Watershed Management Research in the Philippines: Needs and Priorities

Cruz, R.V.O. 2001. In: Integrated Watershed Development Management in Asia: Training and Research Needs and Priorities (G.B. Thapa, G.P. Shivakoti, M. Zoebisch, G.S. Paudel, and R. Neupane, Eds.). Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand. 190pp.

The primary concern of watershed management is to organize and guide the use of land and other watershed resources to ensure the sustainability of water, soil and the flux of watershed goods and services. The task is never easy even when there is only one resource to consider, but it is definitely simpler than having to deal with a watershed where resources and users are numerous and diverse. In most watersheds in the Philippines, management is complicated not only by the intricate relationships of the various watershed resource values to different users. A watershed manager has to contend with the usually opposing and competing interests in the watershed resources. This is a daunting responsibility that normally entails balancing the demands for watershed resource protection and socio-economic development, and harmonizing the efforts to undertake varying productive activities.

Cruz, R.V.O., L.A. Bugayong and P.C. Dolom. 2000. In: Economic Instruments for the Makiling Forest Reserve. College of Forestry and Natural Resources, College of Economics and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños and Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc. College, Laguna, Philippines.

Water prices generally reflect only the costs of bringing the water to the tap. Like in other parts of the country, the fees for water use do not include the cost of actually protecting and managing the source watersheds and therefore tend to underestimate the true value of water as a capital source. The under-valuation of water has virtually made raw water a free commodity and hardly discourages its wasteful use. Consequently, water resource in many parts of the country deteriorated quickly. The situation is aggravated by the insufficiency of public funds to rehabilitate and protect the watersheds.  The need to institute reform in the water resource is now recognized by the national government. A bill pending in the Senate, calling for the creation of the Water Resources Authority of the Philippines (WRAP), identifies the need to charge water users for the protection of the watershed resources all over the country. Once approved, the Bill will legitimise the imposition of watershed protection fee on water consumption − that will address both inefficiency in water use and the need for environmental financing. 

The study aimed to develop and MBI that will reflect a more accurate pricing scheme for water that will encourage more efficient use of water and generate funds for the protection and development of MFR watersheds.

Cadeliña, M.C., R.V.O. Cruz, and D.M. Ramirez. 2000. (The Basis Watershed, Philippines Experience). Asia Pacific Journal on Environment and Development 7 (2): 39-60.

The purpose of this study is to  find out what type of tenure arrangement motivates people to rehabilitate and eventually manage a degraded watershed in Bais City, Negros Oriental, Philippines. There were three variables considered for the framework of analysis: economic, socio-cultural and ecological. There were seven tenure types/instruments in existence and utilized in the two study barangays (Brgy. Mabunaao and Brgy. Panalaan) of Bais City. These are the Integrated Social Forestry (ISF)/Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC), (Leasehold Contract) (LH), Emancipation Patent (EP)/Certificate of Land Transfer (CLT), Free Patent (FP)Original Certificate of Title (OCT), Tax Rent (TR)/(Ttax declaration), Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), and Share-Crop Tenancy (SCT). Of the seven types, CSC provides the greatest motivation to tenure holders occupying the timberland of Mabunao and Panalaan in terms of economic and socio-cultural aspects. The primary factors considered were: their attendance at most of the environmental seminars and workshops conducted by the CSC program of DENR, DA, LGUs and NGOs and their relatively higher income attributed to the soil-water conservation measures (including agroforestry facilitated by CSC proponents and NGOs) they have adopted for their farms. They have also the highest motivation to rehabilitate and manage the watershed since they are better informed compared with other tenure holders identified in the study. They are still hopeful that their CSC will be converted to a permanent land title, although this was not recorded as a reason for their low motivation to change or revise their tenure instrument. The good showing of the CSC holders stems from the provisions integrated in the tenure instrument. Other types of tenure instruments utilized on A and D lands should likewise integrate the watershed management strategies to provide the necessary incentive. This strategy as well as the provision for the necessary technical and financial assistance and more importantly a permanent tenure can make an ideal tenure instrument that will provide the necessary motivation to rehabilitate and manage the watershed.

Guidelines for Watershed Management and Development in the Philippines

Cruz, R.V.O., S.R. Saplaco, R.D. Lasco, F.B. Pulhin, and M.B. Avanzado.  1999.  PCARRD-DOST, FMB-DENR, DA and FDC-ENFOR-CFNR-UPLB.  Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.

This guidebook  presents a comprehensive discussion of the general and specific guidelines for the preparation and implementation of watershed management plans consistent with the current thrusts of the DENR and as embodied in the Philippine Strategy for Improved Watershed Resources Management crafted through the Watershed Management Improvement Component of the Water Resources Development Project.  Not only will this material promote the general awareness on the basic concepts, principles, and guidelines but it will also enhance the technical capability for sustainable watershed management.

Integrated Land Use Planning and Sustainable Watershed Management

Cruz. R.V.O. 1999.  Journal of Philippine Development 26 (1):27-49.

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the key issues and concerns regarding sustainable watershed management in the Philippines. Emphasis will be on the various requisites of sustainable watershed management, sharply focusing on the critical roles of land use planning. 

It is expected that the ensuing discussion can lead to a better understanding of the topics discussed and contribute to an improved operationalization of a truly sustainable watershed management in the country.

The Watershed as a Planning Unit: A Challenge to Regional Planning

Cruz, R.V.O. 1999.  Philippine Planning Journal 19 (1): 19-24.

This paper focuses on the use of the watershed as a planning unit. It discusses the basic concepts in watershed management and highlights its relevance to regional planning. The justifications for the use of the watershed as a planning unit are also presented along with the essential requirements for an effective and efficient use of the watershed as a unit for planning. 

This paper hopes to further spur the interest of planners in watershed management and its use as a planning unit. Conservation of watersheds will become the primary concern of every individual including the economic sector.

Watershed management and food security: policy issues and concerns

Cruz, R.V.O. 1999. Watershed management and food security: policy issues and concerns. In: Food Security in the Philippines. (M.M. Paunlagni and L.S.  Cabanilla, Eds.). Center for Policy and Development Studies - UPLB and Center for Integrative Development Studies - UP, Diliman.

This paper has three purposes. One is to reiterate and clarify why and how the concepts and practices of watershed management can contribute in attaining food security. Another is to enumerate and describe the various issues and concerns in the management of Philippine watersheds. The third purpose of this paper is to propose relevant agenda for policy reform, research and development in watershed management which can help improve the production, availability and accessibility of food resources to all sectors of the Philippine society.

Watershed Management in the Philippines: A Vital Concern Crying for Integration

Cruz, R.V.O. 1997.  Philippine Forestry Policy Forum 3 (1): 1-5.

In general, watershed management in the Philippines is sectoral in nature.  Consequently, many policies often overlap and lose their efficacy in disarray.  This arose from the many different uses of watershed areas through the years.  Many of these uses are often conflicting and competing for the limited watershed resources. As a result, various watersheds or water-related sectors all trying to protect their own interests emerged.  The lack of integrated framework has compounded and continues to aggravate the disintegration of watershed management in the country.