Managing the Naga City River:

Where to Go From Here

Naga City, Bicol
Philippines
Cathy Pasion
School of Community and Regional Planning
University of British Columbia
Directed Study
July 5, 2007

Acknowledgements
This report would not have been possible without the generosity and
support of Willy Prilles and the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) of
Naga City. It was an immense pleasure to meet and spend time with all of you.
In gathering data for this project the following people were a great help:
Oscar Orozco (CENRO), Jesus P. Bongalonta (CENRO), Rolly Campillos (UPAO),
Miles Arroyo (UDHB), Melchor Estrella Llantero (CENRO), Erlinda V. Bailey
(CENRO), Badette Rocco (LIGF), Atty Ojastro (City of Naga), Dada De La Rosa
(NCPC), and Ramon Antonio (Barangay Dinaga Captain). Without their insight
and knowledge this project would not have been possible. Thank you all so
much for your time and words of wisdom.
And finally, thank you Dr. Nora Angeles. Thank you for conceptualizing a
studio course in Naga City and for making this opportunity in mutual learning
possible. Being a Filipino-Canadian, this has been a very special and memorable
experience. For this I am especially grateful.

Biography
Cathy Pasion is a School of Community and Regional Planning graduate student
at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Cathy also holds
both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Civil and Environmental
Engineering from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Cathy has worked as
an environmental consultant in the remediation of contaminated sites and as a
researcher in the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance from
contaminated lands. She hopes to use her technical and planning skills to
continue to work with communities in the future.

ii

Executive Summary
The Naga City River is an important physical and cultural feature for the
city of Naga. Not only does the river serve a vital role in the citys ecosystems,
but it is also the site of the Bicol regions most prestigious religious ceremony,
the Peafracia fluvial procession.
The importance of the river is evident, but the rivers water quality
remains below desired standards and is unfit for human uses such as bathing.
The city of Naga has made many concerted efforts to manage the river in the
past, including the development of the Naga City River Watershed Strategic
Management Plan in 1997. Much important progress has been made as a result.
This is evident from the marked improvement in water quality from its initial
state, the enactment of relevant ordinances and legislation, the establishment
of city departments dedicated to environmental issues, and the participation of
citizens groups in river management. These advances are substantial;
however, ten years have passed and many of the objectives initially stated in
this plan remain at a standstill. Naga City is in need of a renewed plan to help
rebuild momentum towards the rivers revitalization.
Based on a review of existing policies, ordinances and visioning
documents, and through stakeholder interviews, a series of recommendations
were made for the City of Naga to consider in the future management of the
Naga City River. These recommendations are informed by the principles of
sustainable development and look to foster the objectives initially stated
within the Strategic Watershed Management Plan developed in 1997. In
summary the recommendations include the following:

Assess the extent of progress on the Strategic Management Plan to date

and determine the costs and funding required to carry out the initial
objectives.

Make future plans incremental, with assessed incremental costs, so that

the city can put money forward for the first steps within the plan,
iii

thereby showing local initiative to Nagueos and outside potential

funders.

Consider public private partnerships in the development of the proposed

riverwalk.

Conduct campaigning on sustainability principles to foster the

understanding of the relationship between acquiring basic needs and
livelihoods, and caring for the Naga City River.

Consider transportation and land use in the resettlement of illegal river

dwellers. Ensure their accessibility to the river and to their livelihoods.

Improve the enforcement of regulations through the following: increase

the number of deputized personnel, create a culture of caring for the
river, encourage barangay level support, foster knowledge of applicable
national legislation, and aggregate market vendors along the riverwalk
and deputize them to enforce ordinances pertaining to the river.

Take advantage of political will in the local government to push forward

environmental initiatives and river management goals.

Take a holistic approach that considers sustainable development

principles in all future planning for river management. Consider the role
of the river in fostering the environmental, social, and economic wellbeing for all Nagueos, both now and in the future.

iv

Table of Contents
1.

Introduction________________________________________________________ 1

2.

Problem Context ____________________________________________________ 2

2.1.

Stakeholders __________________________________________________________ 3

2.2.

Interviews _____________________________________ Error! Bookmark not defined.

2.3.

Policy Context_________________________________________________________ 6

2.3.1.

Policy Documents __________________________________________________________6

2.3.2.

Legislation________________________________________________________________9

3.

Guiding Principles Sustainable Development __________________________ 13

4.

Key Findings ______________________________________________________ 15

5.

Recommendations __________________________________________________ 25

Bibliography __________________________________________________________ 31
Tables _______________________________________________________________ 33

management plan was developed to

1. Introduction

revitalize the Naga River. Since that

Naga City is a medium-sized

city,

with

of

made; however, ten years have passed

approximately 150 000, in the province

and many of the objectives initially

of

stated in this plan remain at

Bicol,

population

time, important progress has been

Philippines.

Through

its

centre runs the Naga City River, which

standstill. The initial momentum felt

originates in the foothills of Mt. Isarog

when the management plan was first

to the north and flows into the Bicol

developed has faded. Naga City is in

River to the south. The Naga City River

need of a renewed plan to help rebuild

is an important physical and cultural

momentum

feature for the city. Not only does the

revitalization.

towards

the

rivers

river serve a vital role in the citys

As identified in the visioning

ecosystems, but it is also the site of

workshops and planning that led to the

the Bicol regions most prestigious

Naga City River Watershed Strategic

religious ceremony, the Peafrancia

Management

fluvial procession, an attraction to

revitalization of the Naga River would

hundreds of thousands of people every

be beneficial to Naga City on many

year.

fronts.

Although the importance of the Naga

development of the riverfront could

City River is evident, through time, the

potentially benefit tourism and spur

river has served as an outlet for many

economic development. Caring for the

forms of pollution and is unfit for

quality of water in the river and the

human uses, such as bathing and

delicate

swimming. The need to address these

contributes

water

sustainability

quality

issues

has

been

Plan

Cleaning

of

1997,

the

river

ecosystems
to
and

it

the

and

supports

environmental
recognizes

the

recognized and efforts have been

importance of the river to future

made

The

generations of Nagueos. Finally, the

highlight of these efforts took place in

seasonal flooding of the Naga River

1997, where with the support of

and the erosion of its riverbanks are a

USAID,

continual

in

its

revitalization.

comprehensive

strategic

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

concern

for

the

city.
1

Attention to the development of the

river will help alleviate these threats.

2. Problem Context

All of these benefits that would result

from comprehensive river management

Past planning efforts in the city

are in line with the citys objectives to

of Naga have clearly demonstrated the

meet the UN Millennium Development

objective to manage their river in a

Goals

comprehensive way that integrates

for

2015

(UN

Millennium

social, economic and environmental

Development Goals, 2007).

The following report reviews the

sustainability. The positive results of

management of Naga River in Naga

these planning efforts are many. For

City to date. Within the research

instance, relevant ordinances have

interviews

with

been established. As well, the Naga

organizations

River Council was initiated in 1993.

identified as critical to the rivers

And, most significantly, the Strategic

management.

Management Plan for the Naga River

were

stakeholders

conducted

and

Existing policies and

also

Watershed was developed in 1997. All

reviewed. Based on a synthesis and

of these developments clearly indicate

analysis of this information, some

a motivation and concerted effort

suggestions or recommendations for

towards managing the Naga River.

Naga City and its approach to river

However, ten years after the plan was

management are provided.

first initiated, many of the objectives

visioning

documents

were

that were established are unmet and

much work remains.
The following is a brief overview
of the progress that has been made in
the comprehensive management of the
Naga City River. The stakeholders
identified, and the existing legislation
and policy documents are presented.

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

2.1.

Method: Interviews

The

stakeholder

2.2.

Stakeholders

interviews

conducted during the period June 12th

The management of the Naga

to 15th, 2007 are listed in Table 1. As

River is important to all Nagueos and

shown, in addition to members or

citizens of the Metro Naga Region.

representatives from the organizations

There is a large range of stakeholders

discussed above, interviews were also

who are affected by management

conducted with Attorney Miles Arroyo,

plans for the Naga River. For instance,

Chairperson of the Urban Development

those living on the riverbanks, both

and

and

landowners and those who do not own

Attorney Angel R. Ojastro III, the Naga

land but who have made the riverbank

City Legal Officer.

their home, are largely affected by

Housing

These

Board

(UDHB),

provided

decisions made regarding the river. As

critical insights into the state of river

well, business owners and market

management practices in Naga City. A

vendors would also be affected by the

setback in this research is the lack of

rivers development

as this could

interviews with those who live along

potentially

the

the riverbanks of the river. Although

vitality of the city by developing

these interviews were not conducted,

commercial/retail areas and spurring

interviews with Dada de Le Rosa of the

tourism.

NCPC and Rolly Campillos of UPAO

impacts

the

city

environmentally,

helped to illuminate some of the needs

economically,

and

socially.

and concerns of these very important

Nagueos

stakeholders

stakeholders.

rivers management.

It

interviews

should

be

noted

increase

economic

The rivers management

are

All
in the

that

Many organizations that have

consultations with these dwellers were

actively worked on revitalizing the

conducted during the development of

river are also stakeholders and are

the Strategic Management Plan of 1997

critical to the success of a river

and can be found in this report (City of

management plan. These include the

Naga, 1997).

City

Environment

and

Natural

Resources Office (CENRO),

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

City Planning and Development Office

the care and maintenance of the river.

(CPDO), Urban Poor Affairs Office

CENRO was initially created as a task

(UPAO), Ladies in Green Foundation

force in 1997 as a result of the

(LIGF), Naga City Peoples Council

Strategic Watershed Management Plan

(NCPC), barangay leaders and their

of

councils and associations, the Urban

institutionalized

Development

Board

present this office monitors the quality

(UDHB) and the Naga City River Patrol.

of water within the river as per the

Department

brief

and

Housing

description

of

these

organizations follows.

1997.

Resource
well,

CENRO
in

of

July

then

1999.

Environment

(DENR)

CENRO

was

and

requirements.

provides

technical

input
forms

At

As
on

Naga City Planning and Development

different

of

Office (CPDO)

intervention that are necessary to

It is the role of the City Planning

improve and sustain an acceptable

Development

both

quality of water in the river. For

facilitate and map the comprehensive

example, recommendations for water

management of the Naga River. CPDO

treatment or management of septic

also manages land use throughout the

tanks

city of Naga, in the Naga River

coordination with barangay captains

watershed and most significantly CPDO

and the Philippine National Police

manages

the

lands

(PNP),

adjacent

to

the

and

Office

to

immediately
river.

The

are

made

CENRO

ordinances

by

CENRO.

enforces

that

the

guide

In

city
waste

management of these lands will largely

management, littering, and uses of the

determine the future of the river and

river.

its uses.
Department of Environment and
City Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO)
CENRO

is

the

Natural Resources (DENR)

DENR

executive

is

department

the
that

national

level

manages

department of the City Government of

environmental issues and water bodies

Naga that is primarily responsible for

throughout

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

the

Philippines.

For
4

instance,

the

DENR

requires

the

Ordinance No. 95-092, An Ordinance

monitoring of water quality within the

Initiating a System for Partnership in

Naga River as per the Clean Water Act

Local Governance between the City

guidelines (national legislation). This

Government and the People of Naga

monitoring is devolved to CENRO for

otherwise known as the Empowerment

implementation.

Ordinance of Naga City. The ordinance

recognized the Naga City Peoples

Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO)

Council, and gave them the task to

The Urban Poor Affairs Office is

reform service delivery to make it

a department within the City of Naga

more responsive to the needs of the

government,

people. Through the ordinance, the

which

facilitates

the

resettling of urban poor within the City

Council

has

the

of Naga. Through the Citys Kaantabay

representatives

sa Kauswagan program UPAO locates

committees, councils, boards and task

housing and resettlement areas for

forces.

those who have lived on public lands

deliberation

for a period greater than five years.

government projects and activities.

They

power

to

all

send

government

participate
and

to

in

the

evaluation

of

This program secures tenurial rights

The cleanup of the Naga River

for urban poor beneficiaries. It is the

was identified as one of three priority

mandate

find

areas for action through the Naga

the

City Participatory Planning Initiatives,

of

UPAO

resettlements

that

to
ensure

livelihoods of those who are relocated.

initiatives

UPAO has successfully facilitated the

multi-sectoral project planning. Under

resettlement

urban poor

this initiative the Naga City River

within Naga, including some of those

Watershed Strategic Management Plan

who had initially settled along the

of 1997 (discussed further in Section

riverbank.

2.3.1) was developed based on inputs

of many

brought

about

through

from stakeholders who had approved

Naga City Peoples Council (NCPC)
In

1995,

Government

the

the

Naga

City

enacted

the

City

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

plan

themselves

through

Stakeholder Congress.

Dinaga is the only barangay that is

equipped with such a powerboat;

Ladies in Green Foundation (LIGF)

The Ladies in Green Foundation,
Inc.

is

non-governmental

organization that has been actively

involved in the management of the
Naga

River.

LIGF

was

formed

however, all barangay captains are

deputized in enforcing the ordinances
that prohibit littering and the dumping
of wastes in the river.

in

January 1999 and initially consisted of

2.3.

Policy Context

the wives of City officials and female

Chiefs and Department Heads of the
City

Government.

Since

2.3.1. Policy Documents

then,

membership has now grown to over

The Naga City River Watershed

1,000. LIGF first formed with the main

Strategic Management Plan 1997

purpose

of

supporting

the

City

governments environmental programs

The Naga City River Watershed

with the specific mandate to look at

Strategic Management Plan for the

the rehabilitation and preservation of

Naga River was completed in 1997. Its

the Naga River. LIGF is a member of

objectives include improving the water

the Naga Citys People Council (NCPC)

quality

and works in partnership with CENRO.

preserving the critical watershed lands

within

the

Naga

River,

around its headwaters on Mt. Isarog,

River Patrol

and developing the river within a 10

The Naga City River Patrol is run

year timeframe to prevent floods,

through the Barangay Dinaga, situated

encourage tourism, and preserve the

in the heart of the central business

rivers cultural value. The Plan was

district (CBDI). With the use of a

developed as part of the Philippine

powerboat, the river patrol traverses

governments Governance and Local

the river, enforcing all applicable

Democracy (GOLD) Project, which was

ordinances and helps clean up trash

assisted by the United States Agency

and debris in the river. Barangay

for International Development (USAID).

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

The project was implemented by the

Associates in Rural Development Inc.

(ARD), the authors of this plan.
watershed,

strategies

were

articulated:

River park development

revetments, dredging the river, and

Physical rehabilitation of the

rivers

Naga

following

River

the

building

of the river.
The

Reforestation of the Naga River

To preserve the cultural value

beautification,

were

identified as the number one priorities

river

Sustained pollution prevention

for the city during the GOLD Project

and control by households and

Action Priorities Planning Workshop

institutions

held June 17-18, 1996. Present during

Restoration and maintenance of

this meeting were local executives,

watershed vegetative cover.

members of the Sanggunian Bayan,

This plan set objectives with a

members of the Local Development

ten-year timeline for completion. Ten

Councils and Special Bodies, appointed

years have passed and many of these

Officials, selected officers from the

objectives remain unattained.

national government agencies, and

instance,

representatives

undeveloped, barring a small portion

from

the

non-

governmental and private sectors.

An

extensive

process

the

river

park

For

remains

in the CBDI in front of the Aristocrat

of

Hotel. This small portion of the river

visioning workshops and stakeholder

park is built on private land and was

consultations were conducted for the

donated to the city by Pedro Lee, the

Strategic Watershed Management Plan.

owner of the Aristocrat Hotel (Barry,

A multi-sectoral workshop took place

2007). Some reasons for the delayed

in September of 1996 where the

progress in meeting the objectives of

following objectives for the Naga River

this plan are discussed in Section 3.0.

were articulated:

Although some of the objectives

To prevent floods,

of the Management Plan are at a

To make the river clean and

standstill, it should be recognized that

safe,

the work done for this plan was

To optimize tourism value; and

extensive and provides a sound basis to

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

continue

progressing

towards

the

Integrating

the

identified objectives. As well, it is of

sustainable

development

great benefit that it was within the

country policies and programs;

development of this plan that much of

reverse loss of environmental

the framework for people participation

resources.

within Naga City, and in the rivers

principles

of
into

Reducing by half the proportion

development, was initiated (i.e. the

of people without sustainable

creation of CENRO and involvement of

access to safe drinking water.

the NCPC etc.)

Achieving

significant

improvement in lives of at least

State of the City Report 2006 /

100 million slum dwellers by

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)

2020.
The City of Naga is using the

The City of Naga has included in

MDGs as a framework to combat local

its mandate, as stated within the State

poverty with the intent of attaining

of the City Report for 2006, the

growth with equity. As stated, they

objectives to meet the United Nations

hope to address the many aspects of

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

poverty, including hunger, diseases,

These goals, which were agreed upon

illiteracy, environmental degradation,

by nations across the globe and leading

and discrimination against

development institutions, are to meet

Within

the needs of the worlds poorest

Agenda for the period of 2007-2010,

people by the target date of 2015. The

the City

set

goals range from promoting gender

intention

of

equality and the empowerment of

Millennium goals prior to 2015. Naga

women,

extreme

Citys 2015 vision is encompassed in

poverty and hunger. One of the goals

Maogmang Ciudadano sa Maogmang

is

environmental

Lugar Happy citizens in a happy

according

place. This vision will be pursued

to

eradicating

ensuring

sustainability,

which,

to

United Nations, entails the following:

their

Executive

women.

Legislative

objectives with the

meeting

the

UN

through five key strategies: (a) reengineering Naga (b) reducing poverty

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

incidence (c) improving access to

2.3.2. Legislation

quality basic services (d) enhancing

the quality of life through livable

National Legislation pertaining to

communities; and (e) promoting good

the Naga River

governance

and

citizenship.

responsible

Re-engineering

Naga

There are already a variety of

legal, regulatory and administrative

looks to preparing Naga for future

documents

natural disasters, like typhoon Reming,

environmental

the most recent typhoon that hit Naga

management in the Philippines as a

City in 2006. This strategy includes

whole.

plans to develop and manage the Naga

Commonwealth Acts, Republic Acts,

River

and Presidential Decrees.

to

prevent

future

flooding.

Enhancing the quality of life through

that

These

relate

to

conservation

and

include

Environmental

various

management,

livable communities looks to creating

conservation and development in the

a clean and beautify Naga City. The

Philippines, are administered at the

strategy is to intensify investment in

national level by the DENR. Within the

urban aesthetics in order to make Naga

DENR are several bureaus, including

more

and

the Environmental Management Bureau

residents and water quality in the

(EMB), the Forest Management Board

Naga River is to be better managed.

(FMB), and the Land Management

attractive

to

visitors

From these visioning documents

it appears that the visions for the Naga

Bureau (LMB).
With

respect

to

the

River remain in line with those stated

management of water bodies in the

in the Strategic Management Plan of

Philippines and the management of the

1997.

river

Naga River, DENR administers the

management proposed in the Strategic

Republic Act 9275 also known as the

Management Plan, is seen as a vital

Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004. In

part

Millennium

accordance with this act, the DENR has

Development Goals by 2015 in these

prepared a Water Quality Management

other documents.

Framework by which local government

The

of

comprehensive

meeting

the

units (LGUs) are to monitor and sustain

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

an adequate level of water quality in

possible reasons for this are discussed

their water bodies. This framework

further in Section 4.0.

provides the guidelines for LGUs to: a)

monitor water quality

b) conduct

emergency response c) assess and

City Ordinances pertaining to the

Naga River

monitor compliance and d) coordinate

with other government agencies and

A series of city ordinances have

civil society and the concerned sectors

been created to limit the amount of

in the implementation of measures to

pollution entering the Naga River and

prevent and control water pollution.

to preserve the Naga River Watershed.

It

should

be

noted

that

The following is a summary of those

Presidential Decree 953 requires all

ordinances

pertaining

to

owners of lands adjoining a river or

management of the Naga River.

the

creek to plant trees at least five

meters from the edge of such bodies of

Ordinance No. 86-019

water (Ojastro, 2007). This would help

Ordinance

No.

86-019

was

preserve the water quality within the

established to amend 383, S. 1971

river and creeks as the trees and

which prohibits littering in the city of

plants would help remediate and filter

Naga. Within this ordinance littering in

polluted

the Naga River and its creek beds is

groundwater

and

surface

water entering the river. As well, this

established as a criminal offence.

would help preserve lives of people

living along these bodies of water
especially

now

that

flooding

Ordinance No. 93-013

and

Ordinance

No.

93-103

was

stronger typhoons are becoming more

enacted on February 24, 1993. Its

common.

major role was to establish the Naga

Much of the national legislation,

River Council, thereby defining the

like the Presidential Decree 953, is not

Councils powers, responsibilities, and

abided by on the local level within

source of funding for its operations.

many Philippine communities. This is

The intended role of the council was

also the case in Naga City.

to

Some

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

conduct

an

environmental
10

assessment, and to initiate, develop

youth groups and citizens that

and

occasionally clean the riverbanks

implement

comprehensive

program to save, protect and develop

Bantay Salog or River Watch

the Naga River. It was also the role

are

of the council to conduct public

ordinance violations

information

campaigns

and

to

river

patrols

to

monitor

Barangay Salog is a campaign to

recommend to the city government of

encourage

Naga the enactment of legislations.

coordinate with other programs

Council
representatives
sector,

the

barangays

to

members

included

in their barangays to look after

from

religious

the well-being of the river

urban

the
poor

academia,

and

government

organizations

sector,

city-based

non-

Forest protection and regeneration

actions

were

started

in

the

primarily

upstream portion of the Naga City

environmental

river catchment. Successfully, the

protection. Also acting as Council

forest park at Malabsay Falls on Mt.

members was one representative from

Isarog was initiated and is now a

the city engineers office of Naga and

tourist attraction.

concerned

with

one representative for the city mayor

of Naga.

Ordinance no. 2000-006

The Naga River Council achieved

Ordinance

no.

2000-006

less than what it was designed to do

prohibits all gasoline stations, auto

(City of Naga, 1997); however, the

repair shops, carwashing centers and

enactment of Ordinance no. 93-013 did

all other establishment of entities

result in the following:

from disposing and pouring used oil,

Preliminary surveys and meetings

waste water/ liquid and any other

with the homeowners along the

polluting/toxic liquid into drainage

riverbanks were conducted.

canals that flow into the creeks and

The

following

organizations

and

campaigns were initiated:

into the Naga River and prescribes

penalties thereto.

Salvog Salog or Save the River

is a group composed of volunteer
Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

11

Ordinance no. 2000-018

Ordinance
establishes

that person will be ejected from the

no.

the

structure

will

be

demolished; there will be a penalty of

preserving aquatic life at the Naga

2000 pesos and/or imprisonment of 6

River

associated

months, upon discretion of the courts.

penalties. This Ordinance developed

For those who had erected their

largely as a result of the work done in

structure prior to the enactment of

the Strategic Management Plan of

this ordinance, the ordinance states

1997. Here the City enacted the

that they will be given notice to

legislation to re-appropriate the city

vacate the area within a reasonable

right-of-way along the riverbank within

time but not within six months after

a 3 m easement along both sides of the

apprehension.

rivers

edge.

measures

structure,

in

and

control

2000-018

prescribes

Section

4.1

of

the

Ordinance reads as follows:

Re-iterated in this Ordinance is

the prohibition of disposing solid or

It shall be prohibited under

liquid waste into the river and its

this ordinance to put up a building

banks. As well, it is prohibited to build

and live in a house or living

pipes of any kind or type that serve as

quarters

prescribed

outlets from the kitchen or septic

three meter easement along the

vaults that flow into the riverbank or

whole stretch of the Naga River.

surface. The Ordinance states any

within

the

4.1.1 Those already found

with such structures and/or living

such pipes existing shall henceforth be

cut or disconnected.

quarters inside said easement or

The monitoring team created

under existing bridges are notified

to enforce this ordinance consists of a

by this ordinance to search for a

five-person team largely from CENRO.

new living area outside of the

As well, the Philippine National Police

easement

(PNP) has one person assigned to assist

and/or

vacate

their

present abode.

the team in apprehending violators.

Those who erect a structure after the

The barangay captains of the eleven

enactment of this ordinance are found

riverside barangays are authorized to

in violation. The ordinance states that

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

12

designate

one

person

to

be

permanent member.

3. Guiding Principles
Sustainable Development

Ordinance N. 2003-013
Ordinance
established

No.

2003-013

a caretaker group

In

1987,

the

Brundtland

for

Commission, formerly known as the

environment care known as Bantay

World Commission on Environment and

Kapalibotan

Lugar.

Development (WCED), of the United

Their role is to enforce provisions of

Nations, published the report Our

city ordinances and other national and

Common Future.

local laws and rules more particularly

the

on

sustainable development was made.

sa

anti-littering

Maogmang

and

solid

waste

most

Within this report

cited

definition

of

management. The primary objective of

the Ordinance is to organize a special

Sustainable

body in the city to pay specific

development that meets the needs of

attention to the implementation of all

the present without compromising

ordinances relating to environment

the ability of future generations to

care, especially those associated with

meet their own needs.

development

is

anti-littering and proper disposal of

UN World Commission of

solid and liquid waste. This group is to

Environment and Development, 1987

pay close attention to the care for the

Naga

River

and

its

creeks.

The

monitoring force consists of members

In 2005, the UN World Summit

of CENRO and all deputized officers, of

described sustainable development as

whom

having interdependent and mutually

include

barangay

tanod,

barangay kagawad, PNP personnel,

reinforcing

market guards and traffic police.

economic
development

pillars

consisting

development,
and

of

social

environmental

protection, as shown in Figure 1.

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

13

systems and promotes equality and

justice through people empowerment
and a sense of global citizenship
(Atmosphere,

Climate

and

Environment, 2007).
Sustainable development is positive
socioeconomic change that does not
Figure

1.

The

Pillars

of

Sustainable

Development

undermine

the

ecological

social

systems upon which communities and

society are dependent. Its successful

There

have

been

some

criticisms of the term sustainable

development through time. The most
common is that it may be seen as a
contradiction unto itself. For instance,
how can policies based on growth and
depletion of resources be sustainable?
As

well,

there

have

been

implementation requires integrated

policy, planning and social learning
processes;

its

political

viability

depends on the full support of people

it affects through their governments;
their social institutions and private
activity.

many

Dr. William E. Rees

definitions and interpretations made

University of British Columbia

of the term since the time of the

Brundtland report. As a result, some

The

following

are

few

feel this has deflated the importance

principles of sustainable development

of the term itself. However, it may be

taken from the International Institute

most useful to consider sustainable

for Sustainable Development that may

development as a framework to inform

be useful to keep in mind when

decision-making and policies across

planning for managing the Naga City

sectors and across different levels of

River.

governance. Sustainable development

recognises

the

interdependence

of

Integrate the environment and the

environmental, social and economic

economy in all levels of decision-

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

14

making. Utilize economic appraisals

that fully value the cost of goods

4. Key Findings

and services as well as environment

Based on the review of the

and social impacts.

existing

policies,

valued to make it equitable, long-

visioning

documents,

term, and reflective of quality of

stakeholder

life elements.

collected were synthesized into the

Revise how growth is measured and

Improve

governance

coordinated

efforts

through
that

ordinances
and

interviews,

and

through

the

data

following key findings.

link

agencies, departments and central

Meeting the Objectives of the

government with local government.

Strategic Management Plan of 1997

Incorporate

project

techniques

that

appraisal

A great deal of work has been

include

done to manage the Naga City River. It

environmental and social costs and

is

benefits.

document the status of this Plan. Such

Involve

citizens

in

necessary

to

fully

assess

and

an assessment will allow the City to

decision-making.
Promote values and ethics that

approximate the costs associated with

reflect sustainable development

moving forward with the objectives of

the

the

the Plan and will also allow for

environment and the economy, the

reflection on the work that has been

importance of fairness and equity

done thus far. This research did not

for long-term prosperity, and the

include a complete assessment of the

need

status of the Plan; however, some

interdependence

for

of

cooperation

and

community.

highlights

of

the

achievements

include:

Stakeholder
visioning

consultations
workshops

and
were

conducted.

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

Creation of relevant ordinances.

15

Conservation of forested watershed

agricultural lands were positioned

lands in the foothills of Mt. Isarog.

adjacent to the Naga River.

Creation of CENRO as an official

The work that has been done thus far

office within the city of Naga to

has established a very sound basis from

overlook environmental issues.

which to move forward with future

Creation of teams of personnel to

initiatives

for

enforce the relevant ordinances.

However,

some

Creation of citizens organizations

objectives within of the Strategic

and NGOs to raise awareness about

Management Plan of 1997 remain to be

river management issues, and to

addressed. Some of the major issues

help in river clean up campaigns.

requiring

Reduction in the amount of garbage

following:

in the river as a result of the

of

attention

section

the

of

small

riverfront

is

developed as public park space

developed with revetments along

with tables and chairs for sitting,

its

the remainder of the rivers edge

to

river

of

was

riverbanks

the

the

The riverfront walkway is not yet

clean up campaigns.
portion

original

include

Although

River.

the

developed.

help

prevent

flooding.

remains undeveloped.

Many drainage pipes entering the

Some drainage pipes with outlets

river continue to serve as outlets

leading to the river have been

for liquid waste.

plugged by the city to eliminate the

Naga

creation of ordinances and river

riverbank erosion and to alleviate

the

Many portions of the river initially

entry of liquid wastes into the

slated for revetments have not

river.

been developed.

Improved water quality in the river,

Liquid waste from an outfall at the

especially upriver. This is largely a

Naga City Market flows freely into

result of the conservation of the

the Naga River without treatment.

watershed lands in the foothills of

The water quality in the river has

Mt. Isarog, but is also a result of

improved but has not attained the

negotiations with farmers whose

levels required to meet criteria set

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

16

by

national

legislation

the

question Why do you feel or think

objectives set in the Strategic

more progress has not been made on

Management Plan 1997.

the

Three barangay halls are built

Management Plan of 1997?

within 3 meters of the rivers edge,

were feelings that the City government

the easement width required for

needed to take more initiative and

the riverfront walkway.

start the river development in order to

Illegal dwellers continue to live

gain momentum and the peoples

within 3 meters of the rivers edge.

support. Discussions with the City

The development of a riverpark

officials indicate that the financial

walk

would

resettlement

or

of

the

Strategic
There

require

their

resources and limited skilled technical

through

the

personnel were the major barriers to

facilitation of UPAO.

meeting

Many landowner titles extend to

management plan.

the edge of the riverbank. The

the

objectives

of

the

Based on the cost assessment in

development of a riverpark walk

the

would

and

development of the river and the river

the

park would require a large amount of

require

settlement

negotiation
between

landowners and the City of Naga.

objectives

River

Management

Plan,

the

money that the City does not have.

There is a concern that subdivision

developments are encroaching on

Enforcement of City Ordinances and

the

National Legislation

watershed

lands,

and

the

foothills of Mount Isarog. This can

As discussed in Section 2.3.2,

have detrimental effects on the

there are a number of city ordinances

river.

and existing national legislation that

look to keeping the Naga River clean

Political Will and Financial

and

Resources

However, these regulations are not

Both a lack of political will and

limited financial resources were the
most

common

responses

to

environmentally

enforced.

The

sustainable.

following

were

identified as possible reasons for this:

the

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

17

 Although the City Ordinances have

well, three barangay halls are built

established teams of personnel to

in the 3 m easement of the river.

enforce

existing

environmental

This sets a negative example for the

the

enforcement

rest of the city and as a result

legislation,
capacities

in

the

City

remain

makes it less likely that citizens will

relatively weak (Bongalonta, 2007).

abide by the provisions of Ordinance

City resources are limited and the

2000-06.

Citys budget can only afford a

There is a lack of political will to

limited number of skilled personnel

meet

long-term

environmental

assigned

goals,

like

comprehensive

to

ordinances.

enforcing
The

personnel

number

employed

enforcement
thought

of

to

(Bongalonta,

the

for

ordinances
be

2007

of

management of the Naga River.

the

Local government units are often

is

more concerned with the attraction

inadequate
and

the

Antonio,

2007).

of

investments

and

short

term

developments to attract votes in a

coming election. For instance, in

Barangay captains are deputized to

enforce

the

2004,

CENRO

identified

165

anti-littering

drainage pipes serving as outflows

ordinances; however, during the

to the Naga River. Most of these

election

were from the septic tanks of

barangay captain may choose not to

households along the river. CENRO

enforce the ordinances as diligently

was in the process of plugging the

so as to keep a good rapport with

drainage outlets, as per Ordinance

the

2000-018. However, after plugging

campaigning

citizens

in

the

period,

hopes

of

retaining votes (Llantero, 2007).

approximately 65% of the drains,

The City itself does not abide by the

ordinances.

For

water

work, in the midst of election

draining into the Naga River from

campaigning so as to win the favor

the Naga City Public Market is

and votes of those landowners along

untreated

the riverbanks (Orozco, 2007).

but

instance,

they were ordered to halt their

contributes

to

elevated water pollution levels. As

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

18

 National laws that set guidelines for

the

management

waterways

are

of
not

Philippine
adequately

both illegal dwellers, and landowners

with titles within this 3 m width from
the riverbank.

enforced within Naga City by local

officials. This is not a problem

Illegal dwellers

isolated to Naga City, but is largely

Like

most

rivers

in

the

a problem for all local government

Philippines, the Naga River is an

units. It is especially a problem that

attractive spot for dwellers to settle

the

are

for a variety of reasons. Unfortunately,

unaware of the City ordinances and

dwellings along riverbanks are not

national laws and how, or why, they

adequately equipped for proper waste

are enforced.

disposal and much waste, both solid

majority

of

Nagueos

and liquid, enter the waterways. The

Recovering the 3 m Easement along

resettling of the illegal dwellers would

the Rivers edge

help the water quality within the river

The development of the Naga

River

Park

move

forward

Since the Strategic Management

consideration

of

Plan of 1997 was approved, a portion

landownership and the lives of illegal

of the illegal dwellers along the river

dwellers along the rivers edges. As

has been resettled. In 1997 to 1998,

indicated in past visioning workshops,

approximately

the City would like to see the edges of

were identified. At this time, the City

the river turned into a park, which

relocated 110 families. This largely

would include a walkway along either

took place in Barangay Dinaga and

side of the river, for walking and

Barangay

jogging. Part of the strategy to make

business district of the City (Orozco,

this happen is the creation of a 3 m

2007).

without

cannot

for these reasons.

360

Sabang,

illegal

in

the

dwellers

central

width easement on either side of the

Naga City has set itself apart

river as city right-of-way. This is

from other cities in the Philippines

already reflected in Ordinance 2000-

because

018. However the City must consider

resettlement programs and policies. As

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

of

its

very

progressive

19

discussed in Section 2.0, the City,

The City must give the access to

through the work of UPAO, has very

livelihoods full

successful pro-poor policies to help

locating resettlement land. It also

resettle those illegal dwellers along

appears beneficial for the City to

the riverbanks.

In an interview with

better understand why people are

Rolly Campillos, the chief of UPAO, he

settling along the river and integrate

stated that UPAO would facilitate the

this

resettlement of these families. He

transportation

stressed that in their resettlement, it

planning.

knowledge

consideration when

into

landuse

and

decision-making

and

is critical to find a location that is a

As the cost of land within the

manageable distance to the river, and

City of Naga steadily increases, cost

to the peoples livelihoods. He noted

remains

that some families who had lived on

resettlement (Prilles, 2007).

the

river

for

generations

the

biggest

barrier

to

were

relocated to a settlement area far

Land Title along the Riverbanks

from the river. Although these families

The Naga City River has changed

were given access to tenurial rights in

shape through time, as a result of the

this

they

natural process of erosion. Erosion of

returned to the river to re-establish

the riverbanks has blurred the lines of

their homes, in order to be closer to

landownership along the rivers edge.

their livelihoods and maintain their

In an interview with Attorney Miles

way of life on the river. Some other

Arroyo of the Urban Development and

dwellers

have

Housing Board she described how along

established homes along the river to

some portions of the river, if a 3 m

be closer to their location of work

easement was in place originally, this

(Orozco, 2007). Some of these dwellers

was either eroded away with time, or

have relatives and homes on the

is within the width of the revetment if

outskirts of the City but find it is more

one was built. As a result many of the

beneficial to build homes along the

landowner land titles extend right to

river than to travel from outside the

the edge of the riverbank.

new

settlement

are

area,

known

to

City to the downtown core.

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

20

Landowners along the river are

largely concerned that if a riverwalk is

(BOD), turbidity, pH, temperature and

dissolved oxygen (DO).

built, and the City wants the easement

According to Erlinda V. Bailey,

area, they will be losing even more of

the Chief of the Socio-cultural Division

their land (De La Rosa, 2007). The City

of City Environment, the water quality

must undertake a negotiation process

in the river is monitored at eight

with

stations in the river.

the

landowners.

This

is

All but two

potentially a very costly endeavor for

stations show water quality levels at

the City.

level B. The remaining two stations

The

land

not

indicate a lower water quality level at

necessarily extend to the rivers edge

level C. This is a large improvement

on both sides of the river for its entire

from the initial level D quality of

length

water in the river at some stations.

that

titles

is

do

proposed

for

development. It will be necessary for

the City to assess where property

Greatest Areas of Concern

boundaries lie and be prepared to

The major source of pollution

negotiate

with

landowners

where

within the river is coming from the

appropriation of the city right-of-way

residential and commercial/business

is necessary to better understand the

areas in the form of liquid waste

costs involved with this endeavor.

(Orozco, 2007). The BOD increases

further down river, with the lowest

Improving Water Quality

levels in its headwaters, and highest

The water quality within the

levels

in

the

residential

and

Naga River has improved markedly

commercial areas. The increased BOD

since Strategic Management Plan was

indicates elevated levels of biological

developed. Based on the requirements

waste. This is reflected in the opinion

of the Clean Water Act, the river

of most of those interviewed who

water is tested for total suspended

stated the major contributor to river

solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand

pollution is the mismanagement of

(COD),

liquid wastes.

biological

oxygen

demand

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

21

There are 16 major outflows

septic tanks once every 3 to 5 years,

draining to the Naga River that are

called poso negro. CENRO has also

monitored by CENRO, in addition to

developed a plan for water treatment,

the

the

sampling

stations.

These

cost

of

which

would

be

outflows collect surface water from a

approximately 7.5 million. They are

variety of areas, including residential,

also planning to push for an ordinance

commercial,

that will require all new developments

and

agricultural

land

uses. Businesses ranging from gasoline

to have septic tanks.

stations to marketplaces contribute to

CENRO

and

the

Ladies

and

this surface water flow. According to

Green are working together to submit

Oscar Orozco, head of CENRO, a large

concepts for a master plan for the

amount

water

development of the Naga River. This

Also, the

will be a comprehensive development

most polluted outfall in the City is on

plan that will include among other

General Luna Street, the location of

items, a liquid water treatment plan,

the public market. This outfall not

revetments, the development of the

only carries liquid waste from market

river

water but also collects runoff from the

footbridges

direct vicinity, which includes runoff

greenway along Ojeda St and the costs

from areas without septic tanks. For

for establishing city right of way along

instance, CENRO conducted a survey

the river.

of

polluted

outfall

comes from city suburbs.

for

tourism,

and

integrated

plans

for

with

and found that many contributing to

this drainage had make shift toilets,

Attention to Sustainable

the liquid waste from which was going

Development Principles

straight into the drainage.

Meeting Basic Needs
Planning Progress
CENRO

has

made

In an interview with DaDa de la

concerted

Rosa of the NCPC, I asked the question

efforts towards addressing the issue of

Do you think the River should be a

liquid waste entering the Naga River.

priority for the City?

There is on going campaigning to clean

was no. He stated: The environment

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

His response

22

is

secondary.

that

recognized. Without recognition of this

environmental issues are secondary

significant link between environmental

to meeting basic needs and economic

management and basic human needs,

survival. He also felt that participation

it will remain very difficult to motivate

in

citizens

river

felt

management

environmental
once

He

issues

peoples

basic

will

and
increase

needs

are

towards

environmental

stewardship. As discussed in Section

3.0,

there

are

three

of

answered. He said, You can see this

sustainability,

here. There are still people throwing

social and economic. All three are

their garbage.

DaDas comments

interconnected and nurturing of all

indicate the importance of meeting

elements is necessary for sustainable

the basic needs for Nagueos, and how

development.

issues of the environment can fall

understanding of how caring for the

wayside in light of these needs. Yet,

river and meeting basic needs are

on the other hand, it can be argued

connected, there is little hope that

that

river

progress will be made in improving the

management could also lead to new

rivers water quality or and meaningful

economic opportunities that primarily

progress in the rivers management is

benefit the poor and the river bank

less likely.

more

sustainable

the

tenets

environmental,

Without

an

dwellers. Prioritizing basic economic

needs, particularly livelihood, should
not

come

of

As discussed in Section 2.3.1,

environmental sustainability. Further

the Legislative Agenda set goals for

environmental degradation could not

the City of Naga for the period of

only impair peoples health and well-

2007-2010. The document pointed out

being, but also pose limits to the

the importance of pressing issues that

ability of the people to maintain their

Naga City is faced with and gave

livelihoods. From this it is evident that

strategies for approaches to them. It

the connection between caring for the

was noted that the well being of the

environment and meeting the basic

environment and the Naga River were

needs

only

of

at

the

Nagueos

expense

Visioning Language

should

be

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

considered

in

terms

of
23

cleanliness

and

the

rivers

would limit erosion of the riverbanks

beautification. Again, if a stronger

especially during heavy rainfalls and

connection between the well being of

possible

the river, beyond its aesthetic beauty,

engineering

and social and economic well being of

prepared for future disaster events

Nagueos could be made, a stronger

will be most effective when if its plans

culture of care for the river would be

incorporate

fostered. Policy language that is more

strategies, and fully consider the role

rooted in the principles of sustainable

of a well managed river watershed in

development can help foster such a

alleviating disaster impacts.

flooding

situations.

Naga

to

be

diverse

Rebetter

range

of

culture.
Typhoon Reming and Climate
Change Initiatives
The

disastrous

effects

of

typhoon Reming that took place in

2006 are fresh in the minds of all
Nagueos. The consideration of river
development in relation to climate
change and its resulting unexpected
weather patterns and disasters, is not
fully considered in present policy and
visioning documents. River revetments
and dredging is the only strategy given
for alleviating the effects of river
flooding in the future. But there are
many other necessary strategies that
will alleviate flooding effects.

For

instance,

the

tree

planting

along

rivers edge would both help clean

pollution

in

the

groundwater

and

waters entering the Naga River, and

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

24

Some of the data needs include the

5. Recommendations

following:
Survey of property lines and land

Naga City has made a great

titles along the rivers edge.

number of advances in caring for the

Determine where the property

Naga City River. This is evident in the

lines lie relative to the 3 m

improvement of its water quality, the

easement proposed for the river

enactment of relevant ordinances and

walk.

legislation, the establishment of city

departments

dedicated

Determine

the

number

of

to

dwellers living along the rivers

the

edge and their locations relative

participation of citizens groups in

to the 3 m easement proposed

river management. These advances are

for the river walk.

environmental

issues,

and

substantial; however, as was agreed

Determine

the

number

of

upon by all stakeholders interviewed,

dwellers requiring resettlement.

there are still improvements that can

Assess the number of outfalls

be made.

The following are some

suggestions that may be considered

when moving forward in the future
management of the Naga City River.

that continue to drain into the

Naga River.
Re-identify all pollution sources
along the river and the extent of
their contribution to pollution

1. Assess the Extent of Progress on

levels within the river.

the Strategic Watershed

Assess the liquid treatment needs

Management Plan
It

is

along the river. Determine the

recommended

that

detailed study be conducted to assess

numbers of dwellers with and

without septic tanks.

the extent to which the objectives

From these data needs, future costs

stated

Strategic

required to carry out the objectives

Management Plan have been met to

stated in the Strategic Watershed

date. This will require the collection

Management

and analysis of a large range of data.

approximated.

within

the

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

Plan

could

Included

in

be
this
25

assessment should be the cost to

A variety of funding sources should

establish the city right of way in the

be

approached,

3 m easement along either side of the

countries that are known to support

river, and the cost of wastewater

sustainability projects, to maximize

treatment.

the

possibilities

especially

of

in

acquiring

funding.
2. Explore Many Funding

The city could consider developing

Considerations

partnerships with private business.

Many of the objectives within

Such partnerships could result in

the Strategic Management Plan were

projects similar to the public park

not met because of the substantial

development

associated costs (Prilles, 2007). Some

Aristocrat Hotel.

possible

suggestions

for

is

recommended

planning

be

front

of

the

that

the

acquiring

funding include the following:

It

in

that

incremental

3. Promote Campaigning and

future
with

Education on Sustainability
Principles

incremental associated costs. If the

It

is

recognized

city can put money forward for the

concerns of the majority of Nagueos,

initial steps of this plan, this will

are focused on meeting basic needs

show local initiative to Nagueos

and sustaining viable livelihoods. The

and

present general perspective is that

will

re-kindle

momentum

towards the rivers revitalization.

issues

This local initiative will also be

secondary. It is highly recommended

looked favorably upon by outside

that campaigning and education stress

funders. Funders from the private

the connection between meeting these

sector and international agencies

basic needs and caring for the Naga

may be more likely to provide

River through the lens of sustainable

funding

river

development. If the interdependence

development

between basic needs, livelihoods, and

needs once they see this local

the environment can be understood, a

for

management

further
and

of

the

environment

are

initiative is taken (Arroyo, 2007).

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

26

renewed stewardship for the river will

this development as it can have

be fostered.

extremely detrimental effects on the

Naga River watershed.

5. Consider Transportation and Land

Use in the Resettlement of River

7. Improve the Enforcement of

Dwellers

Regulations

The City has made great strides

The

City

ordinances

and

in its Kaantabay sa Kauswagan program

national legislation provide a sound

through the efforts of UPAO. It is

legal

recognized that the livelihoods of

penalizing actions that are detrimental

those relocated are considered in this

to the management of the watershed.

program, and it is re-iterated here the

Unfortunately these regulations are

importance

not

of

considering

the

basis

for

adequately

accessibility of their livelihoods from

following

are

their new settlement locations. As was

regarding

the

discussed in Section 3.0, many of those

regulations

living along the river are partly doing

management.

so to be closer to their livelihoods. It is

recommended that the City considers
issues of landuse and transportation
when

locating

future

areas

of

resettlement.

monitoring

and

enforced.

The

recommendations
enforcement

related

to

of
river

a. Increase the Number of

Deputized Personnel
One

main

reason

given

by

CENRO as to why regulations are not

enforced is that there are a limited
number of personnel who are given the

6. Limit the Encroachment of

authority to enforce the regulations.

Subdivision Development on

An increase in the number of personnel

Watershed Lands

could be considered; however, it is

The City of Naga is quickly

growing

and

of

city. It is therefore important to also

subdivisions is encroaching on the

consider alternate reasons why the

foothills

present

of

the
Mt.

development

recognized that it is an expense to the

Isarog.

It

is

number

of

personnel

is

recommended that the City control

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

27

struggling

with

enforcing

the

regulations.

There is limited knowledge of

national environmental legislation. For

b. Create a Culture of Caring

for the River

instance,

according

to

Attorney

Ojastra, there is a national law under

Creating a culture of caring for

Presidential Decree that the edge of

the river will encourage all Nagueos

the river, up to 5 m, must have trees

to abide by the City ordinances.

planted. This

Creating this culture takes root in

majority of Nagueos. When asked

campaigning

and

how implementation of the law should

communicating the rivers importance.

be approached he stated the first and

Knowledge of the ordinances and an

most important step is education.

understanding

their

Secondly, a tree planting campaigning

enforcement is necessary are needed.

would be essential. Campaigning and

Educational campaigning and programs

education are key to making this

that foster caring for the river may

legislation enforceable. All those who

help encourage this understanding.

are in the position to enforce the

and

of

education

why

c. Encourage Support at the

Barangay Level

is unknown to

the

regulations should also have a full

knowledge and understanding of the

The support of the barangays is

regulations (Ojastra, 2007).

critical (Rocco, 2007). There is a

proposal put forth to the City to

e. Aggregate and Deputize the

Market Vendors

require any developer who wants to

Aggregating the market vendors

develop along the riverbank to provide

along

funding to the barangay in which the

proposed greenway system will be

development is to be located that will

beneficial for many reasons. Their

be

the

aggregation will increase foot traffic

is

and business by creating a known

recommended that this proposal be

commercial space within the city for

supported.

buying their goods and as a result the

dedicated

cleanliness

d.

of

to
the

Foster

maintaining
river.

Knowledge

It

of

National Legislation
Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

the

riverfront

and

in

the

vendors livelihoods are enhanced. The

vendors should also be aggregated
28

along the proposed greenway for the

Within future visioning policy

city. The greenway is to integrate with

and objectives set for the city, it is

a pedestrian footpath across the river.

recommended that river management

The aggregation of vendors here will

be considered in a more holistic

encourage sustainable transportation,

manner that goes beyond considering

tourism, and economic vitality in the

the benefits of beautification. For

downtown core of the city.

instance, the development and care of

It is recommended that the

market

vendors

be

deputized

the river will be key in helping to

to

alleviate the effects of future flooding

penalize those who are not abiding by

events. It is recommended that policy

the ordinances. This will encourage a

documents

sense of ownership of the commercial

issues such as this and other benefits

space by the market vendors and will

of comprehensive river management.

also encourage a collective sense of

This

caring for the river by all the vendors.

management was already taken in the

communicate

holistic

approach

important

to

river

Strategic Management Plan of 1997. It

8. Take Advantage of Political Will
It is recommended that the City

is recommended that future visioning

documents

approach

river

of Naga take advantage of the new

management planning in this same

political landscape that is taking place

holistic manner.

at the city level that is posed to push

It does not appear that all Nagueos

forward environmental initiatives. The

fully see the importance of the Naga

election of Ladies in Green President

River on an environmental, social and

Badette Rocco (LIGF) to the City

economic level. As discussed through

Council will provide the city with

this report, this is evident in the

momentum to meet river management

continued disposal of waste in the

goals and objectives.

river and lack of consideration of the

rivers impact on the state of the city,

9. Promote A More Holistic Approach

both present and potential. It is

to River Management

recommended that river management

be approached in terms of sustainable

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

29

development, whereby the role of the

river in fostering environmental, social
and

economic

well-being

for

all

Nagueos, both present and future,

are fully considered.

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

30

Bibliography
Antonio, Ramon. 14 June 2007. Personal Interview. Barangay Dinaga Captain.
Naga River Patrol. Naga City, Philippines.
Arroyo, Attorney Miles. 12 June, 2007. Personal Interview. Urban
Development and Housing Board, Chairperson, Naga City, Philippines.
Atmosphere, Climate and Environment website. http://www.ace.mmu.ac.uk/
accessed 4 July 2007.
Barry, Erlinda V. 13 June 2007. Personal Interview. City Environment and
Natural Resources. Chief Socio-Cultural Division.
Bongalonta, Jesus P., 12 June, 2007. Personal Interview. City Environment and
Natural Resources Office, Senior Environmental Management Specialist. Naga
City, Philippines.
Campillos, Engr Rolly. 12 June 2007. Personal Interview. Urban Poor Affairs
Office (UPAO), Chief. Naga City Philippines.
City of Naga, Strategic Management Plan of the Naga City Watershed,
November 1997, Governance and Local Democracy Project, ARD Associates in
Rural Development,Inc.
De La Rosa, Dada. 15 June 2007. Telephone Interview. Naga City Peoples
Council (NCPC). Naga City Philippines.
Ladies in Green Website: http://ligfinc.tripod.com/what_is_LIG.htm accessed
on 19 June 2007.
Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

31

Llantero, Melchor Estrella, 13 June 2007. Personal Interview. City Environment

and Natural Resources Office, Acting Senior Environmental Specialist. Naga
City, Philippines.
Naga City. 2007. State of the City Report, Putting Our People First:
Development that Matters.
Naga City Land Use Plan. 2000.
Naga City Website: www.naga.gov.ph accessed on 21 May, 2007.
Ojastro, Atty. Angel R., 14 June 2007. Personal Interview. City Legal Officer.
Naga City, Philippines.
Orozco, Oscar. 12 June 2007. Personal Interview. City Environment and Natural
Resources Offices, Officer. Naga City, Philippines.
Prilles, Willy. 12 June 2007. Personal Interview. City Planning and Development
Office. Naga City, Philippines.
Rocco, Badette. 14 June 2007. Personal Interview. Ladies in Green. Incoming
City Councillor. Chief of the Committee on Gender and Development. Naga
City, Philippines.
UN Millennium Development Goals Website:
http://www.un.org/millenniumgoals/ accessed on 19 June 2007.

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

32

Tables
Table 1. Persons Interviewed during Data Collection
Interviewee

Designation

Organization

Jesus P. Bongalonta

Senior Environmental

City Environment and Natural

Specialist

Resources Office (CENRO)

Rolly Campillos

Chief

Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO)

Oscar Orozco

Officer

City Environment and Natural

Resources Office (CENRO)

Miles Arroyo

Chair

Urban Development and Housing Board

(UDHB)

Melchor Estrella

Acting Senior

City Environment and Natural

Llantero

Environmental

Resources Office (CENRO)

Specialist
Erlinda V. Bailey

Chief, Socio-cultural

City Environment and Natural

Division

Resources Office (CENRO)

Badette Rocco

President

Ladies in Green Foundation (LIGF)

Attorney Angel R.

Naga City Legal

City of Naga

Ojastro III

Officer

Dada De La Rosa

Co-ordinator

Naga City Peoples Council (NCPC)

Ramon Antonio

Barangay Captain

Barangay Dinaga/ River Patrol

Dinaga

Managing the Naga River: Where to Go From Here

33