bUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION - Phil
Transcription
bUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION - Phil
BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION I. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION Bucao Watershed is considered as the largest Watershed in Zambales and one of the most important watersheds in the municipality of Botolan, Zambales as it is the source of water for Bucao River supporting the major irrigation system of the municipality. The watershed also serves as the source of economic opportunities for the communities as most of the families are dependent on the watershed resources for their livelihood. It is located in the provinces of Zambales and Tarlac and covers a total land area of more or less 68,145.77 Ha. , 7,681.34 Ha. lies in San Jose and Capas Tarlac and about 60,464.43 Ha. lies in Botolan, Cabangan, San Marcelino, Iba and San Felipe, Zambales wherein 55,401.58 Ha. is within the town of Botolan. There are 2 barangays included in the Province of Tarlac namely Maamot and Sta. Juliana.Whereas 28 barangays comprises the Province of Zambales distributed into the five towns namely: Sta Fe in San Marcelino, Balincaguing in San Felipe, Cadmang-Reserva in Cabangan, and Sta Barbara in Iba while the 23 remaining barangays are found in the town of Botolan namely as follows, from the east are the Barangays of Moraza, Villar, Palis, Nacolcol, Burgos, Maguisguis, Cabatuan, Belbel, Poonbato, Owaog-Nibloc & Malomboy. Wheras Western barangays included San Juan, Taugtog, Mambog, Batonlapoc, Paudpod, Carael, Porac, Paco, Tampo, San Miguel, Beneg and Bangan. The watershed originate in the Eastern portion of Zambales mountain range which included Mt. Pinatubo, Mt. Gatas, Mt. Cahapatan, Mt. Iba and Mt. Mangkirat going down to the West and finally exits down to the mouth of South China Sea. The major tributaries of the watershed are the Balinbaquero river, Maraunot river, Cabatuan river and Baquilan river all of which are located in Botolan, Zambales. 1 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Natural forest vegetation and different wildlife species are prevalent within the watershed area for several decades. However, due to indiscriminate logging activities, frequent occurrence of forest fires, kaingin making coupled with the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and recently the intensive mining activities caused the depletion of these resources. This watershed characterization activity aims to generate data and basic information as the of present status of the watershed which will be the basis in formulating and conceptualizing workable plans for Bucao Watershed consistent with the sustainable management strategy of the government.(Figure 1 Geographic Location) 2 Figure 1 Geographic Location of Bucao Watershed BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 3 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION II. PRESENT STATE OF THE WATERSHED The eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in June 1991 is the main cause of devastation of Bucao Watershed. The proximity of the watershed to the volcano resulted to the total destruction of the vegetation within the nearby areas with tons of sand, stone and ashes over 50 meters high. The flow of drainage pattern was heavily affected due to soil erosion and lahar flow. At present, there are Five (5) major sub watersheds (Figure 2) that drain or support the entire Bucao Watershed.namely: (1) Pinatubo sub watershed with an area of 23,202.31 hectares (2) Balintawak Sub watershed – 15,052.76 hectares,(3) Bucao II Sub watershed, area of 13,855.92 hectares (4) Bucao I Sub watershed with an area of 9,903.40 hectares, and (5) Baquilan Sub watershed having an area of 6,131.38 hectares. Because of the continuous stabling condition after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the affected communities within Bucao Watershed are starting to revert to their previous areas. 4 Figure 2 Sub watersheds of Bucao Watershed BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 5 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.1 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 2.1.1. GEOPHYSICAL LOCATION Table 1. Land Cover by Province, Municipality and Barangay 6 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Bucao Watershed is located on the central part of the province of Zambales, under the administrative jurisdiction (Figure3) of CENR Office of Botolan (Figure 2). Bounded on the North by the municipalities of Iba, Zambales, and San Jose and Capas, Tarlac; on the South by municipalities of Cabangan, San Felipe and San Marcelino: on the West by South China Sea/Philippine Sea: and on the East by the province of Tarlac. It is geographically located at 120° 13’ 39” longitude and 15° 15’1.60” latitude. It has an approximate area of 68,145.77 hectares with a total perimeter length of 226,268 m. 7 Figure 3 Administrative map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 8 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.1.2. TOPOGRAPHY/GEO-MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES Slope of Bucao watershed is flat to moderately rolling to relatively steep. Elevation ranges from 16 meters to 1,740 meters above sea level. The slope of 0-8 percent which is about 3.80 percent of the area falls within the coastal barangays of municipality of Botolan. The slope of 8-18 which is 1.6 percent of the area covers mostly the central part of the watershed. The slope of 18-30 which represents about 0.85 percent is distributed to all parts of the watershed. The 30-50 slope categories covers roughly 2.3 % of the entire watershed located along foot slopes of the watershed’s mountain ridges. While the remaining areas falls within the 50 and above slope category with 91.45 %. The aspect map of Bucao Watershed is depicted in figure 5. Generally, the watershed is northeasterly exposed during the months of November to February and on the southwest from April to September. 9 Figure 4 Topographic Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 10 Figure 5 Aspect Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 11 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION A. Watershed-Shape Parameters 1. Area The Bucao Watershed has a total area of 68,145.77 Ha. or 681,457,700 m² with an approximate basin length of 41,261.57 m. and has an average width of 20,631.31 m. The perimeter has an approximate length of 226,268 m. covering all the tributaries downstream to Bucao River. The river is drained downstream from the foot slopes of Zambales mountain range converging down to the central portion of the watershed. The watershed is divided into five (5) sub-watersheds: Pinatubo, Balintawak, Bucao II, Bucao I and Baquilan sub watershed. Pinatubo Sub-watershed has the largest area covering 23,202.31 hectares followed by Balintawak Sub-watershed with an area of 15,052.76 Ha. Bucao II Sub watershed has an area of 13,855.92 Ha. Bucao I Sub-watershed covers 9,903.40 Ha. Baquilan sub watershed has the smallest area covering only 6,131.38 Ha. Table 2. Watershed shape parameters 12 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2. Gravelius Form Factor Gravelius form factor = Gf = Average width Axial length of basin Gf = 20,631.31 41,261.57 Gravelius form factor = 0.50 3. Bifurcation ratio Table 3. Stream Order of the Five Sub Watersheds of Bucao Ave. Br. = 13.85 + 19.85 + 11.82 + 20.88 +70.07 5 Ave. Br. = 27.29 The average Bifurcation Ratio of the five sub watershed is the BR of the whole Bucao Watershed which is equal to 27.29. Since the ratio is high, the discharge is low but with broad peak which favors the use of the river as irrigation by the farmers. 13 Figure 6 Stream Order Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 14 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 4. Elongation Ratio Elongation ratio Maximum Basin Length (MBL) = 41,261.5655 Area of Watershed (Aw) = 681,457,700 sq.mts. Area of a Circle Ac= π (r2) r2 = 681,457,700 m2 3.1416 _____________ = √216, 94,215.7 r2 = 14,728.00 Diameter (Dm) = 2r = 2 x 14,728.00 = 29,456.06 mts. ER = DM MBL ER = 0.714 Circulatory ratio (compactness coefficient) Circulatory ratio = DM (π) / P = 29,456.06 (3.1416) / 22,626.80 = 92539.1581/226,268 Circulatory ratio = 0.409 15 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 5. Basin length. The shape of the watershed is irregularly elongated with a ridge protruding towards the mountain. Its headwater is located at Mt. Pinatubo draining towards South China Sea. The drainage pattern is characterized as sub-parallel dentritic. B. Watershed-Relief Features 1. Relief ratio = highest point – lowest point Maximum basin length = 1740 – 16 41,261.5655 Relief ratio = 0.04 2. Relative relief = highest elevation Perimeter of the basin = 1740 226,268 Relative relief = 0.008 3. Elevation Highest elevation – 1740 m Lowest elevation – 16 m 16 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 4. Slope Table 4. Slope categories of Bucao Watershed Based on the above table, about 3.80 percent of the watershed area covering an area of 2,588.24 Ha is flat or level to gently sloping while 1.6 percent corresponding to 1,085.44 Ha is moderate and about 94.6 percent equivalent to 64,472.09 Ha is steep to severely steep. 17 Figure 7 Slope Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 18 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION The degree and severity of erosion and loss of fertility and biological deterioration is directly and highly correlated to slope gradient. The slope map (Figure 7) presents the prevailing steepness of the terrain of Bucao Watershed. C. Channel Morphology The drainage pattern of the watershed is sub parallel dendritic. The main river system of Bucao River are the Maraunot River emanating from Mount Pinatubo, Balinbaquero, Cabatuan and Baquilan River converging at the middle portion of the watershed area moving down to South China Sea. D. Drainage Texture 1. Drainage density Dd = L = Total length of stream A area of watershed Dd = 1185255.92 68,145.77 Dd = 17.39 2. Drainage/stream density. DS = N = number of streams A area of watershed DS = 1,013 68,145.77 DS = 0.0149 19 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 3. Length of overland flow Fl = F l= FI = 1 2Dd ___1___ 2(0.0149) 33.56 Low Flow Discharge = 462.80 cu.m/sec. High Flow Discharge = 646 .49 cu.m./sec The width of the Bucao River varies from 15-25 kilometers so the water is spread within the widest range before concentrating and converging to the center of the watershed and directly drains towards the South China Sea (Figure 8). 20 Figure 8 Drainage Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 21 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.1.3 GEOLOGY 2.1.3.1 GEOLOGIC COMPOSITION The mountains and hills in the eastern, northern and southern portion of Bucao River are mostly Quarternary Plyroclastics (Pyroclastics deposits; agglomerated and volcanic ashes .Topographically, these rocks from prominent peaks, namely, Mt. Pinatubo and Mt. Gatas to the east and Mt. Manquirat and Mt. Iba to the north, while Mt. Culianan and Mt. Cawayen to the south are under laid by undifferentiated volcanics largely composed of metamorphosed andesitic to dacitic volcanic flows. These are intruded by andesitic abd dacitic quarternary plugs. To the northeast leading to Mt. Pinatubo are quarternary pyroclastic consisting of pumice-bearing agglomerates, lava and ash flow sequences (Javelosa 1985). Based on geologic map, the general geological composition of Bucao Watershed is dominated by mountain soils with entisols, inceptisols, ultisols and alfisols with thermic hyperthermic and isohyperthermic temperature regimes. Table 5 Bucao watershed Soil Morphology 22 Figure 9 Soil Morphology Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 23 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.1.3.2 Formation and Age On the southwestern foothills of Zambales range is consists of lower conglomerate formation and the upper formation composed of massive coralline limestone with siltstone and shale interbeds. The age of the formation is Middle to Late Miocene 2.1.3.2 Geohazards Areas and Seismicity There are potential earthquake generators identified in the watershed. These are the Manila Trench, Mt. Pinatubo and several active and potentially active fault systems that transect the area (Umbal 1997). The fault systems consist of Iba Fault, East Zambales Fault, San Antonio Fracture Zone and the Subic Bay Fault (Figure 10). 2.1.3.4 Geological Feature (in relation to soil & water) The groundwater in the province of Zambales occurs within the interstices of Tertiary sediments, Quaternary volcanic and recent alluvium (Figure 11). However, only the recent alluvium is potentially high for large scale groundwater development. The main aquifers are sand and gravel horizons with varying degree of permeability. The deposit includes the unconsolidated to semi- consolidated gravel, sand, silt, clay and occasional boulders, which remains in floodplains, alluvial fan, terrace, former river channels and beach deposits. The Quaternary volcanic is dominated by agglomerate, volcanics ash and cinders. The area is limited in groundwater flow, which is predominantly confined to fractures or secondary permeability. The Middle to Late Miocene deposits 24 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION show the aquifers in these formations include the sandstone and conglomerate with shale as the confining beds. These formations generally show low permeability values. As a result, the aquifers in these units are classified poor. In addition, saline water intrusion commonly occurs in the coastal aquifers. 25 Figure 10 Seismicity Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 26 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 11 Geologic Map 2.1.4 27 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.1.4 SOIL There are about nine (9) different types of soil that are present in Bucao Watershed that greatly affects the productivity of the watershed area (Figure 12). The characteristic features of which are based on texture, structure, bulk density, permeability, erosion condition, soil fertility and soil depth. The identified soil type description of Bucao Watershed are Villar sandy loam, Tarlac soils, mountain soils, Cabangan, clay loam, Beach sand, Bancal clay, Antipolo clay, Angeles sand and Angeles Fine Sand. However, due to the recent eruption of Mt. Pinatubo the watershed area is now mostly covered with sand and lahar worsening the erosion condition from moderate to severe. A. Soil texture Major soil types found within the Bucao Watershed comprises the following types of soil. Mountain soil textured as “undifferentiated”, Antipolo clay textured as “clay”, Angeles Fine Sand textured as “Sand”, Villar sandy loam textured as “Sandy Loam” and the last soil type Lahar textured as “Sand”. Below are geometric characteristics regarding the various sizes according to texture size. Clay- less than 0.002 mm in diameter Silt- greater than 0.0002 mm but less than (0.05 mm) Sand- greater than 0.05 but less than 200 mm 28 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION B. Soil fertility Soil fertility refers to the ability of the soil to support plant growth and produce desired products in a given area. Table below describes the pH level, nitrogen, potassium phosphate and total organic matter contents of soil samples taken in the highest elevation of the watershed at So. Malamio, Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales; middle elevation of So. Baukok, Baquilan, Botolan, Zambales and the lowest elevation of So. Bucao, Porac, Botolan, Zambales. Based on the laboratory analysis report, the soil sample taken for the low elevation has a pH value of 7.8 which is alkaline, phosphate of 2.2 ppm, potassium 83 ppm and organic matter content of 0.92 %. The soil sample taken from the middle elevation of the watershed has a pH value of 7.5 which is also alkaline in nature; phosphate of 8.0 ppm, potassium content of 210 ppm and organic matter content of 0.97 % while the soil sample representing the highest elevation of Bucao watershed has a pH value of 5.9 which is acidic, phosphate of 8.0 ppm; potassium content of 130 ppm and organic matter content of 60%. For plantation establishment using forest and fruit bearing tree species in low and high elevation of the watershed, the Soil Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture recommends the fertilizer application of 15 grams of 16-20-0 per tree and 21.3 grams of 45-0-0 per tree during planting to be applied 3 to 4 inches away from the seedling with a soil depth of 3 inches. For plantation establishment of the same species in the middle elevation of the watershed, the DA recommends fertilizer application of 20 grams of 6-20-0 per tree and 20 grams of 45-0-0 29 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION per tree during planting to be applied 3 to 4 inches away from the side with a soil depth of 3 inches. They recommend also applying 4 kilos organic fertilizer per tree in lowland, middle and upper elevation of Bucao watershed. Table 6 Soil Analysis Result on samples taken in Bucao Watershed 30 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Table 7 Different soil types present in Bucao Watershed with their respective characteristics 31 Figure 12 Soil Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 32 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION C. Soil Depth Based on the soil morphological characteristics 48,423.89 hectares or about 71.05% of the Bucao Watershed area is composed of mountain soils with antisols, inceptisols, ultisols and alfisols with thermic hyperthermic and isohyperthermic temperature regimes found mostly in the mountainous areas of the watershed about 17,061.63 or roughly 25.03 % of the watershed is made up of tropopsamments with troporthents distributed evenly in all parts of the watersheds particularly suited for agricultural purposes. The remaining 2,660.25 hectares representing 3.90% of the total area of the watershed is composed of entropepts with dystropepts, tropudults with tropudalfs tropepts & oxisols. 2.1.5 LAND CLASSIFICATION/LEGAL STATUS OF LAND The Bucao Watershed has an approximate area of 68,145.77 hectares broken down into 2 major land classifications wherein 26.6 % (18,142.86) of which is Alienable and Disposable Land and 73.4 % (50,002.91) is Forestlands. Based on FR 122 Presidential Proclamation No. 248 dated January 19, 1956, the area forms part of the Southern Zambales Reserve (Figure 14). 33 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Percentage of Land Classification within Bucao Watershed 26.60% 73.40% Alienable & Disposable Land Forestland Figure 13 Land Classification Table 8 Status of Land of Bucao Watershed within the seven (7) Municipalities and Two (2) Provinces 34 Figure 14 Land Classification Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 35 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.1.6 LAND CAPABILITY The Bucao Watershed is comprised of Five (5) Major Sub watersheds. It is briefly described as follows: Table 9 Bucao Sub watershed a. Bucao I Subwatershed It covers an approximate area of 9,903.40 Ha. The Timberland portion is presently utilized as part of the Bucao Reforestation Project. It has been planted with a combination of exotic and endemic forest tree species such as Teak, Narra, and Mahogany, Agoho, Eucalyptus, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia pera and Acacia mangium. Other parts of this Watershed have been devoted to upland agriculture mostly by Aeta minorities. Cattle raising is also observed within this sub watershed and likewise there are mining claims was observed in the area. b. Bucao II Sub Watershed It covers an approximate area of 13,855,92 Ha. representing 20.33 % of the total watershed area. Patches of upland farming were observed scattered within this subwatershed under the 36 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Integrated Social Forestry Program presently covered with CADC. There are some tenurial instruments that have been issued by the DENR within the area. These are CBFM, CCFS and CADC. People living in the area are mostly aetas. Root crops, banana blossom and vegetables are the main source of income of the people. c. Baquilan Subwatershed It covers an approximate area of 6,131.38 Ha. or equivalent to 9% of the total land area of Bucao Watershed. Some tenurial instruments have been issued in the area namely: CBFM, CCFS, FLGLA, SIFMA, IFMA and CADC. Portion of the CADC area has been subjected to MOA with Botolan Reforestation Inc. for developmental purposes. Presently their plantation is ready for harvesting, however it is temporarily held in abeyance pending compliance for some instructions stipulated under E.O.23 and other related issuances, laws and regulations. d. Pinatubo Sub watershed This sub watershed is the largest among the five (5) sub watersheds having an area of 25,202.31 Ha. or equivalent to 34.05 % of the total area of Bucao Watershed. Geographically considered, the Mt. Pinatubo is found in the area. Residents in this area are dominantly engaged with planting of Agricultural crops such as vegetables, root crops and banana blossom. 37 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION e. Balintawak Subwatershed It covers an approximate area of 68,145.77 Ha. or equivalent to 22.09% of the total area of Bucao Wareshed. There are 13,417.47 Ha. or 19.67 % of the total land area are under the Province of Tarlac specifically falls within the Municipality of Capas and San Jose Likewise, there are Certificate of Stewardship Contracts (CSCs) issued under Integrated Social Forestry Project. Agriculture is the main source of the residents therein. Other portion of the area is covered with the IFMA area issued to AWECA. The holder has duly develop the area with Gmelina and other fast growing species. 2.1.7 LAND USE 2.1.7.1 On Forest Lands/Upland Areas Based on the orientation of the based map of Bucao Watershed, some upland areas within the watershed are devoted to upland agriculture. Depending on the legal and regulatory status per specific area within the watershed. The land utilization relies much on the capacity and privilege offered by tenurial instruments and/or documents issued by the DENR. For instance, areas covered by the Integrated Social Forestry Program such as the CCFS and the CSC areas are devoted to upland farming or upland agriculture. Open areas are likewise utilized for the same land use. These areas are plantable mostly cash crops/ subsistence crops. Portion of the Bucao Watershed are regulatory land use areas (AFFLA, Adopt –A-Mountain, CBFM, CADC, FLGLA/FLGMA, IFMA). These areas are principally devoted to upland development particularly the establishment of tree plantation. 38 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION There are three (3) permanent resettlement site/ area covered by the watershed. These are the Baquilan and Loobbunga Resettlement Sites covering an area of 317.6 hectares and 257.31Ha. respectively and established on October 30, 1992 after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption through the management of then MT. PINATUBO COMMISSION with cooperation of National governments, LGUs, OGAs and NGOs. The other is Bucao Resettlement site. This was identified and established for the flood victims affected by typhoons Ondoy and Kiko. This site was identified and established on October 4 2009 covering an area of 10 Ha. Baquilan River downwards to barangay San Juan, Botolan is adjacent Riceland Barangays. 2.1.7.2 On Alienable/Lowland Areas Generally, all alienable lands (lowlands) inside the Bucao Watershed have already been over laden with lahar deposits, particularly to those areas adjacent to the Bucao River. Continuous down flow of lahar from the upper slopes of Mt. Pinatubo is observed every year most especially during rainy season. Lowland areas nearby the Bucao River are always threatened by lahar flow and submerged by water. 39 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION LAND USE CATEGORY 1. Built up Areas a. So. Baquilan , So. Bucao and So. Loobbunga These sites are located within barangay San Juan and Porac Botolan, Zambales and falls within timberland block per LC no.645. These three (3) sitios serves as the residential abode for the affected populace of the recent Mt. Pinatubo eruption and lahar flows and floods. A special land use permit and MOA were duly signed and awarded to affected landless families as proof of occupancy. b. Barangay Bihawo Occupied mostly by aeta minorities under LAKAS group. This site is partly Timberland located at Barangay Bihawo, Botolan, Zambales 2. Barren Land Some areas within the watershed and vicinities thereof are considered barren. 3. Lahar Lahar area includes those areas along strams with headwaters emanating from slopes of Mt. Pinatubo. The Bucao River has been overlaid with lahar. This river is the main drainage of Mt. Pinatubo down towards the Barangays San Juan, Carael, paudpod, Batonlapoc, Porac, Paco, Beneg, San Miguel and Bangan,Botolan, Zambales. 40 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 4. Inland After the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in 1991, the aftermath did not only end on the amount of volcanic debris spewed by during eruption but continued years after. As mentioned above, lahar has devastated much of low lying areas along the Bucao River. 5. Fishpond Residents of Barangay Carael, Botolan, Zambales have been using fish pond as source of Tilapia and other fishes. 6. Agricultural Areas Before the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo, the lowland areas of the Bucao Watershed has been devoted mainly to rice production. Large tract of agricultural land within these municipality have been relying much on the availability of water supply emanating from Bucao River 7. Forest Man-made forest is within the confines of Bucao Reforestation Project planted by Administration and also through contract reforestation and ISF projects. Though destroyed by the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, some forest tree species have thrived well. Natural forests are found within Bucao Watershed belonging to second growth Dipterocarp forest and Molave type. a. Production/Protection Having been established as a reforestation project, the Bucao Reforestation Project served as a protection of exotic forest tree species has now been observed adjacent to previously designated plantation block. 41 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Natural forests belonging to Dipterocarp and Molave type have been allocated to fall mainly on the protection category. 2.2.2 CLIMATE Based on Coronas Classification the Bucao Watershed falls under Climate Type I with two pronounced seasons. The dry season covers the months of November to April while the rainy season during the rest of the year with heavy rainfall during the months of July and August. Figure 15 shows the Climate Map of Bucao Watershed 42 Figure 15 Climatic Map BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 43 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION The rainfall data used for the Bucao Watershed was obtained from the nearest Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), DOST, Subic Bay Weather Station, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Olongapo City. Based on ten year (CY 2000 to 2010) rainfall data shown in Table 10 below the lowest average mean rainfall occurred in the months of February with 5.9 millimeters while the mean highest rainfall occurred in the months of July with an average of 808.3 millimeters for the past ten years (CY 2000 to 2010) with the highest recorded rainfall in the month of July of 2002 with 2,195.2 millimeters. Table 10 Monthly total amount of rainfall (mm) 44 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Average Rainfall (2000-10) 900.00 Ave. Rainfall (2000-10) 800.00 700.00 600.00 500.00 400.00 300.00 200.00 100.00 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 16 Average amount of rainfall Table 11 Number of days with rainfall (mm) 45 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 17 Average numbers of days with rainfall TEMPERATURE The highest maximum temperature from CY 2000 to 2010 was during the months of April with an average of 40.68 degrees centigrade and the minimum lowest average was in the months of January with 21.85 degrees centigrade. Maximum temperature ranges from 36.2 degrees centigrade to 38.2 degrees centigrade. Minimum temperature ranges from 17.9 degrees centigrade to 21 degrees centigrade with the lowest recorded temperature in January of 2005 with 17.9 degrees centigrade. 46 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Table 12 Mean Temperature (2000-10) Average Monthly Temperature 30.50 30.00 29.50 29.00 28.50 28.00 27.50 27.00 26.50 26.00 25.50 25.00 Average Temperature Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Figure 18 Average Monthly Temperature WIND The average wind speed is 3 – 4 mps all throughout the year with its prevailing direction of North East to South West. 47 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION RELATIVE HUMIDITY Based on PAGASA readings for the period of CY 2000 to 2010, relative humidity ranges from 71.3% to 89% with the mean annual relative humidity of 79.39%. Table 13 Relative humidity in the watershed Figure 19 Average Monthly Relative Humidity 48 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.2.3 HYDROLOGY DRAINAGE PATTERN Bucao watershed consists of five (5) sub watersheds namely Bucao I, Bucao II, Bakilan, Pinatubo and Balintawak Subwatersheds. The head waters originates from the Southeastern portion of Mt. Pinatubo and on the North eastern portion from Mt. Cahapatan, Mt. Iba and Mt. Mangkirat going down to the main outlet which is the South China Sea. The drainage pattern of the watershed is sub-parallel dendritic with several creeks that are irregularly transversing the Five (5) subwatershed from the head water to the common outlet. The width of the river during minimum flow is 80 m and the deepest part is 1.0 m in height from the bottom surface of the river. The average water depth is 0.178 m and average velocity of 32.5 m/sec. During peak flow the width of Bucao Watershed is 124 m and the deepest portion is 1.6 m in height from the bottom surface of the river. Average water depth during peak flow is 0.80 m. STREAM FLOW RATE The computed water discharge during low flow is 462.8 cubic meters per second. While the peak flow discharge is 646.49 m³/sec STREAM FLOW QUANTITY/ QUALITY Based on the results of water analysis of Bucao Watershed, average pH is 7.6 which means that the water is alkaline. pH is an important water quality parameter because the solubility of minerals and metals in water are affected by the changes in pH. The survival of aquatic organisms diminishes as 49 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION pH falls below 5 or increases .above. A pH of 6.5-8.5 is ideal for most water uses. The total coliform and fecal coliform in the river exceeds the limit of 1,000 MPN/100 mL and 200 MPN/100 mL respectively. Water with fecal coliform is considered unsafe for swimming. Coliform bacteria grow in the digestive tracts of humans and serve as indicators of fecal contamination and as marker for other pathogenic microorganisms. Same case goes through phosphate results which are higher than 0.2 standards. The presence of excess phosphate ion affects aquatic ecology because it over fertilize plants. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) of Bucao River ranges from 8-16 mg/L. BOD is a chemical procedure for determining how fast biological organisms use up oxygen on a body of water. It is also widely used to determine the pollution strength of domestic and industrial wastes. 2.2.4 INFRASTRUCTURE Report of the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator shows that major roads and bridges has been the immediate projects of the LGU, especially after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo where many roads and bridges were completely devastated. Construction of the Bucao Bridge has been completed, concreting of Taugtog-Loob-bunga bridge, farm to market roads to other barangay has been completed but construction of farm to market roads going to eastern barangays is still not possible due to lahar deposit. 50 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION The construction of Botolan-Tarlac National Road is one of the major project that is being looked into by the LGU. Elementary schools have been constructed since most of the residents of the eastern barangays are moving back with the stabling condition o\f the areas affected by the eruption. Generally buildings and houses are constructed at the resettlement areas of Baquilan and Loob-bunga, and along the higher grounds of the Bucao River. Elementary and High School buildings were already constructed at Sta. Fe, San Marcelino, Zambales. Concrete hanging bridge is also built at So. Tangan tangan, Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac 2.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES 2.2.1 VEGETATION The vegetation of Bucao Watershed is composed of five (5) Classes, open brushed leaved forest, other wooded land shrubs, other land natural grassland, closed forest broad leaved and other land cultivated annual/perennial crops. Generally, large portion f the watershed area is covered by open forest broad leaved and other land cultivated annual/perennial crops. Closed forest broadleaved covers more o less 1,786.28 hectares or 2.62% of the watershed area located within the boundaries of Tarlac & Zambales. Natural grassland composed of grasses and shrubs with scattered patches of trees and other minor forest products are found visible along river systems and channels. While the remaining patches of the forests are dominated by alibangbang, binayuyo. Akleng parang and other trees in natural stand 51 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION observed along the southern and northern portions of the watershed areas. Table 14 Forest Cover of Bucao Watershed Table 15 shows that there are 44 trees species identified thriving in the watershed area which is distinctly dominated by lesser known species such as Binayuyo, Akleng parang and Anabiong. Also prevalent in the area are natural stand of Palosapis, Apitong and Lauan dipterocarp species found along the remaining portion of the close forest broad leaved forest cover of the watershed. Consequently, the remaining species are more or less evenly distributed all along the whole watershed exhibiting the species diversity of Bucao Watershed. 52 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Table 15 List of Flora within Bucao Watershed 53 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.2.2 FAUNA LIST OF FAUNA INVENTORIED WITHIN BUCAO WATERSHED Table16 Species Diversity Using Shannon Weiner Index 54 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Per physical inventory and assessment of existing fauna in twenty three (23) sampling plots of Bucao Watershed measuring 20 meters wide and 20 meters long there were thirteen (13) birds species, five (5) species of reptiles, six (6) species of mammals, two (2) amphibians and sixteen species of insects recorded. Out of the thirteen (13) species of birds Martinez is the most prevalent both in number and occurrences. Moreover, the snake and wild pig are the most commonly seen reptiles and mammals in Bucao Watershed. The parameters in analyzing the status of the faunal community for the diversity index was calculated from both the species richness and abundance by applying the Shannon index indicator system. The value of the Shannon was rated based on the bio-diversity survey guide. 55 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY AND DEMOGRAPHY 2.3.1 POPULATION AND DENSITY The Bucao Watershed has a total population of 62,579 as of 2010 NSO Census. In Zambales side, the total population is 61,963 with Barangay Villar as the most populated Barangay having a total of 22,822 and Barangay Balincaguing as the least with zero individual representation Likewise, in Tarlac side that is covered by the watershed the total population is 616 with Barangay Maamot as the most populated having 404 individuals and Barangay Sta. Juliana as the least with a population of only 212 individuals. In Zambales, the population growth rate is 1.86 percent while in Tarlac side is 1.47 percent. The populations of Barangays within 7 municipalities in Bucao Watershed are distributed as follows: Table 17 Population density 56 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2010 Population/Area by Municipality within Bucao Watershed Area 70,000 Population Area (Ha.) 60,000 50,000 40,000 30,000 20,000 10,000 - Botolan Cabangan San Marcelino Iba San Felipe Capas San Jose Figure 20 Population density by Municipality 2.3.2 AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE In Zambales which comprises five (5) municipalities namely Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe and San Marcelino, 79 .10 percent of the population belongs to labor force with an age bracket of 15 years old and above and 20.90 percent age bracket belongs to younger group or non working group. In Tarlac side which comprises only two (2)municipalities namely San Jose and Capas, 79.38 percent belongs to 15 years old and above bracket representing the working group, while 20.62 percent are non-working group with age belongs to 14 years old and below bracket. With regards to gender, the population within the Bucao River Watershed is dominated by females by only 1.008 percent over the males. In Zambales side, 50.432 percent are females and 50.005 percent are males. Likewise in Tarlac side, the percentage of males and females did not vary with that of Zambales. 57 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION The average Annual Growth Rate of Zambales side is 1.86 percent while in Tarlac side is 1.47 %. Table18 Population data of Bucao Watershed segregated by Gender Figure 21 Population/Gender by Municipality 58 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 22 Municipality of Botolan Age group Figure 23 Municipality of Cabangan Age group 59 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 24 Municipality of San Marcelino Age group Figure 25 Municipality of Iba Age group 60 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 26 Municipality of Capas Age group Figure 24 Municipality of Capas Age group Figure 27 Municipality of San Jose Age group 61 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.3.3 HOUSEHOLD/ FAMILY SIZE Data gathered from the five (5) municipalities of Zambales and two (2) municipalities of Tarlac which are covered by the Bucao Watershed shows that the average household size is 4-5 members and majority of the households is having a maximum of 6 and minimum of 3 children in the family. 2.3.4 LIVELIHOOD AND INCOME/ PROFILE/ SOURCES Based on the existing land area of Bucao Watershed, 22,140.46 hectares is devoted to agriculture. Out of the total area, 2,762.83 hectares is irrigated and 19,377.63 hectares is unirrigated tilled by low land farmers. While the upland areas is 1,720.38 hectares being occupied by upland farmers who are members of CBFM Projects. Rice crops dominate most of the areas devoted to agricultural production. Most are in low land area, which are planted with hybrid and in-breed rice both in irrigated and rain fed areas. Large portion of rice land is irrigable due to rehabilitated NIA irrigation system. However, Production is still low due to non-fertile soil problem, uncontrolled natural calamities (Typhoon) pest and diseases. Farmers also produced other crops like corn, different vegetables and root crops and fruit bearing trees as unirrigated areas. Farming, fishing and livestock production are the major source of livelihood within the watershed area. The annual income ranges from Php 36,000.00 to Php 72,000.00 Upland dwellers who are mostly benefeciaries of the CBFM program derived their income from planted fruit bearing trees and other agricultural crops such as palay, vegetables, corn, root crops etc. The communities within the watershed generally has no 62 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION enough financial earnings in term of savings because their income is just enough for daily subsistence. 2.3.5 SECTORAL PRODUCTION Majority of the residents within Bucao Watershed are engaged in farming, fishing livestock & poultry production. Rice crops, different kinds of fish and cattles like cows and carabaos are the major products. Other crops of economic importance are corn, bananas, vegetables and root crops such as cassava, gabi and camote. Likewise fruit bearing trees such as mango, cashew and coconut are additional products that derived from the watershed areas. 2.3.6 EMPLOYMENT PATTERN AND PROJECTION The municipalities of Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe and San Marcelino all in Zambales and San Jose and Capas in Tarlac have more than one-half of its total population in the labor force, yet unemployment is still a problem. Due to limited employment opportunities, majority of those in the labor force, even professionals, eligibles, competent and had even met the minimum qualification standard are doing manual jobs and accepting contractual job orders just to earn money for their daily subsistence. Those who landed as job order workers are force to accept salaries way beyond the minimum basic salary just to augment their family needs and for self-survival. Domestic as well as overseas employment is also minimal due to limited opportunities and financial incapacities. 63 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.3.7 SOCIAL, EDUCATIONAL AND MEDICAL SERVICES With regards to health, nutrition and medical services, these are being delivered by a resident midwife and nurse from the Municipal Health Offices with the assistance of Barangay Health Workers assigned in every Barangay Health Center/ Station. In case of serious illness, patients are brought and are treated at the Provincial Hospital located at Iba, Zambales and other private hospitals in Zambales, Olongapo and Pangasinan. 2.3.8 TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION The violent eruption of Mt. Pinatubo on June 15, 1991 ranks as one of the largest volcanic events of this century, has left an indelible imprint in the lives of many residents within the Bucao watershed. Several Barangays at the eastern part of the watershed were buried deep of volcanic ash and lahar including Barangay roads and bridges leading to eastern part of watershed area. The Bucao river and other tributaries were silted with lahar and volcanic deposits. Now only weapon carrier and carabao cart are the only means of transportation of people residing on the central and remote barangays of the watershed area. Some residents owned radios, televisions, CD and DVD player from which they obtain both news information and entertainment. Likewise cell phones are the common means of communication everywhere in the locality. 2.3.9 TOURISM AND RECREATION Based on the Socio-Economic Profile gathered from the five municipalities of Zambales and the two(2)municipalities of Tarlac, there are no potential areas for eco-tourism within the watershed area except the crater of Mount Pinatubo which serve as research purposes and recreation of foreign and local visitors. 64 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 2.3.10 RELIGIOUS SECTORS, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ORGANIZATION 2.3.10.1 Cooperative/ NGO’s / Social Organization Permanent residents within the Bucao Watershed consist of several associations/ organizations. Upland farmers formed their People’s Organization under CBFM project of the DENR while lowland farmers formed their Irrigators Association under National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and cooperatives being assisted by the local Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 2.3.10.2 Religion Roman Catholic is still the dominant religious affiliation of residents within the watershed area. Other religions are Aglipayan, Protestant and Iglesia ni Kristo that are well established in the area. 2.3.10.3 Political Bucao Watershed which covers the municipalities of Iba, Botolan, Cabangan, San Felipe and San Marcelino, Zambales belongs to the Second District of the Province of Zambales under Hon. Congressman Antonio M. Diaz (deceased) while municipalities of San Jose belongs to the Second District of the Province of Tarlac under Congresswoman Susan A. Yap and Capas which belongs to the Third District of the Province of Tarlac under Congresswoman Jeci A. Lapus. Under the political structure of present government, electoral process of the government either local or national is being held within the Barangays inside the watershed area designated by the Commission on Election. 65 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION It was also observed that aside from the elected Barangay Captains in every Barangay, there are Chieftains who head a clan of minorities particularly the original aetas. Other institutions exercising some form of leadership in the area are the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and active Chapel leaders who take charge and responsible of the Festivities and other forms of community endeavors. 2.3.10.4 Citizen Participation Residents in the community within the watershed exercised fully their rights to vote during election and very active in attending meetings, public forum and other community assemblies conducted by different government organizations especially when it regards to the provision of basic services, livelihood, government programs and projects and other related services for the welfare of the community as whole. 2.3.10.5 Ancestral Domain Claims Certificate of Ancestral Domain Claims (CADC) issued within the Bucao watershed are located at So. Maporac, New San Juan, Cabangan, Zambales covering an aggregate area of 6,203.0 hectares issued in 1995. Other CADC areas are located at Barangay Poonbato and Villar, Botolan, Zambales covering an area of 8,700.0 and 22,400.0 hectares both issued in 1996 respectively. Source: Official record kept on file by CENRO, Botolan, Zambales 2.3.11 BEHAVIORAL AND CULTURAL PATTERNS There are three (3) ethnic groups found within the watershed area. These are the Ilocanos, Tagalog and Zambaleňos. Other ethnic groups are Pangasinenses, Pampagueňos, Visayans, Bicolanos and some Muslims. Major 66 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION dialects spoken are Ilocano, Tagalog, Zambal and Pangasinense. Residents within the Bucao watershed considered Bucao River as their source of living since irrigation for all the agricultural lands within the watershed depends in this river that’s why occupants are very concerned with the protection and conservation of the watershed to ensure the continuous supply of water for their agricultural farms. With regards to the culture of the occupants within the watershed are noted of their respects for the olds and allegiance to their clan. Women are regarded the traditional way as housekeeper. However it was observed that some women are assisting their husband working in the field especially in the developmental activities of their respective farm lots within the Community-Based Forest Management areas. Children on the other hand are noted of their usual respect to their parents and assist simple works in the household chores especially during school vacation. Superstitious belief is prevalent in almost all the Barangays within the watershed area. Primitive religiosity like belief in bad spirits and supernatural are still active. Many superstitious belief cannot be denied that until this time many occupants are giving more emphasis and importance. In general, residents within the Bucao watersheds are hardworking, self reliance and diligent to earn for their daily living. They kept themselves always busy and they don’t waste time for unproductive undertaking. 67 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION III. VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY IN VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT AND HAZARD ANALYSIS 3.1 Formation of Multi-disciplinary team and Site Selection: A multi-disciplinary team coming from various sectors/services of DENR was created through a Special Order signed by the Regional Executive Director. Leveling workshop with the regional team was then conducted to understand the concept of vulnerability assessment as well as delineate responsibilities for the joint research undertaking. 3.2 Gathering/Updating of Primary and Secondary Data This involved the gathering of secondary and primary data on various watershed characteristics. Assessments include the following: 3.2a. Bio-physical Assessment 1) Watershed morphology (area, elevation, slope, drainage pattern/density) 2) Geology and soils (geologic materials and arrangement, fault lines, soil physical and chemical properties) 3) Climate (annual/monthly rainfall, evaporation, typhoon occurrence and frequency, etc.) 4) Land use/vegetation (vegetation and extent of area). Land use mapping with the use of Landsat/spot images was employed coupled with field check and onsite verification on some land uses. 5) Hydrology (streamflow, water quality, flood and drought occurrence). Water samples were taken at different times of the year and analyzed for various water quality parameters (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, alkalinity, etc.). 68 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Gathered information were translated into thematic maps and/or tables or graphs. Field validation included the determination of the maximum flood level and landslide characteristics (location, size, aspect, soil/geology, slope and land cover). 3.2b Socio-economic Assessment Data on socio-demography (sex, age, income, education, etc.) was gathered through interviews. Assessment also included the determination of attitudes, awareness and perceptions of watershed occupants including existing programs in the area that may aggravate or reduce the vulnerability of the watershed to certain hazards. Map on the location of critical facilities, i.e. schools, roads and bridges, hospitals, floodplain/riverbank houses and other critical structures was also made. 3.3 Hazard Identification, Critical Factor Analysis and Mapping Hazards occurring in the watershed both upstream and downstream portions were identified from characterization data and site visits. Focus of hazard identification includes flood, landslide/erosion, fire, pollution, deforestation/encroachment and biodiversity loss. Hazard information from MGB, PHILVOCs, PAGASA and other agencies were sourced out also. Hazards and its contributory factors were determined through analysis of watershed characterization data and through the conduct of focus group discussions (FGD) with occupants of the watershed and other key informants. Specific sites where the hazards occurred were put in the map during the field 69 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION surveys. A crucial element in reducing vulnerability to natural hazards is the analysis of human settlements and infrastructures as gathered in activity 1b. The methodology formulated by ERDB was followed wherein natural forces and anthropogenic factors recognized as factors affecting the vulnerability of were the watersheds to hazards. In the case of landslide for example, two major factors were considered to influence its occurrence. These are: bio-physical factors that include rainfall, land use or vegetation, slope and terrain, geology/lithology, distance from fault line, soil morphology, road and river cut; and Anthropogenic factors like access/property rights, farming practices and ground disturbance. In the case of fire, the two major factors considered include: biological factors such as dry fuel materials, vegetation, slope and terrain, aspect in relation to wind and exposure, wind velocity and direction, dry spell, firebreaks, natural barriers, proximity to fire prone areas, accessibility and infrastructures; and Anthropogenic factors like access/property rights, social knit, leadership, incendiarism, awareness/knowledge, beliefs, perceptions, attitudes, household/ community economy, markets and prices, capital investment, technology, institutions and policies. Each of the factors has a numerical score of 1 to 5, and a total maximum value of 100 can be computed. 3.3.1 Landslide Assessment For assessing landslide vulnerability due to bio-physical factors, the various thematic maps were assigned class and weights according to relative their importance in influencing landslide. These are briefly discussed below. a) Slope In order to make the assessment more systematic, all slopes from 0-8% slope (level to gently sloping) where 70 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION categorized as areas of low vulnerability to landslides. Steep slopes (>50%) where considered to be areas very high vulnerable to landslide occurrence. b) Soil One of the most known parameters to contribute to occurrence of landslide is soil characteristics. In the absence of detailed soil texture and hydraulic conductivity analysis a general soil map based on soil classification can be used. Young soils (inceptisols) were considered less susceptible to landslide as compared to old soil (oxisol and ultisol). c) Rainfall Rainfall is considered as the triggering factor to the occurrence of landslide. In the absence of rainfall isohyet, historical monthly average rainfall was used in assessing the vulnerability of the watershed to landslide. Rated monthly average rainfall is shown in the Table 9 below. d) Typhoon Occurrence As per modified Coronas Classification of PAGASA, Botolan, Zambales area belongs to Climate type I characterized by two pronounced season: dry from November to April and wet during the rest of the year. Bucao area is rated medium to high in terms of vulnerability to typhoon incidences. e) Land Use Land use map derived from 2002 LANDSAT satellite images were analyzed and validated in the field. The watershed is dominated by Riceland, timber and forest land. Agricultural or cultivated areas also cover considerable hectarage. Rating was largely based on the presence and type of vegetation cover in the watershed. 71 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION f) Distance From Fault Line Areas near fault line can be considered more weathered and fractured as compared to areas farther from the fault line. The watershed was found to be quite far from any fault line hence this factor was considered not a significant in the analysis. g) Geology/Lithology Geologic map from Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) was utilized. Rating was inferred based on general rock consolidation. That is, young sedimentary deposits are less hardened compared to old sedimentary deposits. Likewise, igneous rocks and intrusives are likely to be more hardened. h) Road Cut Road cuts in steep slopes are known to induce landslides. Unprotected road cuts will be more susceptible to landslides. Road widening on very steep slopes naturally produced steep road cuts. 3.3.2 Soil erosion assessment Soil erosion is favored by high rainfall and intensive hillyland agriculture in the humid factors. However, the magnitude differs in time and space due to disparity in edaphic and others factors. Scientific studies on soil erosion need adequate funding and considerable time to generate reliable results. 3.3.3 Flood Assessment Flood is a natural and recurring event for a mriver or stream resulting from heavy or continuous precipitation exceeding the absorptive capacity of soil and the flow capacity 72 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION of rivers streams, and coastal areas. Flood hazard assessment based on direct measurements may not be possible, because there is no basis to determine the specific flood levels and recurrence intervals for given events. 3.3.4 Forest/Grass Fire assessment Fire behavior model requires elevation, slope, aspect, weather and vegetation to simulate fire behavior across the landscape. In general, most fire behavior models require estimates of the following variables in order to generate predictions: total above-ground biomass contributing to the forward rate-of-spread of the fire; mean stand height; fuel particle surface-area-to-volume (SAV); and moisture content. Acquiring these estimates can be very costly. As an initial approach, the fire hazard factor was applied in the analysis. "Hazard Factor" means the factors which most influence the potential of a geographic area to burn. Hazard factors are climate, topography, natural vegetative fuels, natural vegetative fuel distribution and anthropogenic factors. In this study, forest fire was considered to be highly affected by anthropogenic factors and the assessment follows the model presented in Annex Table 1. 3.3.5 Deforestation/Biodiversity Loss Assessment Using an updated land use/land cover map of the watershed under investigation, each land cover type shall be characterized using the transect-square plot technique of plant inventory. Series of sampling points shall be established where the observation plots will be set up. Each observation plot shall consist of two squares, the smaller nested within the larger. Fauna survey is the sampling of fauna forms (birds, mammals, herps, macro fungi and insects) shall be conducted along the plots established by the vegetation survey group. 73 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Systematic listing of observed faunal forms shall be conducted. Also, secondary information on the presence of faunal forms shall be gathered from local informants 74 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 28 Physical Flood Vulnerability Map 75 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 3.4 GIS and Spatial Analysis Overlay and index method which involve combining various watershed attributes (e.g., geology, soils, slope, climate, land use, anthropogenic factors) was used. In this approach, all attributes were assigned class (Class 1 – 5) and weights (1-100 %). This method was considered to be the simplest approach in vulnerability assessment that can be adopted by the DENR regional offices and is still favored by many researchers and planning agencies in various countries. Overlay and index method attempts to be more quantitative by assigning different numerical scores and weights to the attributes in developing a range of vulnerability classes which are then displayed in the map. Results of this activity include the spatial location of vulnerable areas including their classification whether high to low to various hazards (degree of vulnerability). 3.5 Formulation of Mitigating Measures Series of Focus Group Discussions in the area as well as workshops by the technical team and key persons were conducted to come up with appropriate mitigating measures. The mitigating measures focused on interventions that may reduce the effects of the identified hazards or improve the adaptation of the watershed to the identified hazard (s) 3.6 Review, Analysis and Policy Recommendation Existing policy(s) gathered during the conduct of watershed characterization were reviewed and relevant national policies were analyzed. Series of in-house workshops were initiated by the Team to come up with the needed policy recommendations to address the identified problems and minimized damaged due to the identified hazards. 76 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A. Hazards Identification There had been much concern given how Bucao Watershed behaved and reacted to impacts due to some changes of land use or modification of its original landscape. These impacts were empirically understand to be the physical events resulting to loss of lives and properties especially in places and times when they interact with human activities, these were termed Hazards. There are two (2) kinds of hazards: natural and man-made. The former are natural physical events like flood, landslide, earthquake and volcanic eruption, while the latter are those which result to a disaster having an element of human intent like negligence, error or failure of a system. More often than not, effects or disasters coming out from natural hazards are aggravated by human involvement which happen in the farm of lack of planning. Hazards identified in Bucao watershed; 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. landslide soil erosion flooding biodiversity loss fire GIS-Approach to Landslide Analysis The strength of overlaying or evaluating factors that contributes to the occurrence of landslides lies on the availability and the details of various thematic maps. Every thematic map has different weight and influencing factor towards the development of landslides. For each maps, relative weights were assigned and rated by the team experts. The final mathematical model applied to derived the landslide vulnerability map is: 77 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Landslide Vulnerability Map = (Rated Slope Map x 0.30)+(Rated Soil Map x 0.10)+(Rated Rainfall and Typhoon frequency Map x 0.20)+(Rated Geologic Map x 0.15)+(Rated Land Cover Map x 0.20)+(Rated rock Fracturing/Fault line x 0.05) The derived GIS – assisted approach to landslide assessment due to bio-physical factors was then applied to Pinulot watershed together with the anthropogenic factors contribution to come up with the model: Landslide = 0.90 (biophysical factors)+(0.10 anthropogenic factors) The anthropogenic factor was determined by taking the mean of factors considered to contribute to the vulnerability of the watershed to landslide. The rating used in the FGD’s were as follows (as indicated in the instrument). 1 – Factors plays is Very Low Vulnerability 2 – Factors plays is Low Vulnerability 3 – Factors plays is Moderate Vulnerability 4 – Factors plays is High Vulnerability 5 – Factors plays is Very High Vulnerability 78 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Figure 27 Landslide Final Vulnerability Map 79 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION C Vulnerability assessment to Landslide The derived GIS- assisted approach to landslide assessment due to physical factors was applied to Bucao watershed and the anthropogenic factors were considered in the FGD which covers items such as farming system, ground disturbance by human activities and occupancy and habitations as contribution to come up with results using the model and computing its landslide rating which is: LANDSLIDE = .90 (biophysical factors) + (0.10 anthropogenic factors) Level of Vulnerability through Biophysical Factor The overlaying of the different factors like slope,soil, rainfall and typhoon occurrence, geology, land cover and fault were given weights to derive a vulnerability map of Bucao watershed. Bucao Watershed is considered as highly vulnerable to landslide. This is because almost 91.45% of the total area is within the 50> slopes. and is located within the mountainous part of the area which is mostly wooded land and grassland areas. During extreme typhoons, areas along the Bucao River 80 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION is affected by flooding. Riverbank erosion also affects the riverside areas. The level of vulnerability of Bucao Watershed to Landslide was rated as high vulnerability with a rating of 4.59. Level of Vulnerability through anthropogenic factor The Anthropogenic factor was determined by taking the mean of the factors that affect landslide in the area. These are farming systems, ground disturbance and occupancy and habitation. These factors were rated and an average rating of 3.8 which are considered being moderate to highly vulnerable. The over-all vulnerability assessment of Bucao Watershed to Landslide as reflected in the vulnerability map (Figure --) covers about 57.32% of its total area of 68,145.77 hectares. The factors that highly contribute to landslide is due to its slope of the area with almost 91.45% is within the 50> asl, and also the excessive rainfall and its typhoon occurrence. The eruption of the Mt Pinatubo has a great effect in the soil erosion that brought the area and its tributary to be covered by pyroclastic deposit, rivers and streams therefore leads to overflow of water causing the lower part of the watershed to flooding. 81 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Table 19. Assessment of the Vulnerability of Bucao Watershed to Landslide LEGEND: 1 – Very Low Vulnerability (VLV) 2 – Low Vulnerability (LV) 3 – Moderate Vulnerability (MV) 4 – High Vulnerability (HV) 5 – Very High Vulnerability (VHV) 82 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Table 20 Bucao Watershed Landuse IV. ANALYSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, PROBLEMS AND OPPORTUNITIES A. FOREST ECOSYSTEM The Forest Ecosystem of the Bucao Watershed is composed of Dipterocarps, Molave and miscellaneous species. The presence of endemic species of flora and fauna are presently threatened due to the destruction of national habitats brought by the cutting of trees and charcoal making particularly in areas subjected for mining operations/ extraction and construction of Road-Right of Way. Continuous destruction of habitat may lead the area for total depletion extinction of the flora and fauna. The continuous and improper extraction of mineral resources, cutting of trees and charcoal making causes soil degradation and leads the watershed decreases of water supply. 83 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION B. UPLAND ECOSYSTEM The upland ecosystem is composed of the existing forest plantations, shrubs and miscellaneous species. These areas also contain voluminous deposits and potential area for developmental purposes. These are areas within the Bucao Watershed that are covered with tenurial instruments; these are the CADC, CBFM, Co-management Agreements, Adopt-A-Mountain, Certificate of Stewardship Contracts and Mining Leases (Small Scale and MPSA). There are also areas in the watershed categorized as unproductive Alienable and Disposable (A&D) and agricultural lands owned by private individuals. These areas are frequently razed by forest fires particularly during dry seasons often caused by carelessness, insendiarism and Kaingin making. Implementation of prepared Forest Fire Management Plan in these areas is very difficult due to insufficient water supply , rocky terrain and lahar. Residents and informal settlers within the adjacent areas have lessened concerns with the protection of the uplands. Hunters, tree cutters, charcoal and firewood gatherer and Miners causes’ forest fires in the area. Second growth forest is threatened by the illegal tree cutters, charcoal makers and miners. These activities may accelerate deforestation, soil erosion and landslides. Intervention of influential people in the community/ locality causes failure in the forest protection campaign, development and conservation efforts of the government. Information and education campaign should be conducted to educate people therein and strengthen their awareness on environmental and forest protection. 84 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION C. GRASSLAND ECOSYSTEM This area is composed of several shrubs, natural grasses and cultivated areas with A &D lands. Productive agricultural lands are found in the lowland. The presence of the irrigation facilities is the most important support to the farmers to make their areas productive. Problems encountered in developing the areas are the insufficient support to the farmers. Higher cost of farm inputs and the lower price of their products keep most farmers on the level behind poverty line. Government interventions like giving support to the farmers in terms of lower price of seeds to be planted and marketing of their products may help farmers to uplift their economic status. They should be trained on the marketing strategies and other livelihood project. The government should establish a ONE-STOP- SHOP to centralize the marketing of their products and regulate the prevailing and reasonable prices of the products. The analyses of environmental issues, problems and opportunities of the above ecosystems are based on the result of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threat (SWOT) analysis of the watershed. 85 D. SWOT Analysis BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION 86 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEY /INTERVIEW OF RESIDENTS WITHIN THE BUCAO WATERSHED 87 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION FOREST ECOSYSTEM WITHIN BUCAO WATERSHED 88 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION COORDINATION AT PENRO TARLAC WITH PENRO ALCIDE B. AMADOR 89 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Coordination at CENRO Tarlac with CENRO Laureano Macadangdang Coordination with the Brgy. Capt. of Barangay Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac 90 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES WITHIN BUCAO WATERSHED 91 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION ASSESSMENT OF BIODIVERSITY Sampling plot no. 5 with coordinates of N 15.15’ and E 120.12’ So. Malamio,Brgy. Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales 92 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Natural spring located at So. Malamio, Brgy. Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales 93 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Establishment of sampling plot no. 8 with coordinates of N15˚09’ and E 120˚15’ So. Bongolan, Brgy. Moraza, Botolan, Zambales Collection of soil sample at So. Bongolan, Brgy. Moraza, Botolan, Zambales 94 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Establishment of sampling plot no. 7 with coordinates N 15.09’ and E 120.18’ So. Tarao, Brgy. Villar, Botolan, Zambales 95 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Overview of sampling plot no. 11 with coordinates of N 15.12’ and E 120.12’ Mt. Culianan, Brgy. Burgos, Botolan, Zambales 96 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION FLORA Sampling plot no. 12 with coordinates of N 15’21” and E 120’15” Located at So. Mapalinday, Tangan-tangan, Brgy. Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac Establishment of 20 x 20 sampling no. 12 So. Mapalinday, Brgy. Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac 97 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Identification of forest tree by For.II Jose L. Gelacio at So. Mapalinday, Brgy. Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac 98 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Sample plot no. 12 with coordinates of N 15’21” and E 120’15” located at So. Mapalinday, Brgy. Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac 99 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Photo shows some species of forest products found within plot no. 12 100 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Tangile tree found at sample plot no. 13 101 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Identification of sakat tree found at sample plot no. 23 with coordinates N 15’21” and E 120’09” located at Mount Nagparel Brgy. Sta. Barbara, Iba, Zambales 102 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Pictures showing the members of the Biodiversity Assessment Team traversing Baquilan river with a carabao cart 103 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Portion of Poonbato river within the Bucao Watershed heavily silted with lahar. 104 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Stop-over along the middle portion of Bucao Watershed located at Burgos, Botolan, Zambales. Alongside shows the massive river bank erosion. 105 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Ongoing construction of Villar Brgy Hall located along the upper portion of the watershed 106 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Portion of Mt. Culianan at Maguisguis, Botolan, Zambales showing the extent of erosion within Bucao Watershed 107 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Pictures showing the assessment team caravan while passing along piles of lahar deposit continuously eroded by the flow of Balinbaquero river at Villar, Botolan, Zambales. 108 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Showing the extent of massive soil erosion and siltation of Bucao river. 109 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Pictures showing the carabao carts hired by the assessment team. On the background is the tree plantation of BAFI continuously eroded by the river at Poonbato, Botolan, Zambales 110 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Another stopover of the assessment team together with the participating community after 6 hours of continuous travelling 111 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION FAUNA MAMMALS 112 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION INSECTS 113 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Beehive found at So.Maimit, Brgy. Maamot, San Jose, Tarlac 114 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION References: Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).2001, DAO No. 34, Series of 1990. Revised Water Usage and Classification: Water Quality Criteria Amending Section Nos. 68 and 69, Chapter III of the 1978 NPCC Rules and Regulations. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).2008. DAO No. 05 Series of 2008, Implementing Guidelines in the Preparation of Integrated Watershed Management Plan. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).2007. DAO No. 01 Series of 2007 Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).2004. DAO No. 15 Series of 2004 Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project (ICRMP) Development Plan of Botolan, Zambales Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project (ICRMP) Development Plan of Cabangan, Zambales Municipality of Botolan, Zambales. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of Botolan. Municipality of Iba, Zambales. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of Iba. Municipality of Cabangan, Zambales. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of Cabangan. Municipality of San Felipe, Zambales. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of San Felipe. Municipality of San Marcelino, Zambales. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of San Marcelino. Municipality of San Jose, Tarlac City. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of San Jose. Municipality of Capas, Tarlac. The Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDO) and Municipal Health Officers of Capas. National Statistics Office (NSO) Olongapo City Branch Office. Census and Population 2007. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). SBMA Weather Station. 115 BUCAO WATERSHED CHARACTERIZATION Procedural Manual on Water Quality (Volume 1 Ambient Water Quality Monitoring) Monitoring. October 26, 2007. Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 3. 116