Environment and Natural Resources Accounting

The pioneering Environment and Natural Resources Accounting system- Cordillera Administrative Region (ENRA-CAR) initiative [1998-2000] has not been officially updated since the publication of its results in early 2001. Among other esoteric reasons, this study was meant to enlighten planners, program managers, policy-makers, decision-makers, etc., on the state, “amount” and value [for some resources] of natural resources in the region and integrate these in their plans, programs, projects, policies, decisions, etc. along appropriate development paths as espoused by various relevant frameworks as Agenda 21, MDGs, Kyoto Protocol, MTPDP, CAR-RDP, etc., etc., etc.

In the area of water accounts, so far, only the Lower Agno Watershed Comprehensive Management Plan (LAWCMP) has incorporated surface water accounts in its formulation. Meanwhile, local news have it that the Magat Dam management had given the tax share of Ifugao Province and the San Roque Power Corporation (for San Roque Dam) has also given the tax share of Benguet Province due from their operations. By what sharing basis and/or methodology, there is no clear public knowledge.

It is for this and related issues that water accounts, updated as to content and methodology [under UN mandated frameworks], should have provided the underlying sharing foundation. PURSUES, Inc., is collaborating with various government agencies and other NGOs in its mission of generating water accounts for the Philippines as well as other Asian countries. Meanwhile, it is proposing various local projects that will further enhance the localized ENRA and hopefully get Local Government Units to utilize these (especially) for their development plans.

Poverty Alleviation

Poverty alleviation program strategies are currently being studied especially around the non-government environment.  The Philippine government had long been implementing its own poverty alleviation program which involves several agencies at various levels of government.  Why its effect had not been significant entails a careful study by the non-government sector in order to succeed where government failed.  This is one major project being conceptualized and hopefully, the proposal will be forthcoming.  Meanwhile, PurSUES provides technical assistance in institutional development and community alleviation projects while awaiting the approval of proposed projects.