Montilla Boulevard, Butuan City, Caraga, Philippines

Accredited: Association of Christian Schools, Colleges and Universities – ACSCU

Certified: ISO 9001:2015, TUV Rheinland Ref No. DO – CRCF-056
Status: Initial
Date Issued: July 2023

COLLEGE RESEARCH CONCEPT FORM

COLLEGE Saint Joseph Institute of technology

DEPARTMENT College of Engineering and Architecture

TITLE OF PROPOSED Water Scarcity in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City: A Study of Its Causes and
STUDY Consequences

NAME OF STUDENT/S Abucejo, Shannon E.

Ambray, Kyla Marie B.
Avila, John Michael C.
Lumarda
RATIONALE Water scarcity in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City, is a pressing issue
(State the situation that is exacerbated by a multitude of factors, including population growth,
problematic situation,
Discuss the importance
deforestation, climate change, and inadequate water management
and validity of your practices. These factors have led to significant consequences for
research/project), What are the community, impacting their health, livelihoods, and overall
the research gaps in the quality of life.
scientific literature on your Rationale:
topic? Present initial data
 Importance of Water: Water is a fundamental resource
on the magnitude of the
problem citing the essential for human survival, agriculture, and industry. Its
source/s). scarcity can have far-reaching implications for communities,
particularly those with limited access to clean water.
 Relevance of Brgy. Libertad: As a growing urban area,
Brgy. Libertad is likely experiencing increased demand for
water resources. Understanding the causes and
consequences of water scarcity in this specific locality can
inform targeted interventions and policy recommendations.
 Contributing Factors:
o Population Growth: A rising population can strain
existing water infrastructure and increase demand for
water resources.
o Deforestation: Deforestation can lead to soil erosion,
reduced water retention, and decreased water quality.
o Climate Change: Climate change can alter rainfall
patterns, leading to droughts and water scarcity.
o Inadequate Water Management: Poor water
management practices, such as inefficient use,
pollution, and lack of conservation measures, can
exacerbate water scarcity.
 Consequences:
o Health Risks: Water scarcity can lead to waterborne
diseases, malnutrition, and other health problems.
o Economic Impacts: Water scarcity can negatively
affect agriculture, industry, and tourism, leading to
economic losses and job insecurity.
o Social Disruptions: Water scarcity can create social
tensions and conflict, particularly when access to
water is unequal.

 Research Gap: While there may be existing studies on water

scarcity in the Philippines, a focused examination of the
specific situation in Brgy. Libertad can provide valuable
insights into the unique challenges and potential solutions.
By investigating the causes and consequences of water scarcity in
1
 Brgy. Libertad, this study aims to contribute to a better
understanding of this critical issue and inform effective water
management strategies for the community and region.
LEGAL BASIS
(Legal basis, issuances as When researching water scarcity in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City, it's
basis of the proposed
study). essential to consider the relevant legal framework at both national
and local levels. This framework provides the guidelines and regula-
tions governing water resources management, usage, and conser-
vation.
National Laws and Regulations
Republic Act No. 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Manage-
ment Act of 2000): While primarily focused on solid waste
management, this law also indirectly addresses water pollu-
tion, as improper waste disposal can contaminate water
sources.
Republic Act No. 9275 (Clean Water Act of 2004): This law
sets water quality standards, regulates discharges into water
bodies, and establishes a framework for water pollution con-
trol.
Republic Act No. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999):
While not directly about water, air pollution can indirectly af-
fect water quality, especially in urban areas.
Presidential Decree No. 1067 (Water Code of the Philip-
pines): This decree establishes the principles and policies for
water resources management in the Philippines. It outlines
the rights and responsibilities of the government, local water
districts, and individuals in relation to water resources.
Local Ordinances and Regulations
Butuan City Water Code: This local ordinance should pro-
vide specific guidelines for water resource management, us-
age, and conservation within Butuan City, including Brgy. Lib-
ertad.
Environmental Protection Code: This ordinance likely sets
standards for environmental protection, including water qual-
ity, and may address issues like pollution and waste manage-
ment.
Land Use Plan: The land use plan for Butuan City will indi-
cate the designated uses of different areas, which can impact
water resource management. For example, industrial or com-

2
 mercial zones may have higher water demands.
Relevant Issuances
 Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) Administrative Orders: The DENR frequently is-
sues administrative orders to implement environmental poli-
cies and regulations. These orders may address specific is-
sues related to water resource management, such as water
quality standards or guidelines for water permits.
 Local Government Unit (LGU) Ordinances and Resolu-
tions: LGUs may issue ordinances and resolutions to ad-
dress local environmental concerns, including water scarcity.
These issuances can provide additional regulations or guide-
lines specific to Brgy. Libertad.
Key Areas of Investigation
Based on the legal framework, your research could delve into the
following areas:
1. Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Assess whether
Brgy. Libertad and its residents are complying with national
and local laws and regulations related to water resource
management.
2. Enforcement of Laws: Investigate the effectiveness of law
enforcement in addressing water-related issues in the
barangay.
3. Impact of Land Use Patterns: Analyze how land use pat-
terns in Brgy. Libertad contribute to water scarcity or pollu-
tion.
4. Water Management Practices: Examine the water manage-
ment practices of the local government, water utility, and resi-
dents, including water conservation efforts and wastewater
treatment.
5. Public Participation: Assess the level of public participation
in water resource management decisions and initiatives.
By understanding the legal basis and relevant issuances, you can
provide a comprehensive analysis of the causes and consequences
of water scarcity in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City, and offer recommen-
dations for addressing these challenges.

3
EMPIRICAL Water shortage in the Philippines threatens sustainable
EVIDENCE/LITERATURE development and health (March 2019)
SUPPORT THAT INDEED
THE RESEARCH HAS The situation could worsen as the country is beset by the El Niño
BASIS (cite at least 6
phenomenon and climate change that contribute to increase in
documented evidence with
support citation) temperature, drying up our water sources. The recent water
shortage in Metro Manila also highlights the uncertainty of water
access even in the nation’s capital.
Inadequate and intermittent water supply in Metro Manila and in
other parts of the country can have serious health consequences.
When water is scarce, people are often forced to rely on drinking
water sources that may not be safe. They may also lack sufficient
water for basic hygiene - to wash themselves and their clothes, and
to prevent infection including from foodborne and waterborne
diseases. Low or negative water pressure in pipes due to short
supply can attract contaminants that will put water quality at risk
when the supply is restored.
While individual contributions are vital, governments still have the
obligation to provide safe and reliable drinking water sources to
people through long-term solutions. As it stands, too much reliance
on surface water such as rivers and lakes as well as groundwater
will not be sustainable in the future due to the climate reality and
increasing water demand from the population.
“Strategies such as the application of improved rainwater collection
systems and state-of the-art desalination technologies coupled with
renewable energies can be used in the Philippines,” explained Engr.
Magtibay. “By adopting innovative and long-term solutions, the
Philippines can ensure water for all that will protect the peoples’
health and help drive sustainable development forward.”
The World Health Organization is working with the Philippines
Department of Health and other sector agencies to ensure safe
water for all through the development and implementation of water
safety planning, strengthening systems and capacity for drinking-
water quality surveillance and monitoring, and improvement of
water, sanitation, and hygiene in health care facilities.
https://www.who.int/philippines/news/feature-stories/detail/
water-shortage-in-the-philippines-threatens-sustainable-
development-and-health#

Water Shortages
By Zhuo Chen, Huu Hao Ngo, Wenshan Guo, Saeid Eslamian
Water is vital to human health and well-being, and to the support of
ecosystems, agricultural and industrial development, and the environment.
It also has crucial cultural value and social significance [2]. Because of
climate change (e.g., ooding, prolonged drought, and severe cold),
increasing population, rapid urbanization, and deteriorating water quality,
water scarcity is considered one of the most important threats to society
and a constraint for sustainable development. Within the next decades,
due to continuous economic and population growth, water may become
the most strategic resource in many areas of the world, especially the arid
and semi-arid regions [28,60]. Based on the International Water
Management Institute denition, a very signicant portion of the world is
projected to super from both physical (1000 m3 per person/annum

4
renewable water supply) and economic water scarcity by 2025.
Water shortages worsened by reservoir effects
The expansion of reservoirs to cope with droughts and water shortages is
hotly debated in many places around the world. We argue that there are
two counterintuitive dynamics that should be considered in this debate:
supply–demand cycles and reservoir effects. Supply–demand cycles
describe instances where increasing water supply enables higher water
demand, which can quickly offset the initial benefits of reservoirs.
Reservoir effects refer to cases where over-reliance on reservoirs
increases vulnerability, and therefore increases the potential damage
caused by droughts.
Citation:
Di Baldassarre, G., Wanders, N., AghaKouchak, A. et al. Water shortages
worsened by reservoir effects. Nat Sustain 1, 617–622 (2018).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-018-0159-0

Challenges of Water Governance in the Philippines Rola et. al

(December 2015)
Local governance functions by the Local Government Units (LGU)
include Community-based Forest Management, waterworks system
and water quality monitoring. The LGUs decisions and actions are
still bounded by powers at the national level. This has been a
source of conflict between the national and local water governance.
According to Rola et. Al (2012) Local governance functions by the
Local Government Units (LGU) include Community-based Forest
Management, waterworks system and water quality monitoring. The
LGUs decisions and actions are still bounded by powers at the
national level. This has been a source of conflict between the
national and local water governance.

https://philjournalsci.dost.gov.ph/images/pdf/pjs_pdf/vol144no2/pdf/
challenges_of_water_governance_in_the_Phils_FinalCopy_05_Apri
l_2016.pdf

Water Pollution: Everything You Need to Know Melissa Denchak

(January 2023)
Water pollution occurs when harmful substances—often chemicals
or microorganisms—contaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean,
aquifer, or other body of water, degrading water quality and
rendering it toxic to humans or the environment.
This widespread problem of water pollution is jeopardizing our
health. Unsafe water kills more people each year than war and all
other forms of violence combined. Meanwhile, our drinkable water
sources are finite: Less than 1 percent of the earth’s freshwater is
actually accessible to us. Without action, the challenges will only
increase by 2050, when global demand for freshwater is expected
to be one-third greater than it is now.
Challenges for sustainable water management A. W. Jayawardena

5
(March 2012)
Drinking water security, food security, energy security, climate
change, water-related disaster management and maintaining
acceptable environmental quality in a sustainable manner are
among the major challenges at present and in the foreseeable
future.
Sustainable Water Security Based on the SDG Framework: A
Case Study of the 2019 Metro Manila Water Crisis

The 2019 Metro Manila water crisis exemplifies the acute challenges
faced in urban areas. During this crisis, Manila Water Company
implemented drastic supply cuts affecting numerous cities without prior
warning, highlighting the vulnerability of urban water systems to supply
disruptions. Climate change has played a critical role in this context,
leading to irregular weather patterns and exacerbating existing water
scarcity issues.
Citation:
Lee, H., Son, J., Joo, D., Ha, J., Yun, S., Lim, C., … & Lee, W. (2020).
Sustainable water security based on the sdg framework: a case study of
the 2019 metro manila water crisis. Sustainability, 12(17), 6860.
https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176860

How Climate Change Impacts the Global Water Crisis Gilbert F.

Houngbo
Roughly 90% of climate disasters are water-related. We’re seeing
climate change already affecting water access for people around
the world through more devastating hurricanes, floods, and
unexpected storms. And with the increased risk from wildfires,
droughts, and water contamination, communities desperately need
secure, sustainable water access. Low- and middle-income
countries have the most to lose in the face of these climate
disasters. Given existing vulnerabilities in areas like food, water,
health, and infrastructure, a disaster sets them back even further. In
a deeper twist of injustice, these communities are also the ones who
contribute the least to climate change.
https://www.waterforpeople.org/climate/?
gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-
63BhC9ARIsAMMTLXT92QB5aApY4QYcrhA5hczCznhDAz9qCLWf
Qrr8G6OxDL9ZPXOyBokaAtqHEALw_wcB
Water and climate change are inextricably linked. Climate change
affects the world’s water in complex ways. From unpredictable
rainfall patterns to shrinking ice sheets, rising sea levels, floods and
droughts – most impacts of climate change come down to
water water (UN Water).
Climate change is exacerbating both water scarcity and water-
related hazards (such as floods and droughts), as rising
temperatures disrupt precipitation patterns and the entire water
cycle (UNICEF). United Nations
https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/
water#:~:text=Climate%20change%20affects%20the

6
 %20world's,water%20water%20(UN%20Water).

RESEARCH UTILIZATION/ Water scarcity in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City, is a pressing issue that
BENEFICIARIES impacts various aspects of community life. To effectively address this
problem, a comprehensive study is necessary to identify its causes,
(Who and how can they consequences, and potential solutions.
benefit from the results of
the study?) Include direct Research Utilization:
and indirect beneficiaries)
The findings of this research can be utilized in several ways:
Policy Development: The study can provide valuable insights to
local government officials and policymakers, enabling them to
develop targeted strategies to address water scarcity. This may
include implementing water conservation measures, improving
water infrastructure, and promoting sustainable water management
practices.
Community Engagement: The research can be used to raise
awareness among community members about the importance of
water conservation and the consequences of water scarcity. This
can encourage active participation in water management initiatives
and foster a sense of responsibility for preserving water resources.
Resource Allocation: The study can help identify areas where
resources are most needed to address water scarcity. This
information can guide the allocation of funds for infrastructure
improvements, water treatment facilities, and community-based
water projects.
Academic Research: The research can contribute to the broader
body of knowledge on water scarcity and its impacts. It can serve
as a valuable resource for researchers and students studying
water management, environmental science, and related fields.
Beneficiaries:
The primary beneficiaries of this research include:
 Residents of Brgy. Libertad: The study will directly benefit the
community by providing information on the causes of water
scarcity and potential solutions. This knowledge can empower
residents to take action to conserve water and improve their quality
of life.
 Local Government: The research will provide valuable data and
insights that can inform policy decisions and resource allocation.
This will help the local government to address water scarcity
effectively and improve the overall well-being of the community.
 Researchers and Students: The study can serve as a valuable
resource for researchers and students interested in water scarcity,
environmental science, and related fields. It can provide a deeper
understanding of the issue and contribute to the development of
innovative solutions.
 Future Generations: By addressing water scarcity in Brgy.
Libertad, this research can help to ensure a sustainable water
supply for future generations. This will be crucial for the long-term
development and prosperity of the community.
APPROACH/ DESIGN A mixed methods approach will be employed for this research, combining both
(How will the study be quantitative and qualitative research techniques. This approach will provide a
conducted?) comprehensive understanding of the complex issue of water scarcity in Brgy.
Libertad.

7
 Quantitative Research:
 Surveys: A structured questionnaire will be administered to a
representative sample of households in Brgy. Libertad to gather data on
water consumption patterns, access to water sources, and perceptions of
water scarcity.
 Secondary Data Analysis: Existing data from government agencies,
non-governmental organizations, and academic institutions will be
analyzed to identify historical trends in water availability, population
growth, and land use changes.
Qualitative Research:
 In-depth Interviews: Key informants, including local government officials,
community leaders, and residents, will be interviewed to gain in-depth
insights into the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to water
scarcity.
 Focus Group Discussions: Focus group discussions will be conducted
with community members to explore their experiences, perceptions, and
priorities related to water scarcity.
 Observation: Field observations will be conducted to assess the physical
conditions of water sources, infrastructure, and the community's water
management practices.
Research Design: Case Study Design
A case study design will be used to delve into the specific context of Brgy.
Libertad and to understand the unique factors contributing to water scarcity in this
community. This design will allow for an in-depth exploration of the issue and its
potential solutions.
Data Analysis:
 Quantitative Data: Statistical analysis techniques, such as descriptive
statistics and inferential statistics, will be used to analyze the quantitative
data collected through surveys and secondary data.
 Qualitative Data: Thematic analysis will be employed to identify key
themes and patterns emerging from the qualitative data collected through
interviews, focus group discussions, and observations.
Ethical Considerations:
 Informed Consent: Participants will be informed about the research
objectives, their rights, and the potential risks and benefits before
consenting to participate.
 Confidentiality: The confidentiality of participants' responses will be
maintained throughout the research process.
 Ethical Guidelines: The research will adhere to ethical guidelines
established by relevant research institutions and professional
organizations.

By combining quantitative and qualitative research methods and utilizing a case

study design, this research will provide a comprehensive and in-depth
understanding of water scarcity in Brgy. Libertad, Butuan City. The findings of the
research can inform policy decisions, community initiatives, and future research
on water management in similar contexts.
RESULTS The expected outputs of the study on water supply in Barangay Libertad
(What are the expected include:
outputs of the study?) Will
the study provide policy, Detailed Assessment of Water Supply: A comprehensive assessment
project, and program of the current state of water supply in Barangay Libertad, including
recommendations? availability, quality, and accessibility.

8
 Identification of Causes of Water Shortage: Identification of the
primary factors contributing to water shortage in the barangay, such as
natural factors, infrastructure limitations, or unsustainable practices.
Analysis of Impacts: An analysis of the social, economic, and health
impacts of water shortage on the community.
Documentation of Existing Practices: Documentation and analysis of
existing water management practices and initiatives in the barangay.
Identification of Innovative Solutions: Identification of potential
innovative solutions and community-based approaches to address water
shortage.
Recommendations: Recommendations for improving water
management practices, infrastructure, and policies in Barangay Libertad.
Community Engagement: Increased awareness and engagement
among residents regarding water conservation and sustainable use.
Policy Influence: A foundation for future research and policy
development related to water shortage in the region.
These outputs will provide valuable insights and information for decision-
makers, policymakers, and community members to address the water
supply challenges faced by Barangay Libertad and promote sustainable
water management practices.

ACTION TAKEN BY THE COLLEGE

Remarks Signature Date Signed
Research Faculty Engr. Pospero Cacayan

Research Coordinator Engr. Faith Cabañeros

Recommended Panel
Members

Dean’s Remarks

Note:

1. This form should be filled up before the Research Proposal.

2. The College shall maintain a copy for monitoring purposes.
3. The Office of the VPARE shall be furnished with a copy prior to the research proposal
development.

Cc: Dean
VPARE