Geographic Information System for Upscaling the Seaweed Industry Operation In Two Areas in Mindanao, Southern Philippines

This study used the geographic information system (GIS) in mapping cultured seaweed (Kappaphycus and Eucheuma) areas as production support system for sustainable farming and upscaling of seaweed industry operation. However, the current information on the aerial extent and spatial distribution of seaweeds farms in the Philippines has limited accuracy and reliability. To address this, the ArcGIS tool and spatial method was used in compiling bio-physical and socio-economic data, including the extent of seaweed production areas, the culture techniques and systems, and other relevant information on the various farming sites in the Davao Region and major production areas in Tawi-Tawi Province of Mindanao, Southern Philippines. The results show that major source of seaweeds in Davao Region comes from Davao del Sur while for Tawi-Tawi, the bulk of production is from Sitangkai. For seaweed extent, Davao Region reaches a total of 408.59 ha while Tawi-Tawi covers 47,802.18 ha. In terms of the salinity level, Davao Region ranges from 27 to 32 ppt and Tawi-Tawi from 31 to 32 ppt. Temperature level ranges from 26 to 27 °C in Davao Region and 27– 30 °C in Tawi-Tawi. As to the socio-economic dimension, the most common farming method applied in both areas is the multiple floating long-line; however, several culture systems were recorded such as basket, monoline, and fix-off bottom methods. The product flow and value chain mapping suggest the absence of consolidators in some areas and the lack of coordination and complementation among seaweed industry enablers, which may have contributed setbacks to the industry on top of the prevailing problems on diseases and environment-related issues. The results of this study may assist decision making for seaweed farming operations and eventually upscale the seaweed industry in Mindanao and the whole country

Co-Design for Enhancing Flood Resilience in Davao City, Philippines

Enhancing flood resilience, including the development of social capacity and early warning systems, in addition to structural measures, is one of the key solutions to mitigating flood damage, which will be more intensified in the future due to climate change. This study was conducted to develop a comprehensive methodology for enhancing flood resilience by improving society-wide disaster literacy under the governance formed through the active participation of all levels of stakeholders in Davao City, Philippines. Specifically, the development of the Online Synthesis System for Sustainability and Resilience, which integrates different disciplines, and the fostering of Facilitators, whose role is to interlink the science community and society, were implemented in a co-designing manner by the collective governance body. The development of basin- and barangay-scale hydrological models realized real-time flood forecasting and climate change impact assessment to identify intensified flood risk under the future climate. Co-designed e-learning workshops were held to foster about thirty Facilitators and help them produce twenty-one risk communication plans and workshop designs for fourteen barangays considering geographic, demographic, economic, and social features that they can utilize for public dissemination related to climate change adaptation to the target audiences in society. This paper presents a practical method to enhance flood resilience, demonstrating that the synthesis of science-based knowledge and human resource development can fill the gaps between the science community and society