Stage 3: Consultation, feedback, and interest

8-Oct-21

Meeting with Boskalis

Discuss alignment of initiatives in the North Manila Bay area, flood protection measures, data sharing

There is principal alignment between the “BwN landscape proposition” project and Boskalis EIS efforts.

[28]

Boskalis is interested in combining the NMIA project with coastline restoration but is uncertain whether the current dredged materials can be used due to time constraints.

Boskalis doubts if restoring mudflats with dredged materials is efficient (financially) as it is hard to reach the shoreline with jumbo dredging vessels (draught 13 meters).

The Biodiversity Action Plan for NMIA will be finished soon. It is unclear whether San Miguel will publish it publicly.

DENR is making its own biodiversity offsetting plan for NMIA.

13-Oct-21

Meeting with NEDA Region 3

Discuss NEDA's ongoing and planned projects in the North Manila Bay area, data sharing

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[29]

The New Manila International Airport is currently undergoing assessment by NEDA.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

All projects should pass through the Regional Development Council (RDC).

20-Oct-21

Meeting with DENR-MBCO

Discuss ongoing and planned projects in the North Manila Bay area, interphase with other government agencies, requirements and permits needed from DENR

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[30]

Dredging is ongoing in Marilao under the initiative of DENR and Tullahan RIver by San Miguel Corporation.

Mangrove planting is ongoing in Bulacan and Bataan, under DENR-Region 3.

Dredging in Manila Bay is already complete.

DENR is planning to dredge the Meycauayan River in 2022.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

DENR coordinates with the 13 mandamus agencies through their regional offices.

Flood control projects are with DPWH due to the Mandamus.

The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan for Region 3 is available.

The EMB issues the EEC for dredging. The EMB should assess the dredged materials before disposal.

The Philippine Coast Guard issues the Permit to Dispose.

Dredged materials are disposed of in the West Philippine Sea.

21-Oct-21

Meeting with ABB-BP

Discuss ongoing and planned flood protection projects in member LGUs

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[31]

Each municipality has its own plan.

There is a road upgrading project in Hagonoy, Bulacan, and small river walls from other LGUs.

DPWH is currently constructing a dike project in Paombong, Bulacan.

There is ongoing dredging of the Meycauayan River in connection with the NMIA undertaken by SMC.

There is no plan encompassing the coastline of Pampanga and Bulacan and no centralized flood protection projects for ABB-BP LGUs.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

BFAR, DENR, DPWH, NEDA, and ABBP-BP are key stakeholders in the flood protection project.

DWPH Region 3 is the primary implementor for flood protection projects.

Suggestion to identify priority LGUs instead of coordinating with all 10 ABB-BP members LGUs.

Suggested priority LGUs: Calumpit, Hagonoy, Masantol, and Macabebe.

Malolos Mayor is also amenable to implementing a flood protection project.

26-Oct-21

Meeting with DPWH Central Office

Discuss DPWH's ongoing and planned projects in the North Manila Bay area, interphase with other government agencies, data sharing

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[32]

DPWH Region 3 is currently implementing the Pampanga River Delta Project Masterplan.

DPWH submitted an unsolicited proposal from SMC to NEDA Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) on the Manila Bay Expressway. The project was put on hold due to non-compliance with ECC components.

DPWH solicited a San Miguel Corporation (SMC) proposal on the Integrated Airport Toll Expressway Network (IATEN).

DPWH will confirm the progress of the dike project in Masokol, Bulacan, under the TRAIN Program. RHDHV is willing to collaborate if the project is ongoing and if a redesign of the dike can be considered.

DPWH Region 3 will request a list of projects from Unified Project Management Office – Flood Control Management Cluster (UPMO-FCMC), particularly for Bataan and Pampanga, to share with RHDHV.

DPWH has not identified any significant projects within the Manila Bay Area.

DPWH Region 3 & 4-A have small-scale projects related to tributaries discharging to Manila Bay.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

All DPWH projects are centralized and sent to the central office for funding considerations.

Usually, projects are based on masterplans. DPWH will conduct an assessment in alignment with the masterplans.

There are also instances where LGUs and other government agencies initiate projects.

Under the Manila Bay Mandamus, MMDA is the lead agency for Manila Bay Rehabilitation projects.

According to DWPH, in Region 8, nature-based solutions were seen as helpful compared to the usual engineering projects experienced during Typhoon Yolanda.

4-Nov-21

Meeting with DENR Region 3

Discuss ongoing and planned projects in the North Manila Bay area, interphase with other government agencies, permitting processes, data sharing

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[33]

In Hagonoy, Bulacan, DENR Region 3 proposed an 80-hectare mangrove plantation and rehabilitation program. The challenge encountered in the area is the sea level rise. They also confirmed that there are already mangroves in the navigation channels of their fisherfolks.

DENR Region 3 conducted a feasibility study, in collaboration with MGB Region 3, to develop a silt containment area for shoreline nourishment in Masukol, Paombong, Bulacan. The facility has an area ranging from 65 to 73 hectares with an estimated cost of less than Php 50 million. The project is still currently being presented to potential contractors and the main office for funding approval.

DENR-EMB conducts monthly water quality monitoring in the coastline to track the faecal coliform level and other parameters.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

In securing ECC, the proponents are required to conduct public consultations. DENR-EMB is the responsible agency in ECC issuance.

DENR Region 3 confirmed that there is no declared environmentally critical area (ECA) in the foreshore area of Manila Bay.

For funding purposes, the proposed project of RHDHV should first be presented to the DENR regional office. The regional office in turn will endorse the project to the DENR main office for approval.

The permit issuance is dependent on the project cost since the regional office has limits, and for large projects, permits will be secured from the main office.

5-Nov-21

Meeting with DPWH Region 3

Discuss ongoing and planned DPWH projects in the North Manila Bay area, interphase with other government agencies, permitting processes, data sharing

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[34]

In 2020, DPWH Region 3 constructed revetment works in Paombong, particularly in Barangays Masukol and Santa Cruz; projects in the upstream areas of Meycauayan and Balagtas; and conducted feasibility studies in rivers within Malolos and Meycauayan.

DPWH Region 3 has revetment and bridge works in Masantol, Macabebe and Sasmuan.

There are also projects in the Angat River, Pamawaran river, and Malolos river.

DPWH has a bypass project in Lubao, Guagua, Minalin, and Santo Tomas.

There is a proposal for the dredging in Hagonoy downstream of Pamawaran River under the inter-agency task force of DENR, DILG, DPWH, and DOTr.

In the Pampanga River, there are proposed dredging projects. However, the proponents backed out. DPWH Region 3 is looking for other proponents.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

Some projects of DPWH Region 3 are in collaboration with DENR, DILG, and DOTr, particularly dredging projects in rivers.

Projects of DPWH Region 3 are based on feasibility studies conducted by other agencies/entities.

The DPWH Main Office approves funding for projects.

DPWH Region 3 can assist RHDHV during the pilot period in terms of proposing a budget to their main office since DPWH’s main office is the one who approves funding for projects.

The budget ranges from Php 100 to 300 million if it is a regional project and below Php 100 million for continuing/by-pass projects.

8-Nov-21

Meeting with San Miguel Corporation

Discuss the status of New Manila International Airport, including construction schedule, flood protection measures, social and environmental studies

SMC is currently developing a 15-km access channel to convey the dredging vessels that will supply the necessary resources for the platform.

[35]

SMC will soon start with the formation of land for the airport, with an area of 1,700 hectares (the island footprint is 2,500 hectares).

Physical construction will start in December 2021 for the filling of land. Once Phase 1 is completed by the 3rd Quarter of 2022, initial works for the airport will follow. Airport ground construction will also be conducted around that time. Target completion is early 2026.

In April 2022, SMC will conduct river dredging to mitigate flooding in four Bulacan River Basin rivers, namely Taliptip, Pampanga, Sta. Maria, and Meycauayan Rivers. These rivers will be deepened and widened.

SMC will conduct slope protection and biodiversity offsetting.

Before 2021 ends, the mitigation strategies for social and environmental impact will be completed.

Regarding land subsidence, SMC’s consultant mentioned that the problem could be addressed through ground improvement.

10-Nov-21

Meeting with BFAR

Discuss ongoing and planned projects in the North Manila Bay area, interphase with other government agencies, data sharing

Projects in North Manila Bay Area:

[36]

BFAR provides technical assistance to LGUs on the establishment of protected areas.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) requested for an expansion of the South Harbor, and BFAR gave their approval since the project area is relatively small; it met two of the criteria set by BFAR, namely: (1) preservation of marine biodiversity and fisheries; and (2) navigation channel.

In the New Manila Airport project, BFAR was excluded from the discussion, hearings, and scoping maybe since the airport will be built on land and not part of the municipal waters.

Out of 11 Fisheries Lease Agreements (FLAs), nine have already been cancelled, and the remaining two are in the process of cancellation.

Interphase with Other Agencies:

For activities beyond fisheries, permission from the LGU must be secured since they have complete jurisdiction over municipal waters.

The DENR-Land Management Bureau designates abandoned areas to be alienable and disposable.

After the cancellation of the FLAs, the following process is a reversion to DENR, which is the responsible agency for mangroves.

With the cancellation of the FLAs by BFAR, LGUs have the misconception that they can claim these abandoned lands and have them titled. This was observed in some Bulacan LGUs that had lands covered by cancelled FLAs. BFAR has no documents proving they cancelled and transferred the land titles to the LGUs.

Under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147), jurisdiction over marine species (flora and fauna) is under BFAR except for dugongs and turtles, while land-based flora and fauna are within the scope of DENR. Mangrove areas converted to fishponds are also under the scope of DENR.

12-Jan-22

Meeting with NEDA Central Office and Region 3

Discuss findings, recommended nature-based solutions and pilot locations.

MBSDMP will be presented to the members of the Manila Bay Task Force within the first quarter of 2022 for further adaptations.

[37]

Explore possible implementing and funding arrangements.

Possible implementing agencies are DPWH and DENR. Coordination or agreement between these two agencies will be needed. DPWH is normally more interested in hard infrastructure instead of nature-based solutions. Meanwhile, DENR could be more interested in nature-based solutions.

NEDA can advocate for this project and assist in convincing the agencies. Proof of effectiveness or benefits of nature-based solutions could be presented to the implementing agencies to have a more convincing proposal.

LGUs are not the main implementor since the project goes beyond their jurisdictions. Nonetheless, LGUs should still be involved and could champion the project to the national agencies. It may be harder to convince municipal LGUs for this project. Provincial LGUs could be tapped together with the DPWH District Engineer Office.

Richer LGUs could have access to funds from national government projects. Poorer LGUs have more difficulty in securing funding because of a lack of technical staff to deal with these kinds of projects. Provincial government could be tapped to assist smaller or poorer LGUs.

NEDA can assist in the preparation of master plans. NEDA does not have allocated funds for master planning activities for 2022. For the MBSDMP, NEDA does not have to continue funding

14-Jan-22

Meeting with DENR MBCO, Region 3, EMB, and Bulacan PENRO

Discuss findings, recommended nature-based solutions and pilot locations.

MBCO is more concerned with the portion of Manila Bay located in Metro Manila.

[38]

Explore possible implementing and funding arrangements.

Bulacan PENRO listed some of their ongoing projects as follows: (a) river cleanups conducted by hired rangers; (b) removal of silt mixed with garbage along Meycauayan River; and (c) water quality monitoring along the coastline from Obando to Hagonoy, in coordination with EMB Region 3.

The dredged silt is deposited in small vacant lots near the river. LGUs do not utilize the dumped silt except to fill up the vacant lots. The lots are private property so permitting is not done.

On the permits required in the proposed removal of dikes along the Pampanga River outfall to allow sediment accumulation, MGB and LGUs should be consulted. The sustainable development masterplans of the province or LGUs could also be consulted. On the environmental assessment aspect, EMB is concerned, but MGB is the main agency concerned.

For the breakwaters where dredged sediments from the river are proposed to be reused, permits from MGB, DENR, and EMB are needed. An ECC is required if this is implemented in large scale.

25-Jan-22

Meeting with BFAR Region 3

Discuss findings, recommended nature-based solutions and pilot locations.

There is no updated inventory of fishponds to identify unutilized ones. The last inventory undertaken was in 2015.

[41]

Explore possible implementing and funding arrangements.

Another meeting can be arranged to discuss the process of reversing the Fishpond Lease Agreements (FLAs).

31-Jan-22

Meeting with DENR MGB

Discuss findings, recommended nature-based solutions and pilot locations.

In terms of coastal protection, MGB mentioned two current programs: (a) coastal vulnerability assessment and (b) offshore mineral resources of the Philippines. Around 470 municipalities are to be covered by the coastal vulnerability assessment by the end of 2023. MGB looks at shoreline shift, coastal bathymetry, and morphology in order to generate coastal vulnerability maps.

[42]

Explore possible implementing and funding arrangements

In relation to the flood protection strategy, MGB has more expertise in the geological and physical aspects. The biological and ecological aspects must be interrelated since Nature-based solutions are an ecological-based approach.

There are existing models to predict sediment patterns and geomorphic indicators in Manila Bay. Circulation patterns can predict the fate of sediments flushed from river outfall.

Regarding dredging in North Manila Bay rivers, the dredging permit is issued by DPWH as the lead agency in collaboration with MGB. The EIA specifies the line of program that indicates where the dredged materials are dumped. MGB is not completely aware of the content of the EIA of these dredging projects since EMB is the agency that monitors the ECC. For dredging activities with commercial utilization of the dredged materials:

·    For areas less than 5 has., permit application is directed to the Provincial or City Mining Regulation Board.

·    For areas between 5 and 20 has., permit application is directed to the MGB Regional Director.

·    For areas greater than 20 has., approval of the DENR Secretary is needed If the dredged materials will not be commercially utilized.

On the re-use of dredged sediments, dredging activities should have an incorporated EIA which specifies the fate of the dredged materials. This matter is mainly handled by EMB.

On the removal of dikes along the Pampanga River outfall, DENR EMB normally requires an EIA. This will pass through MGB. In principle, any infrastructure project should include an Engineering Geology and Geohazard Assessment (EGGA), as required by DENR AO 2000-28.

4-Feb-22

Meeting with DPWH Central Office

Discuss findings, recommended nature-based solutions and pilot locations.

DPWH has plans of implementing nature-based solutions, including putting a buffer for the rivers. But they need to pay for the right-of-way, especially from private owners.

[43]

Explore possible implementing and funding arrangements

DPWH suggested that there should be a holistic model or simulation to show the effect of the solutions on flooding as a whole or locally. This will show the effectiveness of the proposed nature-based solutions and determine the priority level of each element.

DPWH also stated that if there are some lacking elements in the plan, then it should also show its effect on the overall proposed nature-based solution system. The priority level/rank of each solution must be noted. Economic evaluation must be determined if this is already in the feasibility stage.

DPWH also has ongoing projects in the Macabebe deltas. There are proposed river dredging zones with DENR for Angat river, Hagonoy river, etc. River widening proposed for NMIA can be considered for the project (Meycauayan river). RHDHV clarified that they already had previous discussions with SMC regarding the said rivers and confirmed that dredging is the main project in those areas.

Dredged materials are recycled for dike construction. There are still other plans to consider for the proper disposal or recycling of dredged materials.

Removal of dikes must be backed-up with data and results of studies to check if it will benefit the community in terms of flooding. This is because the community might suffer short-term problems while the removal is ongoing.

If nature-based solutions are part of the master plan for this area, they will only implement within their respective mandates. Appropriate agencies must also be contacted independently for the solutions which are more applicable to their own mandates.