As part of the implementation of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM) project titled, “Research for Development: Payment for Ecosystem Services Outcome for Sustainable Water Provision (R4D: PESO SWaP) in Barobbob Watershed, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines,” the project team conducted an ordinance and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plan review and consultation during the technical working group (TWG) meeting held on October 27, 2023 at the Pasalubong Center in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

Dr. Asa Jose Sajise, Dr. Canesio Predo, and Atty. Fritzielyn Palmiery, R4D: PESO-SWaP project staff, led the consultation with the TWG to gather stakeholders’ insights on the drafted M&E plan and ordinance. The comments provided by the TWG members are essential for shaping policies and plans toward the institutionalization of Payment for Water Ecosystem Services in Barobbob Watershed.

The initial M&E plan is divided into two main components: pre-implementation activities and implementation activities. During the consultation with the TWG, the identified target activities and outputs under pre-implementation of the PWES scheme include assessing training needs, conducting complementary studies, developing a detailed management plan for Barrobob Watershed, preparing upland providers, drafting the PWES ordinance, and launching an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on PWES arrangements. 

Meanwhile, the identified target activities and outputs under the implementation of the PWES scheme include constructing a water impoundment system in the upland area, monitoring the PES trust fund status, tracking the activities of identified PES providers as stipulated in the PWES agreement and management plans, monitoring the biophysical status of Barrobob Watershed, and evaluating beneficiary outcomes.

Following the M&E plan consultation, Atty. Fritzielyn Palmiery discussed the drafted PWES ordinance. During the meeting, TWG members provided their input and suggested the adoption of a municipal PWES ordinance. Ms. Marilyn Juan, Bayombong Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, expressed her support for the institutionalization process of PWES.

As part of the ongoing implementation of the R4D: PESO SWaP project, the project team will incorporate the feedback from TWG members during the consultation and advance further towards institutionalizing the PWES scheme in the Barobbob watershed.

The R4D: PESO SWaP is a two-year project funded by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), which aims to develop and pilot a PES mechanism for improved water supply in the Barobbob watershed.