• Developing countries seeking economic progress through the principles of sustainable development

  • Developing countries seeking economic progress through the principles of sustainable development

  • Developing countries seeking economic progress through the principles of sustainable development

  • Developing countries seeking economic progress through the principles of sustainable development

  • Developing countries seeking economic progress through the principles of sustainable development

  • Developing countries seeking economic progress through the principles of sustainable development

Services

Gaia South renders a broad array of environmental consulting services across industries, with an uncompromising commitment to quality and integrity. The company employs a multidisciplinary team of experts to ensure that the social, economic, and biophysical aspects of development projects are addressed for the protection of the environment and the community’s welfare, in keeping with sustainable development.

Gaia South maintains professional in-house technical staff and support personnel who provide day-to-day services for various projects, and retains a pool of specialized technical consultants, allowing the company to respond to various client needs, while maintaining a high level of expertise.

The close working relationship between Gaia South and Factoran & Associates Law Offices affords clients with convenient access to expert legal advice, resulting in a work product that covers all technical and legal aspects of a development project.

Gaia South offers the following services:

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Assessment of the current environmental and social status of proposed project locations by using scientifically acceptable methodologies; identification of potential impacts of the project on the environment and people as well as the influences of the existing environment to the project; and formulation of appropriate mitigation and management measures.

Environmental advice and consultancy

Providing counseling, guidance and recommendations for developmental projects that are considered critical in nature or have potential issues.

Environmental compliance audit

A standard requirement stipulated in an Environmental Compliance Certificate or other instruments to evaluate the company’s performance vis-à-vis the conditions imposed by regulatory authorities pursuant to existing laws, rules and regulations.

Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA)

Identification of hazards associated with a project, characterization of the associated risks, and recommendation of measures to manage the risks identified in the Procedural Guidelines for Scoping of Environmental Risk.

Assistance in the preparation and conduct of Information, Education, Communication (IEC) campaigns; formulation of effective approaches to disseminate the right project and environmental management information to the stakeholders by designing and conceptualizing IEC materials and presentations

Design, packaging and management of IEC campaigns for community relations and other management projects in environment and rural development.

Institutional and human resources development

Active coaching for environmental practitioners and companies aiming to promote green environment practices as part of human resources programs.

Engineering, Geological, and Geohazard Assessment (EGGA)

Description of the existing geologic condition of the project site and surrounding areas; identification of geologic hazards that may pose threats to the project; identification of recommended measures to minimize if not eliminate the risks posed by geologic hazards.

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program (EPEP)

The EPEP provides the operational link between environmental protection and enhancement commitments identified in existing environmental regulations, the EIA program and associated permits. The EPEP shall provide a description of the expected and considered acceptable impacts as well as mitigating measures.

Final Mine Rehabilitation and/or Decommissioning Plan (FMR/DP)

Use of risk-based methodologies to consider mine closure scenarios and appropriate rehabilitation or decommissioning techniques and procedures.

Social Development and Management Program (SDMP)

Assistance in the preparation, organization and conduct of SDMP activities to determine agreements that can be crafted and mutually agreed upon between stakeholders and proponents on beneficial programs that may be implemented for the communities.

Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA)

Assessment of the current level of traffic access to and from the project site; forecasting future levels of traffic in the access facilities; determination of impacts of the development to the level of congestion of the main access roads/facilities; identification of required traffic control and/or traffic management measures that will address the deficiencies of the current transport corridors.

Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA)/ Occupational Health and Safety

Determination and analysis of the health status of workers and residents of nearby/impact communities; establishing a protocol to be used for effective health monitoring regimes.

Social Impact Assessment (SIA)

Review of social effects of projects and recommendation of appropriate measures to address social conflicts/concerns.

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Providing an understanding of identified environmental concerns associated with the project in accordance with the existing guidelines for Environmental Site Assessment.

Waste Management

Address waste disposal concerns and provide effective technological or other waste management solutions according to established environmental rules and regulations.

Air and water quality monitoring

Conduct of third party air (TSP, NOx, SOx, PM10) and water quality (physico-chemical properties) sampling including interpretation of laboratory results.

Marine and limnological assessment/monitoring

Monitoring of seasonal ecological changes in marine and surface waters that may have significance to project management; assessment of marine ecosystem (corals, seagrass/seaweeds, fish and plankton) and river ecosystem (plankton and benthos).

Terrestrial flora and fauna monitoring

.

Hydrological/hydrogeological assessment

Identification of drainage morphology/local drainage system; consideration of medium to long-term climate projections; identification of existing water resources and potential competition in water use.

Flood modeling

Simulation of resulting effects of flooding patterns in the project area by considering medium to long-term climate projections.

Physical oceanography (including sediment dispersion modeling)

Bathymetric survey and mapping; measurement of water currents; tides observation; sediment dispersion modeling and storm surge hazards and vulnerability assessment.

Thermal plume modeling

Identification and analysis of changes in temperature patterns from plant water discharges; identification of potential impacts and mitigation measures.

Air quality modeling

Air quality simulation as guided by the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau Memorandum Circular 2008-003 or the Guidelines for Air Dispersion Modeling, or similar guidelines.

Resettlement Action Plan

RAP specifies the procedures to be followed and actions to be taken for the proper resettlement and compensation of people and communities affected by a development project. Activities in the preparation of the RAP include detailed measurement, socio-economic, parcellary, and as-built surveys; stakeholder consultations; basic plan and bill of quantities preparation; replacement cost study; and income restoration and livelihood development planing, among others.

ISO Certification planning and preparation

Provide orientation/awareness on ISO 14001 Environmental Management System including identification of legal requirements, consent limits, etc.; appointment of management representative; assistance in the determination of significant aspects and the framework on environmental policy; setting of objectives and targets, development of action plan, procedures and work targets; and facilitation of management review and internal environmental audits.

Independent Review and Third Party Audit

Clients

Gaia South has served diverse clients across varying industries, including the following:

Real Estate Development: SM Holdings, Inc.; Belle Corporation; Manila Southcoast Development Corporation; DMCI Project Developers, Inc.; Filinvest Land, Inc.; Fort Bonifacio Development Corp.; Philippine Realty Holdings, Inc.; Federated Realty Corporation; G&W Architect, Engineers, Project Development Consultants; SP Castro and Associates; VJ Properties; Gorgeous Holdings, Inc.; A&E Holdings, Inc.

Power: DMCI Power Corp.; DMCI Masbate Power Corp.; Trans Asia Power Generation Corp.; Sabah Shipyard SDN BHD; Sem-Calaca Power Corp.; South Luzon Power Generation Corporation; Panay Power Corp.; Sunrise Power Corp.; Ogden Quezon Power, Inc.; Orca Energy, Inc.; Philippine National Oil Corporation; Emerging Power, Inc.; PowerSource Philippines, Inc.; Alternergy; Dupinga Mini Hydro Corp.; Kiangan Mini Hydro Corp.; Nickel Asia Corporation.

Mining and Ore Processing: Filminera Resources Corp.; Climax Arimco Mining Corporation; Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corp.; Taganito Mining Corp.; Rusina Mining N.L.; Crau Mineral Resources Inc.; European Nickel PLC.; Nihao Mineral Resources Corp.; Marcventures Mining and Development Corp.; DMCI Holdings, Inc.; Hinatuan Mining Corp.; Cagdianao Mining Corp.; SR Metals, Inc.; Cordillera Exploration Co., Inc.; MRL Ltd.; Ausenco Ltd; Mt. Labo Exploration and Development Corp.; Coral Bay Nickel Corp.; Taganito HPAL Nickel Corp.; Unichamp Mineral Philippines, Inc.; Greenstone Resources Corp.; Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp.; Semirara Mining Corporation; Asian Arc Mining Resources Inc.; Selenga Mining Corporation; Newminco Pacific Mining Corporation; Geogen Corporation; Samar Nickel Mining Resources Corporation.

Cement Industry: Fenway Resources Ltd. (Canada); Lloyds Richfield Industrial Corp.; Pacific Cement Corp.; Republic Aggregates Co., Inc.; Apo Cement Corp.; Eagle Cement Corp.; Fortune Cement Corp.; Mindanao Portland Cement Corp.; Pangasinan Cement Corp.; Lo-oc Limestone & Development/Southwestern Cement Corp.

Light to Heavy Industries, Petrochemicals, and Manufacturing: Lexmark International (Phils.); Geologistics, Inc.; Philippine Sinter Corp.; First Philippine Pipeline, Inc.; PNOC Petrochemical Development Corp.; Enomoto Philippine Manufacturing, Inc.; Fujihiro Phil., Inc.; Sojitz Philippines; Philippine Phosphate Fertilizer Corp.

Telecommunications, Port and Transport Terminal, and Reclamation Projects: Manila North Harbor; Public Estates Authority (now Philippine Reclamation Authority); Eastern Telecommunications, Inc.; AGP Port Services; Oriental Consultants Global Co., Ltd. (Japan); Seasia Nectar Port Services, Inc.; Redondo-Peninsula Energy Inc.; Semirara Mining Corporation (Runway Development).

Institutional Development, Service Industries: Ateneo De Manila University; Far Eastern University; St. Luke’s Medical Center; New Medical City Professional Service Inc.; NYK-TDG; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila; Banco de Oro Universal Bank.

Cemeteries, Memorial Parks, and Columbaria: Rose Hills Memorial Management, Inc.; Heritage National Park.

projects

Gaia South was the first Filipino consultancy firm to conduct a programmatic Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in 1994 for the Philippine National Oil Corporation-Petrochemical Development Corporation (PPDC) Petrochemical Industrial Estate located in the Municipalities of Limay and Mariveles, Province of Bataan. The Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) was issued and PPDC thereafter sought the assistance of Gaia South for its environmental and monitoring activities.

The preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Report for the Masbate Gold Operations Project (the reopening of the Atlas Masbate Operations) in Masbate Province, Philippines, with respect to which an ECC was issued in June 1998, is one of the fastest ever for a mining operation. Gaia South has prepared EIS and Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) reports in critical areas such as Palawan Province, Philippines for two (2) nickel mining projects—Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Corporation in the Municipality of Bataraza (1996) and Long Point Nickel Mining in the Municipality of Quezon (1997)—as well as for a cement plant/limestone quarrying project of Fenway Resources Ltd. (Canada) (1997). Gaia South likewise helped obtain ECCs for two (2) mineral processing plants adjacent to the Rio Tuba Nickel Mining Project—Japanese-owned Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (2001 and 2007) and Malaysian-owned Unichamp Mineral Philippines, Inc. (2012).

Gaia South also conducted the social acceptability and perception surveys, community organizing, and ERA for the Philnico Nickel Mining Project in Nonoc, Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Similarly, Gaia South was a consultant of Climax Arimco Mining Corporation in promoting social acceptability of its Didipio Gold/Copper Project in the Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines (1999); and the social acceptability requirement for TREE, Inc., a tree plantation in Bataan, Philippines.

Following issuance of DENR Memorandum Order No. 2016-01 dated 8 July 2016 directing the audit of all operating mines in the Philippines, Gaia South conducted third party audit for several mining companies, which allowed a set of fresh, non-biased eyes to assess their environmental performance and helped close gaps ahead of government audit.

In 1998, the company conducted an EIA for the proposed 120-km oil pipeline project from Limay, Bataan to Pulilan, Bulacan, Philippines. The company also provided technical assistance to UEM-MARA and the Public Estates Authority to comply with the additional information required by the DENR for the C-5 Link Expressway by formulating a Relocation and Compensation Plan.

Gaia South has done a significant number of power projects including the PNOC Northern Negros Geothermal Exploration and Development Project in Negros Occidental, Philippines (1993); the CEMECO Power Project in Cebu, Philippines (1994); the Sabah Shipyard Naphtha Power Plant Project in Manila, Philippines (1994); the Tiwi Geothermal Project in Albay, Philippines (2001); the Sem-Calaca Coal-fired Power Project in Batangas, Philippines (2011); the DMCI Power Corp. Coal-fired Power Project in Mobo, Masbate (2008 and 2014); and the Montelago Geothermal Exploration Project in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines (2014). In 2015 and 2016, Gaia South was engaged by renewable energy company Alternergy to conduct EIA over its run-of-river power plant projects in the Provinces of Ifugao and Nueva Ecija, Philippines.

Gaia South has been involved in many real estate projects in the Philippines, including the Tagaytay Highlands project of Belle Corporation, as well as the development projects of DMCI Homes, Saratoga Plantation, and G&W Architect, Engineers, Project Development Consultants.

Gaia South has worked with Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM) in implementing the Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program. This is an Asian Development Bank-funded project aimed at assisting industries, commercial establishments, and public transport companies in making the investments necessary for monitoring and reducing air emissions.

In 2016, Gaia South was engaged to prepare a Resettlement Action Plan for the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded North South Commuter Railway Project connecting Tutuban, Manila and Malolos, Bulacan, Philippines.

 

about gaia south

Gaia South, Inc. is an all-Filipino professional service organization seeking to promote the concept of sustainable development. Gaia is a reference to the Greek Goddess of the Earth. South, on the other hand, represents developing countries, such as the Philippines. Taken together, the name represents an improving economy with a keen eye in upholding the principles and ideals of environmentally sustainable development.

Gaia South was incorporated in the Philippines in 1992 by former officials of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and has since assumed a leading role in providing expert advice on sustainability and effective project management support. Its principals’ wide experience and years of practice in the field of environmental consultancy, as well as Gaia South’s close working relationship with the law firm Factoran & Associates Law Offices, have enabled the company to assist clients in addressing broad technical and legal issues in the various stages of project life cycles.

Gaia South has decades of experience in Environmental Impact Assessment in a myriad of industries across the Philippines, including real estate development and tourism, light and heavy industries, mining and ore processing, cement, infrastructure, petroleum, power, renewable energy, and telecommunication. Gaia South has likewise rendered a host of other environmental consulting services for the government and the private sector, with each engagement seen as an opportunity to promote the objectives of environmental protection, economic development, and social equity.

Gaia South’s Mission is to provide technical
assistance to government agencies,
businesses, and non-government
organizations (NGO) on ecologically
sustainable economic development policies
and practices.

why gaia south

Its key strength

  • A bank of experience in more than 400 environmental studies and consultancy in renewable and non-renewable energy, real estate development and tourism, mining and mineral processing, cement manufacturing, petrochemical industry, institutional development, and light to heavy industries
  • Pioneering work of its principals in the conceptualization and development of the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development
  • Governmental management experience in policy-making, standards-setting, planning and implementation of national environment and natural resources programs and projects
  • Presence and availability of a seasoned pool of national and regional experts
  • Access to over 120 highly trained, experienced and recognized professionals and experts in the natural and biological sciences, agricultural and engineering sciences, social sciences, economics, management, and law
  • Sound understanding and appreciation of social, political, environmental, and economic dynamics in the Philippines and the Southeast Asia/Pacific Region
  • Access to legal resources and advice in view of a close working relationship with Factoran & Associates Law Offices, a law firm that specializes in, among others, environmental law

Its Capability

  • Gaia South is equipped to help government build a policy net for social and economic development that integrates sustainability.
  • Gaia South can bring the business sector up to speed on environmentally sound planning and management.
  • Gaia South can lend technical expertise to the private, non-governmental sector to nourish the capability in practicing sustainable development in communities.

management team

board of directors and officers

Fulgencio M. Factoran IIIPRESIDENT/CHAIRMAN

Ebert T. BautistaDIRECTOR

Joseph Jason M. NatividadDIRECTOR / CORPORATE SECRETARY

Bernadette E. OrtizDIRECTOR / TREASURER

IN-HOUSE TECHNICAL STAFF

Liezyl S. Liton-Relleta

Neil James E. Duran

Danica J. Dela Rosa

history of gaia south

Gaia South was organized on 7 August 1992 by a group of erstwhile officials of the Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) led by former DENR Secretary Fulgencio S. Factoran, Jr., coming off an immensely successful five-year stint at the helm of the DENR. Under his leadership, the DENR underwent a massive transformation that saw significant policy reforms, highlighted by the Philippine Strategy for Sustainable Development (PSSD), which sought to reverse the decimation of the country’s forests and other natural resources and integrated natural resource utilization with environmental protection.

The principals of Gaia South were involved in the formulation of the PSSD, which was adopted by the Philippine government prior to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in 1992. They have spearheaded efforts to establish policy and legislative reforms to strengthen local environmental conservation and sustainable development programs.

Today, Gaia South is at the forefront of efforts to balance economic development with environmental protection and social equity in the Philippines. Gaia South’s reputation for thoroughness and professionalism, and its uncompromising commitment to ecologically sustainable practices have helped the company develop the trust of its clients and government regulators. This has paved the way for its success, as evidenced by consistent government approvals on its clients’ applications for ECC and other government permits and licenses.

Encouraged by its success and driven by its vision, Gaia South now looks at sharing its valuable experience in other developing economies, especially in neighboring Southeast Asia. Certainly, issues on sustainable development transcend national boundaries, and are best addressed through cooperation and concerted efforts among nations.

Partners

Contact

Tel. No.:(632) 8893-5661

Fax No.:(632) 8893-5657

Email Address:ask@gaiasouthinc.com

Address:7th Floor Montepino Building, Adelantado corner Gamboa Streets Legaspi Village, Makati City, Philippines