IDIS
IDIS is an environmental non-government organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of Davao’s watersheds.
It has been registered as a non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchanges Commission (SEC) since March 29,1999.
IDIS opposes the intensive pesticide use in monocrop agribusinesses since it pollutes and destroys water resources, the health of people and the environment.
IDIS supports sustainable ecological farming and is committed to empowering people in defense of their right to a life in a clean and healthy environment.
IDIS Organizational Brochure
Our Beginnings
The founders of Interface Development Interventions believed that no one player can bring development alone, hence the importance of “interfacing” with various sectors whether POs, NGOs, or government.
Interface may refer to the interconnections between systems or human beings or a thing or circumstance that enables separate or sometimes incompatible elements to coordinate effectively. Interfacing means bringing together, connecting or synchronizing.
For more than eighteen years, IDIS has done just that, establishing itself as the crucial link for interface to happen among various stakeholders to realize the vision and mission of clean water and healthy watersheds for Davao city.
From the start, the founders decided they would not establish a people’s organization but instead will work with the existing organizations in the community including cooperatives, women’s groups, and the church. They want to work with them in an integrated area development, replicating the integrated NGO network in Antique where our founders were from.
They developed a framework with 8 key result areas which included culture, environment, gender and agriculture for interfacing of players in Baguio district. But one thing soon became apparent. Baguio was a great rural district, people had their farms but the plantations were expanding. It became clear that the environmental issue was becoming alarming and a lot of action was needed to address it. And that set the pace for the start of IDIS’ advocacy work, with th campaign for the banning of aerial spraying in banana plantations.
Milestones
1999: | Strategic Environmental Analysis (SEAN): The conduct of the first Strategic Environmental Analysis (SEAN) process, a tool for mainstreaming environmental assessment in local development planning, a first in the Philippines, with partners from Agusan del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao City. |
2000: | Agribusiness Plantations in the Uplands (APU): The Mount APO-wide Consultation with people’s organisations and NGOs resulting in the 2000 Manifest of Concerns and Demands regarding expansion of Agribusiness Plantations in the Uplands (APU). |
2002: | Banning Aerial Spraying in Baguio District: IDIS’ lobby succeeded in DENR-EMB formally disallowing aerial spraying of chemical pesticides in plantations in Baguio District, as a provision in Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC’s), based on objections and health concerns of local communities. |
2003: | “Tanaman sa mga Bantugan - The Garden of the Brave”: A full length musical theatre play staged during Bgy. Tawantawan’s 37th anniversary fiesta, attended by 600+ people from all over Baguio District. It focused on local history, culture and plantation issues. The play was hailed by media as a milestone in Mindanao’s community theatre: a local story acted out by local community talents and performed for local audiences on several occasions. Davao cultural artists helped make the performances possible as trainers, choreographers, script & song writers. |
2004: | Comprehensive Terrain Analysis of the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. IDIS lobbied for, supported and financed the study to identify geo-hazards, groundwater resources, and environmentally critical areas. Conducted by the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau (MGB), the study affirmed the watershed’s importance as source of surface water for Davao City. |
2005: | Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring. IDIS pioneered formation of the only community-based water quality monitoring team composed of Bantayo Aweg volunteers (youth and local barangay leaders) sustained for 15 years now. Basic parameters are monitored for Panigan-Tamugan rivers as indicators of pesticide and fertilizer use, of improper waste disposal, and of other human activities in the upland areas. Findings have led to calls for organic farming methods and plantation buffer zones. |
2007: | the Ordinance banning aerial spraying in whole of Davao City Persistent lobby resulted in a Davao City Ordinance, banning aerial spraying of pesticides, particularly in banana plantations. Even though the Supreme Court overturned the ordinance in 2016, the health and environmental reasons for controlling aerial spraying remain valid. |
2007: | the Watershed Code was passed protecting watersheds where development of any sort is prohibited to ensure sustainability of the city’s water supply. |
Since 2008: | Pesticide related studies. IDIS mobilized government, non-government organizations and private sector to conduct research that helped awaken public’s consciousness on the dangers plantations pose to polluting water sources: (1) DCWD, Pesticide Analytical Laboratory and Ateneo de Davao University for a scientific study to monitor the presence of pesticides in Panigan-Tamugan watershed; (2) DOST, DOH, DepEd, BPI-PAL three communities, DCWD, Ateneo de Davao University and Pesticide Action Network-Philippines for a follow-up study monitoring presence of pesticides in the air and three schools were capacitated to collect air samples; and (3) Kalusugan Alang sa Bayan, Davao Medical Foundation, Davao Medical Society, Brokenshire College, and Foundation for the Philippine Environment for study on Health Condition of Women in Banana Plantation Areas published in an international journal. |
2010: | Davao City Organic Agriculture Ordinance passed, ahead of national law, and the anti-GMO campaign and uprooting of BT talong in UP Mindanao as an assertion of the ordinance. |
Starting 2011: | IDIS lobby led to Civil Society Interface with DENR Region XI: yearly ongoing sessions to discuss and push for government action on environmental issues and concerns encountered in the field. |
Starting 2012: | Watershed Stakeholders Summits yearly ongoing interaction gathering government and non-government players for presentations, discussions and action on the state and threats to Davao’s watersheds. |
Since 2012: | Lunhaw Awards and Lunhaw Network/Conversations: yearly ongoing recognition and promotion of environment-friendly initiatives of households, organizations/institutions and Barangay-LGU-level. Lobby led to Lunhaw Awards becoming mainstreamed and formally recognized and supported by the Davao City government starting 2018. |
Since 2012: | Mount Tipolog Reforestation. Initiated reforestation of 60 hectares in Mt. Tipolog, one of the major watershed recharge areas and rehabilitation of riparian forests to prevent soil erosion in riverbanks and protect water quality of rivers. |
2012: | Bantay Bukid recognized. Bantay Bukid volunteers were recognized and deputized by the City Government and DENR to serve as frontliners in the protection of Panigan-Tamugan watershed. Starting September 2017, they received monthly financial incentives, capacity building and support for patrolling and monitoring functions. |
2013: | Davao Shrine Hills was rezoned as the city’s first protected Urban Ecological Enhancement Sub-Zone (UEESZ) after 7 years of lobby and action and in 2018, the proposed amendment in the Davao City Zoning Ordinance, to include the promotion of and support for POPOS (Privately Owned and Publicly-Accessible Open Spaces) in the UEESZ was approved. |
2014-2015: | Rainwater Harvesting implementation. Pushed for the implementation of the Davao City Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance since its enactment in 2009. IDIS likewise conducted research in 2014 and 2018 to identify gaps and help City Government improve monitoring of its compliance. |
2015: | Ten percent green space requirement: Housing subdivisions developers are required to allot 10% of the area for green space over and above the required percentage for open spaces for canals, roads and amenities as part of the provisions of the newly Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Amended Zoning Ordinance of Davao City. |
2015: | No Mining in Davao City. Passage of an ordinance closing-off Davao City to Mining Operations. The ordinance prohibits any and all forms of mining operation in any area within the territorial jurisdiction of Davao City, except rocks and mineral substances classified under quarry resources. |
2016: | Launching of the Sustainable Davao Movement - SDM (formerly Green Davao Coalition in 2013) to enhance active participation of Civil Society Organizations (CSO) in lobbying government and in promoting and acting on Agenda 2030 (the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals). |
2018: | Barangay Sibulan declared as the First Agricultural Organic Zone in Davao City. |
2018: | marked the start of IDIS expansion from Davao City to South Central Mindanao: co-organizing the first Urban Development Summit with Tagum City LGU, conducting the community-based water monitoring project in Compostela and the first South Cotabato Youth Summit. |
VMGs
OUR VISION
All peoples are stakeholders who have the right and duty to care for healthy watersheds.
OUR MISSION
IDIS advocates for the protection and management of life-sustaining watersheds, from ridge-to-reef, in South-Central Mindanao.
OUR GOALS
- Expanded and conducive policy environment for the protection and management of watersheds
- Replicable practices of watershed protection and management and sustainable living
- Broad environmental partnerships strengthened in advocating for watershed protection and sustainable living
- A resilient and vibrant IDIS
Staff
CHINKIE PELIÑO-GOLLE
Executive Director
With over 16 years experience in environmental advocacy, Chinkie leads IDIS in its expansion of operations from Davao City to South Central Mindanao this 2018. At IDIS, she honed her skills in campaign management, environmental policy advocacy and events organizing. She has maintained her expertise in the field through continuous education on water resource management, legal strategies on environmental issues and leadership and management in reputable institutions both here and abroad. She is currently pursuing her Master in Environmental Planning at University of Mindanao. Read Chinkie’s full bio here
JIMSON L. SOLIJON
Accounts Management Specialist
Jimson has five years of experience in financial accounting both in the corporate and non-profit sectors. He joined IDIS in 2013 and since then has ensured strict compliance and implementation of financial policies. Having embraced the concept of sustainable living, Jimson dreams of managing his own farm someday. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration major in Financial Management from Holy Cross College of Calinan and passed CSC eligibility as a Career Service Professional. Read Jimson’s full bio here
ROWENA CATADA
Administrative and Finance Officer
The things Weng enjoyed as a child are the very same things that IDIS is trying to protect and sustain for the future generation.This is why Weng grabbed the opportunity to work with IDIS when a door opened.When she came to IDIS in 2014, she brought in 8 years of experience in administration and finance along with a high level of integrity and reliability after working for both an NGO and private company. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commerce major in Management Accounting from Holy Cross College of Calinan and finished a short-term course on Advance and Entrepreneurial Finance from the Asian Institute of Management. Read Weng’s full bio here
ATTY. MARK T. PEÑALVER
Program Coordinator
Atty. Mark passed the BAR exams in 2017 and brings to IDIS his environmental law background, a much needed expertise to an organization engaged in environmental policy advocacy. As a law graduate and former Vice President of University of Mindanao Legal Advocacy Network (ULAN), he leverages his legal knowledge as Policy Advocacy Specialist and now the Program Coordinator of the organization.Mark finished his Bachelor of Laws from University of Mindanao in 2014 and his AB in Mass Communication from Ateneo de Davao University in 2010. He plans to take up his Master’s Degree in Environmental and International Law. Read Mark’s full bio here
JUDY ANN ENRIQUEZ LEGASPI
Watershed Network Organizer
Joy started her engagement with IDIS as a Community Forestry Coordinator for the Upscaling Community Action and Response for the Protection of Panigan-Tamugan and Talomo-Lipadas Watersheds project where she worked with the Bantay Bukids of Mt. Tipolog, one of whom eventually became her husband. She brings to IDIS 7 years experience in community organizing, natural resources management and capacity building handling numerous projects with farmer communities for Josefa Segovia Foundation. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture Technology from Rizal Memorial Colleges. Read Joy’s full bio here
REY ANTHONY A. SAPID
Community Organizer
Rey has served as a volunteer of IDIS since he was in high school. He became a full-time staff of the organization in 2016, working on the Disaster Response and Preparedness special project. He now serves as the coordinator for the Bantay Bukid providing technical support, monitoring and linkaging functions between them and the City Government of Davao and other concerned agencies. He’s been actively involved in various volunteer and paid engagements that exposed him to community development work. Rey is set to complete his Bachelor’s Degree in Community Development from University of Southeastern Philippines. Read Rey’s full bio here
LEMUEL IBAÑEZ-MANALO
Environmental Research Specialist
Lem was Ateneo de Davao University’s Ecoteneo Student Unit Head leading university-wide campaigns to protect the seas, particularly Davao Gulf, from waste pollution. Driven with this passion, he dedicated to work only for the environment. In 2015, he joined IDIS as Media Advocacy Specialist. He now leads the development and implementation of IDIS’ research agenda, having successfully completed the assessment of permeable pavements in Davao City and presented it at the 2018 Malaysia Flood Protection, Recovery and Response Conference in Kuala Lumpur. He currently studies Environmental Resources Management at University of the Southeastern Philippines. Read Lem’s full bio here
JILL LUZ D. GAMBOA
Partnership Building Specialist
Jill comes to IDIS with a diverse background in disaster and emergency response and community development. She has worked for the International Committee for the Red Cross where she was involved in emergency relief for victims of Typhoon Pablo and Zamboanga siege. She also worked for Save the Children International where she provided assistance in their operations in South Central Mindanao. She is a graduate of Community Development in 2010 and is pursuing her MS Development Administration at University of Southeastern Philippines. Read Jill’s full bio here
FLORENCE C. BAULA
Knowledge Management Specialist
Florence grew up in Iloilo City, studied and worked in Manila but has always wanted to move to Mindanao. So when an opportunity came to join IDIS, she immediately left Manila and transferred to Davao. She handled communications and knowledge management for both government and non-government organizations working for DSWD, the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, Non-Timber Forest Products Exchange Program and FFI Philippines. She is a graduate of Development Communication from UP Los Baños and is pursuing her MA in Anthropology at the Ateneo de Davao University. Read Florence’s full bio here
BOT
2016-2018 Board of Trustees
Marides Gardiola – Chair
Tito Ilagan – Vice Chair
Mary Ann Fuertes – Secretary
Mila Teves – Treasurer
Members:
Fr. Stanley Y. Young, MJ
Arnold Vandenbroeck
Lia Jasmin Esquillo
Partners
OUR FUNDING PARTNERS:
DKA Austria – Dreikönigsaktion, Hilfswerk der Katholischen Jungschar
Foundation for the Philippine Environment
IDIS as NGO Representative to Local Special Bodies:
Watershed Management Council
City Development Council
Local Zoning Review Committee
Technical Committee on Organic Agriculture
Participatory Guarantee System Committee
Davao River Basin Management Alliance
Airshed Governing Board
Water Quality Management Governing Board
Davao City Convergence Initiative
Local / Community-based Networks:
Sustainable Davao Movement
Lunhaw Network
Go Organic Davao City
PGS Advocates – Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) Advocates
Mamayang Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying
Bantay Bukid
Bantayo Aweg
Regional and National Networks:
Philippine Watershed Management Coalition
EcoWaste Coalition
PMPI-Davao Region Cluster – Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) Davao Cluster
DKA-Misereor
MMAID Consortium (with MAGI, MinLAND, AdDU APILA, and DMSF)
Go Organic Mindanao
Regional, National and International Networks:
International POPs [persistent organic pollutants] Elimination Network (IPEN)