April, 09 2024

The UPLBFI Team, SIPA PH’s technical consultant team, spearheaded the SIPA Data Validation Workshop focused on integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into infrastructure planning. With the theme of “Integrating Nature-based Solutions in Infrastructure Planning”, the hybrid workshop was held on March 22, 2024, at Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City.

The workshop aimed to present and discuss the initial analysis of the UPLBFI SIPA team's research study. The workshop's primary goals were to verify the project outcomes and ensure the necessary components for training modules were addressed, aligning with the project's overall objectives.

The workshop provided an introduction to NbS in infrastructure planning to stakeholders in Butuan City, particularly targeting barangay representatives and other local stakeholders unfamiliar with previous WWF activities.

This gathering also served to identify additional stakeholders in infrastructure planning and define their roles, facilitating a broader understanding and collaboration in future development projects. Furthermore, discussions centered around the challenges and opportunities for mainstreaming NbS in Butuan City, fostering a deeper exploration of local context and needs.



Participants included representatives from various offices of the Butuan City Government: City Agriculture and Veterinary Department (CAVD), City Building Management Department (CBMD), City Engineering Office (CEO), City Executive Management Department (CEMD), City Environment & Natural Resources Department (CENRD) and the Sangguniang Panlunsod (SP) (City Council); officials and key personnel from various Barangays of Butuan City (Ampayon, Anticala, Bancasi, Pagatpatan, San Vicente, Taguibo and Villa Kananga); and from regional offices of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA XIII), Department of Agriculture (DA XIII), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA XIII), and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Representatives from notable organizations such as the University of Oxford's Nature-based Solutions Initiative and other stakeholders such as the Friendship Goals Society Caraga - Butuan Inc. (FGSCBI) were also present at the event. This diverse assembly ensured a comprehensive evaluation of the data and facilitated rich, multi-perspective discussions. 

The day was structured into two validation sessions. The morning session involved local government and regional agency participants, while the afternoon focused on barangay representatives and other stakeholders. The sessions were opened by WWF PH SIPA Project Coordinator Dean Maynard Roxas, followed by Dr. Danesto Anacio, who presented the workshop's objectives and the research study's activities. Detailed presentations on the initial spatial analysis of Butuan City's ecosystem services were delivered by Ms. Gemmalyn Trespalacio and Mr. Malvin Biguerras, covering aspects such as carbon sequestration, urban flooding risk mitigation, and urban cooling.

During the Q&A sessions, participants recommended including specific policies and additional stakeholders in the analysis, highlighting the importance of illustrating stakeholder dynamics. The team clarified queries on data sources and the significance of stakeholder input in shaping context-based training manuals on sustainable infrastructure planning. The workshop concluded with participants requesting access to the presented materials for further validation and baseline referencing. The UPLBFI SIPA team will now incorporate feedback into their ongoing analyses and prepare training kits for an upcoming workshop session in June 2024.