A Case Study on Environmental Science and

Engineering for Vigan City

Name:
De Villa, Seanz P.
Course:
ESE 150-5 (Environmental Science and Engineering)
Student Number:
2021106079

Submitted to:
Engr. Bonifacio B. Magtibay, PhD

Date Submitted:
November 6,2024

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The environmental issues that Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich
history, cultural legacy, and varied ecosystems, faces are examined in this case study. Long
before Spanish colonialism in the 16th century, Vigan was a major trading city, connected to
Asian trade routes by the Mestizo River. Today, Vigan is a thriving city whose economy is
supported by a combination of small-scale industry, tourism, and agriculture. However,
environmental issues have been brought about by the city's quick expansion and growing appeal
as a travel destination, especially in the areas of waste management, water and air quality, and
sustainable urban development. The necessity of a balanced approach to environmental
management is highlighted by Vigan's distinctive status as a center of culture and the economy.
This study has three goals in mind. It starts by looking at Vigan City's existing environmental
pollution levels, with particular attention to waste management procedures, how urbanization
affects green areas and water bodies, and the causes of pollution in the air and water. Second, it
examines how well engineering solutions and local government activities contribute to pollution
reduction and sustainability. Regulations such as plastic bans, recycling initiatives, emission
limits, and green infrastructure projects that enhance waste management and air quality are
examples of these. Finally, the study suggests novel engineering methods and strategies to
enhance long-term environmental management, guaranteeing ecological balance and public
health. These suggestions cover anything from cutting-edge waste management techniques to
green infrastructure initiatives like urban parks and green roofs that could improve Vigan’s
environmental resilience. All things considered, this report offers a thorough examination of
Vigan City's environmental problems together with workable answers to promote sustainable
growth. Vigan can preserve its historical identity while attaining ecological sustainability and
safeguarding public health by tackling these issues.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Page ……………….……………………………………………………………………… i
Executive Summary ………...…………………………………………………………………… ii
Table of Contents …………..…………………………………………………………………… iii
Background Information ………………………………………………………………………… 4
Objective ………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Description of Plants, Animals, and Ecosystems ……………………………………………….. 8
Status of Environmental Pollution……………………………………………………………….13
Major activities causing environmental pollution with impact on human health …………….... 14
Key government agencies involved in environment and health concerns …………………..… 14
Efforts by the government in addressing pollution problems ………………………………….. 15
Analysis on the adequacy of government actions ……………………………………………… 16
Recommendations on what technology and other management approaches should be
applied to address the gaps…………………………………………………………………...… 17
Summary of problems and solutions ………………………………………………….……….. 18
Conclusions …………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Acknowledgement .…...……………………..…………………………………………………. 22
Annexes …………………………..…………………………………………………….………. 23

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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
History
Three rivers, the huge Abra River, the Mestizo River, and the Govantes River, formerly
separated the island of Vigan from the mainland. It stands out from other towns in the
Philippines since it is the largest and only historically significant city that was built during the
Spanish colonial era in the sixteenth century. Pre-colonial Vigan was a significant coastal
commerce hub. Chinese junks traveling from the South China Sea arrived at Isla de Bigan via the
Mestizo River, which encircled the island, long before the Spanish galleons. Seafaring merchants
came on board to trade unusual wares from Asian nations for gold, honey, and other mountain
goods that the people from the Cordilleras brought down. Chinese immigrants primarily settled
in Vigan, where they intermarried with locals to create the multi-cultural Bigueño family lineage.

Location and Geography

Figure 1. Map of Vigan City (Courtesy: Google Maps)

Northern Luzon's western coast is home to Vigan, the state capital of Ilocos Sur. The
municipality of Santa lies to the east, the municipality of Bantay to the north, the municipality of
Caoayan to the south, and the municipality of Sta to the west. Catalina, and lastly, by the China
Sea in the southwest. It is 80 km, or 408 miles, from Manila. 139 kilometers from Laoag City.
from La Union's San Fernando. Its entire land area is 28,86085 square feet, or 2,886.085
hectares. km. The center of Vigan is roughly situated between the parallels 17 34'30" north
latitude and 120 23'15" east longitude.

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Ecosystems

Figure 2. Mestizo River (Courtesy: lakwatserong tatay blogspot)

Ilocos Sur, Philippines' Vigan City is well known for its varied ecosystems and rich
cultural legacy, all of which are essential to maintaining the city's biodiversity and natural beauty.
Numerous types of plants and animals can be found in the city's agricultural, riverine, and coastal
environments. In addition to serving as natural barriers against erosion and storms, mangroves
and seagrass beds along the coastline offer home for marine life. A crucial component of the
region's freshwater environment, the Mestizo River flows through Vigan and supports fish and
plants that sustain local livelihoods and biodiversity. In the meantime, the rice paddies and other
crop fields that make up the majority of the agricultural grounds surrounding Vigan provide
home for various wildlife species as well as sustain the local economy. These interrelated
ecosystems are crucial to sustaining biodiversity, ensuring environmental balance, and supplying
Vigan City's citizens with necessary supplies.

Top Diseases
The most common disorders in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, are comparable to those found in
many other regions of the Philippines and are frequently impacted by lifestyle choices,
environmental variables, and healthcare accessibility. Due in large part to dietary practices,
sedentary lifestyles, and aging population demographics, common non-communicable diseases
such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases are common. Additionally,
respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and tuberculosis continue to be a concern, particularly in
low-income or densely populated areas where access to treatment may be restricted.
Furthermore, problems with water quality and sanitation can lead to waterborne illnesses
including diarrhea and gastroenteritis, especially following flooding or strong rains. A seasonal
hazard, dengue fever is spread by mosquitoes and is more dangerous during the rainy season
when mosquito breeding is at its highest.In order to combat these prevalent diseases and enhance
the general health of the community, Vigan's health efforts concentrate on expanding access to
healthcare, raising public knowledge of health issues, and putting preventative measures into
place.

Economy
Vigan City's economy depends on a number of local businesses, tourism, and agriculture,
all of which are strongly linked to the city's abundant natural resources and rich cultural legacy.

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Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, draws a lot of tourists because of its cobblestone lanes,
traditional crafts like weaving and ceramics, and well-preserved Spanish colonial buildings.
Local companies, such as eateries, lodging facilities, gift stores, and tour companies, have
expanded as a result of this surge in tourists, creating jobs for locals. With farmers producing
rice, corn, tobacco, and vegetables, agriculture also plays a vital role in supporting the local
economy and local markets. In addition to showcasing local craftsmanship and traditions,
small-scale industries like pottery production and abel weaving (traditional Ilocano textile) also
help the city's economy. The city is maintained while maintaining its historical and cultural
identity thanks to the balance created by Vigan's varied economic activity.

Population

Figure 3. Household population growth from 1990 to 2015 (Courtesy: PhilAtlas)

Over a span of 117 years, the population of Vigan increased by 38,990, from 14,945 in
1903 to 53,935 in 2020. From the previous population of 53,879 in 2015, the most recent census
data from 2020 shows a positive growth rate of 0.02%, or a gain of 56 persons.In 2019, there
were 31,817 registered voters in Vigan, with 15,216 men and 16,601 women making up the
electorate. When age groups are combined, individuals under the age of 14 comprise 27.06%
(14,581) of the young dependent population, which includes infants and newborns, children, and
young adolescents and teens. Approximately 65.98% (35,547) of the economically active
population and current or potential workers are between the ages of 15 and 64. Lastly, the elderly
dependent population, which includes people 65 and over, makes up 6.96% (3,751) of the total
population.

OBJECTIVES
Examine Vigan City's present environmental pollution levels, paying particular attention to
waste management, the effects of urban development, and the quality of the air and water.
Waste management, urban development, and air and water quality are the main areas of
focus as we analyze the environmental pollution in Vigan City. It examines how urbanization
impacts green spaces, water bodies, and infrastructure, resulting in pollution, and evaluates
current waste practices, legislation, and initiatives such as plastic bans. The study also assesses
the quality of the air and water, identifying the main pollutants and their sources. It seeks to

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provide a thorough understanding of Vigan City's environmental problems and offer sustainable
solutions by addressing these factors.

Analyze the success of regional initiatives to improve sustainability and reduce pollution, as well
as engineering solutions.
One of the case study's main objectives is to evaluate the effectiveness of regional efforts
to lower pollution and increase sustainability, as well as engineering solutions. This entails
assessing the efficacy of legislation like plastic bans as well as initiatives that support recycling,
waste reduction, and cleaner energy. The report also evaluates engineering options, such as green
infrastructure initiatives, enhanced waste treatment systems, and water purification techniques.
By looking at these programs and solutions, the study hopes to give a thorough grasp of how
they affect the environmental sustainability of Vigan City and help guide pollution reduction
tactics.

Provide novel approaches and engineering techniques to improve environmental management,

guaranteeing ecological equilibrium over the long run and maintaining public health in Vigan
City.
The case study's main objectives are to offer innovative methods and engineering
strategies to enhance environmental management and guarantee long-term ecological balance. To
maximize garbage collection and increase recycling rates, this entails evaluating the efficacy of
smart waste management solutions, such as sensor-based bins and AI-driven recycling. In order
to enhance air quality and advance ecological sustainability, the study also assesses the use of
green infrastructure, such as urban parks, green roofs, and vertical gardens. The results are
intended to provide a thorough plan for improving environmental management in Vigan City,
guaranteeing ecological balance and long-term public health.

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DESCRIPTION OF PLANTS, ANIMALS, AND ECOSYSTEMS
Plants

Name Picture Description

Biga In fact, the “biga” is common in the

Philippines, especially in locations that
are close to water. We could easily
locate the “biga” in Metro Manila. They
thrive in wet, ditch-filled vacant lots. In
the genus and even the family Araceae,
the common Philippine plant is among
the largest. During fiesta season, many
people use the heart-shaped, wide, huge
leaves as a unique way to decorate their
homes. A city such as Vigan was named
after this magnificent shrub, which is
well deserved.

Elephant Ear The Elephant Ear (Alocasia

mortfontanensis) is a distinctive hybrid
known for its large, elephant ear-shaped
leaves. Originating from tropical regions
of Asia and Australia, this plant thrives
in humid, warm environments with
bright but indirect light. It does best in
soil that drains well and requires steady
moisture, though it can be harmed by
overwatering. Alocasia species are
widely used as indoor plants due to their
striking appearance, but they need high
humidity and occasional misting for
optimal growth. Additionally, all parts
of the plant are poisonous if consumed,
so it's essential to keep it out of reach of
pets and small children.

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Rattlesnake plant The rattlesnake plant, a beautiful
houseplant, is one of the easiest
Goeppertia lancifolia varieties to care
for. Renowned for its striking tropical
leaves, it features different shades of
green with unique wavy patterns. This
plant thrives in warm environments with
bright, indirect sunlight, and it prefers
consistently moist but well-drained soil.
Keeping the soil slightly damp without
waterlogging is essential for its healthy
growth.

Candle larkspur Delphinium elatum is a striking

ornamental plant, known for its tall
spikes of vibrant flowers and is popular
in many gardens. This species includes
well-known cultivars such as 'Magic
Fountains,' 'Dwarf Pacific,' 'New
Millennium,' 'Pacific Giant,' and six
varieties of 'Aurora.' The plant was
originally classified under its scientific
name by the ancient Greek botanist and
physician Pedanius Dioscorides.
Delphiniums thrive in cooler climates
and prefer full sun and well-drained soil,
though they require regular watering
and staking to support their tall, heavy
bloom

Tuberous sword The tuberous sword fern (Nephrolepis

fern cordifolia) is known for its tuberous
roots, which help store water, making it
more drought-tolerant than other ferns.
It thrives in partial shade but can
tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
This fern is native to tropical and
subtropical regions and can grow up to
2-3 feet tall. It also has air-purifying
qualities, making it a popular choice for
indoor use. In ideal conditions, it
spreads rapidly, so regular trimming or
containment is recommended to prevent
it from overtaking other plants.

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Animals
Name Picture Description

Ostrich The world's largest and heaviest bird is

the ostrich. They are unable to soar
across the skies due to their weight. On
the other hand, ostriches can run up to
43 miles per hour and are excellent
runners. A stride may have a length of
10 to 16 feet. An ostrich has a long
neck, large eyes, and sweeping
eyelashes that enable them to attain
these great speeds. They also have
powerful, long legs with two clawed
toes. Ostriches are known for having
unusual feathers that are smooth, soft,
and loose, giving them a "shaggy"
appearance. While young birds and
adult females have brownish-gray
feathers, adult male ostriches are black
with white wings and tail feathers.

White Peacock The white peacock is not different from

the peacocks. It’s not a species of the
peacock; it is a special peacock that has
been born all-white due to a genetic
variation. White peacocks are not
albino. Albino animals have a complete
lack of color and red or pink eyes, and
albino skin is very pale. White peafowl
have blue eyes and colored skin.
Leucism is a genetic mutation that
causes loss of pigmentation. Animals
with leucism retain their normal eye
color. It’s the feathers that do not have
pigmentation. White feathers depend
on which genes are dominant and
which are recessive.

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Bengal Tiger The magnificent and strong tiger at
Baluarte Zoo is distinguished by its
eye-catching orange coat with vivid
black stripes. Its majestic presence
captivates tourists as it embodies the
strength and elegance characteristic of
tigers. Although tigers are apex
predators and are typically solitary in
the wild, they are given the care they
need at Baluarte Zoo in a supervised
setting designed to replicate their
natural habitat.

Cane Toad
The cane toad (Rhinella marina),
commonly called the giant neotropical
or marine toad, is a sizable,
land-dwelling species originally from
South and Central America. It has been
introduced to many islands across
Oceania, the Caribbean, and northern
Australia. Cane toads thrive in diverse
habitats, including forests, grasslands,
and urban areas. They are opportunistic
feeders, consuming a wide range of
insects, small animals, and even pet
food. Due to their adaptability and lack
of natural predators in non-native
regions, cane toads can become
invasive, negatively impacting local
ecosystems.

Northern
Wallacean The Northern Wallacean butterfly is a
butterfly species native to the Wallacea region,
which includes islands between Asia
and Australia. This butterfly is known
for its vibrant, colorful wings, often
featuring a mix of bold patterns. Its
habitat typically consists of tropical
forests, where it thrives in warm, humid
conditions. The Northern Wallacean
butterfly, like most butterflies, feeds
primarily on nectar from various

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flowers, playing a vital role in
pollination. Its presence is an indicator
of biodiversity, contributing to the
health of its ecosystem.

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STATUS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Vigan City, Philippines' environmental pollution situation displays persistent issues,
mostly with air quality and garbage management. Waste creation has increased due to rapid
urbanization, and poor disposal and segregation methods are causing pollution in nearby public
areas and rivers. The health of locals is impacted by pollutants from automobiles and industrial
processes, raising concerns about air quality. To accomplish sustainable environmental
management, more effective policies and community engagement are still required, despite the
implementation of local government programs to address these concerns, such as encouraging
recycling and waste reduction.

Figure 4. Geographical representation of Vigan City’s current air quality (Courtesy:

Accuweather)
The air quality index is 25 which is considered fair yet it is still moderately polluted. It is
considered a health risk if people experience long-term exposure to the polluted air. The air
quality index proves that Vigan City does not experience any issue related to vehicle emissions.
The dominant mode of transportation is a horse carriage. In 2014, the city was considered as one
of the 5 most bikeable and walkable cities by the national government. Although some residents
of Calle Crisologo are allowed to park their vehicles at night, other vehicles are prohibited to
enter the cobblestone street.Vigan City was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in
1999. The townspeople and city government are coordinating closely on preserving the city’s
heritage.

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KEY GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INVOLVED IN ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
CONCERNS
A number of government agencies in Vigan City are essential to protecting the
environment and resolving related issues. The main body in charge of ensuring the preservation
and sustainable use of the nation's natural resources is the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR). It oversees pollution control operations, upholds environmental
laws, and spearheads programs to safeguard the quality of the air, water, and land. Monitoring
and controlling environmental quality is the primary responsibility of the Environmental
Management Bureau (EMB) under the DENR. This includes establishing guidelines for the
purity of the air and water, making sure that trash is managed properly, and putting policies in
place to lessen pollution in a variety of industries.

The Department of Health (DOH), which deals with the effects of environmental problems on
public health, is another important actor. The DOH aims to prevent the spread of diseases that
may result from environmental deterioration, monitors the effects of air and water pollution on
community health, and encourages sanitation and hygiene. The Department of Agriculture (DA)
also has a significant responsibility, especially when it comes to controlling agricultural practices
that can have an adverse environmental impact. This entails monitoring the application of
fertilizers and pesticides, encouraging sustainable and organic farming methods, and making sure
that runoff from agriculture doesn't harm nearby water sources.

Additionally, local government units (LGUs), such as the Vigan city administration, have a direct
role in putting national policies into practice and creating regional initiatives that deal with
particular environmental issues. In order to guarantee sustainable growth, LGUs frequently carry
out community education campaigns on recycling, waste segregation, and the safe disposal of
hazardous items. They also take part in urban planning. With the help of these organizations,
Vigan City aims to provide its citizens with a better and more sustainable living environment by
striking a balance between environmental preservation and development.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WITH IMPACT

ON HUMAN HEALTH

In Vigan City, inadequate garbage management stands as a significant contributor to

environmental degradation, directly affecting both the natural environment and human health.
Despite efforts to implement and promote trash segregation and recycling, issues persist in
disposing of solid waste, including plastics, food scraps, and household materials. When these
wastes are improperly managed, they can leach harmful substances into soil and waterways,
contaminating drinking and irrigation water supplies. This contamination poses health risks,
leading to waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and other gastrointestinal illnesses among
the population.

Air pollution is another pressing concern in Vigan, largely driven by the city’s high volume of
tourists and the widespread use of motorized vehicles. The narrow streets around historic
monuments experience heavy traffic, especially from tricycles, cars, and motorcycles. The
emissions from these vehicles release pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and

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particulate matter, which degrade air quality and can cause respiratory issues. These pollutants
increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children,
the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Moreover, agricultural practices around Vigan City often involve the use of chemical fertilizers
and pesticides. While these chemicals help boost crop yields, their runoff can pollute nearby
rivers, streams, and other water bodies. When these chemicals seep into the water supply, they
can harm aquatic ecosystems and affect local water quality, impacting human health through
exposure to toxic residues. Consuming contaminated water or agricultural products irrigated with
polluted water could lead to health complications ranging from mild poisoning to chronic
conditions.

Addressing these environmental issues is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy
environment for Vigan’s residents and visitors alike. Improved waste management systems,
stricter vehicular emission controls, and the promotion of eco-friendly agricultural practices are
all necessary steps to reduce pollution and its impact on human health.

EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ADDRESSING POLLUTION PROBLEMS

In response to Vigan City's environmental challenges, the local government has

introduced various initiatives to reduce pollution and foster environmental sustainability. One of
the primary measures is a comprehensive waste segregation program designed to increase
recycling rates and reduce the waste sent to landfills. This program encourages residents to
separate recyclable and non-recyclable materials, enhancing the city’s capacity to manage waste
sustainably. To raise environmental awareness, the city also organizes regular clean-up drives
and educational programs, promoting responsible waste disposal among residents and visitors
alike.

To address the issue of plastic waste, local authorities have introduced policies aimed at reducing
the use of single-use plastics. These regulations encourage residents, businesses, and tourists to
adopt more environmentally friendly practices, such as using reusable bags and containers. By
minimizing plastic waste, the city aims to protect its natural surroundings and reduce plastic
pollution in nearby rivers and coastal areas, which can be harmful to marine life and local water
quality.

The city government collaborates with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR) to upgrade the Vigan Solid Waste Management Center, aligning with the mandates of
Republic Act 9003, or the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000." This law sets out
guidelines for local governments to create integrated solid waste management systems, focusing
on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle to achieve a 25 percent waste reduction. Under the
guidance of Mayor Juan Carlo S. Medina and Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe,
the project aims to strengthen the city’s waste disposal, recycling, and composting systems.

Moreover, the air and water pollution ought to be resolved by continuing to implement the
heritage conservation program at Vigan city which was started in 1995 to retain the arts and

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culture of Vigan City and to rehabilitate historical infrastructures and more. This includes
encouraging the use of sustainable transportation such as horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and
walking. And recently, the local government has partnered with Primex Corporation, to
implement the Master Plan for Sustainable Urban Infrastructure Development in Metropolitan
Vigan, which will enhance the development of the city to make it more spacious and
pollution-free. The local government is also aiming to provide clean water for the community of
Vigan City by repairing and improving the water resource systems of the city. Lastly, the local
government is involving the community by establishing workshops to encourage residents to
participate in the conservation program “Save Vigan Ancestral Homeowners Association
Incorporated”. The activities include educational seminars and youth activities that help bring
awareness in environmental conservation.

While these initiatives have significantly decreased the waste volume and improved waste
handling in Vigan, further advancements in recycling technology, composting facilities, and
public participation are essential. Increased efforts in these areas would not only enhance
environmental outcomes but also promote a cleaner and healthier city for residents and tourists,
addressing both land, air, and water pollution concerns. Through these ongoing projects, Vigan
City continues to make strides toward a sustainable and eco-friendly community, balancing
environmental protection with the needs of its growing urban population and vibrant tourism
sector.

ANALYSIS ON THE ADEQUACY OF GOVERNMENT ACTIONS

The Vigan City government’s collaboration with the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) to improve the Vigan Solid Waste Management Center is a key effort
to address pollution. Through compliance with Republic Act 9003, the "Ecological Solid Waste
Management Act of 2000," the city has established a policy-driven waste management
framework, targeting a 25 percent reduction in waste through reduction, reuse, and recycling
principles. Led by Mayor Juan Carlo S. Medina and Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica
Naz-Hipe, the center’s initiatives—such as effective waste segregation and disposal
programs—have visibly reduced landfill contributions. However, the city still faces challenges in
scaling up recycling and composting efforts, suggesting a need for further resources and
infrastructure to enhance waste processing and reduce landfill dependency.

To address air pollution, the city has taken steps that support both cultural preservation and
environmental sustainability. By promoting the use of traditional horse-drawn carriages and
restricting motorized vehicles on the historic cobblestone streets, Vigan preserves its heritage
while also reducing emissions in the city's core. This initiative limits vehicle access to
resident-owned cars, helping maintain cleaner air around the city’s heritage sites. Additionally,
Vigan employs sustainable urban planning practices to manage the environmental impact of
tourism and urban growth, balancing preservation with development. However, increased tourist
activity has brought challenges like noise pollution and localized air quality concerns,
highlighting the need for stricter zoning regulations and increased tourist education to safeguard
air quality.

Water resource management is another area where Vigan faces considerable hurdles. The city has
been working to address problems with aging sewage systems and the pollution caused by
agricultural runoff. Faulty sewage systems can lead to contamination of local water bodies, while

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pesticides and fertilizers from nearby farms further impact water quality. Although infrastructure
improvements and water system repairs are underway, these efforts require more funding and
stronger regulatory oversight to be fully effective.

While Vigan’s air pollution levels are not as severe as those of larger cities, monitoring and
controlling emissions from public transport and private vehicles is crucial as the city grows. The
local government’s current actions, such as emission checks and public education, are steps in
the right direction. However, additional eco-friendly transportation options could further reduce
air pollution, particularly if incentives are introduced to encourage the use of cleaner, sustainable
vehicles.

Through the implementation of waste management rules and initiatives like community clean-up
campaigns and designated garbage disposal zones, Vigan City addresses soil pollution. However,
there are frequent gaps in effective community engagement due to the lax implementation of
these policies and the lack of public awareness efforts. Results could be improved by
strengthening these through educational initiatives and more stringent enforcement. Ordinances
restricting noise in residential and historic districts help control noise pollution, but it can be
difficult to ensure compliance. These loopholes could be filled by bolstering monitoring systems
and raising public knowledge of noise limitations. Policies for wastewater concentrate on
appropriate sewage systems and waste treatment facilities, yet there are obstacles due to a lack of
funding for comprehensive infrastructure. Public-private partnerships and increased investment
in wastewater facilities could aid in filling these gaps.

In summary, Vigan City’s efforts to mitigate pollution reflect a proactive approach, integrating
waste management improvements, air quality measures, and urban planning into its sustainability
strategy. Nevertheless, areas such as recycling, composting, water infrastructure, and
eco-friendly transport still require increased resources, regulatory support, and public
involvement to maximize the long-term effectiveness of the city's environmental programs.

RECOMMENDATIONS
A number of environmental issues endanger the survival and distinctive legacy of Vigan
City, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Solid waste management is a
major problem since, in the absence of proper disposal methods, waste creation rises due to
population growth and tourism. Degradation of the historic landscape and contamination of
nearby waterways may arise from this circumstance. Additionally, Vigan is vulnerable to the
effects of climate change, including increased temperatures and more severe weather, which can
worsen flooding and cause infrastructural damage. Furthermore, the city's surrounding areas are
rapidly becoming more urbanized, which strains ecosystems and natural resources and results in
habitat loss and decreased biodiversity. Addressing these issues requires the use of efficient
environmental management techniques, such as strengthening urban planning, encouraging
sustainable tourism, and improving waste management procedures. In order to preserve the
cultural legacy that makes Vigan City special and to promote a sense of shared responsibility for
environmental protection, community involvement and education are also essential.

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Along with the problems with solid waste management, Vigan City is also facing air pollution,
mostly from burning biomass and vehicle emissions. There are various suggestions that might be
put into practice to alleviate these problems. First, emissions can be greatly decreased by
encouraging the use of greener modes of transportation, such bicycles and electric cars. To
guarantee compliance, the local government can also think about enforcing stronger automobile
emission regulations and conducting routine inspections. Furthermore, creating an eco-friendly
and effective public transportation system may persuade locals and visitors to choose shared
transportation over private vehicles.

Increasing the amount of green space in the city, such as parks and avenues lined with trees,
would be another smart move. These areas may assist improve the quality of the air by absorbing
pollutants and offering shade. The city might also launch awareness campaigns to inform citizens
about the negative health impacts of air pollution and promote actions like utilizing cleaner
cooking fuels and minimizing open burning of rubbish.

Additionally, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, in homes
and businesses can help reduce dependency on fossil fuels, which will improve air quality. Last
but not least, organizing frequent community clean-up campaigns and tree-planting events can
encourage a sense of accountability and ownership for preserving a cleaner environment. When
combined, these actions can greatly reduce Vigan City's air pollution while improving both
locals' and tourists' quality of life.

SUMMARY OF PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Environmental Government Actions Gap Analysis Recommendations

Problems/ to address the gaps
Pollution Policies/ Programs/
Regulations Projects

Air Air Quality - Lowering - Limited - Encourage the use

Control and vehicle infrastructure of electric or
Emissions emissions by for monitoring low-emission
Reduction prohibiting air quality automobiles,
Ordinance outsiders’ - Lack of especially for tourism
vehicles from necessary and public transit.
entering the resources for the - Boost the
cobblestone infrastructure enforcement of
street. - Inadequate regulations and
- Implementing public emission testing,
environmentally awareness particularly for
friendly tricycles and other
transportation public transportation
systems. vehicles.

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 - Stricter zoning
regulations should be
put in place in
popular tourist
locations to lessen air
pollution and noise.
- To improve air
quality and absorb
pollutants, plant trees
and establish green
buffers around
historic sites and
along key roadways.

Water Water Quality - Enhancing - Human error - To stop leaks and

and drainage in designing the water body
Conservation infrastructure water resource contamination, invest
Ordinance - Repairing systems in updating and
broken water - Lack of repairing aging
systems funding for the sewage
repair and infrastructure.
improvement of - Implement stricter
existing water regulations on the use
systems of fertilizers and
pesticides near water
sources, and promote
eco-friendly
alternatives among
farmers.
- To lessen
contamination from
surrounding urban
and agricultural
areas, create buffer
zones around rivers
and streams.
- Boost efforts to
monitor water quality
in order to promptly
locate and deal with
contamination
sources.

Soil Waste Community Lack of public - Establish stricter

management clean-up drives awareness and enforcement of the
regulations and limited regulations and put

19
 designated enforcement up education
disposal zones campaigns.

Solid Wastes Solid Waste Waste - Poor - Invest in more

Management segregation and implementation infrastructure to
based on recycling of solid waste boost organic waste
RA9003 initiative management composting and
“Ecological systems. recycling
Solid Waste - Insufficient capabilities.
Management solid waste - Run frequent
Act of 2000” management awareness programs
centers to to motivate locals
satisfy the and visitors to follow
generation of appropriate waste
garbage daily. segregation.
- To reduce landfill
contributions, offer
incentives to
businesses and
households who
efficiently reduce,
reuse, and recycle
their garbage.
- Allocate more
resources for waste
collection and
processing to
improve efficiency
and reduce waste
accumulation in
public spaces.

Noise Ordinances are Noise control in Inconsistent - Strengthen

imposed to residential and monitoring and monitoring systems
limit noise in historical zones compliance and raise public
key areas awareness.

Wastewater Sewage and Limited Insufficient Increase investment

waste treatment treatment infrastructure and pursue
requirement facilities and resources public-private
partnerships.

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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Vigan City's strategy for combating environmental pollution strikes a balance
between maintaining the city's cultural legacy and meeting contemporary urban demands,
exhibiting both proactive governance and a strong commitment to sustainability. A
comprehensive strategy to address air, water, and land pollution is reflected in the city's waste
management, water resource preservation, and air quality control activities. Vigan has improved
solid waste management through its cooperation with the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources and compliance with Republic Act 9003, although recycling and composting
still need to be improved. Additionally, encouraging eco-friendly mobility and restricting
automobile access in heritage zones help preserve cultural landmarks and air quality. Water
management is still difficult, with problems like improving sewage systems and controlling
agricultural runoff requiring more funding and supervision. Nevertheless, Vigan's dedication to
creating an environmentally sustainable city is demonstrated by these current initiatives as well
as upcoming upgrades. By addressing these issues, Vigan City sets an example for sustainable
urban planning in communities with a rich cultural legacy while also protecting the health of its
citizens and tourists.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The researchers would like to express a sincere gratitude to the following individuals who
supported the completion of this case study.

To our parents who gave support emotionally and financially in completion of this case study;

To our professor who guided us in completion of this case study in rightful manner;

Lastly, to God Almighty who guided our wisdom which helped build our idea in this case study.

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 ANNEXES
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