A Case Study on Environmental Science and Engineering for Bislig City (Progress Report)

Submitted by: Bayazid, SJ Louis F., Civil Engineer, 2019104549

Submitted to: Engr. Bonifacio B. Magtibay, PhD

Date Submitted: 31 July 2022

Executive Summary

This case study primarily focuses on the 3rd class component city in the province of
Surigao del Sur, known as Bislig City. With a population of 99,290, and a total land area of
40,503 hectares split among 24 barangays, Bislig did not fail to run its economy through its
impeccable tourist spots like Espiritu St., Brgy. Mangagoy in Bislig City and other businesses.
However, determining the status of its environment and governance play a critical factor in
attaining environmental health and management. Hence, this case study will provide knowledge
and some recommendations to help address any problems.
Table of Contents

Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………1
Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………………2
Background Information……………………………………………………………………3
A. Population
B. Geography
C. Economy
D. Human health
Objectives…………………………………………………………………………………..4
Description of plants, animals, ecosystems……………………………………………...5-6
Status of environmental pollution (air, water, soil, noise).................................................7-8
Major activities causing environmental pollution with impact on human health………….9
Key agencies involved in environment and health concerns……………………………..10
Efforts by the government in addressing pollution problems…………………………….11
A. Policies/regulations/relevant laws
B. Programs/projects/interventions
Analysis of the adequacy of government actions………………………………………...12
Recommendations on what technology and other management approaches should be applied to
address the gaps………………………………………………………………………….13
Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………….14
Acknowledgments………………………………………………………………………..15
Annexes: References/photos/graphs………………………………………………….16-18
Background Information

Bislig City got its name from the abundant forest vines of the rattan family that flourished
along the sides of its rivers. It is a 3rd class component city in Surigao del Sur, Philippines.
According to a census conducted last 2020, this city has a population of 99,290 people. People
from Bislig often speak the Kamayo dialect, but most of them speak Cebuano.
It is located 208 km northeast of Davao City, 152 km south of Tandag City (the province
seat), 44 km south of Hinatuan, and 158 km southeast of Butuan City. It has a total land area of
40,503 hectares split among 24 barangays, about half of which is classed as "public forest."
Some of the well-known barangays include Burboanan, Mangagoy (City Downtown), Poblacion
(Bislig Proper – Seat of the City Government), San Roque (Cadanglasan), and Tumanan.

Fig 1.1 Geography of Bislig City

Bislig City has the potential to become a hub for the heavy industry as well as small and
medium-sized businesses. An example of this is the Barrio Mangagoy. It is the city's commercial
and industrial heart, with a population of over 50,000 people. The business district of Mangagoy
is centered on Espiritu Street and the surrounding communities, commonly referred to as 'Barrio'
by the residents. It is home to both major and regional banks.

Fig. 1.2 Espiritu St., Brgy. Mangagoy, Bislig City

Lastly, health is the priority for Bislig City. Government health centers such as the Bislig
City Health Office are built-in Bislig Surigao del Sur to boost health services. They make sure to
provide quality and affordable healthcare services for the people of our community.
Objectives

Indeed, there are still a lot of cities that deserve our appreciation and knowledge. One of
them includes Bislig City. Hence, this case study aims to determine the following:

A. To distinguish the status of the environment and governance in Bislig City.

B. To enumerate activities that contribute to environmental problems affecting the
ecosystems and human health.
C. To give a contribution by promoting and recommending sufficient actions to combat the
gaps in environmental health and management.
Description of plants, animals, ecosystems

Plants

Plants, animals, and ecosystems are essential to our overall environment. Plants are
multicellular organisms in the kingdom Plantae that use photosynthesis to make their food. Bislig
City lost 3ha of humid primary forest between 2002 and 2021, accounting for 0.1 percent of the
city's overall tree cover loss during the same period. According to Global Forest Watch, the total
area of Bislig City's humid primary forest shrank by 0.73 percent. Last month, 35 green warriors
from AboitizPower and its partners planted 3,000 mangrove propagules in Barangay Tumanan,
Bislig City, and Surigao del Sur to help safeguard marine species and maintain coastal regions in
the community. Last month, 35 green warriors from AboitizPower and its partners planted
3,000This was the second time AboitizPower and its partners planted mangrove seedlings in the
region, which took place on August 30, 2019. Tumanan's specified mangrove tree planting area
has been classified as a fish and another marine species sanctuary by the municipal authorities.

Fig. 2.1 Mangrove Planting

Animals

On the other hand, animals, which are eukaryotic, multicellular organisms of kingdom
Animalia, can also be seen in Bislig, from sea animals, land animals, and birds. Last February 4,
2021, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) of the Department
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) tracked a coupling endangered Philippine Eagle
in a protected forested area in Tinuy-an falls, according to Alexander Lopez (Philippine News
Agency, Feb 4, 2021).
 Fig 2.2 Rare eagles found in Barangay Burboanan, Bislig City.

Ecosystem

Overall, plants, animals, other organisms, weather, and landscapes are all geographic
areas that work together to form a life bubble. This is what we call an ecosystem. In Bislig City,
one way they protect the ecosystems is by participating in environmental projects such as the
International Day of Forests every March 21, as declared by the UN General Assembly.
Representatives from City ENRO- Bislig and CENRO- Bislig planted trees during the 10th year
celebration this 2022. Their goal is to plant 100 seedlings inside the experimental forest. This is
done to remind humanity of the integral role of forests in combating the global issue of climate
change.

Fig 2.3 Representatives from City ENRO- Bislig and CENRO- Bislig during the ceremonial tree
planting
Status of Environmental Pollution (air, water, soil, noise)

Bislig City has a good status in the environment, and they have a wide range of forests,
helping them with air and soil pollution. Their air quality is in good condition in Bislig City. The
citizen, Bislig’s government, and the private sectors made sure they would occasionally conduct
tree planting. They suffer from wildfires every August yearly, and illegal loggers because of these
planting trees and keeping their environment clean and healthy is very important to them.

Fig. 3.1 Bislig City’s Air Quality

As fishing is the primary source of income in Bislig, they are taking care of their water
very well. They are planting mangroves on the shorelines to protect the fishes and the water that
is giving them their source of income. The people of Bislig are good at taking care of their source
of lively hood. Bislig has many tourist spots where water is their main attraction, like the Little
Niagara Falls called Tinuy-an Falls.

Fig. 3.2 Tinuy-an Falls

 Soil Pollution is not a thing in Bislig City. Because of the trees planted all over the City
and the lack of factories of any toxin or chemical that can pollute the soil, Bislig has very healthy
soil. Many rare plants are seen here because of their solid quality; they even have plants that can
only be seen in Bislig. Because of this, many birds and animals are seen in their ecosystem.
The only pollution that Bislig is suffering is from mild noise pollution. Most citizens in
Bislig often walk to town, ride a tricycle, or own a motorcycle. Some of them even have a
makeshift motorcycle. Because of the mild noise that these vehicles emit, mild noise pollution
can be seen in the city. However, this pollution is not enough to annoy animals and birds in the
forest because they are far from the city center.

Fig. 3.3 Tricycles in Bislig City

Major Activities Causing Environmental Pollution with Impact on Human Health

Noise is any unwelcome sound. When we are trying to sleep or when we are working, it
irritates us. The passage of heavy trucks on roads, loudspeakers, steel and stone factories, and
loudspeakers are the primary sources of noise pollution. They irritate people, raise blood
pressure, induce laziness, reduce productivity, and can lead to irrational outbursts. Db units are
used to measure noise pollution. WHO suggested 45 dB during the day, 35 dB at night, and
anything over 80 dB is dangerous.
However, the noise pollution in Bislig City is only mild, and occasionally someone might
be singing “videoke” or playing music through a huge amplifier. These are usually done every
fiesta, which everyone in the city knows well—the usual irritating noise in Bislig in the sound of
a tricycle or a makeshift motorcycle. We all know how annoying a sound of a loud pipe on a car
or motorcycle is. It can distract you from what you are doing or from your deep sleep. These
noises can also cause people to have migraines, which is not common in the area. Arthritis is the
most common illness in the City. This is because of their line of work, fishing, and their feet are
usually wet through their work.

Fig. 4.1 Old Makeshift Motorcycle

Key Agencies Involved in Environment and Health Concerns

Many organizations and private sectors are involved in the environment and health
concerns in Bislih City. According to Kalinaw News, On March 3, 2021, at Sitio Sote, Barangay
Burboanan, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, the Community Environment and Natural Resources
Office (CENRO) of Bislig City participated in the annual celebration of World Wildlife Day
through tree planting and public awareness activity. The Community Environment and Natural
Resources Office (CENRO) of Bislig City did this in collaboration with the 48th Infantry
(Guardians) Battalion and Bislig City Municipal Police Station.
More than 250 non-fruit-bearing trees, including Lawaan, Sagimsim, Narra, and
Mahogany, were planted under the direction of CENRO Officer-In-Charge Victor B. Sabornido,
Bislig Chief of Police Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilson M. Corpuz, 48IB Acting Commanding
Officer Lieutenant Colonel Enrique G. Rafael, and other DENR CENRO Bislig Staff.
The 75th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Local Government Unit-Bislig
(LGU), Barangay Local Government Unit-Bislig (BLGU), Bureau of Jail Management and
Penology (BJMP), Philippine National Police-Bislig (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),
Mechanized Modernized Forest Nursery (MMFN), Forest and Wetland Research, Development,
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), Me
Many local organizations also participate in tree planting and other activities to keep
Bislig City’s environment healthy such as XRM Bikers Club (XBC) Bislig Chapter, Bislig City
SK Federation, Lumino Energy Plantation, Inc., and many more.

Fig. 4.1 Bislig City Tree Planting

Efforts By the Government to Address Pollution Problems

A. Policies/regulations/relevant laws

The local government of Bislig City gave an ordinance that individuals

can’t smoke in public places. Smoking in public areas can also cause air pollution.
They are also protecting their forests from illegal loggers that can cause severe
harm to nature. They also have policies regarding waste disposal, and we know
they have beautiful tourist spots where water is the main attraction.

B. Programs/projects/interventions

As indicated above, Bislig City, with its citizens, is conducting many

efforts to keep its environment healthy and clean. Projects like tree planting,
clean-up drives, and many more.

The DENR's "Recognizing Individuals/Institutions towards Vibrant and

Balanced Rivers" (RIVERS) for life initiative, which seeks to promote active
engagement of local communities and agencies on environmental preservation, is
in accordance with the municipal government's claim that the tree planting.

To promote awareness about preserving and maintaining the flora and

wildlife, particularly the Tinuy-an Falls Protective Landscape, the organizations
Sustaining People and Planet and Communication, Education and Public
Awareness (CEPA) organized a tree-planting activity. Additionally, it attempts to
raise public knowledge of wildlife biodiversity, conservation efforts, and the
numerous advantages wildlife offers due to its diverse economic, environmental,
and social consequences.
Analysis of the Adequacy of Government Actions

The actions of the government of Bislig to keep its city’s environment healthy and clean
is a great way to lessen pollution. The simple No Smoking ordinance significantly impacts the
environment and people's lives. The rules and regulations of the city to maintain its cleanliness
and protection program towards its forest and marine life is one of the reasons why people in
Bislig are well mannered when it comes to maintaining their land from pollutants. The citizens'
cooperation with the help of private organizations to keep Bislig as green as possible and
environmentally healthy makes the work of the government easier regarding environmental
problems.
Recommendations on What Technology and other Management Approaches Should Be
Applied to Address the Gaps

We know that not everyone in the Philippines has the privilege to study, especially in rural
areas. Bislig City has parts where indigenous people are still staying with little knowledge of
what not to do regarding environmental care. However, most time, these indigenous people take
care of the environment, and “us” people who are “educated” and in the city are damaging our
environment.

The optimum strategy for environmental management is an integrated strategy that takes
into account all of the elements of the environment and manages it effectively as a whole. They
must accommodate the natural system rather than disrupt it. But this is impossible since they
must exploit nature and its elements for all developmental activities, generating varying degrees
of eco-imbalance. The conservative viewpoint holds that locals should avoid excessive
exploitation of the environment and that protecting natural resources is crucial for long-term
sustainability.

Like most of our provinces, Bislig City is not yet technologically advanced. Most of the
instruments they are using are old and not economical. They are still using old jeepneys and
motorcycles that emit so much smoke. The local government should make way for them to have
modern vehicles that do not emit so much smoke. E-bikes and E-jeepneys are the best solutions
to these problems.
Conclusion

This picturesque city is located on Mindanao's eastern coast, overlooking the Pacific
Ocean, and is encircled by commercial tree plantations and a rich natural forest. A total of 24
barangays make up Bislig's 40,503 hectares of land, about half designated as public forest. Bislig
City has a well-diverse ecosystem, and its environment is well alive. This is the main reason why
sightings of rare birds, animals, and plants are seen in the forests of Bislig City. We can say that
Bislig is healthy environmentally, but we know that the people of Bislig are not perfect and can
make mistakes now and then. The city has many beautiful tourist spots and fantastic water.

To produce agricultural and aquatic goods and establish itself as a top eco-tourism
destination in the southeast Philippines, Bislig has become a thriving and livable city. Since the
beginning of civilization in this region of Mindanao, the Philippine nation has a long and rich
recorded history. It underwent a lengthy, brutal, chaotic, and dynamic change that ultimately
produced its current social, economic, physical, and political structure.

In conclusion, Bislig is exceptionally rich in natural resources and has a stunning

landscape popular with tourists, even though Bislig cannot be compared to other large and
heavily populated cities. Tinuy-an Falls and Enchanted River are two of our country's most
well-known tourist destinations. Additionally, Bislig enjoys a lifestyle unmatched by cities.
Never is there any traffic. If you want to get some exercise, you may even walk from your
residence to your destination. Every day, residents may breathe clean air. Air pollution is not a
big problem since fewer factories and cars exist, and many trees have grown both within and
outside the city. Bislig City is the ideal location if you wish to have a calm, tranquil life
surrounded by nature in a semi-urban environment.
Acknowledgments

I sincerely extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to the following individuals for
their assistance in making this Case Study possible:

My parents always gave me the loving support I needed to gain confidence and
inspiration to work hard.

Without the outstanding assistance of my professor, Engineer, this work and the research
supporting it would not have been feasible. From the initial progress report until I finished my
Case Study, Bonifacio B. Magtibay, Ph.D., kept my work on track with his passion, expertise,
and meticulous attention to detail.

To Mapua University for letting me explore and bring out the best of what I can do in
educational and non-educational activities.

I especially appreciate the thoughtful criticism from the anonymous peer reviewers. The
kindness and knowledge of everyone have helped this study in countless ways and prevented me
from making many mistakes; those that unavoidably remain are only my fault.

Above all, I give this Case Study to our All-Powerful God, who has given me courage,
safety, and direction. I appreciate all of His favors and the knowledge He gave me to complete
each work. By His mercy, I successfully and on schedule completed this Case Study.
Annexes: References/photos/graphs

● Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. (n.d.). Zamboanga.Com.

https://zamboanga.com/z/index.php?title=Bislig_City,_Surigao_del_Sur,_Philippi

nes

● Bislig City’s CENRO, PNP, and Army’s 48IB Conduct Tree Planting and Public

Awareness in the Annual Celebration of World Wildlife Day. (2021, March 4).

Kalinaw News.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/bislig-citys-cenro-pnp-and-armys-48ib-conduct-tre

e-planting-and-public-awareness-in-the-annual-celebration-of-world-wildlife-day/

● Mangrove planting activity held in Bislig City. (2019). Politiko Mindanao.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/mangrove-planting-activity-held-in-bislig-city/#:

~:text=The%20Department%20of%20Environment%20and%20Natural%20Reso

urces%20%28DENR%29,5%2C%20Poblacion%2C%20Bislig%20City%20on%2

0August%2013%2C%20Tuesday.

● Kumar. (2021). Approaches to Environmental Management: Aspects and Types.

Environmental Pollution.

https://www.environmentalpollution.in/environment/approaches-to-environmental

-management-aspects-and-types/108

● Bislig Philippines. (n.d.). Bislig City. http://bislig-philippines.com/

● "2015 Census of Population, Report No. 3 – Population, Land Area, and

Population Density" (PDF). Philippine Statistics Authority. Quezon City,

 Philippines. August 2016. ISSN 0117-1453. Archived (PDF) from the original on

25 May 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2021.

● "Climate: Bislig". Climate-Data.org. Retrieved 25 October 2020.

● "Province of Surigao del Sur". Municipality Population Data. Local Water

Utilities Administration Research Division. Retrieved 17 December 2016.

● Bislig City Economy. (n.d.). Gov PH.

https://cmci.dti.gov.ph/lgu-profile.php?lgu=Bislig

● Bislig City, Philippines. (n.d.). iNutralist.

https://www.inaturalist.org/places/bislig-city

● Lopez, A. (2021, February 4). https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129585. Gov.PH.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1129585

● BISLIG CURRENT AIR QUALITY. (n.d.). AccuWeather.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/ph/bislig/780552/air-quality-index/780552

● Fernando, C. (2020, March 25). Tinuy-an Falls. ZenRooms.

https://www.zenrooms.com/blog/tinuy-an-falls/

● Karawasan Festival of Bislig City. (2010, July 18). Pebbled Beach.

https://phoebemarie.blogspot.com/2010/07/karawasan-festival-of-bislig-city.html

● Living in Bislig City, Philippines: Tips for Moving and Visiting. (n.d.).

Crowdsourcedexplorer.

https://www.crowdsourcedexplorer.com/bislig-city-surigao-del-sur-philippines/