ISU for Sustainability

Embracing SDGs towards Quality Education and Academic Experience in the Countryside

2022 – Research | SDG 14 – Life Below Water

Technical Research Category

Proponents: Orlando F. Balderama, Lanie A. Alejo, Jeofrrey Lloyd R. Bareng, Elmer A. Rosete, Christine Gay P. Liberato, Christine Mata, Catherine A. Bartolome, Tristan Janryll A. Mata, Carol Joy Feria Jennelyn L. Raymundo, Jasmine Pasion

Abstract

Water and other natural resources within the Cagayan River Basin (CRB) are recognized as critical resources that must be appropriately managed and maintained to provide greater benefits to communities, farmers, and other water users in the region and surrounding areas. In order to achieve water security in the region, water assessment and resource planning need to be strengthened and integrated. The water security index (WSI) for CRB and MSB was developed using water security dimensions. These dimensions define the overall WSI of the basin. It considers a variety of driving forces that impact water security, including domestic water, economic water, environmental water, water-related disaster, and water governance. Each dimension was evaluated in relation to specified factors using one or more indicators. The values were estimated for each indicator using several standardized variables on a scale of 1 to 5. Based on the computed overall WSI, results revealed that CRB has a descriptive value of "good", while MSB has "very good". This means that the CRB has a structure and natural configuration that facilitate water security. It is well-positioned in most aspects of water security. Some aspects of water security, however, remain a source of concern. While its security against certain dimensions may not be as high as others, its overall situation is still remarkably good. Several policy recommendations and management interventions for water resources management were identified and specific methods and solutions to address the identified challenges and gaps in various water security dimensions.

Proponents: Orlando F. Balderama, Lanie A. Alejo, Jeofrrey Lloyd R. Bareng, Englebert O. Manmano, Tristan Janryll A. Mata, Jeremy T. Balderama, Jayzelle S. Ventura, Genesis L. Querubin, Micko A. Nuňez, Minandro G. Alejo 

Abstract

A purely hydrodynamic modeling of the behavior and dynamics of the Magat Dam and Reservoir was performed to evaluate the ability of Telemac 2D in simulating the actual flow during extreme and low-flow events. The hydrodynamic behavior in the reservoir level was accurately reproduced using Telemac 2D. This model was calibrated and validated using data during typhoons Rolly and Ulysses (November 2020) and Severe Tropical Storm Florita (August 2022). The simulated results showed that the applied model could precisely reproduce outflow conditions. The modelling results can be used to proactively assess the hydrodynamic behavior of the reservoir during extreme and low-flow events. Additionally, this hydrodynamic model can now be coupled with the sediment transport module of the OpenTelemac-Mascaret suite of solvers called "Gaia" to potentially understand the sediment transport dynamics of the Magat Dam and Reservoir.

Proponent: Isagani P. Angeles, Jr.

Abstract

In response to the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the livelihood, DOST-PCAARRD has an approved project on production of smoked tilapia and tilanggit for COVID-19 affected communities in Southern Isabela under the GALING-PCAARRD Kontra Covid-19vProgram which focuses in food production and additional livelihood project. This project aims to (1) provide nutritious and cheaper food for affected communities in Southern Isabela (Santiago City, Echague, Ramon), (2) conduct training/workshop for 150 beneficiaries on the processing of tilapia in affected communities in Southern Isabela (Santiago City, Echague, Ramon), (3) help selected beneficiaries to generate an additional source of income for communities affected by the COVID- 19 pandemic. The selected beneficiaries produced smoked tilapia flavored with lemongrass locally known as "tanglad" and "tilanggit" with lime leaves extract locally known as "dayap". One of the objectives of this project is to conduct training in order to capacitate the beneficiaries on smoked tilapia flavored with lemon grass and tilanggit flavored with lime leaves extract. The training was attended by the Municipal Agriculture Officers, Barangay Captain, Officials, Rural Improvement Club (RIC) President, Purok Leaders, Mengal Women Organization President, Sectoral Representative for Women, Municipal Cooperative Development Officer and the 150 beneficiaries. The 150 beneficiaries have already the skills and partially produced smoked tilapia 2,100 kg and tilanggit 700 kg. The Municipal Agriculturists of the selected municipalities committed their full support in the implementation of the project. They also assured strict monitoring for the proper implementation of the project in order to attain its target and deliverables. Indeed, through active participation of beneficiaries and strong support from ISU, PCAARRD and LGU, an additional source of income/livelihood, as part of the objective of the project, will be realized.

Proponents: Jonathan N. Nayga, Aubrey Joy M. Balbin, Ellaine O. Sotelo

Abstract

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has resulted to disrupted food supply and value chain worldwide. Hence, there is a need to improve production management to meet the demand for food without neglecting its value to ensure profit. The farms and processing facilities should coordinate in the production of raw agricultural materials and in processing of food products to be sold to consumers. In the Philippines, goat raising is an important component of farm activities. Improving its value chain will likewise improve its economic value benefitting smallhold farmers. In Region 2, an initiative to enhance the goat food value chain was implemented through strengthening partnership with the network of stakeholders. The goat raisers were organized so that the capability building programs to improve goat production management and their entrepreneurial skills are honed. The organized farmers were registered as association or cooperative to make them qualified for government assistance programs. A private partner on food processing was also assisted under the technology business program and later invested in the establishment of food processing plant. For this particular initiative, 11 goat raising municipalities represented by 403 goat raisers were benefitted. With the organized system of production, an increase in the volume of raw materials by 57% was recorded, while 3.3 metric tons of different chevon products were sold to different consumers. Additional value-added products were also identified to further increase the value of the commodity. At present, this value-chain scheme was already presented to concerned government agencies for implementation in wider area of coverage.

Proponents: Rafael J. Padre, Melanie A. Baguio, Edward B. Panganiban, Rudy U. Panganiban, Carluz R. Bautista, Justine Ryan L. Rigates, Allisandra Pauline Mariano

Abstract

Cauayan City, Isabela is one of the country's premier agro-industrial hubs and considered as one of the Philippines' first smart cities (Smart Communications, 2019). Since urban areas, such as Cauayan City, are the hub of economic development and activity, there is a tendency for people and businesses to converge, with that, a risk analysis was done to analyze hazards for urban water infrastructures within the city. With the aid of GIS Software and gathered data, maps were generated for flood hazards with 5, 25, and 100 yr. return period, Analysis of liquefaction and ground shaking as well as drought hazard of urban water infrastructures in the City. Risk maps were generated in this study wherein water infrastructures such as drainage and water utilities located at the 4 barangays namely Cabaruan, Alicaocao, Turayong and Labinab were classified as high risk in flooding. For liquefaction and ground shaking analysis most of the barangays were classified as low risk. Similarly, majority of the barangays were classified as moderately dry and near normal for drought hazard analysis. Generally, the study demonstrated the need of an intervention to address high risk of water infrastructures from flooding at the City of Cauayan.

Social Research Category

Proponents: Ma. Teressa S. Alvarez, Exequiel M. Perez, Elmer A. Rosete 

Abstract

Goal 6 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set out by the United Nations 2030 Agenda and SDGs is a national call for Clean Water and Sanitation. For society's demographic, social, and economic development, reliable and outstanding water quality and long-term water supply services are deemed essential. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the City of Ilagan Water District in terms of water supply and wastewater management. The performance evaluation was based on the following domains - (a) sustainability of water supply; (b) consumer satisfaction; and (c) waste management practices; including compliance of the local government unit and service units by water security and management. The International Water Association's assessment framework and indicators employed (IWA). The method used to collect information and/or data for this study, key informant interviews, and field surveys were conducted, with a total of 300 respondents drawn from 10 active barangays using stratified random sampling. The results showed that in terms of water sustainability for the next 60-year considering the future population and based on the present demand as of 2019, water demand will skyrocket with an equivalent percent increase of 12%, 36%, and 72% for 2030, 2050, and 2080 respectively. The result analysis does not include the agricultural demands or groundwater withdrawal for agricultural purposes and individual domestic wells within the City of Ilagan. Overall acceptability on water quality was acceptable with a rating of 43% wherein 55%, 54%, 43% and 31% acceptability ratings were attributed to taste, odor, color, and pressure, respectively. On the issue of sustainability, it is highly recommended to develop alternative water resources that could increase water distribution efficiency, eliminate or lessen illegal tapping/ connection, increase coverage area, and maintain water quality valuation as a sustainable approach to sufficiently and dependably supply water demand for future generations.

Extension