Expertise: Knowledge Management – Publication, Analytical Work, Sector Planning, Sector Assessment, Policy Dialogues, Support to Advancing Reforms
Expertise Group: Organization Management & Strategy Development
Consultant Source: International
TOR Keywords: master plan development, Integrated Water Resources Management
Objective and Purpose of the Assignment
The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) will mobilize consultancy services to develop the
Comprehensive Master Plan for Laguna De Bay (Laguna Lake) to address the rapid environmental
degradation, increasing wastewater pollution, and rapid urbanization and industrial growth facing the
region. The plan aims to update the 1995 Master Plan and ensure sustainable development of the largest
lake in the Philippines. The Comprehensive Master Plan will provide a strategic and organized approach
towards climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
Scope of Work
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has requested the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) to assist the LLDA in the development of the Comprehensive Master Plan through four tasks,
described as follows: (i) Support Procurement Process; (ii) Technical Advisory Services; (iii)
Participate in Technical Working Group (TWG); and (iv) Convene Final Workshop. To support this work and
the tasks in (i) – (iv), ADB will hire an international lake basin management specialist.
Detailed Tasks and/or Expected Output
Task 1. Support Procurement Process:
(i) Assist LLDA in the procurement process for selecting the consultancy firm to be mobilized by the
LLDA for the development of the Comprehensive Master Plan.
Task 2. Technical Advisory Services:
(i) Provide technical advisory services to LLDA and the consultancy firm during the master plan
development, including expert review and inputs on the consultancy firm’s deliverables;
(ii) Develop a Conceptual Framework for Laguna Lake basin in guiding the development of the Master Plan,
using the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach:
(a.) Identify and describe in depth the lake basin’s biophysical challenges and key drivers for
change; (i) review the impacts of water pollution (from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff,
untreated sewage, and solid waste disposal) to water quality in Laguna Lake, leading to eutrophication,
habitat degradation, and health risks for communities reliant on the lake for drinking water and
livelihoods; (ii) identify invasive species (such as water hyacinth and tilapia) disrupting the lake’s
ecological balance, outcompeting native species, clogging waterways, and affecting fisheries
productivity; (iii) review the impacts of overfishing, illegal fishing practices to the depletion of
fish stocks, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of aquatic habitats; (iv) climate change Impacts:
rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events associated with climate
change exacerbate existing challenges in Laguna Lake, including increased flooding, droughts, and
habitat loss, threatening the sustainability of water resources and local communities’ resilience; (v)
urban, industrial, connectivity, and energy development that impact on biophysical conditions of the
lake; (vi) identify various linkages between IWRM/water (quality and quantity), food, health, socio-
economic conditions and livelihoods
(b.) Identify key stakeholders for effective lake management: identify, analyze and map all the
relevant stakeholders including line departments, private interests, civil society organization,
academic and research institutions having roles and responsibility in lake’s water resource development
and management, including their areas of conflict or influence;
(c) Review and assess existing institutional and policy areas for lake management; identify,
analyze and map all the relevant stakeholders including line departments, private interests, civil
society organization, academic and research institutions having roles and responsibility in lake’s water
resource development and management, including their areas of conflict or influence;
(d) Review existing studies on Laguna Bay including (i) Laguna de Bay Basin Master Plan: “2016
and Beyond Towards Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development”, (ii) Framework for the New Laguna de
Bay Master Plan: “Laguna de Bay Basin 2020”; (iii) Laguna de Bay Basin: Land and Water Use and Physical
Development Plan 2011-2020; and (iv) other sectoral plans that are relevant to the lake management (i.e.
water supply and sanitation, connectivity, energy, agriculture, watershed management)
(e) Develop an IWRM Conceptual Framework for Laguna Lake; proposing visions, objectives, key
issues, risks, main areas of focus, etc. Adopting an IWRM approach that considers the interconnectedness
of social, economic, and environmental factors in lake management decision-making, fostering holistic
and sustainable solutions. The draft Conceptual Framework shall inform the work and deliverables of the
consulting firm, and shall include but not limited to: (i) identification of methods, processes,
resources and actions to advance IWRM for better lake management; (ii) recommendations and measures to
develop cross sectoral linkages and synergies in water resources and land management, time lines, costs,
capacity building and institutional responsibility; (ii) identification of how future threats from
climate change (based on the climate risk assessment) and future demands based on development trends and
economic projections will impact the availability and resulting ability of supply to meet demand. Make
recommendations to address identified risks; (iii) A mechanism or plan for monitoring the impact of
recommended actions and interventions; (iv) summary of relevant international lessons for integrated
lake management based on key case studies in the context established legislative frameworks (i.e., the
European Water Framework Directive).Underpinning principles to inform the Conceptual Framework include
but are not limited to: [1.] Monitoring and Decision Support System: Implement a robust monitoring
system to track water levels, pollution sources, and land use changes; Utilize data-driven insights to
inform decision-making and adaptive management practices; Regular monitoring of water quality parameters
such as pH, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, and pollutants to ensure compliance with water quality
standards and identify potential risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. [2.] Establishing and
enforcing regulatory frameworks for pollution control: Develop and enforce regulations to prevent
pollution from industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and other sources; Implementing measures to
control and prevent pollution from various sources such as industrial discharges, agricultural runoff,
and urban wastewater to maintain the ecological integrity of the lake; as well as policies governing
lake water management to ensure compliance with environmental standards, and protect water resources.
[3.] Land Use Planning and Zoning: Create a comprehensive land use plan that balances economic
development with environmental conservation; Implement zoning regulations to restrict certain activities
near the lake, such as construction and waste disposal; Encourage sustainable practices in agriculture
and urban development to minimize negative impacts on the lake ecosystem. [4.] Aquatic Ecosystem
Conservation: Protecting and conserving the lake’s aquatic ecosystems including habitats for fish,
aquatic plants, and wildlife through measures such as habitat restoration, conservation areas, and
biodiversity management. [5.] Invasive Species Management: Monitoring and controlling invasive species
that can disrupt the lake’s ecosystem and threaten native biodiversity through measures such as
surveillance, eradication, and prevention of further introductions. [6.] Economic Valuation and Payment
Schemes: Evaluate the economic value of ecosystem services provided by the lake, including fisheries and
tourism. Explore payment for ecosystem services (PES) mechanisms to incentivize conservation efforts and
sustainable land use practices. [7.] Long-Term Financing and Funding: Identify sustainable funding
sources for implementing IWRM initiatives, including public-private partnerships and international
support. Allocate resources for ongoing monitoring, maintenance, and adaptive management to ensure the
long-term sustainability of Laguna Lake’s water resources. [8.] Climate Change Adaptation: Assess
vulnerabilities to climate change, including rising temperatures and extreme weather events; Develop
strategies to adapt water management practices accordingly, such as adjusting reservoir operations and
diversifying water sources; Consider resilient infrastructure investments, such as flood control
measures and water storage facilities. [9.] Governance, Community Engagement and Stakeholder
Participation: Establish a multi-stakeholder committee comprising government agencies, local
communities, NGOs, and private sector representatives; Define roles, responsibilities, and decision-
making processes to ensure effective governance; Regularly convene meetings to discuss lake management
strategies and foster collaboration; Promoting sustainable water use practices among various
stakeholders including agriculture, industry, and households to ensure equitable access to water
resources while minimizing environmental impacts;: Engaging local communities, indigenous groups, and
other stakeholders in lake management decision-making processes, fostering collaboration, and promoting
sustainable resource use practices. [10.] Capacity Building and Education: Provide training programs on
IWRM principles for local communities, government officials, and water managers; Raise awareness about
the importance of Laguna Lake and the need for sustainable water resource management practices.
(f) Identify investment opportunities for lake rehabilitation and infrastructure development,
based on the review/public consultations and in close collaboration with the consultancy firm.
Task 3. Participate in Technical Working Group (TWG):
(i) Join the multi-stakeholder Technical Working Group (TWG), consisting of DENR, LLDA, ADB, and other
relevant key stakeholders, for the master plan development.
(ii) Collaborate with TWG members to ensure alignment of strategies, methodologies, and recommendations
with the overall objectives of the Comprehensive Master Plan.
- Task 4. Convene Final Workshop:
(i) Assist ADB in convening a final workshop in partnership with DENR and LLDA to present and launch the
Comprehensive Master Plan.
(ii) Facilitate discussions and presentations to stakeholders, gather feedback, and finalize the Master
Plan document for adoption and implementation.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
(i) Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in water resources management, environmental science, hydrology,
or a related field.
(ii) At least 15 years of experience in lake basin management, water resources management, or
environmental planning, with demonstrated expertise in developing master plans and strategies for
sustainable development.
(iii) Experience in Asia and the Philippines is preferable.
(iv) Proven experience in providing technical advisory services, facilitating multi-stakeholder
processes, and coordinating with government agencies, international organizations and/or multilateral
development banks.
(v) Strong knowledge of the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approaches and its application
in lake basin management.
(vi) Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage and
collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
(vii) Fluency in written and spoken English.
Minimum General Experience: 15 Years
Minimum Specific Experience (relevant to assignment): 15 Years
