Designation of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) Coastal Waters as Water Quality Management Area and Creation of Its Governing Board

DENR Administrative Order No. 2025-04

Subject: Designation of the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) Coastal Waters as Water Quality Management Area and Creation of Its Governing Board

Signed: January 13, 2025 . Published: Daily Tribune, April 16, 2025 . Acknowledged: ONAR, U.P. Law Center, April 25, 2025

Legal Basis

Section 5 of RA 9275 (Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004), its IRR (DAO 2005-10), and DMC 2009-15 (Procedural Manual for the Designation of Water Quality Management Areas).

SECTION 2. Objectives

Formulate an integrated WQMA program; sustain coastal water quality supporting industries, fisheries, and tourism; empower the City Government of IGaCoS and its barangays; streamline pollution prevention; promote economic instruments; and support civil society initiatives in the coastal waters.

SECTION 3. Scope and Coverage

The WQMA covers IGaCoS, including its municipal waters and tributaries, delineated by 53 corner coordinates (Annex A map showing the municipal water boundary, marine protected areas, and the Peñaplata Mariculture Park in the Davao Gulf).

SECTION 5. Political Jurisdiction

Barangays of the Babak, Samal, and Kaputian Districts of the Island Garden City of Samal, as listed in the Order.

SECTION 6. WQMA Governing Board

Chaired by the Regional Director of EMB Region XI, with members including the City Mayor, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Chair on Environment, the PENRO of Davao del Norte, the City Planning and Development Officer, City Engineer, City Health Officer, City Agriculturist, barangay representatives per district, Region XI offices of national agencies (including DENR, DA, DPWH, DOH, DepEd, DOST, DTI, DOT, NEDA, CHED, DHSUD, NCIP, PIA, BFAR, the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP Maritime Group, and DILG), the City Agricultural and Fishery Council, and representatives of industry, NGOs, academe, and water utilities.

SECTION 7. Functions of the Governing Board

• Review the initial WQMA Action Plan prepared by EMB Region XI and adopt succeeding Action Plans for DENR Secretary approval.
• Assist the City in preparing its Compliance Scheme and local legislation.
• Undertake interventions for non-point sources of pollution.
• Publish a regular Water Quality Status Report and manage the Area Water Quality Management Fund.

Supporting Structures

The Board meets quarterly and may form a Technical Working Group. A four-member Technical Secretariat at the EMB XI Regional Office provides technical support, and a Multi-Sectoral Group may conduct authorized monitoring and surveillance.

SECTION 17. Effectivity

Takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and upon acknowledgement by ONAR.

Signed by Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga. Summary prepared by EnviSynergy from the official DENR issuance; refer to the full text for binding provisions.