Concept Note for Infrastructure Sub-project

Ancestral Domain of Sama Bangingi, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, Bangsamoro

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
CADT Number RO9-LAN0206-043

CONCEPT NOTE

LEGEND: (FOR EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO REVISE)

RED HIGHLIGHT - REMOVE

GREEN HIGHLIGHT - ADD/NEW INPUT
BLUE HIGHLIGHT - ARRANGE THE SENTENCES/STATEMENTS

1. Project Summary
1.1. Project Name: Improvement/Concreting of Sitio Kaynahan, Barangay Lubukan
FMR

1.2. Subproject Description:

a) Purpose and Necessity

Sitio Kaynahan, home to six hundred fifty-three (653) Sama Bangigi Indigenous residents, is
located within Barangay Lubukan, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan (Figure 1). However, its
remoteness from Lubukan's mainland due to bad roads poses severe difficulties, making it hard
for a significant section of the population to receive essential services. The proposed 2.2km
farm-to-market road (FMR) is designed not only to address the limited public access to essential
services but also to impede progress in the agri-fishery industry (Figure 2). Furthermore, this
Farm to Market-Road was designed not only for the Sitio in Lubukan but also in Barangay
Panducan, with a population of 1,673, in which it has a strong potential to produce tons of
marine products.

But its remoteness from Lubukan's mainland because of bad roads poses severe difficulties,
making it difficult for a significant section of the population to receive essential services. Seeing
how urgent the situation is, the community, together with Hadji Muhtamad's local government,
has prioritized fixing this problem because of how deeply it affects the residents of the area.

(Second Paragraph should highlight the commodity in support for the proposed FMR, Figure 3-4
- actual site image adjacent to the production area (in this case, the AD’s agri-fishery industry)
(The third paragraph should highlight the importance of the proposed FMR improvement to
connect to an existing road which leads to mainland Lubukan. Additionally, the FMR will cover
four elementary schools, enhancing access to education and essential services for the local
population. Figure 5. Satellite image showing commodity and schools adjacent to the FMR)

Although improvements have been made to the access routes in Sitio Kaynahan, the critical point
at which it is intended to merge with the current road network in Barangay Lubukan has
unfortunately not been prioritized by relevant authorities. Furthermore, the resulting damage to
hauling vehicles, such as "top-down" and trucks, worsens the issue and leads to financial decline.
Addressing these infrastructure issues extends beyond merely improving mobility; it underscores
the critical importance of generating economic opportunities-. Enhanced farm-to-market routes
can significantly accelerate the transportation and distribution of agricultural and fishery
products. This improvement has the potential to open new markets, boosting economic activity
and fostering growth within the community. Moreover, efficient transportation networks can
reduce costs, increase profitability for local producers, and attract investment. These
developments indicate a promising trajectory for comprehensive community development, where
economic vitality and improved living standards for all residents coexist harmoniously. By
prioritizing infrastructure improvements, they create a more thriving and resilient community,
capable of adapting to future challenges and opportunities. This integrated approach ensures that
economic growth is inclusive, benefiting every member of the community and paving the way
for sustained development and enhanced quality of life.

Figure 1. Ancestral Domain Location Map of the proposed FMR

 Figure 2. Location of the proposed FMR

Figure 3-4. Actual site photograph showing unpaved segment.

Figure 5. Satellite image of the site showing supplementary commodities and schools
adjacent to the proposed FMR.

Social and Environmental Benefits

This subproject has enormous potential to improve community access to necessary resources and
social services and support environmental sustainability at the same time. Strengthening links to
mainland Lubukan, barangay halls, community health centers, and educational facilities
enhances accessibility overall, guaranteeing quick access to necessities and efficient situational
management.

Additionally, the improved infrastructure will make it easier for students to get around and go to
schools, which will improve their access to learning opportunities. Furthermore, it is expected
that the project's implementation will generate employment possibilities, specifically for
Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups, improving their socioeconomic status and encouraging greater
inclusivity in the community.

Upgrading the existing structure to a paved road will significantly reduce soil erosion caused by
the current unpaved road. Unpaved roads are prone to erosion due to water runoff, especially
during heavy rains, which washes away the soil and destabilizes the road surface. This erosion
not only degrades the road but also contributes to sedimentation in nearby waterways, affecting
the local environment.
Moreover, unpaved roads cause disturbances to people living in the area. During dry seasons,
they generate dust, which can affect air quality and health. During rainy seasons, the roads
become muddy and slippery, making travel difficult and unsafe. This can lead to increased travel
time, vehicle damage, and a higher risk of accidents. By paving the road, we can improve safety,
reduce maintenance costs, and ensure more reliable access for residents and travelers year-round.

Eventually, the objective of seamlessly connecting the once isolated Sitio Kaynahan to Barangay
Lubukan with the rest of the municipality is to support environmental sustainability and
conservation while also empowering Indigenous People (IP) and fostering their integration into
the greater community. The subproject contributes significantly to the creation of a more
integrated, inclusive, and ecologically conscious society by reducing economic and social
marginalization and enhancing the protection of the environment.

Figure 2. Households settling at southern part of Lubukan where the FMR terminates

Economic Benefits

Access to markets is crucial for economic development, particularly in rural and coastal areas
dependent on agriculture and fisheries. Fisherfolks often face challenges in transporting their
produce to market due to inadequate infrastructure, such as roads. The development of farm-to-
market roads (FMRs) aims to address these challenges by improving connectivity and reducing
transport costs. This subproject seeks to improve the Ancestral Domain's economic standing,
primarily by enhancing market accessibility and connectivity. Improved road networks can
stimulate economic activities by facilitating easier transportation of goods and services, while
also ensuring that students have safe and reliable access to schools. Farmers can reach broader
markets more easily, allowing them to sell their products at better prices and access a wider
range of buyers. This competition can also drive up prices paid to farmers. A wider range of
consumers will also benefit from the ease of transportation, hauling, and delivery of various
marine products, such as squid, groper, red snapper, coconut and byproducts in agricultural
items. attributable to this enhancement. These improvements are anticipated to greatly increase
fisherfolks’ and farmers’ profitability by increasing competition in the market as well as to
ensure that the products reach their destination in an optimal condition.

The improvements to the transportation infrastructure will also lead to reduced damages, less
wear and tear on vehicles, less fuel consumption, and shorter travel times. It will therefore
probably not be necessary to buy new hauling vehicles as frequently, freeing up cash for other
uses in the economy. This improves both marine and agricultural operations' efficiency while
also opening doors for diversification and venturing out into other businesses. Improved roads
reduce vehicle maintenance costs and fuel consumption due to smoother travel, benefiting both
fisherfolks, farmers and transporters.

Beyond the economic and financial benefits, this project will also support the growth of
agritourism in the area. Better road networks facilitate tourist access to rural areas, drawing
travelers drawn to experiences related to agriculture, including farm stays, tours, and agritourism.
This tourist inflow can create new revenue streams for nearby companies and farmers, enhancing
the area's economic vitality even further.

On top of that, by incentivizing farmers to broaden their farming operations, these infrastructure
enhancements will also result in higher yields. The economies of scale that follow may make it
more affordable to market products and harvests, which may eventually increase farmers'
sustainability and profitability.

In a comparable way similar Infrastructure upgrades could help boost the development of
fisheries and help fishermen with their problems, especially with regard to their indebtedness to
"Palteras" during hard times. This enhancement in market accessibility and reduction in
transportation expenses can directly help fishermen by allowing them to reach larger markets,
and will boost their profitability. Improved road networks make it easier to transport fresh fish,
which lowers spoilage and guarantees that consumers receive higher-quality goods.

Fisherfolks often face significant financial challenges, including indebtedness, due to various
factors such as volatile incomes, limited access to markets, and inadequate infrastructure. This
concept note explores the potential of developing farm-to-market roads (FMRs) not only to
improve market access but also as a strategic intervention to alleviate indebtedness among
fisherfolk communities.

Beyond these short-term financial advantages, despite this, the upgraded access road may be
extremely helpful in reducing fishermen's debt. Additionally, greater profitability from enlarged
market reach can enable fishermen to manage their finances more effectively, reducing their
reliance on borrowing during financial crises. By making markets easier to access and lowering
transportation costs, fishermen can improve their income streams and, consequently, have a
better ability to repay their debts to "Palteras."

In the end, this integrated approach to rural development gives fishermen a route toward greater
financial independence and stability in addition to improving economic opportunities in the
fishing industry. The community's overall economic growth and prosperity are further reinforced
as fishermen gain the tools they need to effectively manage their debts and overcome financial
obstacles.<pwede din or..>

Investing in farm-to-market roads tailored to the needs of fisherfolks presents a compelling

opportunity to enhance economic outcomes for coastal communities. By reducing transportation
costs, improving market access, and minimizing post-harvest losses, FMRs can contribute
significantly to poverty alleviation and sustainable economic growth.

1.3. Subproject Output:

A two-lane concrete Farm-to-Market Road spanning 2.2 kilometers, the road connects the 653
residents of Sitio Kaynahan to essential government services, healthcare, and education facilities.
It also serves as a route for the transportation of fresh marine produce, seaweed, and coconuts,
which are interplanted with banana and cassava. On the other hand, Barangay Panducan can also
be used on this farm to market - road as a tool to access the nearest sorting area in the island
which is the Barangay Tausan where the proposed fmr is the only access road that can be used in
transporting products.

The proposed subproject in Siitio Kaynahan is the only high ground level among the area, it is 6
meter wide throughout the length from main barangay of Lubukan to Sitio Kaynahan as shown
in Figure ** (please attach pictures ). From the starting point of the proposed subproject to the
end point where the beginning of the foot bridge starts more likely flat throughout the length of
the 2.2km stretch; there are only few areas of proposed subproject that have been identified as
needing to put a cross drain.

The existing road funded by the Ministry of Public Works - BARMM is the connection of the
proposed fmr by MIADP through LGU was already paved. Transition would take place to
 connect to the existing road in which, it has 5 meter width and 4 meter width for the proposed
fmr that serves not only for one Sitio in Lubukan but also in barangay Panducan that has more
Sitio present and potentially producing tons of marine products and other crops like coconut.
The following are the measurable metrics linked to this sub-project's output statement:
● Number of Farm-to-Market Roads concreted/improved
● Number of kilometers of road concreted/improved
● Number of pieces of road signages posted
● Number of linear meter of culvert installed
● Number of farmers benefited
● Number of fisherfolk benefited
● Number of commodities supported
● Number of households benefited in Sitio Kaynahan

1.4. Subproject Indicative Cost Estimate and Funding Source:

FUND SOURCING
Particulars Qt Unit Unit Cost Total Cost
y MIADP (90%) LGU Equity
(10%)
LP (80%) GOP (10%)

Improvement/ 2.2 km 14 Million Php30,800,000.00 Php24,640,000.00 Php3,080,000.00 Php3,080,000.00

concreting of Sitio per km for
Kaynahan, 2-lane road
Barangay Lubukan
FMR

ACCESS ROAD – Farm-to-Market Road proposal

Project Name: Improvement/concreting of Sitio Kaynahan, Barangay Lubukan FMR (2.2km 2-
lane road)
Location of the subproject: Sitio Kaynahan, Brgy Lubukan, Municipality of Hadji Muhtamad,
Province of Basilan
No. of Kilometers: 2.2km 4m-wide 2-lane road
Unit Cost/Km.: Php14,000,000.00
Total Indicative Project Cost: Php30,800,000.00

1.5. Indicative Contract Duration:

The contract duration for the improvement/concreting of Sitio Kaynahan, Barangay Lubukan
FMR is 129 days, using the enhanced service standard of the Department of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH) Department Order No. 44. This standard takes into account the
challenging conditions posed by the municipality being an island municipality, particularly in
terms of material delivery/hauling for concreting.

2. Institutional Readiness

2.1. Legal and Institutional Framework

The Hadji Muhtamad Municipality, led by Mayor Hon. Arsina K. Nanoh has shown her steadfast
support for the idea out loud. As long as the project receives permission and there are no delays
in procurement that prevent them from using their equity, the MLGU is prepared to contribute its
matching cash. At present, the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the municipality is
Php127,913,457.00, of which 20% is designated for the development fund of the municipality.
This amounts to Php25,282,691.40, which will be dispersed among the ten barangays of Hadji
Muhtamad, which includes the four (4) Barangays of Tausan, Luukbungsod, Lubukan, and
Panducan covered in the CADT. Notably, road rehabilitation and improvement is one of the
municipality's top social service goals.

Document processing for subproject execution is being handled pro-actively under Mayor
Nanoh's administration. Many initiatives in the AD community have been finished in a matter of
months, such as the newly opened Pilas Park, which acts as a center for tourism and
entrepreneurship. Numerous infrastructure projects, including the Solar Ice Plant in Barangay
Tausan, are now under construction. Furthermore, MAFAR is prepared to provide knowledge,
with technical help in the AD being provided by the RPCO BARMM Infrastructure
Development Specialist and his team. Under Mayor Nanoh's direction, the needs of the
community come first, resulting in the timely completion of projects and real benefits for locals.
This underscores the mayor's dedication to sustainable development and enhancing the standard
of living in the AD community.

The project's progress could be hampered or delayed by a number of causes. First and foremost,
the procurement process is very difficult and needs careful processing of the required
documentation. Another challenge is dealing with titled areas that might need to be acquired or
cleared for the right of way.

Republic Act No. 8371, also known as The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, provides a
legal foundation for this project. It specifies the rights of indigenous peoples, particularly in
terms of basic services, social services, and infrastructure, which can contribute positively to
their economic status.

Moreover, it is important to augment the LGU's proficiency in managing assignments like

formulating comprehensive proposals, carrying out feasibility analyses, and fulfilling diverse
evaluations, specifically those concerning Social and Environmental issues. It is also important
to pay attention to logistical factors because they can cause issues that make a project's execution
less efficient.

Nevertheless, these difficulties can be successfully handled with the help of proactive approaches
and strong support systems. Overcoming challenges and guaranteeing the project's continuous
progress are critical to promoting advantages for the community as a whole.

2.2. Internal Capacity to Deliver the Subproject

The Local Government Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act No. 7160, legally states that one
of an LGU's duties is to provide infrastructure development. This law gives local government
units (LGUs) the power to organize, carry out, and oversee infrastructure projects inside their
borders in order to advance the welfare of their residents as a whole. The Local Chief Executive
(LCE) or the Municipal Mayor can sign PPP agreements for and on behalf of the municipal
government upon authorization by the Sangguniang Bayan.

The Municipality of Hadji Muhtamad is one of the four newly created municipalities by virtue of
Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 200. The municipality has ten barangays under its area of
jurisdiction. Four of these, namely Barangay Tausan, Lubukan, Luukbungsod, and Panducan,
were part of the Ancestral Domain of Sama Bangingi with the CAST No. R09-LAN0206-043
under the Province of Basilan. It is mandated in the Constitution to ensure that all communities
have access to quality and accessible healthcare. Consistent with this, the Organic Law for the
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao instructs the Bangsamoro Government to
construct and implement public utilities and infrastructure. This is further supported by the vision
of the LGU in Infrastructure to implement safe, efficient, reliable, adequate, cost-effective, and
sustainable infrastructure and utility investment plans for smooth transportation of people,
services, and goods. This goal is supported by strategies that mainly provide accessibility to
farmers and fisherfolk in transporting harvested crops and fish products to markets, thereby
providing them income and increasing their economic status. It serves primarily as the linkage
between the government and the local residents for the delivery of basic services and effective
administration of all constituents in the most remote barangays within the municipality.

Currently, Republic Act No. 9184, also referred to as the Government Procurement Reform Act,
which regulates the procurement procedure for public infrastructure projects while adhering to
World Bank standards on procurement, forms part of the legal basis for completing the
subproject. Furthermore, LGUs may form Public-Private Partnerships (PPS) for the provision of
infrastructure and other services in accordance with Executive Order No. 146, series of 1994, as
long as they adhere to all applicable laws and regulations.

On the other hands; LGU has the capacity to prepare the FS, DED and POW on their part to
ensure that the proposed subproject at Sitio Kaynahan, barangay Lubukan could be implemented
because LGU are very familiar with the area, what are the possible circumstances and the actual
condition may happen in the area.

3. Indicative Project Feasibility and Readiness

3.1. Subproject Site

The subproject site is located in Barangay Lubukan, Municipality of Hadji Muhtamad, Province
of Basilan, within Sitio Kaynahan. It includes a 4m-wide, two-lane, 2.2-kilometer stretch of road
that the local government unit will be in charge of managing. This road may need to acquire a
right-of-way. Consultations and agreements with landowners will be part of this process, during
which the community benefits of the subproject will be highlighted, along with the goals of
MIADP and any possible effects on properties and crops. Every landowner ought to be fully
aware of their entitlement to equitable remuneration. The main goal of these discussions is to
commence the project without any outstanding issues and to secure landowners' consent and
authorization for the right-of-way.

A survey to evaluate the land affected by the proposed Farm-to-Market Road will then be carried
out. The impacted land area, including any homes, trees, or crops that might be affected by road
construction, will be recorded by this survey. Through agreements with the landowner, barangay,
IP representatives, and tribal leaders, compensation for affected trees would be decided.

The local government ought to step in during the detailed negotiations with the households to
guarantee that no one would be forced to leave the community or their tribes and that relocation
within the community will only include fair compensation. This will show how dedicated the
LGU is to reducing physical displacement. Potential economic locations for the IP communities
that may be impacted—such as Sari-Sari Stores, places for processing and drying copra, and so
forth—will be included in the displacement issue. Additionally, the LGU will negotiate with the
owners to guarantee the continuation of the family's income.

Based on the initial route established through the map, the proposed FMR route is near the
coastline of the Sitio. It is recommended that during the F/S stage, considerations on the effect of
the ‘salinity” of wind conditions can affect the structural integrity of the reinforcing bars and
concrete.

Protective works and safety precautions should also be established to consider sections of the
route that need to address these issues.

As part of site location considerations, laborers from nearby Sitio in Barangay Lubukan
are employed based on the experience of local government units. These individuals,
including indigenous people from the barangay, are hired by contractors to facilitate
convenience and support community members in generating income during the
construction period.

3.2. Technical and Operational Feasibility

The proposed subproject involves the concreting of a Farm-to-Market Road, a type of project
that has a successful track record in Hadji Muhtamad. Numerous road improvement projects
have previously been carried out by the municipality, and current road construction is being
supported by the Ministry of Public Works and other organizations. This track record of
successful execution gives the LGU confidence to carry out the project efficiently.

The LGU and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) will use
the subproject's available, tried-and-true technologies to guarantee the road's durability and
functionality. The engineering and design elements will be customized to fit the unique needs
and topography of the island by utilizing best practices and lessons learned from the past.

It's crucial to remember, though, that because of the site's location on Pilas Island, the subproject
will have significant freight costs associated with the acquisition of supplies and machinery.
Notwithstanding these obstacles, the LGU is dedicated to making the best use of its resources in
order to guarantee the project's successful conclusion.

3.3. Preliminary Environmental Risk Assessment

In the forthcoming assessment, the planned project is anticipated to have minimal to negligible
impact on the natural habitat. The predominant land use in the areas designated for road
concreting is agricultural. Measures will be taken during the commencement of road construction
to ensure minimal disturbance to the surrounding natural ecosystem. Possible effects of road
rehabilitation on mangrove at the end of proposed SP that would connect to an existing
footbridge wouldl be minimal. There is no presence of mangroves in the proposed site of the SP.

A journey along this road reveals a landscape predominantly devoted to agriculture. To the east,
extensive groves of coconut trees and scattered banana plantations dominate, followed by a
swath of lush mangrove marshes and the Kaynahan Lake, an essential site for seaweed farming.
The western side, in contrast, presents a captivating seascape with expansive sandy beaches.
Along the road, a variety of tree species graces the landscape. These long sandy beaches serve as
a vital nesting ground for pawikan, more commonly known as sea turtles. Their presence in the
area emphasizes the ecological significance of this natural habitat.
Hadji Muhtamad is a coastal municipality where storm surges are consistently identified as a risk
hazard. A portion of the proposed Farm to Market Road project lies within an area classified as
having a medium risk of storm hazard. Despite this, it's crucial to note that, upon examining the
hazard map, this location is deemed the most strategic for the project. In this specific area, the
impact on the road project is anticipated to be minimal.

The Local Government Unit of Hadji Muhtamad demonstrates a strong commitment to

environmental protection and addressing climate change concerns. In line with this commitment,
any vegetation or trees removed during site preparation and land development will be promptly
restored through an LGU-led Tree Planting Program.

During construction, transporting materials poses a risk to existing roads, as the heavy loads
from quarry materials needed for construction could weaken the current infrastructure. To
mitigate this risk, the contractor should implement proper maintenance and load management
strategies to ensure the roads can handle the increased weight without sustaining significant
damage.

Added to that, there are no structures, monuments, or physical historical resources present in the
proposed project site.

3.4. Preliminary Social Risk Assessment

It is expected that construction sites pose a safety risk to workers and surrounding communities
throughout the approaching inspection. A thorough safety plan that includes regular inspections,
application of safety procedures, and appropriate training for construction workers will be
created to solve this. To safeguard the public's and employees' safety, barriers, and safety signs
will be put in place. There will be frequent safety briefings and stringent enforcement of safety
regulations.

Inconvenience, noise pollution, and disturbances to the community's daily routine are further
risks associated with construction activity. A community involvement campaign will be
implemented to educate locals on the project's schedule, possible delays, and ways to reduce
inconvenience to lessen this. In order to immediately handle any issues or complaints, a
grievance procedure will be established. Work schedules will be put in place, and noise laws will
be adhered to, to minimize disruption during sensitive hours.
Workers must be provided with adequate sanitation facilities and a designated site for solid waste
disposal. Failure to meet these needs can lead to cultural conflicts, as workers who do not adhere
to proper sanitation practices may cause tension within the community. Proper community
consultation or briefing, cultural sensitivity of workers and other similar activities shall be done
with the supervision of MIADP to assure that the project will not incite any culture-related
issues. It is also highly suggested that the project contractor hire capacitated local workers to
provide income to the community.

Additionally, it is possible that the project will have an effect on social structures, community
dynamics, or locations of cultural heritage. A cultural heritage evaluation will be carried out to
find and safeguard any important historical or cultural places to allay this worry. The initiative
will involve the engagement of pertinent stakeholders, such as indigenous groups, to guarantee
that their perspectives are acknowledged and valued. In addition, project staff will receive
cultural sensitivity training.

Photos of site location taken during the site visitation