Santa Rosa Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan

Final Report
PART I - Situational Analysis

2.0 THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

2.1 Key Concerns

Flooding

Flooding occurs along the lakeside of the municipality in Barangays Caingin,

Aplaya and Sinalhan. During periods of flood, solid waste that has not been
properly disposed of, whether on land or in waterways, finds its way to the lake.
Not only does this further detriment the quality of the lake, it endangers the
health of the people.

Depletion of Groundwater Resources

Ten of the 18 barangays rely on the Cabuyao-Santa Rosa-Bian Waterworks

System sourced from the springs of Matang Tubig in Cabuyao (Comprehensive
Town Plan, Santa Rosa, Laguna). The remaining barangays rely on deep wells,
artesian well, open wells and springs. As can be seen, the majority of water
comes from underground sources. The depletion of such sources is a result of
the increasing demand for water by residential, industrial and commercial
sectors. Aside from the demand, the quality decreases as leachate from
dumpsites, industries, oil spills and septic tanks infiltrate into aquifers.

Pollution of Laguna Lake

Considering the expected depletion of groundwater resources due to effects of

increasing population, industrialisation and commercialisation, Laguna Lake is
seen as a potential source for potable water. At present, the environmental
quality of Laguna Lake is only suitable for fisheries and aquaculture otherwise
categorised as Class C (Annual Water Quality Report on the Laguna de bay and
Its Tributary Rivers, Laguna Lake Development Authority, 1996). This is in part
due to land activities resulting in contaminated surface run-off draining into rivers
and streams before flowing into the lake. To diminish the lakes role as a
pollution sink, the LLDA formulated the Laguna de Bay Comprehensive Water
Quality Management Plan. Since its implementation, the lake has undergone
considerable improvement. However, the plans continued success is highly
dependent on the participation of all bordering municipalities.

Saltwater Intrusion to the Lake

At the end of the dry season, the level of Laguna Lake is lower than that of
Manila Bay. Consequently, a reversal flow from the saltwater bay into the
freshwater lake occurs. However, the presence of the hydraulic control structure
in the Napindan channel prevents seasonal backflow. In 1996, LLDA undertook
a water quality study that concluded that saltwater intrusion was not a significant
problem. Therefore, saltwater intrusion is not perceived as a problem so long as
the flow control channel is operational. On the other hand, the hydraulic control
structure prevents the periodic presence of saltwater to control algal blooms
contributing to the lakes turbidity.

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Fault Lines Within the Municipality

The southwestern portion of the municipality lies amid the Marikina Valley Fault
system. Future developments should avoid establishment within 5 metres of the
fault line (according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology).
Occurrence of earthquakes and other natural calamities cannot be prevented but
the damage may be minimised if adequate safety precautions are put in place.

Air and noise Pollution

Air and noise pollution is expected to increase as the number of industries

increase and traffic congestion worsens. Communities situated near the
industrial establishments are prone to the impacts of the air and noise pollution.

Solid Waste Management

Solid waste remains a critical problem to the municipality. At present, one Isuzu
dumptruck services Barangays Aplaya, Balibago, Caingin, Dila, Dita, Ibaba,
Labas, Kanluran, Malusak, Market Area, Pooc, Sinalhan and Tagapo.
There is no dumpsite maintained by the municipality so wastes are thrown in a
dumpsite located in the adjoining municipality of Cabuyao. The remaining
barangays resort to open burning, dumping, burying and disposing into
waterways. Solid waste management can be considered inefficient.

Liquid Waste

The entire municipality lacks liquid waste treatment facilities. The municipality
resorts to discharging wastes into surface waters, local rivers and creeks.
Consequently, Santa Rosa contributes to the unfavourable Class C status of
Laguna Lake.

2.2 Terrestrial Environment

2.2.1 Geography and Location

Santa Rosa, Laguna is located within 1216' latitude and 14.19' longitude, 40
kilometres south of Manila. It is bounded on the northwest by Bian, on the south
and southwest by Cabuyao and on the west by the province of Cavite. Bordering
the northeast is Laguna de Bay.

The municipality is linked to Metro Manila and other southern provinces by the
South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), the Manila South Road and the Philippine
National Railroad southline. From the SLEX interchange, the municipality can be
accessed through a national road leading to the adjacent municipality of Silang,
Cavite. Water transport to the nearby coastal towns is also available.

2.2.2 Geo-physical Attributes

Topography

Santa Rosa covers a total land area of 5,543 hectares. It is almost entirely plain
with 97.89% of its total land area having slopes ranging from 0.0 to 2.5%
indicating level to nearly level lands. Only about 114 hectares or 2.06% of the

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total land area of the municipality is subject to erosion.

Geology

Two types of rocks are found in Santa Rosa: clastic and alluvium rocks.

Clastic rocks consist of inter-bedded shale and sandstone with occasional thin
lenses of limestone, as well as tuff and reworked sandy tuffs and partly
tuffaceous shale. These formations are located in the southwestern portion of the
municipality where Sto. Domingo, Don Jose, and portions of Pulong Sta. Cruz
and Malitlit are situated.

Alluvium rocks are found in the remainder of the municipality including the
Poblacion. These rocks consist of an unconsolidated mixture of gravel, sand, silt
and clay.

Soil

Santa Rosa has four series of soil types. In order of decreasing quantity, these
are: Lipa series, Guadalupe series, Carmona series, and Quingus series.

The Lipa Series

The Lipa soils span deep as it provides moderately well to well drainage
capabilities. The terrain is characteristically undulating to rolling. Both the
estimated hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rates are moderate. Specific
to the municipality is the Lipa loam type of soil, which has the best physical
characteristics among the soil types found in the province of Laguna.

The subsurface soil is characteristically brown to dark-brown in appearance.

Other attributes signify it as a mallow, loose and very friable fine granular
loam. Its horizontal boundary is smooth and clear. Subsoil is a dark brown
clay of a friable fine granular tuffessus material with concretions and an
irregular and abrupt boundary. The substratum is highly weathered tuff mixed
with tuffaceous gravels and concretions. Its boundary is broken and abrupt.

The Guadalupe Series

As a surface layer, the soil is very dark brown to nearly black in colour with an
average depth of 20 centimetres. The undisturbed soil is hard and compact
and bakes easily when dry. When cultivated, the soil becomes plastic and
sticky when wet. When dry, it is coarse, granular and cloddy.

As a subsoil, it is clay, finely granular and sticky when wet. Its colour is lighter
that that of the surface soil. The soil is underlain with a zone of volcanic tuff
material with crevices filled with dark coloured soil leached from percolation
through the surface soil. The substratum is primarily massive volcanic tuff. Its
topography is undulating to rolling while erosion is most probable.

Guadalupe series covers about 1,296 hectares or 23.38% of the

municipalitys total land area situated in Dita, Pooc, Labas, Tagapo, Balibago,
Market Area, Caingin and in the adjacent portions of Macabling, Pulong Sta.

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Cruz, Dita, Malusak, Kanluran and Ibaba.

The Carmona Series

Carmona series soils are derived from the weathered product of volcanic tuff
material. Generally, this series of soils is shallow to moderately deep
occurring in rolling to strongly rolling contours evidently eroded with slopes.
Drainage properties are poor as hydraulic conductivity is moderately slow. In
Santa Rosa, there are two soil types within the Carmona series. These are
Carmona clay loam and Carmona sandy loam.

Carmona clay loam as a surface layer is brown to light grayish-brown clay

loam with few concretions possessing a smooth clear boundary. The subsoil
is brown to light-grayish brown clay with tufferneous material and concretions
with a boundary comparable to that of the surface layer. Substratum is light
yellowish brown to light grayish-brown in colour. It is highly weathered tuff
with concretions. The topography is gently undulating to slightly rolling with
drainage from fair to poor.

Carmona Sandy Clay Loam as a surface layer is pale brown to gray sandy
clay with plenty of concretions. It is friable when moderately dry. When wet, it
is sticky and pinetic. As subsoil, it is pale brown to yellowish gray plastic clay
when wet, with plenty of dark brown and reddish brown concretions. When
dry, it is hard and compact. As substratum, it is highly weathered tuffaceous
material.

The Carmona Series covers 217 hectares or 3.92% of the municipalitys land
area along the western edge of Sto. Domingo and the western portion of
Macabling.

The Quingus Series

Quingus series is generally very deep. The well-drained soils occur on level
to nearly level terrain as well as on river levees of the alluvial landscape.
Hydraulic conductivity is moderately slow as the basic infiltration rate is
moderate.

Surface soil is typically light brown. At times, it is pale brown when along the
river bank. It is usually loose and very seldom compact, except in undisturbed
and higher areas. Subsoil is characteristically light brown with heavier
materials than the surface soil.

Quingus series, specifically the Quinga fine sandy loam type of soil covers
2.34 hectares of land along the lakeshore in Sinalhan and Aplaya and in
portions of Tagapo, Ibaba, Kanluran, Malusak, Market Area and Caingin.

Erosion

Since Santa Rosa is a generally flat area, it is characterised by none to slight

erosion. Out of the total land area, only 114 hectares or 2.06% is subject to slight
erosion. The area most susceptible to erosion is the southwestern tip of Sto.
Domingo.

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2.2.3 Geologic Hazards

Earthquake Hazard

The region of Laguna is strongly faulted given the presence of the Marikina
Valley Fault which traverses a north-south direction. The fault is disrupted by a
number of minor steep faults along its course that is reflective of the volcanic
activity relative to the area. Earthquakes are a hazard in Santa Rosa as the West
Marikina Valley Fault traverses Sto. Domingo.

Flood Hazard

Floodplains of the municipality sprawl a total area of 302 ha. Situated in this zone
are Sinalhan, Aplaya and Caingin, and in portions of Tagapo, Ibaba, Labas,
Pooc, Dila and Dita.

Slight seasonal run-off flooding is characterised by accumulated shallow run-off

flood, which subsides within a short period ranging from a few hours to three
days. This occurs in low to moderately low flood plains situated in Kanluran,
Malusak and Ibaba. Floods in these areas are due to run off accumulation
coming from surrounding elevated areas, their low physiographic positions, poor
infiltration, permeability characteristics and drainability outlet. These areas are
perceived as poor for urban uses. Flood limitation could be minimised by proper
and adequate drainage planning for draining unnecessary water.

Moderate seasonal flooding is characterised by more frequent and deeper run-off

water. Subsistence of floodwater takes a week to a few months. This condition is
observed along the lakeshore in Caingin, Aplaya and Sinalhan and in the
adjacent northeastern tip of Ibaba, Market Area and Tagapo. These areas serve
as the catchment of water coming from the higher areas and are characterised
by poor drainability outlets, very low infiltration and hydraulic conductivity.

2.3 Water Resources

2.3.1 Surface Water

Rivers, Lakes, and Springs

The Santa Rosa River is sourced from the watersheds of neighbouring Cavite.
The river acts as a natural boundary from the municipality of Bian before it
drains into Laguna Lake. DENR categorises the river as class C, meaning it is
only suitable for aquaculture, fisheries, recreation and extraction for industrial
uses.

The municipality is principally drained by Santa Rosa River, Diezmo River and
Cabuyao River which all flow from the mountainous area of Silang, Cavite
towards Laguna Lake. Serving as natural boundaries between Santa Rosa and
Cabuyao are the Diezmo River and Cabuyao River.

The Laguna Lake

Ebbing the northeastern shores of Santa Rosa is the largest lake in the

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Philippines, Laguna de Bay also referred to as Laguna Lake. The lake has a total
surface area of 90,000 hectares, an average depth of 2.8 metres, and a total
volume of 3.2 billion cubic meters. There are 21 tributaries contributing to the
lake and among these are the rivers of Santa Rosa.

Thus far, the lake is only suitable for aquaculture, fisheries, recreational activities
and industrial uses. Although the lake is naturally euphoric and highly productive,
it is polluted as a result of human activities in the watershed carried via tributaries
or directly into the lake. For example, the discharge of raw sewage into
waterways is transported to the lake thus contributing to excessive ammonia, a
cause of fish kills.

Surface Water Quality

Neither the DENR nor the LLDA monitors Santa Rosa Rivers water quality.
However, an Environmental Impact Study conducted for the proposal of the
Santa Rosa Business Park undertook a water quality study. The study
concluded that the Santa Rosa river exhibited very good upstream quality but
poor downstream quality.

The lake, however, has undergone extensive and continuing study because of its
role as the most significant resource in the area. In 1996, the LLDA conducted a
water quality study which monitored several points in the lake and within selected
tributary rivers. The station in closest proximity to Santa Rosa was Station 1 or
the West Bay located south of the mouth of Pasig River and northeast of the
municipality. The study did not include sampling within the municipality itself.
However, since the only outlet for the bay is the Pasig River, it is conceivable that
any negative impacts of Santa Rosa to the Lake can somewhat be implied by
quality monitored at this point. Temperature stayed within allowable limits as did
pH, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand,
nitrate, ammonia, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, chloride, oil and
grease, chromium, and copper.

2.3.2 Groundwater

The types of rocks lain beneath the municipality are clastic and alluvium, both
known for good water bearing abilities. As such, the area possesses fair to good
groundwater resource.

Groundwater Quality

The quality of ground water is questionable as a result of waste disposal

methods. The municipality generally openly dumps solid waste either in vacant
lots, dump sites and waterways while liquid wastes are directly discharged into
waterbodies. In any case, leachate infiltrates into groundwater sources or
intrudes via channels.

2.4 Climate

The climate of the area is characterised by two pronounced seasons dry from
November to April and wet for the rest of the year.

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2.4.1 Temperature and Humidity

Mean annual temperature is 27.6C and is relatively cool due to the sites
elevation and favourable airshed condition. The warmest month is May with an
average of 30.0C while the coolest month is January with an average
temperature of 25.0C.

Average relative humidity, the measure of the moisture content of the

atmosphere is 80% in Santa Rosa. This makes the municipality fairly cooler than
the Metropolitan Manila area where average relative humidity exceeds 81.0%.

2.4.2 Wind Speed and Direction

Northeasterly winds prevail during the months of October through February.

Winds come from the southeast during March and April. Southerly winds prevail
during May while from June through September southwesterly winds prevail. The
average speed of winds is 5 kilometres per hour.

2.4.3 Rainfall and Rainfall Intensity

Annual average rainfall is notably 1,950 millimetres. The maximum rainfall occurs
in October while minimum rainfall is gauged at 2 millimetres. Though the
municipality is located in a region subject to typhoons, Santa Rosa is hardly
affected due to protection from the outlying mountain areas.

2.5 Air Quality

Neither DENR nor the LLDA monitor air quality in the municipality. However, an
investigation was conducted in 1994 for EIS purposes. Although dated, the study
concluded air quality to be well within allowable limits.

2.6 Waste Management

2.6.1 Solid Wastes

Solid waste remains a problem for the municipality. Figures project solid waste
generation to 42,474 kilograms/day by the year 2000. The generation will surely
increase two-fold with anticipated industrial development. The problem is most
critical in the Poblacion area and market places. At present, one dumptruck
services 13 barangays (Aplaya, Balibago, Caingin, Dila, Dita, Ibaba, Labas,
Kanluran, Malusak, Market Area, Pooc, Sinalhan and Tagapo). The waste
materials gathered by these trucks are transported to the municipality of
Cabuyao where the nearest dumpsite is located. This site is located in a low and
eroded lot. The remaining barangays resort to open burning, dumping, burying
and disposing into waterways. Solid waste management can be considered
inadequate and inefficient. Allowing the municipalitys solid waste management
practices to continue promotes major problems like vector diseases, polluted
waterways, contaminated aquifers and increased flooding. There exists an
obvious need for a sanitary landfill site away from any waterbodies to improve
present conditions.

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2.6.2 Liquid Wastes

The entire municipality lacks wastewater treatment facilities. The municipality

resorts to discharging wastes into surface waters like local rivers and creeks.
Consequently, Santa Rosa contributes to the unfavourable Class C status of
Laguna Lake.

2.7 Land Suitability Assessment

Assessment of the planning areas land suitability identifies physical and

preservation constraint features allowing a more precise evaluation of urban
development opportunities. Several maps follow which identify and/or determine
the environmentally critical areas in the municipality. The succeeding maps
feature the physical and environmental characteristics of the municipality
translated into various degree of constraints.

References to accurately delineate critical areas include: the Comprehensive

Development Town Plan of Santa Rosa, the CALA Urban Development and
Environmental Management Plan (Phase 2), Soil Survey and Classification of the
Province of Laguna, and the Study on Municipal Water Supply Project in the
Republic of the Philippines: CabuyaoSanta RosaBian, Laguna.

Physical and environmental features considered include land formation, soil,

slope/soil erosion, drainage condition, water catchment/water area, river
preservation, industrial area, geologic hazards, and land suitability.

2.7.1 Land Formation (Figure 2.1)

Three categories of land formations constitute the area of Santa Rosa. These
are the lacustrine alluvial plains, broad alluvial plains, and the undulating
tuffaceous plains. Each classification is briefly described below.

Lacustrine alluvial plains occur along the lakeshore areas. Fluctuations of

lake waters along this edge of the municipality have dictated its land
formation and vegetative cover. Situated along the lakeshore are Sinalhan,
Aplaya and Caingin. Portions of the Market Area and Ibaba are considered
lacustrine as well.

Broad plains consist of higher and more stable flood plains on level to nearly
level terrain formed by alluviation. The soils are moderately well drained. A
majority of the barangays, including the Poblacion, may be found here.
These include Tagapo, Kanluran, Malusak, Labas, Dila, Dita, Pooc and
portions of the Market Area, Ibaba, Pulong Sta. Cruz, Malitlit and the lakeside
barangays.

Undulating tuffaceous plains are moderately dissected piedmont plains with

the topography of undulating to rolling. Steep side slopes may be found along
dissections and rivers. Such a formation is found in Don Jose and Sto.
Domingo along with portions of Pulong Sta. Cruz and Malitlit.

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2.7.2 Soil (Figure 2.2)

The four series soils that compose the municipality indicate the agricultural
resource of Santa Rosa. These soils, in order of decreasing proportion, are Lipa
loam, Guadalupe, Carmona clay loam, Carmona sandy loam and Quingua soils.

Sugar cane, fruit trees, upland rice and vegetables thrive in this type of soil. Lipa
loam is found in Malitlit, Don Jose, Sto. Domingo, Pulong, Sta. Cruz and the
southern portion of Dita.

Guadalupe series covers Dita, Pooc, Labas, Tagapo, Balibago, Market Area,
Caingin and in the adjacent portions of Macabling, Pulong Sta. Cruz, Dita,
Malusak, Kanluran and Ibaba. Soils of this type are best suited for sugar cane.

The Carmona Series covers the western edge of Sto. Domingo and the western
portion of Macabling. Soils of this type are suited for rice, sugar cane, corn,
sweet potatoes, bananas and various kinds of vegetables.

The Quingua fine sandy loam type of soil covers land along the lakeshore in
Sinalhan and Aplaya and in portions of Tagapo, Ibaba, Kanluran, Malusak,
Market Area and Caingin. This type of soil is one of the most productive in the
Laguna Province where a variety of crops, especially vegetables, can be grown
profitably.

2.7.3 Slope/Soil Erosion (Figure 2.3)

Being primarily flat, the lands of Santa Rosa are subject only to slight erosion.
The remaining areas experience no apparent erosion.

There are two types of terrain in the municipality:

Level to very gently sloping areas with slopes ranging from 0.0 2.5% are
ideal for any sort of development.

Undulating to rolling terrain areas characterised by slopes of 5.0 18.0%.

Santa Rosa, mainly Sto. Domingo, has terrain with 2.6 - 5.0% slopes. Note
that slope characteristics rate the southwestern portion, a section of Sto.
Domingo, as fair.

2.7.4 Drainage Condition (Figure 2.4)

Generally, flood plains are classified as naturally flooded, moderately flooded and
slightly flooded.

Naturally/moderately flood prone areas

The municipalitys flood prone areas are found on the level lands along the
lakeshore while the inland areas are subject to moderate flooding.

Slighty floodprone areas

Occurs in Tagapo, Kanluran, Malusak, Labas, Pooc, Balibago, Dila and Dita.

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The eastern portions of Tagapo, Kuluran, Malusak, Labas, and Pooc serve
as transition into moderately flooded areas.

2.7.5 Water Catchment/ Water Area (Figure 2.5)

Due to the good water bearing capabilities of the alluvium and clastic rock
underlain in Santa Rosa, groundwater resources are accessible. Two categories
of wells were identified. Potential areas of saline intrusion are identified as well.

Potential areas of saltwater intrusion

Saltwater intrusion is a perceived problem should waters from Manila Bay

flush into the lake and lakeshore communities exceed the safe yield limits of
their aquifers.

Potentially high yielding wells

In areas aside from the lakeshore barangays and Pulong Sta. Cruz, Malitlit,
Don Jose and Sto. Domingo, the municipality can utilise high yielding wells.

Deep well areas

Pulong Sta. Cruz, Malitlit, Don Jose and Sto. Domingo constitute this
category.

2.7.6 River Preservation (Figure 2.6)

Features attributed to this map refer to the preservation of ecological balance

and local fishing grounds. The river system drains to the northeast, meeting
Laguna Lake.

Fishing grounds/fish pens for subsistence fishing

This category refers to the lakeside areas of Santa Rosa whose residents
rely on fishing for sustenance and profit.

Rivers, streams and creeks

Easements of 3 40 meters from both sides throughout the entire length of

any river is considered environmentally critical. Areas within this range are
subject to easement of public use in the interest of recreation, fishing, etc.

Areas of no significance

Areas outside the range mentioned above are non-environmentally critical

areas.

2.7.7 Industrial Areas (Figure 2.7)

Industrial areas are synonymous with air and noise pollution. As such,
acceptable levels have been established by DENR to curb their negative impacts
to surrounding areas.

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Development restriction guidelines for various noise zones are:

From 45-50 dBA. Section of contiguous areas primarily used for

residential.
From 55-65 dBA. Primarily for commercial area.
From 60-70 dBA. Reserved as a light industrial area.
From 65-75 dBA. Primarily reserved as a heavy industrial area.

Development restriction guidelines for various source specific air pollutants,

such as emissions of dust, dirt or fly ash.

2.7.8 Geologic Hazards (Figure 2.8)

There is only one geological hazard constraining potential development.

Along Fault lines, 5 meters on both sides this refer to the Marikina Valley
fault line traversing Sto. Domingo.

Areas of no significance this refers to all other areas beyond 5 meters of

the fault line.

2.7.9 Land Suitability (Figure 2.9)

The maps generated above were used to establish the suitable lands for future
urban development which take into account Environmentally Critical Areas
(ECAs) for the municipality of Santa Rosa.

ECAs the environmentally critical areas are concentrated in the

northeastern, eastern and northwestern portions constituting nearly 50% of
the area or 2,728 hectares indicating the presence of flood prone areas and
fault zones. Non-environmentally critical areas constitute the remainder of the
municipality.

Non-ECAs the non-environmentally critical areas comprise the central and

southwestern portions of the municipality. Macabling, Malitlit, Don Jose and
portions of Pulong Sta. Cruz and Sto. Domingo are found in this area and are
suitable for future urban planning.

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