Innovative Monitoring Tool for DENR-Penro Albay’s Small Water Impounding System (SWIS)

Abstract

This study assessed the monitoring guidelines and performance of the Small Water Impounding System (SWIS) implemented under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO Albay). Specifically, the study aimed to describe the existing monitoring practices in terms of system maintenance, water distribution, and resource utilization; determine performance gaps based on the perspectives of farmer-beneficiaries and technical personnel; and develop enhanced monitoring guidelines to improve implementation and ensure the long-term sustainability of SWIS operations. The study also examined institutional and operational factors affecting monitoring effectiveness in support of agricultural productivity, reforestation activities, and climate resilience. A descriptive research design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and open-ended responses from 20 farmer-beneficiaries and 10 DENR-PENRO Albay technical personnel. Weighted mean analysis and qualitative interpretation were used to evaluate monitoring practices, operational performance, and implementation constraints. Results showed that farmer-beneficiaries generally perceived SWIS operations as effective, particularly in improving water availability, supporting crop production, and enhancing livelihoods. However, technical personnel identified several operational constraints, including sedimentation, irregular preventive maintenance, limited manpower, insufficient funding, and outdated monitoring tools. The findings revealed a gap between perceived performance and actual operational conditions, indicating that positive user satisfaction does not always reflect the true status of system functionality. The study concluded that although SWIS significantly supports agricultural and environmental programs, the existing monitoring framework needs improvement to ensure sustainable and climate-resilient water resource management. The adoption of the enhanced participatory monitoring guidelines and the proposed monitoring dashboard is recommended to strengthen monitoring efficiency, improve coordination, and support long-term sustainability of SWIS implementation in Albay.