Eia PGC Agri

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
of
PHILIPPINE GENOME CENTER FOR AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES
AND FORESTRY (PGC-AGRI) BUILDING
Alducente, Angela Marie S.

Bermudez Jhoane Mae R.
Cap-Atan, John Daniel V.
Creencia, Glenn Bryan A.
Herrera, Marvin U.
Lormaisim, Saiphou
Mojica, Daeniel Zarene P.
Nway, Ei Ei
Recto, Jefferson B.
Rodrigues, Biverly C.
Salac, Rey Niel C.
Villasana, Zara J.
Mark Dondi M. Arboleda, PhD.

ENS 296-AB1L Midyear
Project Fact Sheet
Project Title Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Fisheries and
Forestry (PGC-AGRI) Building
Project Location Beside the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation
Center and along Pili Drive, UP Los Baños
Proponent University of the Philippines Los Baños thru its Office of the
Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development
Project Cost Fourteen million nine hundred fifty thousand US dollars
(14,950,000.00 USD)
Project Size
3,400 square meters (approx.)
Type of Project
Scientific research laboratory building
Municipality
Los Baños
Province
Laguna
Region
IV-A
Table of Contents
Executive Summary 1
I. Brief Project Description 1
1. Basic Project Information 2
2. Description of the EIA Process 2
2.1. Terms of Reference of the EIA 2
2.2. The EIA Team 3
2.3. The EIA Study Area 7
2.4. The EIA Methodology 8
3. Project Description 9
3.1. Project Location, Area, ECA Category 9
3.2. Project Rationale 10
Mission 10
Vision 10
3.3. Project Cost 11
3.4. Project Duration 11
3.5. Project Development Plan, Process/Technology and Project 11

Components
Project Component 11
Design Concepts 12
4.1. Land 14
4.1.1 Topography 14
4.1.2. Land Use 15
4.1.3. Soil Type 15
4.1.4. Geologic Hazards 17
4.1.5. Flood Hazard 18
4.1.6. Traffic Route from UPLB Gate to the Project Site 19
4.1.7. Solid Waste 20
4.1.8. Terrestrial Biology 22
Tree Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystem of UPLB Near the 23

Project Site
Other Vegetation (Grasses and Weeds) 25
4.1.9. Fauna 28
4.2. Water 35
4.2.1. Water Quality 35
4.2.2. Water Consumption 36
4.2.3. Freshwater Biology 37
Aquatic Species in Molawin Creek 37
Arthropods Community Structure Analysis Inhabiting 40

Molawin Creek
4.3. Air 42
4.3.1. Climate Type 42
4.3.2. Local Weather Condition 43
4.3.2.1. Temperature 43
4.3.2.2. Rainfall 46
4.3.2.3. Relative Humidity 49
4.3.2.4. Wind Direction and Wind Speed 51
4.3.3. Air Quality 53
4.3.4. Noise Level 56
4.4. People 63
4.4.1. Primary Impact Zone 63
4.4.2. Secondary Impact Zone 66
4.4.2.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics 66
4.4.2.1.1. Historical Background of Los Baños 66
4.4.2.1.2. Population 67
4.4.2.1.3. Historical Growth of Barangay Population 67
4.4.2.1.4. Household Population 68
4.4.2.1.5. Land Area and Population Density of Los 69

Baños
4.4.2.1.6. Population by Gender 69
4.4.2.1.7. Age-Sex Distribution (2015) 70
4.4.2.1.8. Educational Attainment (2015) 70
4.4.2.1.9. Major Occupation 71
4.4.2.1.10. Waste Management 72
4.4.2.1.11. Health and Sanitation 73
4.4.2.1.12. Legislation and Regulatory Consideration 73
4.4.3. Tertiary Impact Zone 74
4.4.4. Awareness and Social Acceptability of the local residents 74

and the UPLB Community
Demographic Profile of the Respondents 78
Waste Disposal and Sanitation 78
Water Sources and Awareness 79
Awareness on the Philippine Genome Center Project 79
Potential Effects of the Genome Center Project 80
Social Acceptability 83
5. Biosafety Level 2 Guidelines 97
Biosafety Level 2 for Plants 97

List of Tables
Table 1. The EIA Methodology 8
Table 2. List of emergency response units and their contact information. 19
Table 3. Quarterly solid waste generation of UPLB from 2012 to 2018. 20
Table 4. List of tree species observed in the forested area of the farm 24
with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)
Table 5. The different types of weeds present in the area 25
Table 6. Arthropod population as number of species and individuals 28
Table 7. List of observed avifaunal species through transect walks in the 30

UPLB University Animal Farm, Los Baños, Laguna and in the project site
Table 8. Water Quality Assessment of Molawin Creek 35
Table 9. Water Consumption and Total Number of Connections 36
Table 10. List of Fishes in Molawin Creek 37
Table 11. Diversity and Abundance of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in 38

Molawin Creek
Table 12. Microalgae Profile in Molawin Creek 39
Table 13. Order, Family and Species total number Recovered from Aquatic 41
Environment in Molawin creek
Table 14. Classification of Climate in the Philippines 42
Table 15. Average Temperature (2000-2021) determined from the data of 45

National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Table 16. Temperature Extremes (2000-2021) determined from the data of 46
Table 17. Rainfall Extremes (2000-2021) determined from the data of National 48
Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Table 18. Daily Rainfall Frequency (2000-2021) calculated from the data of 48
Table 19. Frequency distribution of mean relative humidity (2000 – 2021) 50
obtained from National Agromet Station (NAS), at the University of the
Philippines, Los Baños
Table 20. Frequency distribution of mean relative humidity (2000 – 2021) 52
obtained from National Agromet Station (NAS), University of the Philippines,
Los Baños
Table 21. Noise level (dB) readings within the project site 56
Table 22. Common Chemical Used in Genomics Laboratory and possible Air 57
Pollution Hazard
Table 23. Names of the buildings/facilities within the Primary Impact zone 63
Table 24. Population of Faculty and Staff in University of the Philippines Los 65
Baños
Table 25. Population and Annual Growth Rate of Los Baños from 2000 to 67
2020
Table 26. Barangay Population and Annual Population Growth from 2000 to 68
2020
Table 27. Household Population of barangay communities in Los Baños 68
Table 28. Land Area and Population Density of Los Baños 69
Table 29. Educational Attainment 71
Table 30. Major Occupations of participants 72
Table 31. Number of respondents per barangay 78
Table 32. Impact Management Plan 85
Table 33. Environmental Monitoring Plan with Environmental Quality 88

Performance Level (EQPL)
List of Figures
Figure 1. Project Location Map (Palafox, 2018) 7
Figure 2. Proposed PGC-AGRI Building location and the road and river 9
network within the UPLB.
Figure 3. Contemporary Tropical design 12
Figure 4. Biomimicry Architecture design 13
Figure 5. Phototropism and Modern Greenhouse design 13
Figure 6. Elevation map of Los Baños 14
Figure 7. Slope map of Los Baños 14
Figure 8. Land use and land cover (LULC) map of Los Baños 15
Figure 9. Soil map of Los Baños 16
Figure 10. Earthquake-induced hazard map 17
Figure 11. Ground shaking hazard map 18
Figure 12. Liquefaction Hazard Map 18
Figure 13. Flood-prone areas near the project site 19
Figure 14. Traffic route map from UPLB gate to the proposed PGC-AGRI 20
Building
Figure 15. Location of Waste to Energy Facility inside the UPLB. 21
Figure 16. The project site dominated by Imperata cylindrica (Cogon grass). 22
Figure 17. Lonchura punctulata (Scaly breasted munia), Geopelia striata (Zebra 23
dove) and Todiramphus chloris (Collared kingfisher).
Figure 18. Conservation Status of Tree Species in the sampled area based on 24
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Figure 19. Composition of weeds 28
Figure 20. Feeding guild of birds observed in UPLB University Animal Farm 33
Figure 21. Distribution of birds observed in UPLB University Animal Farm 34

Figure 22. Water sampling site in Molawin Creek 35
Figure 23. Monthly Water Consumption of UPLB in 2017 (UPLB PEPRMP, 36

2017)
Figure 24. Classification of climate in the Philippines 42
Figure 25. Average Monthly Temperature (2000-2021) calculated from the data 44
of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los
Baños
Figure 26. Average Annual Temperature (2000-2021) calculated from the data of 44
Figure 27. Monthly Mean Temperature Frequencies (2000-2021) determined 45
from the data of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños
Figure 28. Daily Mean Temperature Frequencies (2000-2021) determined from 46
the data of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines
Los Baños
Figure 29. Average Monthly Rainfall (2000-2021) calculated from the data of 47
Figure 30. Annual Rainfall (2000-2021) based on the data of National Agromet 48
Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
Figure 31. Monthly Rainfall Frequencies (2000-2021) determined from the data 49
of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los
Baños
Figure 32. Frequencies of Annual Rainfall vis-à-vis Annual Mean Temperature 49
(2000-2021) calculated from the data of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the
University of the Philippines Los Baños
Figure 33. Mean monthly relative humidity from 2000 to 2021 from National 50
Agromet Station, UPLB
Figure 34. Relative Humidity vis-à-vis Temperature (2000 – 2021) obtained from 51
National Agromet Station (NAS), UPLB.
Figure 35. Average wind speed (kph) from 2013 - 2021 obtained National 51
Agromet Station (NAS), UPLB
Figure 36. Wind Rose Diagram showing prevailing wind condition 2021 52
Figure 37. Wind Rose diagram showing wind speed and wind direction from 52
January to June 2022
Figure 38. Frequency distribution of wind speed (kph) vis a vis annual rainfall 53
(mm)
Figure 39. Makiling Banahaw Geothermal Airshed and its nearby airshed 54
Figure 40. Vicinity Map showing Mt Makiling and Mt Banahaw 54
Figure 41. Air Quality Index (AQI) of six criteria pollutants in Los Baños last 55
17 July 2022
Figure 42. Noise Sampling stations on the project site 56
Figure 43. Primary Impact Zone showing the map of UPLB 63
Figure 44. Number of undergraduate students enrolled at UPLB from 2016 to 65

2021
Figure 45. Number of graduate students enrolled at UPLB from 2018 to 2021 65
Figure 46. Secondary Impact Zone showing the barangays adjacent or within 66
the UPLB
Figure 47. Number of Males and Females 70
Figure 48. 2015 Population Pyramid of the Municipality of Los Baños 70
Figure 49. Tertiary Impact Zone shopwing the entire municipality of Los Baños 74
Figure 50. Coordination activities with the Barangay Local Government Unit 76
(BLGU)
Figure 51. Pre-test of survey instrument 76
Figure 52. Household survey 77
Figure 53. Map of 4 barangays included in the household survey 77
Figure 54. Positive environmental effects of the PGC-AGRI building project 80
Figure 55. Negative environmental effects of the PGC-AGRI building project 81
Figure 56. Positive social effects of the PGC-AGRI building project 81
Figure 57. Negative social effects of the PGC-AGRI building project 82
Figure 58. Positive economic effects of the PGC-AGRI building project 82
Figure 59. Negative economic effects of the PGC-AGRI building project 83
Figure 60. Water quality sampling (Midstream) 99
Figure 61. Water quality sampling (Upstream) 99
Figure 62. Coordination activities with the Barangay Local Government 100
Figure 63. Pre-test of survey instrument 100
Figure 64. Household Survey 100

List of Annexes
Annex A. Letter Request to OVCPDfor data Acquisition 104
Annex B. Letter Request to Agromet Station for Data Acquisition 105
Annex C. Letter Request to UPLB Security and Safety Office for Data 106
Acquisition
Annex D. Letter Request to Office of the University Registrar 107
Annex E. Letter Coordination to MLGU and BLGU 108
Annex F. Response Letter from Los Baños LGU 110
Annex G. Certification from Barangay Batong Malake 111
Annex H. AMTEC Permission Letter 112
Annex I. BIOTEC Permission Letter 113
Annex J. ERDB Permission Letter 114
Annex K. FBS Permission Letter 115
Annex L. FPRDI Permission Letter 116
Annex M. IAF Permission Letter 117
Annex N. ICropS Permission Letter 118
Annex O. IPB Permission Letter 119
Annex P. IRNR Permission Letter 120
Annex Q. IRRI Permission Letter 121
Annex R. IWEP Permission Letter 122
Annex S. MCME PErmission Letter 123
Annex T. NCPC Permission Letter 124
Annex U. OVCPD Permission Letter 125
Annex V. SESAM Permission Letter 126
Annex W. Sample Questionnaire (Tagalog) 127
Annex X. Sample Questionnaire (English) 131

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I. Brief Project Description
The Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (PGC-AGRI)
Building is a 3,400 square meters scientific research laboratory building, which will be
built beside the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center and along Pili
Drive, UP Los Baños, College, Laguna. The total project cost is USD 14,950,000.00 . The
project proponent is the University of the Philippines Los Baños thru its Office of the Vice
Chancellor for Planning and Development.
The proposed Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (PGC-
AGRI) Building will accommodate the required standard requirements of a three-storey
building. According to Palafox Floor Plan, the ground floor will accommodate the lobby
area, auditorium, cafeteria, Locker room, Lactation room and BO. Second floor will
accommodate Lecture & seminar rooms, Meeting & lecture room, conference room,
Lounge, Pantry, Seminar room, Bioinformatics laboratory, IRRI office, KOICA office and
director’s office. Tissue culture growth laboratory, tissue culture laboratory, laboratory
storage, Open laboratory, DNA Sampling laboratory, PCR set-up laboratory, Sample
quality control laboratory, Mass material sampling laboratory, Mass equipment laboratory,
Cold material storage room, Microorganism laboratory, Sample storage room, Open
laboratory office, Microscope laboratory, Cabin office, Meeting room and Lounge will be
located on the third floor of the building while the utility deck will be located on the roof
deck.
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1. BASIC PROJECT INFORMATION
Building is a 3,400 square meters scientific research laboratory building, which will be built
beside the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center and along Pili Drive, UP Los
Baños, College, Laguna. The total project cost is USD 14,950,000.00. The project proponent
is the University of the Philippines Los Baños thru its Office of the Vice Chancellor for
Planning and Development.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE EIA PROCESS
2.1 Terms of Reference of the EIA study
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study was prepared by the entire class of
ENS 296 during the Midyear Class 2021-2022 in coordination with Philippine Genome
Center for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (PGC-AGRI) Building as their project. The
EIA evaluates the current environmental and socio-economic condition of the project site,
as well as the assessment and evaluation of possible impacts, mitigation and enhance
measures of PGC to address the impacts.
The EIA study specifically aims:
1. to determine what type of report and document necessary to prepare by the
PGC;
2. to gather accurate data and provide surveys which are necessary to prepare the
EIA report;
3. to identify, predict and assess the possible impacts on land, water, air and people
and;
4. to implement mitigation measures and monitoring plans.
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2.2 The EIA Team
The environmental impact assessment report was prepared and completed by 12
graduate students taking the ENS 296 (Environmental Impact Assessment: Perspectives
from the Natural and Social Sciences) course at the School of Environmental Science and
Management - University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM - UPLB) during Mid Year
2022. The list of the team members is provided below:
Angela Marie S. Alducente was born on the 26th day of
August 1996 in Santa Cruz, Laguna. She completed her
Bachelor of Science in Forestry where she specialized in
Social Forestry and Forest Governance, at the University of
the Philippines Los Baños in 2017. She is also a licensed
forester the same year of her graduation. She is now pursuing
a Master of Science in Forestry (Forestry Economics) also at the UPLB. Prior to her MS
studies, she was involved in various research projects relating to watershed management,
climate change, and groundwater conservation.
Jhoane Mae R. Bermudez was born on December 19, 1995
in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and currently resides at Brgy.
Macabling, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna. She is the eldest
among the six children of Marivic Bermudez and Victoriano
Bermudez, Jr. She took BS Chemistry at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños with the help of DOST-SEI R.A. 7687
scholarship. She is also a licensed Chemist since 2018. Due to her passion and advocacies
concerning sustainable development, she is now pursuing MS Environmental Science at
the School of Environmental Science and Management - University of the Philippines Los
Baños (SESAM - UPLB).
John Daniel V. Cap-atan was born on May 8, 1999 in
Baybay City, Leyte and presently residing at Barangay Alapan
1-B City of Imus, Cavite. He is the third among the seven
children of Danilo Cap-atan and Arlyn Cap-atan. He has 2
older brothers and 4 younger sisters. He is a graduate of BS
Environmental Science at Cavite State University - Don
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Severino De las Alas Campus, Indang Cavite. He is also a University Instructor in the
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science - College of Agriculture, Food,
Environment and Natural Resources - Cavite State University. He is currently taking
Master of Science in Environmental Science at School of Environmental Science and
Management - University of the Philippines - Los Baños (SESAM - UPLB).
Glenn Bryan A. Creencia is an Instructor/ Designated Faculty
Researcher at College of Agriculture, Food, Environment, and
Natural Resources/ Research Center. He has been connected in
the Cavite State University for seven years and teaching
environmental science and biological sciences courses. He
obtained degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Biological Sciences at Cavite
State University- Don Severino de las Alas campus and Master of Science in
Environmental Science at De La Salle University- Dasmarinas. He is currently pursuing
Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science at University of the Philippines- Los
Baños.
Marvin Ustaris Herrera was born in Calamba, Laguna and now
resides in Los Baños, Laguna. He graduated BS Applied Physics
at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He is currently
taking MS Environmental Science at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños. Currently, he is affiliated with the
Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics, University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Saiphou Lormaisim was born on May 1, 1986 in Xiengkhor
district, Houaphan Province, Lao PDR. He graduated BS in
Animal Science at Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR, in 2010
and an MSc in Animal Science at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños in 2019. He is a University Instructor at
the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Savannakhet
University, Lao PDR. He is currently taking a Ph.D. of Science in Animal Science and
cognate at the School of Environmental Science and Management - University of the
Philippines Los Baños (UPLB).
4
Daeniel Zarene P. Mojica was born in Kawit, Cavite on January
9, 1996 and currently residing at Buna Cerca, Indang, Cavite. He
graduated BS Environmental Science at the Cavite State
University - Indang in 2016. Since then, he has been involved
with various researches in watershed characterization and
management in the province of Cavite. Currently, he is working
as an instructor in the same University where he graduated, under the Department of
Forestry and Environmental Science and at the same time, taking his MS Environmental
Science at the School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of the
Philippines - Los Baños (SESAM - UPLB).
Ei Ei Nway was born on March 29, 1992 in Kyunhla Township,
Kantbalu district, Sagaing Region, Myanmar. She graduated BS
in Agricultural Science at Yezin Agricultural University,
Myanmar, in 2012. She served as an Agronomist at the
Department of Agricultural Research (2013-2018) and Seed
Testing Laboratory, Seed Quality Control Section, Department
of Agriculture (2019-2021). She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Agronomy
and cognate as Environmental Science at the University of the Philippines Los Baños
(UPLB).
Jefferson B. Recto was born on July 15, 1996 in Dagat-dagatan,
Caloocan City. He is the second child among the seven children
of Mr. Daniel Recto and Mrs. Lourdes Recto. He took a BS in
Agriculture Major in Plant Protection at the University of Eastern
Philippines in Catarman, Northern Samar. He is currently taking
up Master of Science in Entomology at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Biverly C. Rodriguez was born on October 15, 1991 in Barobo,
Surigao Del Sur and is currently residing in Iligan City, Lanao
Del Norte. She completed Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
Management at Mindanao State University Main Campus in
2012. She then finished Master of Science in Environmental
Science at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of
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Technology in 2017. After her MS Degree, she was involved in various national funded
research projects focusing on ethnobotanical plants of the selected Indigenous people in
Mindanao. She is also a licensed agriculturist. Currently, she is now pursuing her doctorate
degree taking up Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Science at the School of
Environmental Science and Management at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños
(SESAM - UPLB).
Rey Niel C. Salac was born on January 22, 1995 in Borongan,
Eastern Samar. He completed his Bachelor in Secondary Education
with specialization in Biological Science at the Eastern Samar State
University Main Campus where he is also currently affiliated. He is
also a licensed professional teacher. He is now pursuing a Master of
Science in Wildlife Science at the UPLB.
Zara J. Villasana was born in Naga City, Camarines Sur on March
28, 1987 and at present she is a faculty member of Catanduanes
State University-Panganiban Campus. She graduated with a BS
Agriculture major in Animal Science and Master of Science in
Animal Science at Central Bicol State University in Agriculture Pili
Campus. Because of her passion in animal production and willingness to gain her
professional growth, she enrolled at the University of the Philippines Los Baños taking up
Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Science with a major in Animal Production and a cognate
in Environmental Science.
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2.3 The EIA Study Area
The proposed Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (PGC-
Agri) is located at the northeastern portion of the Agricultural Machinery Testing and
Evaluation Center in UP Los Baños, 313 meters away from Molawin Creek. The study
area, in general, is the primary impact zone of the proposed project which is the University
of the Philippines – Los Baños. The consideration in identifying the primary impact area
was based on the map of the university, where Molawin creek is also situated. This area is
most likely to be affected by the impacts of the proposed PGC during its construction,
operational, and abandonment phase.
The secondary impact zones are the areas extended to the vicinity of UPLB which is
the Municipality of Los Baños, specifically, all the barangays adjacent to the university
and to the barangays where Molawin creek traverses. Moreover, the tertiary impact area is
the whole municipality. These areas were identified in consideration of the possible
environmental, social, health and economic impacts of the proposed project during its
operational phase.
Figure 1. Project Location Map (Palafox, 2018).
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2.4 The EIA Methodology
The EIA study was done to form and identify the specific requirements and
technical components of the proposed Philippine Genome Center by considering the
environmental, economic, social and institutional factors. Through scientific analyses,
primary and secondary data gathering the data needed were documented. The
methodology used in this assessment is summarized in the Table 1.
Table 1. The EIA Methodology.

MODULE METHODOLOGY
Topography Image Processing and image analysis of digital elevation
model (DEM)
Land Use Image Processing and image analysis of 2021 Land Use and
Land Cover from Sentinel-2
Soil Type Image processing using vector file from the Bureau of Soils
and Water Management (BSWM).
Geologic Hazards Georeferencing of the existing hazard maps of Los Baños
from Philippine Volcanology and Seismology.
Solid Waste Secondary data from 2018 EPRMP assessment

Terrestrial Biology Visual sampling on the proposed project site and gathering
of secondary data
Water Water quality sampling using multiprobe parameter and use

Quality/Hydrology of secondary data from LLDA (2022)
Freshwater Biology Secondary data from Parcon et al. (2020) and Paller et al.
2011 as cited by Macandog et al. 2021
Climate Secondary data gathering from PAGASA
Local Weather National Agromet Station (NAS)
Condition University of the Philippines Los Baños
Air Quality Weather.com
Noise Noise level measurement
Population and Secondary data gathering from the Census of Population and
Annual Growth rate Housing of the Philippine Statistics Authority
Socio-Economic Face-to-face survey of households residing in barangays
surrounding the UPLB and online survey through Microsoft
Forms for relevant institutions of the university as well as in
LGU - Los Baños
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3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Project Location, Area, ECA Category
Building is a 3,400 square meters scientific research laboratory building, which will be
built beside the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center in UP Los Baños
College, Laguna. According to DENR Administrative Order No. 30, series of 2003, EIA
coverage and Requirements screening Checklist (ECRSC) the proposed project is
categorized under Group II which is a non-environmentally critical project (NECP) located
within an environmentally critical area (ECA). The area is classified as an ECA since the
proposed project site is situated near the Molawin creek which drains to Laguna de Bay.
Figure 2. Proposed PGC-AGRI Building location and the road and river network within
the UPLB.
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3.2 Project Rationale
The Philippine Genome Center (PGC) is a multidisciplinary institution that combines
basic and applied research for development of health diagnostics, Therapeutics, DNA
forensics and preventive products, and improved crop varieties, cultivars, breeds, and other
genetic stocks in agriculture. This program is under the umbrella of the PGC, a
multidisciplinary institution that is attached to and subject to control and supervision of the
office of the president. Lastly, the proposed project is a duly-created, duly-established and
duly-organized genomics-focused and multidisciplinary research unit under the office of
the President of UP as approved by the UP Board of Regents during its 1246 th Meeting
held on July 31, 2009.
Mission
To promote the deeper understanding and judicious application of advanced
knowledge and emerging technologies derived in genomics, bioinformatics, and other
omics application for agriculture to benefit Filipinos and all humanity.
Vision
To become globally-recognized “center of excellence” in gene discovery and genomics
for agriculture, including but not limited to, crop science, animal husbandry, aquaculture,
and agroforestry. The program shall be known for effectively translating genome-based
information into applications that benefit Philippine society and the rest of the world.
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3.3 Project Cost
The plans and designs shall be in accordance with the UPLB-approved Conceptual
Plans and the General Site Development and Building Design Guidelines as prescribed in
the Terms of Reference. The total project cost amounts to Fourteen Million Nine Hundred
Fifty Thousand US Dollars (14,950,000.00 USD).
3.4 Project Duration
The proposed duration for Detailed A&E Design Services is 150 Calendar days,
exclusive of periods used for review and plan revision in between report submissions. The
target date for the start of construction activities was March 2018.
3.5 Project Development Plan, Process/Technology and Project Components
The proposed Philippine Genome Building for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Building is a three-storey building, with an approximate total floor area of 3,400 square
meters. The site consists of buildings, driveways, ample parking, green areas and other
landscape elements.
Project Component
The Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (PGC-
AGRI) Building is a 3,400 square meters scientific research laboratory building, which will
be built along the Pili Drive, beside the Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation
Center, UP Los Baños, College, Laguna. The proposed project is composed of (2)
Laboratory Buildings, each having 2 floors of laboratories and the third floor developed as
a BL-2 Greenhouse. Building 1 is an interim facility to be designed for current research
needs. The facility will be expanded in the future with the envisioned development of
building 2, for more sophisticated and specific laboratories, catering to a wider range of
research areas.
Other site amenities include:
1. Storage facilities for toxic chemicals and flammable supplies
2. Liquid Nitrogen Tank
3. Emergency power generators shed
4. Overhead water tank for tap water
5. Overhead rainwater cistern, purification and collection system (optional)
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6. Solid waste management facilities for both bio-safety critical wastes and
domestic/office wastes
7. Local sewage pre-treatment tank
8. Parking, loading and unloading docks, interior driveways
9. Landscape pocket parks
10. Water softening and purification system by Reverse Osmosis
11. Wastewater treatment facilities with pre-treatment for chemical wastewater
Design Concepts
The proposed PGC-AGRI building has 3 design concepts. Figure 3 shows the first
design of the building is inspired from the contemporary tropical architecture in the
Philippines. The horizontal elements of the building indicate movement and continuity
present to the current landscape at Pili Drive. Moreover, the elements of the building
provide shade to the building as it is facing the south east while still being able to maximize
the views from the interior of the building. Second design was presented in Figure 4, the
design highlights a multidisciplinary approach of applying the inspiration and principles of
the natural environments and other species. It mimics the pattern, behavior and form of
nature. Figure 5 shows the third design concept of the building, this is a combination of
Phototropism and modern greenhouse. It provides protection from the outside to the crops
growing inside.
Figure 3. Contemporary Tropical design.
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Figure 4. Biomimicry Architecture design
Figure 5. Phototropism and Modern Greenhouse design
13
4.1 The Land
4.1.1 Topography
The University of the Philippines - Los Baños is situated at the foothills of Mt.
Makiling with an elevation of 1,090 meters above sea level (MASL). The elevation point
of the proposed Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (PGC-
AGRI) Building sits at around 19 MASL (Figure 6). In terms of slope, the location has a
0°-5.68° which is classified as a gentle slope (Figure 7).
Figure 6. Elevation map of Los Baños
Figure 7. Slope map of Los Baños
14
4.1.2 Land Use
The land use of Los Baños was classified as built-up (1504.93ha), forest
(3003.68ha), agricultural land (357.03ha), grassland (32.74ha), and a lake shore (150.32ha)
(ESRI, 2021). Most of the municipality's forest cover is from Mt. Makiling forest reserve.
The land use inside the University of the Philippines - Los Baños was classified as
agricultural land due to the presence of croplands for field experiments and crop
production, forest where the College of Forestry and Natural Resources resides in the
higher elevation area of the University, and built up areas specifically in the main grounds
of the University where most of the buildings and facilities are present. The project site
was located inside the University of the Philippines - Los Baños, specifically in the
classified built-up area surrounded by agricultural land along Pili Road (Figure 8).
Figure 8. Land use and land cover (LULC) map of Los Baños.
4.1.3 Soil Type

The identified soil types in the municipality include Macolod, Lipa, Hydrosol, and
Calumpang. The project site is located in Lipa loam where its subsurface is brown to dark
brown in color (Figure 9). This type of soil is formed from the decomposition and
disintegration of the underlying volcanic tuff materials. It is a typical residual soil. The
underlying strata of rocks are uniform and deeply weathered.
Other attributes of Lipa loam include a mallow, loose, and friable granular texture.
The most common crops that thrive in this soil are sugar cane, fruit trees, upland rice, and
15
other vegetables. In terms of the profile description, 0-9cm were described as wet and
sticky with enough plasticity and very fine roots and tubular pores that diffuse smooth
boundary; 9-26cm features a silty clay with a weak structure of medium angular block and
sticky plastic with very fine to common fine roots and fine tubular pores with abrupt wavy
boundary; 26-52cm has a clay weak of fine and medium subangular of blocky structure
that posses a sticky and plastic with very fine to few fine roots and common to very fine
tubular pores with smooth boundary (PhilRice Soils Information System).
Lipa series is shallow to moderately deep soils which occur on the piedmont plain
landscape, classified under the suborder of Typic Eutrudepts. Lipa Series is a moderately
well to well-drained soil. The estimated hydraulic conductivity and the basic infiltration
rates are also moderate (Carating et al., 2014 ).
Figure 9. Soil map of Los Baños (BSWM).
16
4.1.4 Geologic Hazards
Based on the hazard map from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (PHIVOLCS), there is a low susceptibility to earthquake-induced landslides
in the southern part of the project site where Mt. Pulong Malake is located (Figure 10).
Figure 10. Earthquake-induced hazard map.
According to PHIVOLCS, the Municipality of Los Baños can experience Intensity
VII to Intensity VIII. Intensity VII is classified as destructive, people find it hard to stand
during this intensity and heavy objects might fall including old and poorly built buildings,
and liquefaction may occur at this intensity, whereas Intensity VIII is very destructive, even
well-built facilities and infrastructure may collapse, and numerous landslides and rockfalls
may also occur in mountainous and hilly areas. The project site is located in an area where
it can experience Intensity VIII (Figure 11). Meanwhile, the project location is not
susceptible to soil liquefaction (Figure 12).
17
Figure 11. Ground shaking hazard map.
Figure 12. Liquefaction Hazard Map.
4.1.5 Flood Hazard

Flood hazards are categorized into three levels; low, medium, and high. The data
used in preparing the flood hazard map was based on the flood map of Los Baños from
Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard (Figure 13). Based
on the flood hazard map, there is a low to medium occurrence of flooding near the project
site while there is a high occurrence in the areas where streams of Molawin Creek traverse
18
Figure 13. Flood-prone areas near the project site.
In case of emergency, different sectors within proximity or nearby the project
location can respond such as University Health Services, University Police Force, Los
Baños Action Center, Philippine National Police - Los Baños, Bureau of Fire Protection -
Los Baños, Barangay Batong Malake, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Office - Laguna (Table 2).
Table 2. List of emergency response units and their contact information.

Unit Contact Information
University Health Services +6349-536-6238
University Police Force +6349-536-2255

+6349-536-2552
Los Baños Action Center +6349-530-2818
Philippine National Police - Los Baños +6349-534-5631
Bureau of Fire Protection - Los Baños +6349-534-7965
Barangay Batong Malake +6349-536-4993
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management +6349-501-4672

Office - Laguna +6349-501-2628
4.1.6 Traffic Route from UPLB Gate to the Project Site

The distance from the UPLB main gate to the proposed PGC-AGRI Building was
1.12 kilometers of the road which traverses Victoria M. Ela Avenue to the newly open
bypass road that will connect to the Pili Drive (Figure 14).
19
Figure 14. Traffic route map from UPLB gate to the proposed PGC-AGRI Building
4.1.7 Solid Waste

The UPLB is compliant with the imposed plastic ban policy of the Mayor’s Office
of Los Baños and together with the UPLB Memorandum No. 005 Series of 2012 or
“Pangangasiwa ng Basura sa UPLB”. According to Arizapa et al (2018), the waste
generation of UPLB increased by 16.02% from 2014 to 2015, 20.43% from 2015 to 2016,
and a decrease of 13.72% in 2017 (Table 3). The waste generation of the University was
within the set limit of 30% on the EMoP (Environmental Monitoring Plan).
Table 3. Quarterly solid waste generation of UPLB from 2012 to 2018.

Quarterly Yearly Percentage Increase
Monthly Total Total in Volume of
Year Quarter
Average Generated Generated Generated Wastes
Waste Waste from Previous Year
2012 4 3.59 219.29 219.29 -
1 3.84 276.49
2 2.87 218.37
2013 885.66 403.88%
3 3.1 195.4
4 3.1 195.4
1 7.68 450.93
2 112.19 366.58
2014 1514.46 171.00%
3 93.32 279.95
4 168.88 417
1 150.75 452.166
2 119.68 359.04
2015 1757.056 116.02%
3 146.88 440.95
4 168.3 504.9
1 180.268 540.804
2016 2 189.992 569.976 2116.09 120.43%
3 185.13 555.39
20
Quarterly Yearly Percentage Increase
Monthly Total Total in Volume of
Year Quarter
Average Generated Generated Generated Wastes
Waste Waste from Previous Year
4 149.97 449.92
1 85.6345 430.0975
2 158.576 475.728
2017 1825.8655 86.28%
3 138.38 415.14
4 168.3 504.9
2018 1 219.2 657.5 n/a n/a
Source: UPLB Self–Monitoring Reports as presented in the University of the Philippines Los
Baños Environmental Management: A Programmatic Environmental Performance Report and
Management Plan (PEPRMP) Assessment.
The UPLB complied with the mandates of RA 9003 to have its own materials
recovery facility (MRF), where different wastes are segregated and temporarily stored
before proper disposal. The current MRF of the University operates near the landfill. The
University also established a Waste-to-Energy facility to accommodate the generated waste
inside the campus (Figure 15).
Figure 15. Location of Waste to Energy Facility inside the UPLB.
21
4.1.8 Terrestrial Biology
Based on the visual sampling done in the project site where the genome center is
going to be built, the area was dominated by a dense population of Imperata cylindrica
(Cogon grass). Only two species of trees were found in the area, two (2) individuals of
matured Polyalthia longifolia (Indian tree) and four (4) young Leucaena leucocephala
(Ipil-ipil) which are both introduced species (Stuart Jr., 2018, kalikasan-philippines.org,
n.d.).
Figure 16. The project site dominated by Imperata cylindrica (Cogon grass).
Since the area is relatively small, the visual sampling for fauna was done for only
two days every morning (between 6:00 am to 8:00am) and afternoon (between 3:00pm to
5:30pm) for a total of four visits and a total of 8 sampling hours. Three species of birds;
Lonchura punctulata (Scaly breasted munia), Geopelia striata (Zebra dove) and
Todiramphus chloris (Collared kingfisher) belonging to three families; Estrildidae
(Waxbills), Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) and Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) were
observed. There were also two species of frogs heard in the area. The most dominant faunal
species were the Lonchura punctulata where a total of 22 individuals were observed,
followed by Todiramphus chloris with 5 and the Geopelia striata is the least abundant
species with 3 individuals observed. Todiramphus chloris and Geopelia striata were
always observed perching in electrical transmission lines, some of the Lonchura punctulata
was also observed doing the same though some were observed perching on cogon grass.
All of the avifaunal species above are common and widespread resident in the Philippines
22
(Allen, 2020) and they are all under least concern category of the IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species (2022).
Figure 17. Lonchura punctulata (Scaly breasted munia), Geopelia striata (Zebra
dove) and Todiramphus chloris (Collared kingfisher).
Source: eBird.org (Gilfedder, 2016, Gowan, 2017, Trainor, 2011)
The following data was taken from the EPRMP conducted by Roa et al. (2018) for
the UPLB University Animal Farm which is around 2 kms away from the proposed
Philippine Genome Center for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (PGC-AGRI) Building.
The data was used as a part of the baseline of this report not only because of its proximity
to the project but also because of the resemblance of the landscape and vegetation of both
areas which is largely dominated by weeds. The main difference is the size of the area
where the Proposed Genome Center is only 200sqm making it have a less diverse and less
abundant flora and fauna.
Tree biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystem of UPLB near the project site
In reference with the EPRMP (Roa et al., 2018), eleven species of trees belonging
to 6 families were recorded. Moraceae was the most abundant with 29 individuals and also
the most diverse with 3 species. The most abundant species were the Ficus septica with 22
individuals observed. Family Urticaceae has the fewest species and individuals recorded
with only one Dendrocnide meyeniana recorded. The largest tree in terms of DBH was the
Samanea saman with a DBH that ranges from 18.0-75.0cm followed by a single Mangifera
indica L. with a DBH of 72.4cm. The smallest tree in terms of DBH is a Ficus septica with
7.0cm followed by the single Pterocarpus indicus recorded in the area with a DBH of
7.5cm.
Table 4. List of tree species observed in the forested area of the farm with ≥5 cm
diameter at breast height (DBH).
Full Name Scientific Name Common Name No. of DBH (cm)
Individuals
Anacardiaceae Voacanga globosa Bayag-usa 2 8.0-8.2

(Blanco) Merr.
23
Full Name Scientific Name Common Name No. of DBH (cm)
Individuals
Mangifera indica Mango 1 72.4

L.
Combretaceae Terminalia Talisai 1 8.7

catappa L.
Fabaceae Pterocarpus Narra 1 7.5

indicus Willd.
Forma indicus
Samanea saman Rain tree 7 18.0-75.0

(Jacq) Merr.
Meliaceae Aglaia rimosa Bayanti 1 9.6

(Blanco) Merr.
Dysoxylum Igyo 1 14.6

gaudichaudianum
(A. Juss.) Miq.
Moraceae Ficus septica Huaili 22 7.0-21.0

Burm. f. var.
septica
Broussonetia Paper mulberry 6 8.8-27.1

papyrifera (L.)
Vent
Ficus variegata Tangisang 1 11.2

Blume var. bayawak
variegate
Urticaceae Dendrocnide Lipang kalabau 1 14.8

meyeniana
(Walp.) Chew
forma meyeniana
Ten of the eleven tree species recorded in the area are under least concern
classification based on the IUCN Red List of threatened species while one Aglaia rimosa
is under NT or near threatened (Figure 18).
Figure 18. Conservation Status of Tree Species in the sampled area based on
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
24
Other vegetation (Grasses and weeds)
The other vegetation in the area was classified into five types: grass, broadleaf,
sedge (grass-like), ferns, and Araceae. Thirty -seven species with a total of 605 were
recorded in the area. The most dominant species found in the area was the Chromolaena
odorata having a frequency level of 100% and a relative density of 10.41%. The authors
assumed that it was because the area was used for grazing ruminants but they do not eat
the said plant.
In terms of composition, the broadleaf type was the most dominant with 67.57%
composition, followed by grasses at 18.92%, sedges at composes 8.11%, and ferns with
5.40%.
Table 5. The different types of weeds present in the area

Quadrat/ Weed Species Present Species Type No. of
Plot Common of individuals
Name Weed (per 1x1 m)
Ageratum conyzoides L. Bulak-manok B 5
Alternanthera sessilis L. Bunga-bunga B 1
Borreria ocymoides (Burm.f.) DC. Landrina B 1
Chromolaena odorata L. King & Hagonoi B 16

H.E. Robins
1
(0-50m) Colocasia esculenta (Linn). Gabi B 2
Schott & Endl.
Commelina benghalensis L. Alibangon B 25
Cyperus kyllingia Endl. Anuang S 4
Diplazium esculentum (Retz.) Sw. Vegetable fern F 2
Ficus ordorata (Blanco) Mrr. Is-is B 6
Ficus septica Burm. f. var. septica Huaili B 2
Lantana camara L. Coronitas B 4
Momordica charantia L. Wild B 1

ampalaya
Sphagneticola trilobata (L) Widelia B 3
Pruski
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Linn. Blue snake B 3
weed
25
Tabernaemontana pandacaqui Pandakaki B 1

Poir.
Fern A F 1
Species C B 14
Species D G 3
Arachis pintoi Krapov. & W.C. Peanut grass G 3

Gregory
Chromolaena odorata (L). King Hagonoi B 10
& H.E. Robins
Commelina benghalensis L. Alibangon B 15
Cucumis sp. Greek B 1

cucumber
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. Bermuda G -
grass
2 Cyperus iria L. Payong- S 2
(50- payong
100m)
Cyperus rotundus L. Mutha S 6
Ficus ordorata (Blanco) Mrr. Is-is B 3
Ficus septica Burm. f. var. septica Huaili B 6
Mimosa pudica L. Makahiya B 5

ampalaya
Oxalis corniculata L. Taingang- B -
daga
Sporobolus indicus(L) R.Br. Smut grass G 7
Species C B 5
Species D G 1
Ageratum conyzoides L. Bulak-manok B 65
Chromolaena odorata (L). King Hagonoi B 2

& H.E. Robins
2 Cyperus rotundus L. Mutha S 40
(100-
150m) Euphorbia hirta L Gatas-gatas B 4
26
Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Cogon G 55

Beauv.
Paspalum conjugatum P.J. Carabao grass G 80
Bergius
Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Wedelia B 3
Pruski
Venonia cinerea (L.) Less. Tagulinay B 6
Species D G 4
Species F B 2
Arachis pintol Krapov.& W.C. Peanut grass G 12

Gregory
Chromolaena oderata (L.) Hagonoi B 35
King&H.E. Robin
Cyperus rotundus L. Mutha S 11
Datura metel Linn. Talumpanay B 13

4 (150-
200m) Ficus septica Burm. F var. septica Huaili B 5
Glericidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth Kakauate B 3
Lantana camara L. Coronitas B 8
Mimosa pudica L. Makahiya B 9

ampalaya
Paspalum conjugatum P.J. Carabao grass G 45
Bergius
Saccharum sp. Poaceae sp. G 25
Typhonium trilobarum (L.) Schott Gabing nuno B 2
Urena lobata L. Kulutan B 7
No. of Individuals 605
Total Broadleaf type 67.57%
Grass type 18.92%
Sedge type 8.11%
27
Fern species 5.40%
*Type of weeds: B = broadleaf; S = sedge; G = grass and also include F = Fern
Figure 19. Composition of weeds.
4.1.9. Fauna
Arthropods and other invertebrates, birds, snakes, and mammals are among the
fauna that has been seen in the area. Arthropods and invertebrates: A total of eight (8)
different insect species belonging to eight (8) orders and classifications were discovered as
ground-dwelling arthropods. Table 6 shows these insect orders were dominated primarily
by the Hymenoptera, which had a total of 1,592 members, followed by the Orthoptera,
Araneae, Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, Diplopoda, and Thysanura, which had 13, 9, 5,
4, 3, 3, and 3 members, respectively.
Table 6. Arthropod population as number of species and individuals

Order No. of species No. of individuals
Hymenoptera 1 1592
Orthoptera 1 13
Arachnida/Arachnida 1 9
28
Order No. of species No. of individuals
Coleoptera 1 5
Hemiptera 1 4
Diptera 1 3
Diplopoda 1 3
Thysanura 1 3
Total (8) 8 1632
Avifauna. Secondary data about the avifauna of the project site was obtained from
the EPRMP of the UPLB University Animal Farm. The study used timed species count
(TSC) and opportunistic sampling methods to record the avifaunal diversity of the site.
The study has recorded a total of 20 species belonging to 16 taxonomic families. Endemic
species observed in the sampling points include the Orthotomus derbianus (Grey-backed
tailorbird), Phapitreron leucotis (White-eared brown dove), and the Spilomis cf. holospilus
(Philippine serpent eagle).
29
Table 7. List of observed avifaunal species through transect walks in the UPLB University Animal Farm, Los Baños, Laguna and in the project site.
No Family Scientific Name Common Name Feeding Distribution IUCN Observation Roa et al. This
role Status (2018) Study
1 Accipitridae Spilomis cf. Philippine serpent eagle Car E LC Seen /
holospilus
2 Alcedinidae Halcyon gularis White-throated kingfisher Ins R LC Seen /
(Kuhl)
3 Alcedinidae Todiramphus chloris Collared kingfisher Pis R LC Seen / /
(Boddaert)
4 Apodidae Collocalia esculenta Glossy swiftlet Ins R LC Seen /
(Linnaeus)
5 Apodidae Colocalia troglodytes Pygmy swiftlet Ins R LC Seen /

(Gray)
6 Ardeidae Bubulcus ibis Cattle egret Ins R LC Seen /
(Linnaeus)
7 Artamidae Artamus leucoryn White-breasted Ins R LC Seen /
(Linnaeus) woodswallow
8 Cisticolidae Orthotomus Grey-backed tailorbird Ins E LC Heard /
derbianus (F. Moore)
9 Columbidae Phapitreron leucotis White-eared brownn dove Fru E LC Heard /
(Temminck)
10 Columbidae Geopelia striata Zebra dove Gran R LC Seen, / /
(Linnaeus) Heard
30
No Family Scientific Name Common Name Feeding Distribution IUCN Observation Roa et al. This
role Status (2018) Study
11 Cuculidae Centropus Lesser coucal Ins R LC Heard /
bengalensis (Gmelin)
12 Hirundinidae Hirundo tahitica Pacific swallow Ins R LC Seen /
(Gmelin)
13 Laniidae Lanius cristatus Brown shrike Ins M LC Seen, /
(Linnaeus) Heard
14 Laniidae Lanius schach Long tail shrike Ins R LC Seen /
(Linnaeus)
15 Locustilidae Megalurus palustris Striated grassbird Ins R LC Seen /
(Horsefield)
16 Megalaimida Psilopogon Coppersmith barbet Fru R LC Heard /
e haemacephalus
(Muller)
17 Musicapidae Copsychus saularis Oriental magpie robin Ins R LC Seen /
(Linnaeus)
18 Nectariniidae Cinnyris jugularis Olive backed sunbird Nec R LC Seen, /
(Linnaeus) Heard
19 Passeridae Passer montanus Eurasian tree sparrow Gran I LC Seen /
(Linnaeus)
20 Pycnonotidae Pycnonotus goiavier Yellow vented bulbul Ins R LC Seen, /
(Scopoli) Heard
21 Estrildidae Lonchura punctulata Scaly breasted munia Gran R LC Seen /
31
*3
Feeding role: Ins = Insectivorous, Car=Carnivorous, Gra=Granivore, Fru=Frugivore, Nec=Nectarivore, Omn=Omnivore and Pis=Piscivore
b
Distribution: E=Endemic, R=Resident M=Migratory and I=Introduced
c
IUCN status: Vul=Vulnerable, LC= least concern, NT=near threatened
32
Four (4) out of sixteen (16) families of the birds observed have two species recorded
each, which include Alcedenidae (kingfishers), Apodidae (swallows), Columbidae (fruit
doves) and Laniidae (shrikes). While the rest have only one species recorded each.
Insectivore bird species, which feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, occupied
65% of the birds observed in the area. This group is worth noting as they are sensitive to
habitat fragmentation because of their limited dispersal capabilities across fragmented
landscapes (Sekercioglu, 2001).
Frugivores or fruit eating (10%) and granivores or seed and grain feeders (10%)
were also recorded. Only one (1) species of the Philippine serpent eagle is recorded, which
was noted as a carnivore species and is still up for confirmation as noted in Table 7.
Nectarivores and piscivores were also observed in the sampling area.
Figure 20. Feeding guild of birds observed in UPLB University Animal Farm.
Species distribution of the birds shows that the majority of the observed species are
categorized as resident species (80%). This species not only occurs in the Philippines but
also in other parts of the world. Eleven species (15%) of the observed bird species are
endemic in the country, including the Philippines serpent eagle. This species occurs in
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao except Palawan. Two species that are endemic to Luzon
islands were also noted, including the grey-backed tailorbird and white-eared brown dove.
While one species of the brown shrike, which is a migratory bird, was also recorded in the
sampling area.
33
Figure 21. Distribution of birds observed in UPLB University Animal Farm.
34
4.2 Water
4.2.1 Water Quality
Water quality parameter measurements were conducted through on-site water testing
and secondary data gathering from LLDA (2022). In terms of pH and total dissolved solids
(TDS), there was no observed difference between the upstream and midstream readings,
however, the upstream dissolved oxygen reading is higher than the midstream (Table 8).
Molawin creek is the nearest body of water from the proposed project site which might be
impacted by the project (Figure 22). The proposed project is a critical project since the
Molawin creek is draining to the Laguna de Bay. Based on the data, Molawin creek can be
classified as a Class C body of water.
Table 8. Water Quality Assessment of Molawin Creek.

LLDA
PARAMETER UPSTREAM MIDSTREAM
(2022)
pH 3.9 3.9 -
Total Dissolved Solids(g/l) 37.7 37.0 -
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L) 9.8 7.6 5.3
BOD - 5.5
Ammonia - - 0.3
Nitrate - - 1.1
Phosphate - - 0.3
Figure 22. Water sampling site in Molawin Creek.
35
4.2.2 Water Consumption
The main source of water inside the UPLB campus comes from the groundwater
which was extracted using different water pump systems. The extracted groundwater is
distributed into the different areas inside the UPLB campus through a pipe system. The said
areas include IRRI, SEARCA, UPLB residences and commercial establishments.
Figure 23 shows the monthly water consumption of UPLB in the year 2017. The
9,919 m3 water consumption during the month of September was more than doubled
compared to the average monthly water consumption. The lowest water consumption was
recorded during the month of November.
Figure 23. Monthly Water Consumption of UPLB in 2017 (UPLB PEPRMP, 2017).
Table 9. Water Consumption and Total Number of Connections (Ecological Profile of Los
Baños 2016).
No. of Total number of
Consumption Connections/Meters
Location Concessionaires
(m3)
Residential Government Commercial
Batong Malake 87,241 3,278 11 461 3,750
UPCO/ 3,808 127 3 130
SEARCA
Faculty Village 2,636 131 1 1 133
Maahas 26,203 1,039 5 37 1,081
San Antonio 35,971 1,619 5 66 1,690
Tuntungin Putho 25,059 1,115 8 4 1,127
36
Table 9 shows the water consumption and total number of connections of some areas
in the Municipality of Los Baños. Barangay Batong Malake, the location of the proposed
site, consumed 87,241 m3 last 2013. The said barangay has 3,750 concessionaires, 3,278 of
which were from residential consumers, 11 concessionaires from government, and 461 from
commercial establishments.
The main source of water is the water concessionaire. Secondary sources of water
include deep well, artesian well, river, spring and lake. There are deep wells located in
Maahas, UPCO, Batong Malake and Tuntungin-Putho.
4.2.3. Freshwater Biology

Aquatic Species in Molawin Creek/River
Based on a study by Paller et al. (2011) which was cited by Macandog et al. (2021)
for the updating of MakiBis or Makiling Biological Information System, there were 12
species of fish belonging to the 8 families in Molawin Creek, Los Baños, Laguna. There were
four identified native fish species: Glossogobius celebius, Glossogobius giuris, Giuris
margaritacea and Hippichthys heptagonus and all of the other eight species were introduced.
Based on the IUCN Red List of Threatened species, 11 of the 12 species were under the least
concern status and one species (Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus) was classified as invasive
alien species.
Table 10. List of Fishes in Molawin Creek (Paller et al. 2011 as cited by Macandog et al.
2021).
Family Species Status Conservation
Status
(IUCN 2022)
Gobiidae Glossogobius celebius Native Least concern
Glossogobius giuris Native Least concern
Eleotridae Giuris margaritacea Native Least concern
Syngnathidae Hippichthys heptagonus Native Least concern
Osphronemidae Trichopodus pectoralis Introduced Least concern
Trichopodus trichopterus Introduced Least concern
Poeciliidae Poecilia latippinna Introduced Least concern
Poecilia reticulata Introduced Least concern
37
Family Species Status Conservation
Status
(IUCN 2022)
Xiphophorus helleri Introduced Least concern
Cichlidae Oreochromis niloticus Introduced Least concern
Clariidae Clarias batrachus Introduced Least concern
Loricariidae Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus Introduced Not evaluated
In a study conducted by Parcon et al. (2020), 167 individuals of macroinvertebrates
of 15 families belonging to seven orders were recorded. Family Pachychilidae was the most
abundant with 55 individuals recorded followed by Family Gerridae with 28 individuals
recorded, and Family Hirudinidae with 23. On the other hand, Family Stratomyidae, Family
Siphlonuridae, and Family Saldidae were the least abundant with just a single individual
recorded for each.
Table 11. Diversity and Abundance of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Molawin Creek

(Parcon et al. 2020).
HIERARCHY NUMBER OF
INDIVIDUALS
PHYLUM ARTHROPODA
CLASS HEXAPODA
Order Coleoptera
Family Gyrinidae 5
Order Diptera
Family Stratomyidae 1
Order Ephemeroptera
Family Siphlonuridae 1
Order Hemiptera
Family Gerridae 28
Family Hydrometridae 8
Family Nepidae 20
Family Notonectidae 6
Family Saldidae 1
Family Valiidae 18
Order Odonata
Family Coenagrionidae 2
Family Gomphidae 2
Family Palaemonidae 2
38
HIERARCHY NUMBER OF
INDIVIDUALS
PHYLUM MOLLUSCA
CLASS GASTROPODA
Order Mesogastropoda
Family Thiaridae 16
Order Archeogastropoda
Family Pachychilidae 55
PHYLUM ANNELIDA
CLASS HIRUDINEA
Order Archynchobdellida
Family Hirudinidae 23
Total number of individuals 167
Total number of families 15
Diatoms, which are excellent indicators of the health of the water in Molawin Creek,
had the highest species richness among the 31 species of microalgae that live in Molawin
Creek. There were 12 phytoplankton species and 28 periphyton species among the 31
microalgae species. According to phytocommunity, there were 19 species of bacillariophyta
(diatom), 8 species of chlorophyta (green algae), and 3 species of cyanophyta (blue-green
algae), and 1 species of euglenophyta (euglenoid flagellate). The microalgal profile and
species composition are reliable measures of the water quality and the direct impact of human
activities on the creek.
Table 12. Microalgae Profile in Molawin Creek (Polizon et al., 2015)

Species Species Species Count
Richness Cells/or units mL
Chlorophyta (Green
Algae)
Chlorococcus** 41 1.4 x 104
Closterium** 2 6.0 x 102
Dictyosphaerium** 9 3.0 x 103
Pediastrum** 1 3.3 x 102
Scenedesmus** 1 3.3 x 102
39
Sphaerocystis*/** 20 6.6 x 102
Spirogyra** 5 1.6 x 103
Bacillariophyta
(Diatoms)
Achnanthes** 1 3.3 x 102
Asterionella** 2 6.0 x 102
Cocconeis** 788 2.6 x 105
Cymbella** 9 3.0 x 103
Cyclotella** 2 6.0 x 102
Diatoma*/** 18 6.0 x 103
Flagellaria*/** 28 9.3 x 103
Gomphonema*/** 1 3.3 x 102
Melosira*/** 23 7.6 x 103
Navicula sp. 1*/** 81 2.7 x 104
Navicula sp. 2*/** 85 2.8 x 104
Navicula sp. 3*/** 85 2.8 x 104
Nitzchia sp. 1*/** 14 4.6 x 103
Nitzchia sp. 2*/** 27 9.0 x 103
Pinnularia*/** 21 7.0 x 103
Pleurosigma** 1 3.3 x 102
Pseudonitzchia** 29 9.6 x 103
Stauroneis** 51 1.7 x 103
Surirella** 21 7.0 x 103
Synedra*/** 5 1.6 x 103
40
Euglenophyta
(Euglenoids)
Euglena** 1 3.3 x 102
Cyanophyta (Blue-
green Algae)
Gleocapsa** 2 6.6 x 102
Oscillatoria** 1 3.3 x 102
Plectonema** 1 3.3 x 102
Arthropods Community Structure Analysis Inhabiting Molawin Creek
The aquatic collections comprise 268 individuals representing 9 orders, 14 families,
and 268 species. The families Geriidae and Veliidae, which have a combined total of 97 and
49 individuals taken from the aquatic environment, make up all 268 of the individuals.
Table 13. Order, Family and Species total number Recovered from Aquatic Environment in
Molawin creek (Bohol, 2015).
Order Family Total No. Recovered
Araneae Gerridae 26
Coleoptera Dytiscidae 2
Diptera Ephydridae 13
Phoridae 2
Ephemeroptera Ephemeridae 6
Hemiptera Geriidae 97
Veliidae 49
34
Hymenoptera Formicidae 13
Ichneumonidae 1
Hydrometridae 2
41
Odonata Libellulidae 2
Plecoptera Perlidae 2
Decapoda Potamidae 12
(CRUSTACEAN)
Penaeidae 2
Total No. Recovered 268
42
4.3 The Air
4.3.1 Climate
The Philippines’ climate may be classified as tropical rainforest, tropical savanna
or tropical monsoon or humid subtropical (in higher-altitude areas) characterized by high
temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Laguna province falls under the Type I
climate classification as indicated in the Climate Map of the Philippines in Figure 24. The
Type I Climate is characterized by two pronounced seasons, dry season from November to
April and wet season from May to October with a maximum rainy period from June to
September. Areas under this type of climate are generally exposed to the southwest monsoon
during the rainy season and receive a fair share of rainfall as brought about by the tropical
cyclones occurring during the maximum rainy period.
Table 14. Classification of Climate in the Philippines.
Classification Description
Dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year.
Type I
The highest rainfall is from June to September.
No dry season with a pronounced rainfall from November to

Type II
February, March to May has the lowest rainfall.
Seasons are not very pronounced, relatively dry from November to

Type III
April and wet during the rest of the year.
Type IV Rainfall is more or less evenly distributed throughout the year.
Figure 24. Classification of climate in the Philippines.
43
4.3.2 Local Weather Condition
4.3.2.1. Temperature
Figure 25 shows the Average Monthly Temperature (2000-2021) calculated from the
data of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. On
the average, the highest monthly temperature occurs during the month of May (29.3°C) while
the lowest monthly temperature occurs during the month of January (25.8°C) (Table 15).
Figure 26 shows Average Annual Temperature (2000-2021) calculated from the data
of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The
average annual mean, minimum and maximum temperature are fairly constant, with the
values of 27.6 °C, 23.5 °C and 31.7°C, respectively (Table 15).
Table 16 shows the temperature extremes, the lowest recorded monthly temperature
was 20.5 °C which occurred last January 2014 and the highest recorded monthly temperature
was 36.3 °C which occurred last May 2010 (Table 16). On the other hand, the lowest
recorded daily temperature was 15°C, which occurred last 28 October 2000 and the highest
recorded daily temperature was 37.8 °, which occurred last 14 May 2014.
Figure 27 shows the Monthly Mean Temperature Frequencies (2000-2021)
determined from the data of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños. Almost 33% of the temperature ranges from 27 to 28 oC. It is rare
that the Monthly Mean is less than 25 oC (1.14%) or greater than 30oC (0.76%). On the other
hand, Figure 28 shows the Daily Mean Temperature Frequencies (2000-2021). More than
50% of the daily mean temperature ranges from 27-29 oC while it is rare that the daily mean
temperature is less than 23 oC (0.23%) or greater than 31 oC (0.27%).
44
Figure 25. Average Monthly Temperature (2000-2021) calculated from the data of
National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Figure 26. Average Annual Temperature (2000-2021) calculated from the data of National
Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Table 15. Average Temperature (2000-2021) determined from the data of National
45
Parameters Temperature (°C) Time
Average Annual Mean Temperature 27.6 ---
Average Annual Minimum Temperature 23.5 ---
Average Annual Maximum Temperature 31.7 ---

Coldest Average Monthly Temperature 25.8 January
Warmest Average Monthly 29.3 May
Temperature
Table 16. Temperature Extremes (2000-2021) determined from the data of National
Temperature Time
Coldest Month 20.5 °C January 2014
Warmest Month 36.3 °C May 2010
Coldest Day 15°C 28 October 2000
Warmest Day 37.8 ° 14 May 2014
Figure 27. Monthly Mean Temperature Frequencies (2000-2021) determined from the data
of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Note
that the symbol “(“ means “does not include the value” while the symbol “]” means “does
include the value”.
46
Figure 28. Daily Mean Temperature Frequencies (2000-2021) determined from the data of
National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Note that
the symbol “(“ means “does not include the value” while the symbol “]” means “does
4.3.2.2. Rainfall
Figure 29 shows Average Monthly Rainfall (2000-2021) calculated from the data of
National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. On average,
the lowest precipitation occurs in the month of March (39.3 mm) while the highest
precipitation occurs in the month of July (152.9 mm). For the rainfall extremes (Table 17),
the lowest recorded monthly rainfall occurred last April 2006 with 0.7 mm of water while
the highest occurred last July 2010 with 762.5 mm of rainfall (average of 24.6 mm per day).
The day with the highest rainfall occurred last 28 September 2006, having 308 mm of
rainwater.
Figure 30 shows Annual Rainfall (2000-2021) calculated from the data of National
Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. The highest annual
rainfall occurred last 2009 with 2829.6 mm of water, while the lowest annual rainfall
occurred last 2019 with 1510.1 mm of water.
Table 18 shows the frequency of daily rainfall (2000 to 2021) based on the data
of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
47
Almost 39% of the daily record shows the absence of rain, while almost 9% has rainfall
below 0.1 mm. Approximately 37% of the recorded rainfall ranged from 0.1mm < R ≤
10 mm. Only 0.36% of the recorded rainfall was above 100 mm. There is only one
incident where the rainfall is above 300 mm (308.0 mm).
Table 18 shows the frequency of monthly rainfall (2000 to 2021) based on the data
of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Almost
38% have 100 mm or less monthly rainfall. The frequency drops as the amount of rainfall
increases. It is rare to have monthly rainfall of 700 mm and above (approximately 23 mm
per day).
Figure 32 shows the frequency distribution of annual rainfall vis-à-vis the frequency
distribution of the mean annual temperature per annual rainfall range. Most of the 64% of
the annual rainfall ranged from 0 to 200 mm, 28% ranged from 200 to 400 mm, 8% ranged
above 400 mm. For the annual rainfall ranged 0 to 200 mm, most of the mean annual
temperature ranged from 27-28°C. The frequency of having higher or lower temperatures
diminishes as they deviate from the 27-28 °C range.
48
Figure 29. Average Monthly Rainfall (2000-2021) calculated from the data of National
Figure 30. Annual Rainfall (2000-2021) based on the data of National Agromet Station
(NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Table 17. Rainfall Extremes (2000-2021) determined from the data of National Agromet
Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Temperature Time
Year with lowest rainfall 1510.1 mm 2019
Year with highest rainfall 2829.6 mm 2009
Month with lowest rainfall 0.7 mm April 2006
Month with highest rainfall 762.5 mm (average of 24.6 July 2010
mm per day)
Day with highest Rainfall 308 mm 28 September 2006
Table 18. Daily Rainfall Frequency (2000-2021) calculated from the data of National
Rainfall (mm) Frequency Percentage (%)
R=0 3115 38.76
0 < R < 0.1 701 8.72
0.1 < R ≤ 10 2992 37.23
10 < R ≤ 25 733 9.12
25 < R ≤ 50 322 4.01
50 < R ≤ 100 143 1.78
100 < R ≤ 150 17 0.21
150 < R ≤ 200 6 0.07
200 < R ≤ 300 6 0.07

R > 300 1 (308.0 mm*) 0.01
49
*Approximately 1 foot or 1 ruler
Figure 31. Monthly Rainfall Frequencies (2000-2021) determined from the data of
National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Note that
the symbol “(“ means “does not include the value” while the symbol “]” means “does
Figure 32. Frequencies of Annual Rainfall vis-à-vis Annual Mean Temperature (2000-
2021) calculated from the data of National Agromet Station (NAS) at the University of the
Philippines Los Baños.
4.3.2.3. Relative Humidity
The mean relative humidity values from 2000 to 2021 ranged from 78% (April) to
86% (December) with an average of 83.4% as shown in Figure 33. The average monthly
relative values in UPLB are higher than the average Philippines monthly RH values (71-
85%) due to the high amount of moisture that evaporates from Laguna Lake which is located
near the area.
50
Figure 33. Mean monthly relative humidity from 2000 to 2021 from National Agromet
Station, UPLB.
Table 19 shows the frequency distribution of the relative humidity (2000-2021)
obtained from National Agromet Station, UPLB. Relative humidity (RH) value of 85% has
the highest frequency distribution (27.72%), while RH value of 60% has the lowest (0.02%).
Table 19. Frequency distribution of mean relative humidity (2000 – 2021) obtained from
National Agromet Station (NAS), at the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.
Relative Humidity (%) Frequency Percentage (%)

60 2 0.02
65 15 0.19
70 139 1.73
75 768 9.58
80 1959 24.43
85 2223 27.72
90 1548 19.30
95 968 12.07
>95 398 4.96
Mean relative humidity and temperature is shown in Figure 34. Temperature range
within 27-31 C has the highest frequency distribution in relation to RH value, while
temperature range within 30-33 has lower frequency distribution. It can be observed in the
data that as the temperature increases, the relative humidity decreases. Increase in
temperature leads to a decrease in relative humidity, thus the air will become drier whereas
when temperature decreases, the air will become wet means the relative humidity will
increase.
51
Figure 34. Relative Humidity vis-à-vis Temperature (2000 – 2021) obtained from National
Agromet Station (NAS), UPLB.
4.3.2.4. Wind Direction and Wind Speed
The average wind speed in UPLB is shown in Figure 32. The average wind speed in
UPLB from 2013 to 2021 was recorded at 2.6 kph measured at one (1) meter height. The
highest wind speed was observed in the month of March (3.5 kph) while the lowest was
observed in the month of October (1.9 kph).
The prevailing wind condition for 2021 is shown in Figure 35. Winds coming from
the East direction prevails with 17%, Northeast and East-Northeast winds with both 7.14%
with average wind speed range of 1-3 kph. While winds coming from the South occupies
3.57% with wind speed range of 3-5 kph. Meanwhile, Figure 34 shows prevailing wind
direction from January to June 2022 were coming from, North East (44%), East Northeast
(22%) and East (11%) within the wind speed range of 1-4 kph.
Figure 35. Average wind speed (kph) from 2013 - 2021 obtained National Agromet Station
(NAS), UPLB.
52
Figure 36. Wind Rose Diagram showing prevailing wind condition 2021.
Figure 37. Wind Rose diagram showing wind speed and wind direction from January to
June 2022.
Table
20. Frequency distribution of mean relative humidity (2000 – 2021) obtained from National
Agromet Station (NAS), University of the Philippines, Los Baños.
Wind Speed (kph) Frequency Percentage (%)
0 5 4
1 2 2
2 27 23
3 44 37
>3 42 35
Table 20 shows the frequency distribution of the average wind speed from 2013 –
2021. 37% of the winds speed are within 3 kph, winds speed greater than 3 kph has 35%, 2
kph has 23%, and 1 kph has 2%. There were only five occurrences where wind speed was
recorded as zero or calm.
Figure 38 shows the frequency distribution of annual rainfall vis a vis frequency
distribution of wind speed from 2013 – 2021. Most of the annual rainfall ranged from 0-200
mm (38%), with an annual average wind speed range of 2-4 kph, while 200-400 mm and
53
400-600 mm rainfall has 19% and 4% respectively. The frequency of having higher rainfall
(mm) declines as wind speed exceeds the range of 2-4 kph.
Figure 38. Frequency distribution of wind speed (kph) vis a vis annual rainfall
(mm) obtained from National Agromet Station (NAS), UPLB.
4.3.3. Air Quality
The proposed site for the construction of UPLB Agricultural Genomics Research
Center is located at the western part of the Makiling – Banahaw Geothermal Airshed (Figure
39). The said airshed is a geothermal-type airshed, in which the air quality can be influenced
by emissions from vents, hot springs, solfataras, fumaroles and other geothermal-related
structures. The airshed includes a geothermal reserve area (Proclamation No. 1111, s. 1973)
in which the government can undertake exploration of the area’s potential for geothermal
energy and natural gases. The said airshed is composed of an area near Mt. Makiling and Mt.
Banahaw (Figure 40) which includes the municipalities of Los Baños and Bay in Laguna.
Mount Makiling separates the Makiling – Banahaw Geothermal Airshed from the “Laguna
Portion” of the Cavite-Laguna-Rizal Airshed. The said “Laguna Portion” is fast
industrializing and is being studied to be separated from the Cavite-Laguna-Rizal Airshed.
To note, the said “Laguna Portion” includes that of San Pedro, Binan, Sta. Rosa, Cabuyao
and Calamba.
54
Figure 39. Makiling Banahaw Geothermal Airshed and its nearby airshed (Source:
Environmental Management Bureau Annual Report for CY 2016).
Figure 40. Vicinity Map showing Mt Makiling and Mt Banahaw (Source: Google Earth
Pro).
55
Figure 41. Air Quality Index (AQI) of six criteria pollutants in Los Baños last 17 July
2022 (Source: weather.com).
Figure 41 shows Air Quality Index (AQI) of six criteria pollutants in Los Baños last
17 July 2022. The six criteria pollutants include Particulate Matter with size of 2.5
micrometer or smaller (PM 2.5), Ground Ozone (O3), Particulate Matter with size of 10
micrometer or smaller (PM 10), Sulfuric dioxide (SO4), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and Carbon
Monoxide (CO). AQI ranging from 0-50 is in good condition, those ranging from 50-100 is
in moderate condition, those ranging from 100-150 is unhealthy for sensitive groups, while
those greater than 150 is already unhealthy or hazardous.
Figure 41 show that the levels of the different criteria pollutants: PM2.5 is 66 (18.33
µg/m3), Ground Ozone is 36 (65.19 µg/m3), PM10 is 26 (26.56 µg/m3), Nitrogen dioxide is
10 (19.69 µg/m3), Sulfuric dioxide is 10 (18 µg/m3), and Carbon Monoxide is 3 (330.03
µg/m3). All AQI values are good, except that of PM 2.5 which is already “moderate”.
However, the “AQI = 66” value of PM 2.5 is still far below the 100-level which is already
considered to be unhealthy to sensitive groups. PM 2.5 is already smaller than the nose hair,
56
thus they can penetrate into our nose and into the lungs. Common sources of PM 2.5 include
combustions from vehicles and power plants. It is important to note that the level of sulfuric
dioxide, which is a common gas coming out volcanic vents, is very low (18 µg/m3).
4.3.4. Noise Level
Noise conditions at the project site were monitored using a sound detector mobile
app. Four sampling stations within the area were monitored in the morning (5:00 – 9:00) and
evening (18:00 - 22:00) as shown in Figure 42. Table 21 presents the noise level readings
(minimum, average, maximum) obtained from the sampling stations during the monitoring
period.
Noise during the preconstruction and construction period can annoy nearby
communities. To mitigate this effects, specific measures can be used such as limitation in the
hours of operation, scheduling of construction activities, use of low sound emitting
equipment or use of silencers/mufflers and use of noise barriers.
Figure 42. Noise Sampling Station on the project site.
Table 21. Noise level (dB) readings within the project site.
Time Min Ave Max
Morning 47.9 58.9 81.7
Evening 42.9 54.8 75.9
57
Some volatile organic compounds (Table 22), which will be used during experiments,
may release vapor or fumes that are detrimental to the indoor air quality and detrimental to
human health . These types of experiments should be done under a system which expels
unwanted vapor and fumes out the experimental area (e.g., fume hood). However,
atmospheric or outdoor Air Emissions during the operation of the Genomic Center during
normal operations are perceived to be small and may not be subjected to air quality
monitoring.
Table 22. Volatile Organic Compounds and their possible hazard.
Chemicals Hazard Critical Limit
1,1,1-Trichloroethane not carcinogenic to Controlled substance:

humans protection of stratospheric
ozone
PEL (8-hour TWA): 350

ppm
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane not carcinogenic to PEL (8-hour TWA): 5 ppm

humans
1,1,2-Trichloroethane Possible human PEL (8-hour TWA): 10 ppm

carcinogen
Possible human PEL (8-hour TWA): 100

1,1-Dichloroethane
carcinogen ppm
1,1-Dichloroethene possible human PEL (8-hour TWA): 5 ppm

carcinogen
Likely to be PEL (8-hour TWA) :

1,2,3-Trichloropropane
carcinogenic to humans
50 ppm (300 mg/m3)
Possibly carcinogenic PEL (8-hour TWA) for

1,2-Dibromo-3-Chloropropane
to humans occupational exposure : 1
ppb
58
1,2-Dibromoethane probably carcinogenic PEL 8-hour TWA: 20 ppm

to humans
Probable human PEL (8-hour TWA):50 ppm

1,2-Dichloroethane
carcinogen (202 mg/m3)
Not carcinogenic to Recommended Exposure

1,2-Dichloroethene
humans Limit for occupational
exposure (TWA): 200
ppm/790 g/m3)
carcinogenic to humans PEL (8-hour TWA): 75 ppm

1,2-Dichloropropane
(350 mg/m3)
possible risk of adverse inhalation for 6 hours/day, 5

1,3- Butadiene
health effects from days/week for up to 103
human exposure days
characterizes the PEL (8-hour TWA): 200

2- Butanone
toxicology and adverse ppm
health effects
possible human PEL (8-hour TWA) : 100

2- Hexanone
carcinogen ppm
potential health effects PEL (8-hour TWA): 1000

Acetone
ppm
hazardous air pollutant PEL (8 hour TWA) : 0.1

Acrolein
ppm
potential health effects PEL (8-hour TWA): 1 ppm

Benzene
potential health effects

Bromidichloromethane
Ceiling PEL: 200 ppm

Bromomethane
59
not classified carbon PEL TWA: 20 parts of

Carbon Disulfide
disulfide for carbon disulfide per million
carcinogenicity parts of air (20 ppm) for an
8-hour workday for a 40-
hour workweek.
possibly carcinogenic to PEL (8-hour TWA) for

Carbon Tetrachloride
humans general 2 mg/m3
not classifiable as to PEL (8-hour TWA) : 75

Chlorobenzene
human carcinogenicity ppm (350 mg/m3)
Not classifiable, animal PEL-TWA 1,000 ppm

Chloroethane
carcinogen of unknown (2,600 mg/m3)
relevance to humans
Possible human Treshold limit value for

Chloroform
carcinogen occupational exposure: 10
ppm (49 mg/m3)
Not classifiable as to PEL (8-hour TWA) 100

Chloromethane
its human ppm
carcinogenicity
Not classifiable as to its REL (10-hour TWA) 1,2-

Dichlorobenzenes
carcinogenicity to Dichlorobenzene (ceiling
humans. limit) 50 ppm 1,4-
Dichlorobenzene
Carcinogen IDLH
1,2-Dichlorobenzene/ 1,2-Dichlorobenzene 200

1,4-Dichlorobenzene ppm 1,4-Dichlorobenzene
150 ppm
Possibly carcinogenic
to humans.
Dichloropropenes possibly carcinogenic to REL (10-hour TWA) 1 ppm

humans
60
possibly carcinogenic to REL (10-hour TWA) 100

Ethylbenzene
humans ppm
STEL (15-minute TWA)

125 ppm
IDLH 800 ppm
anticipated to be a 8-hour TWA = 20 ppm;

Ethylene Dibromide
human carcinogen acceptable ceiling
concentration = 30 ppm
probable human Permissible Exposure Limit

Formaldehyde
carcinogen (PEL) 8-hr. Time weighted
average (TWA) 15-min.
Short-term exposure
limit:0.75 ppm
(STEL) : 2 ppm
Carcinogen: Lowest Permissible Exposure Limit

Gasoline, Automotive
feasible concentration (PEL): 900 mg/m (300
ppm)
STEL : 1500 mg/m (300

ppm)
possible human PEL (8-hour TWA):No data

Hexachlorobutadiene
carcinogen
REL (up to 10-hour TWA)

0.02 ppm (0.24 mg/m3)
Not classifiable as PEL TWA 1 ppm (10

Hexachloroethane
carcinogenic to human mg/m3)
Possible human PEL TWA 0.1 ppm

Hydrazines
carcinogen (0.1g/m3)
61
not classified methyl PEL TWA 20 milligrams of

Methyl Mercaptan
mercaptan for methyl mercaptan per cubic
carcinogenicity meter of air (20 mg/m3) for
an 8-hour workday in a 40-
hour workweek.
Not classified as PEL TWA: 500 ppm

n-Hexane
carcinogenic to human (1,800m3)
Possibly carcinogenic PEL (8-hour TWA) :1 ppm

Nitrobenzene
to humans. (5 mg/m3)
Possibly carcinogenic PEL (8-hour TWA) 500

Stoddard Solvent
to humans. ppm (2,900 mg/m3)
possibly carcinogenic to PEL (8-hour TWA) : 100

Styrene
humans ppm
probably carcinogenic PEL (8-hour TWA) : 100

Tetrachloroethylene (PERC)
to humans ppm
not classifiable as to its PEL (8-hour TWA) : (200

Toluene
carcinogenicity to ppm)
humans.
carcinogenic to humans PEL (8-hour TWA) for

Trichloroethylene (TCE)
general industry 100 ppm
Carcinogenic to PEL for general industry 8-

Vinyl Chloride
humans. hour TWA 1 ppm
15-minute TWA 5 ppm
62
Not classifiable as to PEL (8-hour TWA) : 435

Xylenes
carcinogenicity to mg/m
humans
63
4.4 The People
4.4.1 Primary Impact Area
The University of the Philippines Los Baños is the primary impact area of the
proposed PGC-AGRI Building project (Figure 43). The campus is a well-known university
in the province with nine (9) colleges. Table 23 shows the possible impact area of the
proposed project and it serves as the legend of the map of the primary impact zone of the
Genome center.
Figure 43. Primary Impact Zone showing the map of UPLB.
Table 23. Names of the buildings/facilities within the Primary Impact zone.
ID NAME ID NAME ID NAME
1 Forest Product Research 18 CA Building 35 Agricultural Machinery

and Development Institute Testing and Evaluation
Center
2 College of Forestry and 19 SEARCA 36 Institute of Agricultural

Natural Resources and Biosystems
Engineering
3 Ecosystem Research and 20 University Library 37 Institute of Agricultural

Development Bureau and Biosystems
Engineering
4 Makiling Botanical 21 CAS 38 International Rice

Garden Research Institute:
Riceworld Museum and
Learning Center
5 Copeland Gym 22 Office of the University 39 World Agroforestry

Registrar Centre
6 College of Veterinary 23 School of Environmental 40 Seed Health Unit

Medicine Science and Management
64
ID NAME ID NAME ID NAME
7 Agricultural Systems 24 CAS Annex 41 Analytical Service

Institute Lecture Hall Laboratory Grain
Quality and Nutrition
Center
8 Plant Tissue Culture 25 College of Human 42 Lloyd Evans Plant

Facility Ecology Growth Facility
9 PhilRice 26 Milka Krem 43 UPLB Center for

Technology Transfer
and Entrepreneurship
10 Agronomy, Soil Science 27 Senior's Social Garden 44 UPLB - Covid-19

and Horticulture Building Molecular Diagnostic
Laboratory
11 Julian A. Banzon Hall 28 Supply and Property 45 National Institute of

Management Office Molecular Biology and
Biotechnology
12 Postharvest Training and 29 College of Engineering 46 National Seed

Research Center and Agricultural Foundation
Technology
13 Men's Dormitory 30 Baker Hall 47 Waste-to-Energy

Facility
14 College of Public Affairs 31 Department of Human and 48 Institute of Plant

and Development Family Development Breeding
Studies
15 ASEAN Center for 32 Humanities Building 49 Dairy Training and

Biodiversity Research Institute
16 Infirmary 33 Mathematics Building 50 UP Open University

Lecture Hall
17 International Housing 34 3KJM Pharmacy 51 UPLB Main Gate

Dormitory
As presented in Figure 44, the number of undergraduate students who enrolled in
the university decreased starting from the Academic Year 2017-2018. It was reported that
a 21% decrease of enrolled students from the previous year (A.Y. 2016-2017). This may
be attributed to the adjustment for the K to 12 Basic Education program. A drop in the
number of enrollees was still observed until 2020 while a 7% increase was noted during
the A.Y. 2020-2021. Based on the data of the UPLB Office of the University Registrar, the
number of enrolled students in A.Y. 2021-2022 reached 13,820 and 13,400 during the first
and second semesters, respectively.
65
Figure 44. Number of undergraduate students enrolled at UPLB from 2016 to 2021
(Source: UPLB Office of the University Registrar; cited by Lagulao 2021).
In terms of post-graduate studies, there were 2,387 graduate students enrolled at the
UPLB Graduate School in A.Y. 2018-2019 (Figure 45). The number of enrolled students
was 2% higher compared to the previous year. However, a 14% reduction was observed in
2020.
Figure 45. Number of graduate students enrolled at UPLB from 2018 to 2021 (Source:
UPLB Office of the University Registrar; cited by Lagulao 2021)
Other than students, the University of the Philippines Los Baños is also composed
of faculty members, research, extension and professional staff (REPS) and administrative
staff in general. There were 1,111 faculty members, 455 REPS, and 1,597 administrative
staff (Table25).
Table 24. Population of Faculty and Staff in University of the Philippines Los Baños
Position No. of Personnel
Faculty Members (Instructors, Assistant Professors, Associate 1,111

Professors, Professors)
Research, Extension, and Professional Staff (REPS) 455
66
Position No. of Personnel
REPS-Faculty 5
Administrative Staff 1,597
Scientists under the Philippine Scientific Career System 15

Source: University of the Philippines Los Baños Website
4.4.2 Secondary Impact Area

The secondary impact zone of the PGC-AGRI Building project includes the
barangays near or in vicinity of the project site namely; Brgy. Batong Malake, Brgy.
Maahas, Brgy. Putho Tuntungin, and Brgy. San Antonio (Figure 46).
Figure 46. Secondary Impact Zone showing the barangays adjacent or within the UPLB.
4.4.2.1 Socio-Demographic Characteristics

4.4.2.1.1 Historical Background of Los Baños
Los Baños was originally one of the several settlements of Bay town in Southern
Luzon. However, due to the presence of hot springs from Mt. Makiling which can be found
within its proximity, the municipality was then called Mainit. In 1589, a Spanish priest in
the name of Fr. Pedro Bautista changed the name Mainit to Los Baños which means bathing
places in Spanish. By 1595, Los Baños had attracted many settlers especially among
individuals looking for a place to relax and treat their ailments.
67
4.4.2.1.2 Population
Los Baños has a total population of 115,353 people by the year 2020. According to
the Census of Population and Housing conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA), its population increased from 82,027 people documented in 2000 to the current
population recorded in 2020. However, data showed that although there is a recorded spurt
in the population, the annual growth rate declined from 2.42% to 0.60%. Table 25 shows
the historical growth of population as well as the annual growth rate of the municipality
from year 2000 to year 2020.
Table 25. Population and Annual Growth Rate of Los Baños from 2000 to 2020
Year Population Annual
Growth Rate
2000 82,027 -
2010 101,884 2.42%
2015 112,008 1.99%
2020 115,353 0.60%
Source: Philippine Statistics Authority (2020)
4.4.2.1.3. Historical Growth of Barangay Population
Los Baños comprises a total of 14 barangays with an overall population of 115,353
recorded in 2020. These barangays defer in their landmass which affects the distribution of
its inhabitants. San Antonio is the second most populated barangay next to Mayondon
with a population of 15, 978 people (13.85%) and then followed by Batong Malake which
is occupied by 12, 578 people (10.90%). On the other hand, Barangay Bagong Silang is the
least populated barangay which is inhabited by 707 persons or about 0.61 % of the
population. Based on the recorded annual population growth of Los Baños, the barangays
that showed a massive population increase are Barangay Maahas (5.42%), Barangay San
Antonio (4.26%), and Barangay Putho Tuntungin (3.55%). On the other hand, Batong
Malake is one of the barangays with lowest annual population growth at 0.34%. In total,
Los Baños increases its population annually by 2.03%. The details of the population per
barangay and the annual population growth from 2000 to 2020 is presented in Table 26.
68
Table 26. Barangay Population and Annual Population Growth from 2000 to 2020
Barangay Population Annual
Population
2000 2010 2015 2020 Growth*
Anos 7,105 7,446 8,039 8,815 1.20%

Bagong Silang 584 577 629 707 1.05%
Bambang 5,834 7,021 7,228 7,638 1.55%
Batong Malake 11,772 11,884 15,314 12,578 0.34%

Baybayin 1,464 1,307 1,632 1,466 0.01%
Bayog 6,882 9,671 10.460 11,613 3.44%
Lalakay 4,003 4,253 5,032 4,234 0.29%
Maahas 4,214 6,800 7,536 8,785 5.42%

Mayondon 13,618 16,181 17,071 17,817 1.54%
Putho Tuntungin 5,438 8,692 9,068 9,300 3.55%

San Antonio 8,627 13,173 13,537 15,978 4.26%
Tadlak 2,302 3,342 3,319 4,043 3.78%
Timugan 4,538 5,279 5,676 5,848 1.44%
Malinta 6,258 7,345 6,531 0.44%
Total 82,027 101,884 112,008 115,353 2.03%

4.4.2.1.4. Household Population

As presented in Table 27, the top three barangays with the highest number of
households in 2015 are Barangay Malake (4,626), followed by Barangay Mayondon
(4,313) and Barangay San Antonio (3,542). These barangays are the populated areas in the
municipality, hence, the large number of households. On the contrary, the barangay with
the least number of households is Barangay Bagong Silang (154). The average household
size of the municipality is 3.8.
Table 27. Household Population of barangay communities in Los Baños.

Barangay Total Household Number of Average
Population Population Households Household
Size
Anos 8,039 8,019 1,979
Bagong Silang 629 629 154
Bambang 7,228 7,228 1,703
Batong Malake 15,314 12,928 4,626
69
Barangay Total Household Number of Average
Population Population Households Household
Size
Baybayin (Pob.) 1,632 1,624 407
Bayog 10,460 10,460 2,485

3.8
Lalakay 5,032 4,969 1,288
Maahas 7,536 7,536 2,184
Mayondon 17,071 17,071 4,313
Putho Tuntungin 9,068 9,068 2,185
San Antonio 13,537 13,537 3,542
Tadlak 3,319 3,319 727
Timugan (Pob.) 5,676 5,676 1,329
Malinta 7,345 7,345 2,098
4.4.2.1.5. Land Area and Population Density of Los Baños

Los Baños has a land area of 54.22 square kilometers which is about 2.81% of the
total area of the province of Laguna. The population density of the municipality from 2000
to 2020 shows an increasing trend as presented in Table 28. Its population density grew
from 1, 513 to 2, 127 after two decades (2000 - 2020).
Table 28. Land Area and Population Density of Los Baños.

Year Land Area (sq.km) Population Density
2000 54.22 1,513
2010 54.22 1,879
2015 54.22 2,066
2020 54.22 2,127
4.4.2.1.6. Population by Gender

In terms of population by gender, Los Baños consisted of almost equal numbers of
males and females. The recorded number of females was 56, 771 which is about 50.7% of
70
the total population while the recorded number of males was 55,237 which is about 49.3
% (Figure 47). The recorded percentage difference is about 1.4% meaning their population
by gender is almost equal. The sex ratio was 97 males per 100 females.
Figure 47. Number of Males and Females (Source: PSA 2015)
4.4.2.1.7 Age-Sex Distribution (2015)
The highest number of persons recorded belonged to the age group 15-19 years old
or teenagers which is followed by the working class from the age group 20-59 (PSA, 2015).
About 68.3% of the total population belonged to the working age group (15-64 years old),
27.07% are children (15 years old below), and 4.6% are older persons (65 years old and
over). The overall dependency ratio was 46 which means that for every 100 individuals
that belonged to the working age group, there were 46 dependents (39 are children while 7
are older people).
Figure 48. 2015 Population Pyramid of the Municipality of Los Baños
4.4.2.1.8. Educational Attainment (2015)
71
Out of the 101, 586 thousand population that aged five years old and over in 2015,
43.1% had at least attended or completed elementary education, 77.2% had attended or
graduated high school, 1.5% was college undergraduate, 16.2% was baccalaureate or
college graduate, and, 0.9% had attended post baccalaureate courses (Table 29). Among
those who finished the baccalaureate or college degree, female graduates (56.6%)
outnumbered the male graduates (43.7%). The same is true for post baccalaureate courses
wherein more females (55%) had pursued the degree than males (45%).
Table 29. Educational Attainment of participants.

Highest Grade Total Population 5 Years Old and Over
Both Sexes Male Female
No grade completed 1,748 937 811

Preschool 2,233 1,133 1,100
Special education 44 28 16
Elementary 21,903 11,046 10,857
1st - 4th grade 10,867 5,596 5,271
5th - 6th grade 3,485 1,811 1,674
Graduate 7,551 3,639 3,912
High school 39,190 19,798 19,392
Undergraduate 10,624 5,501 5,123
Graduate 28,566 14,297 14,269
Postsecondary 1,430 642 788
Undergraduate 140 72 68
Graduate 1,290 570 720
College undergraduate 17,648 8,758 8,890
Baccalaureate/college 16,452 7,192 9,260
graduate
Post baccalaureate 917 409 508
Not stated 21 12 9
Total 101,586 49,955 51,631

4.4.2.1.9. Major Occupation

Los Baños has 47,673 gainful workers, 59.2% are males and 40.8% are female. Of
these, 18.6% of the population of gainful workers are mostly engaged in service and sales.
This is followed by 15.9% of people engaging in elementary occupations and 13.2% are
72
technicians and associate professionals. On the other hand, agriculture, forestry and fishery
are less ventured by only 3.3% of the gainful workers. Table 30 enumerates the major
occupations ventured by the people in Los Baños and the number of male and female
workers.
Table 30. Major Occupations of participants.

Major Occupation Total Gainful Workers
15 Years Old and Over
Both Sexes Male Female
Managers 4,554 2,030 2,524
Professionals 4,897 2,077 2,820
Technicians and associate professionals 6,303 3,429 2,874
Clerical support workers 4,530 2,116 2,414
Service and sales workers 8,886 4,395 4,491
Skilled agricultural, forestry, and fishery 1,580 1,373 207

workers
Craft and related trades workers 3,774 3,300 474
Plant and machine operators and 5,152 4,679 473

assemblers
Elementary occupations 7,602 4,609 2,993
Armed forces occupations 51 48 3
Other occupation, not elsewhere classified - - -
Not reported 344 48 164
Total 47,673 28,236 19,437

4.4.2.1.10. Waste Management

Wastes generated in genomic laboratories are mostly hazardous wastes. These are
defined as materials or different substances that may cause health or physical hazards when
in contact or ingested. Expected wastes are minimal in this laboratory hence it also requires
minimal treatments. Wastes generated within the laboratory are expected to be
decontaminated before it leaves the facility. One hazardous waste expected to be generated
is Formaldehyde which will be very small that would still have the possibility of being
used again within the laboratory and will no longer be considered as waste from the genome
laboratory. Other possible wastes from the facility include small packaging materials and
personal protective equipment (PPE) which may be disposed separately and could be
73
collected by third parties. The wastes mentioned above pose very little to no threat to the
people residing within the community, as well as around the perimeter of the genomic
laboratory.
4.4.2.1.11. Health and Sanitation
Low potential risk of acquiring illnesses may be associated with the establishment
of the genome laboratory due to the biological agents usually present in the facility. Aside
from accidental injection or ingestions, the traffic caused by the construction may also pose
a threat to the members of the community due to the transport of materials during
construction phase. As construction undergoes, an increase of particle matter in the air may
be expected which may cause respiratory complications, but nonetheless, this would be
very minimal to the majority of the residents around the site and are non-life threatening.
Overall, the health and sanitation of those residing within the vicinity as well as the workers
within the facility are well, given that standards in waste management are met by the
laboratory.
4.4.2.1.12. Legislation and Regulatory Consideration

Legislations and other regulatory considerations should be met by the facility to
ensure the well-being of the employees as well as the members of the community.
Legislations such as RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, RA
6969 or the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act of 1990, PD
1152 or the Philippine Environment Code, DAO 92-29 and DAO 94-28 which are
Hazardous Waste Management provisions of RA 6969 are followed by the establishment
of the facility in terms of standards and regulations within the country.
Under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003),
specifically under the Matrix of Laws from the PEPRMP in 2018, it was stated that the
proponent should include the description of the effectiveness of the environmental
mitigation measures and plans of the company to further improve their performance. Under
this matrix law, it secures documents of actual environmental performances based on the
past and present management measures that have been implemented.
74
With these legislations, the company ensures the safety and well-being of the
community members within the vicinity of the facility as well as their overall health and
not compromising it while operating the laboratories.
4.4.3 Tertiary Impact Area

The tertiary impact zones are the areas that are within the jurisdiction of the whole
municipality of Los Baños (Figure 46). The municipality is composed of 14 barangays,
namely: Anos, Bagong Silang, Bambang, Batong Malake, Baybayin, Bayog, Lalakay,
Maahas, Malinta, Mayondon, Putho Tuntungin, San Antonio, Tadlak, and Timugan (Figure
43.) This first (1st) class municipality in the province of Laguna is situated at the southern
portion of Laguna Lake. It is the vision of the Philippine Genome Center to become a
globally-recognized center of excellence in gene discovery and genomics for agriculture.
These impact areas were defined in consideration of the possible social, health and
economic impacts of the project during its operational phase.
Figure 49. Tertiary Impact Zone showing the entire municipality of Los Baños.
4.4.4 Awareness and Social Acceptability of the local residents and the UPLB community
Primary data gathering through surveys were implemented to gather necessary
information on the awareness and social acceptability of the local residents and the UPLB
community. The survey method was different for the two surveys wherein a face to face
survey was conducted to solicit the awareness, and social acceptability of households
situated in the primary impact areas, while mixed methods of face-to-face and email survey
75
through Microsoft Forms was employed for the offices and departments within the
university as well as the Municipal Environment and Natural Resource Office and
Municipal Agriculture Office of the Local Government Unit of Los Baños. The selected
institutions were based on the sole criterion of being relevant to the proposed project.
For the household survey, a systematic sampling technique was employed
following the interval of every third (3rd) household. In any case that the household is
either unavailable or unwilling to participate in the survey, the next household was
interviewed. In addition, it was set that one respondent only per household will be
interviewed.
Using the Slovin’s formula, the sample size was calculated to be 100 using a 90%
confidence interval and 10% margin of error. Initially, the confidence level was 95% with
a total of 400 respondents, however, it was reduced due to resource limitations on the
ground.
Slovin formula:
𝑁
𝑛 =
1 + 𝑁𝑒 2
where: n = sample size
N = population size
e = margin of error
In terms of the online survey, a total of 15 institutions relevant to the project were
invited to accomplish the survey. The institutions were also asked to provide two to five
respondents, however, the survey resulted in a very low response rate with only six
(responses).
In terms of preliminary activities, coordination with the Municipality of Los Baños
and concerned barangays was also done to inform the local government units of the face-
to-face survey (Figure 50). The enumerators followed standard health and safety protocols
during the on-site activities.
76
Figure 50. Coordination activities with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU).
Prior to survey proper, the survey instrument was pilot tested at the University of
the Philippines Los Baños as well as in neighboring areas. Since the topic is technical, the
team translated the Filipino language (Annex W) into an English questionnaire (Annex X).
The comments and observations were then incorporated.
Figure 51. Pre-test of survey instrument.
The survey resulted in a total of 105 respondents interviewed (Figure 52). The
household survey was conducted in Barangays Batong Malake, Maahas, Tuntungin-Putho,
and San Antonio (Figure 50).
77
Figure 52. Household survey.
Figure 53. Map of 4 barangays included in the household survey.
The highest number of respondents belongs to Barangay San Antonio with 36
respondents (34.3%), which also has the highest household population among the four
barangays in the primary impact zone (Table 31). It was then followed by Barangay Batong
Malake with 29 respondents (27.6%), and Tuntungin-Putho with 21 respondents (20%).
Barangay Maahas, on the other hand, has the lowest percent sample due to the lowest
household population.
Table 31. Number of respondents per barangay.
78
Primary Impact Household Number of %
Area population samples
Batong Malake 3,494 29 27.6
Maahas 2,440 19 18.1
San Antonio 4,438 36 34.3
Tuntungin-Putho 2,583 21 20.0
TOTAL 12,956 105 100.0
Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Based on the result of the survey, the majority of the respondents are female
accounting to 76.2% of the total number interviewed while male respondents only
constituted the remaining 23.8%. As to civil status, 39% are married, 38% are single while
the rest of the categories only accounted from 1% to 8.6%. With regard to religion, majority
of the respondents (86.7%) are Roman Catholic, followed by Born Again (5.7%) and a
small percentage for Baptist and Islam.
Waste Disposal and Sanitation
When the household respondents were asked if they are practicing waste
segregation, an estimate of 93.3% answered “yes” while 6.7% responded “no”. As for the
frequency of segregation, 62.9% stated that they always segregate their wastes while 20%
do it most of the time. These results are approximately 80% of the total respondents, with
the remaining 20% distributed to sometimes practicing segregation (6.7 %), rarely
practicing segregation (1.9 %), never practicing segregation (8.6 %), and others (2.9 %).
Now, although a great percentage of the respondents have done segregation of waste, their
level of awareness to the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or Republic Act No. 9003
are distributed from aware to not aware at all, with 25.7% of the total respondents are not
aware at all and 29.5 % are somewhat aware. Cumulatively, 55% of the total respondents
fall on the uncertainty line (between not aware and not aware) while only 25.8% fall on the
certainty line (between always aware and highly aware).
For the sanitation survey, the respondents were asked in regards to their availability
and ownership of sanitation and toilet facilities. Based on the results, 94.3 % of the total
respondents have their own toilet facilities while 5.7 % stated that they do not. As to the
respondents that stated that they have their own facility, they were further asked what type
79
of facility they use, to which a total of 61 % use pail system, 37 % use flush system and 1
% use open pit systems.
Water sources and awareness
In the assessment of the water sources used by the respondents, 96.2% stated that
they are aware of the sources of water while 3.8% stated that they are not aware. The
respondents were then asked for the different water sources used for various activities such
as drinking, laundry, bathing, cooking, and cleaning. For drinking, approximately 50.5%
used mineral water and 30.5 % were sourced from the water district. Meanwhile, only 9.5%
used pump, deep well and groundwater. For laundry, a total of 77.1% used water district
and 17.1 % used groundwater. For bathing, 78.1% used water district and 16.2 % used
ground water. As for cooking, 4 major sources were used such as the water district which
is used by 77.1% of the total population, ground water with 15.2%, Mt. Makiling and
mineral water with both 1%. Lastly, for cleaning the common sources which are the water
district and ground water were used, with 78.1% of the total population using the water
district and 16.3% for ground water.
Awareness on the Philippine Genome Center Project

The results of the survey revealed that most of the households (92.4%) are not
aware of the proposed genome center. For those respondents who are aware of the project,
their sources of information are from the university, local government unit, and news. On
top of this, the majority of the households (88.6%) are also unaware of genetically modified
organisms (GMOs). For the respondents (11.4%) who are aware, the words that they could
associate with GMOs are artificial, negative, plants, and farming.
Additionally, the respondents were asked if they will consume genetically modified
organisms if given a chance. Approximately 83.8% of the respondents stated that they will
support the consumption of modified crops and foods as long as it is safe. Moreover, some
also mentioned that GMOs are well studied and well-researched; hence, they trust the
products of science. Affordability of GMOs is also stated as one of the reasons for the
possible consumption of households. On the other hand, some respondents are still hesitant
to consume GMOs because they perceive it as artificial and risky.
80
Potential effects of the Genome center project.
The respondents were asked to rate the different statements from 1 (completely
disagree) to 5 (completely agree). The effects were categorized into environmental, social,
and economic aspects wherein both positive and negative effects were considered. Roughly
65% of the respondents completely agreed that the positive environmental effects of the
project are improved crop varieties and food security (Figure 54). Additionally, nearly 50%
of the respondents expressed that they completely disagreed with the negative
environmental effects of the genome center (Figure 55). This implies that the households
perceived that the project would not result in the negative effects to the environment,
especially the reduction in water supply.
Figure 54. Positive environmental effects of the PGC-AGRI building project.
81
Figure 55. Negative environmental effects of the PGC-AGRI building project.
In terms of the social dimension of the genome center, about three-fourths of the
household respondents completely agreed that the project increases the accessibility as well
as the affordability of food and crops (Figure 56). In addition, the respondents responded
“completely disagree” when asked about the potential negative social effects of the genome
center (Figure 57). This means that they do not perceive that the project would contribute
to increasing the waste volume, health risks, and noise pollution.
Figure 56. Positive social effects of the PGC-AGRI building project.
82
Figure 57. Negative social effects of the PGC-AGRI building project.
In terms of economic aspect, the respondents perceived that the project can improve
livelihood opportunities and infrastructures as well as can increase production yield and
income particularly of those who have agriculture-related jobs (Figure 58). In contrast, the
respondents completely disagreed that the project would result in traffic congestion and
crowding of people (Figure 59).
Figure 58. Positive economic effects of the PGC-AGRI building project.
83
Figure 59. Negative economic effects of the PGC-AGRI building project.
Social Acceptability
The respondents were asked if they will be affected by the project and roughly
three-fourths (76.2%) of them stated that they will not be affected by the project. The
popular reason for this is that they perceived that the project site is far from their residence.
Another reason for their response is due to uncertainties with the project. Meanwhile, those
who responded that the proposed PGC-AGRI building will have effects on their household,
both positive and negative reasons were provided. Positively, some respondents mentioned
that the project will contribute to food security as well as in the development of the
agriculture sector. On the contrary, there were also other respondents who perceived that
they will be adversely affected by the possible flow of chemicals with water and air that
will further result in health concerns.
Given all the potential effects, the project has a high social acceptability in which
86.7% of the households expressed their support for the establishment and operation of the
PGC-AGRI building. In addition, the relevant institutions stated that the project is
acceptable. The major reason for support is the project will ensure food security and it will
be beneficial to the people of Los Baños. In addition, positive effects will outweigh the
negative effects to the community and other affected stakeholders. Interestingly, few
respondents simply expressed their support because they believed that the government still
holds the decision whether the project will be implemented or not, no matter what.
However, it is possible that high support of respondents may be attributed to low awareness
with the project.
84
On the other hand, there are also household respondents who are clearly against the
project, which constituted about 6.7%. Some of the reasons for non-support are mostly
uncertainty of the direct benefits to local communities as well as the presence of other
alternatives for food security other than the proposed genome center. Meanwhile, the
remaining 6.7% is uncertain about whether they will support the project because the
genome center is still new and unfamiliar to them.
85
Table 32. Impact Management Plan.
Project Phase/ Environmental Environmental Potential Impact Option for Prevention or Responsible Entity Cost Guarantee / Financial
Aspect Component Mitigation* or Enhancement Arrangement
(PhP)
Likely to be
(Project Activity which will
Affected
Likely Impact the
Environmental Component)
I. Pre-construction Phase
Environmental Aspect #1 Land Increase in solid waste Strict enforcement of Solid Contractor/ Grounds, Roads, Project Proponent
generation Waste Management Policy of and Garbage Maintenance
UPLB Section (GRGMS)
Environmental Aspect #2 People Increase in job Prioritize local residents for Contractor Project Proponent
opportunities employment
II. Construction Phase

Environmental Aspect #1 Land Increase in solid waste Strict enforcement of Solid Contractor and Grounds, Project Proponent
generation Waste Management Policy of Roads, and Garbage
UPLB Maintenance Section
(GRGMS)
Environmental Aspect #2 People Occurrence of accidents Hiring of safety officers Contractor/ University Project Proponent
Planning and Maintenance
Office (UPMO)/ Security
and Safety Office (SSO)
Environmental Aspect #3 Water Increase in sediment Containment of the sediments Contractor/ University Project Proponent
accumulation in the produced at the project site Planning and Maintenance
river Office (UPMO)/ Roads, and
Garbage Maintenance
Section (GRGMS)
86
(PhP)
Likely to be
Affected
Likely Impact the
Environmental Aspect #4 Air Increase in noise Selection of quiet equipment Contractor/ University PhP 5,500 Project Proponent
generation Planning and Maintenance per dBA
Office (UPMO)/ Grounds, savings
Roads, and Garbage when
Maintenance Section purchasing
(GRGMS) quieter
tools or
equipment
III. Operational Phase
Environmental Aspect #1 Land Increase in solid waste Strict enforcement of Solid Contractor/ Grounds, Roads, Project Proponent
generation Waste Management Policy of and Garbage Maintenance
UPLB Section (GRGMS)
Increase in energy Use of energy saving Contractor/ University Project Proponent

consumption equipment Planning and Maintenance
Office (UPMO)
Environmental Aspect #2 People Occurrence of accidents Hiring of safety officers Contractor/ University Project Proponent
Planning and Maintenance
Office (UPMO)/ Security
and Safety Office (SSO)
Environmental Aspect #3 Water Increase in biological Containment and treatment of Contractor/ Grounds, Roads, Project Proponent
oxygen demand (BOD), wastewater and Garbage Maintenance
phosphates, and nitrates Section (GRGMS)
87
(PhP)
Likely to be
Affected
Likely Impact the
Increase in water Use water saving urinals for Contractor/ University Project Proponent
consumption comfort room and Planning and Maintenance
establishment of wastewater Office (UPMO)
recycling facility
Decrease in aquatic Containment and treatment of Contractor/ Grounds, Roads, Project Proponent
flora and fauna wastewater and Garbage Maintenance
Section (GRGMS)
88
Table 33. Environmental Monitoring Plan with Environmental Quality Performance Level (EQPL).
Key Sampling and Measurement

Potential Annual EQPL Management Scheme
Environme Plan
Impact Parameter Estima
ntal Lead
for to be ted EQPL Range Management Measure
Aspects Freque Locati Person
Envt’l monitored Method Cost
per Project ncy on ALERT ACTIO LIMIT ALERT ACTION LIMIT
sector (Php)
Phase N
I. Pre-construction Phase
Land
Land Increase Volume of Solid Weekly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
clearing in solid solid waste waste site t increase increase increase the memorandum to of the contractor.
operation waste generation character from the from the from the contracto the contractors
generatio from the ization baseline baseline baseline r of the about the
n clearing data data data 25% alarming
operation increase increase of the
from the waste volume.
normal
waste
volume.
II. Construction Phase
Land
Earthwork Increase Volume of Solid Weekly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
s in solid solid waste waste site t increase increase increase the memorandum to of the contractor.
waste generation character from the from the from the contracto the contractors
from the ization r of the about the
25% alarming
89
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
generatio clearing baseline baseline baseline increase increase of the
n operation data data data from the waste volume.
normal
waste
volume.
People Accident, Health and Request Quarterl Project Proponen N/A Minor Major Severe Notice to Issuance of Suspension of the
and other incident of actual y site t incidents incidents incidents the memorandum to operation
health reports on health contracto the contractors
and safety the project and r of the about the
related site incident reported reported major
matter of reports minor incidents
the incidents
workers
90
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
Water Increase TDS/TSS Water Weekly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Containment of Suspension of the
in quality site t increase increase increase the the sediments operation.
sediment sampling from the from the from the contracto produced at the
accumulat using baseline baseline baseline r of the project site
ion in the multi- data data data 25%
river paramete increase
r probe from the
normal
TDS/TSS
values
91
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
Increase Average Monitori Monthly Project Contracto N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
in water water ng site r/ increase increase increase the memorandum to of the contractor.
consumpt consumptio Grounds, from the from the from the contracto the contractors
ion n Roads, average average average r of the about the
and water water water 25% alarming
Garbage consumpt consumpt consumpt increase increase of the
Maintena ion ion ion from the average water
nce average consumption
Section water
(GRGMS consumpt
) ion
Decrease Number of Field Monthly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Suspension of N/A
in aquatic flora and survey site t decrease decrease decrease the the operation
flora and fauna from the from the from the contracto
fauna baseline baseline baseline r of the
data data data 25%
decrease
from the
baseline
data.
Air Increase Level of Noise Daily Project Proponen PhP 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
in noise sound sampling site t 200,000 increase increase increase the memorandum to of the contractor.
generated .00 from the from the from the contracto the contractors
92
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
generatio baseline baseline baseline r of the about the
n data data data 25% alarming
increase increase of the
from the noise generation
normal
noise
generatio
n.
III. Operational Phase
Land Increase Volume of Solid Weekly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
in solid solid waste waste site t/ increase increase increase the memorandum to of the employees.
waste generation character Grounds, from the from the from the proponen the proponent
generatio from the ization Roads, baseline baseline baseline t of the about the
n clearing and data data data 25% alarming
operation Garbage increase increase of the
Maintena from the waste volume.
nce normal
Section waste
(GRGMS volume.
)
Increase Energy Monitori Monthly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
in energy consumptio ng of site t/ increase increase increase the memorandum to of the employees.
consumpt n monthly Universit from the from the from the proponen the proponent
ion y t of the about the
Planning 25% alarming
93
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
consump and baseline baseline baseline increase increase of the
tion Maintena data data data from the power
nce normal consumption
Office power
(UPMO) consumpt
ion
Increase Proponen
in t/
chemical Grounds,
waste Roads,
generatio and
n Garbage
Maintena
nce
Section
(GRGMS
)
People Accident, Health and Request Quarterl Project Proponen N/A Minor Major Severe Notice to Issuance of Suspension of the
and other incident of actual y site t/ incidents incidents incidents the memorandum to operation
health reports on health Universit proponen the proponent
and safety the project and y t of the about the
related site incident Planning reported reported major
matter of reports and minor incidents
the Maintena incidents
workers nce
Office
94
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
(UPMO)/
Security
and
Safety
Office
(SSO)
Water Increase Level of Water Monthly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Suspension of N/A
in BOD, quality site t/ increase increase increase the the operation.
biological phosphates, sampling Universit from the from the from the propone
oxygen and nitrates (grab y baseline baseline baseline nt of the
demand sampling Planning data data data 25%
(BOD), ) and increase
phosphate Maintena from the
s, and nce normal
nitrates Office baseline
(UPMO) data.
95
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
Increase Average Monitori Monthly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Issuance of Limit the working days
in water water ng site t/ increase increase increase the memorandum to of the proponent.
consumpt consumptio Universit from the from the from the proponen the proponent
ion n y average average average t of the about the
Planning water water water 25% alarming
and consumpt consumpt consumpt increase increase of the
Maintena ion ion ion from the average water
nce average consumption
Office water
(UPMO) consumpt
ion
Decrease Number of Field Monthly Project Proponen N/A 25% 50% 75% Notice to Suspension of N/A
in aquatic flora and survey site t decrease decrease decrease the the operation
flora and fauna from the from the from the proponen
fauna baseline baseline baseline t of the
data data data 25%
96
Environme Plan
ntal Lead
sector (Php)
Phase N
decrease
from the
baseline
data.
97
5. Biosafety Level 2 Guidelines
Biological and Physical Containment Practices Suitable to a Greenhouse which contains
experiments that involve recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule-containing plants
and plant-associated organisms (e.g., microorganisms, small animals). Purpose of
Containment: Avoid transmission of recombinant or synthetic nucleic acid molecule-
containing plant genome or associated materials.
Biosafety Level 2 for Plants
For experiment involving transgenic plants or plant-associated organisms which are:
(a) noxious weeds or can interbreed with noxious weed
(b) have genome of non-exotic infectious agents
(c) have detrimental impact to the environment
Important Note:
“Physical and Biological Containment for Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid
Molecule Research Involving Plants” supersedes “Physical containment for standard
laboratory experiments” (General) except if experiments are designed to grow in a
Laboratory with a General Biosafety Level.
1. Greenhouse Design
The floor of the greenhouse should be made of impervious materials such as concrete.
Windows and other openings may be open for ventilation. However, there should be a
screen to prevent the entrance of small flying animals. Barriers to prevent the entrance of
pollens and other small organisms are not required.
Exhaust Air Ventilation Systems (e.g, fans) can be used but should have measures to
prevent the entrance of small animals.
A containment room should be placed before the entrance to the greenhouse. This room
served as an additional barrier to limit the entrance and existence of contaminants and
organisms with the greenhouse.
2. Greenhouse Protocols
There should be protocols regarding the use of greenhouse. These protocols include the
following:
(a) Restricted Greenhouse Access. Access to the greenhouse shall be limited to
individuals who are currently conducting the experiments.
98
(b) Use of Signages. During an on-going experiment, signages should be posted stating
the person in-charge, plants used and other special consideration about the on-going
experiments (e.g., hazards, risks)
(c) Greenhouse Manuals. Should include safety practices and protocol, and the possible
consequences if they are not followed. Contingency plan in case of accident or released of
organisms
(d) Kept Records. Records of experiments, materials, organisms and accidents inside the
greenhouse should be kept.
(e) Decontamination and/or Inactivation of Experimental organisms. Experimental
organisms should be made biologically inactive before disposal. If the flooring of the
greenhouse has gravel or similar materials, this should be periodically treated to eliminate
the possibility of entrapped organisms. Decontamination of run-off water is not required.
(f) Control of Motile and Undesired Organisms. A protocol should be implemented to
Control of Motile and Undesired Organisms.
(g) Transfer of Materials in or out the green house. A protocol should be implemented
regarding the transfer of materials in and out the greenhouse.
(h) Decontamination of waste materials (e.g., use of autoclave)
Source: NIH Guidelines for Research involving Recombinant or Synthetic Nucleic Acid
Molecules (NIH guidelines) APRIL 2019
99
Photo Documentation
Figure 60. Water quality sampling (Midstream).
Figure 61. Water quality sampling (Upstream).
100
Figure 62. Coordination activities with the Barangay Local Government.
Figure 63. Pre-test of survey instrument.
Figure 64. Household survey.

REFERENCES
101
Allen, D. (2020). Birds of the Philippines. Barcelona: Lynx and Birdlife International Field
Guides.
Arizapa, J. L., Buendia, I. L. J., Buncag, M. J., Capunitan, M. J. D., De Guzman, A. M., Dela
Vega, J. M. A., Dela Vega, J. M. A., Hadji Salic, J. H., Lantican, J. A. G., Leones, J. A.
M., Ligalig, C., Lobite, N. J. S., Lopez, M. R. C., Macuroy, J. T., Magpantay, A. T.,
Malolos, G. A. S., Querubin, F. D., Ramoso, J. V. D., Santos, J. M., Santos, L. B. U.,
Sarmiento, B. G., Tun, Y., Wangdale, R. G. 2018. The University of the Philippines Los
Baños Environmental Management: A Programmatic Environmental Performance Report
and Management Plan (PEPRMP) Assessment (n.d.). Retrieved from kalikasan-
philippines.org: http://kalikasan-
philippines.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&catid=133&Itemi
d=470#:~:text=leucocephala%20occurs%20naturally%20in%20the,spread%20throughout
%20Asia%2DPacific%20region.
Bohol. D.O. 2015. Arthropods Community Structure Analysis Inhabiting Molawin Creek, Los
Baños, Laguna. Research Article of Graduate School, De La Salle University; Science
and Technology Research Center, De La Salle University, Taft Avenue, Manila, 1004
Philippines Pp. 1-4
Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) 2021, Sentinel 2 Land Use/Land Cover
Downloader. Retrieved from: Sentinel-2 Land Use/ Land Cover Downloader (arcgis.com)
Carating, R.B., R.G. Galanta, and C.D. Bacatio, (2014). The Soils of the Philippines.
Palomar, A. 2018. n/a [unpublished undergraduate thesis]. University of the Philippines –
Los Baños.
Gilfedder, M. (2016, June 23). Retrieved from https://ebird.org: https://ebird.org/species/nutman
Gowan, R. (2017, June 30). Retrieved from https://ebird.org: https://ebird.org/species/zebdov

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2022). Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/:
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
Lagulao, Taj (2021). Last sem’s undergrad enrollment up by 7%, despite problems with remote
learning. UPLB Perspective. Retrieved from:
https://uplbperspective.org/2021/01/23/last-sems-undergrad-enrollment-up-by-7-
despite-problems-with-remote-learning/
Lipa Series: General Profile Description. Retrieved from:

https://dbmp.philrice.gov.ph/soils/soilseries/lipa
LLDA (2022). LLDA | Official Website. Accessed July 15, 2022, from https://llda.gov.ph/ldb-and-
its-tributaries/.
Macandog, D. M., Lapitan, F. R., Laruya, J. M., Santos, T. M., Silapan, I. M., Dimalibot, R., . . .
Quinones, S. L. (2021). Updating of Makiling Biodiversity Information System
(MakiBIS) and Analysis of Biodiversity Data. BIODIVERSITAS, 211-226.
OUR-UPLB. (2022). Number of enrollees 2021-2022. Office of the University Registrar.
Paller, V. G., Corpuz, M. N., & Ocampo, P. P. (2011). Diversity and Distribution of Freshwater
Fish Assemblages in Tayabas River, Quezon (Philippines). Philippine Journal of
Science, 55-67.
Parcon, J. A., De Guzman, I. A., Andes, A. L., & De Chavez3, E. R. (2020). Preliminary Survey
of the Diversity and Community Assembly of Macroinvertebrates in the Watershed
Streams of Mount Makiling, Laguna, Philippines. Laksambuhay.
Philippine Statistics Authority (2015). Census of Population and Housing.
Polizon J. J. A., Nacorda 1J.O.O and Goss. M. R., 2015. Species richness of microalgae in
Molawin creek, Los Baños, Laguna. DSSU Multidisciplinary Research Journal Vol. 3.
Pp. 83-87
102
Roa, A. J., Antong, A. G., Favor, C. C., Elpedes, D. A., Oca, G. M., Villeza, J. M., . . . Sugay, R.
(2018). Environmental Performance Report and Management Plan (EPRMP) UPLB
University Animal Farm.
Stuart Jr., G. U. (2018, April). Philippine Medicinal Plant. Retrieved from

http://www.stuartxchange.org: http://www.stuartxchange.org/IndianTree.html
Trainor, C. (2011, August 07). Retrieved from https://ebird.org: https://ebird.org/species/colkin1
103
ANNEXES
104
ANNEX A. Letter Request to OVCPD for Data Acquisition
105
Annex B. Letter Request to Agromet Station for Data Acquisition
106
Annex C. Letter Request to UPLB Security and Safety Office for Data Acquisition
107
Annex D. Letter Request to Office of the University Registrar
108
ANNEX E. Letter Coordination to MLGU and BLGU
109
\
110
ANNEX F. Response Letter from Los Baños LGU
111
ANNEX G. Certification from Barangay Batong Malake
112
ANNEX H. AMTEC Permission Letter
113
ANNEX I. BIOTEC Permission Letter
114
ANNEX J. ERBD Permission Letter
115
ANNEX K. FBS Permission Letter
116
ANNEX L. FPRDI Permission Letter
117
ANNEX M. IAF Permission Letter
118
ANNEX N. ICropS Permission Letter
119
ANNEX O. IPB Permission Letter
120
ANNEX P. IRNR Permission Letter
121
ANNEX Q. IRRI Permission Letter
122
ANNEX R. IWEP Permission Letter
123
ANNEX S. MCME Permission Letter
124
ANNEX T. NCPC Permission Letter
125
ANNEX U. OVCPD Permission Letter
126
ANNEX V. SESAM Permission Letter
ANNEX W. SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE (TAGALOG)
127
128
129
130
131
ANNEX X. SAMPLE QUESTIONNAIRE (ENGLISH)
132
133
134
135
136

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Alducente, Angela Marie S.

Mark Dondi M. Arboleda, PhD.

I. Brief Project Description 1

1. Basic Project Information 2

2. Description of the EIA Process 2

2.1. Terms of Reference of the EIA 2

2.2. The EIA Team 3

2.3. The EIA Study Area 7

2.4. The EIA Methodology 8

3.1. Project Location, Area, ECA Category 9

3.2. Project Rationale 10

3.3. Project Cost 11

3.4. Project Duration 11

3.5. Project Development Plan, Process/Technology and Project 11

4.1.2. Land Use 15

4.1.3. Soil Type 15

4.1.4. Geologic Hazards 17

4.1.5. Flood Hazard 18

4.1.6. Traffic Route from UPLB Gate to the Project Site 19

4.1.7. Solid Waste 20

4.1.8. Terrestrial Biology 22

Tree Biodiversity in Terrestrial Ecosystem of UPLB Near the 23

Other Vegetation (Grasses and Weeds) 25

4.2.1. Water Quality 35

4.2.2. Water Consumption 36

4.2.3. Freshwater Biology 37

Aquatic Species in Molawin Creek 37

Arthropods Community Structure Analysis Inhabiting 40

4.3.1. Climate Type 42

4.3.2. Local Weather Condition 43

4.3.2.3. Relative Humidity 49

4.3.2.4. Wind Direction and Wind Speed 51

4.3.3. Air Quality 53

4.3.4. Noise Level 56

4.4.1. Primary Impact Zone 63

4.4.2. Secondary Impact Zone 66

4.4.2.1. Socio-Demographic Characteristics 66

4.4.2.1.1. Historical Background of Los Baños 66

4.4.2.1.3. Historical Growth of Barangay Population 67

4.4.2.1.4. Household Population 68

4.4.2.1.5. Land Area and Population Density of Los 69

4.4.2.1.7. Age-Sex Distribution (2015) 70

4.4.2.1.8. Educational Attainment (2015) 70

4.4.2.1.9. Major Occupation 71

4.4.2.1.10. Waste Management 72

4.4.2.1.11. Health and Sanitation 73

4.4.2.1.12. Legislation and Regulatory Consideration 73

4.4.3. Tertiary Impact Zone 74

4.4.4. Awareness and Social Acceptability of the local residents 74

Demographic Profile of the Respondents 78

Waste Disposal and Sanitation 78

Water Sources and Awareness 79

Awareness on the Philippine Genome Center Project 79

Potential Effects of the Genome Center Project 80

5. Biosafety Level 2 Guidelines 97

Biosafety Level 2 for Plants 97

Table 1. The EIA Methodology 8

Table 2. List of emergency response units and their contact information. 19

Table 3. Quarterly solid waste generation of UPLB from 2012 to 2018. 20

with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)

Table 5. The different types of weeds present in the area 25

Table 6. Arthropod population as number of species and individuals 28