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local Chief Executives, policymakers, resource managers and
investors with clear direction on developmental activities that
are compatible with sustainable use of marine and coastal
resources and coastal areas.
Water Use and Supply Management
Indications are that access to water supply in the Province has
improved since 1990. Development and annual investment
plans include substantial investment to tap and maintain
connections to water sources and access to safe water
supplies. Seventy-seven percent of the Province is considered
difficult for purposes of well construction, with static
groundwater levels in central coastal municipalities greater
than 40 m below ground level. However, at present, there are
no strategies or initiatives at the provincial or municipal levels
covering regulation and conservation of freshwater usage.
Watershed reforestation and urban greening, as well as water
use rationalization through regulation and market-based
instruments need to be considered.
In terms of access to safe potable water, there has been a
slight decrease in the incidence of waterborne diseases from
2000 to 2007. Nonetheless, waterborne diseases, particularly
diarrhea, remain the top cause of morbidity in the area.
Seventeen deaths due to diarrhea were recorded in 2006,
while seven deaths were reported in 2007. These figures point
out the urgent, continuing need to protect water supplies from
contamination, and to provide adequate water treatment and
supply services to communities of the Province.
integrated into the SEMP, is a step in the right direction.
Fisheries sustainability cannot be assessed using existing
data. Improvements in data collection and management
would facilitate implementation and evaluation of the
fisheries management plan. In addition, unified fishery
legislation is recommended to tie up the efforts of all the
municipalities in sustaining their fishery resources.
Pollution Reduction and Waste Management
The province and the municipalities have developed
plans and strategies for pollution reduction and waste
management. The next focus is the heightened
implementation of these action programs. Agricultural and
municipal solid waste and domestic sewage continue to
be priority challenges across the Province, resulting in
the deterioration of freshwater and marine water quality,
contamination of water supplies, and river and coastal
ecosystems. The enactment and/or strict enforcement
of ordinances for the management of agricultural wastes
are necessary, considering the extensive contamination
of groundwater and rivers with nutrients and pathogens
as a consequence of mismanagement of livestock
residues and chemical fertilizers. The construction of
sanitary landfills and sewerage facilities is beyond the
capacity of most municipalities in the Province. Therefore,
the Province needs to consider taking the lead for the
municipalities by introducing innovative and cost-effective
approaches in waste management, in partnership with
specialized institutions/organizations and the private
sector.
Food Security and Livelihood Management
Malnutrition rates in the Province are on a general decline
since 1995. Opportunities for employment as well as the
absolute numbers of people employed have increased in
Batangas since 1990. However, because of population
growth, poverty incidence and unemployment rates have
been constant or on a slightly increasing trend over the
same period. Elementary and secondary school attendance
rates have increased since 2003, and the proportion of high
school graduates, 18 years of age and above, is higher than
the national average. This trend, if continued, will help the
Province to reverse the poverty incidence and unemployment
rate over time.
Considerable effort has been made to improve fisheries
management and a fisheries management plan (2005–2020),
Overall, ICM implementation in the Province of Batangas
has resulted in positive signs, particularly in the
governance elements of the sustainable development
framework. However, as this SOC report indicates, these
are only the first steps and much still remains to be done
before the objectives and goals of the Provincial SEMP
are achieved.
Progress is evident, as is the continuing commitment
of the Provincial and municipal governments to the
cause of sustainable development. With the Governor’s
strong leadership and the dedication of all concerned
stakeholders to ICM implementation, we are assured that
the natural services and benefits provided by our marine
and coastal resources will be protected and managed
for our own well-being and as a legacy for future
generations.
State of the Coasts of Batangas Province
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