ANNUAL REPORT 2017

IDIS advocates for the protection and management of life-sustaining

watersheds, from ridge-to-reef, in South-Central Mindanao

We advocate policies Our goal is an expanded and conducive policy environment for the protection and

management of watersheds

We promote replicable green practices Our goal is replication of practices of watershed protection and management, and sustainable living

practices, primarily through the Lunhaw Awards

We strengthen partnerships Our goal is to have broad environmental partnerships strengthened in advocating for watersheds

protection and sustainable living

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

2017 was a season of reaping results from nearly two decades of

our policy advocacy work in Davao City. In time for our 18th year celebration in March, the City Government of Davao and the Ateneo de Davao University Bergoglio Awards recognized IDIS for its environmental initiatives. The awards we received were humbling reminders that our efforts have influenced and impacted our local government unit and the civil society community. The awards were results of the labor of the organization’s BOT and staff, past and present, who ensured that the organization maintained its standards and principles, regardless of the challenges in our policy advocacy. We are also grateful for our funding partners for their continued trust and confidence that we will be able to translate their investments into the sustainable management of watersheds in Davao City. IDIS remains a modest local NGO receiving grants from our donors DKA and Misereor, Foundation for the Philippine Environment and Alternative Law Groups. We see that we were able to accomplish so much because of the response of the city and regional government agencies for our calls

for critical collaboration and membership in various local special bodies. At the same time, our success is also due to the overwhelming support of our partners/networks in the CSO community. Every activity was done in partnership with another group, whether from government or non-government. We thank you for your support as we reap the benefits of your contributions. As I take this new leadership role, I will make sure that IDIS will continue to pursue its vision and mission and serve as a critical voice, for and in behalf of the watersheds and biodiversity therein. IDIS advocacy strategies have been evolving but we continue to push for policy recommendations, concrete programs and projects that will ensure the protection and sustainable management of Davao City’s environment and eventually, expand in South-Central Mindanao.

CHINKIE PELIÑO-GOLLE

POLICY ADVOCACY FOR WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

After five years of gathering stakeholders and lobbying for commitments for watershed protection and management, the

Watershed Summit in 2017 yielded one commitment that could effectively support the implementation of the Watershed Code.

Mayor Sara Duterte committed to provide financial incentives to Bantay Bukid volunteers, acknowledging the value of their role

in watershed protection. After complying with the documentary requirements, verification process, and submitting their

accomplishment reports, our Bantay Bukid volunteers received their incentives starting last September 2017. In November, the

first Bantay Bukid Assembly was held where over 200 volunteers took their oath of commitment to perform their duties as stated

in the Bantay Bukid Guidelines.

Local Champions Supporting Watershed Summit: City Mayor Sara Duterte, City Administrator Atty. Zuleika Lopez, CPDO OIC Ivan Cortez, City Legal Office, City Tourism Office, Davao City Water District

Environmental Tax Utilization CHALLENGE: DOLE Stanfilco filed a case against the City Government claiming environmental tax refund and declaring Watershed Code as invalid or unconstitutional. However, even those funds that are not in question remain unutilized for the implementation of the Watershed Code and for the operational expenses of the Watershed Management Council. ACTION: IDIS, along with Bantay Bukid and Bantayo Aweg, have filed a motion for intervention on the environmental refund tax case filed by DOLE Stanfilco against the City Government of Davao. One WMC Resolution was issued requesting the City Accounting Office to transfer the Environmental Tax collected from general fund to trust fund.

Ground Delineation CHALLENGE: Only 5 barangays within conservation areas of our watersheds have been delineated. The Obu-Manuvu leaders have conducted the Pusaka ritual signaling permission and blessing for the activity in their ancestral domain, held with the members of the Watershed Management Council, but actual ground delineation activities have yet to commence. ACTION: IDIS continues to work in lobbying for the prioritization and resumption of this crucial step to clearly delineate the boundaries of critical conservation areas that the Bantay Bukid volunteers can effectively protect.

POLICY IN FOCUS: Watershed Code

POLICY CHALLENGES AND ACTIONS IDIS works towards an expanded and conducive policy environment for the protection and management of watersheds in Davao City

Shrine Hills / Urban Ecological Enhancement Sub-Zone (UEESZ) CHALLENGE: Since its reclassification in 2013, Shrine Hills’ Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) as an UEESZ have yet to be finalized and enforced. Lack of coordination by national agencies with the LGU in road expansion, along with on-going construction in the area caused two major landslides in 2017. ACTION: IDIS, together with the Save Davao Shrine Hills advocates and the Sustainable Davao Movement, have been lobbying for the swift passage of the IRR by providing inputs to the draft prepared by the City Planning and Development Office. IDIS sits as one of the CSO representatives in the Local Zoning Review Committee, which reviews and monitors issues and concerns pertaining to the implementation of the Amended Zoning Ordinance of Davao City, including Shrine Hills. Shrine Hills has been included in the privately-owned public open spaces (POPOS) concept being lobbied for the area to become profitable to its owners while addressing its geological hazards and the need for more major public park in the city’s urban district to address the need for green spaces.

10% Green Space CHALLENGE: Since the City Council’s approval, IRR is yet to be finalized. ACTION: IDIS partnered with New York University in the assessment of Davao City’s public parks and open spaces based on its quality and accessibility. Results of which has been integrated in policies such as Permeable Pavements and Davao City Parks Ordinance being lobbied in the City Council. It is also included in the on-going review of the Davao City Comprehensive Development Plan.

Organic Agriculture Ordinance CHALLENGE: Barangay Sibulan has yet to be declared as Organic Agriculture Zone, a recurring call of the BLGU since 2014. The establishment of organic trading outlets per congressional district is yet to materialize. ACTION: The Technical Committee on Organic Agriculture (TCOA), which IDIS is a member of, conducted meetings and consultations to facilitate the declaration of Brgy Sibulan as an Organic Agriculture zone. BLGUs and POs reiterated their willingness and committment to consolidate necessary supporting documents for the resolution declaring Sibulan as OA zone. The TCOA also issued a resolution requesting the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod to declare Barangay Sibulan as Organic Agriculture Zone.

Davao City Environment Code CHALLENGE: The City has many environmental legislations that have yet to be codified. ACTION: An initial consultation workshop was conducted in 2017, which IDIS participated in and has been identified as TWG member. However, no follow-up activities were conducted after. The City ENRO also now has a new Office-in-Charge.

POLICY CHALLENGES AND ACTIONS IDIS works towards an expanded and conducive policy environment for the protection and management of watersheds in Davao City

Water Code CHALLENGE: The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) questions the constitutionality of the city’s Water Code, insisting that water regulation is within their powers, even though they also admitted that they lack the resources and manpower to handle the monitoring at the local level. ACTION: IDIS continues to conduct lobby activities with the local government and the DENR regional office to take action in monitoring the city’s water resources. An Executive Order has been issued creating the Water Resource Management Task Force. A Water Resource Utilization Division in the DENR has also deputized by NWRB to help in water code implementation, processing and monitoring. Local Champions: Coun. Pilar Braga, Coun. Diosdado Mahipus, Coun. Danilo Dayanghirang

Ban Aerial Spraying CHALLENGE: The Ban Aerial Spraying Ordinance has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 2016. Ban aerial spraying bills were refiled in Congress but committee hearings have yet to be conducted. ACTION: IDIS collaborates with SALIGAN, along with its networks at the national level and with AKBAYAN, Diwa and Makabayan Bloc partylists who sponsored the three Ban Aerial Spraying bills filed at the House of Representatives. IDIS also attended a policy forum conducted in Congress last October 2017 where recommendations came up to pursue other strategies including drafting a resolution for lobbying of an Executive Order and a revised version of the Ordinance, taking note of the Supreme Court’s technical findings. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS: Cong. Tom Villarin/AKBAYAN, Cong. Kaka Bag-ao, Gabriela Women’s Party / Makabayan – Akbayan, Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Commission on Human Rights

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) CHALLENGE: With the change of leadership in DENR, IDIS needs to work on building relationship with the national office thru its regional offices DENR XI, EMB XI and MGB XI. This is why we also continue the interfacing activities and advocate for the strengthening and strict enforcement of the Environmental Impact Statement System ACTION: IDIS and partners continue to engage the DENR XI for the interfacing activities to lobby for the strengthening and strict implementation of the EIA. As committed, an EIA forum will be conducted in 2018 along with Interfacing for Bufferzone, to which IDIS will prepare documentation of monocrop buffer zones in Davao City and secure updated maps of plantations and agricultural tillage areas in Davao City.

PROMOTION OF GREEN PRACTICES FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVING

The Lunhaw Awards promote the adoption of sustainable living practices among Dabawenyos, fostering a culture of

environmental stewardship. This year, with the strong lobbying support of the City Agriculture Office, the 5th Lunhaw

Awards became an official event for the 80th Araw ng Dabaw and secured commitments and support for its 6th cycle.

The City Government’s adoption of the Lunhaw Awards is a great step towards mainstreaming green practices in the

city. With over 50 finalists and winners after five years, IDIS provides venue for these green practitioners to learn from each

other through Lunhaw Network conversations and meetings.

Local Champions supporting Lunhaw Awards: City Administrator Atty. Zuleika Lopez, CAO Bobet Leuterio, CENRO Eliza Madrazo, Coun. Marisa Abella, Davao City Water District,

City Tourism Office, Davao Association of Catholic Schools

GREEN PRACTICE IN FOCUS: Lunhaw Awards

SUSTAINABLE LIVING ADOPTION AND REPLICATION IDIS advocates for replicable practices on watershed protection and management and sustainable living to be

implemented throughout the city

Rainwater Harvesting. Davao City’s rainwater

harvesting ordinance gained recognition as one of the city’s

best practices. The Pasig Local Government Unit arrived last

March 2017 and IDIS coordinated their visits to various

establishments with good rainwater harvesting facilities

including Davao Doctors College and My Hotel in San Pedro.

IDIS has an ongoing research to assess compliance of the

Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance of Davao City, results of

which will be used for lobbying to improve the

implementation of the said Ordinance.

Permeable Pavements. IDIS conducted an assessment of existing permeable pavements in the city’s urban district. Results of the study, showing the technology’s benefits as a stormwater management facility, was shared to the public, including key government offices. IDIS is lobbying for its inclusion as requirement for building permit applications. Since then, permeable pavement design has been included in CPDO draft comprehensive development plan for 2018-2022. Local Champion: Coun. Mabel Acosta

Organic / PGS-certified Farms. Lunhaw Awards has

recognized exceptional organic farms for this year and

IDIS has provided technical assistance to help them

promote their farms through Lunhaw tours. IDIS also

provided support to CAO and other NGOs in the

celebration of World Food Day and Organic Month, with

conduct of the first PGS summit, media promotions of

PGS inspectors, exhibits and food fairs.

Pollution Control/Zero Waste. IDIS partnered with Ecowaste Coalition along with other NGOs to promote the Zero Waste campaign. IDIS along with the Sustainable Davao Movement also participated in the campaign against Waste to Energy, particularly in Davao City.

Sustainable Transport / Cycling. IDIS revived the Flight of the Eagles for its 14th year, a fund-raising activity to support protection efforts for Davao’s watersheds. The 14th FOTE was also organized to lobby to the City LGU to invest on sustainable transportation in the City. FOTE organizers also recognized late Coun. Leo Avila, the author of the Bicycle Ordinance for pioneering the annual Flight of the Eagles. Local Champion: Coun. Marisa Abella

Urban Container Gardening. Showing the public that gardening is possible despite limited spaces, the Urban Container Gardening is one of the green practices popularized in the Lunhaw Awards. The Urban Container Gardening is now part of the CAO’s

program for urban development.

SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS FROM RIDGE TO REEF

The Sustainable Davao Movement (SDM), formerly Green Davao Coalition, celebrated its first year anniversary during the Earth Day

celebration in 2017. Network members have faithfully supported environmental events including campaign for then DENR Secretary

Gina Lopez’s confirmation, mangrove planting during Earth Day, data gathering for assessment of Davao’s public parks and green

spaces, learning session to localize the Sustainable Development Goals in Davao City, and the WTE forum and zero waste campaign,

among others. The group decided that they would not be proactive about their efforts instead of being a loose issue-based network.

The group met several times to discuss and come up with their three-year advocacy plan to achieve the Sustainable Development

Goals in Davao City through five themes: zero waste, healthy watersheds, disaster-resilient and green communities, renewable

energy and resilient land use and organic agriculture.

PARTNERSHIP IN FOCUS: Sustainable Davao Movement

PARTNERS AND NETWORKS IDIS works to strengthen the broad range of environmental partnerships to help in advocating for watershed protection and

sustainable living

.

Membership to Local Special Bodies. IDIS sits in as

NGO representative in various local special bodies

enabling it to do strategic policy lobbying work. This

includes the Watershed Management Council, City

Development Council, Local Zoning Review Committee,

Technical Committee on Organic Agriculture,

Participatory Guarantee System Committee, Davao River

Basin Management Alliance, Airshed Governing Board,

Water Quality Management Governing Board, and Davao

City Convergence Initiative.

Lunhaw Network. Consist of Lunhaw finalists and awardees, this loose network meets for continuous sharing sessions and learning visits on replicable green practices in Davao City. Lunhaw awardees in Baguio District were also adopted as one of the city’s agri-farm tourism sites.

Regional and National Networks. IDIS actively participates in network activities of PMPI-DRC and DKA-kfb to ensure that our partners carry out our environmental advocacies. IDIS is likewise a member of MMAID (Metro Mindanao AID OR MAGI, Minland, Ateneo APILA, IDIS and DMSF) and co-implementer of the project, Strengthening Capacities of CSOs and Communities in Disaster Preparedness and Response.

Go Organic Davao City. Consist of organic farmers and advocates, members of the group pursue campaigns against genetically modified organisms (GMO) and encourage organic farmers to get certification from the Participatory Guarantee System.

Bantay Bukid. Frontline protectors of our

watersheds in the uplands, they conduct

regular patrolling and monitoring to ensure

no illegal activities occur in the city’s water

source. They also conduct reforestation

initiatives in denuded portions of the

watershed, river clean-up drives and IEC in

communities.

Bantayo Aweg. Bagobo youth volunteers continue monthly community-based monitoring that their elders started in 2005. Through this, the physico-chemical monitoring of the river water to ensure that Class A quality of river is regularly conducted.

Mamamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spray. Long-time, persistent advocates to ban aerial spray, they are members of communities affected by the toxic agricultural practice in Mindanao plantations. They continue to participate in media campaigns, meetings and fora to support policy advocacy to ban aerial spray.

IDIS Office 2nd Floor ALMACEN Building

KM 11 Davao-Bukidnon National Highway,

Catalunan Pequeño, Davao City 8000 Philippines

Telefax: (082) 299-4552

Email: webmail@idisphil.org/ interfacedvo@gmail.com

www.idisphil.org

ABOUT THE COVER The Panigan River, a tributary of the bigger Tamugan Rivwer, is Davao City’s future source of drinking water. The headwaters of the Panigan-Tamugan watershed is the site of the Bantay Bukid’s monthly community-based water monitoring to assess and ensure Class A water quality is maintained for Dabawenyos.

Other Photos: Bantay Bukid visit the City Hall after their first Bantay Bukid Assembly held in Almendras Gym (Policy Advocacy for Watershed Management); the 5th Lunhaw Awards winner for organic agriculture large-scale category Kenaniah farm (Promotion of Green Practices for Sustainable Living); and student volunteers who joined the Sustainable Davao Movement during the coastal clean-up and mangrove planting in celebration of Earth Day (Sustainable Partnerships from Ridge to Reef).

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