Site Suitability Analysis of Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIPs) in CALABARZON Region Using GIS-Based Water Resources Assessment

Abstract

A study on site suitability analysis of small water impounding projects (SWIPs) in CALABARZON Region, Philippines was conducted using a GIS-based water resources assessment procedure for optimum water resourceallocation and utilization. The study involved primary data collection through needs and design assessment survey of farmer-respondents utilizing SWIPs, and geo-tagging of existing SWIPs in the CALABARZON region. Secondary data inputs were also gathered from various institutions to generate the thematic maps and the potential suitability maps for SWIPs. Location maps of existing and potential sites for the development of SWIPs in CALABARZON were generated though GIS-based mapping. The generated SWIP potential suitability map was classified as highly suitable, moderately suitable, or marginally suitable. There were eight (8) factors considered in site suitability mapping of SWIP, namely, (1) average annual total rainfall, (2) soil texture, (3) slope, (4) road accessibility, (5) potential irrigable area (PIA), (6) geology, (7) watershed area, and (8) reservoir area. Of the total 350 potential sites identified for SWIP development in the CALABARZON region, 7% were classified as highly suitable, 61% as moderately suitable, and 32% as marginally suitable. The results can serve as a tool for SWIP planning and development to augment irrigation requirements for sustainable food production in the region.