GROUP 5

Lavadia, Julianne Mae S.

Lomibao, Raneniel S.
Luneta, John Lenard E.
Macaraeg, Karylle Ann E.

Research Proposal

Topic 1:
Proposed Title: Analysis of Rainfall Variability and Water Supply Disparities in Metro Manila

Rationale:

The study of rainfall variability's impact on water supply disparities in rapidly growing
Metro Manila is of paramount importance. As the population surges, it intensifies the strain on
existing water resources and distribution systems (Jury & Vaux, 2005). The 2021 report from
the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) highlights the uneven distribution
of water supply in the country due to rainfall variability, coupled with the diverse geographical
features of the Philippines. Rapid population and economic growth have further exacerbated
the challenge, with available water supply falling short of meeting the increasing demands
(National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), 2021). Rainfall, a pivotal element in
the region's hydrology, significantly influences water availability for agriculture, industry,
domestic use, and power generation. Research on rainfall variability is thus crucial for
addressing climate-related hazards like droughts and floods(Chikozho, 2010; O. A et al.,
2021).

With Metro Manila's increasing urban landscape, understanding the dynamics of

rainfall and its implications for water resources is essential for ensuring long-term sustainability
and resilience (O’Connell, 2017). The challenges posed by population growth and the
unpredictability of rainfall patterns necessitate research that can inform strategic measures to
secure a reliable and equitable water supply for the city's residents while fortifying its ability to
withstand the impact of a changing climate.

References:
Chikozho, C. (2010). Applied social research and action priorities for adaptation to
climate change and rainfall variability in the rainfed agricultural sector of Zimbabwe.
Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, 35(13–14).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2010.07.006

Jury, W. A., & Vaux, H. (2005). The role of science in solving the world’s emerging
water problems. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States
of America, 102(44). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0506467102

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). (2021). Philippine Water

Supply and Sanitation Master Plan.
 O. A, F., A. G, O., & S. C, N. (2021). Parametric Analysis of Rainfall Variability Over
Some Selected Locations in Nigeria. International Journal of Climate Research, 5(1).
https://doi.org/10.18488/journal.112.2021.51.35.48

O’Connell, E. (2017). Towards Adaptation of Water Resource Systems to Climatic and

Socio-Economic Change. Water Resources Management, 31(10).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11269-017-1734-2

Topic 2:

Proposed Title: Impact Assessment of Water Privatization and Sanitation in Residential

Areas in Caloocan City

Rationale:

Securing safe water for drinking, hygiene, and other human operations is a necessity
for a functioning society. From a UNICEF report in 2017, access to basic water services in the
Philippines has been unbalanced and at least 62% of those living in regional communities
have no secured water resources. Factors such as climate change, urbanization, population
growth, etc. are investigated for threatening global water resources. Although there are recent
improvements in strategies and practices, its implementation remains limited and so, water
security is an area to be studied and investigated as it ensures sustainability and global
development (Mishra et al., 2021).

This study aims to investigate the impact of water and sanitation privatization (WatSan)
in Metro Manila that started in 1997 where water distribution was split between two companies:
Manila Water and Maynilad. Based on a study by Doczi (2012), a considerable difference
between the service outputs of the two companies was concluded; and stated that sanitation
in (WatSan) provides a significance on the populace's overall well-being. However, further
study must be conducted to strengthen its impact in terms of water security.

References:
The impact of privatisation on the sustainability of water Resources | IWA Publishing. (n.d.).

https://www.iwapublishing.com/news/impact-privatisation-sustainability-water-

resources

Mishra, B. K., Kumar, P., Saraswat, C., Chakraborty, S., & Gautam, A. (2021). Water

security in a changing environment: concept, challenges and solutions. Water, 13(4),

490. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13040490

Doczi, J. (2012). Water and Sanitation Privatisation in Metro Manila: An Impact Evaluation

of Service Provider Assignment on Health, Education, and Wealth Outcomes, from

1997–2007. University of East Anglia.

Two billion people lack safe drinking water, more than twice lack safe sanitation. (n.d.).

https://www.unicef.org/philippines/press-releases/two-billion-people-lack-safe-

drinking-water-more-twice-lack-safe-

sanitation#:~:text=In%20the%20Philippines%2C%2091%25%20of,from%2062%25

%20to%20100%25.

Topic 3:

Proposed Title: Stormwater Management Modeling in “Sponge City” Construction: Current

State and Future Directions

Rationale:

The Philippines suffers from floods every year due to its geographical location.
According to the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), the Philippines has an average of
18-20 typhoons every year, five of which are destructive, and is one of the most frequently
affected countries worldwide. From previous year, floods have been recurrent in the
Philippines which contributes to the country being first and has the highest score in World Risk
Index (WRI), which assesses sea level rise, for being the most-disaster-prone countries
worldwide, being one of the indicator is the cause of coastal flooding(Igini, 2013). In 2013,
China introduced the concept of “Sponge City” to solve the problems of increasing local
flooding, water shortage, and water pollution caused by the traditional model of urban
development (Zhang et al, 2018). Sponge City is a concept rooted in practices in western
countries aimed at collecting and reusing 65–90% of urban rainfall. The application consists
of absorbent infrastructures such as green roofs and rain gardens combined with the pre-
existing urban environment (Jin et al, 2021). With the Philippines facing water scarcity and
severity of flood, stormwater management just like sponge city could be adopted and
implemented to combat the current problems in the country. Leading climate change expert
Dr. Jay Gonzalez III promotes the Sponge City Design for Cagayan de Oro and other cities
that are plagued with urban flooding. Additionally, for him, without mitigation, the increasing
rainfall volume and flood issues will affect planting and harvesting including sewage problems
making the cities susceptible to high danger.

References:

Recent typhoons in the Philippines. (n.d.). Worlddata.info.

https://www.worlddata.info/asia/philippines/typhoons.php#:~:text=With%20about%2

018%20to%2020,and%20severely%20affected%20countries%20worldwide

Igini, M. (2023). Christmas Floods in the Philippines Kill At Least 51, Dozens Still Missing.

Earth.Org. https://earth.org/floods-in-the-
 philippines/#:~:text=Floods%20have%20been%20recurrent%20in,as%20one%20of%

20its%20indicators

Zhang, S., Li, Y., Ma, M., Song, T., & Song, R. (2018). Storm water management and flood

control in Sponge City construction of Beijing. Water, 10(8), 1040.

https://doi.org/10.3390/w10081040

Jin, M., Lancia, M., Tian, Y., Viaroli, S., Andrews, C. B., Liu, J., & Chen, K. (2021).

Hydrogeological criteria to improve the sponge city strategy of China. Frontiers in

Environmental Science, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2021.700463