Press Releases

DENR OFFICIALS RECEIVE BEST POLICY PAPER, SPECIAL CITATION AWARDS FOR CLICK PROGRAM BATCH 3

 
Graduates of the Executive Course on Leadership, Innovation, Communication, and Knowledge Management (CLICK) Batch 3 from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reaped awards for their respective policy paper as the Major Final Output of the course during the graduation ceremony on March 18 in Taguig City. 
 
Best Policy Foresight Paper was awarded to Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems and Climate Change Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, CESO I  for “Future-Fitting Public-Private Partnership for Water Security in 2040” and Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Jonas R. Leones, CESO I  for “Viability of Land Reclamation in 2040: Policy and Process Review of Land Reclamation in the Coastal and Marine Areas in the Philippines.”
 
Special Citation Award was also presented to Assistant Regional Director for Management Services, Region X Ma. Theresa J. Allen for her paper titled “#HealourLand: The Futures of Integrating Nature-based (green) and Gray (infrastructure) Solution on Flood Risk Management in the Philippines (The Case of Cagayan de Oro Riverbasin).”  Assistant Regional Director for Management Services of Region II Ismael  T. Manaligod was accorded the same award for his paper titled “The Future of DENR HRM: Digital Transformation in a Changing Climate.”
 
Director IV  Emelyne V. Talabis, CESO IV of the Land Management Bureau presented her Policy Foresight Paper titled “Towards a More Effective Management of Certain Patrimonial Properties of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources: The Next Twenty (20) Years.”
 
The CLICK Program is initiated by the Graduate School of Public and Development Management (GSPDM) of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in partnership with Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. and National Union of Career Executive Service Officers, Inc. (NUCESO). It was held on October 11 – November 24, 2022 through Zoom Platform.  
 
The message of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.  was read by past NUCESO National President, lawyer Lynn Danao-Moreno during the graduation ceremony which was attended by officials of DAP, partner organization, and the CLICKers (graduates).
 
The CLICK program aims to equip executives from the government, private sector, and civil society representatives with the necessary competencies and knowledge amidst VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world.   The program covers Module I- Strategic Foresight and Futures Thinking, Module II- Leadership and Transformation, Module III- Strategic Communication Governance, Module IV Establishing a Knowledge Organization, Module V- Digital Transformation, and Module VI -  Strategic Human Resource Management.   (Photo courtesy of Aleem Guiapal)  #TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG No. 03-082-2023
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PAMB- MT. KITANGLAD RANGE NATURAL PARK HOLDS ITS 61ST EN BANC MEETING

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) conducted its 61st PAMB En Banc Meeting on March 10, 2023 in Dalwangan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
DENR 10 Regional Executive Director/PAMB Chairperson Henry A. Adornado presided the said meeting. He encouraged the PAMB members to be observant to avoid destruction and unwanted activities inside the protected area. He also emphasized to continue strengthen the involvement of the Indigenous Peoples/local communities in the conduct of Biodiversity Monitoring System.

One of the highlights presented during the meeting was the propose establishment of a special type of public toilet called Ecological Sanitation or “EcoSan” toilet to ensure sanitation and cleanliness of the park’s water bodies on the trail and in the campsites. EcoSan toilet is a closed system that does not need water, so, it is an alternative to leach pit toilets in places where water is scarce or where the water table is high and the risk of groundwater contamination is increased. It allows for the safe recycling of nutrients to crop production in such a way that the use of non-renewable resources is minimized.

The proposed establishment of toilets is in consonance with the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATPS), which emphasized that all ASEAN member states including the Philippines must develop and implement standardized tourism services. Its objective is to develop an ASEAN Public Toilet Standard that can be implemented by the ASEAN member states to ensure the quality, comfort, safety, and proper waste management of public toilets.

On the other hand, MKRNP Protected Area Superintendent Merlita L. Tabamo reminded the public on the annual closure of mountaineering activities in MKRNP effective March 1, 2023 to May 31, 2023 pursuant to Execom Reoslution No. 626 series of 2017. This annual closure aims to improve the facilities and rehabilitate the trails in Mts Kitanglad, Dulang-Dulang and Maagnao.

Mt. Kitanglad Range is the major watershed that supports the domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs of the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Cotabato. Controlled ecotourism activities are offered to both local and foreign enthusiasts. The three main destination peaks are the Mt. Dulangdulang, being the second-highest peak in the country, the Mt. Kitanglad, and Mt. Maagnao. #TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG No. 03-075-2023

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DENR 10 CONDUCTS IEC CAMPAIGN, RELEASES VARIOUS REHABILITATED WILDLIFE IN OBSERVANCE OF WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2023

 
To celebrate all the world's wild animals and plants and its contribution to the lives and health of the planet, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 10 joined the observance of World Wildlife Day through the conduct of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign and release of various rehabilitated wildlife in the Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR), Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on March 3, 2023.  
 
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Vergilino P. Alima of PENRO Bukidnon encouraged the participants to help in the protection and conservation of wildlife especially on their vital contribution to a balance ecosystem and biodiversity. 
Moreover, OIC-Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Daniel F. Somera of CENRO Manolo Fortich thanked the LGUs and other stakeholders in their continuing support for the endeavor in the preservation of wildlife.  
 
On the other hand, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Noel S. Lumoyod of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon reminded the participants to take care of the wildlife and their habitats because it provides economic benefits such as tourism.
 
An IEC Campaign about the observance of World Wildlife Day and Biodiversity was conducted during the activity. DENR 10 Chief of Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (PAMBCS) Ranoray Love Noro differentiated wildlife from domesticated animals. He also shared the importance of wildlife to biodiversity. PAMBCS Staff Junrey Labalan highlighted the importance of wild animals in the ecosystems and he imparted also that their extinction can lead to a decline in biodiversity. The activity was participated in by Municipal/Barangay local government units (LGUs), CEDAR staff and selected DENR 10 personnel. 
 
After the IEC campaign, a total of 13 various rehabilitated wildlife species were released in CEDAR during the activity namely: two Brahminy kites (Haliastur indus), eight Reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus), one Yellow-headed monitor lizard (Varanus cumingi), and two Malayan box turtles/Southeast Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis). Under Republic Act 9147 otherwise known as the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act,” Brahminy kite is classified as other wildlife species while Reticulated python, Yellow-headed monitor lizard and Malayan box turtle are classified as other threatened species which means that these species are under threat from adverse factors such as overcollection throughout its range. 
 
CEDAR is a reforestation site covering an area of 1,703 hectares which is being co-managed by the DENR and the LGU of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon as an ecotourism destination. Its major attractions include five waterfalls, a spring-fed swimming pool and the tranquility of the forest. The place is dubbed as “An Ecotourism Site in the Heart of Bukidnon.”
 
The annual celebration of the World Wildlife Day every March 3 was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly during its 68th session on December 20, 2013 to commemorate the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on March 3, 1973.  The observance raises global awareness on the importance of the world’s wild animals and plants. 
 
The theme for this year’s observance is “Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation” honoring the people who are making a difference in wildlife protection and conservation. This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of CITES coming into existence. #TayoAngKalikasan RSCIG No. 03-062-2023 

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DENR 10 TURNS-OVER TRASH TRAP PROJECT TO TWO BARANGAYS OF CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Region 10 (DENR 10) turned-over the Trash Trap Project to recipient barangays Lapasan and Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City on February 17.

The project aims to help address the solid waste problem through the construction of two trash traps in the said barangays. The two units were installed by DENR 10 at Bitan-ag Creek, Lapasan on February 16. Each trash trap is made of approximately 57,000 used empty bottles from barangay residents under the Trash for Rice Campaign of DENR 10.

The formal turn-over of the project was led by DENR 10 Regional Executive Director (RED) Henry A. Adornado with Environmental Management Bureau, Region 10 Regional Director Reynaldo S. Digamo. Barangay Lapasan Chairman Julito D. Ogsimer and Puntod Chairman Rexie A. Tinampay represented by Councilor Job Bonjoc accepted the project funded by DENR Central Office through the Task Force Tayo ang Kalikasan.

The program which was held at Sitio Lupsup, Barangay Lapasan was highlighted with the ceremonial turn-over of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php100,000) financial assistance for the maintenance of the project from DENR which was awarded by RED Adornado to Chairman Ogsimer.

RED Adornado called on the city government, barangay officials, private sector and residents to help sustain the project. He added that caring for the environment is a shared responsibility even as he sought the active participation of fisherfolks and other concerned groups to unite and join the cause to manage the solid waste.

Lapasan Barangay Chairman Ogsimer assured the DENR 10 that the local government will sustain the project since it is the solution to the garbage problem. He said that Barangay Lapasan is the catch basin of all wastes from Bitan-ag Creek and the problem should be jointly solved by the various stakeholders.

For his part, Puntod Barangay Councilor Job Bonjoc, representing Barangay Chairman Tinampay, thanked the DENR for the project. He said the project will benefit the fisherfolks of Barangay Puntod. He further said the Barangay Council supports the implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the Clean Air Act.

In his message, City Local Environment and Natural Resources Officer Armen A. Cuenca thanked the DENR for the project. He disclosed that this year the City Government of Cagayan de Oro has funding for the construction of trash traps, and on-going construction of the recycling facility with plastic densifier to address the garbage problem.

He also announced that this time the city will strictly implement the “no segregation, no collection” policy.

Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Reynaldo S. Digamo disclosed that their office is implementing the Adopt-an-Estero Program that seek partnership with public and private organizations on the clean-up of esteros. He said that the private sector can be tapped to assist in the project.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Misamis Oriental Ferdinand E. Dagulo was represented by Community ENR Officer Conrado M. Mahinay during the occasion. He acknowledged the support of the City Government of Cagayan de Oro and local government units of Lapasan and Puntod to the project.

Forester Mercedita G. Barbarona, Assistant Chief of the Conservation and Development Division of DENR gave the overview of the Trash Trap Project. She said the project is an offshoot of the Challenge for Change Program: CDO Limpyo Dagat Contest participated in by 12 coastal barangays of the city. The contest was able to mobilize the citizenry to conduct regular clean-up activities in their barangays. She emphasized that the trash traps were introduced by the RED Henry A. Adornado to strengthen the CDO Limpyo Dagat initiative. It is envisioned to create a ripple effect towards behavioral reform among the community.

The activity was graced with the presence of the Barangay Council of Lapasan, Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Ambassadors from Liceo de Cagayan University, officials from the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, fisherfolks, barangay residents of Lapasan, Barangay staff from Puntod and DENR 10 personnel. RSCIG No. 02-034-2023 #TayoAngKalikasan

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DENR TO APPLY LESSONS LEARNED FROM NGOS, ACADEME ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ensured that science-based and evidence-informed solutions for forest management and biodiversity conservation gathered during the DENR Mindanao Multistakeholder Forum in Cagayan de Oro City will be bridged to the various needs of communities.

The forum, held from February 2 to 3, gathered over 300 stakeholders from local government units (LGUs), academe, non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations, representatives from indigenous peoples (IPs) groups, and the private sector, to gain valuable insights on environmental protection and sustainable development.

Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga stressed the importance of holding these multisectoral consultations, noting that these partnerships are key to delivering the Department’s commitment to serve the Filipino community.

“There isn’t a perfect approach or solution to tackling the environmental challenges we face. However, with everyone’s support and collaboration, together we will be able to craft adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable development pathways built on strategic partnerships and sound science,” Loyzaga added.

During the first plenary session of the two-day forum, speakers from the academe and NGOs were invited to share their respective initiatives, and give insights into opportunities and challenges on environmental governance in the Mindanao region.

Philippine Eagle Foundation Executive Director Dennis Joseph I. Salvador presented the foundation’s initiatives and the challenges concerning protected areas (PAs) and biodiversity conservation.

He highlighted co-managing PAs, citing the joint memorandum circular between the DENR and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples on the management of overlapping protected areas and/or buffer zones and ancestral lands/domains.

As a way forward, Salvador recommended for the DENR to integrate culture-based solutions that open up genuine opportunities for IPs and non-state actors, such as designating and managing all Philippine eagle nesting sites as PAs, and integrating clear biodiversity targets and values into policies and programs of LGUs.

In line with bridging the experience of IPs in environmental protection and natural resource management, Kitanglad Integrated NGO, Inc. Executive Director Maria Easterluna S. Canoy underscored the equal importance of culture and development, and how consultations like the forum will recognize the IPs expertise, and experiences in the local context.

Society of Filipino Foresters, Inc. (SFFI) National Council President Forester Tommy T. Valdez then urged the DENR to optimize opportunities in forestry to ensure that the supply of ecosystems and socioeconomic services will be available to meet both present and future needs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit from the Mindanao State University provided examples on how ecosystem services can help sustain and conserve natural resources by providing incentives to local communities.

Ateneo de Davao University President Fr. Joel E. Tabora SJ also highlighted people’s involvement as a key ingredient to successful climate action.

“It is appropriate that the action is based on research. [People] need to be informed of what has been scientifically established as necessary to stop climate warming,” Fr. Tabora said, noting that the academe engages in scientific research to accelerate and support climate action in Mindanao, such as monitoring of toxins in rivers, quality of air, and the development of new products from waste.

The DENR aims to incorporate these insights and inputs into its Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Framework, which will be the foundation for science-based, data-driven, and socially, politically, and culturally-sensitive environmental policies and programs for the country. (DENR Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service)

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