Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Coastal Environment of Cavite City Bays.

Abstract

The study dealt with direct impacts of developmental projects and fish pen operation on coastal bays that surround Cavite City. It identified the indirect contribution of educational orientation to the existing condition of the said bays. Since the city is experiencing regular flooding, deteriorated potable water supply and decline in volume of fish catch by local fishermen, there is a need to mitigate factors that cause these ecological problems. A review and analysis of data and local government reports determined the possible effects of purposed project integrated in the City Comprehensive Land Use Program (CLUP). Impacts of expanding aquaculture activities in Bacoor Bay were likewise established based on observations and interview. The study presented the status of environmental education (EE) in local district schools and colleges. Results of the study were used in determining the comprehension of ecological matters. It was also used to relate the behavior of Caviteños towards the natural environment. The city's aim to be highly urbanized has entered into economic activities, which pose detrimental impacts along the coastal waters of Manila Bay, Bacoor Bay and Cañacao Bay. Scenarios that are expected due to commercialization efforts in the city include: land reclamation activities in bay areas, increase illegal squatting in the coastline, prevalence of oil spill from shipping vessels, wastewater discharges from industries, and decrease in supply of potable water due to huge amount of water consumed to a manufacturing industry. Likewise, proliferation of fishpen has resulted in the loss of traditional fishing grounds for local fishermen and navigational lanes for waterborne vessels. It could have also caused eutrophication and water pollution. Due to jurisdictional dilemma and lack of personnel from the municipal agriculture's office, proliferation of fish farms in Bacoor Bay was not controlled. The city also lacked an ordinance regulating fish farm operations. Meanwhile, based on results of the survey in San Sebastian College Recoletos De Cavite, most of the students had limited understanding of environmental concerns and existing ecological issues. This holds true for both students with EE and without EE. Furthermore, teaching abilities of public school science teachers teaching EE should also be improved. They do not have the professional background/training necessary to be able to teach the subject. They are not aware of the current issues concerning environmental degradation. Further evaluation of CLUP projects needs to be implemented to prevent continued deterioration of the three (3) coastal bays. This is to ensure that it will not only enhance the economic and social well-being of every individual but also promote a healthy environment. A council composed of different sectors of society will be tasked to facilitate the evaluation to improve implementing guidelines of CLUP. To integrate environmental concerns in the development framework, exposure to other developmental programs must be encouraged. This is to observe how sustainable and efficient these projects will be and determine their strengths and weaknesses. Proper coordination between the municipal agriculturists is needed to delineate the jurisdictional boundaries of Bacoor Bay. Efficient regulation and monitoring activities of fishfarms can be achieved if the concerned area is properly identified to prevent jurisdictional conflict. The Sangguniang Panglungsod needs to pass an ordinance to provide the municipal agriculturists with legalities in regulating the fishfarm operations. Tapping the local fishermen to assist in the conduct of monitoring activities can relieve the problem of lack of personnel. Volunteer fishermen can be given incentives and allowance in return for the services rendered. Since environmental education is severely lacking in tertiary schools in the city, it is recommended that this subject be integrated in every course curriculum. The content of EE should attain the objective of skills development to enable students to be engaged in work-related environmental problems as they practice their future profession. Teaching capabilities of EE teachers/instructors should be improved through workshop/ trainings. A standard workbook can also be developed, which will guide students to have better appreciation and understanding of the limits of the environment.