The first part of the social survey which involved respondents from 16 fishing barangays was undertaken by researchers from the University of Northern Philippines on January 21-31. Focus group discussions with representatives from 16 fishermen’s associations and the City Federated Fishery and Aquatic Resources Management Council constituted the second part social survey and were held on February 9-28. Group interviews with coastal and river fishermen and fishpond operators were likewise organized to focus on fish production and marketing issues.

Water sampling was also done on the Govantes, Pantay and Mestizo Rivers from February 25 to March 1. These tests were made to study the physico-chemical, geomorphology and biological components of the said rivers. The same tests will be done periodically until 2003.

The surveys were carried out under the ACH Community Organizing and Technical Components to establish more in-depth profiles of the Vigan fishing communities, fishermen’s associations and rivers. Such will serve as baseline information from which the fisheries project will start. The written reports on the surveys are scheduled to be completed and presented to the different stakeholders by April.

Proposed under the Vigan Masterplan Project and in coordination with the City Government, Provincial and City Agriculture Offices and the CFFARMC, the two-year ACH Vigan Fisheries Project will cover capability building for fisher folks to improve fish production and marketing, strengthening of the associations, and environmental protection to enhance the sustainability of fish farming activities. /ANarros

The Engineering and Development Corporation of the Philippines. (EDCOP) conducted its initial activity for the participatory research which the World Bank, through the Water and Sanitation Performance Enhancement Project (WPEP), has commissioned it to undertake in 4 urban sites one of which is Vigan City.

EDCOP identified the Vigan Public Sanitation Program as one of the fields of study. On March 13, 2002 a meeting among city officials; representatives of the EDCOP and WB; and the representatives of Brgys. I, and VI and IX where the study will be conducted; was held. The EDCOP through Mrs. Evelyn Buenaventura presented the details of the project. Mrs. Buenaventura emphasized that the activity aims to assess the performance of different urban sanitation and sewerage systems including the full spectrum of service provision - from collection to disposal.

The assessment shall enable the consultancy firm to come up with policy recommendations to improve water service delivery to urban communities and the general economic climate for all sectoral stakeholders.

A groundbreaking ceremony signifying the start of construction work was held at Barangay Ayusan Sur on January 21. During the said activity, government officials led by the Members of the City Council, community leaders, project stakeholders and the barangay residents showed their enthusiasm of realizing the benefits of the project in their barangays.

Preparations followed. MERALCO Industrial and Engineering Services Corporation (MIESCOR), a construction firm from Manila has unloaded their tools and equipments at barangay Salindeg after securing pertinent permits and licenses from respective government agencies concerned while prospective laborers from the barangays have begun applying for jobs.

Preparations are going smoothly, however delay in the construction works timetable was noted due to the Air Transportation Office’s (ATO) non-issuance of excavation permits at the Vigan Airport runway. To date, ATO, TRAKTEPLAN, MIESCOR and concerned agencies and officials are finding ways to arrive at a solution to the problem.

On the other hand, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the NGO responsible for the social preparation component of the project, is assisting the Barangay Water Council (BWC) in each of the recipient barangays in crafting their policies and in strengthening the pertinent individual capabilities of each BWC leaders to manage their councils.

In connection to the issues and problems identified during series of consultation meetings of BWCs and barangay officials, PBSP has conducted a two-day technical scoping and policy formulation workshops last March 8-9, 2002 at Camp Hope Resort, Sta. Maria Ilocos Sur. The 37 participants of the workshops have confirmed the issues and problems. In response the participants have developed plans to effectively deal with these needs.

Among the interventions identified by the participants during the workshops are training on health and sanitation, skills development, effective management, resource mobilization, policy and strategy formulation, among others.

It is expected that through the participants with the assistance of PBSP and concerned government units/agencies, the Barangay Water Councils shall formulate their development programs to be implemented in the barangays.

Another development, TRAKTEPLAN, S.L. through Engr. Jaime Salom, the firm’s managing director has presented to the provincial and city governments a plan of conducting a feasibility study of a water source facility to augment the limited potable water supply in the city and its neighboring municipalities. The plan was highly backed up by concerned officials. /PSBA

The Spanish firm Typsa, in cooperation with their Filipino counterpart, Woodfields Consultants, were awarded with the contract for the elaboration of the technical study for the construction of a new pipeline between Raois and Mira Hills. The contract was signed on the second week of January, and the studies began on the first week of February.

The consultant already contacted the NGOs that are carrying out the barangay water project, the Metro Vigan Water District, the Project Management Unit and the City Government to coordinate all their actions.

  Vigan Potable Water Supply Project Underway

  Vigan Integrated Water Supply & Management System Commences

  A Strategic Planning Workshop for the City of Vigan, "Preserving Vigan's Heritage in the Face of Urbanization"

  Able-disabled Vigan Students compete in the Nat'l. Games

  Emergency Housing Assistance Program

  Food Assistance to Street Children