage up to the
treatment plant, which is under construction and located a few kilometers away, thus creating
pumping high head requirement. If a temporary solution is required by El Nido's LGU to treat the
drainage effluent before the sewage project is implemented, it is recommended is to implement
the dry-weather pumping station as a separate project.
4. Velocity breaker
473. High velocity in the drainage system could lead to damage to the conduits and improper
transfer of the storm water. To limit velocity in the system, several options have been analyzed:
deep sumps, grouted riprap, wooden log, waterfalls. The following table shows the technical
evaluation of velocity breaker options
Table 56: Technical Evaluation of Velocity Breaker Options

Multiple purposes (solid / dust collector Regular maintenance is required to clean all
Deep + velocity breaker) the deep sumps to ensure depth of the
sumps Small multiple infrastructures to be sumps remains lower than the pipe invert
implemented level
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Break the velocity along with the Design shall be detailed to ensure protection
Offsets network, with small infrastructure works, of the downstream network where the
limiting the protection requirements stormwater will fall
Robust, long lasting structure Only has a limited impact on flow velocity
Grouted
Would limit the already limited natural
riprap
infiltration
Wooden Natural aspect Would break velocity for low flow but no
log impact for higher flows
Will ensure velocity break even for Require detailed design to ensure proper
larger flows design of the hydraulic jump reinforcement
Waterfalls
Can be implemented with limited structure
concreting
474. Deep sump catch basins have already been proposed for their capacity to stop solid waste
conveyance in the drainage system.
475. For El Nido, only one location faces high velocity: the thalweg next to El Nido High School.
In addition to correctly identifying the banks of this thalweg to avoid storage and construction in
its path, waterfalls are recommended to ensure a sufficient effect of velocity breaker during high
intensity rainfall events.
5. Retention structures
476. Apart from settling purpose, already described in the treatment works section, retention
structures can aim at reducing downstream flow and thus limiting the network size. In this case,
the retention basin shall be located upstream enough to store part of the storm water and restitute
part of it to the network.
477. The natural topography of El Nido is not favorable to this solution: upstream urbanized
part of the catchments requires extensive excavation to flatten the mountain for building houses.
Unless an area with a narrow and deep thalweg can be identified to propose a small dam,
construction a concrete retention basin would be very costly, for the excavation and foundation
requirements to protect from landslide.
478. In any case, the network preliminary design presented in the following chapter reveals that
reasonable size of drains is required (up to 1.2 m x 1.2 m square culvert). Therefore, the retention
structure has not been studied in this area.
479. Evaluation of the Cost-Effective and Technically Feasible Option. Types of network
are the only design components, which could have a significant impact on the project cost, since
the other topics are punctual assets to be implemented for which no options are really feasible or
recommendable. Punctual assets, if deemed too costly, could simply be removed from the project
design and cost.
480. The first 3 options of network design cost have been studied here. Indeed, open channel
is not recommended in the Corong-Corong urbanizing environment since many pedestrians,
hotels, buildings, shops are being built on both side of the road. Cost comparison is based on the
maximum flow transferred by a square culvert (buried or sidewalk) or by a buried circular pipe
(two classes are evaluated). It shall be noted here that for the same slope (0.005 m / m), a square
box culvert of X m side would convey a flow approximately 1.2 times higher than a circular pipe
of diameter X m.
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481. Circular pipes are much more expensive than box culverts for the same flow. This is mainly
explained since square infrastructures will require less space than circular pipe for the same flow,
as highlighted by the arrows showing the dimensions of the infrastructures. Sidewalk box culverts
are the cheapest solution as they are laid just under the terrain surface and require minimum
excavation.
482. This cost analysis review comforts the technical analysis recommending the use of
sidewalk box culvert.
483. Selection of Preferred Option. As presented in the two previous paragraphs, the
preferred option for Corong-Corong drainage network is sidewalk box culvert which maximizes
the technical advantages and minimizes the cost.
484. As also presented in the proposed option paragraph, other assets are recommended in
addition to the sidewalk box culvert. These assets will optimize the operation and maintenance
requirements and ensure the proper functioning of the drainage network and minimum impact on
its environment.
485. As a reminder, these solutions are screened catch basins, deep sumps, sand boxes
upstream of road crossings and at outlets, oil separator for petrol stations and parking lots, and
waterfalls as velocity breaker in existing thalwegs with high velocity.
VII. INFORMATION DISCLOSURE, CONSULTATION, AND PARTICIPATION
A. Consultation with Different Stakeholders (Pre-COVID-19 Pandemic)
486. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the environmental safeguards team (international and
local) conducted participatory methods to determine the environmental and social issues faced
by different stakeholders based on their involvement in tourism activities and the potential impact
of the various subprojects proposed to the environment. The consultations during the FS stage
provided an opportunity for the different sectors to analyze the situation of the coastal resources
in El Nido and proposed livelihood options sensitive to the conditions of women in the project
area.
487. The following table summarizes the number of people consulted both men and women
during project preparation from October to December 2019.
Table 57: Consultations during Project Preparation from October to December 2019
November 13, Key Informant Interview with Municipal IPMR with 0 1 1
2019 Tourism Office Staff and Site Visit in the Poblacion
November 15, Community Consultation in Barangay Bebeladan 15 8 23
2019
November 15, Site Visit in Mangrove Ecopark, Barangay Corong- 1 0 1
2019 Corong and Key Informant Interview with Barangay
Corong-Corong IPMR
November 16, Site Visit and Consultation with Tagbanua IP Community 5 7 12
2019 in Sitio Catuldan, Barangay Teneguiban
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November 16, Key Informant Interview with Barangay Teneguiban Tribal 1 0 1
2019 Chieftain
November 19, Key Informant Interview with Remedios Cabral in 0 1 1
2019 Barangay New Ibajay
December 14, Community Consultation in Barangay Aberawan 6 4 10
2019
December 14, Community Consultation in Barangay Bebeladan 22 13 35
2019
December 15, Community Consultation in Barangay Corong-Corong 9 5 14
2019
December 15, Consultation in Barangay Officials of Villa Libertad 6 0 6
2019
December 16, Livelihood Validation Workshop 13 4 17
2019
488. Environmental Safeguards Consultations. Along with other safeguards consultants,

FGDs and KIIs were conducted last January 16 and 17, 2020 at the El Nido Municipal Hall.
Participants were composed of representatives from various sectors in the host municipality. The
consultations on environmental issues were facilitated by the International Environmental
Specialist of EGIS.
489. During the meeting, stakeholder representatives were informed regarding the STDP and
the priority subprojects, which earned general support in anticipation of potential benefits,
especially on local employment and revenue. The supporting documentation is compiled as
APPENDIX C of this IEE Report.
Table 58: Environmental Safeguards Consultations on Infrastructure Interventions in

January 2020
2020 Interventions – with community/barangay
representatives, including IPMRs
2020 Interventions – with key Municipal LGU officials and
representatives from local NGOs
490. FGD participants were given the opportunity to voice out their initial perceptions, issues,
and concerns regarding the existing infrastructure facilities and the proposed interventions on
solid waste management, sanitation, and drainage in the municipality. The key issues raised by
the stakeholder representatives were documented and summarized in the El Nido Mission Report,
where possible avoidance and/or mitigation measures to address anticipated impacts of the
proposed infrastructure subprojects on the environment and people (in terms of land acquisition,
resettlement, social, and gender considerations) were also identified.
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B. Field Visits (Pre-COVID-19 Pandemic)
491. The field visits were conducted in November to December 2019 in Corong-Corong,
Bebeladan, and Villa Libertad. The main objective of the visits was to screen whether there are
indigenous peoples present in the project area and whether this groups identify themselves as
being part of a distinct social and cultural group. The visits also confirmed the social and economic
situation of the affected Cuyonen in the proposed project areas. The site visits provided the
opportunity to talk with the IPMR in Corong-Corong and provided an overview of the situation of
Cuyonen in El Nido. During the discussion, it was highlighted that Cuyonen are traditionally from
Cuyo Island but their ancestors migrated to Bakwit (original name of El Nido) to look for economic
opportunity.
492. The IPMR also shared that they still use their own language and traditional dance but they
lost their indigenous decision making process, leadership patterns, and governance system.
During the field visit, it was highlighted that Cuyonen are already integrated to the market
economy and to the overall system of governance of the Philippines. Another goal of the field visit
is to gain an understanding on how Cuyonen maintain their collective attachment to their ancestral
lands or domains. Local officials in Corong-Corong shared that majority of the Cuyonen have
already established ownership over the lands and followed the national legal system of acquiring
lands and property but they shared that there is an existing ancestral land claim and ancestral
domains facilitated by the NCIP.
C. Online Consultations with Different Stakeholders
493. Due to travel restrictions as a result of the pandemic, the IP Safeguards team conducted
online consultations instead of face-to-face from July to August 2020. The online consultations
mainly covered information dissemination about the project, project scope, technical design,
identified positive and negative impacts, and involvement of local people in different activities of
the project. The IP Safeguards team designed and implemented the online discussions with a
total of 53 participants attended the consultation.
494. The following table shows the online activities conducted as a substitute for face-to-face
consultation. The team conducted key informant interviews and focus group discussions as the
main methodology to ensure that the different stakeholders were meaningfully consulted even
during the pandemic.
Table 59: Online Consultation Activities during COVID-19

Sewage Treatment, July 21, Consultation with Barangay Corong- 6 3 9
Septage Treatment, 2020 Coroong
Urban Drainage, July 24, Phone Interview with Barangay 1 0 1
Urban Design 2020 Corong-Corong IPMR
December Consultation with El Nido Central 7 31 38
29, 2020 Market Vendors and other
stakeholders regarding the proposed
Corong-Corong Wastewater
Treatment Facility
Solid Waste July 22, Consultation with Barangay Barotuan 13 22 35
Management 2020
August 3, Phone Interview with Barangay 1 0 1
2020 Barotuan IP Representative
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Small-Scale Site July 23, Phone Interview with Barangay 0 1 1
Infrastructure 2020 Bebeladan IP Representative
July 27, Phone Interview with Buena Suerte 1 0 1
2020 Barangay Chairperson
Tourism July 20, Phone Interview with El Nido Tourism 1 0 1
Development 2020 Officer
July 20, Phone Interview with NCIP Roxas 0 1 1
2020 Community Service Center Staff
July 20, Phone Interview with Municipal IMPR 1 0 1
2020
August 1, Phone interview with Dionesia Banua 0 1 1
2020
August 2, Phone Interview with Roy Dabuit 1 0 1
2020
495. As part of the due diligence exercise, various stakeholders were engaged in the
consultation process by the Department of Tourism in partnership with local government of El
Nido, which were conducted online because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective of
the consultation is to present the overall situation of the tourism industry in the country, information
on the STDP and its components. The consultation provided the opportunity for the different
stakeholders involved to assess the positive and negative impacts as well as the project benefits.
For detailed information, minutes of the online consultations is appended as Annex 4 of the STDP
El Nido Feasibility Study Volume 10 (Due Diligence Report: Social Safeguards).
496. The highlights of the discussion, key issues and concerns raised by the participants during
the online consultation are presented in the matrix on Table 56. Documentation of the
stakeholders consultation regrading the proposed Corong-Corong Wastewater Treatment Facility
is provided as APPENDIX D of this IEE Report.
497. Consultations with project-affected stakeholders will continue during detailed design and
project implementation.
Table 60: Highlights of the Online Consultations

Project
Highlights of the Discussion Issues and Concerns Agreements
Components
Drainage ● The participants were ● No identified issues ● The Cuyonen
system informed of the proposed during the discussion also expressed
infrastructure facilities under their willingness
the STDP such sewerage to participate
treatment, septage treatment during project
and drainage system. implementation.
● The participants said that
they have been experiencing
flooding (knee-high deep)
especially during the rainy
season. It was confirmed
that drainage system is
really a problem.
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Project
Components
Solid Waste ● The barangay secretary ● Despite of the ● EGIS Team to
Managemen stated that that the sanitary explanation, some coordinate with
t landfill project is really participants still the barangay
needed in El Nido as solid expressed that they local government
waste is one of their major are not in favor of the unit (BLGU) for
concerns. In Barotuan, they project because of the the schedule of
have a MRF, however, following anticipated the next
garbage collection is not impacts: consultation
regular and waste ● Poor quality of crops where the
segregation is also not being as there are detailed project
religiously undertaken. agricultural lands near design will be
● Garbage and solid waste the proposed location presented and
generated from the hotels as of the sanitary landfill thoroughly
well as from other barangays ● Health risks due to explained.
are being brought to the contamination of the
dumpsite in Barangay Villa river near the
Libertad. Residents of proposed project site
Barotuan are opposing the which serve as their
sanitary landfill project source of water for
thinking that it would be the drinking and domestic
same as the existing use
dumpsite. ● Polluted runoff water
● The difference between a going down to the
dumpsite and a sanitary residential areas in
landfill was explained to the times of
participants. They were also disaster/flooding due
assured that there will be no to typhoon
degradation of ground water
and surface water quality. In
addition, positive social
impacts include improved
health conditions as a result
of improved sanitation and
solid waste management.
Small Scale ● There are no residents and
Site no IP presence in Big
Infrastructur Lagoon and South Miniloc.
e In Miniloc Island, there are
cottages owned by Ayala.
● BLGU earning additional
income was identified as the
positive impact of tourism.
Small Scale ● There are no residents and ● The barangay captain
Site no IP presence in Nat-Nat has no opposition to
Infrastructur Beach. government projects
e ● Nat-Nat Beach is a private that are beneficial to
property of Ayala located in the barangay and
an island under the community. However,
jurisdiction of Barangay he thinks that it will be
Buena Suerte. There are no difficult if the proposed
tourists going or visiting the small site
site as it is not a part of the infrastructure projects
package tour. Boats are also under the STDP will
not allowed to dock in the
permission.
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Project
Components
said area. Instead, tourists be constructed in a
are going to Pasanbigan private property.
located in the other side of
the island.
● Only guests of Ayala are
allowed to go to Nat-Nat
Beach.
498. Comprehensive Discussion on being “Indigenous” and the Concept of Ancestral

Territory. The discussion with former NCIP commissioners assigned in Palawan and Island
Groups was focused on ethnic identity, concept of territories, and indigenous political structure.
Former Commissioner Dionesia Banua shared that Cuyonen are recognized as indigenous
peoples by the national government, but they are unable to establish ancestral domain claims in
mainland and other parts of Palawan. Cuyonen are native to Cuyo Islands but they migrated to
different parts of Palawan. In the ethnographic study of anthropologist James Eder, ‘Who are the
Cuyonons? Ethnic Identity in the Modern Philippines’, migration from Cuyo Islands was
documented as early as mid-century.
499. This IEE and other relevant documents (e.g., Due Diligence Report) will be made available
at public locations and will be posted on both the TIEZA and ADB websites. Project information
will be disseminated by means of appropriate media and regular public consultations throughout
the project cycle.
VIII. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM
500. Part of the ADB SPS 2009 requirements is the establishment of a grievance redress
mechanism (GRM) designed to receive and facilitate resolution of the concerns and grievances
of project-affected persons, including workers and external stakeholders, about the
borrower's/client's social and environmental performance at project level. Scaled to the risks and
impacts of the project, the GRM should address the affected person's concerns and complaints
promptly, using an understandable and transparent process that is gender responsive, culturally
appropriate, and readily accessible to all segments of the affected person.
501. Such mechanism is also an important tool to educate stakeholder regarding the project’s
development and to check whether the project has negative or positive effects or perception. It
will strengthen the knowledge of the people with regard to the positive impacts of the project, as
well as the effort of the monitoring team together with the project proponent in resolving
unfavorable events, if any.
502. A multi-tier common GRM will be put in place to provide a time-bound and transparent
mechanism in receiving and resolving social and environmental concerns linked to the
Sustainable Tourism Development Project (STDP or overall project). It will provide an accessible,
inclusive, gender-sensitive and culturally appropriate platform for receiving and facilitating
resolution of affected persons' grievances. The GRM described below has been developed during
the project preparation and will be presented in continuing consultation activities under the project.
Public awareness campaign will be conducted to ensure that awareness on the project and its
grievance redress procedures is generated and shared with affected persons and other
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stakeholders. The campaign will ensure that the poor, vulnerable and others are made aware of
this mechanism. The Environmental Safeguard Officer of STDP’s project management unit (PMU)
will have the overall responsibility for timely grievance redress on environmental safeguards
issues. Likewise, the Social Safeguards Officer of the PMU will have the overall responsibility on
social safeguard issues.
503. Who can complain. A complaint may be lodged by stakeholders who may be directly,
indirectly, materially, and/or adversely affected by the project. A representative can lodge a
complaint on behalf of the affected person/s or any stakeholder, provided that such representative
identifies the affected person/s and includes evidence of the authority to act on their behalf.
504. What the grievance/complaint should contain. Any concerns pertaining to safeguard
compliance – environment, involuntary resettlement, and indigenous people, design related
issues, compensation, service delivery or any other issues or concerns related to the project. The
complaint must contain name, date, address/contact details of the complainant, location of the
problem area, along with the problem. Sample grievance registration form is Appendix F.
505. Where and how to file a complaint. A contractor’s site office will be the primary point for
receiving and lodging any complaint. Apart from that, grievances or suggestions from affected
persons can be dropped into suggestion boxes or conveyed through phone calls or e-mails.
Affected persons or any complainant will also be able to lodge grievances personally to the
Grievance Redress Committee (GRC). The PMU officers and/or Tourism Infrastructure and
Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) field personnel and/or LGU representatives will be able to
correctly interpret/record verbal grievances of non-literate persons and those received over
telephone. The concerned contractor’s Environmental Officer or any designated person from the
contractor’s side will monitor these grievances and use dedicated register books. If possible, take
immediate necessary actions to redress minor complaints and inform the complainant as well as
the PMU of the resolution. The time period to resolve any grievances at different levels of GRC is
presented below.
506. Documentation. Documentation of the complaints is important and must contain name of
the complainant, date of receipt of the complaint, address/contact details of the person, location
of the problem area, and how the problem was resolved. ESO and SSO of PMU, with support
from LIC and PDSC, will have the overall responsibility for timely grievance redress, and for
registration of grievances, related disclosure, and communication with the aggrieved party. All the
documents made available to the public at the community level (at barangay halls/offices) and
will include information on the contact number, address and contact person for registering
grievances, and will be disseminated throughout the project area by the PMU.
507. Grievance/Problem resolution through participatory process. Efforts must be made

by the PMU with the support of environmental / social safeguard consultants to resolve problems
and conflicts amicably through participatory process with the community and relevant local
government. In case of grievances that are immediate and urgent in the perception of the
complainant, the contractor will provide the most easily accessible or first level of contact for the
quick resolution of grievances. Contact phone numbers and names of the concerned staff and
contractors will be posted at all construction sites at visible locations.
508. Grievance Redress Committee. A Grievance Redress Committee (GRC) will be

established to address the grievance of persons affected due to implementation of the project.
The compositions of the GRC are provided in table below:
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Table 1: Composition of Grievance Redress Committees

Level 1:Site level GRC Level 2: PMU Level GRC Level 3: Steering
Committee Level GRC
• Environmental Officer of • Project Director, PMU – Chair • Chief Operating Officer,
Contractor; • Deputy Project Director, PMU TIEZA – Chair
• Social Safeguards Officer – Member • Assistant Chief Operating
of Contractor; • Environmental Safeguards Officer, TIEZA - Member
• Contractor’s site engineer Officer, PMU –Member • Project Director, STDP –
• TIEZA Field Engineer • Social Safeguards Officer, Member
• Barangay representative PMU – Member • Environmental Safeguards
• IP / NGO / CBO • City/Municipal LGU Officer, PMU –Member
Representatives (as Representative - Member • Social Safeguards Officer,
appropriate) - Member • LIC / PDSC Consultants – PMU – Member
Members • IP / NGO / CBO / LGU
• IP / NGO / CBO Representatives (as
Representatives (as appropriate) - Member
appropriate) - Member
509. Grievance Redress Process and Timeframe:
(i) 1stlevel grievance: In case of grievances that are immediate and urgent in the
perception of the complainant, he/she can first lodge his/her complaint with the
contractor’s Site Engineer. Complaints and grievances will be heard by the
Environmental Officer and/or Social Safeguard Officer of Contractor, and focus
group discussions may be undertaken at the barangay level if necessary. The
grievance will need to be resolved within 7 days from the date of receipt of the
complaint. If the grievance cannot be addressed at first level, then it should be
escalated to second level. The affected person can approach the PMU GRC.
(ii) 2nd level grievance: All grievances that cannot be redressed at first level will be
brought to the 2nd level with the GRC at PMU. The GRC will try to resolve the
complaints/ grievances raised by the complainant, facilitated by the PMU
Environmental and/or Social Safeguards Officers within a period of 14 days from
the date of receipt of the complaint at the 2nd level. If the grievance cannot be
addressed at 2nd level, then the complaint should be escalated to third level. The
Environmental Safeguards Officer or Social Safeguard Officer of PMU will
communicate all decisions taken by the GRC to the complainant.
(iii) 3rd level grievance: All the grievances that cannot be not addressed at 2ndlevel
will be brought to the 3rd level with the GRC at the Steering Committee Level. The
Steering Committee GRC will meet as may be necessary (based on grievances
lodged) to deliberate on the grievances brought to the committee. The Steering
Committee GRC will resolve the grievance within 14 days of receiving the
complaint at the 3rd level. The Environmental Safeguards Officer or Social
Safeguard Officer of PMU will communicate all decisions taken by the GRC to the
complainant.
510. The process of the GRM is given in Figure 1 below.
permission.
166
Figure 1: Grievance Redress Mechanism
ACOO = Assistant Chief Operating Officer, CBO = community-based organization, COO = Chief Operating Officer,
DPD = Deputy Project Director, ESO = Environmental Safeguards Officer, IP = indigenous peoples, LIC = loan
implementation consultants, LGU = local government unit, NGO = nongovernment organization, PD = Project Director,
PMDSC = project management, design and supervision consultant, PMU = project management unit, SSO = Social
Safeguards Officer, TIEZA = Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority
511. In case of any inter-departmental or inter-jurisdictional coordination required for resolution

of specific grievances, the PMU will refer the matter directly to the Head (or equivalent), PMU for
inter-departmental coordination and resolution. The project GRM notwithstanding, an affected
person shall have access to the country's legal system at any stage, and accessing the country's
legal system can run parallel to accessing the GRM and is not dependent on the negative outcome
of the GRM.
512. Periodic community meetings with affected communities to understand their concerns and
help them through the process of grievance redress (including translation from local
dialect/language, recording and registering grievances of non-literate affected persons and
explaining the process of grievance redress) will be conducted if required. The above GRM will
be discussed with the different stakeholders during continuing stakeholder consultation meetings.
These meetings will be held with community members (beneficiaries) and the concerned local
government personnel where civil works are proposed. The process and timelines for grievance
redress and contact details of the persons responsible for grievance redress will be shared in the
stakeholder meetings. Action taken in respect of all complaints will be communicated to the
complainant by letter, over phone or e-mail as the case may be.
permission.
167
513. Consultation arrangements for GRM - This will include group meetings and discussions
with affected persons, to be announced in advance and conducted at the time of day agreed on
with affected persons and conducted to address general/common grievances; and if required with
the ESO / SSO of PMU and LIC / PMDSC for one-to-one consultations. Non-literate affected
persons/ vulnerable affected persons will be assisted to understand the grievance redress
process. At the site office the of contractor, contractor’s Environmental Officer or Social
Safeguards Officer will assist the non-literate affected persons to lodge complaints and with
follow-up actions at different stages in the process.
514. Documentation and record keeping. All GRC documents will be maintained by
contractor and PMU. Record of all complaints received, and action taken will be maintained at
both at the field level and the PMU. This information will be available for review and verification
by ADB or any third party. PMU will act as secretariat to the GRCs. All the grievance records will
be updated regularly and easily accessible on-site.
515. Information dissemination methods of the GRM: GRC procedures and operational
rules will be publicized widely through community meeting and pamphlets in local language so
that the affected persons are aware of their rights and obligation, and procedures of grievance
redress.
516. Grievances received, and responses provided will be documented and reported back to
the affected persons. The number of grievances recorded and resolved and the outcomes will be
displayed/disclosed in the PMU and project website. The phone number where grievances are to
be recorded will be prominently displayed at the construction sites.
517. Costs: All costs involved in resolving the complaints (meetings, consultations,
communication and reporting/information dissemination) will be borne by the PMU.
518. ADB Accountability Mechanism: If the established GRM is not in a position to resolve
the issue, the affected person also can use the ADB Accountability Mechanism through directly
contacting (in writing) the Complaint Receiving Officer (CRO) at ADB headquarters. Before
submitting a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, it is recommended that affected people
make a good faith effort to resolve their problems by working with the concerned ADB operations
department (in this case, the Philippines Country Office). Only after doing that, and if they are still
dissatisfied, they could approach the Accountability Mechanism. The ADB Accountability
Mechanism information will be included in the project-relevant information to be distributed to the
affected communities, as part of the project GRM.
permission.
168
IX. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
519. The project will inevitably create various impacts, both positive and negative, throughout
the Pre-Construction, Construction, Operational, and Abandonment Phases. Prevention and/or
mitigation measures will be implemented to avoid and/or lessen the adverse impacts of the
project.
A. Environmental Management Plan
520. The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) presents the mitigation and enhancement
principles, practices, and technologies aimed at minimizing and/or eliminating the potential
impacts of the project to its surrounding environment. The EMP is a dynamic document that may
be updated any time during project implementation if it is found inadequate. Corrective actions or
additional mitigation measures may be included. The Project Management Unit (PMU) is
responsible for updating the IEE and EMPs based on the detailed design and submit to ADB for
clearance.
521. Table 61, Table 62, and Table 63 present the summary matrices of mitigating and
enhancement measures for the identified potential impacts in each development phase of the
Solid Waste Management and Drainage subprojects, respectively. The responsible parties,
estimated costs, and guarantees involved are also specified in the matrices.
1. Construction Environmental Program
522. During the construction phase of the different subprojects, the designated contractor shall
be responsible for the implementation of the Construction Environmental Program, under the
supervision of the Proponent and in accordance with the ECC conditions.
523. The program shall include specific actions and measures such as:
(i) Provision of workers accommodation in compliance with the IFC/EBRD Guidance

on Workers Accommodation;
(ii) Provision of liquid and solid waste handling/disposal facilities;
(iii) Avoidance of unnecessary earth movement;
(iv) Worker and project site safety programs, including emergency response plans;
(v) Proper storage and disposal of hazardous wastes (i.e., used oil, etc.); in
accordance with DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the
(vi) Reduction/elimination of pollution sources; and
(vii) Proper demobilization procedures (i.e., clean-up of construction sites,
replacement/replanting of removed trees/revegetation).
2. Solid Waste Management Plan
524. Solid wastes will inevitably be generated during the Construction and Operations phases
of the different subprojects. To address this concern, a Solid Waste Management Plan will be
adopted with the aim to reduce and properly manage solid wastes that will be generated from the
Project activities, thereby also reducing operational costs from handling, storage, and disposal of
solid wastes. The following measures are recommended:
permission.
169
(i) Implementation of waste reduction/avoidance and segregation policy for all

construction and operations personnel;
(ii) Provision of solid waste handling and storage facilities, such as dumpsters, trash
cans in common areas and strategic locations;
(iii) Composting of biodegradable wastes, such as food wastes and yard trimmings;
(iv) Recovering of recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, and metals; and
(v) Collection and disposal of residual and other general solid wastes in accordance
with the local solid waste collection schedule.
525. Management of hazardous wastes shall be in accordance with the guidelines and
requirements prescribed in DAO 2013-22 (Revised Procedures and Standards for the
3. Community and Occupational Health and Safety
526. A health and safety policy with an emergency response plan will be formulated and
implemented in all of the project phases based on the IFC General Environmental, Health and
Safety (EHS) Guidelines. This policy will undergo continuous improvement to adapt to the existing
conditions. Such policy will not only affect the workers and the general public, but also protect
valuable equipment and properties against damages.
(i) All management, technical, and non-technical personnel shall undergo specialized
training courses to familiarize themselves to the operations and maintenance of
the project’s various facilities;
(ii) Emergency response plan shall be updated regularly, and emergency drills shall
be performed regularly to improve personnel’s response technique and time;
(iii) Audits shall be conducted by the management and personnel, with possible
assistance from various safety consultants;
(iv) Personnel shall undergo scheduled annual health check-ups;
(v) Safety signage, adequate illumination, anti-skid steps and guard rails, fire
extinguishers, first-aid kits, and other safety features shall be established
throughout the project’s facilities;
(vi) Personal protective equipment (PPE), which includes safety boots, hard hats,
gloves, safety goggles (in some instances) shall be mandatory for construction
workers (during Construction Phase) and personnel (during Operations Phase)
working on the project.
527. To protect the health and safety of workers as well as communities potentially affected by
ADB-financed and/or administered projects, contractors are required to conduct a COVID-19 risk
assessment and to incorporate COVID-19 health risks as part of their health and safety (H&S)
plans, which are part of their Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management
Plan (CESHSMP). These H&S plans should be aligned with any government regulations and
guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the absence thereof, with international good
practice guidelines as may be updated from time to time. The plans need to include sensitization
measures to ensure proper briefings and education / capacity development materials and proper
signage for the workers. The contractors’ H&S plans should be reviewed and cleared by the
Engineer or supervision consultant in consultation with public health inspectors of the area, local
medical officers, and other relevant health specialists.
528. The Engineer (or supervision consultant) shall be adequately staffed to undertake
professional review and make recommendations to the EA and monitor the contractors’ H&S
permission.
170
plans. The TOR of the Engineer (or supervision consultant) reflects the need to supervise and
report on the contractors’ H&S plans, including COVID-19 risk management. The contractors’
CESHSMP, including the H&S plan, shall be cleared by the Engineer (or supervision consultant)
prior to mobilization of construction workers.
529. For all works contracts, contract provision on H&S shall include the requirement to submit
a specific COVID-19 risk management plan (as part of the H&S plan) showing what type of
arrangements the contractor will take to address this risk.
530. Quarterly project progress reports and the semi-annual environment monitoring reports
shall report on the findings of the project-level COVID-19 risk assessment and risk mitigation
measures, shall confirm that such mitigation measures have been incorporated in all the
contractors’ H&S plans before works resumed/commenced at the site; and shall report on H&S
plan implementation progress.
4. Vehicular Traffic Management
531. The proposed subprojects are expected to contribute additional vehicular traffic in the
project area during the Construction and Operations phases. To mitigate this impact, a traffic
management scheme shall be implemented to improve traffic flow efficiency and promote road
safety in the project area. The recommended traffic management measures are as follows:
(i) Regulation of truck deployment (scheduling of transport during off-peak hours);

(ii) Imposition of local speed limits;
(iii) Provision of safety barriers, warning signs and/or lights within the vicinity of the
subproject sites;
(iv) Provision of adequate parking spaces within the subproject sites, as may be
necessary; and
(v) Designation of personnel to regulate vehicle movement in and out of the subproject
site.
permission.
171
Table 61: Environmental Management Plan – Solid Waste Management Subproject

Environmental
Guarantee /
Project Phase/ Component Options for Prevention or Responsible
Potential Impact Cost, PHP Financial
Environmental Aspect Likely to be Mitigation or Enhancement Entity
Arrangements
Affected
DESIGN / PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Acquisition of People Disclosure of ● Submission of complete TIEZA; PHP Pre-
applicable permits, project requirements for LGU; 20,000 Construction
licenses, and components and processing of all permits Consultant expenses
clearances, including activities
right-of-way
Local sourcing of labor People Increased ● Coordination with the local TIEZA; LGU Minimal Pre-
employment PESO and concerned Construction
opportunities LGUs for the hiring expenses
process
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
Site of Sanitary Landfill Biodiversity and Extinction of ● Undertake biodiversity and TIEZA, Part of Design / Pre-
Ecology various critical habitat assessment LGU, EGIS PMDSC Construction
biodiversity following IFC Guidance cost expenses
assets of El Nido Note 6.
and species in ● Include recommendations
nearby protected of biodiversity and critical
areas. habitat assessment in the
updating of the IEE and
EMP
Climate Change Overall Project Extreme • Consider potential impacts TIEZA, DBO Design/Pre-
and Target climate/weather from extreme climate DBO Contractor’ Construction
Beneficiaries events as floods, change scenario in Contractor s cost expenses
typhoons, etc. designing the SLF and
including other other allied infrastructures.
natural • Torrential rainfall during the
calamities such monsoon should be
as earthquake considered in the design.
can damage the ● Design all infrastructures
entire by considering the highest
infrastructure flood level (HFL)
project.
172
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
information of last 25
years.
Work Plans During Land, People, Without the No civil works shall proceed DBO DBO Pre-
Contractor Mobilization and the General required work unless the following have been Contractor Contractor’ Construction
Environment and site plans in complied with by the contractor: s cost expenses
place, impacts at
various fronts (i) Develop a Contractor’s
(environmental, Environment, Social, Health
social, health, and Safety Management
etc.) can occur Plan (CESHSMP) that is
simultaneously approved by PMU based on
beyond control. the EMP of this IEE report;
and
(ii) Develop a specific Health
and Safety Plan, that will
include a Health and Safety
COVID-19 Plan in
accordance with relevant
government regulations and
guidelines on COVID-19
prevention and control, or in
the absence thereof, to
international good practice
guidelines such as World
Health Organization. 2020.
Setting Up of People, Unplanned • Provide camps with DBO DBO Pre-
Construction Camps Workers, and construction of sanitary amenities at Contractor Contractor’ Construction
General camps without designated areas. s cost expenses
Environment basic amenities • Contractors shall follow the
could result in guidance note developed
stress of workers by the International
and degradation Finance Corporation (IFC)
of the local and European Bank for
environment. Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD)
entitled “Workers’
173
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
accommodation:
processes and standards
(A guidance note by IFC
and the EBRD), 2009”.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Site development Land Soil erosion/ ● Limiting earth movement to TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
(earth-movement and Loss of topsoil areas where necessary LGU; EMP
civil works) and use of due to earth Contractor
heavy equipment movement
Land Loss of ● Limiting vegetation TIEZA; Depending Contractor’s
vegetation clearing to areas where LGU; on number EMP
necessary Contractor; of trees to
● Securing of Tree Cutting DENR be cut or
Permit (TCP) balled-out
Land Threat to ● Establishment of TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
biodiversity monitoring system for LGU; EMP
reporting and identifying Contractor;
wildlife sighted within the ENTRMPA
project area Office
● Coordination with
ENTRMPA Office and El
Nido LGU for
implementation of
measures
recommendations of a
critical habitat assessment
undertaken during the
detailed design phase.
Land Ground vibration ● Application of non-vibration TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
techniques during LGU; EMP; Site
construction, if possible Contractor Inspection
● Notification of nearby Report
residents about use of
heavy equipment
174
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
● Compliance with road
weight limit standards to
avoid ground vibration
(hauling trucks)
Land Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
construction waste management plan LGU; contract EMP
spoils and debris consistent with the local Contractor amount of
scheme and regulations Contractor
Land, Water Water logging ● Construction of appropriate TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
drainage system on-site LGU; contract EMP; Site
Contractor amount of Inspection
Contractor Report
Land, Water Generation of ● Proper handling of TIEZA; PHP Contractor’s
hazardous hazardous wastes onsite LGU; 10,000 per EMP
wastes (used oil, ● Treatment and disposal of Contractor month
etc.) hazardous wastes through (estimate)
a DENR-accredited TSD
Facility
Water Possible siltation ● Installation of silt traps TIEZA; PHP Contractor’s
and increase of prior to LGU; 200,000 EMP; Site
turbidity on earthmoving/excavation Contractor (estimate) Inspection
nearby surface activities Report
water (shallow
river located
north of the
project site)
Air Generation of ● Limiting earth movement to TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
dust areas where necessary LGU; contract EMP; Site
● Avoidance of long Contractor amount of Inspection
exposure of excavated soil Contractor Report
piles to strong winds by
applying canvas covers
N95 masks) for dust
emissions
175
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
Air Generation of air ● Proper and regular TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
emissions and maintenance of heavy LGU; contract EMP; Site
noise equipment Contractor amount of Inspection
● Performing of noisy Contractor Report
activities during daytime
People Threat to ● Provision of early warning TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
road/public devices/road signs LGU; contract EMP; Site
safety ● Installation of barricades to Contractor amount of Inspection
ensure that construction is Contractor Report
municipal and barangay
LGUs for the
implementation of a traffic
management scheme
People Community and ● Requiring all personnel to TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
occupational wear proper and complete LGU; contract MOA
safety and PPE Contractor amount of
health risks ● Supervision of all civil and Contractor
electro-mechanical works
by trained engineers
● Provision of first-aid
stations, safety equipment
and signage in working
areas
● Implementation of COVID-
19 safety protocols
● Following international
best practices on
community and
occupational health and
safety such as those in
Safety (EHS) Guidelines
on Construction and
176
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
Decommissioning
Activities.
Influx of construction Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; PHP Contractor’s
workers domestic solid waste management plan LGU; 15,000 per MOA
wastes consistent with the local Contractor quarter
scheme and regulations (estimate)
Water Generation of ● Implementing basic TIEZA; PHP Contractor’s
domestic housekeeping policies LGU; 30,000 per MOA
wastewater ● Provision of sanitation Contractor quarter
facilities (i.e., toilet, (estimate)
shower, etc.)
People Increased traffic ● Coordination with the host TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
volume along municipal and barangay LGU; MOA
the access roads LGUs for the Contractor
to the project implementation of a traffic
site management scheme
People Community and ● Requiring all personnel to TIEZA; PHP Contractor’s
occupational wear proper and complete LGU; 50,000 per MOA
safety and PPE Contractor year
health risks ● Supervision of all civil and (estimate)
areas
19 safety protocols
People Generation of ● Priority hiring of qualified TIEZA; LGU Minimal Contractor’s
employment and residents of the host LGU MOA
LGUs for the hiring
process
177
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
People Possible ● Coordination with barangay TIEZA; LGU Minimal Contractor’s
increase in crime officials to ensure peace MOA
incidence and order among workers
and community members
OPERATIONS PHASE
Sanitary Landfill Land Littering in the ● Installation of litter fence TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
Facility Operation and landfill area and ● Preservation of annual
Maintenance including along access surrounding vegetation to operation’s
use of heavy road due to act as natural buffer cost
equipment and strong winds ● Immediate application of
vehicles (collection soil cover on the landfill
earth covering, ● Covering of collection
levelling and trucks to prevent collected
compaction) waste from flying out due
to strong winds
Land Ground vibration ● Application of non-vibration TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP
● Notification of nearby
heavy equipment
(hauling trucks)
Land Erosion at waste ● Implementation of slope TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
containment protection measures annual
area ● controlling the height of operation’s
soil cover cost
drainage system
Land Threat to ● Establishment of TIEZA; Minimal EMoP
biodiversity monitoring system for LGU;
reporting and identifying Contractor;
wildlife sighted within the ENTRMPA
project area Office
178
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
● Coordination with
Nido LGU for
implementation of
measures
Land, Water Generation of ● Establishment of leachate TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
leachate collection pond annual
● Offsite treatment of excess operation’s
leachate cost
Land, Water Generation of ● Proper handling of TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
hazardous hazardous wastes onsite annual
wastes (used oil, ● Treatment and disposal of operation’s
etc.) hazardous wastes through cost
Facility
Water Generation of ● Collection in the leachate TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
wastewater from pont annual
vehicle washbay operation’s
cost
Air Generation of ● Proper and regular TIEZA; LGU PHP EMoP
gaseous maintenance of standby 50,000 per
pollutants/landfill generator set and service quarter
gas vehicles (estimate)
Air Generation of air ● Proper and regular TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
emissions and maintenance of heavy annual
noise from equipment operation’s
heavy ● Performing of noisy cost
equipment and activities during daytime
vehicles
179
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
● Preservation of
surrounding vegetation to
act as natural buffer
People Increased traffic ● Coordination with the host TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP
volume along municipal and barangay
the access roads LGUs for the
to the project implementation of a traffic
site management scheme
People Threat to ● Provision of early warning TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP
road/public devices/road signs
safety ● Installation of barricades to
People Nuisance odors ● Immediate application of TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
soil cover annual
● Preservation of operation’s
surrounding vegetation to cost
act as natural buffer
People Community and ● Requiring all personnel to TIEZA; LGU PHP EMoP
occupational wear proper and complete 50,000 per
safety and PPE quarter
health risks ● Supervision of all civil and (estimate)
areas
19 safety protocols
● Restrict entry of
wastepickers
● Following international
best practices on
community and
180
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
Sections 1.2 and 1.3 of
Guidelines on Waste
Management Facilities.
People Safety and ● Immediate application of TIEZA; LGU Part of the EMoP
health hazards soil cover annual
from possible ● Use of approved vector operation’s
vector infestation control, as needed cost
Influx of operations Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; LGU PHP EMoP
and maintenance domestic solid waste management plan 10,000 per
personnel wastes consistent with the local month
Water Generation of ● Implementing basic TIEZA; LGU PHP EMoP
domestic housekeeping policies 50,000 per
wastewater ● Provision of sanitation quarter
facilities (i.e., toilet,
shower, etc.)
People Community and ● Provision of proper training TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP
occupational on occupational health and
safety and safety
health risks ● Requiring all personnel
and visitors to wear proper
and complete PPE
● Regular health check-up
for the personnel
areas
19 safety protocols
People Generation of ● Priority hiring of qualified TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP
employment and
181
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
LGUs for the hiring
process
People Possible ● Coordination with TIEZA; LGU Minimal EMoP
increase in crime barangay officials to
incidence ensure peace and order
among workers and
community members
ABANDONMENT PHASE
Closure of disposal Water Possible ● Implementation of Safe TIEZA; LGU To be EMP
cells seepage of Closure and Rehabilitation determined
leachate from Plan (SCRP) or equivalent
the cell and plan applicable for SLF, as
leachate holding may be required by any
pond relevant guidelines under
RA 9003 in the future.
minimize seepage of
rainwater that will enhance
generation of leachate
groundwater and
downstream creek
Air Potential release ● Proper installation of gas TIEZA; LGU To be EMP
of landfill gases vents determined
ambient air quality
Termination of People Loss of ● Provision of 6 months’ TIEZA; LGU To be EMP
employment employment notice about the impending determined
● Provision of compensation
for affected personnel/re-
training if possible
182
Environmental
Guarantee /
Arrangements
Affected
People Possible ● Coordination with TIEZA; LGU To be EMP
increase in crime barangay officials to determined
incidence ensure peace and order
among workers and
community members
183
Table 62: Environmental Management Plan – Drainage Subproject

Environmental
Guarantee /
Project Phase/ Component Potential Options for Prevention or Responsibl
Cost, PHP Financial
Environmental Aspect Likely to be Impact Mitigation or Enhancement e Entity
Arrangements
Affected
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Acquisition of People Negative • Submission of complete TIEZA; Minimal Pre-
applicable permits, implications of requirements for processing LGU; EGIS Construction
licenses, and not following of all permits expenses
clearances, including legal • Provision in the design and
right-of-way requirements budget for the relocation of
the existing utility
Delay in the infrastructures, wherever
execution of required;
works. • Identify and include
locations and operators of
Disruption of these utilities in the detailed
Utilities/service design documents to
s prevent unnecessary
disruption of services during
construction phase;
• Identify and include
locations of water/gas pipes,
power/telephone lines and
any other infrastructure on
the proposed drainage
alignments, and redesign
layouts to avoid any damage
on such infrastructure;
• Require contractors to
prepare a contingency plan
to include actions to be
taken in case of
unintentional interruption of
services;
• Utilities will only be removed
and relocated with proper
184
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
agency approvals and
permission;
• Informing all schools, places
of worship, and affected
communities well in
advance;
• If utilities are damaged
during construction, it will be
reported to the PMU and
utility authority and repairs
will be arranged immediately
at the contractor’s expense;
and
● Reconnection of utilities will
be completed at the
shortest practicable time
before construction
commences.
Climate Change Overall Project Extreme • Consider potential impacts TIEZA, Part of Design
and Target climate/weathe from extreme climate Design Project Cost Expenses
Beneficiaries r events as change scenario in Team
floods, designing the drainage (PMDSC)
typhoons, etc. infrastructures.
natural monsoon should be
calamities such considered in the design.
as earthquake • Design all infrastructures by
can damage considering the highest
the entire flood level (HFL)
infrastructure information of last 25 years.
project.
Identification of Land, People, Indiscriminate • TIEZA to identify and TIEZA, El El Nico LGU Pre-
Disposal Sites and the General disposal of designate a dedicated Nido LGU Cost Construction
Environment spoils and disposal site for spoils and Expenses
other other construction wastes
construction
185
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
wastes will • TIEZA to inform and
lead to siltation provide access/authority to
of canals, all contractors on the use of
pollution of the identified disposal site.
receiving
bodies of
waters (rivers
and coastal
waters), and
inconvenience
to the people
and
communities
surrounding
the project
sites
Work Plans During Land, People, Without the No civil works shall proceed Contractor Contractor’s Pre-
Contractor and the General required work unless the following have been Cost Construction
Mobilization Environment and site plans complied with by the contractor: Expenses
in place,
impacts at (i) Develop a Contractor’s
various fronts Environment, Social, Health
(environmental, and Safety Management
social, health, Plan (CESHSMP) that is
etc.) can occur approved by PMU based on
simultaneously the EMP of this IEE report;
beyond control. (ii) Develop a Traffic
Management Plan covering
all areas along the drainage
alignments, in coordination
with local traffic enforcement
office. Contractor shall have
Traffic Management Plan in
place prior to excavation or
construction works;
(iii) Develop a Spoil
186
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
Management Plan to
manage any excess spoils
generated during
construction and O&M
activities; and
(iv) Develop a specific Health
and Safety Plan, that will
include a Health and Safety
COVID-19 Plan in
accordance with relevant
government regulations and
guidelines on COVID-19
prevention and control, or in
the absence thereof, to
international good practice
guidelines such as World
Health Organization. 2020.
Setting Up of People, Unplanned • Provide camps with sanitary Contractor Contractor’s Pre-
Construction Camps Workers, and construction of amenities at designated Cost Construction
General camps without areas. Expenses
Environment basic amenities • Contractors shall follow the
could result in guidance note developed
stress of by the International Finance
degradation of European Bank for
the local Reconstruction and
environment. Development (EBRD)
entitled “Workers’
accommodation: processes
and standards (A guidance
note by IFC and the EBRD),
2009”.
Local sourcing of labor People Increased ● Coordination with the local TIEZA; Minimal Pre-
employment PESO and concerned LGU Construction
opportunities LGUs for the hiring process expenses
187
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Earth-movement and Land Soil erosion/ ● Limiting earth movement to TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
civil works Loss of topsoil areas where necessary LGU; EMP
due to earth Contractor
movement
Land Loss of ● Limiting vegetation clearing TIEZA; Depending Contractor’s
vegetation to areas where necessary LGU; on number EMP
● Securing of Tree Cutting Contractor of trees to
Permit (TCP) be cut or
balled-out
Land Threat to ● Establishment of monitoring TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
biodiversity system for reporting and LGU; EMP
identifying wildlife sighted Contractor;
within the project area ENTRMPA
● Coordination with Office
Nido LGU for
implementation of
measures
Land Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
construction waste management plan LGU; contract EMP
debris consistent with the local Contractor amount of
Water Possible ● Installation of silt traps prior TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
siltation and to excavation activities LGU; contract EMP; Site
increase of Contractor amount of Inspection
turbidity on Contractor Report
188
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
nearby surface
water
Air Generation of ● Limiting earth movement to TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
dust areas where necessary LGU; contract EMP; Site
● Avoidance of long exposure Contractor amount of Inspection
of excavated soil piles to Contractor Report
strong winds by applying
canvas covers
People Health hazards ● Implementation of dust TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
from dust control measures (use of LGU; contract EMP; Site
emissions canvas covers) Contractor amount of Inspection
● Provision of PPEs (such as Contractor Report
N95 masks) for dust
emissions
People Community ● Requiring all personnel to TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
and wear proper and complete LGU; contract EMP; Site
occupational PPE Contractor amount of Inspection
safety and ● Supervision of all civil and Contractor Report
health risks electro-mechanical works
areas
19 safety protocols
Construction and
Decommissioning Activities
189
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
Use of heavy Land Ground ● Application of non-vibration TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
equipment vibration techniques during LGU; EMP; Site
construction, if possible Contractor Inspection
● Notification of nearby Report
heavy equipment
(hauling trucks)
Land, Water Generation of ● Proper handling of TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
hazardous hazardous wastes onsite LGU; contract EMP
wastes (used ● Treatment and disposal of Contractor amount of
oil, etc.) hazardous wastes through Contractor
Facility
Air Generation of ● Proper and regular TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
air emissions maintenance of heavy LGU; contract EMP; Site
and noise equipment Contractor amount of Inspection
● Performing of noisy Contractor Report
activities during daytime
People Increased ● Coordination with the host TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
traffic volume municipal and barangay LGU; EMP; Site
along the LGUs for the Contractor Inspection
access roads implementation of a traffic Report
to the project management scheme
site
People Threat to ● Provision of early warning TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
road/public devices/road signs LGU; contract EMP; Site
safety ● Installation of barricades to Contractor amount of Inspection
ensure that construction is Contractor Report
Influx of construction Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
workers domestic solid waste management plan LGU; contract MOA
wastes consistent with the local Contractor amount of
190
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
Water Generation of ● Implementing basic TIEZA; PHP 50,000 Contractor’s
domestic housekeeping policies LGU; throughout MOA
wastewater ● Provision of sanitation Contractor construction
facilities (i.e., toilet, shower, period
etc.)
People Community ● Requiring all personnel to TIEZA; PHP 50,000 Contractor’s
and wear proper PPE LGU; throughout MOA
occupational ● Supervision of all civil and Contractor construction
safety and electro-mechanical works period
health risks by trained engineers
areas
People Generation of ● Coordination with the local TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
additional PESO and concerned LGU MOA
employment LGUs for the hiring process
and livelihood ● Adherence to the local
prioritization
People Possible ● Coordination with barangay TIEZA; To be EMP
increase in officials to ensure peace LGU determined
crime and order among workers
incidence and community members
OPERATIONS PHASE
Drainage System Land Generation of ● Coordination with the LGU TIEZA; Minimal EMoP
Maintenance solid for handling, collection, and LGU
wastes/garbag disposal of collected solid
e from wastes
maintenance
activities
People Community ● Provision of proper training TIEZA; Minimal EMoP
and on occupational health and LGU
occupational safety
safety and ● Provision of PPE
health risks
191
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
the personnel
People Generation of ● Coordination with the local TIEZA; Minimal EMoP
additional PESO and concerned LGU
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
ABANDONMENT PHASE
Backfilling Land Sourcing of ● Coordination with LGU for TIEZA; To be EMP
backfill the source of material LGU determined
materials
Air Generation of ● Immediate sprinkling of TIEZA; To be EMP
Dust water to prevent dust re- LGU determined
suspension.
● Concreting of exposed
area.
192
Table 63: Environmental Management Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Acquisition of People Disclosure of ● Submission of complete TIEZA; Minimal Pre-
applicable permits, project requirements for processing LGU Construction
licenses, and components of all permits expenses
clearances, including and activities
right-of-way
Climate Change Overall Project Extreme • Consider potential impacts TIEZA, Part of Design
and Target climate/weathe from extreme climate Design Project Cost Expenses
Beneficiaries r events as change scenario in Team
floods, designing the small scale (PMDSC)
typhoons, etc. tourism infrastructures.
natural monsoon should be
calamities such considered in the design.
as earthquake ● Design all infrastructures by
can damage considering the highest
the entire flood level (HFL)
infrastructure information of last 25 years.
project.
Local sourcing of labor People Increased ● Coordination with the local TIEZA; Minimal Pre-
employment PESO and concerned LGU Construction
opportunities LGUs for the hiring process expenses
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Civil works and Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
installation of small- construction waste management plan LGU; contract EMP
scale infrastructure debris consistent with the local Contractor amount of
facilities (Floating scheme and regulations Contractor
Buoys/Trails, Small Land Threat to ● Establishment of monitoring TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
Water Supply System, biodiversity system for reporting and LGU; EMP
Sanitation Facilities, identifying wildlife sighted Contractor;
Shed House) within the project area
193
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
ENTRMPA Office and El Office
Nido LGU for
implementation of
measures
Air, People Generation of ● Performing of noisy TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
noise (localized activities during daytime LGU; contract EMP; Site
disturbance) Contractor amount of Inspection
Contractor Report
People Temporary halt ● Coordination with TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
of tourism concerned LGUs and LGU; contract EMP
activities tourism operators regarding Contractor amount of
construction activities Contractor
Influx of construction Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
workers domestic solid waste management plan LGU; contract MOA
wastes consistent with the local Contractor amount of
Water Generation of ● Implementing basic TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
domestic housekeeping policies LGU; contract MOA
wastewater ● Provision of portalets Contractor amount of
Contractor
People Community ● Requiring all personnel to TIEZA; Covered by Contractor’s
and wear proper PPE LGU; contract MOA
occupational ● Supervision of all civil and Contractor amount of
safety and electro-mechanical works Contractor
health risks by trained engineers
areas
194
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
People Generation of ● Coordination with the local TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
additional PESO and concerned LGU MOA
ordinance on hiring
prioritization
OPERATIONS PHASE
Small-Scale Land, Water, Improved ● Enhancement through IEC TIEZA; Minimal EMP and EMoP
Infrastructure People accessibility on safety protocols LGU
Operation and and sanitation (including COVID-19
Maintenance (Floating conditions at measures), water
Buoys/Trails, Small the tourism conservation, proper solid
Water Supply System, attractions waste disposal, and
Sanitation Facilities, hygiene practices
Shed House) ● Installation/posting of
signage promoting proper
use of facilities and hygiene
practices
Water Management ● Routine/preventive TIEZA; Part of the EMP and EMoP
of domestic maintenance of sanitation LGU operation’s
wastewater facilities to sustain cost
functionality
People Generation of ● Coordination with the local DOT; LGU Minimal EMP and EMoP
additional PESO and concerned
(for the ordinance on hiring
maintenance of prioritization
facilities)
Influx of tourists Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; Contractor’s
domestic solid waste management plan LGU MOA
Water Generation of ● Routine/preventive TIEZA; Part of the EMP and EMoP
domestic maintenance of sanitation LGU operation’s
wastewater cost
195
Environmental
Guarantee /
Cost, PHP Financial
Arrangements
Affected
facilities to sustain
functionality
ABANDONMENT PHASE
Decommissioning and Land, Water Generation of ● Implementation of a solid TIEZA; To be Contractor’s
removal of small-scale demolition waste management plan LGU; determined EMP
infrastructure facilities debris consistent with the local Contractor
Land Threat to ● Establishment of monitoring TIEZA; Minimal Contractor’s
biodiversity system for reporting and LGU; EMP
identifying wildlife sighted Contractor;
within the project area ENTRMPA
● Coordination with Office
Nido LGU for
implementation of
measures
Land, Water, Generation of ● Management and disposal TIEZA; To be Contractor’s
People hazardous of hazardous wastes (PV LGU; determined EMP
wastes (PV panels) in accordance with Contractor
panels) RA 6969
196
B. Information, Education and Communication Plan
532. The Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign for the project must be
conducted for all phases of its development, which would allow regular feedback mechanism for
issues and concerns. The contents of IEC will be based on the action or operation plans and will
be monitored for evaluation.
533. Feedback mechanism is a very important tool to educate people regarding the project’s
development: whether it has negative or positive effects or perception. It will strengthen the
knowledge of the people with regards to the positive impact of the project, as well as the effort of
the monitoring team in resolving unfavorable events, if there are any.
534. Integral to the IEC is the regular reporting on the progress of its operations. IEC activities
should be conducted to establish transparency and develop a partnership with the host
communities.
535. Consultations with project-affected stakeholders will continue during detailed design and
project implementation. Posters about project info/progress shall be included in LGU bulletin
boards, among others.
536. This IEE and other relevant documents (e.g., Due Diligence Report) will be made available
at public locations and will be posted on both the TIEZA and ADB websites. Project information
will be disseminated by means of appropriate media and regular public consultations throughout
the project cycle.
C. Environmental Monitoring Plan
537. The Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMoP) presents a set of critical environmental
parameters that will allow the Proponent to ensure environmental compliance and sustainability
of the project operations.
538. The EMoP allows monitoring, verification, and performance of the necessary corrective
measures towards the mitigation of the identified environmental impacts. Information obtained
during the EMoP implementation can be used in examining the short- and long-term effects of the
project’s various environmental aspects, from which future strategies on environmental
enhancement measures can be formulated.
539. Table 64, Table 65, and Table 66 present the proposed EMoP that will be implemented
in each development phase of the Solid Waste Management, Drainage and Small-Scale Tourism
Infrastructure subprojects, respectively. Shown in the matrix are the concerns, parameters to be
monitored, as well as the corresponding sampling and measurement plan (method, frequency,
location), lead person, and annual estimated cost.
540. The Proponent will monitor its compliance through regular submission of Self-Monitoring
Report (SMR) and Compliance Monitoring Report (CMR) to the DENR-EMB.
permission.
197
Table 64: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Solid Waste Management Subproject

Concern Estimated
Cost
Soil quality of Heavy metals Grab sampling Quarterly Onsite and adjacent DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
adjacent lots and laboratory lots Contractor per event per
analysis station
quality metals and laboratory sources Contractor per event per
analysis station
project site
station
registration
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Effluent Discharge Color, Temperature, pH, Grab sampling Quarterly Effluent discharge DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
COD, TSS, TC, and laboratory point Contractor per event per
Ammonia, Nitrate, analysis station
Phosphate, Sulfate,
Chloride, Oil and Grease
Soil quality Heavy metals Grab sampling Quarterly Onsite and adjacent DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
and laboratory lots Contractor per event per
analysis station
monitoring wells
198

Concern Estimated
Cost
downgradient of the
SLF site
monitoring wells
downgradient of the
SLF site
199
Table 65: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Drainage Subproject

Concern Estimated
Cost
project site
station
registration
OPERATIONAL PHASE
200
Table 66: Environmental Monitoring Plan – Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject
Concern Estimated
Cost
registration
OPERATIONAL PHASE
Marine water Fecal coliform Grab sampling Quarterly Marine waters DOT; LGU; Php 10,000
quality and laboratory surrounding the Contractor per event per
analysis project site station
Emission of No. of complaints from Logbook/databa Daily Administration office DOT; LGU; Minimal
unpleasant/nuisanc tourism se registration of the project Contractor
e odors operators/tourists
Demolition spoils Weight (kg); no. of items Weighing/log- Daily/weekly Project Site DOT; LGU; To be
and solid wastes book recording Contractor determined
Loss of No. of affected Database Once Administration office DOT; LGU; To be
employment employees registration of the project site Contractor determined
201
D. Emergency Response Plan
541. Identification of Potential Emergencies. Emergencies are unforeseen events or

episodes that are caused by natural forces and circumstances that may result to negative effects
to people, property, and the surrounding environment. As a preliminary step in developing an
effective emergency response policy, it is important to identify the potential emergency scenarios
that would most likely occur. The following table lists some of the emergencies that could happen
in the course of the implementation/operation of the different subprojects.
Table 67: Emergency Scenarios for the Project

Emergency Situation Possible Causes Potential Effects
Fire ● Electrical short-circuits ● Partial or total loss of equipment
● Overloading of equipment and property
● Accidental ignition of ● Injuries and fatalities to
combustible materials personnel
Release of toxic ● Equipment malfunction ● Health hazards to the
substances ● Accidental spillage employees, workers, and
● Man-made errors nearby communities
● Degradation of affected
parameter (i.e. contamination of
soil and water)
Occupational accidents ● Improper training and ● Injuries and fatalities to
supervision of personnel personnel
● Equipment and facility failure ● Partial and total loss of
● Lack of full understanding equipment
regarding the surrounding
environment
Earthquakes ● Movement/rupture of nearby ● Failure of concrete structures
fault lines (i.e., collapse, breach, etc.)
personnel and nearby
communities
Extreme Weather ● Extreme weather events ● Power outage
Events/Flooding/ Storm ● Partial or total loss of equipment
Surge and property
personnel
542. Emergency situations may also require different levels of classification and response
procedures, depending on the degree of situations. These levels will be referred to as: 1) Incident;
2) Emergency; and 3) Crisis.
(i) Incident situations present minor events that may require partial or total
mobilization of the proposed Project’s resources to effectively deal with an
accident. An episode may present very minimal injuries and/or partial damages to
property.
(ii) Emergency situations require the utilization of all resources, with the assistance of
local emergency responders, and additional resources from INGRID Power
Holdings, Inc. main office. This episode may present serious injuries and some
fatalities and could result to severe or total damage to the property.
(iii) Crisis situations are the worst conditions, which require the utilization of full
resources, and possibly, assistance from the national government to address the
permission.
202
event. An episode may present multiple fatalities, destruction of facilities, and

severe/total damage to the surrounding community.
543. Emergency Plan. The Emergency Plan is a management structure that is intended as a
guide for the personnel during emergency situations. Forming the Emergency Plan requires the
Proponent to select among the different skills and knowledge of its personnel at the Project. The
selection process will involve background checks, training and skills learning, and voluntary
application of selected personnel. The proposed project may follow the schematic diagram and
procedures presented in Figure 30 and Table 64. The roles and responsibilities of each personnel
involved in the Emergency Plan are listed in Table 65.
544. The designation of the personnel and their corresponding responsibilities may be changed
during different types of emergency scenarios that were previously identified in this section.
Therefore, if such case will exist, designated personnel should be properly and adequately trained
to deal with each type of emergency.
Figure 36: Emergency Response Plan
PREPARATION
Development of actual
plans should an
emergency happen
Elimination or avoidance
of hazards from happening
or occurring
RECOVERY RESPONSE
Retrieval of important Execution of the plans
assets and restoration of and procedures during an
the site prior to the actual emergency
emergency
Table 68: Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios

Situation
Fire ● Orientation and ● Notice for personnel to ● Prohibition of returning
training of personnel keep calm and alert to to the fire scene, as
on fire safety prevent further injuries; long as necessary,
● Conduct of regular fire to follow emergency unless declared for
drills evacuation safe entry
● Installation and regular procedures; and to ● Checking for personnel
testing of firefighting report immediately any that may be trapped,
devices (i.e. fire hoses, presence of smoke,
permission.
203

Situation
fire extinguishers, spark, or open flame to injured, or needs
smoke detectors, authorized personnel further assistance
sprinkler system) ● Immediate use of fire ● Reporting of any
● Regular inspection of extinguishers, only if important incident that
electrical equipment the fire can still be require immediate
and lines for any defect contained attention
or malfunction, and ● Disconnection of ● Securing of important
replacement, as electrical or fuel items and equipment
necessary connections and from unauthorized
● Securing of all shutdown of all access from outsiders,
flammable items in affected equipment after the building is
proper containers and ● Removal of all declared safe for re-
storage facilities flammable materials entry
● Strict implementation from the fire scene to ● If fire damage is
of “No Smoking” policy avoid further contact, if minimal, or if facility is
in plant facilities possible recoverable,
● Placement of ● Wearing of proper fire implementation of
emergency numbers protection attire (i.e. necessary corrective
and communication fire suit, boots, measures to prevent
equipment in breathing apparatus) the accident from re-
conspicuous areas for by responders occurring
easier notification ● Prohibition of using or
● Designation of pouring of water over
emergency exits (free fuel or alcohol fires,
from obstruction) and and electrical fires
evacuation procedures
● Regular maintenance
of plant equipment
Release of ● Regular visual ● Notice for personnel to ● Immediate clean-up of
Toxic inspection for potential report the occurrence all spills using proper
Substances leaks and corrosion immediately to conditions, including
(e.g., fuel, ● Inspection of facilities, supervisor; to follow stoppage and
hazardous containers, and strictly instructions of containment of spill or
waste) equipment for any sign supervisor in charge of leak
of leaks or spills cleaning operations ● Implementation of
● Ceasing of operations measures to prevent
in the area affected by re-occurrence of the
spillage and stop incident
appropriate source
● Stop vehicle engines in
the affected area
● Ceasing of operations
or any movement until
clearance is given
Occupation ● Provision of basic PPE ● Immediate reporting of ● Performing of
al Hazards ● Formation of an any accident, corrective measures
emergency response especially those on equipment and
team for each considered life- procedures
department threatening ● Provision of additional
● Provision of first-aid ● Immediate application safety procedures,
kits and emergency of first-aid equipment, and
equipment on critical training
workstations
permission.
204

Situation
● Training of personnel ● Removal of affected
on proper equipment personnel from the
handling and other accident site
safety practices ● Bringing of affected
● Posting of safety personnel to the
reminders on nearest first aid station
workstations or hospital if necessary
● Provision of safety
features, such as
adequate lighting,
guide rails, and safety
signage
Earthquake ● Conduct of necessary ● Notice for personnel to ● If there are no threats
preparations, including keep calm and alert to of aftershocks,
equipment and facility prevent further injuries; checking for personnel
checks, to prevent to protect themselves that may be trapped,
injuries in an event of by getting under sturdy injured, or needs
an earthquake structures and stay further assistance
● Securing of all loose away from sharp, ● Prohibition of returning
items to prevent falling flammable, or heavy to the facility if it is
● Placement of heavy items; and to prepare deemed structurally
materials near the for immediate unstable, or declared
ground evacuation of the unsafe
● Storage of flammable facility, if necessary ● Thorough inspection of
items in designated ● Shutdown of all gas the facility premises for
safe areas and electric equipment any unusual crack/gap
● Orientation of in the ground or walls
personnel on safe ● Checking for possible
locations, emergency fires and advise
response equipment, authorities for
and evacuation routes appropriate response
● Securing of important
items and equipment
from unauthorized
access from outsiders,
after the building is
declared safe for re-
entry
● Inspection of the
facility for any major
structural defect, crack,
unstable item, and
other potential hazards
● If earthquake damage
is minimal or facility is
recoverable,
implementation of
corrective measures to
prevent the further
hazards from affecting
personnel and property
Extreme ● Securing of all loose ● Notice for personnel to ● Inspection of facility for
Weather / items (i.e., lamp post, avoid staying outdoors; any major structural
Flooding /
permission.
205

Situation
Storm roofs, loose planks, to stay away from defect, crack, unstable
Surge and other light items that may be item, and other
materials) by adding blown away by strong potential hazards
extra guy wires or winds and from ● Repair of broken
reinforcing materials electrical mains power lines, fuel lines,
● Removal of ● Continuous monitoring and other utilities, if
obstructions to the of the weather necessary
drainage system conditions ● Securing of important
● In case of storm ● Shutdown of all gas items and equipment
warning from and electric equipment from unauthorized
PAGASA, monitoring access from outsiders,
of important weather after the building is
forecast/ parameters, declared safe for re-
such as path and entry
intensity of the storm
Table 69: Roles and Responsibilities in the Emergency Plan

Emergency Response Personnel Roles and Responsibilities
Incident Commander ● Overall in-charge of operations during an event of an
emergency
● Gives direction and orders to the response teams in
managing the emergency
Safety Officer ● Supervises the daily safety performance of operations and
maintenance procedures, including emergency response
procedures
Liaison Officer ● Secures the necessary permits and training certification for
the personnel
Public Information Officer ● Performs communication duties to the media, government
officials, and the local population
● Issues relevant warnings and advisories to concerned
authorities
Operations Team ● Performs the actual response, rescue, and retrieval of
personnel and equipment during an event of an emergency
Planning/Intelligence Team ● Devices programs and policies for proper response
procedures
● Informs the operations team regarding the nature and type of
response procedure for the Operations Team
● Identifies potential hazards and performs recommendations to
authorities
Logistics Team ● Provides the necessary supplies and equipment for the
Operations Team
● Provides additional support/assistance to the Operations
Team
Finance and Administration ● Provides the assessment of expenses and allocates the
Team necessary financial resources for the other Teams
● Performs the disbursement of claims and compensation for
affected personnel, property, and the community
permission.
206
E. Implementation Arrangements
545. TIEZA acts as Department of Tourism’s implementing arm in providing support

infrastructures and facilitating investments in tourism enterprise zones (TEZ) nationwide. This is
carried out through its main functions — infrastructure development; designation, regulation and
supervision of TEZs; and management of its existing assets or facilitation of their privatization;
among others. In the fulfillment of this mandate, TIEZA is undertaking various infrastructure
development activities to ensure the continuing contribution of the tourism sector in the economic
development of the country. STDP is one of these initiatives aimed at improving tourism activities
in Coron and El Nido in Palawan, and at the same time safeguarding the fragile and sensitive
environment.
546. TIEZA is the executing agency of the project, while TIEZA and Department of Tourism
(DOT) are the joint implementing agencies. A Project Management Unit (PMU) will be created
under the overall supervision of TIEZA and DOT. The PMU will ensure that the project will be
implemented in accordance with the ADB SPS and relevant government laws, rules and
regulations, including the PD 1586 (Philippine EIS System) and RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of the Philippines), among others. A steering committee will be established to
provide overall policy guidance and oversee the overall implementation of the project. The
committee will be chaired by TIEZA’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), while the Undersecretary of
Legal and Special Concerns will act as vice-chairperson. Steering committee members include:
Assistant COO (ACOO) Administration and Finance Sector, ACOO Architectural and Engineering
Service Center; ACOO Tourism Enterprise Management Sector; and ACOO Assets Management
Sector.
547. The PMU will be supported by a project design and supervision consultant (PDSC) that
will provide all necessary expertise in implementing Design-Build-Operate (DBO)
subprojects/components at varying degrees during design phase and pre-construction phase,
construction phase, and operation phase; and a loan implementation consultant (LIC) team of
individual consultants that will provide support to supervision and monitoring subprojects covered
by civil works contracts. The roles and responsibilities of PDSC are discussed below.
548. The local government units (LGUs) of Coron and El Nido will support PMU, PDSC and
LIC in implementing the project at their respective localities. Each LGU will have a dedicated focal
person who will support the implementation of the project on the ground.
549. DBO and civil works contractors and subcontractors undertaking the works will be
responsible for ensuring that their activities comply with the environmental and social safeguard
requirements of the contracts including the technical specifications. The contractors will prepare
their respective Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan
(CESHSMP) based on the subproject’s final EMPs, and report progress of implementation to the
PMU. EMPs are designed to ensure that appropriate environmental and social management
practices are applied throughout the implementation period, and the CESHSMPs should likewise
reflect the same. The contractors will be required to employ a full-time health and safety officer
and an environmental officer as necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements concerning
environmental, health, safety, social and labor regulations during the entire implementation
period.
550. Environmental Safeguards Implementation Arrangements for the El Nido

Subproject. Based on the overall implementation arrangement, figure below depicts the
implementation arrangement for environmental safeguards specific to the El Nido Subproject.
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Figure 2: Environmental Safeguards Implementation Arrangement
ADB = Asian Development Bank, C/MENRO = City or Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, DBO =
design-build-operate, H&S = health and safety, LGU = local government unit, LIC = loan implementation consultant,
PDSC = project design and supervision consultant, PMU = project management unit, TIEZA = Tourism Infrastructure
and Economic Zone Authority.
551. Project Management Unit. An Environmental Safeguards Officer (ESO) will be assigned
in PMU to ensure efficient overall implementation of environmental safeguards. The ESO will be
supported by Project Engineers at the TIEZA field office in El Nido, and a team of experts through
the PDSC in monitoring the implementation of various tasks under the project. With support, the
ESO will have the following responsibilities:
(i) Review and confirm draft IEE including EMPs are finalized based on final detailed
designs;
(ii) Update the final IEE including EMPs if changes in detailed design of any subproject
(DBO or Civil Works) occur during implementation phase;
(iii) Ensure that EMPs are included in bidding documents and contracts (DBO or Civil
Works);
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(iv) Ensure that bidding and contract documents include specific provisions requiring
contractors to comply with: (i) all applicable labor laws and core labor standards
on (a) prohibition of child labor as defined in national legislation for construction
and maintenance activities; (b) equal pay for equal work of equal value regardless
of gender, ethnicity, or caste; and (c) elimination of forced labor; and with (ii) the
requirement to disseminate information on sexually transmitted diseases, including
HIV/AIDS, to employees and local communities surrounding the project sites;
(v) Review and approve CESHSMPs of contractors;
(vi) Provide oversight on environmental management aspects of subprojects and
ensure EMPs and CESHSMPs are implemented by contractors;
(vii) Establish a system to monitor environmental safeguards of the project including
monitoring the indicators set out in the monitoring plan of the EMPs;
(viii) Facilitate and confirm overall compliance with all government laws, rules and
regulations regarding sites, and environmental clearances as well as any other
environmental requirements as relevant. This includes securing of ECC under PD
1586 (Philippine EIS System), relevant clearances, if any, under RA 7611
(Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act, and compliance with the
requirements of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of the
Philippines), among others;
(ix) Review, monitor and evaluate effectiveness with which the EMPs/CESHSMPs are
implemented, and recommend necessary corrective actions to be taken;
Consolidate monthly environmental monitoring reports from contractors and
submit semi-annual environmental monitoring reports to ADB;
(x) Ensure timely disclosure of final IEEs/EMPs in project website and in a form
accessible to the public;
(xi) Address any grievances brought about through the grievance redress mechanism
(GRM) in a timely manner as per the IEEs;
(xii) Undertake regular review of safeguards-related loan covenants, and the
(xiii) Organize periodic capacity building and training programs on safeguards for
project stakeholders, PMU, and contractors.
552. Project Design and Supervision Consultant (PDSC). The PDSC team will have an
Environment Specialist Consultant who will assist PMU in the review and updating of all
necessary environmental safeguard documentation as required by ADB SPS and national laws,
regulations, policies and guidelines applicable to the project. Specific tasks of the Environment
Specialist Consultant are the following:
(i) Support the PMU ESO in fulfilling all responsibilities as enumerated in the
preceding paragraph;
(ii) For subprojects covered by civil works contracts:
a. finalize the IEE including EMPs based on final detailed designs and in
accordance with ADB SPS and national laws, regulations, policies and
guidelines;
b. conduct meaningful consultations and ensuring
issues/concerns/suggestions raised are incorporated in the design and
updated/final IEE reports;
c. ensure relevant provisions from the updated/final IEE report and EMPs are
incorporated in the bid and contract documents;
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d. update the final IEE reports including EMPs if changes in detailed design
occur during implementation period;
(iii) For subproject covered by DBO contracts:
a. ensure draft IEE report is included as part of the bid and contract
documents that will be floated for bidding;
b. ensure bid and contract documents stipulates the requirement for the DBO
Contractor to finalize the draft IEE report during the detailed design phase,
and submit to PMU for review;
c. review the final IEEs including EMPs prepared by the DBO Contractor;\
d. ensure that the DBO Contractor updates the final IEEs including EMPs if
changes in detailed design occur during the implementation period;
(iv) Conduct of due diligence of associated facilities and/or audit of existing facilities, if
any, during the detailed design phase, as defined in ADB SPS;
(v) Establish GRM and ensuring members of the grievance committee have the
necessary capacity to resolve project-related issues/concerns;
(vi) Conduct safeguards capacity building, together with the social safeguard experts,
to ensure PMU has the capacity to implement, monitor, and report on
implementation of EMPs/CESHSMPs, resettlement plans and indigenous peoples
plans (if any);
(vii) Monitor day to day the implementation of EMPs/CESHSMPs at all works sites,
including all potential safeguard issues identified in the safeguard documentation
mentioned above; and
(viii) Monitor any unanticipated environmental risks or impacts that may arise during
construction, implementation or operation of the project that were not considered
in the IEE report and EMPs. Prepare corrective action plans and ensure that these
are implemented by the contractor and reported accordingly in environmental
monitoring reports to ADB.
553. Civil Works Contract and Contractor. The IEE with EMPs is to be included in bidding
and contract documents and verified by PMU. Contractors will be required to designate their
respective Health and Safety Experts and Environmental Safeguards Experts to ensure
implementation of EMPs/CESHSMPs during civil works. Contractors are to carry out all
environmental mitigation and monitoring measures outlined in their contracts. The contractors will
be required to submit to PMU, for review and approval, Contractors’ Environment, Social, Health
and Safety Management Plans (CESHSMPs) including (i) proposed sites/locations for
construction work camps, storage areas, hauling roads, lay down areas, disposal areas for solid
and hazardous wastes; (ii) specific mitigation measures following the approved EMP; (iii)
monitoring program as per EMP; and (iv) budget for CESHSMP implementation. No works can
commence prior to approval of CESHSMP.
554. A copy of the EMPs/approved CESHSMPs will be kept on-site during the construction
period at all times. Non-compliance with, or any deviation from, the conditions set out in the
EMPs/CESHSMPs constitutes a failure in compliance and will require corrective actions.
DBO Contract for Landfill Development. The scope of a DBO Contract includes works at all
phases of project implementation – design/pre-construction, construction, and
commissioning/operation phases. The DBO Contract will have the elements as recommended in
this IEE report (See Part X: Conclusion and Recommendation).
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555. A summary of environmental management responsibilities for the project is presented in

Table 66.
Table 70: Institutional Arrangement for EMP Implementation

Project
Organization
Asian Development ● Review and clear IEEs/EMPs
Bank (ADB) ● Review bidding documents and clear CESHSMPs
● Review executing agency and implementing agency’s submissions for
procurement of goods, equipment, works and services
● Conducts project review missions, midterm review mission and project
completion review mission to assess project implementation progress of
all outputs, compliance of project to covenants including safeguards
requirements
● Provide environmental and social safeguards capacity building to the
PMU during missions and remotely as required.
● Review semi-annual and annual environmental and social monitoring
report
Tourism Infrastructure ● Guide and monitor overall project execution
and Economic Zone ● Financial and procurement oversight
Authority (TIEZA) as ● Ensure flow of funds to the implementing agency and the timely
executing agency availability of counterpart funding
● Review and coordinate evaluation of bids for works, goods, and
consultant services
TIEZA as ● Responsible for overall project implementation and monitoring at the
implementing agency implementing agency level
● Ensure adequate funding available for the PMU
● Submit semi-annual and annual monitoring reports to ADB
● Assist in resolving complaints brought through the Grievance Redress
Mechanism (GRM) that have not been resolved at lower levels
Joint TIEZA-DOT ● Review and confirm draft IEE including EMPs are finalized based on final
Project Management detailed designs;
Unit (PMU) ● Update the final IEE including EMPs if changes in detailed design of any
subproject (DBO or Civil Works) occur during implementation phase;
● Ensure that EMPs are included in bidding documents and contracts (DBO
or Civil Works);
● Ensure that bidding and contract documents include specific provisions
requiring contractors to comply with: (i) all applicable labor laws and core
labor standards on (a) prohibition of child labor as defined in national
legislation for construction and maintenance activities; (b) equal pay for
equal work of equal value regardless of gender, ethnicity, or caste; and (c)
elimination of forced labor; and with (ii) the requirement to disseminate
information on sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS, to
employees and local communities surrounding the project sites;
● Review and approve CESHSMPs of contractors;
● Provide oversight on environmental management aspects of subprojects
and ensure EMPs and CESHSMPs are implemented by contractors;
● Establish a system to monitor environmental safeguards of the project
including monitoring the indicators set out in the monitoring plan of the
EMPs;
● Facilitate and confirm overall compliance with all government laws, rules
and regulations regarding sites, and environmental clearances as well as
any other environmental requirements as relevant. This includes securing
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Project
Organization
of ECC under PD 1586 (Philippine EIS System), relevant clearances, if
any, under RA 7611 (Strategic Environment Plan (SEP) for Palawan Act,
and compliance with the requirements of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of the Philippines), among others;
● Review, monitor and evaluate effectiveness with which the
EMPs/CESHSMPs are implemented, and recommend necessary
corrective actions to be taken;
● Consolidate monthly environmental monitoring reports from contractors
and submit semi-annual environmental monitoring reports to ADB;
● Ensure timely disclosure of final IEEs/EMPs in project website and in a
form accessible to the public;
● Address any grievances brought about through the grievance redress
mechanism (GRM) in a timely manner as per the IEEs;
● Undertake regular review of safeguards-related loan covenants, and the
● Organize periodic capacity building and training programs on safeguards
for project stakeholders, PMU, and contractors.
Contractors ● Understand the EMP requirements and allocate necessary resources for
implementation.
● Update the environmental safeguards documents based on the scope of
work issued (i.e., revision of IEE report and DED-based EMP)
● Employ a full-time full time Environmental Officer and a full time H&S
officer as necessary to ensure compliance with all requirements
concerning environmental, health, safety, social and labor regulations
during construction.
● Environmental Officer and H&S Officer to provide capacity building and
training for workers on EMP and H&S requirements as needed.
● Implement construction activities with the required mitigation measures.
● Conduct environmental and social monitoring as required by EMP.
● Act promptly on complaints and grievances concerning the construction
activities in accordance with the project’s GRM.
● Submit monthly progress reports on EMP implementation to PMU.
● Draft CESHSMP that addresses as minimum the requirement of the EMP
prior to commencement of the project; full implementation of CESHSMP
and update if necessary.
● Submit monthly progress reports on EMP and H&S implementation to
PMU and semi-annual monitoring reports.
● Acquire necessary permits prior to construction.
X. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
556. An IEE is deemed sufficient for the STDP given its categorization as Category B for
Environment and Category C for both Involuntary Resettlement and Indigenous Peoples as per
ADB SPS 2009.
557. During construction, anticipated project impacts on noise, dust, traffic, health, and safety
will be localized, temporary, intermittent in nature and can be readily addressed through
implementation of the measures outlined in the EMP. Land clearing and grading will be limited to
areas where necessary. A detailed tree inventory and survey will be undertaken as part of the
tree cutting permit application in coordination with the concerned DENR office.
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558. During operation, the project is expected to have positive social impacts in terms of
generation of local benefits. It is expected to generate/contribute additional local employment and
livelihood opportunities and local government revenues.
559. The Proponent is fully committed to its environmental and social responsibilities, including
compliance with national environmental, health, and safety regulations and ADB SPS
requirements.
560. This is a feasibility study phase IEE and should there be changes in the project scope,
location and/or design of the facilities that would result to significant impacts not included in this
assessment, an updated or a new IEE report or EIA report, as the case may be, will be prepared.
Results of IEE updating or new environmental assessment will be communicated in consultation
activities that will be undertaken on a continuing basis during the project implementation.
561. Likewise, in view of the limitations of conducting field activities and meaningful
consultations due to COVID-19, some field level and project level activities have not been robust.
Therefore, following are the major recommendations that need to be undertaken prior to award of
contract and execution of works:
(i) Follow up meaningful consultations with stakeholders and affected people in all
subproject sites to present the developments under the project during the detailed
design phase, including the final detailed designs of the various components as
they become available;
(ii) Gathering supplemental baseline data, if any, in addition to primary and secondary
data used in this IEE, at all project sites;
(iii) Updating of this IEE report, including the EMPs, based on the new information
gathered;
(iv) Undertake a biodiversity and critical habitat assessment in relation to the location
of the proposed landfill site, and propose recommendations that will ensure
protection of biodiversity species that will be found to qualify the area as critical
habitat.
(v) Include results of the above tasks in the updating of the IEE or in new
environmental assessment activities as may be required;
562. The SLF component of the subproject is envisaged to be awarded under a DBO Contract
modality. Therefore, it is recommended that all specific environmental safeguards actions
required of the contractor during all phases of implementation should be defined in the DBO
bidding and contract documents. Consistent with all the requirements indicated in this IEE report,
the following are important elements that should be discussed and/or integrated in the bidding
and contract documents:
(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract.

a. The overall objective of the DBO Contract is to provide the local
government of El Nido, Palawan, Philippines with a a fully functional,
efficient and environmentally compliant sanitary landfill facility (and allied
components). This facility will ensure prevention or reduction of negative
effects on the environment, in particular, pollution of surface water,
groundwater, soil and air; as well as reduction of risks to human health
arising from landfilling of waste.
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b. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement,

construction, and operation of a sanitary landfill facility and its allied
components. The sanitary landfill facility shall be designed and built
following international best practices and consistent with the requirements
of Republic Act 9003 (Philippines’ Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
of 2000). The design shall consist of the following main elements, among
other sub-elements that will be defined thoroughly in the bidding and
contract documents:
i Site development plan, which shall include site layout, final site
preparation/construction methodology, number of cells, phasing,
bunding, cover materials, landscaping, etc.;
ii Engineering calculations from where the site development plan is
based;
iii Technical description of other allied infrastructures to be built,
such as access road, office building, accommodation facilities,
weighbridge, wheel cleaner, perimeter fence, etc.;
iv Groundwater and surface water management, which shall include
groundwater control measures, surface water collection system,
and groundwater and surface water monitoring points;
v Lining systems, that shall describe the kind of liners to be installed
in consideration of the type of wastes to be landfilled (hazardous,
non-hazardous);
vi Leachate management, that shall include leachate volume
quantification, composition/content analysis, leachate collection
and removal system, storage, treatment process, and recirculation
(if required as part of design);
vii Landfill gas management, that shall include gas quantification,
landfill gas control, collection, venting or flaring, and other safety
measures related to landfill gas management; and
viii Capping design and construction.
(ii) DBO Contract Management. The project execution shall be supported by a DBO
Contract management approach that will ensure timely delivery of the scope of
works. The contract management system throughout the Contract term shall,
without limitation, cover the following:
a. Project and contract management including program and arrangement for
timely delivery of design, procurement, construction and assembly,
commissioning and operation, reporting and resource management;
b. Quality assurance and management plan;
c. Contractor’s Environment, Social, Health and Safety Management Plan
(CESHSMP), and all other environmental safeguards plans as required in
the IEE (e.g. Spoils Management Plan, Traffic Management Plans, etc.);
d. Health and Safety Management Plan, including Health and Safety COVID-
19 Plan (HS-C19 Plan), in accordance with the relevant government
regulations and guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and control, or in the
absence thereof, to international good practice guidelines such as those
from the World Health Organization; and
e. Communication management towards the public.
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(iii) Design, Procurement, and Mobilization. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities

during design phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding
a. Elaborate the arrangement for the timely design, procurement, materials
testing and shipment under the scope of the DBO Contract;
b. Prepare all engineering studies needed to complete the project design,
including additional surveys (if necessary) such as geotechnical,
topographic survey or any other relevant studies;
c. Elaborate comprehensively the concept and final detailed design of the
entire facility, including all data from where the final detailed design is
based;
d. Prepare CESHSMP based on the EMP of the draft IEE, and secure
approval of the EMP from PMU or PIU at El Nido LGU;
e. Finalize the draft IEE based on the final detailed design of the sanitary
landfill, and submit to PMU;
f. Update the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) report and submit to
PMU (for subsequent submission to and approval by EMB Regional Office;
g. Secure all necessary statutory clearances, permits and licenses required
for the execution of project, including the corresponding Environmental
Compliance Certificate (ECC) from EMB Regional Office;
h. Comply with all other requirements of Presidential Decree 1586, Republic
Act 9003, Republic Act 7611, and other relevant national laws, rules and
regulations discussed in this IEE report;
i. Ensure the timely procurement, and shipment of all materials and goods,
equipment and components that are needed for the subsequent
construction activities; and
j. The Contractor’s responsibilities with respect to design, procurement, and
shipment shall be embedded in its quality management plan which shall
indicate clear responsibilities of all involved parties and assure hold points
for relevant design and construction activities.
(iv) During Construction Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the
construction stage shall include, among others that will be defined in the bidding
a. Mobilize all Contractor’s personnel and sub-contractors, and erect
temporary facilities at the site;
b. Prepare the site for construction and manage all construction works on the
site;
c. Ensure timely delivery of all materials and goods to the site, as well as
unloading, unpacking, inspection, installation and testing of equipment;
d. Integrate works to ensure safety of personnel, assets and environment;
e. Connect site infrastructure to utilities (water, sewerage, power);
f. Ensure timely construction, assembly and erection of the works to fulfil the
scope of the contract and all other requirements per contract documents;
and
g. Facilitate all inspections required by the representatives of the executing or
implementing agency, or any third party engaged by the executing or
implementing agency.
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(v) During Commissioning Phase. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities during the
commissioning phase shall include, among others that will be defined in the
bidding and contract documents, the following:
a. Prepare and submit relevant Contractor’s documents including
commissioning plan, O&M manuals, and as-built drawings;
b. Carry out pre-commissioning and commissioning including tests of
individual equipment and allied components of the landfill facility;
c. Allow the TIEZA and/or DENR-EMB-SWMD and/or El Nido LGU to review
all documentation prior, during and after construction of the facility,
including where necessary, visits to the site; and assess whether the landfill
has been constructed according to the required specifications;
d. Await assessment or validation report from TIEZA and/or DENR-EMB-
SWMD and/or El Nido LGU, which may provide acceptance or approval of
the facility that it can commence operation.
(vi) During Operation Phase. The Contractor shall provide the necessary training of
personnel of the of El Nido LGU as main operator (and/or any third party as may
be selected by the implementing agency in the future). Subsequently, the
Contractor shall handover the facility to the operator. In the event that the Contractor
is also the operator, all responsibilities for training, monitoring and maintaining compliance
rests with the contractor.
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XI. REFERENCES
ADB. (2019). The Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies. Manila.
https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/am-content/484066/action-plan-flyer-20190430.pdf
ADB. (2018). Philippines: Country Partnership Strategy 2018-2023 – High and Inclusive Growth.
Manila. Retrieved from https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/institutional-document/456476/cps-
phi-2018-2023.pdf
NEDA. (2017). Philippine Development Plan, 2017–2022. Pasig. http://pdp.neda.gov.ph/
NEDA. (2016). AmBisyon Natin 2040. Pasig. http://2040.neda.gov.ph/
Official Website of the DENR-MIMAROPA Region. https://mimaropa.denr.gov.ph
Official Website of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. https://www.iucn.org/
Official Website of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development. https://pcsd.gov.ph
Official Website of the Provincial Government of Palawan. https://palawan.gov.ph
Official Website of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
https://en.unesco.org/
PAGASA. (2018). Observed Climate Trends and Projected Climate Change in the Philippines.
PCSD. (2018). PCSD Staff Citizen’s Charter of 2018. Retrieved from https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/wp-
content/uploads/2018/08/PCSDS-Citizens-Charter-2018.pdf
PCSD. (2014). Revised PCSD AO No. 06, Series of 2014 (“Revised Guidelines in the
Implementation of the SEP Clearance System”). https://pcsd.gov.ph/2017/08/11/revised-pcsd-
administrative-order-no-06/
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). (2017). Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource
Management Plan (2017-2020). Retrieved from https://pcsd.gov.ph/igov/e-library
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XII. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist
APPENDIX B: Baseline Environmental Sampling Results
APPENDIX C: Documentation of Focused Group Discussions (FGDs)
APPENDIX D: Documentation of Stakeholders Consultation for the Corong-Corong Wastewater

Treatment Facility Subproject (Online)
APPENDIX E: Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Proximity Report
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Appendix A
RAPID ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (REA) SCREENING CHECKLIST
INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION REPORT
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
MUNICIPALITY OF EL NIDO, PALAWAN
SOUTHEAST ASIA URBAN SERVICES FACILITY
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A. Rapid Environmental Assessment (REA) Screening Checklist
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Appendix B
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLING RESULTS
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B. Baseline Environmental Sampling Results
1. SOIL SAMPLING RESULTS
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2. WATER SAMPLING RESULTS
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Appendix C
DOCUMENTATION OF FOCUSED GROUP DISCUSSIONS (FGDs)
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C. Documentation of Focused Group Discussions (January 16-17, 2020)
1. ATTENDANCE SHEETS
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5. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION
FGD WITH COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

January 16, 2020
SOURCE: Photos taken by Study Team on 16-17 January 2020

FIGURE TITLE
Photo Documentation of the Focused Group Discussions for ADB-STDP
(16-17 January 2020)
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FGD WITH LGU AND NGO REPRESENTATIVES

January 17, 2020
SOURCE: Photos taken by Study Team on 16-17 January 2020

FIGURE TITLE
Photo Documentation of the Focused Group Discussions for ADB-STDP
(16-17 January 2020)
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Appendix D
DOCUMENTATION OF STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTATION FOR THE CORONG-CORONG
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY SUB-PROJECT (ONLINE)
D. Documentation of Stakeholders Consultation for the Corong-Corong Wastewater

Treatment Facility Subproject (Online)
1. ATTENDANCE SHEETS
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2. PRESENTATION MATERIAL
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E. Integrated Biodiversity Assessment Tool (IBAT) Screening Report
INTEGRATED BIODIVERSITY ASSESSMENT TOOL (IBAT) SCREENING REPORT
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F. Sample Grievance Registration Form
SAMPLE GRIEVANCE REGISTRATION FORM

(To be available in the local language)
The _____________________________________Project welcomes complaints, suggestions,

queries and comments regarding project implementation. We encourage persons with grievance
to provide their name and contact information to enable us to get in touch with you for clarification
and feedback.
Should you choose to include your personal details but want that information to remain
confidential, please inform us by writing/typing *(CONFIDENTIAL)* above your name. Thank you.
Date Place of registration

Contact Information/Personal Details
Name Gender ▪ Male Age
▪ Female
Home
Address
Barangay /
Town
District
Phone no.
E-mail
Complaint/Suggestion/Comment/Question Please provide the details (who, what, where and how) of your
grievance below.
If included as attachment/note/letter, please tick here:
How do you want us to reach you for feedback or update on your comment/grievance?
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

Registered by: (Name of Official registering grievance)
Mode of communication:
▪ Note/Letter
▪ E-mail
▪ Verbal/Telephone
Reviewed by: (Names/Positions of Official(s) reviewing grievance)
Action Taken:
Whether Action Taken Disclosed:

▪ Yes
▪ No
Means of Disclosure:
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Initial Environmental Examination

Document Stage: Draft

Philippines: Sustainable Tourism Development

Currency unit – Philippine Peso (PHP)

ADB – Asian Development Bank

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

(i) Solid Waste Management (SWM);

B. Policy, Legal, and Administrative Framework

1. Solid Waste Management Subproject

2. Drainage and Urban Design Subproject

3. Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure Subproject

D. Description of the Environment

4. Social and Cultural Resources

E. Anticipated Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures

1. Project Areas of Influence and Sensitive Receptors

2. Positive Impacts and Environmental Benefits

3. Managing Anticipated Adverse Impacts During Various Phases of Project

a. Solid Waste Management Subproject

Summary of Impacts and Options for Mitigation – Drainage Subproject

c. Small-Scale Tourism Support Infrastructure

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

G. Grievance Redress Mechanism

H. Environmental Management Plan

1. Environmental Management Plan

3. Environmental Monitoring Plan

Emergency Response Procedures for Different Scenarios

Institutional Arrangement for EMP Implementation

I. Conclusion and Recommendation

(i) Objectives and Scope of the DBO Contract.

b. The scope of the DBO Contract includes the design, procurement,

(iii) Design, Procurement, and Mobilization. The DBO Contractor’s responsibilities

(i) Output 1: Urban Services and Infrastructure Improvement

1 NEDA. 2017. Philippine Development Plan, 2017–2022. Pasig.

(i) Solid Waste Management Subproject;

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

II. POLICY, LEGAL, AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

A. National Policies, Legal and Regulatory Framework

1. Presidential Decree No. 1586: The Philippine Environmental Impact

(i) Category A – Projects or undertakings which are classified as environmentally

EMB MC 2014-005 ECC Coverage Screening

2. Republic Act 7611: Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act

Figure 1: ECAN Zoning Map for the Municipality of El Nido

Source: Municipality of El Nido ECAN Resource Management Plan 2015-2020

4. Republic Act 9003: Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

(i) Reduction or avoidance and minimization of waste generated at source (i.e.,

5. Other Applicable Laws, Regulations, and Standards

(x) DAO 2004-52: The Revised Guidelines in the Issuance of Cutting/Harvesting

Table 2: Dutch Soil Quality Guidelines for Intervention or Remediation

Table 3: Philippine Water Quality Guidelines Applicable to the Project Area

Table 4: Philippine General Effluent Standards Applicable for the Subprojects

Table 6: Philippine Standards for Noise in General Areas

42. In addition, Table 7 presents the International Finance Corporation – Environmental,

Table 7: IFC-EHS Noise Level Guidelines

B. Relevant Global Commitments and International Obligations

1. The Ramsar Convention or Convention on Wetlands of International

44. The Convention on Wetlands or Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that

2. United Nations Convention on Biodiversity (1992)

6 DENR International Agreements on Environment and Natural Resources: https://intl.denr.gov.ph/

3. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

51. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an

4. United Nations Convention on Sustainable Development (2012)

5. Other Notable Intergovernmental Agreements and Programs