PROJECT PROPOSAL

Section 1. Identifying Information

Project Title Buildidng Coastal Infrastructure for Climate Change

Adaptation
Site/Location Barangay Polopiña, Concepcion, Iloilo
Barangay Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo
Type/Sector
Number of Target 6,686 population of impact areas
Beneficiaries
Budget Total Project Cost: PhP 2,725,000.00
Amount Requested: PhP 2,000,000.00
Counterpart: PhP 725,000.00
Project Duration and 18 months
Target Start of January 2011 to June 2012
Implementation
Proponent’s Iloilo Caucus of Development Non-Government
Organization Organizations, Inc. (Iloilo ICODE NGOs, Inc)
Contact Person Emmanuel C. Areño
Position Executive Director
Address 210 DB Ledesma St., Jaro, Iloilo City
Phone (33) 320-3590
Fax (33) 5086527
Email [email protected]

Collaborating Local Government Unit of Concepcion

Organization & Emelinda A. Abian
Principal Contact
Beneficiary Barangay Local Government Unit of Tambaliza
Organization &
Principal Contact Hon. Rolinda DeJulian
Tambaliza Small Fishermen’s Association (TASFA)
Ernesto A. Rufino
Beneficiary Barangay LGU of Polopiña
Organization &
Principal Contact Hon. Freddie Gabo
Sitio Looc Small Fisherfolks Association
Mario A. Garces
Polopiñanon Integrated Livelihood Association
Ernesto B. Azuelo
Bangon Talisay Fisherfolks Association
Rodolfo Domrique
 Section 2. Project Description

2.1 Project Background:

The vast territorial waters of the Municipality of Concepcion (96,481.56has) constitute

20% of the coastal and marine waters of the Visayan Sea considered one of the
country’s most productive fishing grounds. Most significantly, the Visayan Sea forms
part of what is known among scientists as the Coral Triangle, the Earth’s epicenter of
marine biodiversity – the richest and most abundant marine life on the planet.

The Municipality of Concepcion situated in the easternmost part of Northern Iloilo was
originally called Bacjawan (mangrove forest) because of its extensive mangrove cover
that is the habitat of Philippine mullards. It has excellent coral reef cover that is haven to
tropical fishes. Reportedly from 1980-1985, a certain coral scientist from a California
Museum, Thomas Kurt documented 700 coral species in the area.

However, studies on the Visayan Sea revealed alarming evidence of overexploitation,

loss of biodiversity and decreasing productivity. (Visayan Sea Cruise, 2003)
Commercial fishery stock assessment (NSAP 1998-2002) observed a 12% decrease in
fish catch, high fishing mortality at 60%, high excess in total allowable catch limit and
decreasing value of major fish species as exploitation rate exceeds allowable limits.

The increasing demands of a large population (PGR 2000:2.79) living in poverty (MBN
2004: 47%) continue to put pressure on shrinking resources not only in the coastal but
the uplands as well. The depletion of living marine resources leads to food shortage,
loss of income and jobs. This situation is further aggravated by the impacts of climate
change now happening in the world today and will continue to impact coastal
communities that were considered as the most vulnerable areas to climate change.

Currently the Municipality is one of the monitoring sites of DOST-PCAMRD ICECREAM

of Integrated Coastal Enhancement: Coastal Research Evaluation and Adaptive
Management for Climate Change project. The project aimed at looking into the impacts
of climate change in fisheries and to be able to provide adaptive options to coastal
communities like Concepcion. A weather station has been installed in the environment
office to monitor weather conditions and the data was relayed to DOST every 30
minutes. The data generated from this project will provide adequate information for
analysis and interpretation. The technical staff of the Environment Office of the
municipality was the only participant from the Province of Iloilo that was given
opportunity to undergo training on Climate Change impact assessment and monitoring
and these knowledge and skills acquired are vital in the formulating plans and strategies
in the near future. This project recently conducted a manta tow survey of the coral reefs
bordering the islands of Concepcion and the results showed that 30 to 50% of the coral
reefs were bleached due to prolonged dry spell or El Niño Phenomenon that happened
in the country early this year.

This proposed project will minimize the projected effect of climate change to the coastal
areas of the target barangays. The concrete artificial reef modules designed as
jackstones will serve as wave breakers and barricades to break the energy produced by
strong waves causing the erosion of the coastal areas, and protect the bleached reefs
from further damage that would eventually lead to loss of critical habitats, decline in fish
catch and productivity of the marine environment. The project will likewise protect the
lives and properties of the residents of the target barangays from storm surge
considering these houses were located near or at the storm berm.

The LGU of Concepcion is also one of the 11 impact areas of the European Union
assisted project through Iloilo CODE NGOs on Social Contract for Transparent and
Accountable Governance for Effective Population, Health and Environment (PHE)
Service Delivery. This project aimed at establishing a data base system in all covered
areas as basis for LGU planning, programming and budgeting; promote participatory ,
transparent and accountable governance through strengthening of Local Special Bodies,
Local Development Planning, local assemblies and social contracts; and to capacitate
and empower the civil society organizations. The proposed project will integrate the
data gathered/generated from climate change vulnerability assessment into the PHE
Database and maps that will facilitate ease in analysis and interpretation of data and
possible integration/inclusion of identified plans and programs for climate change
adaptation into Local development plans for funding and implementation.

The Transparency and Accountable Governance ( TAG) component of the present

project will enhance the participation of Peoples Organizations ( fishers) in decision
making structure in LGUs both municipal and brgy.level. It will also increase the
accountability of the LGU leaders in implementing the climate adaptation plans and
LDPs. With the involvement of the grassroots leaders in project planning and
management, Moreover of the LGUs will be maximized to leverage with external in
implementing and sustaining projects geared toward more resilient communities.

2.2 Project Objectives:

a. General Objective

To protect the natural resources in the marine environment and reduce the
potential impacts of climate change to the coastal areas by building coastal
infrastructures and providing advance understanding of climate change
impacts and approaches as well as practical adaptation options in
responding to the impacts of climate variability and change in the coasts.

b. Specific Objectives

The project hopes to do the following:

1. To empower communities towards responsible stewardship of the
environment .
2. To increase family income through sustainable and environment-friendly
livelihood activities.
3. To increase the level of awareness of the people in the community on
effectively managing the Marine Protected Area for Climate Change
adaptation and risk reduction.
4. To increase fish catch by 10%
5. To minimize the impact of climate change on the coastal ecosystems.
6. To rehabilitate/conserve existing coastal ecosystems.
 7. To assess vulnerability of the area to climate variability and change.
8. To identify, assess, select, implement, and evaluate adaptation options to
minimize the vulnerability of the coastal communities.
2.3 Proposed Methods:

A.. Fabrication of Concrete Artificial Reef :

The major component of the proposed project is the fabrication and deployment
of concrete artificial reef (AR) designed as jackstone type. The project will provide for
the necessary materials for the fabrication of AR while the labor will be the counterpart of
the members of the fisherfolk organizations who were also the beneficiaries of the
livelihood component of the project. The Barangay as well as the Municipal Government
will be responsible for its deployment or installation. These ARs will be deployment
within the Marine Protected Area a few meters away from the existing coral reefs that
was affected by El Niño Phenomenon that occurred in the country early this year. This
structures will serve as wave breakers and additional habitat to marine organisms that
will eventually lead to an increase in fish catch and income of the marginal fishers
residing in the barangay.

B. Constituency Building:

The proposed project aimed at building the capacity

Since this project aimed at building the communities

1. Public Education

Public education shall include Climate Change Orientation with Participatory

Situational Analysis and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. This activity
seek to inform the public about the program, educate them to effect positive changes
in certain behaviors, provide a two-way communication channel for future information
exchange and to equip them with adequate knowledge on climate change its impact
on the coastal areas and the various approaches that can be applied to adapt to
climate variability. This will likewise facilitate the building of consensus that a set of
coastal problems needs special attention. This will further clarify perspectives and
local interests that have to be considered in resolving specific coastal issues;
generate a receptive political and social context for changes in policy and finally to
create a long term commitment in the community to the wise use of coastal
resources.

Climate change vulnerability assessment in coastal integrity, biodiversity and

fisheries will be conducted under this project. This will be conducted by the technical
personnel from the Municipality with the assistance of the University of the
Philippines Visayas (UPV) that has an ongoing project (ICE CREAM) in the
Municipality. The ICODE on the other hand will assist in the documentation and
processing of reports of the activity.

II. Community Organizing

Community organizing will involve the strengthening of the existing Peoples

Organizations in the barangay as well as the creation of Barangay Fisheries and
 Aquatic Resources Management Council (BFARMC) as the major project
stakeholders. The goal of this component activity is to empower through effective
and active participation in socioeconomic and political activities, facilitate the
people’s access to and control over resources, and to provide opportunities and
means of production. This component also aimed to: 1) develop skills and capability
for self-reliant, self-managed sustained organization, projects and community; 2)
inculcate values and promote awareness and the proper attitude towards
environmental conservation; and, 3) identify, explore and implement appropriate
indigenous and innovative technologies as well as sustained livelihood projects.

III. Policy Support

The formulation and enactment of necessary barangay resolutions and

ordinances in support of the project will be facilitated. This will be the output of a
series of workshops, orientations and seminars that will be conducted in order to
ensure project sustainability even beyond project life and the term of political leaders
in the barangay. A workshop in the formulation of ICM Plan integrating climate
change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies will likewise be conducted to
serve as guide in the implementation, management and development of the
barangay. This plan will be adopted and integrated into the Barangay and Municipal
Development plans.

IV. Capability Building

A series of capacity development activities will be facilitated to equip the

stakeholders with appropriate knowledge and skills towards the sustainability of the
project. The training to be conducted shall focus on:

a) Coastal Law Enforcement;

b) Organizational Development and Project Management;
c) Climate Change Impact assessment and Monitoring
d) Integration Climate Change Adaptation Plan in Barangay Development
and Annual Investments Planning;
e) Marine Protected establishment, management and monitoring.

C. Protection and Maintenance:

The establishment and management of Marine Protected Area has gained

recognition in the country as one of the most effective adaptation strategy in reducing
the potential impacts of climate change to the coastal communities. Research showed
that the direct effects of global warming to the oceans includes increase in sea surface
temperatures, bleaching and acidification. The coastal ecosystem has a tendency to
respond within its capacity after a disturbance in the absence of severe human impacts.
Building smarter MPAs requires active enforcement of existing laws and policies towards
its protection and maintenance.

This proposed project will provide funds for the acquisition of the necessary
equipment and facilities needed for law enforcement. A unit of patrol boat will be
provided for the use of deputized fish wardens in Brgy. Polopiña. The project will
provide for the engine while the boat will be the Municipality’s counterpart. Brgy.
Tambaliza on the other hand has an existing patrol boat. The maintenance and
operation of these patrol boats will likewise become the counterpart of the beneficiary
barangays in partnership with the volunteer deputized fish wardens in their respective
barangays.

A unit of floating guard house will be constructed in Barangay Tambaliza, The

materials for said structure will be provided by the project while the labor will be the
counterpart of Tambaliza Small Fishermen’s Association (TASFA) together with the
members of the barangay council and volunteer deputized fish wardens. A PNP
personnel will be detailed in the area to provide support to the deputized law enforcers.
This structure will serve as detachment to safeguard the municipal waters specifically
the Marine Protected Area. Barangay Polopiña on the other hand has an existing guard
houses that serves as watchtower and viewing deck for Dugong.

Equipments in support to law enforcement activity such as communication facilities

handheld radio transceiver, Geographical Position System (GPS), and search lights will
also be provided from the project. These equipments will be stored at the guard house
for accessibility and availability during day and night patrol operations.

Some equipments such as day and night binoculars and GPS will also be provided
from the project in support to the Municipal Bantay Dagat Patrol Operations. These
equipment will facilitate ease in detecting illegal fishers even from far distance. This
equipment will also save time and expense from fuel cost of roving the entire municipal
waters.

On the other hand, uniforms to volunteer deputized fish wardens will also be
provided from the project to easy identification as law enforcers.

The acquisition of diving equipments such as scuba gears are very essential in
assessing and monitoring the impacts of climate change on marine habitat especially the
coral reefs as well as on marine biodiversity. This equipment will also be used in
assessing the area where the concrete AR modules will be deployed or installed. The
Municipality has a PADI licensed scuba diver that were likewise trained by UPV in
underwater biodiversity assessment. This equipment will be issued to the Environment
and Tourism Office of the Municipality for safekeeping and maintenance.

Markers and Buoys on various zones and along the Marine Protected area will be
installed to guide the fishers on the use of certain gears in the municipal waters. Just
like other infra projects the labor will be the counterpart of the barangay together with the
members of the fisherfolks associations in the area.

Billboards will also b installed to inform the public that portions of the municipal
waters fronting the barangay has been declared as MPA and fishing regulations is being
imposed.

Mangrove planting activity will be a value adding activity for the project. Planting
materials will be provided by the Municipality while the mangrove planting activity will be
performed/conducted by the students in both elementary an secondary level in each
barangay.
 D. Livelihood Assistance:

Livelihood assistance will be extended to the existing Peoples Organization in the

two project areas in the amount of P 100,000.00 each to Tamabliza Small Fishermen’s
Association (TASFA) in Brgy. TAmbaliza; the Sitio Looc Small Fisherfolks Association
(SiLoSFA); Polopiñanon Integrated Livelihood Association (PILA), and Bangon Talisay
Fisherfolks Association (BaTaFA) all in Barangay Polopiña.

Sitio Looc Small Fisherfolks Association (SiLoSFA) will utilize the P 100,000.00
assistance to purchase the juveniles of red snapper and pampano as well as for the
trash fish as feeds for their fish cage culture project. The organization has currently
constructed fish cages that was lend to them from KAMMTID or the Katilingban sang
Magagmay nga Mangingisda sa Tinagong Dagat. The structure is now ready for
stocking.

PILA on the other hand proposed for a handicraft making project for their members.
The fund will be utilized in acquiring the necessary materials and equipment for their
proposed project. The organization wished to utilize waste materials or garbage such as
paper and plastics. Skills training cum production will be conducted as well as the
production of souvenir materials made from indigenous materials found in their locality.

Bangon Talisay Fisherfolks Association proposed for the motorization of their paddle
boats. Twenty (20) units of 7 Hp engine will be provided to among members of the
association. The member beneficiaries of this project will engage in hook & line fishing
while the association will purchase the catch of their members. The fish collected will
either be sold fresh to the market or processed for value adding. The Municipality in
partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will provide skills
training cum production on proper fish processing techniques in order to produce high
quality processed fish products. This will provide additional income especially to the
women’s sectors in their area. Standard hygienic practices will be introduced to among
food handlers/processors to ensure a healthy community and healthful, quality products.
The engines will not be released as dole outs. A roll-over scheme shall be established
to provide opportunities to other members of BaTaFA to avail of such privilege. (see
attached business plan).

While other organizations have already identified the projects they wish to venture,
TASFA has not yet decided on the type of project they wished to have. Currently the
organization has ventured into bangus fish pen project and are planning to venture into
other aquaculture projects that is viable in the area. The appropriate project for this
organization will be identified at the later period of project implementation.

E. IEC and Advocacy:

A series of IEC activities such as poster making contest, Ilonggo pop music
competition, poem or binalaybay contest will be conducted especially in schools in both
elementary and secondary level. The activity aimed at raising the awareness of the
younger generation on the importance of our natural environment and the current degree
of environmental degradation brought about by human activities and the threat of climate
change. A series of symposia and seminars on climate change and reproductive health
will likewise be conducted in schools.
 Fabrication and reproduction of IEC materials such as posters, billboards or
signages and others will also be implemented under this proposed project.

F. Knowledge Management Documentation, Learning-sharing Events:

The project will also provide funds for the learning trips of key barangay leaders
to some successful project interventions especially in the implementation of income
generating activities or projects that is worth replicable in the locality.

Since this project is first of its kind in the Province of Iloilo, and also considered
as a pilot project of the proponent, the Iloilo CODE of NGOs will ensure that each
processes undertaken during the project implementation will be properly documented
for a development of a module or guide to other Local Government Units and
possible expansion to other areas.

G. Monitoring and Evaluation:

1. Fish Catch monitoring:

Daily fish catch monitoring will be conducted by some volunteer fisherfolk members
of each organizations in their respective barangays. The Municipality will utilize the
technology introduced by UPV, This are already been conducted in the barangay to
serve as a baseline data to evaluate the impact of MPA management in their locality.
The forms and other cost that will be incurred under this activity will be the municipality’s
counterpart. The data generated will be collected and encoded for interpretation. Dr.
Nygiel Armada of UPV and a partner of the Municipality will provide assistance in
interpreting the data generated.

2. Evaluating the level of awareness of younger generation on Population

Health & Environment:

A research to assess the level of awareness of the youth of the two target areas
will form part of the project, This activity aimed at evaluating the impact of the activities
conducted in the area especially on the effect of population growth on the environment
and their roles in reversing the continuous trend of environmental degradation.

3. Climate change impact assessment and monitoring:

Climate change impact assessment on coastal integrity, biodiversity and fisheries

will be conducted biannually. This will provide sufficient information on the effect of
climate change on the seasonal variation of the weather condition. Coastal integrity will
provide information on the cause and degree of coastal erosion in a certain coastal area,
Biodiversity assessment on the other hand will provide information on its effect to the
marine habitat especially in identifying specific species of marine organisms that would
be at high risk to changing sea surface temperature. While the data on fisheries will also
provide information on the changes in species composition on the catch of the fisherfolks
and how such changes can affect the livelihood of the coastal communities.
H. Geographical Information System (GIS) Map Development

One of the impacts of the project of European Union through the Iloilo CODE-
NGOs on Social Contracts for Transparency and Accountable Governance for the
effective service delivery on Population Health and Environment (PHE) is the
reproduction of Geographical Information System (GIS) map. This map will provide as a
guide to the local government unit on prioritizing programs, projects both in the barngay
and municipal government. Integrating the climate change vulnerability data into the GIS
map would further enhance the presentation and integration of various informations for a
holistic and meaningful program/project identification, prioritization and implementation.

2.4 Expected Outputs

A. General Output

The effective protection and management of the natural resources in the marine
environment coupled with the building of coastal infrastructures, will build the resiliency
of the coastal areas to the potential impacts of climate change. The identification of
various adaptation measures would further enhance such resiliency.

B. Specific Expected outputs

1. Empowered communities and responsible stewards of the environment.

2. Family increased and sustained using environment friendly livelihood
activities.
3. 10% increase on the average fish catch of the fisherfolks.
4. Minimize the impact of Climate change on the coastal ecosystems.
5. Rehabilitation and conservation of existing marine habitats.
6. Climate change impact assessment and monitoring report submitted
7. Climate Change adaptations plans formulated and integrated into the
barangay and municipal development plans

2.5. Project Management

The ICODE-NGOs will be the project manager who will oversee the overall
project implementation from the grassroots partner’s in the target sites as well as in the
municipal and barangay level.

The partner LGU, the Municipality of Concepcion will designate a project

coordinator or focal person who will perform and facilitate the identified projects and
activities of the project and will likewise coordinate with the project manager and
grassroots key leaders in the community.

A Technical Working Group (TWG) will be created through an Executive Order

who will be responsible in working with the Municipality’s Project Coordinator during the
project implementation and in the formulation of necessary polices and
recommendations in support to the project. This will be composed of the following: the
Municipal Health Officer, the Environment Management Specialist, the Municipal
Engineer, the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Members of the
Sangguninag Bayan particularly the committee on health and social services,
Environmental and Natural Resources Management , and the Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources together with the chairperson of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic
Resource Management Council (MFARMC).

A Monitoring and Evaluation Team (MET) will be organized which will be composed of
the representative from ICODE-NGOs, local government unit, key leaders from the
target barangays. The team will conduct a periodic monitoring and evaluation activity on
the activities and projects being implemented in accordance with the work and financial
plan of the project. A feedback session/meeting (FGD) will be conducted with the
members of the TWG, MET, the Project Coordinator and Manager as well as key
Barangay leaders to provide adjustments to issues or problems that may arise during
project implementation and also for documentation or best practices and learnings/
lessons learned.

The Sangguniang Barangays of Polopiña and Tambaliza in partnership with the

members of the BFARMCs and Peoples Organizations in their respective barangays will
be responsible in managing the project. (see attached Organizational Structure)
 PROJECT MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Project Manager
ICODE-NGOs

Monitoring and Project Coordinator Technical Working

Evaluation Committee Emelinda A. Abian Group (TWG)

Community
ICODE Implementers HEALTH
LGU MFARMC-chair
Brgys. Key leaders SB

Brgy. Tambaliza and

Polopiña

2.6 Community Participation:

The proposed project will employ the appreciative community mobilization (ACM)
tool used by the municipality in mobilizing communities. This tool involves the 4Ds
where the first D means discovery. Representatives from different Sitio in each
barangay such as womens, youth, religious, fisherfolks together with the barangay
officials and barangay volunteers/workers will be involved in the conduct of participatory
situational analysis and vulnerability assessments. This activity will provide information
to among community leaders on the current status of their environment and its situation
10, 20 years ago. This will likewise awaken to community on the effects of growing
population to the environment.
The next D is Dream. These representatives will create their dream of vision of
what they envision their barangay to be 5 to 10 years after.
The third D means Design. These key persons will likewise be involved in
making plans for their barangay integrating the various data or information generated
from various projects implemented in the barangay.
And the Last D means Delivery or the project implementation stage where the
members of each organization will lead in the implementation of their proposed plans
and projects. This will inculcate ownership to among community members for
sustainability even beyond project time line.
 In general this proposed project will require the participation of the members of
the community participation in every processes during project implementation.

2.7 Environmental Assessment:

Since this proposed project is more in the management and protection of the
existing marine habitats inside the Marine Protected Area, this will further enhance the
capacity of the community towards effective management of their natural resources, thus
generating effects to other coastal barangays outside the project site and provide
opportunities for the rehabilitation of degraded habitats.

2.8 Gender and Social Issues

The involvement and participation of the various sectors in the community will
maximize in the identification of various issues that may arise during project
implementation. This issues will discussed for possible solutions and integration into the
plans and programs of the barangay.

2.9 Sustainability Mechanism:

The processes involved during the project implementation will ensure the
ownership of the stakeholders in the barangay. The conduct of every activity in the
barangay will equip the key leaders with ample knowledge and skills that they can use or
apply even beyond the project implementation. The integration of some projects and
programs identified during the ACM process (that cannot be addressed by the project)
into the local development plans in both the Municipal and Barangay level will also
support the sustainability of the project.