Managing climate risks in the context of Angat Reservoir [Norzagaray, Bulacan], Philippines

This publication highlights results of an analysis of the institutional and policy context for climate risk management (CRM) in the case of Angat Reservoir in Bulacan province of the Philippines. The management of Angat Reservoir is a unique case in the Philippines. Water allocation is approved by the National Water Resources Board to three competing sectors. Seasonal climate variability and extreme climate events affect levels of streamflow to the reservoir, and thus its capacity to deliver water to the various users that includes Metro Manila [Philippines] area for domestic, industrial, commercial, and other uses, the Bulacan and Pampanga areas for irrigation requirements, and the National Power Corporation for hydropower generation. The degree of impacts depends on the response mechanisms already in place. Managing climate-related risks requires development of scientific and institutional capacity within a range of decision contexts to enable managers to undertake a pro-active risk management approach, as compared to a purely reactive one. Conducted through a partnership between ISSPS [Institute of Strategic Planning and Policy Studies] at the University of the Philippine Los Baños and the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) of Columbia University (USA), the primary objective in examining institutions and policies is to provide a fuller understanding of the roles of the stakeholders and institutions involved; the action arena within which interactions occur; the policy-decisions that are routinely taken in response to climate-related problems; and institutional and policy strategies that may be undertaken for possible upscaling of climate risk management solutions for a fuller utilization for social and economic development. The study on Angat Reservoir involved the following types of activities: socio-economic data collection from governmental and non-governmental secondary sources; discussions with personnel in key stakeholder institutions; analysis of data collected and information from discussions; and participation in meetings of various stakeholders. Chapter 2 of the memograph provides some observations on the nature of climate risks in an urban setting, i.e., Metro manila, and current efforts to address them. Chapter 3 presents the decision making process at the national level particularly in the context of rural-urban competition for use of water. Chapter 4 presents the experience at the local level rural setting, particularly the agricultural section in Bulacan while Chapter 5 gives some insight on the potential for rainfall index insurance to help manage risks in agriculture. Abnormal climate conditions typically trigger reactions to cope with an 'unexpected' or extreme climate event, which are important for reducing impacts but often ware as the situation gets back to normal. Proactive steps to reduce risks often do not receive sufficient attention. In the context of water management, the case of Angat Reservoir is complex because many different players are involved from the national level to the local level. Management of Angat Dam is more critical when the water level is low that calls for change in demand from water users as demonstrated with the 1997-1998 El Niño episode. The coping mechanisms are physical such as building infra structure; technical such as use of alternative technologies; and behavioral such as changes in decisions in farming, water delivery. Key observations on institutional behavior were that informal institutions are just as important as formal laws and regulations, and stakeholders respond to risks and constraints as they perceive them, and use this knowledge to act to protect their interests. Aside from the current institutional and ecological contexts, past history of responses and 'impacts' play a key role in current perceptions and reactions. A number of institutional issues arising from the research include: organizational mobilization, upgrading of climate information system, weather index insurance as a tool for reducing risks, more effective decision tools for reservoir operation and management, and mainstreaming CRM in development planning. Collaborations between water suppliers/managers, decision makers and research institutions will be key in guaranteeing that the required information for better CRM decisions is obtained. Finally, although awareness of the need to address impacts of climate change is increasing, this publication points to the importance of efforts to improve societal resilience to climate-related risks today. While trends related to climate change need to be continually monitored and analyzed, and policy approaches developed to address them, increasing capacity to pro-actively manage climate risks today holds important lessons in adapting to a changing climate in the decades to come.