Public Hearing Report Caraga

Public Hearing Report
For the Proposed Classification of

CARAGA RIVER
I. Rationale
a. Legal Basis
Pursuant to Section 19 of RA 9275 known as “The Philippine Clean Water Act of

2004”, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is mandated to classify / re-classify all
water bodies according to its beneficial usages. It sets the goal to achieve for
protection and preservation of a water body in order to sustain economic growth.
Our country, Philippines, is endowed with rich abundant water resources. These
rivers are tapped for various uses such as water supply, domestic, industrial,
irrigation while others are used as potential sources of hydroelectric power.
Classification is a primary component in water quality management and this

component sets the goal or objective of the minimum quality that must be
maintained in order that the intended use of that water source will not be impaired.
Therefore, it is necessary that classification of rivers should be given utmost priority

in order to protect our water resources and environmental quality as a whole.
The Classification of Caraga River is based on DENR Administrative Order (DAO)

2016-08: Water Quality Guidelines and General Effluent Standards (GES) of 2016,
EMB Memorandum Circular (MC) 2008-008: Ambient Water Quality Manual and
EMB MC 2016-012: EMB Approved Methods of Analysis.
Section 5 of DAO 2016-08 is applied in the classification process, as presented in

Table 1.
Table 1. Water Body Classification & Usage of Freshwater

Classification Beneficial Use
Class AA Public Water Supply Class I
Intended primarily for waters
having watersheds which are
uninhabited and/or otherwise
protected areas and which require
only approved disinfections to meet
the latest PNSDW
Class A Public Water Supply Class II
Intended as sources of water supply
requiring conventional treatment
(coagulation, sedimentation,
filtration & disinfection) to meet the
latest PNSDW
Page 1 of 35
Public Hearing Report of Caraga River, November 14, 2018
Class B Recreational Water Class I
Intended for primary contact
recreation (bathing, swimming, skin
diving, etc.)
Class C 1. Fishery Water for the propagation
and growth of fish and other aquatic
resources:
2. Recreational Water Class II
(boating, fishing, etc.)
3. For agriculture, irrigation &
livestock watering.
Class D Navigable waters
b. Objectives of classification
 To determine the present quality of the water bodies in relation to the

water quality guidelines (DAO 2016-08)
 To determine the actual and potential best usage and dominant water
utilization of the water bodies
 To establish classification of water bodies as important component in

water quality management, and guide in the enforcement of effluent
standards (DAO 2016-08)
c. Brief Background of Water Resource in Region and/or Province
In Region XI, there are 33 rivers that are already classified, 19 of these are principal
rivers and 14 are minor rivers. Also, segments of Davao Gulf and Mayo Bay have
already been classified.
Based on record, RXI has 22 principal rivers where Caraga River is identified as
one. Hence this classification process.
II. General Description of the Waterbody
a. Geographical Location
Caraga River originates at the mountainous areas of Compostela Valley Province. It

traverses east to Brgy. Alvar and Brgy. Pichon, and flows southeast to Brgy. Santa
Fe, Brgy. San Pedro and Brgy. Don Leon Ballante, and empties at Pacific Ocean at
Brgy. San Jose and Poblacion, Caraga, Davao Oriental.
b. Description of the Monitoring Stations
There are eight (8) established monitoring stations in Caraga River, which were
monitored from February to November 2018.
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Table 2. Station Identification of Caraga River
Sta. No. Station Description Geographical Coordinates
1 At the foot of Caraga Bridge 7°19'14.63"N 126°33'5.72"E
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon 7°19'20.93"N 126°31'56.74"E
Balante
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 7°19'53.97"N 126°30'47.54"E
4 Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 7°20'36.54"N 126°31'24.42"E
5 Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro 7°20'35.80"N 126°30'38.87"E
6 Caraga River at Sitio Catigud, Brgy. San Pedro 7°21'40.76"N 126°30'6.13"E
7 Cawaig River, approx. 5km upstream from the confluence with 7°19'52.03"N 126°29'12.39"E
Caraga River
8 Danan River, approx. 100m upstream from the confluence with 7°19'51.51"N 126°28'44.49"E
Cawaig River
Figure 1. Map showing the monitoring stations of Caraga River
Sta. 6
Sta. 5
Sta. 4
Sta. 7 Sta. 1
Sta. 3
Sta. 8 Sta. 2
c. Streamflow
The highest flowrate is at Station 1 located at the foot of Caraga Bridge with 5.44
m3/s and lowest at Station 5 located at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro with
2.34 m3/s all recorded on August 9, 2018 during sunny season using Float Method.
The riverbed of the Caraga River is generally rocky on its upper stretch.
d. Stretch
The stretch of Caraga River from Compostela Valley Province to Caraga, Davao
Oriental where it empties at Pacific Ocean, is approximately 46 kilometers.
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e. Tributaries
Based on the monitoring, the river has several major tributaries. Among of its major
tributaries are the following:
1. Tigbawan River where its confluence with Caraga River is in Brgy. San Jose,
Caraga Davao Oriental;
2. Lumpao Creek that joins Caraga River at Brgy. San Pedro, Caraga
3. Kiwaig River where it joins Caraga at Brgy. Don Leon Ballante, Caraga
4. Danan River which is a tributary and drains to Kiwaig River at Brgy. P. M.
Sobrecary, Carage where one of the monitoring station was also establihed
Figure 2. Map showing tributaries of Caraga River
f. Receiving Body of Water

The Caraga River drains at Pacific River in between Brgy. Poblacion and Brgy. San
Jose, Caraga, Davao Oriental with an estimated drainage area of 498 sq. km.
g. Data acquired from MGB
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Figure 3. Map showing Mineral Distribution of Davao Oriental
The map shows that Caraga, Davao Oriental, which the Caraga River traverses, has
no deposit of metallic and non-metallic minerals.
III. Major uses of the Waterbody

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a. Land Use of the Barangay
The following figures are the land – use map per Barangay which Caraga River
traverses at Municipality Caraga. Most of the zoning are Agriculture Production and
Forest Protection and small portion of Residential.
Figure 4. Land – Use Map of Brgy. Alvar
Page 6 of 35
Figure 5. Land – Use Map of Brgy. San Pedro
Figure 6. Land – Use Map of Brgy. Don Leon Balante
b. Mining tenement
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The map below shows boundaries between the mining tenements, with exploration
permits, applications for exploration and MPSA and approved MPSA which the
Caraga River traverses. The list of denied but on appeal mining tenement includes,
Hopewell Mining Corporation, Kalamazoo Mining Development Corporation,
Anaconda Mining and Development Corporation, Goodrich Mining and
Development Corporation and Starrex Mining and Development Corporation.
Figure 7. Mining Tenement Map of Caraga, Davao Oriental
Page 8 of 35
c. Present Use as observed during field evaluation
During the course of the monitoring period, several usages of Caraga River were
observed such as irrigation to nearby rice fields, fishing (harvesting of freshwater
fishes and shrimps) and domestic usage (washing and bathing).
Figure 8. Irrigation Lining at Station 5
Figure 9. Domestic Usage (washing and bathing) at Station 7
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IV. Methodology
a. Steps in Classification
1. Field Survey – includes data gathering (land use, tributaries, pollution

sources, uses of the water body, stream flow, etc.); establishment of
monitoring stations, and sample collection (monthly for 10 months
for determination of pH, DO, Temp, BOD, Color, Chloride,
Phosphates, Nitrates and Fecal Coliform; quarterly for Cadmium,
Lead, Copper, Zinc, Mercury and Cyanide analyses).
For parameters BOD, Color and Chloride a 1gal polyethylene plastic

container is used in sample collection while for Nitrates and
Phosphates, 1L polyethylene plastic is used then added with 1mL of
H2SO4 for its preservation.
For Fecal Coliform, a sterilized 250ml glass bottle is used for

collecting sample and stored directly to iced container.
For Heavy Metals a 1L polyethylene plastic container is used and

added with 1mL of HNO3 for sample preservation and for Cyanide a
1L black polyethylene plastic is used in sample collection added with
4 to 5 pellets of NaOH for its preservation.
Last step of field survey is data analysis and reporting (using simple
statistical method, DAO 2016-08 for the assessment, and presented
through graphs comparing the average values of each parameter with
the water quality guideline).
2. Public Hearing – an avenue for the presentation of the proposed

classification, uses, water quality data and other information pertinent
to the water body. For Caraga River, this was undertaken on
November 14, 2018 at A57 Techno Park, Mati City, Davao Oriental.
3. Publication – legal requirement of classification which will be published in

the Official Gazette or National Newspaper of general circulation
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b. Water Quality Guideline
Table 3. Water Quality Guideline for Primary Parameter

Parameters Unit Waterbody Classification
AA A B C D
BOD mg/L 1 3 5 7 15
Chloride mg/L 250 250 250 350 400
Color TCU 5 50 50 75 150
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L 5 5 5 5 2
(minimum)
Fecal Coliforn MPN/100mL <.1.1 <1.1 100 200 400
Nitrate mg/L 7 7 7 7 15
pH (Range) 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-9.0 6.0-9.0
Phosphate mg/L <0.003 0.5 0.5 0.5 5
Temperature ᵒC 26-30 26-30 26-30 25-31 25-32
Total Suspended Solids mg/L 25 50 65 80 110
Table 4. Water Quality Guideline for Secondary Parameter

Parameters Unit Waterbody Classification
AA A B C D
Cadmium mg/L 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.01
Copper mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04
Lead mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.1
Mercury mg/L 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.004
Zinc mg/L 2 2 2 2 4
V. Present Condition of the Waterbody
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a. Presence of Point Source
There are no major industries which drain to Caraga River. The present industries
thriving in the locality are agricultural-based. Presently, there are nine (9) rice/corn
mills found in Barangay San Luis, San Antonio, Poblacion, San Pedro, San Jose and
P.M. Sobrecarey, which pose no direct impact to the water quality of Caraga River.
However, rice/corn milling may contribute to the increase of Total Suspended Solids
which may affect the rivers water quality during surface run-off.
b. Non-point source
Non-point source means any source of pollution not identifiable as point source to
include but not limited to, run-off from irrigation or rainwater which picks up
pollutants from farms and urban areas.
Most of the residential built-up in Caraga is located at Brgy. Poblacion near Caraga
River and as the receiving body of water for sewage/domestic wastes, it is possible
that this river will be contaminated with Fecal Coliform in the future if appropriate
sanitary facility will not be established.
Based on the table below (2015 Philippine Statistics Authority Census of

Population), the Municipality of Caraga has a total population of 40,379 occupying a
total land area of 75,605.85 hectares.
Table 5. Population Density of Barangays which the Caraga River traverses

Barangay Population No. of Household Barangay Area (Hectares)
A. Urban
1. Poblacion 5,647 1,278 1,111.96
Sub-Total 5,647 1,278 1,111.96
B. Rural
1. Alvar 776 194 964.85
2. D.L. Balante 925 217 776.83
3. San Pedro 2,791 574 3,174.18
Sub - Total 10,139 2,263 6,027.82
Caraga Total 40,379 9,239 75,605.85
c. Water Quality Monitoring
As provided in DAO 2016-08, for the purposes of classification and re-classification,

primary parameters are to be considered, as shown in Table 6.
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Table 6. Parameters and Frequency of Monitoring of Caragan River
Parameters Frequency of
Monitoring
Primary Parameters
Biochemical Oxygen Monthly
Demand (BOD)
Color
Chloride
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Fecal Coliform
Ph
Total Suspended Solids
Nitrate Quarterly
Phosphate
Secondary Parameters
Copper Quarterly
Cadmium
Lead
Zinc
d. Water Quality Monitoring Results and Discussion

Water Quality Monitoring Results are presented in graphs and tables per parameter
monitored.
1. Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Biochemical Oxygen Demand measures how much oxygen is consumed by bacteria

as they break down organic pollutant in the water. It is measured by observing how
much dissolved oxygen levels decreases in a sample over a 5-day period.
BOD5 = DO Initial - DO Final
Only surface water is monitored for BOD.
BOD is widely used to determine the pollution strength of domestic and industrial
wastes and degree of pollution in streams and lakes.
Figure 10. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Page 13 of 35
Object 3
Table 7. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Sta. No. Station Identification Ave Min Max
1 At the foot of Caraga Bridge 0.64 0.41 1.2
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 0.60 0.31 0.98
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 0.44 0.19 0.61
4 Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 1.18 0.20 2.2
5 Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro 0.60 0.33 1.2
Average values for Biochemical Oxygen Demand of all monitoring stations during
the monitoring period fall under Class A of the water quality guideline.
2. Chloride
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High concentration of chloride ions in water interferes with osmoregulation, a
biological process by which freshwater organisms maintain salt/solute concentration
in body fluids. It may also indicate the presence of septic and industrial waste, as
well as fertilizer, in water. Sources of chlorides are septic wastes, seawater (in
brackish areas), discharge from water softeners and potash (potassium chloride,
KCl), a major component of fertilizers.
Figure 11. Chloride
Object 5
Table 8. Chloride
Sta. Station Identification Ave Min Max
No.
1 At the foot of Caraga Bridge 38.95 1.9 180
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 4.34 3.2 6.4
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 5.36 2.8 18
4 Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 7.37 4.4 27
The average value of Chloride of all monitoring stations are within the water quality
criteria for Class AA, A and B water. The increase in the months of March and
October at Station 1 could be attributed to saltwater intrusion since it is located
approximately 1.5km from the Pacific Ocean where it drains.
Page 15 of 35
3. Color
Color is the parameter affected by impurities, such as: suspended particles (same as
TSS), colored chemicals and other substances, dissolved solids. Color is not
removed by most water filters.
Figure 12. Color
Object 7
Table 9. Color
1 At the foot of Caraga Bridge 9.8 2 30
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 8.1 2 25
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 6.4 2 25
4 Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 17.3 5 45
5 Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro 11.5 2 35
The average value for Color on all monitoring stations are within the water quality
criterion for Class B water.
4. Dissolved Oxygen
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Dissolved Oxygen is the concentration of oxygen dissolved in water - O 2. Sources of
which are air in the atmosphere, mixed into the water by waves or fast-moving rivers
and algae and rooted plants.
Healthy fresh water bodies usually have DO levels of 8 mg/L or higher although a
DO of at least 5 mg/L can still support aquatic species. Absence of oxygen results to
the dominance of anaerobic bacteria which generates hydrogen sulfide which has an
odor of a rotten egg & causes black coloration of the water body.
DO levels vary with temperature and salinity. Colder water holds more oxygen than
warmer water. Freshwater can hold more oxygen than salty water.
Figure 13. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Object 9
Table 10. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 9.04 7.0 13
5 Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro 8.44 6.1 11
Page 17 of 35
Average value for Dissolved Oxygen of all the monitoring stations ranges from 6.64 mg/L to
9.04 mg/L which falls under with the water quality criteria for Class AA, Class A, Class B
and Class C water.
5. Nutrients (Nitrates & Phosphates)
Nitrates found in sewage discharge, fertilizer run-off and leakage from septic
systems.
Phosphates is commonly from polyphosphates in detergents, raw sewage, and run

off from farms that use phosphate fertilizers.
Nutrients are food for algae and water with high amounts of nutrients produce algae
in large quantities. When this algae die, bacteria decompose them and use up
oxygen. This process is called eutrophication. DO concentration will decrease
making it difficult for fish to breath and thus lead to fishkill.
Figure 14. Nitrate
<0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89

<0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89
<0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89
<0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89
Object 11
Table 11. Nitrate

1 At the foot of Caraga Bridge 5.31 <0.89 18.6
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon <0.89 <0.89 <0.8
Balante 9
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante <0.89 <0.89 <0.8
9
4 Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro <0.89 <0.89 <0.8
9
5 Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro <0.89 <0.89 <0.8
9
Page 18 of 35
For Nitrate, the average value of all monitoring stations are within the water quality
criteria for Class AA, A, B and C water, except for Station 1 which has a high value
during the 1st quarter monitoring and may be attributed to the run-off coming from
agricultural areas nearby.
Figure 15. Phosphate
Object 13
Table 12. Phosphate

2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon 0.11 0.02 0.21
Balante
Average values of all monitoring stations are within the water quality criteria for
Class A, B, C except for Station 4, which has average value of 0.57mg/L and falls
under the Class D water quality criterion. High level of phosphate may be attributed
to run-off coming from agricultural areas adjacent to Lumpao Creek.
Page 19 of 35
6. Potential Hydrogen (pH)
pH is used to express the intensity of the acid or alkaline condition of solution or
water. The pH scale extends from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline) with the
middle value of pH 7(neutral).
In pH 6.5-8.5 is ideal for most water uses. Between 5.5 and 6.0, most fish’s species
lose their ability to reproduce. The survival of aquatic organisms diminishes as pH
falls below 5 or increases above 9
Figure 16. Potential Hydrogen (pH)
Class D – 6.0 - 9.0
Object 15
Table 13. Potential Hydrogen (pH)

2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon 8.3 7.6 8.5
Balante
Page 20 of 35
Average value of pH of all monitoring stations are within the 6.5 to 8.5 water quality
criteria range for Class AA, A and B water.
7. Temperature
Temperature measures the intensity of heat and is an important water quality

parameter because many biological, physical and chemical processes are affected by
it. The amount of biological activity and rate of chemical/metabolic reaction increase
significantly with slight increase in water temperature as water temperature rises, the
rate of photosynthesis and plant growth increases.
The amount of DO in water decreases as the temperature of water increases. Increase

in water temperature decreases the solubility of oxygen and increases the demand of
fish for oxygen.
Thermal pollution may cause fish to become vulnerable to disease, either because of
stress due to rising temperature or due to resulting decrease in Dissolved Oxygen.
Figure 17. Temperature
Object 17
Table 14. Temperature

1 At the foot of Caraga Bridge 27 24 29
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon 28 25 30
Balante
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 27 25 29
4 Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 27 25 29
5 Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. San Pedro 26 23 28
Page 21 of 35
Average Temperature values of all monitoring stations are within the range of water
quality criteria for Class AA, A and B waters.
8. Total Suspended Solids

Total Suspended Solids are solids or substances suspended in water including clay,
silt, decaying plant, algae, sand, animal wastes, industrial wastes and sewage that
cause water turbidity.
High concentration of suspended solids in water decreases the passage of light and
can block light from reaching submerged vegetation and subsequently slow down the
photosynthetic activity. When rate of photosynthesis is reduced, plants release less
DO into the water. TSS decrease water clarity, the fishes lose their ability to see and
catch food resulting in retardation of growth
TSS is affected by the following factors high flow rate or wave action, soil erosion,
runoff, wastewater and septic system effluent, decaying plant and animals and
bottom-feeders.
Figure 18. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Object 20
Table 15. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Page 22 of 35
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 8 1 25
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 5 0.4 25
Average value of Total Suspended Solids of all monitoring stations in Caraga River
are within the 25mg/L Class AA criterion.
9. Fecal Coliform
Fecal Coliform is a coliform bacteria that grows in the digestive tracts of humans
and other warm-blooded animals. It serves as indicators of fecal contamination and
as marker for other possibly pathogenic microorganisms. Fecal Colifom test tells
whether the water is free from disease-causing bacteria.
Sources of coliform bacteria are domestic sewage, industrial wastewater discharges,

septic tanks, domestic and farm animals and wildlife.
Figure 19. Fecal Coliform
Object 23
Table 16. Fecal Coliform
Page 23 of 35
Sta. No. Station Identification Geomean Min Max
2 Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 305 22 1601
3 Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon Balante 88 17 540
Geometric mean for Stations 1, 3 and 5 are within the 100 MPN/100mL criterion for
Class B waters while Stations 3 and 4 are within 400 MPN/100mL criterion for
Class D waters. Nevertheless, it can be observed that high concentration in Station 2
(Tigbawan River) and Station 4 (Lumpao Creek) both Caraga River’s tributary, may
be attributed to the shallowness and the backyard piggery and poultry nearby.
10. Heavy Metals
Heavy Metals are poisonous substances than can cause damage or death to plant and
animal life. These are totally non-degradable or practically speaking, indestructible,
and so they accumulate in the environment.
a. Cadmium
Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust usually found as a mineral

combined with other elements such as oxygen (cadmium oxide), chlorine (cadmium
chloride), or sulfur (cadmium sulfate, cadmium sulfide). It can be found in dust. The
body does not readily release cadmium once inhaled or ingested.
Exposure to low doses of cadmium over a long time can build up to a toxic level.
One of the known said effects of this is the Itai-itai disease.
Figure 20. Cadmium
<0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003

<0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003
<0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003
<0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003
Object 25
b. Copper
Page 24 of 35
Copper is a primary source of copper in drinking water is corrosion of copper pipes,
which are widely used for interior plumbing of residences and other buildings. It is
an essential nutrient, but at high doses can cause stomach and intestinal pain,
damages the liver and kidney, or cause anemia.
Figure 21. Copper
<0.002
<0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
<0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
<0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002
Object 27
c. Lead
Lead is main sources of lead pollution in the environment include petrol, lead-
containing paints, solders and varnishes used on interiors of food cans, lead pipes for
water supply, pesticides.
Lead in water is more fully absorbed by the body than lead in food. There are many
known side-effects of lead is adult and in children that is prevalent in many medical
literature.
Figure 22. Lead
Page 25 of 35
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
<0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Object 30
d. Zinc
Zinc is a natural element which is widely distributed in soils, rocks and inrivers and
the sea essential for human health. When people absorb too little zinc they can
experience a loss of appetite, decreased sense of taste and smell, slow wound healing
and skin sores. Zinc-shortages can even cause birth defects.
Too much zinc can still cause eminent health problems, such as stomach cramps,
skin irritations, vomiting, nausea and anaemia. Damage the pancreas and disturb the
protein metabolism, and cause arteriosclerosis. Extensive exposure to
zinc chloride can cause respiratory disorders. Zinc can be a danger to unborn and
newborn children. When their mothers have absorbed large concentrations of zinc
the children may be exposed to it through blood or milk of their mothers.
Figure 23. Zinc
Page 26 of 35
<0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
<0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.004 <0.004

Object 32
For heavy metals, average values of all monitoring stations are within the Class AA,
A, B and C criteria except for Cadmium at Stations 4 and 5 which fall, under the
Class D 0.004 mg/L criterion.
On October 30, 2018, Caraga River upstream portion was monitored and samples
was collected to obtain a baseline data in the upstream stretch of the river namely;
Station 6 (Caraga River at Sitio Catigud, Brgy. San Pedro), Station 7 (Cawaig River,
approx. 5km upstream from the confluence with Caraga River) and Station 8 (Danan
River, approx. 100m upstream from the confluence with Cawaig River)with results as
follows:
Figure 24. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
Page 27 of 35
Object 34
Figure 25. Chloride
Object 36
Figure 26. Chloride
Page 28 of 35
Object 38
Figure 27. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
Object 40
Figure 28. Potential Hydrogen (pH)
Class D – 6.0 - 9.0
Object 42
Page 29 of 35
Figure 29. Termperature
Object 44
Figure 30. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Object 46
Figure 31. Fecal Coliform
Object 48
Page 30 of 35
Values of BOD, Chloride, Color, DO, pH, Temperature and TSS are within the Class
AA water quality criteria except for Fecal Coliform at Stations 7 and 8 which falls
under the 100MPN/100 mL criterion for Class B waters and 400MPN/100 mL
criterion water quality criterion for Class D waters, respectively.
High concentration of Fecal Coliform at Stations 7 and 8 can be attributed to the
organic wastes coming from backyard piggery and poultry adjacent to the river.
VI. Water Quality Evaluation
a. Rating System
For the purpose of this classification, the following rating system was adopted.
Monitoring results for each parameters were averaged and the average value is rated
based on the WQG per waterbody classification.
Table 17. Rating System Based on its Classification

Classification AA A B C D
Rating Score 1 2 3 4 5
BOD, mg/L 1 3 5 7 15
Chloride, mg/L 250 250 250 350 400
Color, TCU 5 50 50 75 150
Dissolved Oxygen, 5 5 5 5 2
mg/L
Fecal Coliform, <1.1 <1.1 100 200 400
MPN/100mL
Nitrate, mg/L 7 7 7 7 15
pH 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-8.5 6.5-9.0 6.0-9.0
Phosphate, mg/L <0.003 0.5 0.5 0.5 5
Temperature, ◦C 26-30 26-30 26-30 25-31 25-32
Total Suspended Solids, 25 50 65 80 110

mg/L
Cadmium, mg/L 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.005 0.01
Copper, mg/L 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.04
Lead, mg/L 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 0.1
Zinc, mg/L 2 2 2 2 4
Page 31 of 35
Table 18. Average Concentration and Rating for BOD, Chloride, DO and pH
BOD, mg/L Chloride, mg/L DO, mg/L pH
Monitoring Stations Ratin
Ave. Rating Ave. Rating Ave. Rating Ave. g
At the foot of Caraga Bridge 0.64 1 38.95 2 8.1 2.5 8.3 2
Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at
Brgy. Don Leon Balante 0.60 1 4.34 2 9.0 2.5 8.3 2
Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon
Balante 0.44 1 5.36 2 7.8 2.5 8.0 2
Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 1.18 1 7.37 2 6.6 2.5 7.9 2
Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at
Brgy. San Pedro 0.60 1 2.2 2 8.4 2.5 8.3 2
Table 19. Average Concentration and Rating for Color, Nitrates, Phosphates, Temp and TSS
Color, TCU Nitrates, mg/L Phosphates, Temp, ᵒC
mg/L
Monitoring Stations
Ave. Rating Ave. Rating Ave. Rating Ave Ratin
g
At the foot of Caraga Bridge 9.8 2.5 5.31 2.5 0.13 3 27 2
Tigbawan River at the foot of a bridge at
Brgy. Don Leon Balante 8.1 2.5 <0.89 2.5 0.11 3 28 2
Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don Leon
Balante 6.4 2.5 <0.89 2.5 0.13 3 27 2
Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San Pedro 17.3 2.5 <0.89 2.5 0.57 3 27 2
Caraga River at the foot of a bridge at
Brgy. San Pedro 11.5 2.5 <0.89 2.5 0.13 3 26 2
Table 20. Average Concentration and Rating for Fecal Coliform, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn
Monitoring Stations Fecal Coliform, Cadmium, mg/L Copper, mg/L Lead, mg/L Zinc, mg/L
MPN/100mL
Geomean Rating Ave. Rating Ave. Rating Ave. Rating Ave. Rating
At the foot of Caraga Bridge 33 3 <0.003 2 <0.002 2.5 <0.01 2 0.043 2.5
Tigbawan River at the foot
of a bridge at Brgy. Don
Leon Balante 305 5 <0.003 2 <0.002 2.5 <0.01 2 0.038 2.5
Kiwaig River, at Brgy. Don
Leon Balante 88 3 <0.003 2 <0.002 2.5 <0.01 2 0.035 2.5
Lumpao Creek at Brgy. San
Pedro 394 5 <0.003 2 0.003 5 <0.01 2 0.040 2.5
Caraga River at the foot of a
bridge at Brgy. San Pedro 11 3 <0.003 2 0.003 5 <0.01 2 0.15 2.5
Table 21. Summary of Rating per Parameter

Primary Parameters Secondary Parameters
Fecal Ave
D BO TS p Temp Colo Chlorid N03 P04 Colifor Cadmiu Coppe Lea Zin Ratin
O D S H . r e -N -P m m r d c g
2.
5 1 1 2 2 2.5 2 2.5 3 3.8 2.5 3.5 2 2.5 2.27
Page 32 of 35
VII. Public Hearing
a. Notice of Public Hearing
The Notice of the Public Hearing for the proposed classification of Caraga River was
published in SunStar, a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines based in
the City of Davao. The notice was published for three (3) consecutive issues dated
25 October 2018, 26 October 2018 and 05 November 2018 prior to the public
hearing conducted last November 14, 2018. The newspaper publication is hereto
attached as Annex 3.
Invitation letters were also sent to local government units, non-government

organizations, academe and other stakeholders (Annex 4).
b. No. of attendees and offices represented
There are about 80 attendees during the activity representing various agencies
including the DENR PENRO, DENR CENRO, Provincial, Municipal and Barangay
LGU of Caraga and Academic Sector. Attendance of the Public Hearing and
Program are attached as Annex 5.
c. Topics presented
Engr. Dulce D. Hufancia, Chief of the Ambient Management Section of EMB XI

presented the rationale of the activity which includes the legal basis of the
classification from R.A. 9275, status of implementation of classifying waterbodies in
the region, and objectives & steps of the classification.
The following information were then discussed by Mr. Nickson II Cabote Jr.,
Environmental Management Specialist 1 of EMB XI, to wit:
 Physical Attributes of the rivers ( Sources, Stretch, Flow Rate, Measurements

for Width and Length)
 Geographical Location
 Climate
 Hydrology
 Watershed
 Population and Land Area
 Current Uses of the rivers
 Economic Framework Profile
 Monitoring Stations
Further, Ms. Miralou Blanco, Senior EMS of EMB XI, presented the DENR
Administrative Order 2016-08 (Objectives, Scope and Coverage), Classification of
Waterbodies, Categories of Parameters, and Water Quality Guidelines for Primary
Page 33 of 35
Parameters, and Water Quality Monitoring Results of the parameters monitored in
Caraga River.
d. Issues and concerns
There were no major issue/concern during the discussion of Caraga River’s proposed
classification. However. Mr. Martin Donato of Indigenous Peoples Mandatory
Representative (IPMR) informed the group that Sibagat Hydro Dam is to be
constructed in Caraga River.
VIII. Recommendations
Based on the data gathered and the present use of the waterbody, it is imperative to
establish a guideline in protecting Caraga River as it provides significant
environment and economic impact to its host localities.
Having presented the rating per station and the over-all rating of the waterbody, the
Caraga River is proposed classified as Class A – Public Water Supply Class II
(Stations 1- upstream).
Table 22. Proposed Classification of Caraga River

Name of River Geographical Coordinates Proposed Classification
Caraga River At the foot of Caraga Bridge Public Water Supply Class II
(7°19'14.63"N 126°33'5.72"E ) Intended as sources of water supply
to upstream including its requiring conventional treatment
tributaries (coagulation, sedimentation,
filtration & disinfection) to meet the
latest PNSDW
Prepared by: Concurred with:
NICKSON II J. CABOTE MIRALOU A. BLANCO

EMS II Unit Head, Ambient Water
Monitoring Unit
Reviewed by: Recommending Approval:
DULCE D. HUFANCIA FELINOR P. YLAGAN

Chief, Ambient Management Section OIC, Environmental Monitoring
and Enforcement Division
Approved by:
Page 34 of 35
MARIA DOLORES R. BATOCTOY
OIC, Regional Director
Page 35 of 35

Public Hearing Report Caraga

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For the Proposed Classification of

Pursuant to Section 19 of RA 9275 known as “The Philippine Clean Water Act of

Classification is a primary component in water quality management and this

Therefore, it is necessary that classification of rivers should be given utmost priority

The Classification of Caraga River is based on DENR Administrative Order (DAO)

Section 5 of DAO 2016-08 is applied in the classification process, as presented in

Table 1. Water Body Classification & Usage of Freshwater

 To determine the present quality of the water bodies in relation to the

 To establish classification of water bodies as important component in

c. Brief Background of Water Resource in Region and/or Province

II. General Description of the Waterbody

Caraga River originates at the mountainous areas of Compostela Valley Province. It

b. Description of the Monitoring Stations

Figure 1. Map showing the monitoring stations of Caraga River

f. Receiving Body of Water

g. Data acquired from MGB

III. Major uses of the Waterbody

Figure 4. Land – Use Map of Brgy. Alvar

Figure 6. Land – Use Map of Brgy. Don Leon Balante

Figure 7. Mining Tenement Map of Caraga, Davao Oriental

Figure 9. Domestic Usage (washing and bathing) at Station 7

1. Field Survey – includes data gathering (land use, tributaries, pollution

For parameters BOD, Color and Chloride a 1gal polyethylene plastic

For Fecal Coliform, a sterilized 250ml glass bottle is used for

For Heavy Metals a 1L polyethylene plastic container is used and

2. Public Hearing – an avenue for the presentation of the proposed

3. Publication – legal requirement of classification which will be published in

Table 3. Water Quality Guideline for Primary Parameter

Table 4. Water Quality Guideline for Secondary Parameter

V. Present Condition of the Waterbody

Based on the table below (2015 Philippine Statistics Authority Census of

Table 5. Population Density of Barangays which the Caraga River traverses

c. Water Quality Monitoring

As provided in DAO 2016-08, for the purposes of classification and re-classification,

d. Water Quality Monitoring Results and Discussion

Biochemical Oxygen Demand measures how much oxygen is consumed by bacteria

Only surface water is monitored for BOD.

Figure 10. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Table 7. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)

Figure 11. Chloride

Figure 13. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

Table 10. Dissolved Oxygen (DO)

5. Nutrients (Nitrates & Phosphates)

Phosphates is commonly from polyphosphates in detergents, raw sewage, and run

Figure 14. Nitrate

<0.89 <0.89 <0.89 <0.89

Table 11. Nitrate

Figure 15. Phosphate

Table 12. Phosphate

Class D – 6.0 - 9.0

Table 13. Potential Hydrogen (pH)

Temperature measures the intensity of heat and is an important water quality

The amount of DO in water decreases as the temperature of water increases. Increase

Table 14. Temperature

8. Total Suspended Solids

Figure 18. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Table 15. Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

Sources of coliform bacteria are domestic sewage, industrial wastewater discharges,

Figure 19. Fecal Coliform

Table 16. Fecal Coliform

Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust usually found as a mineral

<0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003 <0.003