AMBURAYAN

RIVER
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT PLAN

Know Your Watershed -- Protect Its Resources

PREPARED BY:
RANDY N. FERNANDEZ
CLAUDINE F. CAMACHO
NOVEL P. BALBIN
SAMANTHA S. REYES
MARISA A. MADAY-A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ALMA B. JACABAN
 Amburayan River is a river in the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It originates from
the Cordillera mountains and traverses the provinces of Benguet, La Union, and Ilocos Sur,
where it empties into the South China Sea. The river’s headwaters are a confluence of smaller
creeks along the south of barangay Lubo, in Kibungan. Several other tributary creeks merge with
the river as it flows along Atok and Kapangan. It then flows along Sugpon-San Gabriel border,
the Sugpon-Santol border, Sudipen-Alilem border, the Sudipen-Tagudin border, and finally the
Tagudin-Bangar border, where its river mouth is located.

The Amburayan which serves as natural boundary of Ilocos Sur and La Union holds a
great significance to the indigenous people of Ilocos and Benguet. It provides living for the
people and plays an important role to the lands agriculture but can be very destructive after a
heavy rainfall. The river can almost run dry in summer but it cradles a sight to behold in the
rainy season. The Amburayan River and its tributaries and watershed areas provide rich and
abundant water resources which are crucial for the agriculture and industry sectors in the said
localities. The Amburayan River and its tributaries and watershed areas cover the provinces of
Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Sur providing rich and abundant water resources which are crucial
for the agriculture and industry sectors in the said localities. In order to contribute with the
objective of sustainable development, the Regional Development Council of the Ilocos Region
endorses to the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) the
designation of the Amburayan River as a water quality management area (WQMA).

The water quality testing report of the Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) of
DENR Region 1 showed environmental issues besetting the river such as high fecal and total
coliform. Thus, the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc., (JVOFI) through their project “Protecting
and Defending the Amburayan River Basin and Watershed through Good Governance and
Active Peoples’ Participation” spearheaded a collaborative effort with various stakeholders
which include regional agencies such as the EMB, concerned local government units (LGUs)
like the municipalities of Santol, Bangar and Supiden in La Union and Sugpon, Alilem, Tagudin,
Suyo, Sigay and Cervantes in Ilocos Sur, other non-government organizations and private
institutions to come up with a unified effort to ensure the integrity of the river and its watershed
areas, one of which is the proposed designation of the Amburayan River as a WQMA.

The significance of designating the Amburayan River as a WQMA is in consonance with

RA 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 as a means to effectively enforce the law
and come up with focused interventions or actions that are designed to address specific water
quality issues of the area such as sources of pollution and ways to improve water quality.

 Activities on Benguet’s Amburayan River upstream and watersheds have wide reaching
effects in La Union and Ilocos Sur such as polluted irrigation water and flooding.
 The Amburayan River spans three provinces and 15 municipalities yet there is no venue
or formal structure that will stand for the common good of the people. There is an
absence of geopolitical framework and measures, accurate information and mechanism to
promote participation/avoid corruption on dealings with the private sector for the
utilization of shared resources.
  Lack of understanding of communities of the true value of   the Amburayan River and
watersheds, presence of problems related to improper land use and unregulated
development and impacts on water resources.  Majority of the LGUs do not prioritize
local funds for the river basin and watershed protection and management.

A watershed is a body of water that includes rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, and estuaries.
A watershed is a land area that drains or sheds water into a specific receiving waterbody, such as
a lake or river. Watershed management is the process of implementing land use practices and
water management practices to protect and improve the quality of the water and other natural
resources within a watershed by managing the use of those land and water resources in a
comprehensive manner.
A watershed management plan identifies problems and threats to water resources and
develops a framework to address these issues within a specific watershed. The primary purpose
of a watershed management plan is to guide watershed coordinators, resource managers, policy
makers, and community organizations to restore and protect the quality of lakes, rivers, streams,
and wetlands in a given watershed. The plan is intended to be a practical tool with specific
recommendations on practices to improve and sustain water quality. These are also “living
documents,” meaning that as conditions change over time in a watershed, the plan must be re-
examined and revised to reflect goals that have been achieved or not met.

Amburayan River is a river in the island of Luzon in the Philippines. It originates from
the Cordillera mountains and traverses the provinces of Benguet, La Union, and Ilocos Sur,
where it empties into the South China Sea. The river’s headwaters are a confluence of smaller
creeks along the south of barangay Lubo, in Kibungan. Several other tributary creeks merge with
the river as it flows along Atok and Kapangan. It then flows along Sugpon-San Gabriel border,
the Sugpon-Santol border, Sudipen-Alilem border, the Sudipen-Tagudin border, and finally the
Tagudin-Bangar border, where its river mouth is located.

The Amburayan which serves as natural boundary of Ilocos Sur and La Union holds a
great significance to the indigenous people of Ilocos and Benguet. It provides living for the
people and plays an important role to the lands agriculture but can be very destructive after a
heavy rainfall. The river can almost run dry in summer but it cradles a sight to behold in the
rainy season. The Amburayan River and its tributaries and watershed areas provide rich and
abundant water resources which are crucial for the agriculture and industry sectors in the said
localities.

INTRODUCTION
Management Area

The area to be manage at Amburayan River would be the area of Sugpon in Ilocos Sur
and Sudipen of La Union Province. Located at a latitude of 16.90735087 and
longitude of 120.46773553. Amburayan River is a river in the northeastern portion of island of
Luzon in the Philippines. It originates from the Cordillera mountains and traverses the provinces
of Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Sur.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a watershed management plan of Amburayan River is to guide

watershed coordinators, resource managers, policy makers, and community organizations to
restore and protect the quality of Amburayan River.

Mission

To provide leadership for a holistic approach to the conservation, restoration and

enhancement of the unique land and water resources of the watershed to provide for greater
health and resilience for those resources essential to the strength of local community.

History of District

Amburayan River is a river in the north-eastern portion of island of Luzon in the

Philippines. It originates from the Cordillera mountains and traverses the provinces of Benguet,
La Union, and Ilocos Sur. With a total length of 96 km (60 mi) where it empties into the South
China Sea. The river serves as the boundary between the provinces of Ilocos Sur and La Union.

The river's headwaters are a confluence of smaller creeks along the south of barangay
Lubo, in Kibungan. Several other tributary creeks merge with the river as it flows along Atok
and Kapangan. It then flows along the Sugpon–San Gabriel boundary, the Sugpon–Santol
boundary, the Sugpon–Sudipen boundary, the Sudipen–Alilem boundary, the Sudipen–Tagudin
boundary, and finally at the Tagudin–Bangar boundary, where its river mouth is located.
In the Ilocano epic, Biag ni Lam-ang, the hero Lam-ang came to bathe in the Amburayan,
as he was soaked in dirt and blood after a battle with headhunters. Assisted by maidens from a
nearby village, he shed the dirt and blood which polluted the river and killed the fish and other
animals in the water.
Legend tells the tale of a local folk hero named Lam-ang, a man born with extraordinary
strength and ability, who once bathed in the waters of the Amburayan River after an epic battle. 
The story of Lam-ang has been passed on from generation to generation, perhaps during nights
where families sat huddled near campfires after a long day of toiling in the fields or hunting
through the forests.

The story was re-told in front of a group of local government officials, agencies and other
stakeholders looking to save the Amburayan River and manage its resources. Provincial Planning
& Development Coordinator (PPDC) for Ilocos Sur Dr. Enrie Mendoza reviewed Lam-ang’s
story to highlight the significance of the river, not just as a vital source of water for irrigation and
livelihood but also as a reminder of our culture and identity. The story of Lam-ang may be
fictional, but the epic river mentioned in the tale and its current issues are all too real.

Amburayan runs through 3 Philippine provinces namely, Benguet, Ilocos Sur and La
Union. Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) undersecretary
Rolando Metin mentioned that efforts have been made in each province to revive the river but an
integrated plan is needed.

Last October 8, 2014, the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. held a symposium for the
Amburayan River and watersheds.   It was a chance for local government officials from Benguet,
Ilocos Sur and La Union to come together and discuss relevant issues. “If you sell the forests, it
is akin to depriving your children and grandchildren of water” proclaimed Benguet Governor
Nestor Fongwan in his opening address.   Provincial Planning & Development Coordinator
(PPDC) for La Union Mauro Labatique mentioned that the symposium paved the way for the
discussion of collaborative partnerships instead of boundary disputes.

Dr. Neil Mallari facilitated an activity where stakeholders were asked to envision and
share their dreams for the future of Amburayan and the roles and responsibilities each one would
take in pursuit of those dreams. Goals were set in the interest of all the communities affected,
transcending boundaries and individual interest. USAID PHILAM Grants Manager Glen de
Castro mentioned that saving the Amburayan requires a partnership between local government
and civil service organizations because it involves the management of common resources. 

The Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation is leading a 3-year project supported by the USAID
PHILAM fund which aims to protect and defend the Amburayan river basin and watersheds
through good governance and active people’s participation.   The project shall organize an
Amburayan River & Watershed Governing Board or Council among stakeholders, prepare an
Amburayan Integrated Water Resource Management Plan, conduct assessment of the river water
quality & prepare it for designation as Water Quality Management Area.
 The project will capacitate local communities and the provincial LGUs of Benguet,
Ilocos Sur and La Union, specifically the municipalities of Atok, Tublay, Buguias, Kibungan,
Kapangan, Bakun, Alilem, Sugpon, Tagudin, Sudipen, Santol and Bangar.  Concerted efforts
from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), National Water Resources
Board (NWRB), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Commission
on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture
(DAR) and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) for CAR and Region 1 will be
coordinated along with the assistance of Aboitiz Power, Benguet State University, Don Mariano
Marcos Memorial State University, University of the Philippines-Baguio and the University of
Northern Philippines all in the effort to protect and manage the Amburayan river and
watersheds.  The symposium was held at Citylight Hotel, Baguio City as a formal kick-off of the
project.  

Objectives
The objectives of our watershed management plan for Amburayan River are the following;
 To secure a clean and sufficient drinking water for the Amburayan River.
 To improve the income of the population with simultaneous regeneration of natural
resources.
 To ensure the implementation of watershed management on Amburayan River.

METHODOLOGY
Study Area
 ISSUES AND GOALS

Layout of this plan

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Issues and goal of WSM

The Amburayan River and its tributaries and watershed areas cover the provinces of
Benguet, La Union and Ilocos Sur providing rich and abundant water resources which are crucial
for the agriculture and industry sectors in the said localities.
The vision of Amburayan watershed is "A sustainable, waste-free, and climate-resilient
Cluster 1 River Basin maintaining a well – balanced ecosystem to provide well-utilized water
resources, sufficient livelihood, and empowered community through holistic approach
management". If there are goals, Amburayan watershed faces some issues. The issues and
concern about the Amburayan watershed are the following:
 Lack of understanding of communities of the true value of the Amburayan River and
watersheds, presence of problems related to improper land use and unregulated
development and impacts on water resources. Majority of the LGUs do not prioritize
local funds for the river basin and watershed protection and management.

 Economic losses due to illnesses, decreasing number of aquatic resources, and decreasing
tourist visitors are just a few of the outcomes of river pollution.

 Fecal coliforms are from the excreta of warm-blooded animals and humans. Their
presence in the river may be due to unmanaged or improper management of wastes from
piggeries, poultry, and cattle. It may also be due to improper sanitation practices or
facilities of communities along the river.

Implementation Plan Structure

Implementation of the Amburayan River Watershed Management Plan will depend on all
stakeholders taking an active role, though the roles will vary greatly by action. The WMP
outlines the primary roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in carrying out the recommended
actions. Implementation timelines and milestones are designated, potential funding sources are
listed, and costs are estimated. Detailed lists of implementation actions are provided to facilitate
leadership and coordination among stakeholders. It is highly recommended that one of the first
steps toward implementation are the development of a formal Watershed Council consisting
of members of the local jurisdictions with land use authority. One key aspect of implementation
will be collaboration with regional management efforts and agencies. Many local and regional
plans are identified in the WMP that relate closely to the Amburayan River WMP. Watershed
management is ongoing work that must respond and adapt to changing conditions. The
WMP recommends several procedures or actions that enable this adaptive approach: long term
monitoring, management indicators for plan performance evaluation, and a Watershed Council
that can make plan updates. 
The recommended management opportunities will provide a number of benefits to the
watershed. By addressing the goals and objectives of the plan, these opportunities will work
toward preserving, restoring, and enhancing the Amburayan River watershed’s natural functions
and features. The WMP describes the specific benefits of all management types and provides
quantitative estimates of benefits for low impact development, preservation, and BMP retrofits. 
New development and redevelopment site management will provide reductions in future
pollutant loading and hydrology impacts. Watershed modeling indicates that if certain land
conversion (e.g., from agricultural to LID development) is realized, basic low impact
development (LID) techniques and certain BMPs are implemented for future development and
redevelopment, and land preservation is achieved, communities in the watershed should be able
to “hold the line” on pollutant loading and peak discharge. Implementing enhanced LID
techniques would achieve even greater cumulative benefits in the watershed.

REQUIREMENTS COST LOAN

Land and Building

Office Furniture and Filtering 21, 485 41, 485

Office Equipment 55, 955 55, 955

Renovation 15, 000 15, 000

Signboard 50, 000 50, 000

Working Capital

Administrative 26, 140 26, 140

Marketing

Operations 76, 664 76, 664

Pre-operation and other expenditures 3,660 3,660

Contingencies 24, 890 24, 890

Total 273, 794 273, 794

Implementation Cost Table

SWOT Analysis
STRENGTH WEAKNESSES
 Watershed supports variety of  Existing marine areas, stream
terrestrial and aquatic habitats corridors, and other habitat may
including wetland, riparian, continue to degrade as
estuarine, and forest habitats development/infill continues
 Undeveloped character: The  Complexity of federal, state, and
watershed is mostly undeveloped local permitting
 City ownership of forested  Environment Hazardous, Toxic and
watershed: City owns/operates Radioactive Waste “HTRW’s” on
most land as forest; the forest waterfront and within the system.
habitat blocks in City ownership
are in the top 10 percent for
importance in Puget Trough Eco
region

OPPORTUNITIES THREATS
 Re-forest degraded forest area  Limited education and lack of
 Storm water retrofits including low education infrastructure
impact development techniques  Deforestation
 New sewers can reduce impacts of  Soil erosion
existing remaining septic systems  Increasing urbanization
 Create a code that incentivizes  Growing insecurity
development in areas with lower  Land disputes
ecological value  Water-borne diseases, increasing
 Identify and prioritize land that amount of mosquitoes and black
can be more intensely developed flies around the reservoir
with less environmental  Haphazard development
consequences

CONCLUSION AND SUMMARY

 The Amburayan River is very important for three provinces, La Union, Ilocos Sur and
Benguet. The river runs in many municipalities which serve as the main source of water for the
different municipalities of the said provinces. Different marine species such as eels, small
shrimps, and fishes thrive here. Its riverbanks are perfect sites for picnic and other recreational
activities. Its pristine waters are fit for swimming and diving. It also serves as the source of water
for irrigation used by the farmers nearby the river. The significance and important of Amburayan
River cannot be denied. Proper watershed management planning is badly needed to protect,
conserve and properly utilize Amburayan River. In the past, a spill from an open pit mine
contaminated the river, causing massive fish kills. Fortunately, it has seen gradual regeneration
and revival through the years. This plan addressed the issues and challenges concerning the
current situation of Amburayan River. The mission, purpose and objectives of the plan is
incorporated to the issues addressed. The success of this plan is a success for the people of La
Union, Ilocos Sur and Benguet. This plan is for the conservation, protection and proper
utilization of Amburayan River.

RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Conduct the same management plan regularly in other areas of the Amburayan River.

2. Formulate, consult, approve and implement potential policies, management strategies and
actions that would prevent the degradation of the Amburayan River.

3. Improve understanding of the health and resiliency of the Amburayan river watershed by
evaluating, monitoring and reporting on water quality and other aspects of aquatic
ecosystem health.

4. Ensure awareness and requiring the enforcement of the existing provincial and municipal
regulations.

References
Garcia, M. P. C., Paz-Alberto, A. M., Abella, T. A., Sace, C. F., Claudio, E. G., & Gabriel, A. G. (2018).
Assessment of the Diversity of Macro Aquatic Species in Amburayan River, Ilocos sur in the
Philippines. Open Journal of Marine Science, 8(03), 323.
Hornedo, F. H. (1990). The alien in the Amburayan River valley oral literature. Philippine studies, 199-
225.
Maria-Abalos, C. F. L. S. (2021). Shifting Food Culture and Space: Narrative of Communities Living in
Tributary Rivers of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Asia Social Issues, 14(5), 248398-18.
Esguerra, N. A., Amistad, F. T., & Rabena, A. R. (2008). Characterizing the environmental effects of the
quarrying industry: The case of strategic quarry sites in the Ilocos Region. UNP Research
Journal, 12, 28-50.
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Basin in Kapangan, Benguet [Philippines]. In 2006 FORESPI Symposium: Forest Landscape
Restoration an Rehabilitation,, College, Laguna (Philippines), 30 Nov 2006.
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Union. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Research and Extension Journal
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